According to a report published this week by the American Lung Association, almost half of Americans – 137 million people – are experiencing more days of “very unhealthy” and “hazardous” air quality than in the previous two decades combined. The Lung Association’s State of the Air report also revealed that 72 million people of color live in […]
Posted inLiving It
Shirley Leflore Foundation fundraiser to honor distinguished poet, playwright
The life, work, and philanthropy of the late Shirley Bradley LeFlore will be honored during the inaugural LeFlore Foundation Gala at 7 p.m. Friday, May 6, 2022, at The Grandel Theater. The black-tie event will feature a theatrical performance of LeFlore’s signature work “Rivers of Women.” The play is based on LeFlore’s book of poetry […]
Posted inPolitical eye
Dueker self-deals with police PAC; who actually paid Roberts Jr.’s settlement?
Police lobbyist and County Executive candidate Jane Dueker isn’t giving up her lobbying license just yet. Last week, to skirt Missouri Ethics Commission rules that would have otherwise forced her to end her paid promotion of the notorious St. Louis Police Officers Association, Dueker allies Christopher Graville, a St. Louis County municipal court judge, and […]
Posted inLiving It
Black books matter
While putting the finishing touches on her soon-to-be opened establishment, The Noir Bookshop, Ymani Wince picked up a weathered paperback from the shelf. It is her personal copy of Terry McMillan’s breakthrough novel “Mama.” “My stepmother gave me this book when I was 14 years old,” Wince said. “And this was her copy when she […]
Posted inJamala rogers
Getting closer to a government for the people
Proposition R passed with nearly 70% of approval by St. Louis voters. Proposition B received 61% of county voters. Both reform measures could be heard as screams of voters being sick and tired of being sick and tired; sick and tired of the indifference, incompetence, and alleged corruption of people who they pay to represent […]
Posted inSports
Detroit Lions select Jameson Williams
St. Louisan Jameson Williams joined the ranks of the National Football League on Thursday night. The former Cardinal Ritter College Prep standout wide receiver was selected by the Detroit Lions with the No. 12 pick in the first round of the NFL Draft. Williams enjoyed a spectacular 2021-22 season at Alabama. Williams was in […]
Posted inHealth opinion
Prostate cancer rising in Black community
As the United States continues to grapple with its legacy of systemic racism, debates on issues such as police brutality and racial profiling, the economic gulf between Blacks and Whites, and the dearth of access to affordable educational opportunities, there is one area that has received far less attention: The gap in positive health outcomes […]
Posted inColumnists
Emmett Till Act about future, not past
“Strange Fruit,” written by Abel Meeropol and recorded by Billie Holiday in 1939, captures the sadness and sadistic nature of lynching in America. Its lyrics compose with horrifying imagery the following scene: “Southern trees bear a strange fruit, blood on the leaves and blood at the root. Black bodies swinging in the breeze, strange fruit […]
Posted inHealth news
Urban League, Peoples Health Centers combat COVID
Recognizing that the battle against COVID is far from over, The Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, and Betty Jean Kerr People’s Health Centers will continue offering free COVID-19 testing and vaccinations. Services will now be offered through appointment from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at two Betty Jean Kerr centers: 11642 […]
Posted inCovid 19
Republicans don’t mask intention to thwart Medicaid expansion
With more than 1 million COVID-related deaths [in the U.S.] one would think the pandemic would serve as a great equalizer in this country. It has impacted everyone – Black, white, rich, poor, urban, suburban, and more. PQ “Medicaid expansion will greatly improve the health of our communities, especially those underserved low-income communities…”– Lachelle Livingston, […]