SSM Health provides doula support to area hospitals
@stlouisamerican
@stlouisamerican
St. Louis American See page A8
The
Serving, empowering and advocating for equity in St. Louis since 1928
CAC Audited MARCH 7 – 13, 2024
stlamerican.com
Celebrate 314 Day with events that represent STL
See 314, A6
COMPLIMENTARY
Urban League releases ‘State of Black America’
By Ashley Winters The St. Louis American
It’s almost time for the spotlight to shine once again on the St. Louis region! 314 Day is a day for celebrating all things St. Louis. Local businesses and organizations join together to shine a light on everything that makes our city a great place to start up, stand out, and stay. This year’s festivities kick off on Saturday, March 9, and culmin 314 Day is a day nate on Thursday, March, 14 — 314 of celebrating all Day — with an excitthings St. Louis. ing variety of events, celebrations, and special deals highlighting local makers, musicians, artists, businesses, organizations, and neighborhoods that are proud #STLMade. Terrell “Young Dip” Evans and Tatum Polk created 314 Day in 2006 with the vision of bringing St. Louis together to celebrate the positive things happening in the city. Since that time, it has evolved into an official region-wide holiday
Vol. 95 No. 48
Civic participation is on the rise
Photo courtesy of STLMade
Terrell “Young Dip” Evans, co-founder of 314 day, will help lead this year’s week long celebration. 314 Day 2024 will consist of day and night parties, youth events, and community events starting March 9 and ending March 14.
By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire The National Urban League 2024 State of Black America Report concludes that African Americans are making advances in civic engagement and healthcare, but lag behind white Americans in acquiring equity in economics and social justice. Established in 1976 by the late Vernon E. Jordan Jr., the organization’s fifth president, the report remains a cornerstone for understanding the multifaceted challenges faced Kristen by Black Americans Clarke in areas including economics, employment, education, health, housing, criminal justice, and civic participation. Marc Morial, National Urban League president and CEO, said economic empowerment is central to the organization’s mission, and called the reports Equality Index “a powerful tool to measure progress for Black Americans
See URBAN, A6
Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American
A peace March
City leaders led by St. Louis Police Chief Chief Robert J. Tracy, Violence Prevention Director Wilford Pinkney, Mayor Tishaura Jones, and 7th Ward Alderwoman Alisha Sonnier march through the streets of Dutchtown Saturday, afternoon Mar. 2, 2024 for a peace walk.
SLPS, Local 420 deal creates teacher raises
By Alvin A. Reid St. Louis American A recent National Education Association study shows that a 10% increase in teacher pay is estimated to produce a 5 to 10% increase in student performance. A Stanford University study of San Francisco city schools found that when the salary for teaching was increased, the size and quality of teacher applicants increased, and the
BUSINESS
Starsky Wilson says Ferguson events changed his life
Starsky Wilson explained the importance of protecting DEI programs and discussions of Black history and equity, saying “we need to know these are the grounds that should be protected.”
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Keisha Scarlett
Will help increase programming
St. Louis American
district retained more of its teachers. Comparable results have been found in urban school districts across America. Saint Louis Public Schools (SLPS) and teachers and staff represented by the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) Local 420 hope to reap those benefits, as well. A contract that provides teachers with a 17% pay increase over the next three years has been ratified by the union and
17% increase over 3 years
Operation Food Search to renovate its HQ
See SLPS, A7
Many St. Louis area families still find themselves in need of assistance to feed their respective families. Food pantries were overwhelmed during the pandemic and food scarcity remains a challenge in many neighborhoods. Operation Food Search (OFS), provides food and services to 200,000 residents monthly – a third of whom are children –in 42 Missouri and Illinois counties. Healthy meals are especially important for expectant and new mothers, according to Kristen Wild president and CEO of Operation Food Search. “We are working to improve the maternal quality of care through our Fresh Rx: Nourishing Healthy Starts program. Open to anyone experiencing
See FOOD SEARCH, A7
SPORTS
The ‘Word’ on Neveah Caffey is she’ll play at Indiana Incarnate Word Academy girls basketball standout Nevaeh Caffey, a 5’10” junior point guard, has given a commitment to attend the University of Indiana.
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