Jamestown Mall may get condemned
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2016 Gold Cup Newspaper Missouri Press Association
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Why Franks endorsed Tishaura for mayor ‘She practices what we progressives preach’ By Chris King Of The St. Louis American
Bruce Franks Jr. celebrated his crushing special election victory in the 78th House District at Yaqui’s on September 16.
On Friday, February 24, Tishaura O. Jones added an important name to her long list of endorsements from prominent local progressives when state Rep. Bruce Franks Jr. endorsed her for mayor. Franks’ support could be critical, since he represents a new kind of black candidate with strong support from a diverse group of progressives – perhaps the only kind of black candidate who can win the March 7 Democratic primary, where one electable white candidate, Lyda Krewson, faces three electable black candidates in Jones, Lewis
See TISHAURA, A6
Vol. 88 No. 47
The facts on Krewson and tax abatement Mayoral candidate did not recall tax-abating private homes – but, in fact, she sponsored many By Rebecca Rivas Of The St. Louis American Either mayoral candidate Lyda Krewson has a poor memory about the tax abatements she has legislated or she provided alternative facts during the St. Louis Mayoral Forum on February 22, which was hosted by 12 community organizations and St. Louis Public Radio, Nine Network and The St. Louis American. The American asked all the candidates to look at the tax incentives they have supported through a racial equity lens and critique those TIFs or tax abatements by whether or not they “have encouraged gentrification and a stronger divide between the haves and have-nots.” Krewson mainly talked about incentives that have helped to rebuild the Delmar Loop over the past 15 years, which enabled the Pageant, the PinUp Bowl and Moonrise Hotel. She said they were
Photo by Carolina Hidalgo/St. Louis Public Radio
See KREWSON, A7
Rev. Benjamin L. Hooks and Ina M. Boon, former NAACP Region IV director
Photo by Wiley Price
Big week for workers’ rights Tishaura O. Jones, local workers and members of Missouri Jobs with Justice rallied at SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital, 3635 Vista Ave., on Thursday, February 23 to demand that SSM follow through on its promise to raise its minimum wage for all workers to $11/hour. Also, on Tuesday, February 28, the Missouri Supreme Court ruled that St. Louis’ minimum wage can go up to $11 by 2018. Its unanimous opinion ruled that a 2015 ordinance does not conflict with the state’s minimum wage of $7.65 an hour.
of your wins and your lessons,” Cooksey said. “On your journey you have lived well, you have laughed often and you have loved much. You have gained the respect of children and elders and you are leaving the world a better
After 55 years of service to the NAACP at the local, regional and national levels, Ina M. Boon passed on Monday, February 27 in a North County nursing home under hospice care, one month after her 90th birthday. “I’ve lost a dear friend whom I’ve known for more than 50 years,” said attorney Frankie Muse Freeman, who worked with Boon on civil rights litigation. “Our community and the Civil Rights Movement are better off because of Ina Boon’s tenacity and courage.”
See LEADERS, A7
See BOON, A6
2017 class of Young leaders inspires audience, emcee and sponsors “Nelson Mandela said, ‘I never lose. I either win or learn,’” said Vanessa Cooksey, senior vice president of community affairs for Wells Fargo Advisors. Just as the individual
recognition portion of the St. Louis American Foundation’s 7th annual Young Leaders Awards and Networking Reception was preparing to kick off, she articulated the feeling in the atmosphere at Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis on Thursday, February 23. “Tonight I am honored to celebrate each
Longtime Region IV director of NAACP and civil rights leader By Gentry W. Trotter For The St. Louis American
The hope of now By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American
Ina M. Boon passes at 90