While reading to youngsters at Fairview Elementary School last fall, Brittney Verner could look into their eyes and see herself. Verner, who was then a reporter for KSDK-TV, made weekly visits to the school for a special program, “Reading with the Stars,” a 10-week literacy program during which Verner read books focusing on science, technology, […]
Posted inPolitical eye
In politics, all kinfolk are not skinfolk
Some things are so obvious they go without saying. Others, despite their obviousness, need to be said clearly and loudly. Judging by the sheer number of conversations carried out in hushed tones over the past few months, this piece falls into the latter category. In May of last year, I wrote an open letter to […]
Posted inHomegrown black males
My journey from convict to mentor
The older boys and I journeyed together on the bus to a gas station. They gave me instructions on how to use my size and age to take advantage of the attendant in the station. At this time, gas stations were not self-service. So, when the attendant went out to pump gas, I would sneak […]
Posted inEditorials
Nasheed is best choice for Board of Aldermen – and Board of E & A
One of the many reasons political campaigns and elections are so frustrating is that (with the exception of U.S. president and vice president) candidates run alone and we cast votes for individual politicians, yet politics and government are group endeavors based on relationships. As we all know, politicians make many promises on the campaign trail […]
Posted inBusiness opinion
City-county merger considered from a black political perspective
The Latin phrase “Time Danasos et dona fermented” – which means “I fear the Greeks, even those bearing gifts” – has become the commonly used phrase “Beware of Greeks bearing gifts,” The phrase, from the Roman poet Virgil’s retelling of the Trojan War, refers to how the Greeks tricked the Trojans to win the war. […]
Posted inHealth news
Health clinic opens in Hoech Middle School
CareSTL Health opened its fourth school-based health clinic, the Husky Health Center at Hoech Middle School in St. Ann, which is in the Ritenour School District. “Opening a school-based health center for our students makes it more convenient for them to receive the quality care they need to manage chronic conditions and improve their health, […]
Posted inPrep notebook
Champs rise and Class 3 moves to quarterfinals
The Missouri Class 3 state playoffs will move to the quarterfinals stage this weekend with Final Four berths on the line. The St. Louis area teams in Class 3 will be playing at Normandy High School’s historic Viking Hall on Saturday with the boys game at noon with the girls’ game to follow. The winner […]
Posted inLocal news
School segregation, then and now
The 1954 Brown v. Board of Education case was focused on providing an equitable education for all students. As Judge Warren stated, “Segregated schools were inherently unequal.” During the 1950s there was a clear difference in resources between segregated schools with black students receiving fewer resources and being placed in less quality facilities than white […]
Posted inGuest columnists
One black woman’s mission to fix a broken criminal justice system
For hundreds of years, America’s criminal justice system has persecuted people of color. Across the political spectrum, people now know we need change. It’s time to reform our justice system, and St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner is working to do just that. The beginning of her tenure as St. Louis’ first African-American circuit attorney […]
Posted inLiving It
Fairy Glam Project accepting dresses, giveaway to take place March 9
When Nikole Shurn-Perkins hit me up over the weekend with a request to help get the word out that her Fairy Glam Project is currently accepting donations for her organization’s annual prom dress giveaway, I was reminded why I always try to make young women aware that these types of resources are available to them. […]