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CAC Audited AUGUST 14 – 20, 2025
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Vol. 97 No. 19 COMPLIMENTARY
Mental health overtakes gun violence as top concern for Blacks
By Wendy Todd St. Louis American
Mental health has eclipsed gun vio‑ lence as the top public health concern among Black St. Louisans, according to new polling — a striking shift in a city where fears about shootings have long dominated. But while more are acknowledging the problem, several barriers prevent them from getting help. Persistent stigma, the shortage of Black mental health providers, long waitlists, transportation challenges and high out-of-pocket costs all stand in the way.
Some residents don’t recognize their symptoms as mental health issues, while others fear being judged if they admit they’re struggling. Ebony Smith, a licensed professional counselor with BJC Behavioral Health, has heard her Black clients express a “fear-based mindset.” “Like, ‘Oh, I don’t need that,’ or ‘I’m too messed up to navigate therapy or counseling,’ or ‘They’re going to dig deep in my past. It’s going to make me seem like I’m crazy,’” recalled Smith, founder of The Therapy Desk, which provides vir‑ tual mental health care services.
Ebony Smith, a licensed professional counselor, says some of her Black clients approach mental health care with a “fear-based mindset.”
See MENTAL, A7
Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American
Closing the academic gap
INSIDE SPORTS
Former area prep standouts named preseason All-SEC
Little Bit Foundation putting national data to work
By Ashley Winters St. Louis American
Senior Kevin Coleman Jr. of Missouri and sophomore Ryan Wingo of Texas, above, have both received preseason AllConference recognition in the powerful Southeastern Conference. Both are very talented wide receivers.
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Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American
Missouri Sen. Angela Mosley, who represents the 13th District, expressed the Legislative Black Caucus’ vehement opposition to gerrymandering in the state.
LIVING IT
Jeezy 20th anniversary show was a moment tailored for trap lovers St. Louis was one of the lucky cities selected to make the cut and “TM 101” 20 made for an epic moment Friday night, Aug. 8, at Stifel Theatre.
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‘Absolutely awful what they’re doing’
Redistricting move seen as targeting black representation By Sylvester Brown, Jr. St. Louis American
Jeezy
Missouri Republicans are considering dismantling the congressional district of one of the state’s two Black con‑ gressmen to gain another conservative seat, prompting a swift rebuke from the
Missouri Legislative Black Caucus and other Democratic leaders. U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, who represents the possibly endangered district, said the effort to take the seat from Black residents pushes the nation “further and further away from the dem‑ ocratic ideal.” “I think this is absolutely awful what they’re doing, it’s not helpful or whole‑ some for our democracy,” Cleaver told Politico. He said Democrats in states like California and New York would have no choice but respond in kind. Republican leaders in Jefferson City are considering asking Gov. Mike Kehoe to hold a special session in September to redraw the congressional
See REDISTRICTING, A6
The Annie E. Casey Foundation’s 2025 KIDS COUNT Data Book paints a powerful portrait of child well‑being across America, tracking 16 key indi‑ n “All data cators in economic tells a story, security, education, and Missouri health, family and being ranked community life. While Missouri 27th is a clocks in at a mid‑ tale of both dling 27th overall, adversity and the story is more opportunity.” nuanced — and pressing — for stu‑ – Miranda dents and families in Walker Jones St. Louis. “All data tells a story, and Missouri being ranked 27th is a tale of both adversity and opportunity,” said Little Bit Foundation CEO Miranda Walker Jones. “The data helps us identify persistent or new challenges, design and
See LITTLE BIT, A6
Bringing ‘new energy’
Brian Williams to run for St. Louis County Executive By Alvin A. Reid and Dawn Suggs St. Louis American State Sen. Brian Williams says he’s ready to leave the “hyper-partisan” atmo‑ sphere of the Missouri legislature behind and bring “a fresh perspective and new energy” to the office of St. Louis County Executive. Williams announced last week that he will challenge incumbent County Executive Dr. Sam Page for the Democratic nomination in August 2026. He will serve in the state senate during the 2026 legislative session in Jefferson City, Missouri, and there will be an open primary for his seat on primary day. “We can take St. Louis County to
See WILLIAMS, A7