Keeping kidney disease at bay
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St. Louis American See page A12
The
Serving, empowering and advocating for equity in St. Louis since 1928
CAC Audited FEBRUARY 9 – 15, 2023
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2023 Salute to Business
‘We reflect St. Louis’
UMSL to receive Corporate Diversity Award By Kenya Vaughn The St. Louis American
University of Missouri - St. Louis Chancellor Kristin Sobolik (center) speaks with students at the University Welcome Center. She calls the school “an anchor institution” with “a very diverse and inclusive perspective.”
The diligent work of University of Missouri as an institution of opportunity and empowerment through accessible higher learning and resources has made the region a better place over the past sixty years. And as they commemorate six decades of service to the region, they have another reason to celebrate. UMSL is being honored with the 2023 Corporate Diversity Award at the St. Louis American Foundation’s 21st Annual Salute to Excellence in Business Awards luncheon next Thursday at The Ritz-Carlton St. Louis. “It’s a corporate diversity award, that illustrates our entire mission – which is to transform lives,” said University of Missouri-St. Louis Chancellor Kristin D. Sobolik.
See UMSL, A6
Photo by August Jennewein
Park place Long time community organizer Ollie Stewart had a street named in her honor at Park Ave in the Gate District of the southside. Stewart is founder and executive director of Southside Wellness Center, which has served seniors across the St. Louis area for about 45 years.
Vol. 94 No. 46 COMPLIMENTARY
Updated Civilian Oversight Board bill advances Some aldermen remain opposed
By Rachel Lippmann St. Louis Public Radio The St. Louis Board of Aldermen on Tuesday advanced a bill that attempts to resolve a lawsuit over the city’s Civilian Oversight Board for the St. Louis Police Department. Lawmakers last year gave the oversight board the authority to investigate all internal police investigations that deal with misconduct or use of force. The three police unions sued, including the Ethical Society of Police which represents Black offiShameem cers and staff, saying the changes Clark conflicted with state laws governHubbard ing police discipline and civilian oversight boards. A judge agreed and blocked the city from moving forward with those changes, although he allowed the portion setting up civilian oversight of the city’s jail to take effect.
See BILL, A7
Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American
Dr. La’Ron Haymore, assistant principal at Metro High School, works at his desk Wednesday, Feb. 8.
Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American
Biden addresses Black issues in State of Union
By Sylvester Brown Jr. The St. Louis American / Word In Black
Calls for police reform in wake of Nichols’ death By Alvin A. Reid St. Louis American President Biden was not bashful in his support of issues of importance to Black Americans during his second State of the Union Address in the U.S. Capitol on Tuesday night. He will need Black voters’ support to first be renominated by the Democratic Party as its presidential candidate in 2024, and then to
LIVING IT
Beyonce headlines 65th Annual Grammy Awards
defeat a Republican challenger. Biden honored the life of Tyre Nichols, the 29-year-old Black man who died after being severely beaten by Memphis police officers. RowVaughn and Rodney Wells, Nichols’ mother and stepfather attended at the invitation of Congressional Black Caucus Chair Rep. Steven Horsford of Nevada. Noting that Wells told him she “wants something good to come from his death, Biden called for police reform.
“When police officers or departments violate the public trust, they must be held accountable,” he said. During his first two years in office, Biden signed an executive order that bans federal officers from using chokeholds, restricted no-knock warrants, and implemented “other key elements of the George Floyd Act.” The president wants more police training
BUSINESS
New boutique brings a different look to STL
Beyoncé broke records for winning her 32nd Grammy, becoming the most awarded artist in The Academy’s longstanding history.
7K Kollections Boutique owner Kiaysa Isabell is making a difference in the retail fashion industry by taking a “laidback” approach.
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Putting more Black male educators in classrooms
See BIDEN, A6
Teach For America (TFA), a national organization dedicated to confronting educational inequities in the nation, was founded in 1990. To acknowledge the St. Louis chapter’s 20th anniversary, Lyndsey Ellis, Teach For America St. Louis’ Manager of Development and Communications reached out to The St. Louis American to suggest a story on how the organization continues to work to have greater impact in urban schools. Supporting data shows the importance of Black male teachers in classrooms with African American students. “What we’ve learned over the years is when
See EDUCATORS, A7
SPORTS
Lions restore their roar after rocky start
The Cardianl Ritter Lions started the season with a 1-3 record but have since won 17 consecutive games to enter the week at 18-3 record.
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