The allure of Salute
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St. Louis American See page C1
The
CAC Audited OCTOBER 3 – 9, 2024
Serving, empowering and advocating for equity in St. Louis since 1928
Vol. 96 No. 26
stlamerican.com
COMPLIMENTARY
A graceful JJK an inspiration to world – beginning in ESTL final bow Michelle Tucker is an East St. Louis girl, just as Salute to Excellence in Education Lifetime Achiever award recipient Jackie Joyner-Kersee. They also have something else in common – their respective birthdays on March 3. The Olympian’s iconic athletic career has been matched by her dedication to education, especially in her hometown, which is inspiring to Tucker. “Jackie Joyner-Kersee’s incredible journey from East St. Louis to becoming one of the greatest athletes in history has profoundly inspired me and countless kids in our community, said Tucker. “Watching her achieve remarkable milestones, like world records in the heptathlon and long jump, and earning six Olympic medals from 1984 to 2000, taught us all to dream bigger.” Through JJK’s inspiration, Tucker now helps bring needed services and support to dozens of organizations as president and CEO of the United Way of Greater St. Louis. “As a young Black female, I felt a special con-
See JJK, A6
Broadway veteran, Muny icon and St. Louis native Ken Page passes at 70
Jackie JoynerKersee has sprinted to many opportunities that support East St. Louis children and their educational pursuits. Included among those who she inspired is Michelle Tucker, United Way president and CEO.
By Alvin A. Reid St. Louis American
By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American When The Muny audiences settle into their seats for each production of the season, they are greeted by a beloved familiar voice. “Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to this evening’s production of…” is spoken by a savory baritone. His voice melts in one’s ears in the same way that hot chocolate warms the body on a winter day. That voice belongs to Ken Page. For the past dozen years, the veteran of Broadway and film was known as “The Voice of The Muny” in addition to performing in countless productions – as recently as this past season. Ken Page Page passed away on Monday, September 30 at his home in St. Louis. He was 70. “This is a profound, painful loss — Ken meant everything to this theatre, and to me,” Muny Artistic Director & Executive Producer Mike Isaacson said in a special tribute The Muny penned to honor Page’s legacy and his treasured connection to the organization. “His gifts were singular, supreme and treasured by audiences around the world, but no more than at The Muny.” He originated classic roles on
Photo courtesy of JJK Foundation
See PAGE, A7
Homicide, other crime down in city ‘We’re seeing results’
By Rachel Lippmann St. Louis Public Radio
Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American
Check mate
St. Louis officials said Tuesday that crime levels are down in the city. “We’re seeing results,” said Mayor Tishaura Jones on Tuesday at the first quarterly briefing on the data. “A three-pronged approach of prevention, intervention and enforcement can yield results. But I want to be clear. Acknowledging our progress is not the same as ignoring our issues,” said Mayor Tishaura Jones. “We’re seeing results.” Homicides are continuing to decline from a near-record high in 2020 – 116 as of Sept. 30. There have also been large decreases in theft, especially stolen cars, compared to the same time last year. “Every life lost to gun violence is one too many, and we have to keep working to bring these numbers down further,” said Jones. “I am incredibly proud of the work done by the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, the Office of Violence Prevention, and other City departments
Carlos Franklin spends the morning in Strauss Park located in Grand Center – across the street from the Fox Theatre – teaching his wife, Daresha Schoefield, how to play chess Wednesday, Oct. 2.
American lands seven first-place awards at MPA St. Louis American The St. Louis American won seven first-place recognitions and several other awards during the 2024 Missouri Press Association Best Newspaper Contest awards luncheon in Springfield, Mo., on Saturday Sept. 21, 2024. The American’s secured first place in the Best Editorials (Staff) Best Front Page (Mike Terhaar,) Best News
Photograph (Wiley Price - Austin Layne Funeral), Best Serious Columnist (Mike Jones), Best Story About Religion (Sylvester Brown), Best Headline Writing (Staff) and Best Multi-Media (Salute to Excellence in Education) competitions for weekly newspapers in the Class 3 Division. In addition, the American placed second place in the General Excellence, Best Investigative Reporting (Sylvester
HEALTH
Missouri Medicaid will cover costs of doula services
In an effort to address Missouri’s deplorable maternal mortality rates, the state issued an emergency rule allowing doulas to be reimbursed through Medicaid for the next six months.
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Brown), Best Special Section (95th Anniversary), Best Sports Columnist (Alvin A. Reid), Best Multi-Media (James Lebine and the late Kevin Jones), and Best Newspaper in Education categories. Third place finishes included Best Editorial and Opinion Pages (Melvin Moore), Best Feature photograph
See CRIME, A7
See AMERICAN, A6
SPORTS
Lutheran North, MICDS to meet in Metro League showdown
These two conference foes will meet on Saturday afternoon in a Metro League showdown at MICDS. Kick-off is scheduled for 2 p.m. Both teams are enjoying very successful seasons.
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