‘Good Hair’ redefined “This is not just about hair – it goes to helping women find their genuine self-esteem,” says Curly Nikki.
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Vol. 84 No. 44
CAC Audited JAN. 31 – FEB. 6, 2013
INSIDE BUSINESS
stlamerican.com
Reed spars with Slay on crime Mayoral candidates debate while Matthews wisecracks By Jo Mannies Of The Beacon
MBE’s front line of defense Millions in minority contracts are in the hands of one compliance officer
COMPLIMENTARY
On the key issues, the three Democrats competing for St. Louis mayor generally share the same views. Crime is too high. Public schools need to be improved. Homelessness should be addressed as a regional issue. The vacant property in North St. Louis needs to be redeveloped. The differences among St. Louis Mayor Francis G. Slay, Board of Aldermen President Lewis Reed
“The first thing we have to do is admit we have a problem.” – Lewis Reed on crime in St. Louis
and former Alderman Jimmie Matthews appear to center on how best to tackle such problems – and See MAYOR, A6
Photo by Wiley Price
Board of Aldermen President Lewis Reed listens as Mayor Francis G. Slay speaks Tuesday night at a mayoral candidate forum held at the St. Louis Public Library’s Central Library. In the middle is former Alderman Jimmie Matthews.
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PASTORAL PROFILE
CAREERS
Senior pastor at Central Baptist Rev. Robert C. Scott is youngest to lead area’s second-oldest Baptist church
Access and excellence at UMSL Private scholarships make a difference for hard-working students like Briona Perry, a sophomore biochemistry major
Bridjes O’Neil Of The St. Louis American
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In 1999, Rev. Robert C. Scott, senior pastor at Central Baptist Church, 2842 Washington Blvd., became the youngest person in the church’s lengthy history to assume the pastoral role. This was, he said, a “divine move.” Before he accepted the invitation, Central Baptist had gone almost three years without a pastor following the death of Rev. Ronald Packnett in 1996. Packnett had served for 11 years and had been socially and politically active in St. Louis. During this transitional period, Central Baptist was led by Interim Pastor
SPORTS
Rondo out, Rose in – Celtics’ and Bulls’ seasons hang on injuries Now that Rajon Rondo is confined to the sidelines, suits and surgery, the big question is whether Celtics executives will decide to blow up the team.
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See SCOTT, A6
Photo by Wiley Price
Rev. Robert C. Scott, senior pastor at Central Baptist Church, leads a recent Sunday service at the church, located at 2842 Washington Blvd.
SICKNESS AND
See story video at
www.stlamerican.com
INEQUALITY
New chief speaks on local control, civilian review
MLK lecturer at Wash U School of Medicine addresses socioeconomics By Sandra Jordan Of The St. Louis American
Rajon Rondo
“Your zip code is a stronger predictor of your health than your genetic code,” said David R. Williams, a professor of public health at the Harvard School of Public Health and professor of African and AfricanAmerican studies and of sociology at Harvard University. Williams visited St. Louis on MLK Day to deliver the annual MLK lecture for the Office of Diversity Programs at Washington University School of Medicine, organized by Will Ross, M.D., associate dean for diversity at the medical school. “Socioeconomic status is one of the most powerful predictors of variations of health See WILLIAMS, A7
Part 1 of an interview with St. Louis Police Chief Sam Dotson By Rebecca S. Rivas Of The St. Louis American St. Louis American: What’s being done to implement local control? Photo by Wiley Price
St. Louis Police Chief Sam Dotson took office on January 1 and will oversee the department through its transition to local control by city government.
Police Chief Sam Dotson: Officers are very resistant to change. By nature, people are resistant to change. So they have a couple concerns. The first one is about their pensions. They want to know there is some financial stability. During the voting See DOTSON, A7