Remembering Dr. Mary Tillman
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St. Louis American See page A14
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CAC Audited AUGUST 24 – 30, 2023
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WEPOWER Weekend supports minority vendors By Sylvester Brown Jr. St. Louis American There was a magnetic, culturally cool vibe at WEPOWER’s annual garden party held at the Missouri Botanical Garden Friday, August 18, 2023. It wasn’t just the colorful, hip, and elegant summer colors worn by many of the youthful attendees. Nor could the eclectic atmosphere be attributed solely to the sense of genuine glee as staff members, supporters, and friends greeted one another or first-timers. WEPOWER is a community of change makers and entrepreneurs determined to build political and economic power in the region. The St. Louis-based nonprofit is committed to transforming early childcare systems, building wealth across all neighborhoods, and investing in Black and Latinx entrepreneurs. Friday’s event kicked off the three-day “WEPOWER Weekend” which supports more than 20 Black and Brown business vendors. The nonprofit’s “Accelerator” program provides coaching, connections and capital to
See WEPOWER, A6
Vol. 95 No. 21 COMPLIMENTARY
Pursuit of justice for Mike Brown Criminal defense attorney takes international path
By Ashley Winters St. Louis American
WEPOWER is a community of change makers and entrepreneurs determined to build political and economic power in the region. Friday’s event kicked off the three-day “WEPOWER Weekend” which supports more than 20 Black and Brown business vendors.
Nine years have passed since the death of Mike Brown changed his family’s life, the St. Louis region, and beyond. Former Ferguson police officer Darren Wilson shot and killed the unarmed Brown, and the teenager’s death sparked the Black Lives Matter Movement. Wilson was not charged with a crime by then St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Bob Delia McCulloch, whose preAddosentation of the case to a Yobo grand jury remains questionable. Delia Addo-Yobo, a criminal defense attorney with the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights organization, is in search of justice for the Brown family. She has been working on the case for nearly a year. Mike Brown’s death changed the
See BROWN, A7
Photo courtesy of KSDK
St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones, Police Chief Robert Tracy and other city leaders attended a listening session discussing gun violence on Aug. 22, 2023.
Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American
St. Louis Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Keisha Scarlett visited students early Monday morning Aug. 21, 2023 on the first day of school. Dr. Scarlett greets 8-year old third grader Savannah Carter with her parents Latosha and Chris Carter Jr.
SLPS opens school year on summer’s hottest days
Dr. Keisha Scarlett, St. Louis Public Schools superintendent, was greeted with a first day of school challenge she rarely if ever faced as a Seattle Schools administrator for 24 years. A temperature in the mid-90s, paired with intense humidity, created a heat index of over 114 degrees throughout the St. Louis area on
Monday, August 21 – SLPS’ first day of classes. A National Weather Service heat warning continued through the week and was not expected to expire until Friday evening. The torrid weather did not stop Scarlett from visiting several schools, and greeting students, faculty and staff with smiles and encouragement. In preparation for Monday’s and the continuing heat indices over 110 degrees, SLPS took the following
BUSINESS
Ari’s Ice Cream Parlor and Cafe, ‘unique and special’
Ari’s Ice Cream Parlor & Café, which will soon celebrate its fifth anniversary, is starting to fill the communal void left by the popular diner Goody Goody.
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State AG will challenge
By Alvin A. Reid St. Louis American
actions: • Air conditioning began running 24/7 over the weekend make sure all buildings are pre-cooled. • Outdoor activities at all schools are limited throughout the week. • Athletic events and practices are impacted, with some being rescheduled to early mornings or late evenings. • Extra bottled water is being
St. Louis could soon join Kansas City in passing gun control legislation that would outlaw possession of assault weapons and take other actions to stem gun violence. “In the coming days, in partnership with the Mayor’s Office, aldermen are ready to introduce commonsense gun safety legislation,” said Mayor Tishaura O. Jones following a listening session that included gun violence survivors and gun control advocates and Friendly Temple in north St. Louis. “We come together around a shared vision: a safer, stronger St. Louis, ready to stand up for our values. We know
See SLPS, A7
See GUN LAWS, A6
District’s new superintendent was prepared
By Alvin A. Reid St. Louis American
STL to give ‘commonsense’ gun laws a chance
SPORTS
Justin Robinson races to mixed 4X400 relay gold
The former Hazelwood West track star was a member of the USA’s mixed 4x400-meter relay team that won gold at the World Athletics Championships.
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