Skip to main content

September 3 2015

Page 1

Salute to an educator and a counselor Almaz Staggs, Sonya Smith honored at Sept. 25 gala

St. Louis American Page A3

The

CAC Audited SEPTEMBER 3 – 9, 2015

stlamerican.com

Jamyla mourned by family, community

Vol. 86 No. 22 COMPLIMENTARY

Attorneys seek second medical opinion Mansur Ball-Bey advocates question city medical examiner’s statements By Chris King Of The St. Louis American The attorneys for the family of Mansur Ball-Bey have retained Dr. Cyril Wecht to review medical evidence on this case. They said they are presently waiting for Dr. Michael A. Graham, the City of St. Louis’ chief medical examiner, to complete his report so they can have Dr. Wecht review it. They will also ask Dr. Wecht to review the injured part of the youth’s spinal cord, “which they still have at the medical examiner’s office,” said Jerome Wooten, who represents the Ball-Bey family along with Jerryl Christmas.

See ATTORNEYS, A7

Photo by Wiley Price

Family and friends left roses on the casket of 9-year-old Jamyla Bolden at Laurel Hill Memorial Gardens Cemetery on Saturday, August 29.

‘Jamyla may not be here, but she still speaks,’ says Pastor Gregory Bowers By Mariah Stewart Ferguson Fellow Walking into the church sanctuary, Natasha Kelly grabbed her eight-year-old’s hand. “You okay?” Kelly asked. Her daughter hesitantly nodded yes. “You sure?” Kelly persisted. “If you need to leave at any time, let me know.” Her daughter, Akeelah Kelly, leaned her head onto her mother’s arm, embracing a comforting side hug. Akeelah, dressed in pink, squeezed her mother’s hand tighter as she walked into the

n “She had the heart and drive,” praise dance minister Mila Hogan said of Jamyla Bolden.

sanctuary and saw the small, white coffin sitting in front of the pulpit, surrounded by pink floral arrangements. Akeelah was attending her neighbor, Jamyla Bolden’s, funeral. “They were friends,” Kelly told The American.

Bolden, 9, was fatally shot on August 18 while doing her homework on her mother’s bed at home in Ferguson. Several shots were fired. Bolden’s mother, Kendric Henderson, 34, was struck in the leg. A single bullet was the cause of Bolden’s death. Bolden’s homegoing celebration was attended by a few hundred mourners at Friendly Temple Missionary Baptist Church in North St. Louis on Saturday, August 29. It is the second August in a row that the church has held a high-profile funeral. Last

American launches 4th year of NIE Adds more elementary schools and partners By American staff In the first three years of The St. Louis American’s Newspaper In Education (NIE) program, The American has won national first place honors from the National Newspaper Association, the largest newspaper association in the country, with more than 2,200 member newspapers. It was recently announced that the program received an international Silver World Young Reader Prize from the World Association of Newspapers, the largest newspaper association in the world.

See JAMYLA, A6

See NIE, A6

Homegoing for Mansur inspires cries for justice Pallbearers brought the body of 18-year-old Mansur BallBey from Christ Pilgrim Rest M.B. Church after homegoing services on Saturday, August 29.

‘We are taking this matter very serious,’ says Moorish elder By Umar Lee For The St. Louis American The funeral of Mansur Ball-Bey was a colorful, ecumenical and passionate affair. Mourners packed Christ Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church in North St. Louis to view the open casket. The 18-year-old youth was shot dead on August 19 by St. Louis police under still

mysterious circumstances. Police claim he fled a drug house being served a warrant and flashed a gun, but attorneys for the family have witnesses who say he was not in the house and was not armed. Ball-Bey, a graduate of McCluer SouthBerkeley in the Ferguson-Florissant School District, had no criminal record. At the time

See MANSUR, A7 Photo by Wiley Price


ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • SEPTEMBER 3 - 9, 2015

A2

minutes before he was to accept the award.”

THE STUFF THAT HAS PEOPLE TALKING

crowd. She was reported to be dazed and was helped by concerned audience members.

Kevin Gates charged for kicking female fan, responds with rap

Brandi is not here for Draya’s apology

Fans furious reaction to Ne-Yo’s new family news

Over the weekend rapper Kevin Ne-Yo’s fans have not been taking Gates was charged with simple battery the news too well that he’s expecting a after video surfaced of the Louisiana baby and engaged to be married to his Kevin rapper kicking a female fan in the chest new fiancée, Instagram model Crystal Gates after she was caught on video grabbing Renay. Sunday night at the MTV Video Music his pants leg at a concert in Renay lashed out at the angry fans Awards, Kanye West brazenly Florida. – who are upset because his former trashed award shows –including the In a new single “The Truth,” fiancée, Monyetta Shaw, underwent VMAs – in a rambling acceptance Gates defends his actions and claims tuba ligation at the Ne-Yo’s request. speech for the Michael Jackson Video the women grabbed his private parts Under an Instagram video post of a Vanguard Award that ended with him several times before he kicked her. sonogram, that has since been deleted, Renay bizarrely declaring his 2020 run for “I will not be disrespected. [N-word goes off. President. expletive] or [b-word expletive]. “Her tubes ain’t burned, they’re tied. It’s Producers for the show told Man in the mirror you way out of reversible and I don’t owe ANYONE apology Billboard that some of the the 12 order/ go to jail who gone look out for and neither does he! Not apologizing for my minutes West was on stage talking your daughter/ all on the news ‘bout child’s life,” Renay said. “So I guess you was supposed to be designated for a Kanye what happened in Florida/posted on was (sic) operating room or live inside her performance. Worldstar/a iPhone recorded/ she [expletive] too huh? Had you watched “We originally thought Kanye West grabbed my [expletive]/ over reacted/ episodes following that you’ll see her was going to do a medley. Then we I’m sorry/ two or three time I had DOCTOR clearly state that she tied thought he was going to not do music already warned her/ edited that part them and it’s reversible.” and talk” the producer told Billboard. out/ I don’t like to argue/ My children go with Fed up with the flack com. “Then, about two acts into the show, we Brandi me to every performance.” Ne-Yo unleashed on the thought he would do a couple-song medley. The woman reported the incident to naysayers as well. This is after the show started. Then, about an authorities and sought medical treatment after “Mo and I are in a good act before, we found out that he might not leaving the concert. According to the police place. My money is right and do music and just speak -- but we had to be report, the severity of the kick caused her to my family is right. [Expletive] prepared for both, so we had a track cued up. lose her breath and fall backwards into the Y’all,” Ne-Yo said. “I’m We were in the truck and we heard this 10

Kanye nixes performance with neverending VMA acceptance speech

happy. From the bottom of my heart, shut the [expletive up]!”

“Basketball Wives LA” star Draya decided to publicly apologize after being caught saying “cancer is boring” in reference to her former friend and current co-star Brandi. “I’m not proud of how I’m being portrayed in reality TV; however I have to take responsibility for what comes out of my mouth. I never knew an argument between real friends would be made into a storyline. Brandi was anything but accepting of the apology. “I’m offended that this situation happened Feb. 6, 2015. Now you feel the need apologize because it airs TODAY. It’s offensive and you’re covering your but for the world not me,” Brandi responded. “Every single thing you do is for the media attention. You play victim in everything you do. Woman the [expletive] up! And for you to write a public apology to me tells me you’re weak, pathetic, a coward, selfish, jealous, greedy and want power – something you’re not even strong enough to possess.” Sources: TMZ.com, Instagram.com, Billboard. com, Twitter.com

6 $1 EARS FOR Mountain Grown Colorado Incredibly Sweet Bi-Color Corn In-husk

69

¢

LB

LIMIT 2 PKGS. PER ORDER W/ADD’L. $25 PURCHASE

Pride of the Farm Fresh Whole Pork Butt Roast Sold as roast or sliced into steaks–Additional quantities can be purchased at $1.19lb.

NO SALT OR WATER ADDED!

Auto Home Life Health

1

99

1

LB

99

Do You Need Insurance?

MADE FRESH IN-STORE!

Schnucks Signature Fresh Bratwurst Original or beer–Excludes turkey

FREE MILK

Schnucks Sliced Bacon Limit 2 per order–12-16 oz. pkg.– All varieties–While supplies last

4

1

49 *

$10

FOR

FINAL

When You Buy 4 Sargento Items See inside for offer details.

General Mills Cereals

Sargento Shredded Cheese

9-12.9 oz. box–Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Cookie Crisp or Original, Frosted, Multigrain, Apple Cinnamon or Honey Nut Cheerios

7-8 oz. bag–All varieties

Join Our Team!

FREE gallon of milk or 64 oz. carton Full Circle soy or almond milk (up to $4) instantly when you buy 4 General Mills cereals listed. See store for details.

Flexible Schedules Great Benefits Chance to Advance

Apply online: schnucks.com/employment

Prices good September 2 thru September 8, 2015 in our Metro St. Louis, MO stores only

This ad not valid at Culinaria. Some items not available in some stores. We reserve the right to limit quantities. ©2015 Schnucks

schnucks.com

WE DOUBLE COUPONS!

Double coupons apply to only manufacturer coupons valued at 40¢ or less; limit 15 coupons. For more details, check in store.

This past year, many people came to know us as the Obamacare signup place. It has been our honor and pleasure to help so many families get healthcare. Over 7 million people now have healthcare because we stood together and helped change the world. Even though open enrollment is over for now. We can help you year round with your insurance needs. We can cover your auto, your house, and even your life. Give us a try. We’ll give you a fair price and stand behind you in your hour of need. We are always here for you. Please call us when you need insurance assistance.

M ISSOURI I N S U R AN C E E XCHANGE ~ Established 1993 ~

7532 West Florissant Ave

(at Lucas and Hunt/Next to Walgreens)

314-481-1100

When we stand together - We are Strong. www.stlamerican.com www.stlamerican.com www.stlamerican.com www.stlamerican.com

www.stlamerican.com www.stlamerican.com www.stlamerican.com www.stlamerican.com


ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • SEPTEMBER 3 - 9, 2015

Salute to an educator and a counselor

Almaz Staggs, Sonya Smith honored at Sept. 25 gala By Rebecca Rivas Of The St. Louis American

Sonya Smith, a college advisor at Hazelwood East High School, will receive the 2015 SEMO Counselor of the Year at the St. Louis American Foundation’s Salute to Excellence in Education gala and awards ceremony on Sept. 25. Smith decided to change her educational direction from teaching in the private sector to with working with high school students. She committed herself to assisting high school students navigate through the college process, which can be intimidating if you are unfamiliar with the process. Smith found herself accessing the needs at Hazelwood school East by easing what seemed so obvious by providing a Free income tax preparation night, partnering with the St. Louis Metro Tax Coalition and Fifth Third Bank to help families with seniors in order to meet the completion of FAFSA (Free Application for Student Aid) by the first priority deadline March 1. Smith’s greatest reward is seeing the faces of her students when they bring in their acceptance letters from college – that brings her joy. The students’ accomplishments are also her proudest achievements, she said. Smith serves the school’s about 1,400 students. One of the students’ main concerns is finding money – particularly how to maximize the affordability of going to college. When she came to the district about three years ago, she found that many students had the desire to seek out their career paths but just needed direction in getting there. She continues to work hard seeking out initiatives to help students at Hazelwood East as well as the Hazelwood School District community. “My lifelong goal is to help all students where they are,” she said.

Sonya Smith, a high school college advisor at Hazelwood East High School, is 2015 SEMO Counselor of the Year

Almaz Staggs, an educator at YWCA Head Start, is 2015 PNC Bank Early Childhood Education awardee.

“Being a part of assisting in that foundation to student success, is the greatest gift one could give and I’m proud to be a part of that process.”

children to express themselves through a variety of oral and written communication activities that allow them to explore their cognizance.” Children in her classroom also have the opportunity to experience early mathematics, creative expression, art, social studies, and technology. “Entering the classroom of Mrs. Staggs is truly a life changing experience for all that have been granted the opportunity, both student and staff,” she said. Net proceeds from the St. Louis American Foundation’s four annual Salute to Excellence events benefit scholarships for local minority students, as well as educator and community grants. In 2015, the St. Louis American Foundation will foster more than $580,000 in minority scholarships and community grants, and since its inception in 1994 the foundation, with the assistance of its educational, corporate and individual supporters, has distributed more than $4 million locally. The 2015 Salute to Excellence in Education Gala will be held at 7 p.m. Friday, September 25 at the America’s Center Ballroom, following a reception at 6 p.m. Tickets are on sale now. Individual tickets are $85 each/$850 table, and VIP/Corporate tickets are $1,500 table. For more information or to purchase tickets, visitwww. stlamerican.com and click on Salute to Excellence, or call 314-533-8000.

Outstanding early childhood teacher Almaz Staggs is this year’s recipient of the foundation’s PNC Bank Early Childhood Education Award. Staggs has been with the YWCA Head Start Program for over 20 years and is currently an educator at our YWCA North County Head Start location, where she teaches children between three to five years of age. “The commitment that Mrs. Staggs has for early childhood education shows through the learning experiences and educational environment that she provides the children enrolled in her classroom,” said Natalie Redmond, senior center operations administrator of the YWCA’s Head Start program. The YWCA Head Start Program is one of the largest Head Start programs in the four-state region. Staggs’ classroom environment stands out, Redmond said, because she includes a variety of ethnic and cultural experiences, including clothing, foods, and daily music that represent other countries around the world. “Often times, you will find students engaged in playing musical instruments as they dance in succinct to the music,” she said. “Mrs. Staggs encourages

A3

Guest Commentary

Journey for financial justice communities each year,” concluded By Charlene Crowell Coleman. For The St. Louis American The workshop series will occur along the journey to our On August 1, the nation’s oldest nation’s capital and also provides and largest civil rights organization an opportunity to share in-depth began a journey that will cover 860 miles and last 40 days and 40 nights. analysis on how abusive lending issues undermine the ability of Once completed, the NAACPfamilies of color to build long-term sponsored America’s Journey for wealth. Justice will have trekked across In addition to advocating for Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina greater mortgage credit access, a and Virginia before reaching its culminating stop by early September new four-part CRL series entitled Financial Fairness for All in our nation’s capital. addresses student loan abuse The Center for Responsible at for-profit colleges and Lending (CRL) is joining in universities; how payday this multi-state march, adding loans place families in a its voice and influence to financial debt trap; and how oppose financial injustices dealer interest markups in that people of color so often auto finance cost borrowers of experience. CRL has already color millions of dollars more shared specific concerns with for the loan than their credit mortgage lending and student loans – two of the issues its Charlene profiles warrant. champions in state houses “Economic inequality has Crowell and on Capitol Hill. long been a major concern in For Brandon Coleman, the civil rights community,” a CRL policy counsel, an observed Nikitra Bailey, August 8 presentation in LaGrange, CRL executive vice president. “It Georgia was as encouraging as it is essential that lending practices was exciting. are fair, transparent, and do not “CRL is frequently engaged with rob American families of their organizational advocates and elected opportunity to exist securely in the and appointed officials working middle class. There is no place for on these important policy issues,” financial apartheid in our financial noted Coleman. “The workshop services sector.” was a great opportunity to share our On April 18 in Athens, Georgia, research and insights with people Bailey carried that message to a group of activists, including a few who are directly impacted by the who started the journey in Selma. abusive practices we fight against Part of Bailey’s remarks focused on and the protections we seek to secure.” student loans. “As the group of marchers and I For example, CRL research on held a moment of silence for the late the nation’s foreclosure crisis found NAACP Chairman Julian Bond, we that from 2009 to 2012, people remained committed to the ideals his living near a foreclosed property in life’s work embodied,” said Bailey. black and Latino communities saw their home values drop by more than “Chairman Bond was steadfast $350 billion – possibly suffering the in championing against financial abuses starting out very early in same level of loss that occurred to his career in the Georgia State Gulf States affected by Hurricane Legislature.” Katrina. Charlene Crowell is a “Events like America’s Journey communications manager with the for Justice are so important because Center for Responsible Lending. the information presented across She can be reached at Charlene. the country is exposing many crowell@responsiblelending.org. of the unfair practices that drain millions of dollars from vulnerable


Editorial / Commentary A4

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • SEPTEMBER 3 - 9, 2015

Today not soon enough for court reform We have often championed the courage of the mostly young, mostly black protestors who rose up against police abuse in the wake of the killing of Michael Brown Jr., but just as impressive and consequential has been the activism of legal advocates who are using the protest movement’s momentum to reform municipal court abuses in the St. Louis region. Of course, the police and courts are intimately connected, as the Department of Justice report on Ferguson revealed an unconstitutional and unethical collusion between cops and courts to raise revenue for the city through aggressive – even competitive – ticketing. Like the police protest movement, the court reform movement has many leaders, but the most active and influential have been the attorneys at ArchCity Defenders and Saint Louis University School of Law Legal Clinics. They issued a lengthy statement last week advancing the settlements they reached with the cities of Jennings and Velda City as models for sweeping reform of municipal courts in the St. Louis region. If it sounded like a recent Post-Dispatch editorial on this subject, it’s because these attorneys have the ear of the Post editorial board and have shaped its arguments about court reform in great detail. “Temporary, voluntary, and unmonitored internal policies in 81 separate part-time courts with part-time judges and prosecutors will not solve the problems that plague our region,” the attorneys wrote in the statement. “Under the current piecemeal approach to reform, there is nothing to stop these municipalities from going back to old policies in the near future. Had these municipalities responded positively to the community’s demand for true amnesty in August 2014, Ferguson and other cities could have been working on meaningful reform for the last 12 months. Instead, they waited for a year of sustained protest, federal litigation, state legislation, the Department of Justice investigation, and the Ferguson Commission’s calls to action. The steps these cities

Photo by Lawrence Bryant

The Department of Justice report on Ferguson revealed widespread unconstitutional practices in Ferguson Municipal Court, which is housed in the same building as the police department that has been protested since August 9, as it was protested on October 11 with the flag signal for “citizen in distress.”

are taking are half-measures and do not adequately respond to the community’s demands.” They then spelled out what “uniform, permanent and enforceable” municipal court reform would look like – and it looks a lot like the court-enforceable agreements they reached with the cities of Jennings and Velda City: elimination of cash bail, immediate release on signature or unsecured bond on a first arrest, establishment of a meaningful inquiry into a person’s ability to pay, elimination of the payment docket, conversion of unpaid fines and fees to civil judgment, no warrants or jailing for the failure to pay, and dismissal and forgiveness of all fines and fees on cases dating prior to March 12, 2015. And, most centrally and crucially: “abolition of the currently existing municipal court system and creation of a regional court system, open full time, with professional staff.” While these reforms may seem elementary to anyone who respects the U.S. Constitution over a municipality’s need to raise revenue (and enforce ordinance violations), these legal advocates and the protest community are up against a deeply entrenched court system governed by a myriad municipal policies, laws and elected officials. Frank

Vatterott, a municipal judge chairing an internal court reform committee, has made it clear in his public comments that his committee thinks the wider public generally trusts the municipal court system and wants vigorous enforcement of ordinance violations. This is clearly a defense of the white middle-class status quo that is little impacted personally or disbursed by this predatory behavior. Legal advocates – and the Post, at their insistent urging – have called on the Missouri Supreme Court to take the lead in instituting sweeping court reform in the region. Initial indicators from the high court are not encouraging. On September 1 the court released an interim report from its municipal court reform working group, which has met only twice by conference call. This group lists the widespread unconstitutional practices that have led legal advocates (and editorial writers) to hiss fire, but cites them mildly as “issues that may be appropriate for study.” We side with the fire hissers on this one. These are not issues appropriate for study, but well-documented, unconstitutional abuses of the public – particularly poor and black people – by the government. It should have stopped in August of last year; today is not soon enough.

Commentary

Minimum wage needs maximum discussion

Jamala Rogers For The St. Louis American

Last week, the bill to increase the minimum wage from $7.65 to $11 by 2018 squeaked into existence with 16 aldermanic votes. The six nay votes of South City, mainly conservative alders included a lone African-American alderman, Antonio French. Alderman Shane Cohn, the bill’s sponsor, made a passionate presentation at the Board of Alders’ special session on the importance the increase would have for working families. Proponents were desperate to get the local bill passed because the Missouri General Assembly passed a state law prohibiting cities’ minimum wage to exceed that of the state’s. The state law was vetoed by Gov. Jay Nixon. Regardless of the majority wishes of the City of St. Louis, the bill could be trounced by the Republican super-majority during the state legislative special session this month. The hotly debated bill went through several versions to address both aldermanic concerns and those from the broader community. A $15 hourly raise by 2020 was enthusiastically favored by labor, community activists and faith leaders. Then it went to $13 by 2020. As it sits now,

the first increase for the city’s minimum wage will kick in on October 15 at $8.25. Incremental increases would happen every year until 2018, when I’m sure living expenses would have caught up with the increase since there’s no builtin Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA). The six opponents of the minimum wage pointed to several reasons why the bill should not see the light of day. Most of them were old, wornout scare tactics like businesses would leave the city in droves, Columnist right into the open arms of St. Jamala Louis County Rogers which has refused to raise its wage. Never mind that over half of the states in the country have adopted minimum wages higher than the federal rate of $7.25 and the sky is still intact. And let’s not forget the businesses that allegedly would be forced to close their doors and throw their employees onto the unemployment rolls. The opponents reminded us that St. Louis is not a big city anymore, that we can’t compete with Clayton. (That’s the competition?) This reality has been in place for a while.

The last U.S. Census year that the city didn’t show a loss of population was 1950. The most ridiculous reason I heard was that poorer neighborhoods would have a hard time attracting businesses if there was an increase in wages. And you’re trying to tell us businesses were flocking to the hood to hang their shingles before the vote? What we need, they say, is not an increase in the minimum wage but an increase in jobs. Now we may be getting somewhere, because we need those too – it’s not an either/ or situation. So, when was the last time the Board of Alders passed a jobs bill? Have you checked out a jobs plan by the St. Louis Regional Chamber that worked so hard to defeat the bill? The fact that opponents are comfortable with low-paying jobs, especially from highearning companies, speaks volumes about whose interests they represent. We can make the city a mecca for jobs with livable wages. This is what will attract forward-thinking businesses and residents to St. Louis, not a place where poverty and plantation politics are accepted as the norm. I look forward to the day when we stop fighting over the minimums and start advocating for the maximum standard of living for all citizens.

As I See It - A Forum for Community Issues

What makes a martyr? By Joshua Bartley For The St. Louis American By definition a “martyr” is an individual who is killed because of their religious or political beliefs. In the wake of the deaths of many black males across America, both armed and unarmed, I’ve heard this term being used to Guest Columnist honor their lives. So, then, the Joshua question arises: Bartley What makes these individuals martyrs? Was it because they were black? Was it because they were young? Was it because their lives were tragically cut short by the hands of another individual? If so, I guess the thousands of young black men who lose their lives on America’s urban streets are also martyrs. Serious questions have to be asked if these brothers are indeed martyrs in the black community. What was their religion? What did they die for? What was their life’s work? By definition, a “religion” is an organized collection

of beliefs, cultural systems, and world views that relate humanity to an order of existence. If we as black men have adopted a religion that we are indeed inferior to the white man and therefore exempt from personal responsibility, we have essentially sacrificed the humanity we want people outside of our community to respect. When we think of traditional African-American martyrs like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.,

n America is a systematically racist country and police officers disproportionally harass, beat and kill black men. But what is our solution?

Malcolm X and Medgar Evers, these were men who carried themselves with a grace that is not commonly found in today’s protest movement. They were advocates of education, self-determination and, most importantly, responsibility

Letters to the Editor Law-abiding, young black males My only motive in writing this is to clear up the matter of the photo that accompanies the statements made concerning the youth who are involved in the Innovative Concept Academy. My sons are in this photo and, though they benefit from the Innovative Concept Academy being housed where it is and were present at the time of this photo, they are not participants in this program that targets and seeks to reform “troubled youth with serious problems who have been in trouble with the law.” Some of the young gentlemen in this photo are law-abiding, upstanding young black males to whom that statement does not apply. Innovative Concept Academy is an excellent program for troubled youth, and I support Judge Jimmie Edwards in his endeavors to provide alternatives to St. Louis youth who have gone astray. This is a worthy cause to support. Thank you to Judge Edwards and the Innovative Concept Academy for providing a safe place for my boys to participant in positive activities that not only cater to the youth who have gone astray, but those youth, like my sons, who would otherwise have no other way to channel their talents while I am at work trying to make things better for our community. Anjail Salik Via email

Raise the minimum wage It was important for me to get up early and be in the chamber to show my support for the workers in our city as the St. Louis Board of Aldermen voted to pass Board Bill 83, a law that would gradually raise the minimum wage in the city of St. Louis to more than $11 per hour. I encourage the Board of Alderman to continue their great work on this bill. If you look at the numbers, a living wage makes sense, especially in a city like St. Louis. I know that some people are against this raise, but the fact is, I just don’t see the small businesses in St. Louis opposing this. Most employers want to see their communities have more spending power.

All letters are edited for length and style.

That means more customers and more business. This is also a bipartisan issue. Nationwide support for raising the wage has exceeded 70 percent in most polls and it continues to increase in popularity. State Senator Jamilah Nasheed St. Louis

to themselves and their community. Juxtaposed with many of the “martyrs” of the Black Lives Matter movement, there doesn’t appear to be any real correlation. With that said, there are dozens of scholarly journals and empirical research that prove America is a systematically racist country and that police officers disproportionally harass, beat and kill black men. But what is our solution? In the Biblical verse Hosea 4:6 it is said that “my people are destroyed from a lack of knowledge.” Today many of our young men are living uninformed lifestyles that statistically increase their chances of having a fatal interaction with a police officer that may have a racist animus towards the black community. If someone can be remembered as a “martyr” in the African-American community when they are killed doing wrong, then what has become of the new “religion” in our community? Joshua Bartley (@ joshuabartley88) comes from a St. Louis family that has always closely read and discussed The St. Louis American. He lives in Florida.

Honor the legacy

Amelia Boynton Robinson was a dedicated and courageous leader in the fight for civil rights. For most of her 104 years, Amelia committed herself to a simple, American principle: that everybody deserves the right to vote. Fifty years ago, she marched in Selma, and the quiet heroism of those marchers helped pave the way for the landmark Voting Rights Act. But for the rest of her life, she kept marching – to make sure the law was upheld, and barriers to the polls torn down. And America is so fortunate she did. To honor the legacy of an American hero like Amelia Boynton requires only that we follow her example – that all of us fight to protect everyone’s right to vote. Earlier this year,

The largest weekly newspaper in Missouri 70,000 copies - CAC Audited 100% Independently owned & operated Continuously published, without interruption since 1928

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

in Selma, Michelle and I had the honor to walk with Amelia and other foot soldiers of the Civil Rights Movement. She was as strong, as hopeful, and as indomitable of spirit – as quintessentially American – as I’m sure she was that day 50 years ago. And we offer our thoughts, our prayers, and our enduring gratitude to everyone who loved her. President Barack Obama Washington, D.C.

Planned Parenthood is irreplaceable Senator Blunt co-sponsored a bill that would cut federal funds that support evidence-based sex education programs, and help Planned Parenthood health centers provide STD testing, lifesaving breast and cervical cancer screenings, and family planning programs. Planned Parenthood is irreplaceable and plays an outsized role in our communities: Across the country, 2.7 million women, men and young people rely on these health centers. Alice Bloch St. Louis

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


ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • SEPTEMBER 3 – 9, 2015

A5

10 years after Hurricane Katrina

Photo by Lawrence Bryant

Tear gas alley

Dispersants deployed by St. Louis police at a protest on August 19 left clouds of toxins drifting in the Fountain Park neighborhood in the city’s West End.

YMCA consolidates, free open house Sept. 12 On September 1, the YMCA of Greater St. Louis and the YMCA of Southwest Illinois began operating as the Gateway Region YMCA. The combined association will have 25 locations throughout the bi-state region with branches covering St. Louis city, seven Missouri counties, and six counties in southwestern Illinois. Membership will now include access to all 25 locations. The Gateway Region Y will host a free open house at its 25 locations on September 12. The public is invited to try the Y

for free all day, check out the branch amenities and learn about the Gateway Region. From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., visitors will have the opportunity to participate in fun activities for the whole family, take part in fitness class demonstrations, enjoy free snacks and win prizes. Attendees 12 and older will receive a free t-shirt and children under 12 will receive a superhero cape (while supplies last). Individuals who join will be able to take advantage of no joining fee through September 30. The combination makes the

Gateway Region Y one of the top 20 largest Y associations in the country. The association will serve more than 180,000 members, engage more than 8,000 volunteers and provide child care for more than 7,000 children. Combined, the two associations separately provided more than $5 million in direct and indirect financial assistance last year through the Y’s scholarship program, which helps ensure no one is turned away from using Y programs and services based on their inability to pay.

By U.S. Rep. Maxine Waters For The St. Louis American Ten years ago, America witnessed what the Federal Emergency Management Agency has called the single most catastrophic natural disaster in U.S. history – and 10 years later there is still more work to do. When the storm hit, I, along with the rest of America, watched as people were ushered to the Superdome and left to fend for themselves. Compelled by the plight of victims, my husband and I flew to New Orleans on the third day of the storm where I joined with several leaders, including Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr., to provide support for relief efforts. We drove from shelter to shelter to assist victims from New Orleans to Lafayette, Louisiana. Together with leaders on the ground, we met with then-governor Kathleen Blanco to advocate for low-income residents to ensure that relief went to the areas that needed it the most. In the aftermath of the devastation – and the initial federal, state and local response to the needs of Gulf communities – Congressional Democrats stepped in to ensure that the Bush administration was held accountable for delivering the necessary resources to aid those impacted by the storm. As ranking member and then-chairwoman of the subcommittee charged with oversight of housing and community development issues at the time, I saw the housing devastation firsthand. I, along with members of the subcommittee, visited public housing units that were damaged by the storm and the difficult conditions victims of the storm faced. In the following years, we continued to work with public housing tenants to U.S. Rep. ensure they had the resources they needed to survive. We saw these families Maxine struggling to find each other, to pick up the pieces and to rebuild their lives. Waters The committee held 16 hearings, six of which were held in the Gulf. I drafted legislation, H.R. 1227, the Gulf Coast Hurricane Recovery Act of 2007, to help put the region’s housing infrastructure back on its feet. While never signed into law, I’m proud to say that important parts of this bill were enacted and did play an important role in moving the recovery forward. The enactment of provisions to authorize 3,000 vouchers to house the homeless along with disaster vouchers allowed displaced families to smoothly transition to permanent housing. However, it was also clear to me that legislation alone would be insufficient to help with a challenge the size of Katrina. This is why I worked with the Bush and Obama administrations, nonprofit organizations, fair housing groups, local housing authorities, displaced residents and elected officials to improve housing opportunities for families impacted by Katrina. We worked to identify and re-house victims of the storm and to identify and end violations of the Fair Housing Act, such as the anti-rental housing ordinance in St. Bernard Parish or the discriminatory allocation of grant dollars through the Road Home program. I stood with several key lawmakers and advocates to oppose the demolition of the “Big Four” public housing developments in New Orleans unless there was a guarantee that every one of those units would be replaced. Ten years after Katrina, the City of New Orleans has turned a corner and I’m proud of the work New Orleanians have done to rebuild their city. Today, population levels are on the rise, chronic homelessness has fallen by nearly 90 percent, and poverty levels have stabilized in and outside of the city. We still must do more to improve the availability of affordable housing for low-income New Orleanians. HUD-assisted housing in New Orleans now exceeds pre-storm levels, yet the public housing stock stands at just 26 percent of its pre-Katrina inventory. And far too many residents are paying more than they should to rent a home. Prior to the storm, the majority of households in New Orleans spent less than 30 percent of their income on rent. Recent data released by the U.S. Census Bureau indicates that 58 percent of renters are now spending more than 30 percent of their income to pay the rent. I hope that these issues will be explored in-depth at a field hearing the committee intends to hold in the city several months from now. U.S. Rep. Maxine Waters (D-CA), a Kinloch native, is ranking member of the House Committee on Financial Services.


A6

JAMYLA Continued from A1

August 25, the church hosted the service for Michael Brown Jr., the unarmed black teenager who was fatally shot by a white Ferguson police officer. Brown and Bolden died just meters away from one another in Ferguson. Since Brown’s death, tensions between police and community members have been high. However, protestors, police and public officials gathered together under Friendly Temple’s roof to remember Bolden’s life. The only black female on the Ferguson police force, Sgt. Dominica Fuller, spoke during the funeral procession. Fuller said she had her own nine-year old daughter help her think of what to say. “Your daughter loved you,” Fuller said to Jamyla’s mother. “When you’re alone by yourself and smell or feel something and you don’t know where it came from, that’s your angel.” Ferguson police officer Gregory Casem shared his

NIE

Continued from A1 “Now, in year four, The American’s NIE staff, along with its partners, is more committed than ever to make this program an integral part of local urban education for area schools,” said Donald M. Suggs, publisher and executive editor of The American. The American’s NIE program now directly reaches more than 7,000 elementary students and nearly 300 teachers at seven area school districts (St. Louis Public, Normandy, FergusonFlorissant, Hazelwood, Jennings, Riverview Gardens and University City). It is the largest free NIE program in the Midwest and one of the larg-

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • SEPTEMBER 3 – 9, 2015 condolences with the family before the church as well. Casem was the officer who responded to the emergency call for Bolden. “I picked Jamyla up, held her to my chest and told her to hold on,” Casem said. “I don’t know whether I said that aloud or to God.” During the procession, St. Louis Alderman Jeffrey Boyd – who lost a nephew to gunfire in July – presented Bolden’s parents with an aldermanic resolution. Tears flooded the sanctuary as Bolden’s fourth grade class from Koch Elementary sang a song. “Keep smiling. Keep shining,” the fourth-graders sang. “Knowing you can always count on me, for sure. That’s what friends are for, in good times and bad times, I’ll be by your side.” Many of the children wiped tears from their eyes as they sang. During their performance, an audible cry was unleashed from Bolden’s mother, releasing a butterfly effect of weeping throughout the sanctuary. Two young ladies presented

a praise dance, which brought an uplifting of praise throughout the sanctuary. Bolden was a child praise dancer at St. John Christ of God in Christ Church #2. Her dance instructor said it was an honor to have Bolden on the dance team. “She had the heart and drive,” said the praise dance minister, Mila Hogan.

According to the reflections on her brief life, Bolden was very caring and joyous. She loved singing and cooking and was always willing to lend a hand. Ira DeWitt, wife of the St. Louis Cardinal’s president, agreed to pay for the Bolden family’s funeral expenses. DeWitt also reached out to celebrities to share their

condolences and help begin a new anti-violence campaign for St. Louis in a video shared doing the funeral. Hashtag #savestl was remarked by familiar faces, like singer Monica, rapper Nelly, comedian Guy Torry, Mayor Francis Slay, PJ Morgan from Maroon 5 and Cardinal baseball player Jason Heyward. “It’s time to let everyone

est free NIE programs in the nation, among all dailies and weeklies. Participating teachers and classrooms receive bundles of The St. Louis American each week during the academic year. Every student has his or her own copy of the newspaper to use in the classroom, as well as take home to share and work with family members. “We want to help open the minds of these young people to their potential,” Suggs said. “We are excited about continuing to grow the program, and want to touch and positively affect as many young lives in their classrooms and their homes as we can.” He noted the program’s year-long syllabus, dozens of resources for teachers, professional development and teacher training (in person and via a

7-part video series), guides on how to use the newspaper in the classroom, and a monthly e-newsletter for teachers and administrators. “It’s a complete-academic-year program,” Suggs said. The program’s material, which is printed in all 70,200 copies of The American, is also available on stlamerican.com for all viewers. While most classroom teachers use the entire newspaper to assist children in learning critical thinking and problem-solving skills, there are dedicated pages specifically targeted to elementary students, including the STEM page, Healthy Kids page, Kidvisors financial literacy page and the One Small Change series, which focuses on being more environmentally friendly. The STEM portion of The

American’s NIE program is currently funded, in part, through corporate sponsors, including Ameren Missouri, Boeing, Centene, Emerson, Monsanto and World Wide Technology. The Healthy Kids page is sponsored by Ascension, BJC and St. Louis College of Pharmacy. The Kidvisors financial literacy page is exclusively sponsored by Wells Fargo Advisors. One Small Change is presented by the St. Louis Jefferson Solid Waste Management District, as well as Missouri Department of Natural Resources. Other subject areas of this year’s NIE program include unique series such as Black History (presented by Centene) as well as an anti-bullying initiative. For more information, visit stlamerican.com and click on

“Newspaper In Education” or email nie@stlmerican.com. All kids’ pages run in the entire press run of The American, as

Family members walked Kendric Henderson, the mother of 9-yearold Jamyla Bolden, from her graveside service at Laurel Hill Memorial Gardens Center on Saturday, August 29.

Photo by Wiley Price

know that black lives matter. We will stand together even when you think we can’t, we can,” said Monica. “Let’s please stop the violence in our city. I know people are not happy with things going on, but this kind of violence can not be tolerated,” said Nelly. On Wednesday, August 26, De’Eris Brown, 21, was arrested in connection with Jamyla’s death and charged with one count of seconddegree murder, two counts of unlawful use of a weapon and three counts of armed criminal action. He is being held on a $750,000 cash-only bond. Police said a witness helped to identify Brown. “Jamyla may not be here right now, but she still speaks,” said Pastor Gregory Bowers of St. John Christ of God in Christ Church #2, Bolden’s father’s pastor. “We are all a different person because of her death. We have all come together as a result.” This story is published as part of a partnership between The Huffington Post and The St. Louis American.

well as on stlamerican.com. All readers are encouraged to enjoy and learn from the kids’ pages.


A7

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • SEPTEMBER 3 – 9, 2015

MANSUR

knew Mansur spoke of him as being a positive young man who was studious. All who Continued from A1 knew Mansur challenged the police narrative of his death as of his death, he was working unbelievable. for FedEx. Family members “He wasn’t a thug, a dope said Mansur dreamed of dealer,” Grand Sheikh T. Ironsopening a family business EL of Temple 5 in St. Louis remodeling houses. said. “He didn’t learn from The Ball-Bey family and Lil Wayne. Mansur sat with Mansur himself scholars, including were members the likes of Dr. n “He wasn’t of the Moorish Umar Johnson.” a thug, a dope Science Temple Grand Sheikh dealer. He of America, C.P. Fuqua-Bey of an Islamic sect Detroit said burning didn’t learn founded nearly from Lil Wayne. and looting wasn’t a century ago the way to protest Mansur sat with the youth’s death, by Noble Drew scholars.” Ali. The funeral since stores are observance was insured. Instead, – Grand Sheikh in keeping with he urged, “Make T. Irons-EL Moorish-American the call: ‘Don’t go traditions and to the mall.’” He customs. said the community Solos familiar to must put economic church goers were sang. There pressure on the system to was a colorful presentation change it. of the American flag and a Grand Sheikh L. Lee-Bey of reading from the Quran. A Temple 75 in St. Louis knew Moorish-American prayer was Mansur well and stated “he was offered facing east, and the a good little brother.” Moors sang “Marching into When a speaker from the Mecca” together. Moorish Science Temple Brother T. Peek-El stated, “We are taking this described Mansur as having matter very serious,” the crowd been “an example” to others was brought to their feet. with a curious mind. “He grewMembers from other up in the temple,” Peek-El said. religious communities spoke in All of the speakers who support of the Ball-Bey family.

Bishop Danny Coleman, a longtime friend of the family, was one of a handful of Christians to speak. Minister Akbar Muhammad of the Nation of Islam stated he had spoken to Minister Louis Farrakhan on the death of Ball-

ATTORNEYS

n “It appears to be medically impossible for their story to factually make sense.”

Continued from A1

Ball-Bey, 18, was killed by two plainclothes St. Louis police officers while a search warrant was being served at a house in the Fountain Park neighborhood on August 19 in circumstances that are disputed. The youth’s spinal cord is crucial – and the medical judgment of Dr. Graham possibly in need of a second opinion – because Dr. Graham revealed that the spinal cord had been severed on August 27, following a second autopsy. The medical examiner did not mention the severed spinal cord after the first autopsy, though

he discovered it then. The attorneys saw the body with Dr. Graham on August 23 “The plug where the bullet hit him in the back looked dead center, not to the right, like the police had said,” Christmas said. “At the time I thought maybe the skin had moved, and the injury was really to the right. But no, it was dead center.” Dr. Graham told The American why he did not immediately discuss the severed spinal cord publicly: “Often you hold back information until all of the statements by witnesses are in because you don’t want to influence what witnesses say.” Then why give media interviews and release only

Grand Sheikh T. Irons-EL from Grand Temple 5 in St. Louis said Mansur Ball-Bey was a scholar, not a drug dealer, during homegoing services for the slain youth at Christ Pilgrim Rest M.B. Church on Saturday, August 29.

Photo by Wiley Price

Bey and encouraged MoorishAmericans nationally to unite on this issue. Attorney Jerryl Christmas said the official story presented by the St. Louis police is already falling apart and that attorneys for the family will be

– Jermaine Wooten

partial information? “It’s a difficult line to walk, because you want to be open – especially the family deserves as many answers as you can give them – but you want to protect the integrity of investigation,” Dr. Graham said. The attorneys said a severed spinal cord disproves the police narrative of the shooting, which has Ball-Bey running a long way after he was shot. Wooten said Dr. Wecht is

needed to review the case, in part, because “Dr. Graham is backing up a bit” on his statements. They pointed out Dr. Graham’s statement to media that perhaps the bullet nicked Ball-Bey’s spine and then it was the youth continuing to run that actually severed his spine – “a delayed separation instead of instantaneous,” as Dr. Graham said to CNN. Like Freddie Gray in Baltimore, Ball-Bey could

vigilant in pursuing justice. The body of Mansur Ball-Bey was taken from the church by white-gloved muftis wearing red fez’s on their heads. A crowd of Moorish-Americans, mourners in dark suits and

young people wearing “I Am Mansur Ball-Bey” T-shirts then made their way in procession to Laurel Hill Memorial Gardens Cemetery, where the youth was laid to rest before his time.

stand accused of in essence severing his own spine. “Dr. Wecht said he had never heard of that scenario,” Christmas said. “Even Dr. Graham said he had never seen it. Then why speculate?” “We are dealing with possibilities as to why there may be a discordance between physical evidence and witness statements,” Dr. Graham told The American. “It all should fit together. When it doesn’t all fit, you have to figure out why.” Wooten speculated that Dr. Graham might be trying to help the police out of a “bind.” “The medical evidence confirmed what witnesses said, and that put the police department and their version

in a bind,” Wooten said. “It appears to be medically impossible for their story to factually make sense. Mansur could not have run more than three or five feet with a severed spinal cord.” Dr. Graham said it was “ridiculous” to claim he would alter his medical findings to align with police statements. Dr. Wecht, who also reviewed evidence in the VonDerrit Myers Jr. case, is a legend (or celebrity) in forensic science dating back to his argument that the medical evidence in the John F. Kennedy assassination was not consistent with the Warren Commission’s single bullet conclusion.


ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • SEPTEMBER 3 - 9, 2015

A8

Guest Commentary

n The French Quarter is back as if nothing happened 10 years ago. But in the 9th Ward, nothing has changed in 10 years, and the people living there are suffering.

Black New Orleans waiting for recovery By Roger Caldwell For The St. Louis American Ten years after Hurricane Katrina, there are now 100,000 fewer blacks living in the city of New Orleans. Some will say this is due to a tragic hurricane and blacks were evacuated because of the flood, and others say there was a conspiracy to eliminate the 9th Ward. More African Americans owned their own homes in the 9th ward than any other community in the city, and now it has disappeared. Many of these homes were 50 and 60 years old, and many of the residents could go back 100 years to families that have lived in that community. To many, this was an eye-sore and a blighted area in the city, but this was home to over 14,000 families and most of

them black. There were the typical problems of gangs, drugs, violence, violent crime, and marginalized education, but there was still history and everyone had a story. Ten years ago, 80 percent of the city was destroyed by water, and there are two versions of the success of Guest Columnist the rebuilding of New Orleans. Roger Eighty percent of whites are Caldwell satisfied with the rebuilding of their community and say the process is almost complete. On the other hand, 60 percent of blacks believe the rebuilding process was a failure. African Americans living in

New Orleans since the storm argue that it is no accident that the poor and blacks have missed the recovery. There is now a white mayor, Mitch Landrieu, the first in 32 years, and the city is attracting a young, educated entrepreneurial class. There are new schools and two new medical centers in what is now considered one of the fastest-growing cities in America. With the help of billions of dollars in federal aid, and with the levee

system repaired, the city has rebounded. But in the 9th Ward, the community looks like a third world country where a bomb has exploded in the neighborhood. Less than 40 percent of the residents have returned, and even fewer have been able to rebuild their homes. Since there’s no real reason to go to that neighborhood, there is no reason to spend money and resources there.

To most blacks in New Orleans, it appears there is a war on blacks and the poor. Gentrification in New Orleans means that rents are rising, homes sales have increased, and there is a shortage of affordable housing. Blacks and the poor are being pushed out of the city, and there is a racial divide. The French Quarter is back as if nothing happened 10 years ago. But in the 9th Ward, nothing has changed in

10 years, and the people living there are suffering. There are no supermarkets and businesses there, and the poor and seniors must take public transportation to shop for necessities. On Thursday August 27, President Obama returned to New Orleans, and he told the truth about the recovery. Underneath the visible recovery lie persistent racial and economic inequalities that haven’t receded since the storm as the president traveled and spoke in the 9th Ward. “Our work here won’t be done when almost 40 percent of children still live in poverty in this city,” President Obama said. “That’s not a finished job. That’s not a full recovery. There’s still too many people who haven’t been able to come back home.” President Obama can speak truth, but the community must come together to demand a change. If the mayor can find money to rebuild the white community, he can find money to rebuild the black community. Nothing will change until the black residents take a stand and demand change.


ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • SEPTEMBER 3 - 9, 2015

City’s fiscal body commits to funding body cams for cops The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department will be adopting a police-worn body camera program, Mayor Francis G. Slay announced while chairing a meeting of the city’s chief fiscal body on Thursday, August 27. When? “Hopefully sooner rather than later,” Slay said. Using what funds? That is to be determined. What do the police say? St. Louis Police Officers Association business agent Jeff Roorda mocked The American when asked for comment. Comptroller Darlene Green introduced the matter to the agenda of the Board of Estimate & Apportionment with the suggestion that the program be funded through existing ward capital fund account balances. Aldermanic President Lewis Reed, who supports a body camera program, argued against that source of funds, saying most of the available, unspent ward capital funds were unspent because they had just been allocated. Reed said the comptroller’s accounting of more than $30 million in available funds was inaccurate and even “irresponsible,” because she included $20 million in park bonds that the alderman can’t touch and that can’t be spent on body cameras. Reed accused the comptroller of creating a false image of aldermen as “hoarding” money that isn’t available to them. Reed also countered that funding could come from the city’s Budget Reserve Fund or “Rainy Day Fund,” which has $14 million. Slay did not

dispute that at the meeting, but a spokesperson for the mayor told The American it’s not an option. She said the budget director advises that the current balance of $14 million in reserve (2.8 percent of the city budget) is just more than half of the goal of 5 percent of the budget. Moody’s recently noted a lack of sufficient reserves as a concern when downgrading the city’s credit rating. At the meeting, Slay cut short any conversation about funding details. Slay said he would direct the city’s budget staff to find “a funding mechanism” and “hopefully sooner rather than later” the Board of E&A would be approving that expenditure. How much of an expenditure is also in dispute. The comptroller floated a number she read in a newspaper, but it only accounted for the initial expense of the cameras. Data storage and staff to maintain the program also must be budgeted. After the meeting, a spokesperson for the mayor said first-year costs will be approximately $1.75 million with an annual cost of $750,000 to maintain the system and store the data. No one from the police department spoke at the meeting, which Police Commissioner Sam Dotson did not attend. Slay and Reed both acknowledged that police have a bargaining agreement with the city and said that a negotiation with the St. Louis Police Officers Association is required to seal the deal. Roorda mocked The

A9

Photo by Lawrence Bryant

Aldermanic President Lewis Reed, Mayor Francis G. Slay and Comptroller Darlene Green discussed funding a body camera program for St. Louis police at the Board of Estimate & Apportionment’s public meeting on Thursday, August 27.

American when asked to respond. The Post-Dispatch wrote a grouchy “only grownup in the room” editorial presuming the police union can quash the program and saying dismissively that how to fund body cameras is a moot point. Dotson and legal advocates previously told The American that body cameras have privacy issues that also must be addressed when writing policy for the program. But the mayor, who now controls the police department through the Department of Public Safety, was clear in his support. “Body cameras can be a very important tool in assisting investigations and building public trust and transparency,” Slay said. Green had made the same argument in her letter to Slay and Reed urging them to take up the matter as a board. She was acting on a letter from Adolphus Pruitt, president of the St. Louis City Branch of the NAACP. Pruitt, who did not attend the meeting, said the recurrence of policeinvolved shootings in the city and inevitable public distrust of police witness testimony made the city’s lack of police-worn body cameras an “emergency.” Green agreed, and told the board on Thursday, “My job is to point to where we have available funds for emergencies.” Her suggestion to raid ward

capital funds did not persuade Reed. Slay – who told The American he supported the use of “unencumbered” ward capital funds – did not force a confrontation on using the ward funds. But he spoke very confident that the funding mechanism would be found. Slay said, “We are going to find the money for body cameras.” On Wednesday, as this column was going to press, the comptroller was scheduled to meet with federal legislators about funding assistance. After the public meeting, Green said, she received a call from U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill’s office offering help to secure funding for body cams for police. I immediately felt a glimmer of hope and help was on the way. “Her staff offered to work with my office to navigate the process and find funding,” Green said. She said U.S. Rep. Wm. Lacy Clay and state Senator Jamilah Nasheed also pledged assistance in finding funds for the program.

BLM and body cams Veteran cop watcher John Chasnoff weighed in with a commentary to The American pointing out that the Black Lives movement – which is why city leaders are talking about body cameras – is divided on their use.

“Some think they will hold police accountable while others think they will be used primarily for police surveillance of protesters,” Chasnoff wrote. “Since each of the members of E&A saw body cameras as answering the concerns of protesters, they should consider how to bring BLM voices into any discussions of body cams and their implementation.” One starting point for discussion, Chasnoff urged: Drone Free St. Louis has guidelines on body camera policies. You can find them at http://bit.ly/campolicies.

ACLU will help protestors The American Civil Liberties Union of Missouri is committed to helping all who have been charged from Ferguson protests to find legal representation. Those charged should complete the form at http://bit.ly/1PwG6Ve. A representative will be in contact soon with next steps. If you are not sure if you have been charged, dial 314-615-8760, press 2, then 0 to check your status.

Pre-K shout out

Here’s a shout out for the group of black elected officials

who announced their early support for an increase in the tobacco tax to fund early childhood education programs. It’s self-evident that improving educational outcomes for black children is essential to any chance they have for a future with hope rather than despair. While there seem to be an unlimited number of opinions about how to achieve that, there’s complete agreement on one thing – high-quality early childhood development (pre-kindergarten) is foundational to all children’s educational success. The challenge is how do you provide that to the children whose parents aren’t uppermiddle-class professionals. This will be one of those issues that black voters can use to measure how serious black and white politicians are about their commitment to social justice and that black lives matter. Among others who support the effort: state Rep. Courtney Allen Curtis, Nasheed, state Senator Maria Chappelle-Nadal, St. Louis Treasurer Tishaura Jones and County Councilwoman Hazel Erby. Good looking out.

Mr. Smith goes to Left Bank Left Bank Books will host former Missouri state Senator and author Jeff Smith at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, September 15 at the shop, 399 N. Euclid in the Central West End. Smith will sign and discuss his book, “Mr. Smith Goes to Prison: What My Year Behind Bars Taught Me about America’s Prison Crisis” (St. Martin’s Press, September 2015). In 2009 he pled guilty to conspiring to obstruct justice in a federal investigation into his previously lying to a federal election commission about a minor campaign funding impropriety. His new book is a vivid marshaling of his personal prison experience to make a data-driven argument for social justice reforms in America’s prisons. He also settles some old scores - and reopens old wounds. More on that next week.

Make your flu shot make a world of difference Your immunization helps provide a lifesaving vaccine to a child in a developing country.

From July 1, 2015 to August 31, 2016, for every immunization administered, Walgreens will donate $0.18 to the United Nations Foundation, up to a maximum donation of $2,000,000. For more information, go to Walgreens. com/GetaShot. Vaccines subject to availability. State-, age- and health-related restrictions may apply. ©2015 Walgreen Co. All rights reserved.


ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • SEPTEMBER 3 - 9, 2015

A10

SLAM’s Family Sundays Celebrates African Art in September

By Melanie Adams

Daytime programs for leisure learners The World’s Fair exhibition at Missouri History Museum

Contributing Writer: Sherri Williams, Associate Education, Youth and Family Programs Celebrate Africa’s diverse people, cultures, and artistic traditions with a month of family-friendly activities at the Saint Louis Art Museum. September’s Family Sundays are themed Artful Africa and each week’s activities are inspired by the special exhibition, Senufo: Art and Identity in West Africa, and the Museum’s impressive permanent collection of West African sculptures, textiles, and masks. Throughout the month, Family Sunday participants of all ages will discover the legend of the ci-wara then make their own ci-wara headdress, identify pattern and color in African weavings before designing an African cloth, and construct an African mask to display at home. Visitors who join the family tour will learn more about African art and also will discover how masks and sculptures from the continent inspired the work of modern artists like Pablo Picasso, Max Beckmann, and Henri Matisse. The fun kicks off on Sunday, September 6 with an afternoon of African dance and music in the Saint Louis Art Museum’s Farrell Auditorium. At 2:00 pm, Afriky Lolo will take center stage for a high energy performance highlighting masquerade traditions from the African nation of Côte d’Ivoire. The auditorium program is inspired by the Museum’s featured exhibition, Senufo: Art and Identity in West Africa, and will offer visitors a small glimpse into one of Africa’s most widely known masquerading traditions. Senufo: Art

All of the events are free

The Missouri History Museum provides a variety of daytime programs for leisure learners. Once called Senior Programs, the series changed its name a couple of years ago to encourage the attendance of all community members who are available during the day. All of the events are free (though some may require registration). These programs provide a deeper look into the history of the region, state, and country through lectures and documentaries. They are appropriate for all audiences who have an interest in history and want to further their knowledge. Below is a list and description of the upcoming fall Leisure Series programs. For more information, please check out the Museum’s website at www. mohistory.org.

Silver Stages Performance Series and Identity in West Africa closes Sunday, September 27. While free and open to the public, seating for the performance is limited and will be awarded on a first-come, firstserved basis. The auditorium doors will open at 1:30 pm, the performance starts at 2:00 pm. Family Sundays take place every Sunday from 1:00-4:00 pm. This free program gives families an opportunity to experience the Museum, learn about art with weekly activities, and take a guided tour of

the collection. Each month’s art projects focus on a different, family-friendly theme. The family tour leaves from Grigg Gallery at 2:30 pm, and space is limited. Visitors interested in the family tour must sign up. A sign-up sheet will be made available each Sunday, beginning at 1:00 pm. For more information about Family Programs and other programs and events at the Saint Louis Art Museum, please visit www.slam.org. Family Sundays are supported by Wells Fargo Advisors.

Wednesday, September 2— The Queens of Swing 10:30am | Lee Auditorium | Free This all-female trio presents a show that combines history, music, and fun! Wednesday, October 7—Grupo Atlantico Enjoy a presentation from a group formed to promote the folklore and heritage of the African, Indian, and Spanish peoples now living in the U.S. Wednesday, November 4— The Missouri Cameo Club See an all-new performance by talented, energetic women (all 60 years+ and competitors in Ms. Senior America competitions). Wednesday, November 4— St. Louis Community College Continuing Education Classes 10:30am | Lee Auditiorium | Free, but reservations are required. Call St. Louis Community College at (314) 984-7777. Tuesday, September 1—The Founding of the British Colonies in North America with Bonnie Vega Thursday, September 3—Lost St. Louis, Part II, with Johnny Rabbitt Wednesday, September 30— The Not So Rich and Famous of Bellefontaine Cemetery with Richard Lay Tuesday, October 6—The Folkways of Holidays: From Halloween to New Year’s Day with Dr. John Oldani

Tuesday, October 13—The Folklore of Children: From Autograph Book Verses to Insults with Dr. John Oldani Wednesday, October 14—Downtown St. Louis Before the Arch with Johnny Rabbitt Tuesday, October 20—The Importance of Oral Traditions: Collecting the Folkways of Your Experiences with Dr. John Oldani Wednesday, October 21—French and Indian War: Colonial Reaction with Bonnie Vega Tuesday, October 27—Movers and Shakers of Bellefontaine Cemetery with Richard Lay Wednesday, November 4—WWI: Before America Went “Over There,” Part I—Origins of the War to the First Battles with Marc Kollbaum Thursday, November 5—A Hot Cup of Joe with Johnny Rabbitt Tuesday, November 10—Mausoleums: Bellefontaine Cemetery’s Mini Mansions with Richard Lay Wednesday, November 11—WWI: Before America Went “Over There,” Part II—1914 and 1915 “Stalemate on the Western Frontier” with Marc Kollbaum Tuesday, November 17—The War for Independence with Bonnie Vega Wednesday, November 18—WWI: Before America Went “Over There,” Part III—1916 to U.S. Entry with Marc Kollbaum

History on the side Each month we feature an hour-long documentary or discussion to be enjoyed over lunch. Bring your own bag lunch or purchase lunch from Bixby’s, the Museum’s restaurant. Noon to 1pm | AT&T Foundation Multipurpose Room | Free Tuesday, September 8—Irish in St. Louis Join Bev Shuetz of HISTORY TALKS as she shares the moving account of St. Louis’s Irish immigrants and their struggle to survive bigotry and discrimination. Tuesday, October 13— Dana Brown: Life on Safari If you grew up in St. Louis, you’re likely familiar with Dana Brown and his memorable commercials for Safari Coffee. This HEC-TV production looks at the man behind the joe.


ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • SEPTEMBER 3 - 9, 2015

A11

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Gamma Omega Chapter 31st Annual FASHIONETTA(SM) Scholarship Cotillion

Talia Marcelle Elue Bennett Crowned Miss FASHIONETTA(SM) 2015

Miss FASHIONETTA(SM) 2015 Escorts

Miss FASHIONETTA(SM) 2015 Debutantes

The Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Gamma Omega Chapter presented its 31st Annual FASHIONETTA(SM) Scholarship Cotillion on Sunday, May 24, 2015 in the Grand Ballroom of the America’s Center with over 700 people in attendance. Fourteen lovely young ladies were presented at the annual event: Racquel Aja Lynnise Addison, Taylor Anise Baker, Tymine Sydney Barnett, Talia Marcelle Elue Bennett, Chelcee Brianna Binder, Alexis Renee Colbert, Jazlyn Alexandria Green, Marilyn Elizabeth Izetta Monroe, Meleiah Danielle Raspberry, Kinyata Neshea’ Robinson, Chloe Leah Stallion, Dominique Nikole Taylor, Tamera Elawna Thomas and Theresa Bocage Thompson. The escorts for this event were: Jaryn Amir Blackshear-Bryant, Collin Darrington-Lamont Carter, Steven Edward Combs, Jr., TyJuan Monreal Horton, Cameron Jacob Hykes, Shayn D’Andrea Jackson, Gavin Senaj Lowe, Quincy D. Mack, Rodney LaVale Monone II, Jaylen Elon Smith, Jullian Robert Snipes, Kenya Jalani Thompson, Jeremy Townsend and Donavan Eric Jamal White. FASHIONETTA(SM) is a trade mark of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and a fundraising activity for the sorority’s philanthropic endeavors. Debutantes and escorts participate in an eight month experience which includes church service, college preparation workshops, community service, entrepreneurial workshops, etiquette & fine dining experiences, healthcare, Mother

Eta Boule' Scholarship Winners

– Daughter Luncheon and an overnight retreat. All of the debutantes receive a monetary award if they meet the minimum requirements. Over $38,500 was awarded to the debutantes and escorts in scholarships. Talia Marcelle Elue Bennett was crowned Miss FASHIONETTA(SM) 2015, daughter of Vincent and Christina Bennett. Talia is a 2015 graduate of John Burroughs School, will attend Ohio State and major in International Business and Dance. First runner-up was Miss Chloe Leah Stallion, daughter of Mark and Flora Stallion. Chloe is a 2015 graduate of Mary Institute Country Day School (MICDS) and will attend Vanderbilt University. Second runner-up was Miss Theresa Bocage Thompson, daughter of Victor and Nancy Thompson. Theresa is a 2015 graduate of Mary Institute Country Day School (MICDS) and will attend Tulane University. Third runner-up was Miss Jazlyn Alexandria Green, daughter of Ulas and Jackie Green. Jazlyn is a 2015 graduate of Westminster Christian Academy and will attend University of Missouri @ Columbia. Fourth runner-up was Miss Chelcee Brianna Binder, daughter of James Binder and Shuntel BozemanBaldwin. Chelcee is a 2015 graduate of Metro Academic and Classical High School and will attend Tennessee State. Commentators for the Cotillion were Ms. Sharon Stevens and Mr. Adrian Washington.

Talia Marcelle Elue Bennett, Miss FASHIONETTA(SM) 2015 Chairman for FASHIONETTA(SM) 2015 is Carla Moore and Co-Chairmen Ruby Grady and Michelle Sanders. Coretta Bozeman is the President of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Gamma Omega Chapter.

Miss FASHIONETTA(SM) 2015 Debutantes


ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • SEPTEMBER 3 - 9, 2015

A12

Grads honored for scholastic achievement by area McDonald’s Students receive scholarships, laptops

McDonald’s Academic Excellence Award recipients Cushe Blackmon and India Bradley pose for a picture with local McDonald’s owner/operator, Jimmy Williams, after receiving laptops at this week’s scholarship awards ceremony.

McDonald’s of St. Louis and the Metro East continues to make higher education a reality for St. Louis area high school students. Each year, the company partners with the UNCF to provide college scholarships through its Academic Excellence Awards Scholarship Program. Designated for AfricanAmerican high school students, the Academic Excellence Award is a one-time $3,000 college scholarship given to 24 deserving students. Scholars not only exhibit academic success, but also provide proof of service to their communities and then work with one of three St. Louis Boys & Girls Club partners before leaving for college. Recently, McDonald’s recognized the outstanding high

school seniors during events held at five area restaurants. Local owners/operators of McDonald’s restaurants are awarding $72,000 to this year’s scholarship recipients. In addition to the scholarship, recipients were surprised with laptop computers for college. “McDonald’s is committed to uplifting the communities in which we do business,” said Jimmy Williams, McDonald’s restaurant owner/operator and Academic Excellence Award committee lead. “We’ve presented the Academic Excellence Award program for nearly 10 years in partnership with the UNCF, and look forward to rewarding and recognizing the scholars who represent some of St. Louis’ best and brightest youth.”

Ella Jones (Councilmen from City of Ferguson, Ward 1), Jimmy Williams (McDonald’s owner/operator), Nautica Huddleston (recipient), Chris Dobson (McDonald’s Operations Manager), Gabrielle Hannah (recipient), Susan Downing (Director of Communications, Ladue School District) and Shayne Jackson (recipient)

Award recipients Megan Jefferson and Carissa Bell pose for a picture with local McDonald’s owner/operator, Jimmy Williams, and soon-to-be McDonald’s owner/operator, Trevor Peck, after receiving laptops at this week’s scholarship awards ceremony.

2015 McDonald’s Academic Excellence Awards Scholarship Recipients: Anitra Adams, McCluer Oghenetejiri Agbigbe, Hazelwood West Teanna Bass, Hazelwood East Carissa Bell, Belleville West Cushe Blackmon, Belleville West India Bradley, Cardinal Ritter Malcolm Davis, Ladue Horton Sydney Green, Carnahan Gabrielle Hannah, Ladue Horton DeAnna Harper, McCluer North Nautica Huddleston, Ladue Horton Ekene Ijei, Lafayette Shayne Jackson, St. Louis University High School Megan Jefferson, Collinsville Daniel Ledbetter, Confluence Prep Njeri Macharia, Parkway West Janelle Miller, Rosati-Kain Tychirra Moreno, New Life Christian Quentin Phillips, Cardinal Ritter Taja Shepherd, Marquette Taylor Smith, Hazelwood East Nandi Sparrock, Webster Groves Kacey Tatum, Francis-Howell Kenyatta Turner, Trinity Catholic High School


ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • SEPTEMBER 3 - 9, 2015

A13

ONE SMALL CHANGE is an ongoing series that challenges us to take very small steps toward being more environmentally-friendly. If we all participate, then ONE SMALL CHANGE can make a big difference!

CHARGE! Most people don’t realize the damage single-use batteries have on the planet. Corrosive chemicals, heavy metals, and improper disposal make batteries a danger to people and our environment. Each year Americans throw away more than three billion batteries! Thankfully rechargeable batteries are more available than ever. Many battery companies even offer free or discounted charging stations to entice consumers to switch to their brand of rechargeable batteries. Depending on amount of battery use in a household, most families will save at least $75 per year by switching from single-use batteries. In addition to the money savings, rechargeable batteries use 23 times less non-renewable resources than single-use. According to a recent study, rechargeables have 28 times less impact on the atmosphere, 30 times less impact on air pollution, 9 times less impact on air acidification, and 12 times less impact on water pollution. All of this adds up and goes to show that by making this One Small Change we can make another huge impact on the environment. THIS CHANGE SAVES 4.5 LBS OF BATTERY WASTE PER YEAR!


ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • SEPTEMBER 3 - 9, 2015

A14

NEWSPAPER IN

EDUCATION

Planting the Seeds for Success!

The weekly Healthy Kids page provides health tips on nutrition, exercise and more.

Nutrition

Shopping Smart!

Nutrition Challenge: Eating nutritious healthy foods often starts at the grocery store. Here are some tips to smart shopping.

4 Eat Before You Go 4 Make a List 4 Shop the Walls (Natural, healthier choices are often located along the walls of the store.)

Exercise

How Healthy Is Your Heart?

Your heart is an amazing thing! It is actually a muscle that pumps blood throughout your body. A beating heart is what keeps you alive. Let’s test your heart health. First make sure you have been completely inactive for at least 10 minutes. Locate your pulse* and count how many beats you feel in 15 seconds. Multiply that by 4 and you have your resting heart rate. Ideally this number should be 60-100 beats for anyone over 10 years old.

And...

Healthy Kids PRESENT:

4 Read Labels (Look for lower fat, sodium and sugar and higher

Weekly Newspaper fiber options!)

4 Colorize — Just like your dinner

plate should be “colorful,” so should your shopping cart. Fill your basket with colorful, fresh fruits and vegetables.

Learning Standards: HPE 2, HPE 5, NH 1, NH 3, NH 5

If your resting heart rate is above that, your heart is possibly working too hard. Discuss with your pediatrician or school nurse ways that you can improve your heart’s health. Following the Nutrition and Exercise guidelines in the Healthy Kids page over the next several months can help improve your heart health too!

Visit: *http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/heartfailure/watching-rate-monitor for tips on how to take your pulse.

Learning Standards: HPE 1, NH 1, NH 5

day?

hours of sleep. You’ll feel more rested and alert and ready to start a new day!

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

Where do you work? I have three offices: Children’s Dental Zone!, The W Dental Group, and Trilogy Dental Group all in Florissant, Missouri. Where did you go to school? I graduated from Riverview-Gardens High School. I received a BS in Biological Sciences, DMD (Doctor of Dental Medicine) from Southern Illinois University in Alton, IL, and I received a Pediatric Dentistry Certification from Howard University, Washington DC. What does a pediatric dentist do? I treat children of all ages and I assist them in preventing cavities from forming by evaluating the health of the teeth, mouth and gums. I also educate the parents on how best to take care of their child’s dental health to prevent cavities.

Ingredients: 3 Cups chopped fresh fruit (peaches, banana, pineapple, pears, etc.) Fruit should be in about 1 ½ -2 inch cubes 3 Tbsps Honey

Why did you choose this career? I like working with my hands and creating things and I like solving problems. By working in the area of a small mouth, I’m able to fix the cavities in order to restore the tooth to its optimal condition again, like solving a puzzle.

Directions: Preheat BBQ grill sprayed with nonstick cooking spray. Carefully skewer the fruit onto either metal skewers or wooden skewers soaked in water prior to using. Grill the kabobs for 5 minutes then brush with honey and grill for one more minute.

What is your favorite part of the job you have? Working with kids of all ages is fun. Our office environment is very kid-friendly. We like to engage the kids with music and videos to make the experience as pleasant as possible.

Grilled Fruit Kabobs

G et S o m e > Do you fall asleep at your desk? order to be at your best, go to bed S l e e p ! In early enough to allow for at least 8

Dr. Candace T. Wakefield-Tita,

in Education Program Board Certified Pediatric Dentist

Healthy Snacks

> Do you often feel tired during the

Healthcare Careers

Learning Standards: HPE6, NH3


ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • SEPTEMBER 3 - 9, 2015

A15

The St. Louis American’s award winning NIE program provides newspapers and resources to more than 7,000 teachers and students each week throughout the school year, at no charge.

CLASSROOM SPOTLIGHT

SCIENCE STARS African -American Inventor and Engineer Emmett Chappelle

Flynn Park Elementary School 5th grade teacher, Mrs. Robinson,

uses the newspaper to instruct students Zacchaeus Williams, Elliott Hunt, Lacey Spearman, and Lacy Miller during a STEM lesson. Flynn Park Elementary School is in the University City School District. Photo by Wiley Price/ St. Louis American. Teachers, if you are using the St. Louis American’s NIE program and would like to nominate your class for a Classroom Spotlight, please email: nie@stlamerican.com.

SCIENCE CORNER

Bacteria Are Everywhere!

Bacteria are everywhere! They are the smallest living organism on Earth and they are made of only one cell. That cell is surrounded by a cell wall to protect it. Some bacteria have hairs called pili, and some bacteria have long threads called flagella. Bacteria are divided into three groups, depending on their shape. Cocci bacteria are round, bacilli bacteria are straight, and spiral bacteria have a corkscrew shape. Bacteria live in colonies and can reproduce very quickly, about once every 20 minutes.

SCIENCE EXPERIMENT

Some bacteria cause disease, like tuberculosis, tooth decay, salmonella, E. coli, cholera, and many more. However, bacteria can also be helpful. An example of helpful bacteria is the bacteria found in yogurt and cheese. This helps our stomach process food. Bacteria can also be used to create some types of medicine. To learn more interesting facts about bacteria, read the “Did You Know” section (below).

Learning Standards: I can read nonfiction text for main idea and supporting details.

Create a Light Box!

Background Information: In this experiment, you will learn about attributes of light.

Materials Needed:

• 4 Plastic Clean Bottles (such as 16-20 ounce water/soda bottles) • Water • Tape • Scissors • Large Cardboard Box • Food Coloring • Foil • Plastic Cups (to fit over bottles) • Note Book

t Push the bottles into the 4 holes. The top of the bottle will still be above the top of the box. Cover the tops of the bottles with a cup.

y Look through the side of the box and observe how the light looks as it moves through the different colors. Record your findings in the notebook.

Process:

q Fill the bottles with water. Add

Reflect: Which colors tend to absorb light? How do the light rays bend and expand as the sun shines? For more information, read

food coloring to three of the bottles.

w Trace the bottom of the bottles on the top of the box and cut 4 holes.

about light refraction.

For A Light Refraction Video, Visit: http://www.

e Put tin foil on the top of the

dailymotion.com/video/x2rvd3j.

box to help light reflect into the bottles.

Learning Standards: I can follow sequential

r Cut a hole in the side of the box to look inside. MATH CONNECTION In today’s biography, you learned about a method that helped make water safe to drink. Water is a liquid that is measured in ounces, cups, pints, etc. Use this chart to answer the following questions. 8 oz = 1 cup 2 cups = 1 pint 4 cups = 1 quart 8 cups = 1/2 gallon 16 cups = 1 gallon

You’ve Got Water Problems! how many ounces of water did you drink?______ How many pints of water did you drink? ______ How many quarts of water did you drink? ______ How many gallons of water did you drink? ______

x

is essential for good health. zYouWater should drink 8-10 cups of water per day. If you drank 8 cups of water,

DID YOU KNOW? There is an average of 4 pounds of bacteria in a human body.

directions to complete an experiment. I can make deductions and draw conclusions.

Elizabeth bought a ½ gallon of lemonade for her birthday party. She has 5 guests. If each guest is given 1 cup of lemonade, how many cups of lemonade will be left? ______ Steven chose a gallon of milk at the store. If he uses 2 cups of milk for a

c

recipe and drinks 2 cups of milk, how many quarts of milk does he have left? ______ many ounces of fluid are in voneHow pint? ______ have a 16-ounce sports bdrink,If you how many pints do you have? ______

Learning Standards: I can use addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division to solve a word problem. I can covert units of liquid measurement.

New bacteria grow on a kitchen sponge every 20 minutes.

From 1950 to 1953, Chappelle worked as an instructor at Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee. He continued his research. The University of Washington offered him an opportunity to continue his research with them while he earned a master’s degree in biology. Chappelle was an eager student and he continued taking graduate classes at Stanford University. From there, Chappelle went to Baltimore to join the Research Institute for Advanced Studies. He worked on creating a safe oxygen supply for astronauts. He also worked for Hazelton Laboratories and joined NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center. His research focused on the study of luminescence (light without heat). He used chemicals from fireflies as part of his method of detecting life on Mars. This method of using light created by living organisms is called bioluminescence. Chappelle used this method to detect bacteria in water. In 2001, Chappelle retired from NASA. He has fourteen patents, and has written more than 35 scientific publications. He has been honored as one of the top 100 African-American scientists and engineers, has received an Exceptional Scientific Achievement Medal from NASA, and was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame, in 2007.

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

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

Activity One — Numbers in the newspaper can be written a variety of ways. Can you find an example of a numeral, a number written as a word, a decimal, a percentage, a fraction, a roman numeral? Can you find an example of a metric number? Explain how the numbers were used in the newspaper.

Activity Two — Circle 12 words in the newspaper that begin with a capital letter. Discuss why each word begins with a capital letter. Then, identify which of those words are proper nouns. Divide the proper nouns into categories of person, place, thing, or idea.

A dollar bill has 3,000 types of bacteria.

Researchers have found 1,458 new types of bacteria in belly buttons.

Emmett W. Chappelle was born in Phoenix, Arizona, on October 24, 1925. He grew up on a small farm and helped his family raise cotton and take care of cows. In 1942, Chappelle graduated from Phoenix Union Colored High School. After graduation, he was drafted into the army. He was able to take some engineering courses when he was assigned to the Army Specialized Training Program. Later, he was sent to Italy with the All-Black 92nd Infantry Division. Upon his return to the US, Chappelle earned his associate’s degree from Phoenix College, then used his GI Bill of Rights to receive his bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of California, in 1950.

Computer keyboards can carry as much as 200 TIMES more bacteria than a toilet seat.

Learning Standards: I can use the newspaper to locate information. I can identify the purpose of capitalization and classify information.

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


ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • SEPTEMBER 3 - 9, 2015

A16

Community Briefs

JAPANESE FESTIVAL 30 th Anniversary of the Kimono Fashion Show

SE PT 5 –7 labor day weekend

4344 Shaw Blvd. • St. Louis, MO 63110 (314) 577-5100 • www.mobot.org

Deltas host Fall Retreat Sept. 12

The St. Louis Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. will hold their annual Fall Retreat on Saturday, September 12 at the Highlands Golf Course-Forest Park , 5163 Clayton Ave., from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The theme is “Sisters Learning from Our Past, Growing in Our Present and Looking Toward Our Future.”

The Retreat is open to all Deltas. Ticket prices are $25 per person which includes brunch, yoga (bring your mat), meditation, mini massages, workshops, singing, dancing, games and fellowship. Attire is Delta casual. Mitchelle Price is president of the St. Louis Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

For more information, contact chairpersons Sheila O’Connor (636-634-7128, sheiladst77@yahoo.com) or Deatra McFarlin at (314-7046492, demcfarlin@gmail.com). Submit payments to Rogerlyn Simington, Financial Secretary, at DST/SLA, P. O. Box 410844, St. Louis, MO 63141.

Young Visionary Award deadline is Sept. 25

The Youth Council for Positive Development is now accepting applications for the Jamala Rogers Young Visionary Award. the award recognizes and supports young adults who have made efforts to promote social justice and human rights. Applicants must be between the ages of 17-24 years old and reside in the St. Louis metropolitan area. They must already be enrolled or

planned to enroll in a college or vocational institution by the next academic semester. The applicant must submit a typed 500-750 word essay about a project s/he initiated that impacted public policy or laws, changed the quality of life for the community or impacted a particular issue or problem. A letter is required from an adult associated with the program or project who can confirm its impact. The application

package can also include photos, news clippings, etc. that document the effort. The deadline for the application is September 25. A $2000 monetary award will be made directly to the institution the recipient is or will be attending. For more information visit www.positiveyouthdev.com or contact the Youth Council at 314-669-5959.

Tracy Chambers suffered from end stage heart failure, which made everyday life a struggle. It was clear she needed a heart transplant when she came to Barnes-Jewish Hospital.

LVAD programs in the country. It’s experience that ensures our patients get the best care. Our integrated heart and transplant teams also work together to provide patients with the latest technology and a full range of treatment options.

While she waited for a new heart, her Washington University surgeon implanted a left ventricular assist device, an LVAD, which boosted her weakened heart’s ability to pump blood. When a new heart was found, Tracy was ready.

For Tracy, it added up to an experience that gave her confidence, hope and, most importantly, a new heart that brought her back to a life she can fully enjoy.

We’ve performed more than 700 heart transplants and have one of the largest

To learn more about her story, visit BarnesJewish.org/Tracy or call us at 314-747-2350 for a physician referral.

National Leaders in:

B a r n e s J e w i s h . o r g / L e a d e r s

B116-031623_03_BrandPrint-Garden_StLouisAmer_Vs2.indd 1

2/24/14 9:32 AM


Business

Aldermen pass minimum wage hike

B1

SEPTEMBER 3 – 9, 2015

Raised to $11 in City of St. Louis by 2018

People On The Move Shirley A. Wooten has joined the Annie Malone Children & Family Service Center’s Board of Directors. Evangelist Wooten is first lady of the Eastern Missouri Western Illinois, Jurisdiction Shirley A. Church of God in Wooten Christ (COGIC) and first lady of Williams Temple COGIC., where her husband, Bishop Lawrence M. Wooten, is the prelate and pastor.

Leonard D. Burton was named a Senior Fellow at the Center for the Study of Social Policy. Burton, of St. Louis, will play a key role in leading its Youth Thrive initiative to ensure healthy development Leonard D. and well-being for all Burton youth, including those in foster care. Most recently, he was chief operating officer of Jim Casey Youth Opportunities Initiative.

Dominica Fuller was promoted to sergeant in the Ferguson Police Department. She initially was hired by the City of Ferguson as a corrections officer in November of 1999. Six years later, she enrolled in Dominica the Eastern Missouri Fuller Police Academy, graduating in October of 2005 to become a patrolman for Ferguson.

Photo by Wiley Price

Aldermen Tammika Hubbard, Samuel Moore and Freeman Bosley Sr. listened to Alderwoman Sharon Tyus debate the city minimum wage increase. By Jason Rosenbaum & Rachel Lippmann Of St. Louis Public Radio St. Louis Aldermen completed a harrowing process to raise the city’s minimum wage – a decision that supporters say will help the city’s low-income workers. But few believe that Friday’s affirmative vote marks the last word in the minimum wage saga, especially if businesses or business groups pursue legal action to invalidate the newly enacted ordinance. Aldermen backed legislation by a 16-8 n If an margin that would employer is gradually raise the city’s found to be minimum wage to $11 in “repeated an hour by 2018. The city’s wage will go up violation” of the ordinance’s from $7.65 an hour to $8.25 an hour on Oct. 15 guidelines, the – and then go up to $9 city’s license an hour on Jan. 1. It will then rise to $10 an hour collector can in 2017 and $11 an hour revoke an in 2018. establishment’s If an employer is business found to be in “repeated violation” of the license. ordinance’s guidelines, the city’s license collector can revoke an establishment’s business license. The Board of Public Service can also take away other licenses, such as an occupancy permit. St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay signed the bill sponsored by Shane Cohn of the 25th Ward into law soon after the Board of Aldermen passed it. With the Democratic mayor’s signature, St. Louis becomes the second city in Missouri – behind Kansas City – to raise its minimum wage this year. Slay and Kansas City Mayor Sly James subsequently called for a statewide minimum wage increase. “This new law gives the workers of St. Louis a long, overdue raise and brings the American Dream closer and within reach for thousands of families in our area,” Slay said at a press conference signing the bill. Getting Cohn’s bill to Slay’s desk wasn’t easy. Legislation that raised the minimum wage to $15 an hour got bottled up in an aldermanic committee, and aldermen couldn’t approve a pared down version in time for their summer See WAGE HIKE, B6

LaVell Monger received a Janice Mosby Scholarship from Prosperity Connection, formerly known as the St. Louis Community CU Foundation. He attends University of Missouri–St. LaVell Louis and majors in Monger Anthropology. The scholarship awards first-time or reentry students age 23 or older with $2,500 towards their educational costs.

Bonita Williams is providing locally based counseling at the new HOPE Inside location in Regions Banks’ New Halls Ferry branch in Florissant. A St. Louis native, Williams has more Bonita than 10 years of Williams financial services experience and has served clients throughout North St. Louis County for several years. Photo by Wiley Price

Alderman Antonio French conferred with Alderman Chris Carter during the debate of the city’s minimum wage increase.

Why I opposed the minimum wage increase The problem is the economics of the city doing it alone

By Antonio D. French For The St. Louis American

Over the years I’ve made many votes on the Board of Aldermen that weren’t popular. I was one of only two votes against Paul McKee Jr.’s project, which years later most now see is a disaster. I was one of a few votes against Slay’s firefighter pension plan, which a judge later made the city restructure into a more fair two-tier system that I long advocated for. I was one of the few votes against the NGA eminent

domain deal and its companion legislation mortgaging city buildings to pay to remove people and business from the land. There have been many times I’ve voted on the unpopular side because the facts of the proposal didn’t make good economic sense. On Tuesday, August 25 I did the same thing. There are many people (some of them friends of mine) who, for very noble reasons, strongly advocate for the City of St. Louis See FRENCH, B6

Matthew Ocenas has joined the Annie Malone Children & Family Service Center’s Board of Directors. Ocenas has been involved with many companies across many industries, Matthew including information Ocenas technology, real estate, distribution, manufacturing, professional services, retail and non-profit. His knowledge in financial statement preparation, analysis, budgeting and cash management will help the agency.

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


B2

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • SEPTEMBER 3 – 9, 2015

Personal Finance

Money prep for prospective parents tackle the childcare issue as early as possible. Prospective parents might also speak with a qualified tax advisor about whether it is more advantageous to claim the Child and Dependent Care Credit on their taxes or pay childcare expenses from a Flexible Spending Account at work. Loved ones can also lend financial assistance to a new family in a variety of ways. Affordable basics include general parenting advice, as-needed babysitting services and sharing coupons and handme-downs like clothing, toys and unneeded child-related equipment in good condition. For those willing to lend financial support, such options might include a Coverdell Education Savings Account, 529 college savings plan or a gift of cash or assets to the child subject to IRS rules. Also, anyone can directly pay medical expenses in full for someone they do not claim as a dependent under certain circumstances. If friends or family members offer financial help, encourage them to evaluate options with qualified financial and tax experts. Finally, prospective parents should become dedicated bargain hunters and savers with an equal focus on handling childcare expenses and supporting retirement goals. Both financial goals are equally important.

By Nathaniel Sillin It costs parents an average of $245,340 to raise a child from birth to age 18. That figure from the U.S. Agriculture Department is just one reason why prospective parents are advised to consider parallel financial planning for child-based expenses and retirement. The key is to start doing it as early as possible – in a December 2012 article in The New Republic, adults are starting families later than previous generations. In short, savings needs for childcare, college and retirement seem on a tighter collision course than ever. For prospective couples or single parents, any discussion of family should begin with the pros and cons of starting a family in terms of personal, lifestyle and career success. In short, the question “Do we want kids?” should come before “Can we afford kids?” Once family goals are settled, it’s wise to evaluate where current finances stand. While many couples have a thorough money talk (http:// www.practicalmoneyskills. com/moneyquestions) before they wed, it works for family planning, too. Couples and single parents will benefit from complete financial transparency before pregnancy, adoption proceedings or fertility treatment starts. Utilize qualified financial and tax advice to fit specific circumstances. Consult trusted family and friends for referrals to qualified financial planning and tax experts. Also check current tax rules for how to handle and potentially deduct certain costs related to adoption or fertility treatments. Research thoroughly and bookmark resources online. The IRS website (http:// www.irs.gov/Individuals/ Parents) continually updates its summary of tax issues

for parents which can guide overall planning. New authors and bloggers emerge daily on virtually every aspect of parenting; friends, relatives and colleagues can also provide resources. For prospective parents who are employed, it is a good idea to evaluate benefits well ahead

of a pregnancy, fertilization procedures or adoption. Depending on specific circumstances, employees should review health and general benefits for routine and emergency medical coverage, medical leave policy and extras like child care benefits. Couples should compare their

coverage to determine who has the best family coverage overall. Start planning for childcare expenses as soon as possible. Full- or part-time childcare services for working parents can be surprisingly expensive and difficult to obtain depending on location.

In 2015, the White House reported that the average cost of full-time care for an infant was about $10,000 a year, and a 2014 Boston Globe (https:// www.bostonglobe.com) report noted state-by-state estimates that were significantly higher. For peace of mind and affordability, it is advisable to

Bottom line: It pays to plan early for a family. Evaluate your finances, reach out to friends and family for advice and get help from qualified experts if you need it. Nathaniel Sillin directs Visa’s financial education programs. To follow Practical Money Skills on Twitter: www. twitter.com/PracticalMoney.

Opinion

MSD not coming clean on diversity

By Adolphus Pruitt For The St. Louis American

On April 22, 2013 the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District (MSD) approved Resolution #3080, committing to a disparity study and the full implementation of vendor and workforce diversity goals for all future procurements after August 1, 2013. The resolution also required MSD staff to monitor and analyze any data regarding the implementation of vendor and workforce diversity goals and adjust implementation of any goals appropriately. Ninety-days later, Brian Hoelscher (MSD’s executive director) introduced a policy of his own, waiving the hiring of African Americans: “When the new workforce goals were put in place all existing construction contractor crews with full-time employees were allowed to temporarily retain their race and gender composition.” In short, if you bid on a MSD contract and had an all-white work-crew, as long you made them full-time employees, you were exempt from the goals. I first learned of this policy in a March 2015 meeting between myself, Lew Moye of the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists, Claude Brown Sr. and Hoelscher. Hoelscher emphatically stated, “I’m not going to require whites to be laid off to hire blacks.” He further stated, “I made the decision, and I’ll take full responsibility for it.” Despite having a policy in place that restricted African Americans from being hired, Hoelscher proposed Ord. No.

suit and his need to change 13974, which was approved the policy. He also told them on September 12, 2013, to that his Board of Trustees were establish a sewer constructionfrustrated with the workforce related occupational training participation and wanted strict program. This was intended enforcement of the goals. to assist with meeting vendor By August 2015, the and workforce diversity goal NAACP began to requirements for file complaints – and the district’s capital MSD began a PR program with the campaign lying to St. Louis Agency the public. African on Training and American’s trust in Employment (SLATE). MSD will edge even By October 1, 2014, lower after realizing MSD formally that MSD’s Public included the First Information Manager Source Hiring in their Adolphus Lance LeComb lied to Minority Business Pruitt them in his published Enterprise Utilization response to the & Workforce program; NAACP. hired a half-dozen in-house According to LeComb, MBE compliance monitors; MSD’s First Source hiring and contracted with an external program did not start until third-party compliance early 2015. In fact, MSD consultant. made First Source On March 31, a requirement 2015, the NAACP n “If you bid on in their MBE issue a Notice of a MSD contract Utilization & Default to MSD, Workforce alleging that MSD and had an allwhite work-crew, program effective was in default of on October 1, 2014 the Community as long you over 11 months Benefits made them fullAgreement that time employees, ago.LeComb further we are party you were questioned how to; that MSD’s I knew whether default constitutes exempt from the anyone in the First irreparable injury goals.” Source program to minority got hired on a business – Adolphus Pruitt MSD project. enterprises and This was another workforce; attempt to deceive and that we the public, because would pursue all he had to do was look at enforcement remedies their First Source Program including injunctive relief. Quarterly Report from 10/14 Shortly after receiving to 12/14 and contact the 40 our notice, Hoelscher met African Americans on the with representatives of the MSD-BUD Journeymen List, Association of General which is what I did. Contractors and SITE, Most of the African informing them of our intent American journeymen on the to file

list signed up in November of 2014, not in early 2015, as LeComb would like the public to believe. LeComb stated that MSD’s policy of allowing all-white work-crews was “temporary,” when in fact the practice lasted from August 2013 to August 2015. Twoyears is not “temporary.” LeComb would like you to believe that they are making strides in hiring minorities. One project reportedly obtained 40 percent participation in workforce. But the disparity study recommendations approved by MSD’s board required hiring goals to be counted by trade, and MSD has yet to produce their minority hiring numbers per trade. Only when they do will we be able to see if the 40 percent participation number is real. LeComb further brags about workforce goals associated with professional services contracts. What he didn’t tell you was that MSD has consistently renewed professional service contracts and refused to attach the current workforce goals to those contracts, costing African Americans permanent jobs with those companies. According to MSD’s workforce study, African Americans have the capacity to meet hiring goals of 17.8 percent as office and managerial staff; 18.48 percent as professionals; and 28.85 percent as technicians. We cannot allow public agencies to twist information and actively lie to the AfricanAmerican community. Adolphus Pruitt is president of the St. Louis City Branch of the NAACP.


n “Maybe it was not meant to be me. Maybe it’s meant to be the next person to be amazing, and I’m just opening the door.” – Serena Williams, on not being the top woman in tennis in endorsement money

Sports

INSIDE

Right, it’s the preseason ~ See ‘Rams Roundup’ page B4 ~ B3

SEPTEMBER 3 – 9, 2015

Prep Football Notebook

Sports Eye

With Earl Austin Jr.

Early season drama

With Alvin Reid

Race, GOPs and the Rams

Ladue loses upset, last-second wins for Althoff and Webster

The Ladue Rams have high expectations after last season’s run to the Class 5 state semifinals. Those dreams were tempered a little during the opening week when Ladue was upended 17-14 by Farmington in their home opener. The second week was a different story as the Rams drubbed Jennings 54-13 in an early conference showdown. A big difference in the Rams performance between their first and second games was the availability of senior running back Daylen Edwards. The 5’10” 190-pound pound Edwards was injured during the preseason and played only sparingly in the second half in the loss to Farmington. Against Jennings, Edwards was a dominant performer despite carrying the ball only six times. Those six carries produced 140 yards rushing and three touchdowns on runs of 79, 35 and seven yards. When Edwards is going strong, it changes everything for Ladue as they break in a couple of new quarterbacks in talented sophomore Jordan Jackson and junior Evan Mack. Edwards was a huge part of Ladue’s success last season as a junior when he rushed for 1,320 yards and 16 touchdowns in the Rams’ 12-2 season.

Some Republican legislators would rather see St. Louis fall than stadium rise

Late-game drama There were a couple of dramatic last-second endings to games that spiced up the weekend in the area. On Friday night, Belleville Althoff escaped with a 25-22 victory over upset-minded Collinsville with a last-minute drive in the opener for both teams. The Crusaders mounted an 80-yard drive in the last one minute and 58 seconds to post the exciting victory. Jordan Augustine connected with Edwyn Brown on a 15-yard touchdown pass with 15 seconds left to give the Crusaders the victory. See PREP, B4

Photo by Wiley Price

Parkway Central Colts wide receiver Nate Moore (18) is pulled down by Normandy’s James Wright (38) during Saturday’s game at Viking Stadium. The Colts would defeat the Vikings 49-8.

Former Anheuser-Busch executive David Peacock and attorney Bob Blitz sold the residents of the city of St. Louis short. Instead of finagling a legal, yet reprehensible, path to bond financing for a proposed new downtown football stadium, they should have had faith in themselves and St. Louisans. There should have been a campaign to win votes and win at the ballot box. The people of St. Louis should have decided on whether to use city dollars on the project. If that had occurred, Peacock, Blitz and Gov. Jay Nixon might not be dealing with a handful of Republican legislators Alvin grandstanding in an Reid effort to block the state from helping finance the stadium – especially hypocritical state Sen. Rob Schaff of St. Joseph. Schaff has vowed to do everything in his power to halt any issuance of bonds without a legislative vote of approval or a statewide ballot question. State Rep. Scott Fitzpatrick of Shell Knob (yes, there is a Shell Knob, Missouri) has also threatened to work against state funding for the stadium, saying, “I will do everything within my power” to ensure “that this plan does not go forward unless there is first an affirmative vote of the people or the General Assembly specifically authorizing the issuance of debt.” This isn’t about the state, the NFL, the Rams or the stadium. This is about the GOP’s hate for

In The Clutch

See EYE, B5

With Ishmael H. Sistrunk

Next man up keeps Redbirds rolling

Tuesday night, the St. sure the Cardinals clubhouse Louis Cardinals’ second concould’ve used a parental advisecutive 8-5 win over the sory sticker as Mike Matheny Washington Nationals highand Derek Lilliquist likely lighted an amazing trend that cussed and fussed every time has helped keep the Redbirds a Nationals player crushed atop the standings all season. another Gonzales ball into the With scheduled startoutfield. Luckily for the er Carlos Martinez home team, Nationals scratched due to starter Joe Ross’s arm minor back soreness, was trying out for a fans could’ve easily cameo on AMC’s The expected the Redbirds’ Walking Dead, seeing impressive eight-game as how many walks and winning streak over free runs he gave up in the Nationals to finally his short night on the come to an end. It was mound. a giveaway game for When the visitIshmael H. a team that had won ing team took a 5-3 Sistrunk eight of the previous lead in the seventh nine contests. However, giving inning, hordes of fans left away wins isn’t ‘The Cardinal the stadium. They missed yet Way’ and instead the ball club another late-inning comeback rode a wave of youngsters and by the Cardinals. It wasn’t newbies to pull off yet another the Cardinals big guns that magical, come-from-behind drove them to victory. It victory. wasn’t Yadier Molina, Jason Straight Outta AAA Heyward or rookie phenom Memphis, the start was given Steven Piscotty that reposto Marco Gonzales, who sessed the win. It wasn’t Matt was called up courtesy of Holliday, Randal Grichuk, the expanded MLB rosters Matt Adams or Jon Jay (all in September. Gonzales proinjured) powering the almighty ceeded to give up four runs St. Louis ship. It was the virin less than three innings. I’m tually unknown guys such as

n Giving away wins isn’t ‘The Cardinal Way’ and instead the ball club rode a wave of youngsters and newbies to pull off yet another magical, comefrom-behind victory.

Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI

St. Louis Cardinals Jason Heyward gets around Washington Nationals catcher Jose Lobaton to score from second base on a single by Kolten Wong in the seventh inning Monday night at Busch Stadium. The Cardinals won the game 8-5. Tommy Pham, Greg Garcia and Cody Stanley coming up with big at bats when it count-

ed. It was the recently acquired (and recently struggling) Brandon Moss who crushed

a 1-0 pitch 421-feet over the center field wall to give the Cardinals a walk-off victory.

Sure, the talented, but underperforming Nationals aren’t likely to make the playoffs. The win may not be big in the sense of being over the Pittsburgh Pirates or Chicago Cubs. The importance in the victory lies in how it was won. The Cardinals continue to get production when and where you expect it the least. Scan the team’s statistics and there are no MVP candidates to be seen. Heyward, who struggled mightily at the start of the season has rebounded and now sports the team’s best qualifying batting See CLUTCH, B5


B4

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • SEPTEMBER 3 – 9, 2015

Rams Roundup

Right, it’s the preseason With Palmer L. Alexander III

No big deal, no worries – sure

I got a couple of takeaways defense has been known to from the Rams’ 24-14 loss to start slow, and with the offense the Indianapolis Colts from last still looking for traction, the weekend. defense is still going to have to As much as I love watching carry the team. this talented defense play, they After three preseason games, still make mental gaffes that I’ve come to the conclusion should not be happening. Most that if the Rams want to have of the starters on this defense any success on offense, they’re have been in the same system going to have to turn QB Nick going on four seasons and yet Foles loose. you still see players out of I think the Rams are going position, poor tackling, to have a difficult time little to no pass rush, trying to run the football. and blown coverage. I’m not saying ignore the The bad tackling run. The Rams may have is really inexcusable. to throw the ball first Cornerback Janoris then try to establish the Jenkins flung himself run afterwards. It’s so towards the cleats vital for this team to get of Colts wideout out front and establish a Andre Johnson, Palmer L. lead. Put together some and Johnson leaped Alexander drives, eat some time over Jenkins like he off the clock and let this was a mushroom on defense rest. Super Mario Brothers World Watching the Rams offense, 1-2. He’s not the only one. you better not blink. If you do It’s almost contagious with its 3rd and 8, 3rd and 9, or 3rd the Rams defense; everyone is and forever before you know it. going for a kill shot, instead of This offensive line is scary. the tackle. There was one time Foles For all the fawning over the couldn’t even get into his drop front seven, we still haven’t before he got sacked on the seen a sack yet from the turf. Then you get two 15-yard number ones. Right, it’s the “hands to the face” penalties preseason. No big deal. on the offensive line. As usual, Now the defensive line did it only backs up the Rams and show signs of coming to life, put them in long distances and stuffing the run at the point of they don’t have the firepower attack. Second-year defensive to make 15 yards disappear. tackle Aaron Donald was The Rams were hit with constantly busting through 10 penalties. They had three the Colts offensive line and of them in the first quarter. almost recorded a safety. The The penalty on wideout

PREP

Continued from B3 Saturday afternoon’s game between Webster Groves and Hazelwood East provided an even more heart-stopping

finish. Webster Groves trailed 12-7 and had one final play left to try to take the victory. That’s when quarterback John Doria hit receiver John Thomas with a 26-yard touchdown with no time remaining to give the Statesmen an improbable 13-13 victory over the visiting

Photo by Lawrence Bryant

The St. Louis Rams running back Trey Watts fights for extra yardage Saturday night against the Indianapolis Colts at the Edwards Jones Dome. Tavon Austin was an awful call. But since the Rams have a reputation for being undisciplined, those calls are

going against them. After all these years, you stop blaming the players and start looking at the coach.

For more Rams Roundup, please subscribe to youtube. com/stlamericanvideo. You can also hear me on “The Charlie

Tuna Show” on Talk1380AM M-F 6-8 p.m. and on my podcast @NtheZone on Twitter.

Spartans.

Friday night when his Jr. Bills defeated Lutheran North 42-13. Kornfeld ties his predecessor Paul Martell with 200 career wins. On the same day, Bob Bunton of Parkway North achieved career victory No. 100 as his Vikings defeated host McCluer 33-12. Both coaches have done an excellent job of producing winning teams and quality players over the years. They are good men as well. Congratulations for the special achievements.

Moore of Cardinal Ritter is off to a tremendous start of the 2015 campaign. In two games, Moore has rushed for 498 yards and five touchdowns. Last weekend, the 6’0” 205pound Moore rushed for 288 yards and four touchdowns in a 44-6 victory over Lift For Life. In the Lions’ opener, Moore rushed for 210 yards and scored on an interception return in a 33-6 loss to perennial power John Burroughs.

victories over Hazelwood East (23-14) and McCluer South-Berkeley (47-8). U. City’s offense has been led by quarterback Keandre Bledsoe, who has rushed for 185 yards and passed for 303 yards in two games. Bledsoe rushed for 115 yards and three touchdowns against Berkeley last Saturday. He had 260 yards of total offense and a pair of touchdowns against Hazelwood East. Keeson Taylor also had a big game against Berkeley with 104 yards rushing and two touchdowns. The Lions will host a talented McCluer North team on Friday at 4:15 p.m.

Milestone weekend Some area coaches reached milestone victories last weekend. SLUH coach Gary Kornfeld picked up career victory No. 200 last

Moore, Moore, Moore Senior running back Naeem

Lions roar early The University City Lions are off to a nice 2-0 start with

Earl’s Game of the Week SLUH at Vianney, Friday, 7 p.m. – It’s the Metro Catholic Conference opener for both schools. SLUH and Vianney are out of the gate quickly with impressive 2-0 starts. SLUH is led by junior running back Andrew Clair who has rushed for 330 yards and seven touchdowns. Quarterback Mitchell Batschelett has five touchdown passes. Seniors David Jackson and Daniel Isom are big-play performers on both sides of the ball. Vianney has one of the area’s top sophomores in quarterback Tionne Harris, who has rushed for 191 yards and passed for 450 yards. Senior Devin Marty has rushed for 252 yards and four touchdowns. Top games this week Kirkwood (2-0) at Lafayette (1-1), Friday, 7 p.m. Parkway North (2-0) at Parkway Central (1-1), Friday, 7 p.m. McCluer North (0-2) at University City (2-0), Friday, 4:15 p.m. CBC (2-0) at Fort Zumwalt West (1-1), Friday, 7 p.m. Parkway West (2-0) at Summit (2-0), Friday, 7 p.m. Althoff (1-0) at Helias (1-1), Friday, 7 p.m. Priory (2-0) at John Burroughs (2-0), Saturday, 1 p.m. Lombard Montini (1-1) at East St. Louis (1-0), Saturday, 6 p.m. Lutheran South (2-0) at MICDS (1-1), Saturday, 1 p.m. Vashon (2-0) vs. Cleveland (0-2) at Sumner, Saturday, 10 a.m. McCluer South-Berkeley (1-1) at Ladue (1-1), Saturday, 1 p.m.


B5

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • SEPTEMBER 3 – 9, 2015

From The East Side

Marquee matchup With Maurice Scott, Jr.

ESL hosts Lombard Montini in ‘House of Pain’ on Saturday night

A combined 12 IHSA state championships will be on display when the East St. Louis Senior High Flyers take on the Broncos of Lombard Montini play on Saturday night in the 5th annual City of Champions Foundation football classic. Kick-off is at 6 p.m. at Clyde C. Jordan Stadium in East St. Louis. This year’s event will be a double-header, with the opening game between Gateway STEM and Confluence Academy beginning at 3 p.m. The marquee match-up will feature two of the state’s Cadillac programs. Lombard Montini head coach Chris Adriano is in his 36th season. Under Adriano, the Broncos won four consecutive Illinois Class 5A state championships from 2009-2012. Montini also finished second in 2013 and 2014. East St. Louis Senior, the state’s winningest program with 745 victories, has a total of seven state championships. East Side won six titles under former legendary coach Bob Shannon, who was 122-23 in 20 seasons. Current head coach Darren Sunkett led the Flyers top a state title in 2008. Montini opened the 2015 season with a thrilling 20-17 win over Park Ridge Maine South. According to Adriano, he has

EYE

Continued from B3 anything Democratic – including Gov. Nixon. This is also about a Republicandominated legislature that – for the most part – could care less about the city’s fate. Yes, race plays a role in that thinking, don’t delude yourself into thinking it doesn’t. As for Schaff, he wasn’t suing or trying to torpedo a $25-million tax credit from the Missouri Development Finance Board in June 2009 that helped construct a new practice facility for the Kansas City Chiefs in – you guessed it – St. Joseph. The deal saw the Chiefs give Missouri Western State

CLUTCH Continued from B3

average at .290. When his game was down in the dirt, Carpenter was lighting it up with his bat. When Carp went cold, Heyward took off. Piscotty was the club’s top-hitting minor league prospect going into the season, so it’s unfair to say he came out of nowhere. However, I think it’s fair to say that nobody outside the Piscotty family expected him to hack away at a .338 clip as a mid-season call up. Grichuk was another youngster performing above expectations before his recent stint to the DL. Whether a key Cardinals player is struggling or shut

what he feels is “his fastest team in 36 years” at Montini. “We have a bunch of guys who can run 4.4, 4.6 (second) 40-yard times on our team,” Adriano said. Leading the charge against Maine South was running back Prince Walker and quarterback Justin Blake. Walker, who was a 1,000-yard rusher last season, had a 60-yard touchdown gallop against Maine South to put the game on ice for the Broncos. Blake was 13-18 for 209 Maurice yards. In addition, he rushed for Scott 115 yards on 18 carries. It was only Blake’s second start of his career at quarterback. Blake’s counterpart, junior Reyondus Estes, was spectacular against Chicago Simeon last Saturday night in the Flyers’ opening 28-21 victory. Estes combined for a total of 157 yards. He was 17-22 for 123 yards passing while rushing for 34 yards and a touchdown. The Flyers also got a big boost from their running game. Junior Kerrion “Blinky”

Chairs had 13 carries for 65 yards in his first season of playing football. Junior wide receivers Jeff Thomas, and Jermaine Grissom made big plays at key moments in the come from behind win against Simeon. But it was the Flyers’ defense last Saturday that turned a 21-6 halftime deficit to a 28-21 victory against a talented Simeon team. Linebacker James “Bonecrusher” Knight had a key interception to setup a Flyers’ score late in the 3rd quarter. In addition, the Flyers had key defensive plays by safety Stanley Green and a huge game by lineman Antuan Quilling against the highly touted offensive juggernaut of Simeon. The East St Louis defense will have a huge test again on Saturday against the IHSA Class 5-State runners-up in Montini. Event organizers and former East Side alum and University of Illinois players Dana Howard and Julyon Brown again will feature the marquee matchup in the St. Louis area this weekend at the “House of Pain.” Tickets are $8 in advance, and $10 at the door.

University $10 million to build an indoor practice facility in exchange for the $25 million tax credit. It also included $2.25 million from the city of St. Joseph without voter approval and $2.25 million from Buchanan County without voter approval. All those dollars went the Chiefs’ way without a peep from Schaff. Of course, he is just following in his predecessor’s footsteps. A June 2008 Post-Dispatch editorial stated “State Sen. Charlie Shields, R-St. Joseph, used to scoff at the tax credits going to St. Louis, but he led the charge for the Chiefs and their training camp in, ahem, St. Joseph.” Fitzpatrick is 27 and in

his second term as a state representative. His quick rise to vice chair of the state Budget Committee has made him one of the most powerful legislators in Jefferson City. It’s obvious he has his sight set on his political future. Winning favor from his conservative base by trying to stomp on St. Louis means more to him than a football stadium or the loss of the Rams to Los Angeles. Other GOP legislators mouthing off about the stadium deal include Rep. Tom Flannigan of Carthage and Sen. Kurt Schaefer of Columbia. I won’t throw Rep. Jay Barnes of Jefferson City into this Johnny-come-lately group because he spoke up with his concerns many months ago. He

does not appear to be pandering for votes or hating on Gov. Nixon. Sen. Ryan Silvey of Kansas City is obviously being twofaced by fighting the deal, just like Schaff. Of course, we do have at least one local politician lost in partisan foolishness. Sen. Bob Onder of Lake Saint Louis told St. Louis Public Radio, “I don’t understand why Nixon is spending the last year of his administration trying to pull a stunt like this. But it’s not going to be successful.” As for these gentlemen opposing $15 million in tax credits for the new stadium (which could grow to $50 million), they should be reminded that the Chiefs and

down due to injury, it seems like the next man up always produces. Some Cardinals fans are nervous about the team finishing with at least 100 wins. The last two times the club reached the century mark, they were bounced out of the playoffs. In 2005, they lost in the NLCS to the Houston Astros. In 2004, they were swept in the World Series by the Boston Red Sox. Conversely, when the Cardinals have squeaked into the playoffs in 2006 and 2011, they emerged with championships. Those fans should take solace in the fact that the Cardinals insane amount of injuries this season could be a blessing in disguise. Holliday, Grichuk, Jay and Adams (though he recently suf-

fered a minor rehab setback) are all expected to return in mid-September. If they can return at least two weeks before the playoffs, in order to work off any rust, they should all be well-rested and rejuvenated for a long playoff run. Adam Wainwright, the team’s fallen ace, is also hoping to return in time for the playoffs despite a serious Achilles injury. My gut says that a Waino return is still a longshot. However, even if he is cleared and works strictly out of the bullpen, it will be a huge adrenaline boost to an already confident and capable team. Even if a few of those players don’t make it back to full health or is re-injured, the team has proven that it can take a licking and keep on

ticking. In the days when superstars like Mark McGwire and Albert Pujols anchored the Cardinals lineup, opponents knew which batters to avoid in critical situations. Now the Cardinals are more like ninjas. You never know where the strikes are coming from. As the old boxing adage states, “It’s the punch you can’t see that hurts you the most.”

St. Louis American Prep Athletes of the Week Bryce French Lutheran St. Charles Football The talented sophomore running back had one of the most productive performances in recent memory in the Cougars’ 46-44 victory over Father Tolton Catholic on Saturday. French amassed an incredible total of 601 yards of all-purpose yardage and scored six touchdowns to lead Lutheran. He rushed for 380 yards on 31 carries and scored five touchdowns on runs of 35, 28, 9, 2 and 26 yards. He also had 221 yards of return yardage, including an 88-yard kickoff return for another score. In two games, French has rushed for 547 yards and has scored nine touchdowns. He had 167 yards and three touchdowns in Lutheran’s opening season victory over Principia.

Makayla Hurst Timberland Softball The sophomore standout is one of the top young hitters in the St. Louis metro area. After six games, Hurst has a .500 batting average with one home run and team-high 11 runs batted in and a slugging percentage of .778. In last week’s Troy Tournament, Hurst was three of five with three runs scored and five runs batted in. She was two-for-two with a double and three RBIs in a 9-8 loss to Columbia Hickman. Hurst also had a double and two RBI against Hillsboro. Hurst also has a flair for dramatic as she hit a game-winning 3-run home run in the seventh inning to give Timberland a 6-4 victory over Parkway South.

Follow Ishmael and In the Clutch on Twitter @ IshmaelSistrunk

Reyondus Estes of East St. Louis

Kansas City Royals received $50 million in credits for renovation of their respective stadiums. Sprint Arena in Kansas City received $20 million in state tax credits, and it is still searching for an anchor NHL or NBA franchise it has desperately needed since it opened in 2008. The St. Louis Cardinals didn’t get what they wanted from the state in financial support, but did receive more than $20 million in tax credits

for the newest Busch Stadium which opened in 2006. Regardless of how residents of the St. Louis region feel about the proposed new stadium deal, each should be aware that Schaff, Fitzpatrick and their Republican buddies do not and never will have St. Louis’ best interest at heart. Alvin Reid is a panelist on the news discussion show “Donnybrook” on KETC Channel 9, and is also an author and radio commentator.


B6

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • SEPTEMBER 3 – 9, 2015

WAGE HIKE

brought dozens of those types of jobs to his ward, he would “kiss them on the mouth.” “We still want to attract jobs and bring businesses to our wards and our communities and try to put the huge number of unemployed people to work,” French said. “It would be easier to get into work at $8, $9, $10 an hour than to force somebody to hire someone without a high school diploma and a low-skilled worker for $11, [especially] when they can be hired for much less in St. Louis County.” Slay, though, said he didn’t think there would be “any discernible effect on jobs in the city of St. Louis,” pointing to studies that his office had examined. Aldermen on Tuesday removed language that exempted from the minimum wage increases sheltered workshops employing the developmentally disabled. That change left many of those workshops concerned they would go out of business. The board on Friday defeated an effort by Ogilvie to keep the current exemption in place. Cohn promised to draft legislation to deal with the workshops’ concerns.

continued from page B1

break. Some contended that they needed to get the work done by Friday, mainly because of a vetoed bill known as HB722 that appears to preempt local minimum wage increases that go into effect after August 28. It’s highly possible that the Missouri General Assembly will override that veto. But some, including House Speaker Todd Richardson, R-Poplar Bluff, and Sen. Kurt Schaefer, R-Columbia, don’t believe that the date enclosed in the bill amounts to a grace period for cities to pass minimum wage increases. Throughout the roughly two-month process, Cohn’s bill faced several tough blows. St. Louis County Executive Steve Stenger said the county wouldn’t follow the city’s lead in raising the minimum wage. And St. Louis Board of Aldermen President Lewis Reed held off calling a continuing session until certain exemptions were removed from the bill. When Reed finally called aldermen back into session, Cohn’s bill managed to initially pass with the help of an unusual coalition that included Slay’s traditional allies and rivals. Voting for the measure were Aldermen Sharon Tyus, Freeman Bosley Sr., Sam Moore, Tammika Hubbard, Christine Ingrassia, Beth Murphy, Megan Ellyia Green, Terry Kennedy, Marlene Davis, Cara Spencer, Shane Cohn, Frank Williamson, Chris Carter, Lewis Reed, Jeffrey Boyd and Scott Ogilvie. Opposed were Aldermen Jack Coatar, Kenneth Ortmann, Joe Vollmer, Tom Villa, Carol Howard, Donna Baringer, Antonio French and Joe Vaccaro. Not voting were Dionne Flowers, Stephen Conway, Larry Arnowitz, Joe Roddy and Lyda Krewson. Conway, as the chief financial officer of Imo’s Pizza, had recused himself from the start.

Litigation expected

Photo by Wiley Price

Tom Shepard, chief of staff for aldermanic President Lewis Reed, and Reed conferred with Alderman Freeman Bosley Sr. during the debate of the city’s minimum wage increase. “I think this issue is dear to the hearts to most Democrats and most progressives across the United States,” Reed said. “And when faced with it, it’s a tough one not to embrace and work to get done. But at the same time, you have a responsibility your community

at large.” Cohn, the bill’s sponsor, said the legislation’s passage is “the first step forward for our city to make progress on economic justice for workers in our hometown. And I firmly believe that my colleagues down in the board who voted

for this are representing the values of the citizens of the city of St. Louis – and the workers that make this city work.” Fierce debate Aldermen likely did not change any minds with a debate that lasted half the afternoon. “People vote. Not businesses,” said Green, an ardent supporter of the #FightFor15 movement. “We have gotten to a point in this country where we have allowed businesses to be our voice. We can sit here and have the same discussion that people had 85 years ago when we’re at an alltime high of inequality – or we can learn from those lessons and do what is right today.” But Vollmer, the alderman of the 10th Ward and the owner of Milo’s Bocce Garden on the Hill, said the wage increase would kill small businesses like his. “While you’re going after

FRENCH

continued from page B1 establishing its own minimum wage. Others advocate for it to pander to a constituency that they have long ignored. In politics there’s often incentives to push through bad, but popular, legislation, because by the time the crap hits the fan, you’re long gone. That’s irresponsible. I understand the emotion behind the topic of raising the minimum wage. The problem is the economics of the city doing it alone. I support raising the minimum wage – the way it has always been done, at the state or federal level. But the City of St. Louis is in no economic position to raise our minimum wage alone and not expect big economic consequences in the years to come. St. Louis city has the highest rate of concentrated poverty in the region. That poverty is driven by high unemployment, not low wages. There are more people in St. Louis city that have no job at all than work for the current minimum wage. In addition to unemployed workers, we have the highest rate of low-skill workers. For years, the City of St. Louis has competed with our neighbors in St. Louis County for population and jobs. And for years, we’ve been

McDonald’s and Burger King, you’re destroying and hurting the livelihood of many, many small people,” Vollmer said. “And in three or four years when you drive around and see that they’re not there anymore, I hope you call up and apologize to them.” Alderman Tom Villa, of the 11th Ward, called the measure a “swift kick in the groin” to small businesses. Alderman Antonio French, of the 21st Ward, was one of several aldermen who contended the bill would place the city at an economic disadvantage – especially with the county not following suit with a wage increase. French said it was “wishful thinking” that Stenger would change his mind, since he attributed the county’s decision not to act to legal impediments. French also disputed the idea that $10 an hour jobs were detrimental. He went so far as to say that if somebody

getting our butts kicked. Just since 1970, almost half our population has left the city and moved to the county. And not just white people. Most blacks in this part of the state used to live in St. Louis city. No more. Most now live in St. Louis County. The same is true for businesses and low-skill jobs. Most have moved into the county. And that migration continues today. If the City of St. Louis raises its minimum wage 50 percent higher than

n I support raising the minimum wage – the way it has always been done, at the state or federal level. just down the road in St. Louis County, that will only speed up that migration. And poorer city neighborhoods will be hit hardest – not Downtown, or the Central West End, or South Grand with their higher population density and higher median incomes. It will be places like those along West Florissant, Natural Bridge and Riverview – places where it’s very easy for a business to just move on the other side of the border and still keep many of its customers while cutting its labor cost by 50 percent. I would support a regional raise of minimum wage. But

Regardless of whether the veto of HB722 is overridden or not, both sides of the minimum wage debate expect the new law to face a legal challenge. In fact, that prospect of litigation was one of the reasons the St. Louis Regional Chamber opposed Cohn’s bill. And detractors of the city’s potential minimum wage hike have pointed to a 1998 law that bans local minimum wage increases – which the Associated Press reported earlier this year is ensnared in legal uncertainty. Both Slay and Reed agreed that some groups or businesses will sue to knock the law down in court. But Slay said his administration is willing to go to the mat to defend the bill. “We feel very confident and comfortable with the legal aspect of it,” Slay said. “We certainly think there may be a legal challenge. But we will defend that ordinance vigorously in court. We haven’t seen a complaint yet. We don’t know what the grounds are going to be yet. But if that happens, we will be prepared to respond.” Regardless of what happens to the measure in the future, Bettie Douglas is enthused. The McDonald’s employee said Friday’s aldermanic action was “a long time coming. But we’re not finished. We need $15 an hour and a union. So we’re not finished, but I’m very pleased with where we are now.” Reprinted with permission from news.stlpublicradio.org.

I think St. Louis city cannot afford to overplay our hand. We aren’t in any economic position to tell an employer that $10 an hour isn’t good enough to pay an entry-level employee, when they can just go down the street and start at $8 or $9. Not to mention if they open in St. Louis County they don’t have to pay the 1 percent earnings tax or deal with many of the other perceived heartaches about owning a business in St. Louis city. The City of St. Louis finds itself in the position we’re in today (high unemployment, high percentage of vacant buildings, bleeding population) because of a lot of bad decisions made over the years. Some of those decisions were very popular at the time. But I don’t work as hard as I do rebuilding my community and this city only to have to pander and vote for something I know to be harmful in the long run. I didn’t go to business school and take on $100,000 in student debt for an MBA to now pretend I don’t understand economics and incentives. Doing this alone is not in the best interest of the City of St. Louis or the very neighborhoods many think this will help. The migration of people and jobs will continue. We’re only speeding it up. Antonio D. French is alderman of the 21st Ward in the City of St. Louis.


Check out the latest Edition of

PARTYLINE Page C10

C1 • ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • SEPTEMBER 3 - 9, 2015

Healing from church hurt

Ask God first, but sometimes it’s time to go By Nina Thompson For Inside The Pew First of all, we must be clear why we have chosen to attend church. For me, it was simply that something was missing from my life and I wanted more of God. I wanted to understand God, and have help in navigating my life and making decisions. I also had learned that we all have special gifts and talents given by God, and I dearly wanted to know what those were and how I should use them to serve God and others. I didn’t want to go to the graveyard “full” as they say (1 Peter 4:10). There are indeed some Columnist situations, though, where we should stop attending a Nina particular church because it Thompson has become detrimental to our spiritual health. In those instances, pack your bags and ask God to lead you somewhere else or show you what the next step is. However, you do not want to leave See HURT, C4

• Only Online • Dance St. Louis holding auditions September 9

The ultimate race of ‘Unsullied’

Brian Owens sings the

‘Soul of Ferguson’ Brian Owens, God’s Chosen, Peter Martin and the 442s will perform 4 p.m. Sunday, September 6 at Ferguson Heights Church of Christ as part of The Soul of Ferguson Community Festival.

Festival promotes unity, supports Ferguson Youth Initiative By Áine O’Connor Of St. Louis Public Radio Soul singer Brian Owens has called Ferguson home for about nine years and encapsulates his experience there as “interesting, frustrating” and, ultimately, “hopeful.”

Now, Owens emphasizes the “hopeful” part by presenting a Labor Day weekend concert. The Soul of Ferguson Community Festival – to be held 4 p.m. Sunday, September 6 at Ferguson Heights Church of Christ – is based on a simple idea, Owens said: unifying the community with healing, peace and music. This is not Owens’ first initiative to promote community in times of tension. The predecessor to the Soul of Ferguson Community Festival was last year’s #HealFerguson concert, a successful event that supported the Ferguson Youth Initiative. See OWENS, C4

Actress Murray Gray stars in Simeon Rice’s new film “Unsullied” opened nationwide on Friday, August 28.

Former NFL star Simeon Rice forays into filmmaking with action drama By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American “She was on her way to a race, she didn’t know that she would be running for her life,” former NFL star turned filmmaker Simeon Rice said of his new film “Unsullied.” The movie hit theatres nationwide on Friday, August 28. Rice co-wrote and directed the film that follows a young track star Reagan Farrow in her quest to escape the sadists who took her captive. The action/horror/suspense hybrid is the first feature-length film for Rice, who is See FILM, C4

Last chance to see ‘Senufo,’ Solomon Thurman

Plus: Nov. 9 deadline to submit proposals for Freedom Suits sculpture By Chris King Of The St. Louis American

Dance St. Louis is looking for dancers (age 18+) to perform in a world premiere that will be a part of PNC Arts Alive New Dance Horizons IV: A Celebration Inspired by St Louis’ Legendary Black Artists as part of Dance St. Louis’ 50th anniversary season. For more information got to www.stlamerican.com

Artists and art lovers in St. Louis have several special opportunities to seize in the days and months ahead. Major shows of African and African-American art are closing this month, and a call for proposals for a new sculpture that honors slaves suing for their freedom has been issued with a November 9 deadline. Most immediately, “Solomon Thurman: An Artistic Practice” closes September 19 in the Bellwether Gallery of St. Louis Artists at The Sheldon Art Galleries, 3648 Washington Blvd. This exhibition presents an overview of the rich career of St. Louis artist Solomon Thurman encompassing over 40 years of work in painting, drawing and sculpture. It includes works from his “Personal Migration” series, which was created to celebrate the life of his grandmothers, Lillie and Johnnie Mae, who were second-

“Going Home” by Solomon Thurman, on display at The Sheldon Art Galleries through September 19.

n This exhibition presents an

overview of the rich career of St. Louis artist Solomon Thurman.

generation former slaves from the Mississippi Delta, as well as works from his “Songs of the

Field” and recent “Highway Landscapes” series. Thurman is perhaps best known for his “Black Americans in Flight” mural at Lambert Airport (co-designed with Spencer Taylor). He is co-owner of 10th Street Gallery in downtown St. Louis, and a community outreach instructor at the Saint Louis Art Museum. And then “Senufo: Art and Identity in West Africa” – the first African art exhibit at the See ART, C4


Calendar

C2

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • SEPTEMBER 3 – 9, 2015 eventbrite.com/e/st-louis-2ndnatural-hair-black-culturalexpo-tickets.

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

Sun., Sept. 13, 4 p.m., All-N-1 Entertainment presents 3rd Annual I Am Exquisite Red Carpet Fashion & Hair Show. Join us for fun and excitement as our kids and adult models rip the runway for charity proceeds. Machinist Hall, 12365 St. Charles Rock Rd., 63044. For more information, call (314) 690-3660 or visit www. alln1entertainment.com.

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

concerts

local gigs

Sept. 11, 8 p.m., The Arianna Quartet launches the 201516 Touhill Concert Series with three riveting works that capture the power, grace, elegance and nuance of the art of the string quartet. Mozart: Quartet in D minor, K.421; Kevin Puts: Credo for String Quartet; Beethoven: String Quartet in B-flat Major, Op.130, Touhill Performing Arts Center, UMSL. For more information, visit www.touhill. org.

Sun., Sept. 6, 7 p.m., Cuz and Company presents A Labor of Love. We’re featuring the smooth mellow sounds of Jerry Richard of Dallas and introducing the talented Ken Crombie from Minneapolis. Special guest, St. Louis’ own, the amazing Debra “FoFeet” Warren. This Showcase of artists will feed your body, mind & soul. Hampton Inn St. Louis/Westport, 2454 Old Dorsett Rd., 63043. For more information, visit www. cuzandcompany.com.

Sept. 11, The Ambassador welcomes Lil Boosie, The Ambassador, 9800 Halls Ferry. For more information visit www.metrotix.com or call (314) 534-1111. Sept. 19, 8 p.m., Johnny Mathis, The Fox Theatre. For more information, call (314) 534-1111 or visit www. metrotix.com. Sept. 19, 730 p.m., Hall of Fame shortstop Ozzie Smith is proud to welcome iconic R&B vocal group Boyz II Men, along with special guests comedian Gary Mule Deer and singer/songwriter Nikko Smith, to St. Louis for his third annual “Ozzie & Friends Concert - A Benefit for PGA REACH.” Peabody Opera House. For tickets visit www. ticketmaster.com. Oct. 10, 2nd Annual Cedric and Friends Gala starring Patti LaBelle, Peabody Opera House. Visit www. peabodyoperahouse.com for more information. Sun., Oct. 25, Stevie Wonder: Songs in The Key of Life Performance, Scottrade Center. For more information, visit www.ticketmaster.com. Thurs., Oct. 29, Janet Jackson: Unbreakable World Tour, Chaifetz Arena. For more information, visit www. ticketmaster.com.

Sat., Sept. 12, 6 p.m., Skinker DeBaliviere Community Council presents Summer BBQ Concert with The Outliers: “Blues at the Edge of the Spectrum.” Greg Freeman Park at Four Corners, 6008 Kingsbury Ave., 63112. For more information, call (314) 862-5122. Tues., Sept. 15, 6 p.m., Missouri History Museum presents Twilight Tuesday: The Jackson 5 Tribute. 5700 Lindell Blvd., 63112. For more information, visit www. mohistory.org. Tues., Sept. 22, 6 p.m., Missouri History Museum presents Twilight Tuesday: Jeremiah Allen and Friends present a Tribute to Stevie Wonder. 5700 Lindell Blvd., 63112. For more information, visit www.mohistory.org. 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.

special events Sat., Sept. 5, 5 p.m., The St. Louis Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity,

All White and Denim Block Party starring The Dirty Muggs and Flirt with No ID, The Old Rock House. (See Special Events)

Featured Event Mon., Sept. 28, 7 p.m., Left Bank Books hosts author Jamala Rogers, author of Ferguson is America: Roots of Rebellion. 99 N. Euclid Ave., 63108. (In LITERARY)

Inc. presents Ala White Summer Finale - Kappa Day Party. The all white affair will feature Music by “DJ Flex” and the smooth sounds of “Pieces of the Family”. Be ready to mingle, dance, drink (BYOB), and enjoy this event’s décor. Kappa House, 500 Vandeventer Ave., 63108. For more information, call (314) 374-0491 or visit www.alawhite.eventbrite.com.

B. Ballpark Village, 601 Clark Ave., 63102. For more information, visit www.nxques.com.

Sun., Sept. 6, 5 p.m., 13 Black Katz presents Pre-Labor Day Soiree “Let’s Do It Again.” Voce, 212 S. Tucker Blvd., 63102. For more information, call (314) 477-4249 or visit www.13blackatz.com.

Sat., Sept. 12, 11 a.m.. Amherst Park Peace Festival brings together diverse neighbors who are new immigrants and African American just east of Skinker and south of Page Blvd. Join us for Live music, dance performances, soul and Mexican food and activities for children sponsored by the St. Louis Art Museum. Nitro Latin Jazz, Rhythms of the Caribbean will perform, as will the Gitana Kids and KYPE dance group. Poet Laureate Michael Castro will close out the festival. 15 organizations sponsor this cross-cultural experience and will have booths at the festival. For additional info visit www. gitana-inc.org

Sun., Sept. 6, 7:30 p.m., Network Inc. presents their All White and Denim Block Party starring The Dirty Muggs and Flirt with No ID, The Old Rock House, 1200 S. 7th St. For more information, call (314) 371-5797. Sun., Sept. 6, 7 p.m., Nu Chi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. presents RQQF TQP Labor Day Weekend. Hosted by comedian Joe Torry with a live performance by Jon

Through September 7, Saint Louis Science Center presents Alien Worlds and Androids: Science Fiction Meet Science Fact, Saint Louis Science Center. For more information, visit www. stlsc.org.

Sat., Sept. 12, 12 p.m., 3rd Annual Brazil Day STL StreetFest 2015. Come enjoy an exhibition of capoeira, the Brazilian martial art, samba dancers in Carnaval costumes, plus music provided by Samba Bom and other Brazilian bands. Experience Brazilian cuisine available at the Brazil Express food truck – and Caipirinha, Brazil’s National Drink. Other beverages will be available at “Budweiser BuildA-Bar” and other booths. Stray Rescue of St. Louis will also be on site. 2900 Missouri Ave., 63118. For more information, call (314) 771-7457 or visit www.brasildaystl.com. Sat., Sept. 12, 10 a.m., Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis presents 2015 Job Fair. The day will also include a resume-writing workshop, interviewing skills workshop, college scholarship opportunities, and more. Professional attire is strictly enforced. St. Louis Community College, Florissant Valley Campus, 3400 Pershall Rd., 63135. For more information, call (314) 679-3500 or visit www.ulstl.com/event. Sun., Sept. 13, 10 a.m., 2nd Annual Hair & Black Cultural Expo. This event will showcase models, live music, poetry, African drumming, dancers, and much more. Every attendee will receive a Natural Hair Care Sample bag that’ll be full of shampoos, conditioners, lotions, body oils and some other special surprises absolutely free. New Northside Conference Center, 5939 Goodfellow Blvd., 63147. For more information or to request vendor space, call (314) 398-1585 or visit www.

Sept. 18-20, 11th annual Budweiser Taste of St. Louis, The event is free to the public and showcases 35+ restaurants, the Stella Artois Chef Battle Royale, the Goose Island School of Cooking Stage, free music concerts, the Marketplace, the ArtWalk, Kids’ Kitchen - Cooking with STEAM, Presented by SCOPE and more! Chesterfield Amphitheater. Visit TasteSTL. com and follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @ TASTESTL Sat., Sept. 19, 3 p.m., Soldan High School Class of 1973 hosts A Taste of Soldan An All Class Event. Calling the Best 50 Male Cooks of Soldan, men who cook! Entry fee $40.00 per cook, which includes your tent, table, chafers, souvenir apron & hat. Legacy Books & Café, 5249 Delmar Blvd., 63108. For more information, call (314) 520-9848 or visit www.soldanclassof73.com. Sun., Sept. 20, 2 p.m., M.A.D.E. Moguls hosts 5th Annual Charity Bowling Tournament. Come join us for bowling and fun as we raise money and awareness for our youth program, which provides business & entrepreneurship education and mentoring programs for high school students in the Greater St. Louis area. There will be a live DJ, door prizes and raffles, food and drink specials, giveaways, and more. This will be a fun event for the entire family and will benefit a great cause. Registration is only $150, and includes entry into the tournament, unlimited bowling, free bowling shoes, and custom t-shirts for the entire team. Flamingo Bowl, 1117 Washington Ave, 63101. For more information, call (314) 200-5348 or visit http:// www.eventbrite.com/e/themade-moguls-5th-annualcharity-bowling-tournament. Thur., Sept. 24, 8 p.m., Gateway Arch Riverboats Blues Cruise. Experience the sounds of live blues as you


ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • SEPTEMBER 3 – 9, 2015

C3 Sr. - Founder and Pastor First Lady Sister Linda D. Holloway - Co-Pastor 5569 Page Blvd. St. Louis, MO 63112. For more information, call (314) 361- 4466, (314) 361- 4460 or email: solomons@i1.net Web Site: www.solomonstemplechurch. org

cruise down the Mississippi River and enjoy the beautiful St. Louis skyline. Featuring music by Skeet Rodgers & the Inner City Blues Band. 50 S. Leonor K. Sullivan Blvd., 63102. For more information, visit www.gatewayarch.com. Sept. 24 – 27, Chaifetz Arena presents Disney on Ice: Let’s Celebrate. Join Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald and Goofy as they celebrate a Very Merry Unbirthday Party with Alice and the Mad Hatter; a Royal Valentine’s Day Ball with your favorite Disney Princesses, including Cinderella, Ariel, Belle and Tiana; a Hawaiian luau with Lilo & Stitch; a whole new world with Jasmine and Aladdin; a winter wonderland with Woody, Jessie and Buzz Lightyear; a Halloween haunt with the Disney villains and more in a magical medley of holidays, celebrations and festivities from around the globe. 1 S. Compton Ave., 63103. For more information, visit www.thechaifetzarena. com. Fri., Sept. 25, 5 p.m., St. Mary Magdalen Parish presents Fall Food Festival. Come out and enjoy a night of great food, fun with the kids, live music, and more. 2618 Brentwood Blvd., 63144. Fri., Sept. 25, 6 p.m., St. Louis American Foundation presents 2015 Salute to Excellence in Education Scholarship & Awards Gala. America’s Center, 701 Convention Plaza, 63101. For more information, call (314) 533-8000 or visit www. stlamerican.com. Thursdays, 7 p.m. (6 p.m. practice), The Cultural Bop Society Of St. Louis Continuing the Bop with Style (CBS) (BOP the official Dance of St. Louis, Free Bop Lessons and Bop Set Every Thursday Night, 7555 Olive Blvd. in U-City, St. Louis, MO 63130.

literary Tues., Sept. 15, 7 p.m., Left Bank Books hosts author Jeff Smith, author of Mr. Smith Goes to Prison. Left Bank Books, 399 N. Euclid Ave., 63108. For more information, call (314) 367-6731 or visit www.left-bank.com. Mon., Sept. 28, 7 p.m., Left Bank Books hosts author Jamala Rogers, author of Ferguson is America: Roots of Rebellion. 99 N. Euclid Ave., 63108. For more information, call (314) 367-6731 or visit www.left-bank.com. Wed., Sept. 30, 7 p.m., Left Bank Books hosts author Jocelyn Delk Adams, author of Grandbaby Cakes. This event will feature a tasting of samples courtesy of SweetArt Bakery. 399 N. Euclid Ave., 63108. For more information, call (314) 367-6731 or visit www.left-bank.com.

theatre Sun., Aug. 30, 4 p.m., Gordon’s Entertainment presents 6th Jazz Heaven Series “St. Louis Legends”. We will pay tribute to those who have graced and entertained us on St. Louis stages with songs, musical compositions, dance and poetry. Florissant Civic Center, 1 James J. Eagan Dr., 63033. For more information, call (314) 838-9198 or visit www. florissantmo.com/theatre. Sept. 3 – 20, The Black Rep presents Tell Me Somethin’ Good. This critically acclaimed audience favorite is a stroll down memory lane, beginning with street corner acapella doowop and moving through the 60s, 70s, 80s right to hip-hop. Nonstop music will have you dancing in your seats and in the aisles. Edison Theatre, Washington University, 6445 Forsyth Blvd., 63130. For more information, call (314) 534-3810 or visit www.theblackrep.org. Sat., Sept. 12, 2 & 7 p.m., Prince of Peace Church and TLT Production Co. present The Wiz stage play. Prince of Peace Church, 9350 Natural Bridge Rd., 63134. For more information, call (314) 669-2419 or visit www.

Sept. 14 – 20, “HERE IT IS, KNOW LET’S DO IT” Choir Week 2015 with Dr. E. Wayne Evans & St. Louis Progressive Mass Choir. For ore information, visit http:// www.eventbrite.com/e/stlouis-progressive-mass-choir2015-city-wide-choir-weektickets-17627551481?aff=es2

The 2nd Annual Cedric and Friends Gala starring Patti LaBelle. See CONCERTS for details.

princeofpeacechurchstl.com. Mon., Sept. 21, 7 p.m., Missouri History Museum presents All the Way: An Evening with Brandon J. Dirden. 5700 Lindell Blvd., 63112. For more information, visit www.mohistory.org.

arts Sept. 4-6, Labor Day Weekend Art Fair at Queeny Park The Greater St. Louis Art Association (GSLAA) presents the Labor Day Weekend Art Fair at Queeny Park. The show features more than 130 juried artists from around the St. Louis region and 20 or more states, representing the following media: ceramics, drawing, painting, photography, jewelry, printmaking, digital art, glass, mixed media, fiber, sculpture, wood and more. Greensfelder Recreation Center, located on 550 Weidman Road, Ballwin, MO. For more information, visit http://www. artfairatqueenypark.com Sat., Sept. 5, 4 p.m., The Pulitzer Foundation for the Arts hosts Chris Kallmyer. Join us for the culminating public performance of Commonfield Clay, with resident sound and social practice artist Chris Kallmyer, LA-based violinist Andrew Tholl, and a choir of chime players. The new work for earthenware chimes, violin, and guitar is the final product of a ten-month exploration of hyper-regional music at Pulitzer Arts Foundation. 3716 Washington Blvd., 63108. For more information, call (314) 754-1589 or visit www. pulitzerarts.org. Through Sept. 5, Creative Reaction Lab presents IMPTXDESIGN. 14/15. The exhibit features social impact designs and visual artistic responses developed over the last year that will require attendees to reflect, engage, converse approaches in designing a better St. Louis and, ultimately, a better self. This will be one of many efforts in the St. Louis region igniting a call to action for racial equality and eradicating police brutality. Regional Arts Commission, 6128 Delmar Blvd., 63112. For more information, visit www.racstl. com. Through Sept. 7, The St. Louis Art Museum presents Adorning Self and Space: West African Textile Exhibit. 1 Fine Arts Dr., 63110. For more information, visit www. slam.org. Through Sept. 11, The Griot Museum of Black History presents Opening Doors: Pioneering African American Surgeons. The exhibit, which celebrates the history of black surgeons and black medical institutions. For more information or to purchase tickets, call (314) 241-7507 or visit www.thegriotmuseum. com. Sat., Sept. 12, 6 p.m., The Pulitzer Foundation for the Arts presents Poetry + The Politics of Joy. 3716 Washington Blvd., 63108. For more information, call

(314) 754-1589 or visit www. pulitzerarts.org. Through Sept. 27, The Saint Louis Art Museum presents Senufo: Art and Identity in West Africa. One Fine Arts Dr., 63110. For more information, call (314) 7210072 or visit www.slam.org. Through Sept. 30, Vaughn Cultural Center presents Ten Years After Katrina: Remembering Like it Was Yesterday. 3701 Grandel Square, 63108. For more information, call (314) 6061567 or visit www.racstl.org.

lectures/ workshops Thur., Sept. 17, 7 p.m., Sumner Alumni Association presents Stories from Sumner Panel Discussion. Missouri History Museum, 5700 Lindell Blvd., 63112. For more information, visit www. mohistory.org. Sat., Sept. 19, 9 a.m., Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis presents Credit and Money Management Workshop. This workshop is free and will include presentations from Regions Bank and Operation HOPE. Learn about the basics of making a budget, how to read a credit report and what can be done to correct errors that may negatively affect your credit rating. 8960 Jennings Station Rd., 63136. For more information or to RSVP, call (314) 737-6086 or visit www. operationhope.org.

health Sat., Sept. 5, 8 a.m., The Lustgarten Foundation presents The 2015 St. Louis Pancreatic Cancer Research Walk. Participants will walk or run in a 4-mile loop on the Missouri Department of Natural Resources Katy Trail. The trail is a well-maintained surface of gravel. It offers a view of the Missouri River, the Lewis and Clark Memorial and in parts is shaded. Mileposts are marked on the trail. The route is handicap and stroller accessible. Dogs are permitted at the park on a leash. Frontier Park, 500 S. Riverside Dr., 63301. For more information, visit www. 2015stlouiswalk. kintera.org. Sat., Sept. 12, 9 a.m., Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Participants will complete a one or three mile walk and will learn about Alzheimer’s disease, advocacy opportunities, clinical studies enrollment and support programs and services from the Alzheimer’s Association. Walk participants will also join in a meaningful tribute ceremony to honor those affected by Alzheimer’s disease. Nearly 5,500 people from the St. Louis area are expected at this year’s event to raise awareness and funds to fight Alzheimer’s disease. Scottrade Center, 1401 Clark Ave., 63103. For more information, call (314) 8010446 or visit www.alz.org/stl/ walk.

Sat., Sept. 12, 9:30 a.m., Sickle Cell Association invites you to the 4th Annual Sickle Cell Stroll. This is a family friendly event designed to celebrate the lives of those with sickle cell disease and to educate the community about the disease. Registration for the event is free, but required. If you donate or fundraise $25 or more ($10 for each child), you will receive a limited edition 2015 Stroll t-shirt! Prizes will be given away throughout the day including a prize for the team with the most registered participants, the team/individual with the highest fundraising total and most spirited team/ individual. Hudlin Park, 700 S. Kingshighway Blvd., 63110. For more information, www. sicklecellstroll.com. The Pulitzer has collaborated with local yoga studio Urban Breath Yoga to create a movement and sound class for infants of up to twelve

months. For more information and to register, please email programs@pulitzerarts. org.

spiritual Fri., Sept. 4, 6:30 p.m., Believers Temple Word Fellowship hosts A Night of New Beginnings Concert. Come out and enjoy a night with artists such as St. Louis’ own Nico Wells, Rio, Toi, and Kirk Franklin’s newest Fo Yo Soul Recording artist, Christon Gray. This will definitely be a night to remember and for some a night of new beginnings. 2115 Chambers Rd., 63136. For more information, call (314) 240-0181 Through Sept. 6, 7 p.m., Solomon’s Temple Community Tent Revival, Solomon’s Temple Church, Bishop James E. Holloway

Sat., Sept. 12, 10 a.m., Mt. Beulah M.B. Church Women’s Day Committee presents “Putting on the Ritz…A Business Affair”. Take advantage of this entrepreneurial workshop to showcase your business to prospective clients/customers. Registration is required. 7823 Racine Dr., 63133. For more information, call (314) 727-1202 or visit www. mbchurchstl.com. Fri., Sept. 18, 7 p.m., Kingdom State University Pre Launch Concert feat. KB. Come rock with Christian Hip Hop artist, Kevin Burgess (KB), and join us for a pre-launch celebration of Kingdom State University (KSU) Ministries. Sun Theater, 3625 Grandel Theater, 63108. For more information, call (314) 384-9960 or visit www. kingdomsu.org/kbconcert. Sun., Sept. 20, 9 a.m., New Northside MB Church 113th Church Anniversary: Not Forsaking Coming Together. The Rev. Ronald Bobo of Westside Baptist Church will bring the anniversary sermon. We invite all visitors, former members and well-wishers to join in this celebration. 8645 Goodfellow Blvd., 63147. For more information, visit www. newnorthsidebaptist.org.


ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • SEPTEMBER 3 - 9, 2015

C4

OWENS Continued from C1 Owens noted that the festival is a response and a remedy to the common media portrayal of Ferguson. “I’m proud of the changes and the accomplishments that the city has had in the last year,” Owens said. “Regardless of what the news or outsiders say and/or may think, I really believe that Ferguson is a place where diversity and community are on the hearts and minds of the majority of the residents. In a fast food-media climate, there’s not a whole lot of time

FILM Continued from C1 best-known for his 12-year career as a defensive end in the National Football League. Rice is relishing in his unlikely career transition from on the field to behind the lens and eager to be as effective as a writer/director as during his days as a first-round draft pick and All-Pro defensive end. “There aren’t too many things that are similar between the two,” Rice said as he compared filmmaking to the NFL. “But if there was one thing that was strikingly similar, it was the environment of working with a team.” Rice, a 2009 graduate of the New York Film Academy, made his directorial debut with the short film “When I was King” in 2011. It was the work of the filmmaking team Joel and

ART Continued from C1 Saint Louis Art Museum in more than 15 years – closes on Sunday, September 27. It features 170 works borrowed from nearly 60 public and private collections in Europe, Asia, Africa and North America, originally curated by the Cleveland Museum of Art. The “Senufo” label was applied to visual art from Cote d’Ivoire, Mali and Burkina

Ethan Coen, known collectively as the Coen brothers, that inspired him to create “Unsullied.” “So I’m watching this movie called ‘No Country For Old Men,’” Rice said. “And there’s this scene with the pit bull chasing after this guy. Man, that level of anxiety that I saw … I was literally at the edge of my seat.” His voice seemed to revisit the moment as he proceeded to illustrate the scene. “I was like, ‘I can watch an entire film with this level of anxiety.’ I felt like the movie was an experience. And I was like, ‘I want to do a film like that.’” And so he did. “Unsullied” sees Reagan fall for a potentially deadly trap after a detour on the day of her big meet. The crux of the story is about the “ultimate race” she endures following her captivity, but Rice manages to weave in tender moments that fuel her to keep going.

Faso, a trio of West African countries colonized by the French in the late 1880s. The exhibit shows audiences that modern artistic icons like Pablo Picasso eagerly embraced the unique inventiveness in West African art at a time when Africans were often seen as less than human. Two of the museum’s excellent public programs devoted to “Senufo” remain on the calendar as well. On September 6 at 2 p.m. dance troupe Afriky Lolo will perform in the museum’s Farrell Auditorium. And on September

- Brian Owens

taken to find out backstory or delve into what a city is.” The festival aims to provide residents of the Ferguson area an “artistic experience with a profound social impact,” Owens said. Performances by Owens, as well as God’s Chosen, Peter Martin and the 442s, will act as the soundtrack for an initiative to bring together disparate elements

of Ferguson and the St. Louis area. There will be opportunities for crafts and family activities, Owens said. For him, true community unification requires including children in civic initiatives. “I don’t see any other way for us to navigate all the craziness that’s going on without instructing a whole new generation of people of

n “I was like, ‘I can watch an entire film with this level of anxiety. I want to do a film like that.’” – Simeon Rice

“To do a story like this, you aren’t going to be able to get a back story or coming-of-age story in the film,” Rice said. “But I wanted to be really respectful of the black family. I wanted to attack some of those elements to show a different side of black culture – not the negative side, but the positive

side.” The audience is clued into the lifetime of strength and support her family has provided her via flashbacks and encouragement she relives in preparation for the meet. Her harrowing attempt to escape captivity will call her to use every tip and tool she has

n The sculpture will be aligned with the Old Courthouse, where most of these freedom suits were tried – including that of Dred and Harriet Scott. 17 at 6:30 p.m. Susan Elizabeth Gagliardi, a cultural advisor to the exhibition, will deliver the lecture “Senufo Unbound: Dynamics of Art and Identity in West Africa.” Finally, last week the Freedom Suits Memorial

Steering Committee issued a Request for Proposals from visual artists to create a memorial sculpture that honors approximately 400 slaves who filed suits in Missouri Courts to demand their freedom, assisted by lawyers working without

HURT

on, and depends on where we are most vulnerable. So keep your eyes on the benefits of the journey. While we can definitely have a relationship with God without attending church fulltime, the community of church forces you to grow and mature spiritually, as you deal with the myriad of issues that always come about when working with people. So it is a good idea to have some type of relationship in a setting with others who are trying to more fully discover and interact with God, whether it be a church, ministry group, organization, etc. In my book “Church Hurt Ain’t No Joke,” I also offer very practical guidance for becoming a true disciple of Christ and maintaining your focus on your relationship with God. More importantly, the

Continued from C1 a church before you have obtained what God sent you there to give or get, so my overall suggestion is that you always seek God’s guidance before leaving a church. Remember that you are there to begin or strengthen your relationship with God. When you decide that you want more of God, expect that all sorts of things will come up against you moving forward – friends who ask you to do things on the day you planned to attend church or study the Bible, people seemingly staring at you or talking about you in church, horrible memories of church as a child – the list goes

www.stlamerican.com

n The festival aims to provide residents of the Ferguson area an “artistic experience with a profound social impact.”

learned from her family and her coaches in her fight to survive. “I like that she has to save herself,” Rice said. “Typically in these types of films, a man steps in and comes to save the day – even if it’s unbeknownst to her – to be the hero. But this is a story that is built around coming of age. So everything she has experienced – even if it’s new to her and she wasn’t ready for it – she was prepared.” As Reagan runs for her life, he hopes that the audience

what it means to live as a citizen of the universe, not just a citizen of your community.” Like last year’s #HealFerguson event, the Soul of Ferguson concert will support the Ferguson Youth Initiative. Owens said that the festival aims to sign up 100 volunteers for the initiative, and food proceeds will go to the group as well. The event itself is free. The Soul of Ferguson Community Festival and concert will take place at 4 p.m. Sunday, September 6 at Ferguson Heights Church of Christ parking lot, 1239 N. Elizabeth Ave. Reprinted with permission from news.stlpublicradio.org.

watching the film – and fans riding with him on yet another bucket list career move – will see the bigger picture thanks to “Unsullied.” “I want people to be inspired,” Rice said. “I want people to know that I’m you and you are me. We arrive at these points because of us. You are in control of your life, and every decision you’ve made from the little to the biggest has consequently affected your life. We bear fruits in our lives based on what we see in ourselves.” The moral of his story, he said, is “Hope springs eternal for those who look for it.” “No matter what you go through or what you have to endure, as long as you have hope – and stay faithful to it – then you’ll have the opportunity to make it through those tough times.” “Unsullied” is open in select theatres nationwide. The film is rated R with a running time of 93 minutes.

pay. The sculpture will stand at the east plaza of the Civil Courts Building downtown. The sculpture will be aligned with the Gateway Mall and the Old Courthouse, where most of these suits were tried – including that of Dred Scott and Harriet Scott. The Scotts initially won their freedom in the St. Louis court but lost it on appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court in 1857, a decision that helped propel the nation into the Civil War. The project is open to all sculpture artists throughout the United States. The project

budget is $200,000 (all inclusive). Fundraising will be conducted through the St. Louis Bar Foundation. Copies of the RFP are available from Thom Gross, public information officer for the 22nd Judicial Circuit of Missouri. Requests may be emailed to tgross@courts. mo.gov. The RFP also may be downloaded from the website for the court, www. stlcitycircuitcourt.com/News_ Blog. Proposals are due by November 9.

book outlines steps that can be taken to move past the feelings of hurt or pain and toward a God-led and God-ordained life. Here are tidbits from some of those steps that you can take right now that will help you to heal and reconnect with both God and the church. Be prepared, because it takes work! First and foremost, pray and ask God to send you to an environment that will be a place that focuses on teaching individuals how to expand their relationship to God, and not simply to follow leadership. Just say it in plain English and watch God lead you to an environment in which you can grow. Our commitment is first to our relationship with God, and secondly, to our relationship with man (Matthew 22:36-39). Love should be the basis for all that we do or we can do irreparable harm to ourselves and others. Pray daily, but don’t just ramble. In the book, we highlight the best way to use this time in prayer so that you can begin to receive direction and guidance from God.

Sometimes simply jotting down words, images, perceptions while you are sitting in the presence of God is what will help you obtain guidance. Read and study the Bible, especially scriptures that heal you. Examples include Romans 8:28, Jeremiah 23:1114, and 1 Peter 5:7. It may be hard to memorize, but read it aloud and it will get into your spirit. The scriptures will come to you almost miraculously at times at times when you need them if you read and study often. Be diligent and persistent in your participation. You can’t learn if you aren’t present to be taught. Nina Thompson, DMin., helped to launch Wellspring United Methodist Church in Ferguson, where she served as church administrator for four years and helped to establish and now leads the college-age ministry, “Yes to God.” She serves as executive director of the Gateway Board for Mission and Growth of the United Methodist Church, and executive director of Rose of Sharon Ministries, Inc.


C5

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • SEPTEMBER 3 – 9, 2015

Celebrations Robert and Kimberly Rattler will celebrate 18 years of marriage on September 7. Robert is employed by Confluence Academy and America’s Center. Kimberly has been employed with Saint Louis University for 15 years and is also pursuing her degree there with a 3.5 GPA.

Anniversaries

With God, prayer and love, we celebrated our first year as Mr. and Mrs. Creswell on August 30. One year and counting...Happy Anniversary!

Reunions All reunion announcements can be viewed online! Beaumont High School Class of 1965 will celebrate their 50th Class Reunion on September 26, 2015 at the Royale Orleans, 2801 Telegraph. Dinner dance with open bar is $65/person. For additional information contact Geraldine Carter-Reid at 314868-8284 or bluejackets65@ gmail.com.

Chavis Edward Ferguson Sr. and Audrey Diane Buford Ferguson celebrate 50 years of marriage on September 4, 2015. Mr. Ferguson is retired from a 30 year career in the grocery Mrs. Ferguson is retired from the St. Louis Board of Education where she taught for over 30 years. They have three children and six grandchildren. The couple celebrated their golden wedding anniversary in July with their entire family in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Beaumont Class of 1970 will be celebrating their 45th Class Reunion Saturday, October 24,2015, at Catering to You.12775 New Halls Ferry Rd,63033. For more info please contact: Oneita (Meeks) Murphy: (314) 322-4205, Chuck Campbell: (314) 5204581, Toni (Brady) Hopson: beaumontclassof1970@gmail. com, or see our Facebook page. Beaumont High School class of 1975 is in the planning process for its 40th year reunion! Reunion dates: August 14-16, 2015, contact: Gale (314) 838-8493 or Cynthia (314) 869-4049. Beaumont High Class of 1984 can stay updated via our

Facebook page “Beaumont Class of 1984”. We meet the last Friday of every month. Contact Rochelle Williams at rochellewilliams001@yahoo. com. Lincoln High School (East St. Louis, IL) January and June 1955 classes are planning the 60th year reunion, September 4-6, 2015. For additional information, you may contact John W. Morgan at 618558-6880 or Maxine Parks Kimbrough at 314-741-3967. Normandy High School Class of 1975 40th year reunion weekend September 18–20 at Ameristar Casino. For full details contact Lisa Garrett at 314-707-4673, Jay Buck at 636-346-9165,

Virginia Ferguson Crosby at v_crosby2004@yahoo.com, Paul Jordan at 314-565-3452 and Gina Whitfield Pope at 314-348-6795 or Normandy High School Class of 1975 Facebook page. Old Neighborhood Reunion Incorporated 14th Annual Street Festival (Representing Cass-Garrison-GlasgowHoward-Leffingwell-MadisonSheridan-Jefferson-Elliott, The Huts, North Market and Graduates of Curtis and Columbia Grade Schools). Saturday September 19, 2015, 12 pm—6 pm, 2700 Block of Howard Street (Between Leffingwell and Elliott Streets. Soldan High School Class of 1975 40th Reunion Celebration, September 11-13,

Centenarian

Georgia Austin celebrated her 102nd birthday on September 3. Blessed of the Lord and a loving blessing to the Austin, Thompson and Turner family and friends.

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

2015. Contact: Terese ColeMarshall, (314) 640-9611, Roslyn “Cookie” Williams (314) 616-4892, or AnnieSue Preston (314) 606-5618, email: Soldanclass75@gmail.com. Soldan High School Class of 75 40th Reunion Celebration, September 11-13, 2015. Contact: Terese Cole–Marshall at (314) 640 9611, Roslyn “Cookie” Williams at (314) 616 4892 or AnnieSue Preston at (314) 606 5618, email: Soldanclass75@gmail.com. University City High Class of ‘75 will be celebrating its 40th reunion the weekend of September 18. For more information register at: www. uchs75.myevent.com or email UCclassof75@outlook.com.

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


Religion

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • SEPTEMBER 3 - 9, 2015

C6

Christian Embassy hosts Harvest Fest Fathers’ Support Center to benefit from faith-based fundraiser in Black Jack By Chris King Of The St. Louis American Christian Embassy Church (CEC) of Black Jack has named Fathers’ Support Center of St. Louis as the beneficiary of its 2015 Harvest Fest fundraiser, which will be held September 18-20 at the church, located at 13775 Old Jamestown Rd. in Black Jack. The CEC Harvest Fest is a threeday festival with a purpose to bring the community together to raise funds to support a local, charitable organization. “Our parishioners are excited to join Fathers’ Support Center in raising muchneeded funds for this vital communitywide initiative,” said Robert S. Griffin, pastor of Christian Embassy Church. “Members of the CEC family have even benefited directly or know someone that has benefited from their services.” The City of Black Jack will once again join the church in this celebration. CEC will host the Harvest Fest events on Friday evening and Saturday during the day. The City of Black Jack will continue the festivities into Saturday evening by hosting Harvest Moon Fest in Harold J. Evangelista Park, next door to CEC. The entire St Louis community is invited to join them in celebrating these three fun-filled events. The schedule: Friday, September 18 – Step Together for Christ, 7 p.m. Enjoy a night of step, praise and mime performances from churches, gospel fraternities/sororities and youth groups. Saturday, September 19 - Harvest Fest, 8 a.m. 8 a.m. – Registration begins for the 9 a.m. 5K run/walk at the new walking trail surrounding the lakes located on

Christian Embassy Church, 13775 Old Jamestown Rd. in Black Jack, hosted a group from Girls, Inc. at a previous Harvest Fest’s “Step Together for Christ” showcase. This year’s festival is scheduled for September 18-20.

36 beautiful acres of the CEC Kingdom Complex. 10 a.m. – Opening ceremonies kick off with the honorable Norm McCourt, Mayor of Black Jack, the singing of the National Anthem and rising of the American flag by the City of Black Jack Fire department. 10:15 a.m.-4 p.m. - Enjoy paddleboat rides, carnival-type games, inflatables, music, delicious food, fishing, vendors, old fashioned ‘family reunion’ games, hay rides and other fun-filled activities. Spinning classes highlight the fitness segment. Saturday, September 20 - Harvest Moon Fest, 5 p.m. 5 p.m - Hosted by the City of Black Jack in Harold J Evangelista Park next to the CEC Complex. Music, inflatables, food and fun. 8:30 p.m. - The festivities conclude with a spectacular fireworks show. Sunday, September 20 – CEC Church Service, 9:30 a.m. The Harvest Fest weekend culminates with an uplifting worship service at Christian Embassy Church. From its humble beginnings as a church fish fry to showcase CEC’s

ministries, Harvest Fest has grown into the church’s major annual fundraiser dedicated to benefiting worthy causes. Previous Harvest Fest beneficiaries include the American Diabetes Association, American Heart Association, Build A Body Kid’s Fitness, Inc., James S. McDonnell USO, Kingdom House, Salvation Army, Samaritan’s Purse, Wings of Hope, Mathews-Dickey Boys’ & Girls’ Club, Backstoppers, Inc. and Focus Marine Foundation. “With everything going on with Ferguson, we thought Fathers Support Center was an excellent choice,” said Debra Handley, a member of Christian Embassy Church who helps to promote the church’s good works. “Their mission is to help fathers become more connected to the family, and they provide various means of support.” She added, “Christian Embassy is a non-denominational church which teaches that God’s love and promises are for us today and always.” Harvest Fest: http:// www.2015harvestfest.com. Fathers’ Support Center: http://www. fatherssupportcenter.org/.

The Message

Maturing in Christ As someone who came to forgive your enemies, God might Christ as an adult, I’m challenged just have a problem forgiving us. from time to time as ministers and It’s not always easy and at Bible study leaders and others times it is downright impossible of faith talk about the process to shake the “I want revenge” of becoming a mature Christian. gene. But, how dare you not at The challenge is in knowing least undertake the notion of what it means to mature as a forgiveness, when the ultimate person and applying some sacrifice was paid to of those same principles to forgive you? the maturation process as Some people refer to it relates to faith and the this as knowing that you knowledge of the truth of know that you know. It’s God’s existence. a process and, like every The knowledge I’m process, it takes time to talking about is the get it right. Maturing does experience of one’s take time and results in growth in knowing God’s Columnist appropriate habitual action, Word. Just like it did as the kind of action that you grew into adulthood, James frequently challenges me. your behavior starts After all, it ain’t always Washington to be dictated by your easy to do the right thing. experiences. In other words, But for the maturing your decisions are guided by what Christian, it your faith that gently you know. lets you know what the right thing For the mature Christian, is and, subsequently, what to one’s faith is easily expressed in do next and in all situations and words. However, now your deeds, circumstances. The more mature your actions have parameters you become in your faith, the set in the stone of truth and more evident it becomes in your your experiences of faith: your behavior. testimony. So the more you know Now the kicker for me is when about God’s Word and God’s your maturity readily surfaces in Will, the more responsive you what goes on in your mind, what become about what you do, don’t you think. This is where I often do, say, don’t say, etc. find myself these days, hanging Forgiveness is an example of out with me. You indeed are what what I’m talking about. The more you think. I believe faith moves you accept the truth of Christ in mountains. And as I attempt to your life, the more likely you’ll move mine, I’ll prayerfully be be to forgive those who have living proof about that mustard trespassed against us. A mature seed thing. Christian knows if you don’t Believe me. I’m working on it.

Facebook.com/Stlouisamerican Instagram & Twitter: @stlouisamerican


THE

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN C8

Bids & Notices ST. LOUIS AMERICAN

RESPONSES

PUBLIC NOTICE

for St. Louis Community College on RFP B0003460 for Catalog Curriculum and Management System will be received until 2:00 P.M. (local time) on September 25, 2015 at the Dept. of Purchasing, 300 S. Broadway, St. Louis, MO 63102, and immediately thereafter opened and read. RFP documents can be accessed on our website at www.stlcc.edu/purchasing or by calling (314) 539-5227. EOE/AA Employer.

Deer Valley Assisted Living Florissant plans to establish a new 20 bed 4845 North Highway 67, Florissant, MO 63034 pending certificate of need approval of application #5206 RS. Questions and comments may be submitted to Nicole McBee, Project Manager at 314-219-1215

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

NOTICE TO MINORITY, WOMEN, DISADVANTAGE & SERVICE DISABLED VETERAN ENTERPRISES: WE ARE LOOKING FOR MBE, WBE, DBE & SDVE

on 9/9/15 Fulton MO WWTP by 1pm To Demien Const. Co Ofc 636-332-5500 Call for email.

www.stlamerican.com

KCI CONSTRUCTION REQUESTS M/WBE SUBCONTRACTOR PROPOSALS for Renovation and Addition to Glass Hall located at Missouri State University in Springfield, MO. Proposals are due by 1 p.m. September 17, 2015. You may view plans and specs by visiting our office in St. Louis or Lebanon or download at www.plans.missouristate.edu. Bids can be emailed to jwalters@kciconstruction.com or faxed to 417-588-9211. KCI is an equal opportunity employer 417-588-9200

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS Sealed bids for Parker Road Bridge No. 148, St. Louis County Project No. AR-1288, will be received at the Office of the Director of Procurement for the County of St. Louis, County Government Center Administration Building, 41 South Central Avenue, 8th Floor, Clayton, Missouri 63105, until 2:00 p.m. on September 23, 2015.

Subcontractors and Suppliers to bid on upcoming projects. Please contact GBH Builders for upcoming projects. GBH Builders is an EEOE. Phone: (573) 893-3633 / Fax: (573) 893-5847

NOTICE TO MINORITY, WOMEN, & VETERAN BUSINESS ENTERPRISES: McAfee Construction, Inc. is seeking MBE, WBE, & DBE Subcontractors and Suppliers who are interested in bidding on the following projects: University of Missouri – 1105 Carrie Francke Drive-Renovate Suite 108. Plans and Specs may be viewed at http://www.cf.missouri.edu/pdc/adsite/project.php?project=CP 152181&format=html Bids are due in our office by Noon on September 10, 2015. Interested bidders please contact McAfee Construction, Inc. at 573-474-4397. MCAFEE CONSTRUCTION, INC. IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.

CITY OF ST. LOUIS LAMBERT - ST. LOUIS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT® Solicitation For Bids (SFB) for

Plans and specifications will be available on August 31, 2015 from the St. Louis County Web Site (www.stlouisco.com), or by contacting County Blue Reprographics, Inc., 1449 Strassner Drive, St. Louis, Missouri 63144, (314) 961-3800. DIRECTOR OF PROCUREMENT AND ADMINSTRATIVE SERVICES ST. LOUIS, COUNTY

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS Sealed bids for New Ballwin Road Bridge No. 351, St. Louis County Project No. CR-1286, will be received at the Office of the Director of Procurement for the County of St. Louis, County Government Center Administration Building, 41 South Central Avenue, 8th Floor, Clayton, Missouri 63105, until 2:00 p.m. on September 23, 2015. Plans and specifications will be available on August 31, 2015 from the St. Louis County Web Site (www.stlouisco.com), or by contacting County Blue Reprographics, Inc., 1449 Strassner Drive, St. Louis, Missouri 63144, (314) 961-3800. DIRECTOR OF PROCUREMENT AND ADMINSTRATIVE SERVICES ST. LOUIS, COUNTY

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS Sealed bids for the Banshee Road Resurfacing project, St. Louis County Project No.CR-1653, will be received at the Office of the Director of Procurement for the County of St. Louis, County Government Center Administration Building, 41 South Central Avenue, 8th Floor, Clayton, Missouri 63105, until 2:00 p.m. on September 16, 2015.

Runway Rubber Removal & Surface Marking Removal Services

AIRPORT®

Bids Wanted Proposal documents may be obtained at Lambert St. Louis International Airport Airport Properties Division, Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., or by calling (314) 426-8184. This RFP may also be obtained by visiting our website at www.flystl.com (Click on “Business Opportunities”). Robert Salarano Airport Properties Division Manager

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS Sealed bids for the 2015 CRS Mill and Overlay Program project, St. Louis County Project No.AR/CR-1612, will be received at the Office of the Director of Procurement for the County of St. Louis, County Government Center Administration Building, 41 South Central Avenue, 8th Floor, Clayton, Missouri 63105, until 2:00 p.m. on September 16, 2015. Plans and specifications will be available on August 31, 2015 from the St. Louis County Web Site (www.stlouisco.com), or by contacting County Blue Reprographics, Inc., 1449 Strassner Drive, St. Louis, Missouri 63144, (314) 961-3800.

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN

SEPTEMBER 3 - 9, 2015

CITY OF ST. LOUIS BOARD OF PUBLIC SERVICE REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS for PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR DESIGN OF VIDEO CAMERA SURVEILLANCE SYSTEMS, ST. LOUIS, MO. Statements of Qualifications due by 5:00 P.M., CT, SEPTEMBER 9, 2015 at Board of Public Service, 1200 Market, Room 301 City Hall, St. Louis, MO 63103. RFQ may be obtained from website www.stl-bps.org, under On Line Plan Room, or call Board of Public Service at 314-622-3535. 25% MBE and 5% WBE participation goals.

METROPOLITAN ST. LOUIS SEWER DISTRICT Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District will receive sealed bids in the Purchasing Division, 2350 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103-2555 until 11:00 a.m., October 1, 2015 to contract with a company for: Service, Hypochlorite Tank and Pipe Replacement, Per Specifications. Specifications and bid forms may be obtained from www.stlmsd.com (MSD at Work, Bidding on Projects). The bid document will be identified as 6105 RFQ. If you do not have access to the internet, call (314) 768-6313 to request a copy of the bid. Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Email your ads today! vmedina@stlamerican.com

LETTING # 8590 CIVIL COURTS BUILDING – FACADE & PLAZA REPAIRS Sealed proposals will be received by the Board of Public Service in Room 208 City Hall, 1200 Market Street, St. Louis, Mo. Until 1:45 PM, CT, on September 22, 2015, then publicly opened and read. Plans and Specifications may be examined on the Board of Public Service website http://www.stl-bps.org/planroom.aspx (BPS On Line Plan Room) and may be purchased directly through the BPS website from INDOX Services at cost plus shipping. No refunds will be made. Bidders shall comply with all applicable City, State and Federal laws (including MBE/WBE policies). All bidders must regard Federal Executive Order 11246, “Notice of Requirement for Affirmative Action to Ensure Equal Employment Opportunity”, the “Equal Opportunity Clause” and the “Standard Federal Equal Employment Specifications” set forth within and referenced at www.stl-bps.org (Announcements).

Bids Wanted Bid documents may be obtained at Lambert St. Louis International Airport - Airport Properties Division, Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., or by calling (314) 890-1802. This SFB may also be obtained by visiting our website at www.flystl.com (Click on “Business Opportunities”). Robert Salarano Airport Properties Division Manager

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS The Public Safety Committee of the Board of Aldermen has $866,718 available to appropriate in calendar-year 2016 for programs that prevent crime in the City of St. Louis. The Committee is seeking proposals from qualified not-for-profit organizations to serve youth at risk, targeting male and female youth between the ages of 11 and 18. For the purposes of this RFP, crime prevention programs are defined as those programs that, either on an individual or group level, work to instill the self-discipline, self-control and self-worth necessary to reduce the likelihood of involvement in criminal activity. Awards are not to exceed $100,000. For more information please contact Joshua Kremer, Program Specialist, Department of Public Safety at 314-622-3391, or visit https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/ procurement.cfm The RFP is listed under "Local Government Services"

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Plans and specifications will be available on August 31, 2015 from the St. Louis County The City of Pasadena Hills, Missouri is Web Site (www.stlouisco.com), or by contacting accepting sealed bids for the repair and County Blue Reprographics, Inc., 1449 replacement of the decking and railing at the Strassner Drive, St. Louis, Missouri 63144, Roland Pond. Each sealed bid shall be (314) 961-3800. submitted to: DIRECTOR OF PROCUREMENT AND CITY OF PASADENA HILLS, Pasadena ADMINSTRATIVE SERVICES ST. LOUIS, COUNTY Hills, Missouri 63112 and endorsed “BID” for decking repair and replacement and must be received by the City on September 15, 2015 at CITY OF ST. LOUIS 12 noon., at City Hall, 3915 Roland Blvd., LAMBERT - ST. LOUIS Pasadena Hills, MO 63121 and at that time will INTERNATIONAL be publicly opened and read. Request Solicitation for Airport Agency Agreement at Lambert-St. Louis International Airport

•

THE

The work includes: - 2048 square feet of deck replacement Utilizing Deck sider planks by Timber Tech-cedar (Marine Board) - 296 LF’ of railing, Tuscany (CIO) Black - Replacement of 8 2x12’ deck framing Bid packages will be available at City Hall on September 3, 2015.

Find an apartment on C9

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS The City of Pasadena Hills, Missouri, is accepting sealed bids for repair and reconstruction of certain streets and curbs, or portions thereof. Each sealed bid shall be submitted to:

CITY OF PASADENA HILLS , Pasadena Hills, Missouri 63121 and endorsed "Bid" for street repairs and must be received by the City on the 17th day of September, 2015, at 2 p.m., at the City Hall, 3915 Roland Boulevard, Pasadena Hills, Missouri 63121, and at that time will be publicly opened and read. The work includes: - saw cutting and repairing street sections - sidewalk replacement - alternate for full street slab Bid packages will be available at City Hall on September 3, 2015 for $10.

DIRECTOR OF PROCUREMENT AND A pre-bid meeting shall be held at 3 p.m. on ADMINSTRATIVE SERVICES September 14, 2015 at the Pasadena Hills ST. LOUIS, COUNTY City Hall.

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS Sealed qualifications will be received by the Gateway to the Midwest Investment Center, Inc. ( “GMIC”), 7733 Forsyth Blvd; Suite 2200, Clayton, Missouri. 63105, until a firm(s) is selected. The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program (the “EB-5 Program”) is administered by the U.S. Citizen and Immigration Service (USCIS). Under this program, entrepreneurs are eligible to apply for a green card (permanent residence) if they: (1) make the necessary investment in a commercial enterprise in the United States; and (2) plan to create or preserve 10 permanent full-time jobs for qualified U.S. workers. GMIC is issuing this Request for Qualifications to experienced firms to provide legal services related to the EB-5 Program. All applicable federal regulations shall be in full force and effect. MBE and WBE firms are encouraged to submit proposals. Request for Qualifications will be available after 10:00 a.m. on August 31, 2015. Please visit www.stlpartnership.com. The Partnership reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and to waive informalities therein. Questions should be directed to Laura Hughes at: lhughes@worldtradecenter-stl.com or 314-615-3902. St. Louis Economic Development Partnership An Equal Opportunity Employer

ATTENTION: MBE/WBE Contractors and non-minority contractors Insituform Technologies USA, LLC, 17988 Edison Ave. Chesterfield, MO 63005, is seeking subcontractor quotes for The Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District Lemay Public I&I Reduction (2016) Letting No. 12061-015.1, Bidding September 24, 2015 at 2:00pm. Potential subcontracting opportunities available for consideration on these projects include: Lab testing services, Closed-circuit television inspection & cleaning of existing sewer lines, Manhole cover remove & replacement, Cementitious manhole rehabilitation, CIPP lateral connection repair and/or Point repairs. All in accordance with project specifications. IMPORTANT: QUOTE LINE ITEMS ON A TURNKEY BASIS AND INCLUDE PERMITS, TRAFFIC CONTROL, SEWER BY-PASSING, ETC, IF REQUIRED. All MWBE and non-minority contractors should contact Greg Patton or Mark Reeves in writing (certified letter, return receipt requested) to discuss bid opportunities. In lieu of a certified letter, contact can be made by e-mail to gpatton@insituform.com and mwreeves@insituform.com. Acknowledge in your quote your company will meet the workforce per trade minority requirements per the project specifications. A pre-bid conference will be held at Insituform Technologies USA, LLC’s Training Center, 580 Goddard Avenue, Chesterfield, MO 63005 on Monday, September 14, 2015 at 10:00 AM. Quotes must be completed and submitted to Kenny Pipitone at kpipitone@insituform.com by 11:00 AM, Tuesday, September 22, 2015, along with a copy of your current MWBE Certification. Please complete EPA form attached with your quote. All quotations will be evaluated for overall compliance with the project specifications, scheduling availability and pricing. Subcontractors should review and meet the Work Force Utilization requirements of the project.

SEALED BIDS

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

CITY OF ST. LOUIS 1901-19 PENROSE STREET The City of St. Louis is requesting proposals for a building located at 1901-19 Penrose Street. This building is a vacant former police station in the Hyde Park neighborhood. The City is interested in selling the building to a qualified buyer who is able to address needed renovations, successfully operate the building and make it an asset to the Hyde Park community.

Proposals can be obtained by submitting request to Ms. Sheila Woods at woodss@stlouis-mo.gov

www.stlamerican.com

SEALED BIDS

SEALED BIDS

for Replace for for Parking Exterior Repairs, Lot Improvements, HVAC, Parking Montgomery City Lot 10, Project No. & Fire Lane, Youth Center, O1515-02, will Mexico Veterans Montgomery City, Home, be received by Missouri, Project Mexico, Missouri, FMDC, State No. H1405-04 will Project No. of MO, UNTIL be received by U1407-01 1:30 PM, will be received FMDC, State of by FMDC, State MO, UNTIL September 24, of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, 2015. For specific 1:30 PM, 10/1/2015. project information 10/1/2015. For For specific and ordering plans, specific project project information go to information and and ordering http:// ordering plans, go plans, go to www.oa.mo. http://www. to http://www.oa. oa.mo.gov/ gov/fmdc/dc/ mo.gov/fmdc/ fmdc/dc/list. list.htm. dc/list.htm. htm.

Need a quote? Send your ad text to vmedina@stlamerican.com

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

Infrastructure Repairs (Rehabilitation) Contract A Contract Letting No. 11709-015.1 This meeting is being held on behalf of the following SITE contractor members:

SAK Construction 864 Hoff Road O’Fallon, MO 63366 636/385-1000 The meeting will take place at

10:00 a.m. September 11, 2015 SITE Improvement Association 2071 Exchange Drive, St. Charles, MO 63303 For questions regarding this prebid meeting, Contact the SITE Improvement Association office at 314/966-2950.

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS Sealed qualifications will be received by the Gateway to the Midwest Investment Center, Inc. ( “GMIC”), 7733 Forsyth Blvd; Suite 2200, Clayton, Missouri. 63105, until a firm(s) is selected. The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program (the “EB-5 Program”) is administered by the U.S. Citizen and Immigration Service (USCIS). Under this program, entrepreneurs are eligible to apply for a green card (permanent residence) if they: (1) make the necessary investment in a commercial enterprise in the United States; and (2) plan to create or preserve 10 permanent full-time jobs for qualified U.S. workers. GMIC is issuing this Request for Qualifications to experienced firms to provide consulting and compliance services related to the EB-5 Program. All applicable federal regulations shall be in full force and effect. MBE and WBE firms are encouraged to submit proposals. Request for Qualifications will be available after 10:00 a.m. on August 31, 2015. Please visit www.stlpartnership.com. The Partnership reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and to waive informalities therein. Questions should be directed to Laura Hughes at: lhughes@worldtradecenter-stl.com or 314-615-3902. St. Louis Economic Development Partnership An Equal Opportunity Employer

MWBE PREBID MEETING NOTICE

MWBE PREBID MEETING NOTICE

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

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

Black Creek Sanitary Sewer and I/I Reduction Contract Letting No. 11883-015.1

Chandellay Dr. Sanitary Sewer Replacement Contract Letting No. 11009-015.1

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

Fred M. Luth & Sons 4516 McRee Avenue St. Louis, MO 63110 314/771-3892 The meeting will take place at

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

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

10:30 a.m. September 10, 2015

The meeting will take place at

SITE Improvement Association 2071 Exchange Drive, St. Charles, MO 63303

SITE Improvement Association 2071 Exchange Drive, St. Charles, MO 63303

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

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

10:00 a.m. September 10, 2015


THE

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN

Real Estate & Rentals ST. LOUIS AMERICAN

APT FOR RENT

1ST MONTH FREE

FOR RENT

314-718-0642

314-704-4256

AGVFO 314-309-2043

314-382-4826

South City!

APTS. & HOUSES FOR RENT

APT FOR RENT

Looking for a few great tenants to live in a God fearing environment. Sec. 8 welcome with open arms.

34XX Michigan Ave. 63118 2 BR Apt $575/mo Sec 8 & Shelter Care Accepted

314-629-5051

314-496-5808 ROOMS FOR RENT

North City!

Newly remodeled 5231 Lotus Spacious 2BR apt, new hardwood fls through out, some utils incl. $600/mo+Dep. Negotiable Sec 8 welcome

No App Fee! 1 bedroom, 2nd fl Apt 2 fam basement storage, appli$425/mo included, hardwood New Unit $375/mo bus line at front door, ances floors, ready to rent! only stove & fridge, $375 5200 Block of Palm fenced yard. rs-stl.com

314-724-2054

D. Turner

Natural Bridge! $200 deposit! 3 bed, 2 bath home, central air, finished basement, family room, w/d hookups! only $500

rs-stl.com AGVFR 314-309-2043

•

FOR RENT 4121 FARLAND 2 BR $495/mo 5124 ST. LOUIS AVE 2BR $475

Updated 2 bedroom, central air, nice hardwood floors, fireplace, basement storage, pets, covered porch! $495

314-393-9370

rs-stl.com AGVFU 314-309-2043

2 MONTHS 1/2 OFF RENT

Winter Garden Apts.

Blue Fountain APARTMENTS has 1 and 2 BR apartment homes for rent and is Section 8 approved. Please call for an appointment today

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

Sec 8 Welcome

314-942-3400.

314-925-9406

We are location on TTY 800-735-2966 819 Gustav Ave off of Equal Housing Opportunity North Broadway in Professionally Managed by St. Louis City NHPMN Management, LLC

North City

3, 4, 5 BR Single family homes

APTS. FOR RENT 1 BR on Minnesota $475+ $475 Dep 2BR + Bonus 2 fam flat upstair unit on Ashland $535/mo + $535

Call Mr. Robert

FOR RENT

51XX Cote Brilliante Newly redecorated 1 & 2 BR

READY NOW!

Good heating and cooling. Fully furnished & Cable

314-484-3147 314-717-9966

Potential Free Rent CLEAN FURNISHED ROOMS & 1 BR 1220 Warren Senior over age 55 & eligible handicapped individual1 bedroom apt. Income base. Electric included call

314-436-0733

FOR RENT Updated, utilities included $138/wk & up Proof of income

314-585-6638

ATTENTION!

PRIVATE BATH & KITCHEN FURNISHED KITCHENETTES FOR RENT

$149/wk & up!

314-575-2665

(Nothing Like Your Own) House for Rent! South City 2 bed house, full basement, ceiling fans, large yard for kids, recently remodeled! only $675

rs-stl.com AGVFW 314-309-2043

HOUSES & APTS

FOR RENT Furn. Rm in shared 2 BR 1.5 BA duplex & use of kitch. All utls. heat, a/c, cable, security. Near transportation, on-st pkg, credit & Bkgrd check. $550/mo+ $300 Dep Call 314-348-3728 314-942-7303

Kingshighway! All-electric 1 bedroom, frosty a/c, all appliances, ceiling fans, newer carpet, pets, utilities paid! $400

rs-stl.com AGVFQ 314-309-2043

APARTMENT FOR RENT North City 5037 Aubert

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

Seniors Welcome

314-772-4563

314-780-0173

2 BR $600/mo +Dep

Central West End!

FURNISHED ROOMS APARTMENTS FOR Tower Grove! Delor! FOR RENT RENT FOR RENT Charming 3-4 bedroom, Freshly remodeled Loaded 3 bed, 1.5 bath North City 2BR, 1BA, all appliances, central house, full finished 2 BR Apt. completely basement, central air, cable, security bars, air, beautiful hardwood shared bathroom $650/mo + Dep. floors, nice deck, recent re-decorated, fireplace, fenced yard, updates! $650 new carpet. All appliances incl. appliances, pets! $750 and kitchen, washer & dryer $85 rs-stl.com rs-stl.com Near downtown 314-389-1804 150/wk. AGVFV AGVFX Call 314-952-1614 314-346-1302 314-570-2959 314-309-2043 314-309-2043

Handicapped Accessible apartment, all appliances, central heat/air, pets, close to shop & dine! $500

rs-stl.com AGVFS 314-309-2043

LARGE ROOMS Morganford!! FOR RENT Private 1 bedroom, Centrally located newly appliances, central air, remodeled shared house storage, plush carpet, $135/wk + Dep, w/d, cable, pets, w/d hookups, all utils. included. recent updates! $385 internet, FEMALE

rs-stl.com AGVFP 314-309-2043

ENVIRONMENT ONLY

CREDIT FRIENDLY

LARGE FURNISHED ROOMS

314-741-1951 leave a message.

2125-27 Obear 3 rms, (1 BDRM) $425/mo For details call

with sitting space, walk-in closet, Free utilities, cable w/d, c/a. Quiet Area, near bus line. $250 every 2 weeks + $100 Dep. Male Environment

314-255-4733

314-239-4288

Maplewood!

MARK TWAIN HOTEL

All-electric apartment, central air, hardwood floors, all appliances, pets, on site laundry, easy move! $475

rs-stl.com AGVFT 314-309-2043

ROOMS FOR RENT $400/mo + Key Dep $50 314-657-7071

Summer discounts avail.

314-421-2980 (Downtown)

Centrally Located & Connected to Metro and Buses, Short Term Weekly RentalsNo credit check $110.50 and up per week (utilities and Housekeeping svcs included) Other terms and conditions may apply.

Email your ads to vmedina@ stlamerican.com

Move-In Special Sr. Living Apartments

7825 Birchmont

Heat included - 24 Hour Desk Attendant

Rolling Hills Apts.

L!

Fully Equipped Kitchens - Walk-in Showers Beautiful! A must see for those 62 yrs or older!!

ED

www.mccormackhouseatwestminsterapts.com

TO

L SE

C RI

P

Ready to enjoy the great life of the University City Loop? Ready to own your own ALL brick 3 bdrm, 1.5 bath home? Part Finished basement & PLENTY storage space. All brick garage and fenced back yard. Unbelievable price of $100K. Want to make an offer? Ready for singles, parents, investors, and great starter home. Give me a call. Don’t miss out!!

A Project Based Section 8 Multi-Family Community, will open the ONE (1) Bedroom and

C9

SEPTEMBER 3 - 9, 2015

314-368-1298

McCormack House

WAIT LIST Castle Park Apartments

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN

314-518-5898

Fall is Fun with us!!

866-347-8650

THE

Betty Morgan ,314-852-3737, bmorgan@bhhsselectstl.com 6149 Mid Rivers Mall Drive, St. Charles, MO 63304

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

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

314-925-9405

(314) 869-5033

TTY 800-735-2966

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

Professionally Managed by NHPMN Management, LLC

Equal Housing Opportunity

TWO (2) Bedroom Apartment waiting list

MOVE IN SPECIAL!!!

September 28-30th from 9:00am to 11:00am, and 1:00pm to 4:00pm daily. Applicants are required to apply in person at 1600 Castle Park Dr. St. Louis, MO. 63133 All applicants are required to bring a valid photo ID, Birth Certificate and Social Security Card for each household member. Applicants will be required to show proof of income and assets when a unit becomes available. Applicantions will be dated & time stamped upon completion. Applicants will be notified of availability based on the order of the date & time application was received.

Under New Management!

Lewis & Clark Apartments 1 & 2 bedrooms starting at $507/mo Washer and dryers partially finished basements in select units! Terrific onsite management and maintenance team!

(314) 869-3400 or visit 1282 Marquis Court, St. Louis, MO 63137 LOVE WHERE YOU LIVE!!!

OWN YOUR HOME

SAN REMO APARTMENTS Move-In Special!

In North County FOR ONLY $499 PER MONTH

2BR $575

636-532-5487

Houses are MOVE-IN READY 848 N. Kingshighway St. Louis, MO 63108

Brick House, 2 & 3 Bedrooms With Finished Basements CALL FOR DETAILS With Credit Score Of 620 & $3000 Down

314-454-9305 Mon-Fri 8:30am-5:00pm Saturdays 10:00am -2:00pm

Visit www.stlamerican.com

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

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

SERVICE DIRECTORY 314-289-5406 MEDICARE & MEDICAID ACCEPTED Hearing Aids

Dental

As low as $150/Pair

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

Co-pay

Glasses

Man & H0is Truck

Light Hauling & Yard Work, Moving & Gutter Cleaning REASONABLE

As low as $15/Pair Co-pay

Call 1-800-733-1912 to see if you qualify.

“New Year New You!!”

Get more self-esteem in 2015 …Transform your body NOW. \ *Weight loss *Extra energy *Digestive Cleaning

*Nutrition

Summer Clean-up

*Personal Care

Ask me how! Check out my new website:

www.goherbalife.com/getsexymovement/en-US

CALL 314-898-8898 HERBALIFE Distr.

314-583-6971

All-inclusive Vacations Cruises Payment Plans Available Call: 314.433-KAYA (5292) www.IndaKaya.com

BE OUR FRIEND ON


ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • SEPTEMBER 3 - 9, 2015

C10

Celebrity Swag Snap of the Week Rap star Fabolous came and got fresh with Team DNA (aka DJ and Nate) Saturday before he made his way to Loosecannon S.L.I.M.’s Day Party at Harry’s. Rap star Nelly repped his high school and chopped it up with Kevin Cunningham for U. City night Saturday @ Knockouts

Jamecia and Sydney stepped out Saturday @ the Rustic Goat

Birthday Boy Los celebrated his Bday with The lovely Taz Angel’s and Taz himself Friday @ HG

Cierra H, Fabienne, and Brooke J closed their weekend out with Culture Shift III Sunday @ the OBar

Save the date for Salute. It’s about that time…and by “that time” I mean SALUTE time! That’s right, the 28th Annual Salute to Excellence in Education Scholarship and Awards Gala – or the ball to end all balls as you’ve come to know it – is only a few Fridays away. I thought that I would issue a save the date for those who are on the front end of a 21-day detox or social media fitness challenge so that you can stay motivated for the sake of fineness. If I can keep to walking the stairway to heaven housed at Creve Coeur Park, I will be slaying the girls with an ensemble inspired by the glorious floral blouse and matching headband of Rich Homie Quan in his “Flex (Ooh, Ooh, Ooh)” video. And for those wondering, yes, my gown will have a train/tail just like his blouse. But If I fall off for even one day, I’ll be forced to resort to encrusting my favorite moo-moo with rhinestones and pumps that resemble the bedazzled fedora worn by Teddy Riley at Ballpark Village a few weeks back. But seriously, the 28th Annual Salute to Excellence in Education Scholarship and Awards Gala will be taking place on Friday, September 25 at America’s Center. We will be honoring some of the best and brightest leaders and learners in education – and having the time of our lives in the process. After nearly 30 years at this, do I need to even tell y’all how we get down as far as serving the THE party of the year? Don’t act like you forgot! Get your tickets today (while we still have a few) by calling (314) 533-8000 or visit www. stlamerican.com.

Danny, Jones Boy, and Justin Hoskins caught up @ the Marquee for Café Soul Friday

Café Soul and Bad Boy collide. Café Soul decided to pay tribute to the best moments of Diddy’s label Bad Boy Friday night at The Marquee. A female group led by Café Soul host Tendai sang the stage down as part of a group that called themselves DNA with a fantastic cover of Faith Evans’ “I Remember.” While DJ was serving up everything from Mase, to Diddy, Lil Kim, Black Rob and Yung Joc, I was shocked that more people weren’t performing from the Bad Boy Catalog. Besides the Faith Evans number, the only slight reminder that it was a Bad Boy affair on stage came from Will Robinson – and he was singing “Bad Boy” by Luther Vandross. Help. A crooner name Quinton made the bold and risky move of attempting to get into the stratospheric range of my boo Eric Benet with a performance of “Sometimes I Cry.” Ironically it sounded like he was actually crying when he tried to boldly go where few tenors have gone before. I’ll give it to him though; he won the crowd over – mainly because besides the high notes he was really good. Another male singer named Terrence B did “Whip Appeal.” Let me tell you this, if he sang as good as he believed he sang we would have the next international R&B sensation coming straight out of St. Louis. But sound system technical difficulties or the hand of the sound man who had heard enough shut him down. What? There were no problems before or after he left. I’m just sayin’. It was a good time as always by the ladies of Café Soul though – and I need that DJ’s playlist in my life!

Nikki and Kyra were among the fashionable crowd that came through for Style Code Saturdays @ Mood

Toast to Los. Los and his braids had HG on Omari Hardwick lean for his birthday Friday night. Yes, he pulled a bigger crowd than the Nelly and Kevin Hart combination a few weeks ago. Hey, I’m just calling it like I see it. Los spruced up his usual black uniform with some leather pants the club pulled out all of the stops for him. Ice sculptures, bottles and the whole shebang. That edible money on that extravagant cake was all sorts of urban opulence. Famed women of the night Taz Angels were in the house and so was everybody else that could fit. St. Louis’ own Sacramento King Ben McLemore was in the building as well. I was thrilled to see lovely ladies of June Fifth – who joined Tiffany Foxx in celebrating her boo Tezzo’s b-day as well. Taz Angels were doing the absolute most on stage, but I guess it was to be expected of them, because nobody seemed as bothered by them as I was. The night was epic and Los saw that even though he’s mostly behind the scenes he is plenty appreciated. Homegrown NBA star and Sacramento King Guard Ben McLemore was in the building and snapped a pic with Miranda as the city turned up for Los @ HG

Tashauna and Kalonda snapped a pic after singing the stage down @ Café Soul’s Bad Boy Takeover Friday @The Marquee Photos by Lawrence Bryant & John Scott

Fabolous unleashed on Twitter. While Fabolous most recent visit to St. Louis wasn’t really much to write home about – including a light crowd and a concert snippet – his sounding off on social media was everything you could wish from any show he will ever do. Folks decided to use Twitter to address him about feeling cheated out of a show during a Saturday day party at Harry’s. He responded and proceeded to subtweet the promoters for dear life. When I tell you he made those tweets cry…all I could think of was when Drake said “trigger fingers turn to Twitter fingers” in his Meek Mill diss “Back to Back.” Below is just a snippet of what he had to say in the hour-long rant. He went so hard that I can’t even remember how it began – but I think it started when somebody said they were mad that he only did three songs. Any spelling or grammar issues should be taken up with him. “There’s these times where promoters pay you just to come through, but sell it as a show to the public. Every artist has been there. It’s a wack situation cuz you don’t wanna disappoint fans & ppl who spent money 2 c u but u don’t wanna let promoters get over on u either. So when artist chooses not to perform & make the promoter take the L for selling a show but not paying for a show, sometimes it backfires. Sometimes we eat it and perform anyway. Sometimes we sit there and say [expletive] that. It depends on the artist and how they feel that day. Cuz ppl get upset with the artist for not performing. Not knowing the promoter paied for a walk thru, but sold it to the people as a performance.” When he was called out for subtweeting about our city, he responded with a vague attempt to be graceful. “STL showed mad love, just dropping gems while the WiFi is crispy,” Fab said. Knockout reunions. So Kevin Cunningham and company have come up with the wonderful idea of blending school and spirits on a Saturday night. This past weekend was the best one yet as U. City came through to kick it like it was a low key reunion. I don’t know what is in the water at U. City, but whatever it is, it forces them to rep to the absolute fullest. And Saturday night was no exception. Nelly and his boo Miss Jackson even stopped through.

Singer Will Robinson and Irv chilled after Will killed the stage Friday @ Café Soul @ The Marquee

Kim, Debra, and Chase were just a few of the folks that had HG bursting at the seams for Los’ birthday bash Friday night

www.stlamerican.com


Page 2

YOUR HEALTH MATTERS

Smart prostate screening

For several years, the “Your Health Matters” section of The St. Louis American has been dedicated to providing relevant and factual medical information with the singular goal of eliminating health and healthcare disparities. It is our desire to share the latest research, introduce the public to the clinicians and scientists at the forefront of the most recent medical advances, and direct consumers to needed services within the community. We here at The St. Louis American also believe that our mission is to encourage advocacy when apparent negligence exists as it relates to the well-being of minority and poverty-stricken individuals. Often times we, along with our trusted partners, initially forge a lonely path as we set out to bring attention to hot topic issues, such as prostate cancer screening. That is the current situation as we try to bring clarity to the confusion surrounding screening and PSA testing. We hope to shed light on the recommendations and provide the necessary tools to help empower men to make the right decisions regarding their care. After the USPSTF, United States Preventive Services Task Force, advised against prostate cancer screening with PSA, the number of men being screened

dropped exponentially, inhas been shown that black cluding those men who would patients often are not aware of be considered high risk. The the multitude of options availstudies used by the task force able to them in regards to canto compile their guidelines cer care. Education is another did not have significant component that contributes numbers of African American a crucial dynamic within the men, who by most standards outcomes paradigm of prostate have the most lethal cases of cancer for black men. the disease. Education is not just an Black men are 60 percent issue for the patient, but also more likely to be diagnosed for primary care providers. As with prostate cancer, more an educator of future doctors, likely to have a higher tumor I am very aware that students Denise Hooks grade upon diagnosis, and and residents (doctors in Anderson, M.D. they are more likely to be training) are being taught not diagnosed at a younger age. to test at all. That behavioral It is for those reasons alone there has practice is also being mirrored to them by been such an outcry against the USPSTF their preceptors. So what will that mean recommendations, particularly amongst for black male patients five to10 years individuals who care for African Amerdown the road? My prediction, along ican men. Additionally, there have been with other concerned providers is that the some genes identified in black men that number of black men dying from prostate increase their risk, but this gene is absent cancer will dramatically increase. in the majority of black men with prostate Although the PSA test is an imperfect cancer. Definitely, more research is needtest at best, it is what we have currently. ed in this area. Scientists are working on other ways to Socioeconomic factors also play a diagnose prostate cancer and determine huge part in prostate cancer disparity. risk, though. Since 1994, PSA has been Black men are more likely to be uninused as a screening test and elevated sured or underinsured which then results levels can be indicative of prostate cancer in delays in screenings and treatment. It but also BPH, benign prostatic hypertro-

September 3 – 9, 2015

phy. Therefore, just because the PSA level is elevated, the patient does not automatically proceed to radical prostatectomy. So what are the next steps of intervention to prevent this potential rise in prostate cancer-related deaths of African American men? Because of the insight of a local radiation oncologist Dr. Lannis Hall, a Prostate Cancer Coalition was formed to educate the community – patients, health centers, academic institutions and community primary care providers. Approximately 70 physicians have joined Dr. Hall by signing a petition regarding smart screening. Other local partners such as The Empowerment Network are also involved. I personally encourage all men to discuss this issue of screening with their doctors and read the recommendations from the American Cancer Society. We cannot sit idly by and wait until a catastrophe happens. The time for action is now. Yours in Service, Denise Hooks-Anderson, M.D. Assistant Professor SLUCare Family Medicine yourhealthmatters@stlamerican.com

Your Health Matters

A bi-monthly special supplement of the St. Louis American

September 3, 2015 Your Health Matters provides up-to-date information, from an African-American perspective, about one of the most important subjects in evryone’s life – their personal health. Donald M. Suggs, President and Publisher Kevin Jones, Senior Vice President, COO Dina M. Suggs, Senior Vice President Chris King, Editorial Director Denise Hooks Anderson, M.D., Medical Accuracy Editor Sandra Jordan, Health Reporter Debbie Chase, Director of Health Strategy & Outreach Onye Hollomon, Barb Sills, Pamela Simmons, Sales Michael Terhaar, Art/Production Manager Angelita Jackson, Cover Design Wiley Price, Photojournalist

St. Louis American The


September 3 – 9, 2015

YOUR HEALTH MATTERS

Barber glad he chose surgery for prostate cancer

Page 3

By Sandra Jordan Of The St. Louis American He is a black man, in his late 40s with a diagnosis of stage 1 prostate cancer. After speaking with other prostate cancer survivors, it was enough information for Walter Mitchell to choose removal of the prostate gland, a prostatectomy. Ensuing laboratory results made Mitchell grateful he chose the surgical route. “When I went and met with the radiologist and we looked at the pathology report,” Mitchell said, “it showed that during my surgery, I was in stage 3 and I didn’t even know it.” In the three weeks between the time of his diagnosis and his surgery in June, Mitchell said his PSA levels rose from 5.2 to 6.3. The National Cancer Institute said the higher a man’s PSA level, n In the the more likely it is three weeks that he has prostate between the cancer. While there is no specific normal time of his or abnormal level of diagnosis PSA in the blood, the and his NCI states that previsurgery ously, doctors would recommend a prostate in June, Mitchell said biopsy if PSA levels were above 4.0 ng/ his PSA mL. levels rose The prostate is a walnut-sized gland from 5.2 to found only in males, 6.3. located below the bladder and in front of the rectum. It makes some of the fluid that protects and nourishes sperm cells in semen. While doctors knew about one tumor location, Mitchell said the pathology report indicated there was a second tumor hiding in the upper left of the gland. Mitchell said the pathologist said surgery was the best thing he could have done. Because he works out regularly and is otherwise in good health, his recovery from surgery has been smooth. “That is the main reason my recovery went as well as it did and as fast as it did,” he said. “It makes a major, major difference – being healthy prior to anything, just being able to get out and keep up a steady workout, whether you are walking, running, at the gym. Whatever it is that can be done as a workout, it just needs to be done. It could make a major difference in the recovery from any type of injury, operation or whatever the case may be.” Since his tumor had already moved beyond its initial site, Mitchell said

St. Louis Barber Walter Mitchell will soon undergo radiation therapy following surgery for prostate cancer earlier this year.

Photo by Wiley Price

preparations are underway to begin radiation therapy. According to CDC data, while African American and White men similar lifetime probability of developing

prostate cancer (1 in 5 and 1 in 6), they have a greater chance of dying from the disease(1 in 22 and 1 in 39 respectively), which makes prostate cancer testing and early detection crucial.

St. Louis American Health Accuracy Editor Denise Hooks-Anderson recommended in today’s page 2 column “Smart

See 50, page 5


uly

Page 4

YOUR HEALTH MATTERS

September 3 – 9, 2015

Pervasiveness of domestic violence

By Jameca Falconer, Ph.D. Director of Counseling and Psychological Services Logan University

My journey to Barbados began after receiving a prestigious Fulbright fellowship in Global health last year. I was asked to conduct my project in Barbados working with the University of the West Indies –Cave Hill branch. I gladly accepted the challenge to immerse myself in the mental health system of another country. My task was to examine the mental health climate of Barbados and to offer training and recommendations. Substance abuse is the estimated number one mental health issue on the island of Barbados. However, domestic violence is the issue that causes the most concern. Social scientists and human rights advocates in and out of Barbados and the rest of the Caribbean routinely describe the persistently high incidence of domestic violence and sexual abuse in Barbados as an epidemic. Domestic violence is not a new phenomenon, but it has only emerged as a public health concern in recent years in Barbados. Estimates repeatedly show that the most common form of violence in the Caribbean is domestic violence. In fact, one Bajan psychiatrist estimates that domestic violence in Barbados is actually three times more than rates that have been reported. Domestic violence is also a huge concern in the United States. Black women experience intimate partner violence at a rate of 35 percent higher than do white women According to the Department of Justice nearly 40 percent of young black women have experienced sexual assault by the age of 18. Domestic violence, once viewed as a taboo topic best kept behind the closed doors, is now viewed as an issue that deserves much more attention. Many Bajan women suffer as a result of the actions of those who commit the offenses and then claim that they love them.

Jameca Falconer attends a mental health training at the University of the West IndiesCave Hill branch.

Tragically, many women actually believe these claims, and stay in the relationship without seeking any help. The fear of financial hardship, losing their children, safety concerns, combined with the lack of support remain a hurdle. While in Barbados, I heard many cases of domestic abuse incidents where women would report it the to the local police department with physical signs of the abuse, but the police shrugged it off, and told her, “She must have done something to him.” In many cases, the police do noth-

ing to the men and neither the victim nor perpetrator is removed from the home. As a result, the man usually increases the abuse out of anger for daring to call the police. A discussion of domestic violence in Barbados would not be thorough without the mention of Rihanna, the Barbados-born world superstar. Her publicized story of domestic abuse begins with Chris Brown’s assault on Rihanna on February 8, 2009. Brown’s possible infidelity was interpreted as ‘‘how men behave.’’

The bigger transgression in that situation is viewed as Rihanna’s challenges to Brown’s masculinity, her (unfeminine) ‘‘nagging’’ and aggression. The way that media portrayed the “reason” why Chris Brown abused her seemed to absolve him of full responsibility and supports the idea that domestic violence is a part of a flawed system of cultural acceptance. Domestic violence has been such an issue in Barbados that the United Nations (UN) has gotten involved. In 2012, The United Nations human rights chief urged Barbados to adopt more effective legislation measures to combat domestic and sexual violence in the country, adding that an attitudinal change is needed in society as a whole to tackle these issues. The UN identified a lack of adequate sanctions for sexual harassment and offered its support for the implementation for new policies to address domestic violence. In June, the UN Women signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Office of the Attorney General of the Government of Barbados to support strengthening of the resources of the police and Courts to effectively respond to cases of violence against women. In order to tackle domestic abuse in Barbados or here in the United States, we have to have a broader cultural understanding of domestic violence as a systemic problem. Our system is flawed if we do not hold the perpetrators accountable. Laws, community support and public health campaigns and cultural reform are necessary in order to alter the deep seated stigma of reporting the perpetrators of domestic violence. Law enforcement training is necessary in order for victims to feel supported and safe when they call police. Women of color need to feel especially safe and trusting with law enforcement given this social climate of police racial violence. It will take a diligent approach in order for women in the U.S. and the Caribbean to understand that their SILENCE WILL KILL THEM.

AKAs join fight against Alzheimer’s in St. Louis The Alzheimer’s Association St. Louis Chapter announced a new partnership with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. to help raise awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and increase education, care and support resources in the African-American community.

“African-Americans are twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s and other dementias, however they are less likely to be diagnosed, or diagnosed at a much later stage,” said Shawni Jackson-Triggs, Ph.D., Alzheimer’s Association director of Community Programs. “This partnership will help

the Association better connect AfricanAmericans with important Alzheimer’s information and support.” “The Alzheimer’s Association is proud to be working with Alpha Kappa Alpha to better reach, educate and engage the African American community in resources,” said Jackson-Triggs.

“This partnership will connect the African-American community in St. Louis to education, care, support, research and advocacy programs that are so important for individuals and families impacted by Alzheimer’s disease.”


September 3 – 9, 2015

50

Continued from page 3 prostate screening,” that African American men follow recommendations of the American Cancer Society. The ACS recommends that men make an informed decision about prostate cancer screening after talking with their doctor about potential risks and benefits. It says discussions should take place at • Age 45 for men at high risk of developing prostate cancer, which

YOUR HEALTH MATTERS

includes African Americans and men who have a first-degree relative (father, brother, or son) diagnosed with prostate cancer at an early age (younger than age 65); • Age 40 for men at even higher risk (those with more than one first-degree relative who had prostate cancer at an early age); and • Age 50 for men who are at average risk of prostate cancer and a life expectation of 10 years or more. Blood testing for prostate cancer measures the amount of prostate-specific

antigen, or PSA in the blood. A digital rectal exam or DRE may also be part of prostate cancer screening. Ironically, the salon where Mitchell works is across the hall from The Empowerment Network, a group dedicated to increase awareness, education and testing about prostate cancer. “I’m going to be teaming up with Mellve Shahid to continue to spread the message and continue to be an advocate for The Empowerment Network in any way that he and I can push awareness for having a healthy prostate,” Mitchell said. In addition to barbering, trimming and manscaping his clients, Mitchell is

Page 5

also stressing the importance of prostate testing and men’s health. “My customers gave me the utmost of support through this entire process. It was an amazing journey with my family, my three beautiful daughters…my friends and my customers,” Mitchell said. “I’ve had, so far, at least 20 of my customers have now gotten on top of having their PSA checked.” For more information on prostate cancer, visit TheEmpowermentNetwork.net or the American Cancer Society at http:// bit.ly/1dx9pUv.

Walk, run or throw – just go! Exercise prevents cancer

The same month Raymond Marbury found out he had prostate cancer, his fraternity brother passed away from it. Losing his friend was so hard that Raymond declared if he survived cancer, he would become an advocate. Fifteen years later, Raymond is fulfilling his promise and volunteering with the Program to Eliminate Cancer Disparities (PECaD) to bring attention to cancer screening, prevention and cancer disparities in St. Louis. At

PECaD community talks and events, Raymond encourages men to become advocates for their own health. One way that men and women can become advocates for their health is by understanding what raises and lowers the risk of developing cancer. These are often things we do (or don’t do) every day! For instance, there is strong scientific evidence that regular exercise – just 30 minutes each day – will lower your risk of developing certain cancers, including breast, colon and uterine cancer. Being obese, which often goes

hand-in-hand with the lack of exercise, is also associated with having a higher risk for prostate, ovarian, cervical cancer and others. Whether you’re running on a treadmill, walking around the block or playing tennis, it all counts. Encourage your whole family to get up and moving together. Exercise is especially important for cancer survivors. For some cancers, regular physical activity may lower the risk of recurrence and help cut the risk of other chronic diseases. To learn more about lowering your

cancer risk or PECaD’s community events where you can learn more about cancer disparities and cancer prevention, visit: PECaD: http://www.siteman.wustl.edu/ pecad.aspx 8 Ways to Stay Health and Prevent Cancer: http://www.8ways.wustl.edu


uly

Page 6

YOUR HEALTH MATTERS

September 3 – 9, 2015

Calendar Sat. Sept. 5, 8 a.m. – 12 noon, Rise ‘n Shine Yoga for St. Louis Ovarian Cancer Awareness, World’s Fair Pavilion in Forest Park. For more information, visit www.sloca.org/yoga. Sat. Sept. 5, 8 a.m., St. Louis Lustgarten Foundation Pancreatic Cancer Research Walk, Frontier Park, 500 S. Riverside Drive, St. Charles, Mo. For more information, visit http://bit.ly/1WQIPyj. Sat. Sept. 12, 8 a.m., 2015 Walk to End Alzheimer’s, Scottrade Center, 1401 Clark Ave. St. Louis, 63103; 1-mile or 3-mile route. For more information, call 314-432-3422 or register at http://bit.ly/ 1JANVta. Sat. Sept. 12, 8:30 a.m. – Noon, Ranken Jordan Kids Dog Walk 5k fun run at Ranken Jordan Pediatric Bridge Hospital, 11365 Dorsett Rd., Maryland Heights, Mo 63043. For more information, visit http:// bit.ly/1MxMYE6. Tues. Sept. 15, 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. Program for the Elimination of Cancer Disparities (PECaD) 10th Anniversary Celebration, The Public Media Commons, 3653 Olive St., St. Louis, 63108. RSVP for this free event at pecadcelebration.eventbrite.com. Fri. Sept. 18, 9:30 a.m., Frankly Speaking about Coping with the Cost of Care, by Cancer Support Community of Greater St. Louis at Food Outreach. For more information, call 314-238-2000 or visit cancersupportstl.org. Sun., Sept. 20, 8:30 a.m., Families Run for Ovarian Cancer Annual ROC STAR 5K & 1mile walk/run, Soldiers Memorial downtown St. Louis, 1315 Chestnut. Registration begins at 7 a.m. with race at 8 a.m. Register at www.familiesroc.com. Fri. Sept. 25, 7 p.m. – 11 p.m., Gateway to Hope’s KaleidoHope Gala, Chase Park Plaza Hotel, St. Louis. Event ben-

efits uninsured and underinsured breast cancer patients. For ticket information, call 314-569-1113 or visit www.kaleidohopestl. org. Mon. Sept. 28, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m., Guy’s Night Out at Jim Krings Conference Center by SSM St. Clare Hospital and St. Louis CyberKnife. Men will have all their medical questions answered by a panel of men’s health physicians while enjoying free beer, food, giveaways. For more information, call 866-776-3627. Thurs. Oct. 15– Fri., Oct. 16, Health Literacy Missouri Tribute Awards & Summit, Doubletree by Hilton Hotel St. Louis. For more information, visit healthliteracymissouri.org. Sat. Nov. 14, Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America St. Louis, 11th Annual Trivia Night, JCC Staenberg Family Complex, Creve Coeur. For more information, visit aafastl.org. Fridays & Saturdays, 11 am – Noon, Get Pumped! Free Slide/Zumba classes, O’Fallon Park Recreation Complex YMCA, 4343 W. Florissant Ave. 63115. Sundays, 10 a.m. – Alcoholics Anonymous Group 109 meets in the 11th floor conference room at Christian Hospital, 11133 Dunn Road at I-270/Hwy. 367. This is an open meeting for alcoholics, drug addicts and their family and friends. Mondays, 7 p.m. – “Tobacco Free for Life” support group – free weekly meetings at St. Peters Mo. City Hall. Supported by SSM Cancer Care; RSVP initial participation to 636-947-5304. Tuesdays, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. – Alcohol and Drug Informational meeting, Christian Hospital, Professional Office Building 2, Suite 401. For information, call 314-839-3171.


YOUR HEALTH MATTERS

September 3 – 9, 2015

Health Resources

Asthma Free asthma and allergy clinic by Saint Louis University students at the HRC, every other Wednesday afternoon 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. by appointment with SLU physician Dr. Raymond Slavin. The clinic offers allergy skin tests, pulmonary function tests and asthma and allergy education. It is located in the Victor Roberts Building, 1408 N. Kingshighway, between Martin Luther King Drive and Page Blvd. For more information, call 314-720-1522.

Behavioral Christian Hospital offers free and confidential psychiatric and chemical dependency evaluations at the Christian Hospital Center for Mental Health. For more information, call 314-839-3171. Christian Hospital Key Program offers support and education to patients with chronic mental illness to prevent increased severity of symptoms and to reduce the need for inpatient re-hospitalization. Call confidentially to 314-8393171 or 1-800-447-4301. Crime Victim Advocacy Center provides no cost support for persons affected by criminal acts. Email peggy@supportvictims.org, visit or call the 24-hour hotline 314-OK-BE-MAD (652-3673) or visit www.supportvictims.org. Bike helmet safety The St. Louis County Health Department provides free bicycle helmets to St. Louis County residents between ages 1 and 17 by appointment only. Proof of residency is required. For the location nearest you, visit www. tinyurl.freebikehelmets. Breast Cancer Gateway to Hope offers no-charge medical and reconstructive treatment for uninsured breast cancer patients in Missouri. Contact 314-569-1113. Dental Free Dental Hygiene Clinic - No charge dental exams, x-rays, cleanings and other dental services for children and adults provided by dental students at Missouri College. Patients needing more extensive dental work (fillings, crowns, etc.) will be referred to local dentists. For information, call 314-768-7899. Diabetes CHIPS Diabetes Support Group is open to anyone and meets on Wednesday evenings from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. For more information, call 314-652-9231. SSM St. Mary’s Health Center provides free, Diabetes Support Group sessions the second Tuesday of every month from 6 – 7 p.m. to address health management issues. It’s located at Meeting

Room 1 on the second floor, 6420 Clayton Rd. in St. Louis. To register, call toll free 866-SSM-DOCS (866-7763627). Fresh Food Coop Community Helpings Coop sells fresh fruits, vegetables and other foods at wholesale prices in locations throughout the St. Louis area and Metro-East. For more information, visit www.communityhelpingscoop.com. Health Partnerships The Center for Community Health and Partnerships: Building Bridges for Healthy Communities works to develop and support beneficial community-academic partnerships to address the health needs of the St. Louis. For more information, email publichealth@wustl. edu; phone 314-747-9212 or visit publichealth.wustl.edu. Information Missouri 2-1-1 offers referral and information on a wide range of social service and helpful resources. Call 2-1-1. Lupus A Lupus Support Group in North St. Louis County meets the third Thursday of the month from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in Community Room #1 at Northwest Health Care, 1225 Graham Rd. in Hazelwood. RSVP to the Lupus Foundation of America at 314-644-2222 or email info@lfaheartland.org. Medical CHIPS Health & Wellness Center offers no cost medical, dental, psychiatric, chiropractic health care for uninsured children and adults by appointment only. $25 annual fee requested. For more information, call 314-652-9231 or visit www.chipsstl.org. Boys & Girls Clubs Dental & Vision Clinic at Herbert Hoover Club, 2901 N. Grand, St. Louis. Open year-round for members at no additional fee by appointment only. Teeth cleaning, braces, x-rays, root canals, some extractions; vision mobile unit, comprehensive exam and glasses, if required. Make an appointment by calling 314-355-8122. Salam Free Saturday Clinic, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Isom Community Center at Lane Tabernacle CME Church, 916 N. Newstead, St. Louis, Mo. for those who are uninsured. For more information, call 314-533-0534. Nutrition Food Outreach provides food, meals and nutritional education/ counseling to eligible persons living with HIV/AIDS or cancer in St. Louis. For more information, call 314-652-3663 or visit www. foodoutreach.org.

Page 7


YOUR HEALTH MATTERS

Page 8

Healthy Recipe

Raspberry-Mango Breakfast Parfaits

2 cups fresh or frozen unsweetened raspberries, thawed if frozen

1 medium mango, diced (about 1 1/2 cups) 4 6-ounce containers fat-free, sugar-free vanilla yogurt 1 tablespoon sugar 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Nutrition Facts

Preparation

By American Heart Association Ingredients

Calories 169 Total Fat 0.5 g Saturated Fat 0.0 g Polyunsaturated Fat 0.5 g Monounsaturated Fat 0.0 g Cholesterol 4 mg Sodium 99 mg Carbohydrates 35 g Fiber 5 g Sugars 25 g Protein 6 gDietary Exchanges 1 1/2 fruit, 1 fat-free milk

In each of 4 parfait glasses or wine goblets, spoon 2 tablespoons raspberries, 2 tablespoons mango, and a heaping 1/3 cup yogurt. Repeat the layers, using all the remaining yogurt. In a food processor or blender, process the remaining raspberries and mango with the sugar and cinnamon until smooth. Spoon over each serving.

September 3 – 9, 2015


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
September 3 2015 by St. Louis American - Issuu