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CAC Audited FEB. 23 – MAR. 1, 2023
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He’s our All Star St. Louisan Jayson Tatum’s fourth appearance in the National Basketball Association All-Star Game was a memorable one. The former Chaminade College Prep AllAmerican debuted his new signature shoe, set a new All-Star Game scoring record with 55 points and earned Most Valuable Player honors to lead Team Giannis to an 184-175 victory over Team Lebron in Salt Lake City, UT. Tatum surpassed the old record of 52 points, which was set by Anthony Davis in 2017. Tatum scored his record-breaking
53rd point on a free throw in the fourth quarter. Tatum scored a game-high 17 points in the first half, but he was just getting warmed up as he erupted for 32 points in the third quarter, which is also an All-Star game record. Tatum finished the game making 22 of his 31 attempts from the field. He was also 10 of 18 from 3-point range. He also added 10 rebounds and six assists in 35 minutes of action. He became the first Celtics player to win the MVP award since 1982 when Larry Bird did the honors. For Tatum, bringing home the MVP trophy had special meaning as the award is named after
See TATUM, A6
COMPLIMENTARY
Mayor Jones, others challenge Gardner’s actions
Jayson Tatum earns NBA All-Star Game MVP honors
By Earl Austin Jr. The St. Louis American
Vol. 94 No. 47
Photo courtesy of the AP
Jayson Tatum holds up his MVP trophy after the NBA basketball All-Star game Sunday, Feb. 19, 2023, in Salt Lake City.
‘She needs to do some soul searching’
By Alvin A. Reid St. Louis American St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones, an ally of Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner, said Wednesday that Gardner has “lost the trust of the people.” “She really needs to do some soul-searching of whether or not she wants to continue as Circuit Attorney.” Jones spoke at an impromptu press conference at Bryan Hill Elementary School in the College Hill neighborhood before a Black History Month event. Last July, the trial of Daniel Riley was set to begin. Several media outlets have reported that Gardner’s office was not ready to Kim proceed. Riley was released on Gardner house arrest and was recharged the same day. Riley violated the terms of his GPS monitoring system more than 40 times after July 18, the most recent violation was on Feb. 13. On Feb. 18, police say he struck a car that pinned Janae Edmondson of Smyrna, Tennessee, a suburb of Nashville, between another car. Her legs were later amputated. In a statement released late Tuesday, Gardner said, “A young girl’s life was tragically changed because of the inexcusable behavior of a young man. “ Our hearts go out to the victim and her family for this unspeakable tragedy that will undoubtedly have a lasting impact not only on her, but her family and loved ones. “ It’s unfortunate that there are those who choose to twist the facts to take advantage of this situation for their own selfish motives. This is not the time for finger pointing, it’s time to support this family, and ensure that justice is served.”
2023 Salute to Excellence in Business
Recently retired Carnival Corporation CEO Arnold Donald received the inaugural Lifetime Achiever in Business Award.
See GARDNER, A7
Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American
Sold-out Business Salute empowers with inspiration A bright light for the Black business community
By Kenya Vaughn and JoAnn Weaver There was a warm and inviting atmosphere as the capacity crowd made its way into the Ritz-Carlton for the St. Louis American Foundation’s 21st Annual Salute to Excellence in Business Networking and Awards Luncheon. Thursday marked the first gathering in the name of Black business excellence since 2019 due to the onset of the pandemic. The experience felt like an opposing force to the energy typical of a standard corporate banquet. Sentiments from Midwest Bank Centre CEO and 2023 Corporate Executive of the Year Orvin Kimbrough per-
HEALTH
Saving lives while saving the Earth
fectly summed up the afternoon. “Coming in here today, it is somewhat of a family reunion in many respects,” Kimbrough said as he accepted his award. “So many people in this room have been a part of my formation over the past 20-plus years.” Such sentiments were reiterated throughout the afternoon from the master of ceremony – morning anchor for KSDK 5 on Your Side Rene Knott – as well as from presenters, honorees, guests and keynote speaker St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones. “I want to thank you all – not just for your presence here at the luncheon, but your presence in the community,” Knott said.
BUSINESS
Rebundle’s banana fiber hair weaves way to STL
E’Lisa Moss serves several hospitals throughout St. Louis, and recently competed in the Mrs. USA Earth 2023 pageant.
Ciara Imani May is safely taking Black hair care to another level with Rebundle, a firm that sells hair extensions made from banana fiber.
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“February is Black History Month and one of the things that we really do not give enough light to is the success of the Black business person in the United States of America – who has had to go through so much to achieve.” Thursday was a time to let their light shine. The theme for the event was expanding equitable growth “We all know the old adage, ‘Black people have to work twice as hard to get half as much,’” Jones said. “But when you are Black
See SALUTE, A7
In remembrance of Mill Creek Valley Historic Black neighborhood honored near St. Louis City SC stadium
By Kenya Vaughn The St. Louis American Thursday, February 16 is a day in St. Louis history that most area residents are unaware of – but one that those with a connection to a historically Black neighborhood will never forget. “Sixty-four years ago today, the first wrecking ball struck in Mill Creek and permanently destroyed a viable urban neighborhood of 20,000,” author Vivian Gibson told an audience who gathered at St. Louis CITY SC stadium – where a portion of Mill Creek Valley once stood – for the unveiling of Pillars of Memory, the first phase of the Pillars of the Valley exhibition. The art is part of a collaborative effort between the St. Louis CITY SC, Great Rivers Greenway and the City of St. Louis to pay tribute to the former
See MILL CREEK, A6
SPORTS
Greg Foster, great USA hurdler, has died at 64
He was a three-time gold medalist at the IAAF World Championships in 1983, 1987 and 1991. He was also a silver medalist at the 1984 Olympics.
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