MLK special section
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@stlouisamerican
St. Louis American See section D
CAC Audited JANUARY 11 – 17, 2024
Serving, empowering and advocating for equity in St. Louis since 1928
stlamerican.com
Public safety is paramount, say St. Louis leaders 10th Ward Alderwoman Shameem Clark Hubbard explains how to report crime and civic issues during public safety town hall meeting at the Urban League in the Fountain Park neighborhood in St. Louis on Monday, Jan. 8, 2024. She served as the night’s moderator.
A town hall meeting on public safety drew almost 200 community members who gathered to engage with St. Louis leaders who provided updates and heard concerned citizens express their opinions. Moderated by 10th Ward Alderwoman Shameem Clark Hubbard, Board of Alderman President Megan Green, Chief Robert Tracy of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, trauma specialist Dr. LJ Punch, Circuit Attorney Gabe Gore, Public Safety Vice President James Clark of the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis and Public Safety Director Charles Coyle shared information and spoke with citizens. “Public safety is a shared responsibility in our city,” said Green, who shared the city’s plans to increase safety in the city of St. Louis. Included are: • Creating local policies to address the
See SAFETY, A7
Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American
Keeping the Dream Alive: ‘It starts with me’ 38th MLK Celebration held Jan. 6
Kevin M. Jones, St. Louis American COO, passes By Alvin A. Reid St. Louis American Kevin M. Jones, for nearly 32 years was an employee of the St. Louis American and for many years its chief operating officer, has passed away. He was 57. An honors graduate of St. Louis University High School, Jones also graduated with honors from the University of Missouri – Columbia School of Journalism. While attending the University of Missouri, Jones worked for three newspapers at the same time: the Kevin M. Columbia Daily Jones Tribune, Columbia Missourian and The Maneater. Following his work as an advertising manager with the Suburban Journals, Jones joined the St. Louis American staff. During his tenure he helped create many
See JONES, A7
By Ashley Winters St. Louis American The 38th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Statewide Kickoff was an early celebration of one of the country’s most iconic figures. The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Held at HarrisStowe State University on Saturday, January 6, 2024, this year’s theme is “Keeping the Dream Alive: It Starts With Me” “In the face of the ongoing challenges we encounter, this year’s theme serves as a n “In the face reminder of our collective responof the ongoing sibility,” said Dr. challenges we LaTonia Collinsencounter this Smith, HarrisStowe president year’s theme and Dr. Martin serves as a Luther King, Jr. reminder of State Celebration Commission of our collective responsibility.” Missouri chair. Collins-Smith hopes neighbor– Dr. LaTonia hoods across Collins-Smith Missouri will continue acts of community service and exemplify the principles King encouraged all to embody. Since its establishment in 1985, the statewide celebration has helped sponsor regional community initiatives across the state to honor the legacy of Dr. King. “As we pay homage to Dr. King’s legacy we recognize and celebrate individuals and organizations embodying the ideals of equality in education, health care, economic empowerment, service to the community, and justice and freedom,” said Collins-Smith “These awardees are actively making a difference in our state”
Word In Black incorporates as public benefit company Word In Black staff
Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis AMerican
Jesse D. Williams & Total Praise rocked the house during the 38th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Statewide Celebration Kickoff Program for Missouri Saturday, Jan. 6, 2024, at Harris-Stowe State University. Awardees included Alana Green of St. Louis, Distinguished Social Action Award; Bishop Ron Webb of Poplar Bluff, Mo., the Dr. Henry Givens, Jr. Legacy Award.; Edward Berry
BUSINESS
December jobs report holds good news for Black workers
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported on Friday, Jan. 5, 2024, that the economy added 216,000 jobs in December. This was much higher than the predicted increase of 158,000.
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COMPLIMENTARY
1966 – 2024
Encouraged by some progress, still much to be done
By Ashley Winters St. Louis American
Vol. 95 No. 40
of Fulton County, the Distinguished Community Service Award; and Mary Ratliff of Columbia Mo., the
The long-anticipated day has arrived for 10 of the nation’s most trusted and innovative Black publishers, who have worked hard over the past three years to grow Word In Black into a national news site focused on solutions to racial inequities in America. As of Jan. 1, Word In Black has officially incorporated as a public benefit company. Word In Black is the only media startup of its kind and serves as a future model for the industry. It was incubated inside Local Media Foundation, a 501(c) (3) organization affiliated with Local Media Association. The incubation period allowed for significant testing and experimentation which in turn led to rapid growth. The 10 publishers and the LMF team
See WORD, A6
See MLK, A7 SPORTS
Girls basketball showcase features top prep teams
The lineup is set for the 8th Annual Sweet Hoops All-Girls Basketball Showcase, which will be held on Saturday at Harris-Stowe State University.
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