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St. Louis American See page A10
CAC Audited JANUARY 4 – 10, 2024
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Dave Steward II is 2024 Entrepreneur of the Year David Steward II, founder and chief executive officer of Polarity and an Academy Awardwinning producer, is the St. Louis American Charitable Foundation’s 2024 Entrepreneur of the Year.
By Chris King For The St. Louis American David Steward II, founder and chief executive officer of Polarity and an Academy Award-winning producer, is the St. Louis American Charitable Foundation’s 2024 Entrepreneur of the Year. Steward founded Polarity in Salute to 2018. It encompasses a portfolio Business of content companies that produce graphic novels and comics, animated television, streaming and cinematic features, and gaming. In 2019, he launched Lion Forge Animation and produced Hair Love, which won the 2020 Academy Award for Best Animated Short. That company was rebranded to include a wider range of content as Lion Forge Entertainment in 2023. Steward found-
See STEWARD II, A6
Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American
Vol. 95 No. 39 COMPLIMENTARY
Gay resigns as Harvard University president Forced out after facing racist attacks
By Alvin A. Reid NNPA Newswire Harvard President Claudine Gay resigned Tuesday afternoon, leaving behind a somber resignation letter that touched on the racist attacks spewed against her. Gay, Harvard’s first Black woman president, served just six months and two days after facing allegations of plagiarism and “lasting doubts over her ability to respond to antisemitism on campus after her disastrous congressional testimony Dec. 5,” according to the Crimson She faced national backlash for her administration’s response to Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack on Israel and intense scrutiny of her scholarClaudine ly work. Gay “It is with a heavy heart but a deep love for Harvard that I write to share that I will be stepping down as president,” she said in a letter to the Harvard University community. “This is not a decision I came to easily. Indeed, it has been difficult beyond words because I have looked forward to working with so many of you to advance the commitment to academic excellence that has propelled this great university across centuries. “…It has become clear that it is in the best interests of Harvard for me to resign so that our community can navigate this moment of extraordinary challenge with a focus on the institution rather than any individual.”
See GAY, A7
2023 saw reduction in crime and murder
Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis AMerican
Dancing to their own beat
The Spirit of Angela West African Dance and Drum performed in Ferrell Hall at the St. Louis Art Museum Saturday, Dec. 30, 2023.
By Alvin A. Reid St. Louis American
Black Out
Why Francis Howell reinstated Black history, literature courses By Sylvester Brown Jr. St. Louis American The news of an all-white, conservative-led Francis Howell School Board voting to drop elective courses on Black history and Black literature - then almost immediately rescinding the mandate made national headlines. The decision, however, wasn’t exactly breaking news to some who live and raise children in the district. “It’s a follow-the-trail kind of thing,” said Harry Harris, father of a seventh grader in the district. Referring to the newly elected Francis Howell school board, Harris said, “These people know what they’re doing.
BUSINESS
WWT tapped for ‘Great Place To Work’ DEIB initiative
WWT, a global technology solutions provider, is among 11 other organizations to be part of a threeyear study to transform business through the development of inclusive leaders.
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They were all backed by a PAC (political action committee) which has shown nothing but disdain for everything and anything that has to do with blackness, diversity, equity, or inclusion.” Harris referenced “Francis Howell Family,” a national PAC, locally headquartered in St. Peters, that supported candidates in last years’ school board race that were aligned with its views; such as its belief that there are hidden agendas involving critical race theory (CRT) and social justice in the elective courses offered in the district. According to a 2021 press release, the PAC stated it was
While the atmosphere was fittingly somber during the Mothers Advocating Safe Streets Candlelight Vigil, there was a bit of hope in the chilly night air. As the names of people murdered in the region during 2023 were read, the city was closing a year in which there was a 21% reduction in murders. There were 158 in 2023 compared to 200 in 2022. “I offer my condolences to each of you who are mourning the loss of a loved one this year, and to families who are still in mourning of loved ones lost in years past. You and your families are in my daily prayers,” Mayor Tishaura Jones said during the vigil. I stand before you tonight not only as your Mayor but also as someone who has
See CRIME, A6
See HOWELL, A7 SPORTS
Outstanding teams, players hold court during holidays
The holidays set the stage for some outstanding prep basketball tournaments throughout the St. Louis metropolitan area. Earl Austin gives a quick recap of the action around the area.
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