The religious right and Donald Trump
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2016 Gold Cup Newspaper Missouri Press Association
St. LouiS AmericAn The
CAC Audited AUG. 31 – SEPT. 6, 2017
Vol. 89 No. 24 COMPLIMENTARY
stlamerican.com
Why put up barricades before the Stockley verdict? Protestors accuse authorities of proactive aggression By Rebecca Rivas Of The St. Louis American The family of Anthony Lamar Smith, activists and clergy stood on the Carnahan Courthouse steps on Monday, August 28 to question why it is taking so long to hear a verdict in the murder trial of Jason Stockley. Stockley, then a St. Louis city police officer who is white, is accused of first-degree murder in the 2011 killing of Smith, a 24-year-old black St. Louis resident. His trial ended on August 18, and Stockley waived his right to a jury trial. The verdict will come from St. Louis Circuit Judge Timothy Wilson.
n “I’m not following Trump. I’m speaking on behalf of the 152 sheriff deputies that you’re going to face. They obey my orders.”
On Tuesday, August 29, St. Louis police erected barricades around court buildings downtown and police headquarters after protestors entered a courtroom the day before. Tensions are high as a verdict is anticipated in the murder trial of former Police Officer Jason Stockley.
– St. Louis Sheriff Vernon Betts
“The evidence is overwhelming,” said Niecey Smith, Anthony Lamar’s mother, in a statement. “It
See STOCKLEY, A6 Photo by Wiley Price
NAACP condemns McCulloch’s statement on stay of execution
Festival of kisses During last weekend’s Festival of Nations, Sista Princess gives her daughter Lyinnia Amore 4, a kiss while enjoying the Sunday afternoon festivities in Tower Grove Park.
Calls prosecutor’s statement on Marcellus Williams part of a pattern of injustice By Jessica Karins For The St. Louis American The St. Louis County chapter and Missouri conference of the NAACP are condemning St. Louis County Prosecutor Robert McCulloch for his handling of the Marcellus Williams case, calling on prosecutors to more fairly apply justice across racial lines. Nimrod Chapel Jr., head of the Missouri State Conference of the NAACP, and Kenny Murdoch, head of the St. Louis County chapter, held a press conference on Monday, August 28 at the St. Louis County courthouse in Clayton protesting what they see as an overstep by the prosecutor. Williams was set to be executed for the 1998 murder of Felicia Gayle. Hours before the scheduled execution, Missouri Governor Eric Greitens issued a stay on the basis of new evidence in the case, showing that Williams’ DNA was not present on the murder weapon while another individual’s was. The case will now be reviewed by a Photo by Wiley Price
See NAACP, A7
‘I get to develop a young mind’ Michele Lemee is 2017 PNC Early Childhood Educator By Rebecca Rivas Of The St. Louis American Michele Lemee, a master teacher in the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis’ Head Start program, remembers when little Eugene walked into her classroom more than a decade ago. Although extremely bright, Eugene sometimes had trouble handling his emotions, she said. But by working with him over time in her preschool class, Lemee felt like she was able to steer him in the right
n “Many of her peers, parents and children have grown to admire and respect her.” – Mary Hairston
direction. “Eugene began to make a different mark in life,” Lemee said. “He began to grow into
a different person than when he first walked in. And he wanted you to know that he changed as well.” Now Eugene is almost out of high school and is a star on his football team. He’s one of many students who comes back to visit Lemee at her vibrant classroom. “Knowing that I get to develop a young
See LEMEE, A7
Photo by Wiley Price
Michele Lemee will receive the PNC Early Childhood Educator of the Year at the Salute to Excellence in Education Scholarship & Awards Gala on Sept.23.