St. Louis American

Historic ‘Narrative Wisdom and African Arts’ open at Saint Louis Art Museum

Revealing truths through knowledge

The story goes that the systemic racism, dismissal of agency and humanity, theft of natural and human resources and the practice of imposing a sense of inferiority in the grand scheme of global citizenship were insignificant byproducts from the blessing of Eurocentric civilization and culture.

Kenya Vaughn | The St. Louis American
Courtesy of the Artist and October Gallery, Londott



https://www.stlamerican.com/?p=311278

A partnership to prevent drug poisonings

Launched in September as part of a one-year pilot program, 1,000 lockboxes are available free of charge through a Health Department grant to families who arrive at the emergency department with a child who has accidentally, or intentionally, ingested medications not meant for them.

Photo courtesy of Good RX



https://ow.ly/QL4450TWu24

Lincoln University - Missouri taps Tim Abney as athletics director

Congratulations, Tim Abney!



https://www.stlamerican.com/?p=311114

No-Excuse absentee voting in-person continues in St. Louis City and County today, Sat., Nov. 2, and on Mon., Nov. 4, (HOURS VARY BY LOCATION).

If you’re a registered voter who didn’t have time to request an absentee voting ballot, but want to avoid delays and complications on election day, Tuesday, November 5, 2024, there are still options for you to vote early in St. Louis City and County. All you need is a state or federally issued picture ID, like a driver’s license or passport, to cast your ballot.

“No-Excuse”; absentee voting is an in-person absentee voting option for all voters during the two weeks before each election. An excuse is not needed to vote absentee during this two-week period.

'No-Excuse' absentee voting still available in St. Louis Saturday, Nov. 2 and Monday, Nov. 4 If you’re a registered voter who didn’t have time to request an absentee voting ballot, but want to avoid delays and complications on election day, Tuesday, November 5, 2024, there are still options for you to vote early in St. Louis City and County. All you need is a state or federally issued p...

Did you experience that tornado Wednesday night through Thursday morning?

Natural disasters disproportionately affect Black K-12 kids, further exacerbating existing educational challenges.

Quintessa Williams | Word In Black
Photo via Canva

In 2017, Christina Boyd-Patterson was a high school senior when the remnants of Hurricane Irma — a Category 5 storm when it hit Texas — swept through Jacksonville, Florida, where she lived and went to school. The storm inundated her city, forcing schools to shut down for weeks.

“I know the hurricane affected everyone at my school just as much as me, but it was a lot,” Boyd-Patterson tells Word in Black. Among other things, she fell behind on college applications, but “at least I didn’t have to repeat a year, like some of my classmates did.”

Data, including a recent government report, highlights the problems Patterson, now 25, faced.

From mental health challenges to prolonged school closures, Black students whose lives and education are disrupted by devastating weather events face greater obstacles in the aftermath, issues that widen existing inequities in education.

The hidden cost: How hurricanes hit Black students harder In 2017, Christina Boyd-Patterson was a high school senior when the remnants of Hurricane Irma — a Category 5 storm when it hit Texas — swept through Jacksonville, Florida, where she lived and went to school. The storm inundated her city, forcing schools to shut down for weeks. “I know the hur...

“I’m not here as a celebrity. I’m not here as a politician. I’m here as a mother,” Beyoncé said. And as a mother, she reminded us that “It’s time to sing a new song.”

Kamala Harris & Beyoncé say: Get in formation and vote for freedom

Keith Boykin | Word In Black
.. Harris demonstrated confidence heading into the final stretch of the election. The truth is that red states have millions of blue voters who need to be inspired, and some states like Texas are on the verge of turning purple if we just show up to vote.

Which brings us to Destiny’s Child.

“Houston, we are grabbing back the pen,” Kelly Rowland told the rally, asking them to write a new chapter and a new song for the state and the country. It was a point Beyoncé made in her remarks as well.

https://www.stlamerican.com/election/kamala-harris-beyonce-say-get-in-formation-and-vote-for-freedom/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook_St._Louis_American

Amendment 2 draws mixed reaction

Will resources reach schools?

Baseball Hall of Fame member and former St. Louis Cardinal great Ozzie Smith is figuratively turning backflips in support of Amendment 2. Other commercials feature teachers, school administrators and parents..

Amendment 2 would legalize sports betting in the state, and Missouri will join 38 other states and the District of Columbia. Seven of Missouri’s eight neighboring states, including Kansas and Illinois, have legalized sports gambling.

Sylvester Brown, Jr. | St. Louis American
Courtesy of sportstravelmagazine



https://www.stlamerican.com/?p=311515

St. Louis American publisher honored at Mizzou

Receives Honor Medal

Donald Suggs, publisher and executive editor of The St. Louis American, was recently honored as a recipient of a 2024 University of Missouri Honor Medal and shared his thoughts on journalism and his ownership of the American for 40 years to students at the Missouri School of Journalism

Austin Fitzgerald for The St. Louis American
Photo by Nate Brown / Missouri School of Journalism

St. Louis American publisher honored at Mizzou

https://ow.ly/hiGz50TXla4

Prep playoffs now on tap

Going out with a bang

On the Missouri side, Lutheran North edged Cardinal Ritter 50-48 in an epic contest between favorites to win state championships in their respective classes. The Crusaders snapped Cardinal Ritter’s 35-game winning streak with the victory.

Earl Austin Jr. | The St. Louis American
Photo by Wiley Price I St. Louis American



https://www.stlamerican.com/?p=311353

If voters pass Proposition A, the minimum wage would be raised gradually for a third of all Missouri workers, and paid sick leave would be required as it is in 18 other states and Washington, D.C

The American endorses…

Kamala Harris for President

The St. Louis American unequivocally and proudly endorses VICE PRESIDENT KAMALA HARRIS as the 47th President of the United States...

Lucas Kunce, US Senate

Some of greatest figures in American history have been members of the US Senate, also some of the worst. Josh Hawley is clearly in the latter group. There is nothing about his tenure to recommend his re-election. LUCAS KUNCE, who pledges to codify Roe v. Wade to end Missouri’s harsh abortion law, is the clear choice.

Wesley Bell, 1st Congressional District

There is little question that Wesley Bell will be elected as the next Congressman from the First District. Given the political acumen and temperament shown in one and half terms as St. Louis County prosecutor, we have no doubt he will fit comfortably into Washington’s political culture and will be an effective congressman – a better fit for him than his current position. But the American has an additional aspiration for Wesley Bell. Our hope is he will decide to be more than a congressman and use his office and political skill as Congressman William L. (Bill) Clay did for 38 years, providing desperately needed political leadership for a fragmented, directionless community and become the voice for those who are never heard. The American endorses WESLEY BELL for Congress in Missouri’s 1st Congressional District

Ray Hartmann, 2nd Congressional District

Ray Hartmann first entered the public arena as a speechwriter for then Gov. Kit Bond. He went on to a distinguished career as an outspoken editor, publisher and political commentator, providing informed and insightful commentary. In these roles the American has found him to almost always be on the side of the public interest. His hopes to unseat a six-term Republican lie with his strong advocacy for reproductive freedom. We strongly endorse RAY HARTMANN for Congress in Missouri’s 2nd Congressional District.

Crystal Quade, Governor

The American has great admiration for Crystal Quade’s willingness to serve under the most austere conditions. First as Democratic Minority Leader in the Missouri House of Representatives and now as the Democratic nominee for Governor. Her performance in both roles has earned our appreciation and support as the Missouri Democratic Party seeks to have a voice and regain relevance in this state. The American admires and endorses CRYSTAL QUADE for governor.

Elad Gross, Attorney General

There must be some special low bar for Republican Attorney Generals in Missouri and around the country. When you thought it couldn’t be worse than Josh Hawley, Gov. Mike Parson appointed Andrew Bailey to replace him. Bailey has become another star in the Republican State Attorneys Generals circus act doing everything possible to elect authoritarian AGs across the nation. The American endorses ELAD GROSS for Attorney General.

(Cont. proposition endorsements: https://www.stlamerican.com/news/editorials/the-american-endorses-2/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook_St._Louis_American )

The American endorses... Donald Trump is a man without any redeeming qualities. His lack of character, empathy, intellectual depth and competence make him unfit to be trusted with a puppy or small child, let alone lead a country of 330 million people. He is a convicted felon, insurrectionist, tax dodger, sexual harasser, ra...

Entrepreneurs say Prop A ‘good for business’

The ballot proposal on November’s ballot to raise the minimum wage from $12.30 an hour to $13.75 in 2025 and $15 in 2026. Passage will also guarantee paid sick leave for over 700,000 Missouri workers lacking it now.

The amendment will exempt governmental entities, political subdivisions, school districts and education institutions from the minimum wage increase. If passed, this measure will have no impact on taxes.

Sylvester Brown Jr. | The St. Louis American



https://www.stlamerican.com/?p=311371

Brickline Greenway championing underserved communities

A new collaborative community development corporation is going to help transform neighborhoods along the northern part of Great Rivers Greenway Brickline North.

The Brickline North Community Development Corporation BNCDC will serve Covenant Blu Grand Center, Jeff-Vander-Lou, and St. Louis Place neighborhoods, providing comprehensive community development services that include revitalization, public safety initiatives, nonprofit and small business support, and community engagement and advocacy.

Ashley Winters | The St. Louis American
Photo by Wiley Price I St. Louis American



https://ow.ly/u2A450TWEo6

Sites and Sounds

St. Louis American Calendar

World Chess Hall of Fame Music Series will present Louis York. The duo consists of Grammy winner and East St. Louis native Chuck Harmony and Claude Kelly. SEE ST. LOUIS MUSIC SPOTLIGHT for additional information.

Read more about upcoming events at stlamerican. com



https://www.stlamerican.com/?p=311318

Jayson Tatum named NBA All-Star Eastern Conference Player of the Week

St. Louisan Jayson Tatum was named the Eastern Conference Player of the Week after enjoying a tremendous start to the NBA season.

The former Chaminade College Prep All-American averaged 33 points, 6.3 rebounds and 6.0 rebounds last week in leading the Boston Celtics to a 3-0 record.

Earl Austin Jr. | The St. Louis American
Credit: USA Today

Jayson Tatum named Eastern Conference Player of the Week St. Louis Jayson Tatum was named the Eastern Conference Player of the Week after enjoying a tremendous start to the National Basketball Association season. The former Chaminade College Prep All-American averaged 33 points, 6.3 rebounds and 6.0 rebounds last week in leading the Boston Celtics to a 3-...

The only subgroup that out-votes Black men in support of Democrats is Black women.

"The 2024 Presidential race will not be decided by Harris or nonwhite voters but by white women"

Mike Jones | On Further Reflection | The St. Louis American

A quote by novelist and screenwriter William Goldman about Hollywood is applicable to presidential elections.

“Nobody knows anything…Not one person in the entire motion picture field knows for a certainty what’s going to work. Every time out it’s a guess and, if you’re lucky, an educated one,” he said.

Predicting with certainty the winner of an American presidential election is difficult because the absurd anomaly of the Electoral College determines who wins, not the collective popular vote.

However, you can make an informed assessment of the most critical factors in determining an outcome. The candidate and their campaign is an obvious one. Since July 21, when she entered the race, Vice President Kamala Harris and the Harris-Waltz Campaign have not been good, they’ve been perfect. If she isn’t the winner on November 5 it will not be because there’s something she or the campaign did or didn’t do.

You can think of a presidential election like the Super Bowl. The best team doesn’t always win.

To win the Super Bowl you don’t have to be the best team; you have to play well enough on that Sunday to prevail...

A numbers game A quote by novelist and screenwriter William Goldman about Hollywood is applicable to presidential elections. “Nobody knows anything…Not one person in the entire motion picture field knows for a certainty what’s going to work. Every time out it’s a guess and, if you’re lucky, an educated o...

The art of illustrating Black family trauma

Acting, cinematography propel ‘Exhibiting Forgiveness’ beyond formulaic drama

“Can generational curses be broken in spite of unhealed trauma?”

With his cinematic debut, visual-artist-turned-filmmaker Titus Kaphar asks an emotionally charged and highly debated question that permeates within segments of the Black community.

Kenya Vaughn | The St. Louis American
Credit: Titus Kaphar's Exhibiting Forgiveness



https://ow.ly/JEnG50TRWe5

New blood test approved for colorectal cancer screenings

A drop of hope

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second-leading cause of cancer-related death in the U.S., even though it can be successfully treated if caught early. The American Cancer Society (ACS) estimates that more than 150,000 people will be diagnosed with CRC in 2024, and the disease will be responsible for more than 53,000 deaths.

JoAnn Weaver | The St. Louis American
Credit: fredhutch. org



https://www.stlamerican.com/?p=311161

Only 1% of public school teachers are Black men, so Harris would create pathways for more Black men to become teachers, including apprenticeship programs and loan forgiveness.

'VP Harris wants to help Black men build wealth, provide for our families, and lead our communities. Trump wants to use us as political pawns.'

Keith Boykin | Word In Black

… And Question 4: But isn’t Trump better for Black men? … Was he better for Marcellus Williams, the Black man who was executed by the State of Missouri last month because Donald Trump’s three Supreme Court Justices refused to agree with the Democratic Justices to stop the ex*****on?. Number 4. Health Care. My uncle, who had sickle cell disease, died last year, and I know several Black men my age who have been recently diagnosed with prostate cancer. And don’t get me started on the mental health needs of the Black men in my family and community. I see it every day. We’ve been traumatized by an unfair criminal justice system and a world that demonizes us instead of understanding us. Fortunately, Harris would launch a National Health Equity Initiative focused on Black men that addresses sickle cell disease, diabetes, mental health, and prostate cancer...

Kamala Harris has a plan for Black men. Trump never did October 14, Kamala Harris unveiled a new agenda for Black men. The plan is extensive, but I want to highlight 10 specific steps she would take as president that would empower Black men with the tools we need to build wealth, provide for our families, and lead our communities. Number 1. Business Loa...

Jayden Daniels in command after miracle win

Washington Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels threw himself into the NFL MVP discussion on Sunday.

Alvin A. Reid | The St. Louis American
Photo by Emilee Fails/Kourtney Carroll (Courtesy Washington Commanders)



https://www.stlamerican.com/sports/jayden-daniels-in-command-after-miracle-win/

Former St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner enters pre-charge agreement with Feds

Gardner, through her attorney, is adamant she did not break the law regarding use of campaign funds for personal spending...

Alvin A. Reid | The St. Louis American
Photo by Wiley Price | St. Louis American



https://www.stlamerican.com/?p=311315

SLATE Missouri Job Center sets dates for Holly Jolly Hiring Fairs

The Holly Jolly Holiday Hiring Fair will be held at SLATE’s first-floor conference room, located at 1520 Market Street, from 9 a.m. to noon today October 28, and a few other dates...

“Whether you’re seeking extra income for the holiday season or a long-term career, this event provides an excellent chance to find the right opportunity. It’s truly a special time for our SLATE team as we help individuals take the next step in their professional journey,” said SLATE Executive Director Fredrecka McGlown.



https://www.stlamerican.com/business/slate-sets-dates-for-holly-jolly-hiring-fairs/