Missouri History Museum ‘digs deep’ into Black history
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St. Louis American See Insert
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Serving, empowering and advocating for equity in St. Louis since 1928
CAC Audited FEBRUARY 2 – 8, 2023
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2023 Salute to Business
Bridging divides, fueling dreams Ferrings to receive Business Salute’s Community Impact Award
By Kenya Vaughn St. Louis American
John and Alison Ferring at the Ferring Family Foundation office on Friday, Jan. 13. The couple will receive the inaugural Excellence in Community Impact Award at the St. Louis American Foundation’s 21st Annual Salute to Excellence in Business Awards Luncheon on Thursday, February 16th.
When you enter the impressive offices of the Ferring Family Foundation, it becomes readily apparent why the generosity of John and Alison Ferring is often associated with arts and culture. Located on the second floor of the Ferring Jazz Bistro (home to Jazz St. Louis), the beautiful space is lined with a caliber of art shown in world-class museums. It includes stunning works by renowned Black artists Romare Bearden, Nick Cave and Oliver Lee Jackson, as well as some younger St. Louis-based Black artists such as Jerald Iaens and Kahlil Robert Irving. However, their philanthropic footprint stretches across multiple sectors and includes groundbreaking medical research, education and
See FERRINGS, A6
Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American
Expect Us member Reginald Garth speaking to protesters that gathered in front of the St. Louis Police Department Friday night Jan. 27, 2023 to protest police brutality after Memphis Police released a video of five black police officers brutally beating 29-yearold Tyre Nichols, who died three days later on Jan. 10 from his injuries.
Vol. 94 No. 45 COMPLIMENTARY
She’s the new Super! Seattle’s Keisha Scarlett to pilot SLPS
St. Louis American staff The St. Louis Public Schools district has looked West to find a new leader with a proven record of urban student academic improvement. On Wednesday, SLPS announced that Keisha Scarlett, a Seattle Public Schools assistant superintendent, will become SLPS superintendent on July 1, 2023. She has served the Seattle city district for 24 years and has been assistant superintendent of academics since 2021. “A Saint Louis Public Schools education will be a ‘gateway to Keisha unlimited possibility,’” Scarlett Scarlett said in a release. “[The St. Louis] community is resilient and has made important progress. Together, we will continue moving forward, until all [SLPS] students are safe, cared for, and prepared with an
See SCARLETT, A7
Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American
Jameel Spann in front of the closed Harrison Elementary School where he attended as a kid and where his grandfather was once the principal Thu. Jan. 26, 2023 in the city’s O’Fallon neighborhood of north St. Louis.
Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American
Mayor Jones, Rep. Bush shocked by Nichols’ killing Local, national calls for action
By Alvin A. Reid St. Louis American The shocking brutality unleashed by five Black Memphis police officers on unarmed on Tyre Nichols on January 7, 2023, became public last week. Protests, prayer vigils, reactions of outrage continue throughout the nation, including here in St. Louis. Nichols was pulled over by police for an alleged traffic violation after photographing a
sunset, according to his family. A confrontation ensued, and he was brutally beaten in an encounter that is recorded by police body cameras. Nichold died three days later. On Thursday Jan. 26, the five officers were charged with murder, aggravated assault, aggravated kidnapping, official misconduct and official oppression. Video of the traffic stop was released on Friday night, Jan. 27. “Families across our region and our coun-
HEALTH
MFH launches food insecurities initiative
try have seen yet another traumatizing video showing the tragic, heinously violent final moments of a Black man’s life,” said St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones. “As the mother of a Black son, my heart goes out to Tyre Nichols’ family and friends, and I pray they find justice. Tyre should still be with us today. “Community trust is necessary to make our
BUSINESS
Whisky On Washington wows downtown revelers
The new initiative will build collaborative efforts to spur shifts in policies and practices that shape the way Missourians eat. MFH also aims to strengthen local food systems.
Whisky On Washington owner David Shanks says his establishment locally at 1321 Washington is bringing “a new vibe” to the downtown area.
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See NICHOLS, A6
‘Education a human right’ Jameel Spann turned life around page by page
By Sylvester Brown Jr. The St. Louis American “I’m sorry, but what position am I being interviewed for? Jameel Spann had filled out numerous applications for jobs and acceptance to colleges. When he received an email to schedule a phone interview, he eagerly accepted. Spann was seeking a position where he could work with felons and potential young lawbreakers. He was being inquired about a crime he committed while in his teens that led to a lengthy prison sentence. Spann summarized the incident, segueing to his remorse and sharing lessons he’d learned from his
See SPANN, A7
SPORTS
Kirkwood blazes trail with 17-0 start to season Kirkwood enters February with a 17-0 record and two tournament championships. The Pioneers dominanted DeSmet 57-39 to win the Circle 7 Ranch Tournament.
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