For 6 semesters I have had the unique opportunity to be a guest presenter as Dr. Julia Wilkins Kohrmann prepares upcoming teachers for the classroom through her adjunct work at UMSL School of Education.
I recently started following the St Louis American on Instagram and keep thinking “they need to feature Julia!!!” She recently took over a newly created role at St Joseph’s Academy and has accomplished much in just 6 short months.
With over 15 years of experience in schools around the world, Dr. Julia Wilkins Kohrmann was hired as the new Director of Diversity, Culture, and Climate at St. Joseph’s Academy. Her work so far has included bringing new scholarship opportunities to students of color to be able to study abroad, creating diverse programming for students, faculty/staff, and families, and working hard to build community partnerships with organizations like the Missouri Historical Society, COCA, and The Black Rep. Her position allows her to work closely with all students and employees. Recently, she helped create a conference focused on Catholic teaching and social justice topics hosted by her students, which brought together students and teachers from other high schools.
I think it’s incredible that her school is taking real steps to make change and work toward social justice. I hope you can highlight this important work by a talented woman. (Photo attached)
Melissa Pillot
Forsyth School Librarian
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Pertaining to City Editor Alvin Reid’s column last week on the National Association of Black Journalists decision to invite Donald Trump to speak at its annual convention held in Chicago, I respectfully disagree with his position that the invitation was ill-advised. In fact, allowing Trump to answer questions and speak before hundreds of professional journalists put his crazy political ideology on trial on a national stage actually gave energy to the campaign of a viable presidential candidate in Vice President Kamala Harris. Alvin criticized the NABJ hierarchy for assuming the role of journalists who happen to be black — as opposed to Black journalists — but at the end of the day adhering to balance and truth out-weighs the identity politics of being a black journalist. As a journalist myself I, like Alvin, attended numerous NABJ conventions and was smitten by the professionalism of colleagues who didn’t always agree the views of controversial guest speakers, which ran the gamut from Nation of Islam Minister Louis Farrakhan to staunch conservative presidential candidates like Bob Dole. I too knew George Curry and Gerald Boyd, both of whom infused enthusiasm into a young generation of black journalists when they started the Greater St. Louis Association of Black Journalists during the 1970s. But I trust in my gut feeling that neither the late Curry nor Boyd would have been satisfied if the NABJ national chapter would have run out on an opportunity to interview arguably the most controversial political figure facing the African American populace since the days of renowned segregationist George Wallace. Yes, Alvin we know that you are a black journalist, but let’s keep it real and understand that the more information we as journalists — irrespective of our mission to be crusaders for the cause — are able to pump out to the public the better all prospective voters will understand what’s at risk in the most critical election cycle since the 1960s. Whether you’re a Trump-curious black voter or a dyed-in-the-wool Kamala Harris supporter, what’s important is that we understand the stakes in this election and that we vote accordingly.
–Kevin Boone
St. Louis, Missouri
Good Afternoon:
My name is Curtis Chaudoin. In 2012, I had a radio interview on radio station 1380 with Teacha Tigue. The interview promoted my book “Secrets from the Operating Room.” I am trying to find a link to that interview. I am promoting my book, again, on FB. I wanted to have a link for the listeners to use to access that interview.
I would be very grateful if you could help me.
My Best Regards,
Curt
Please vote No on Amendment 3. Women would lose the ability to sue for malpractice. This amendment is not good for babies, girls, or women!