Obama picks Bibles for swearing in Will use Lincoln, MLK and Robinson Family Bibles.
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Vol. 84 No. 42
CAC Audited JANUARY 17 – 23, 2013
COMPLIMENTARY
stlamerican.com
Reed says positive buzz is on the streets Challenger claims media misrepresents mayoral campaign By Chris King Of The St. Louis American
Photo by Wiley Price
Kenneth McClain, LeDon Meriweather and Robert Moten wait to be introduced by James Clark of the Put Down the Pistol program to speak to youth at Yeatman-Liddell Preparatory Middle School.
Straight talk to youth Put Down the Pistol leader calls for ‘hot-spot resourcing’ By Rebecca S. Rivas Of The St. Louis American In a school library filled with 30 African-American boys at YeatmanLiddell Preparatory Middle School, not a single pair of eyes strayed from James Clark, a VP at Better Family Life Inc. and veteran crime-prevention advocate. Every boy listened silently to Clark on Tuesday afternoon.
See story video at www.stlamerican.com
“Under no circumstances do you drop out of high school,” said Clark, who was dressed in a pinstripe suit and blue silk tie. “Under no circumstances do you not go have that one more graduation. Because you’re
going to need to earn money. And the best way to earn your money is through education.” Every week, Clark meets with this group, as well as one at Stevens Middle School, as part of Better Family Life’s Perspectives program, which launched in the fall. Clark and a loyal group of volunteers have been hitting the pavement for three years with the Put Down the Pistol Campaign. Just this year, Better Family Life received phone calls from more than 50 individuals on the brink of committing an armed robbery or a
“When Mr. Clark came, we started doing our work. We started keeping money in our pockets by doing the right thing.” “He taught us there are only two options in life if you’re on the streets – the penitentiary and the graveyard.”
See REED, A7
See CRIME, A6
Bill Danforth accepts St. Louis Award Washington University Chancellor Emeritus William Danforth (left) and Mrs. Jane Ervin, widow of WUSTL professor Dr. John B. Ervin, join others during the procession following the “Dedication of James E. McLeod’s Way” at Graham Chapel during the John B. Ervin Scholars Program 25th Anniversary Celebration at Washington University Sept. 15, 2012.
Honoring six decades of service to medicine, education, science By Richard Weiss Of The Beacon Dr. William Henry Danforth II was recognized recently with the St. Louis Award. – Bill Danforth The award goes to the resident of metropolitan St. Louis who has “contributed the most outstanding service for its development” or “performed such service as bringing greatest honor to the community,” according to the late David
“We started before others had realized the opportunities (in plant science) and were ready to make investments.”
See DANFORTH, A7
MLK
Lewis Reed thinks the political chattering class in St. Louis is missing the point in his challenge to Mayor Francis G. Slay in the March 5 Democratic primary. News reports and commentaries have focused on Slay’s trading of endorsements with high-profile African Americans and his recent co-opting of the minority inclusion issue by issuing an executive order that extends Lewis Reed workforce inclusion goals to cover TIF projects of scale. But, Reed says, these mediagenic gestures have done nothing to bolster Slay’s support on the ground. “We never hear about those “If voters turn things when we out in March like knock on the they turned out in door,” said Reed, who presently August, then serves as presiLewis Reed is dent of the Board your next mayor.” of Aldermen – like mayor, a – Glenn Burleigh, citywide elected campaign manager position. “What we hear is, ‘Can we have a yard sign?’” Reed acknowledges two campaign stumbles – hiring a campaign manager, Matt Teter, who did not work out and failing to manage media perceptions of the campaign. Reed’s successful 2007 campaign for
SPORTS
Inauguration bound! U. City students funded by community head to D.C. By Bridjes O’Neil Of The St. Louis American Presidential inauguration tickets are hard to come by. But not for some students and staff at University City High School, who leave tomorrow for Washington, D.C. with plans to attend the inauguration on Monday, January 21. Principal Michael Maclin said the idea to embark on this trip stems from his vision to engage students in real-world applications. “We don’t ask the question, ‘Why?’” he said. “We ask, ‘What will benefit our students and See D.C., A6
BUSINESS
MLK Memorial text to be revised
Crystal Dunn wins Hermann Trophy
$600 million impact on MBEs
Controversial ‘drum major for peace and righteousness’ paraphrase will be removed
University of North Carolina soccer star was named the top female player in NCAA Division I.
Minority Supplier Diversity Council’s Billion Dollar Impact program is on track to exceed its initial goal to generate more than $1 billion in new contracting.
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