New insert for our readers Look for USA Weekend every week inside The American.
Special section
CAC Audited JULY 4 – 10, 2013
Vol. 84 No. 14 COMPLIMENTARY
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American: Publication of the Year Roland Martin challenges publishers to embrace new technology By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American (Nashville, Tenn.) – The St. Louis American was recognized as 2013 Publication of the Year for the largest newspaper class at the National Newspaper Publishers Association’s annual Merit Awards last Thursday in Nashville, Tenn.
A format change in the categories, eliminating the John D. Russwurm Award, means that for the first time no individual publication can officially claim the “Best Black Newspaper in the Nation” title. But by winning Publication of the Year in the largest of the three circulation markets, The American can credibly claim the mantle as the top black
newspaper. This marks the second year in a row and the ninth time in 18 years that The American has won that honor. This year, the Houston Defender and Miami Times shared Publication of the Year recognition for smallercirculation newspapers.
“We need to stop thinking like newspapers and embrace growing into multimedia companies.” – Roland Martin
See AMERICAN, A6
Strategizing for better health Missouri Foundation for Health CEO discusses new strategic plan
Photo by Wiley Price
Brenda Girton-Mitchell, director of the Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships in the Obama administration, spoke on June 18 at the National Baptist Congress of Christian Education’s 108th Annual Session in St. Louis.
By Rebecca S. Rivas Of The St. Louis American The Missouri Foundation for Health recently tightened up its strategy and focused on new priorities, said president and CEO Robert Hughes. Under the foundation’s new strategic plan, the first priority is to get more people health insurance coverage. The second is infant mortality, third is oral health and fourth is childhood obesity. The foundation awards Robert about $40 million annualHughes ly to address these and other health issues. “We think each one is a critical issue to improving the health of the St. Louis region and the whole region we serve,” he said.
Baptist educators convene in St. Louis 30,000-plus guests generate $20.4M for local economy
See HEALTH, A6
Police promotions protested
By Bridjes O’Neil Of The St. Louis American The National Baptist Congress of Christian Education held its 108th Annual Session June 16-21 at America’s Center in Downtown St. Louis. The Congress Local host serves as the primary committee training arm of the chairman Rev. National Baptist Convention, USA, Sammie E. Inc., the nation’s oldJones est and largest described the African-American convention as religious group with an estimated member“a mammoth ship of 7.5 million. task which According to the caused us to Rev. Sammie E. pray and pray Jones, senior pastor of Mount Zion Baptist hard.” Church-Christian Complex, St. Louis is the first city to host back-to-back sessions of the Congress. As local host committee chairman and 2nd vice president of the Congress who oversees nine states in the Midwest Region, Jones was instrumental in making this happen. See BAPTISTS, A7
Lack of diversity in department reflected in new leadership By Rebecca S. Rivas Of The St. Louis American
Photo by Wiley Price
East Building opens eyes Amani Roland admired the Saint Louis Art Museum’s new East Building with her daughter Alida, 3, at its public opening on Saturday morning. Designed by awardwinning architect Sir David Chipperfield with technical leadership from HOK, the new East Building increases the museum’s public space by 30 percent.
Advocates for more minority police leadership say that the last round of St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department promotions was a slap in the face – and a sign that the promotions process isn’t working. “Promotional exams like this are further destroying the already dismal morale of this department, especially among its senior African-American officers,” said Sergeant Darren Wilson, president of the Ethical Society of Police. Out of 19 promotions, the St. Louis Board See POLICE, A7