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St. Louis American The
CAC Audited MAY 5 – 11, 2022
Serving, empowering and advocating for equity in St. Louis since 1928
stlamerican.com
Protect abortion rights ‘by any means necessary’ Rep. Cori Bush, Mayor Jones vow to fight if Roe v. Wade is overturned
By Alvin A. Reid The St. Louis American
Congresswoman Cori Bush told reporters during a visit to Affinia Healthcare in Pagedale on Wednesday that Democrats must end the Senate filibuster to protect abortion rights.
Most legal, safe abortions in America could be outlawed by the close of the current U.S. Supreme Court session. Politico obtained a draft copy of a majority opinion written by Justice Sam Alito that would overturn Roe v. Wade and the 1992 Planned Parenthood v. Casey. In effect, it would leave the legality of abortion up to individual states. Congresswoman Cori Bush (D. St. Louis) was in her hometown Wednesday and said abortion is a constitutional right that must be protected “by any means necessary.”
See ABORTION, A7
Vol. 94 No. 6 COMPLIMENTARY
Reported SCOTUS decision forges filibuster battle
Sen. Warnock in favor of ending it St. Louis American staff and wire reports The leaked majority opinion that would overturn Roe v. Wade and end federal protections for abortion rightscould trigger a showdown on eliminating the U.S. Senate filibuster. To overcome the legislative filibuster and pass legislation codifying abortion access throughout the country 60 senators must vote in favor. However, if the filibuster is removed, a simple majority, which Democrats hold by a single vote, would be the standard for passage. Georgia Sen. Raphael Warnock said he’s going to “do everything” he can to “support reproductive rights.” He’s one of many Senate Democrats who support eliminating the filibuster. “No Senate procedure should get in the way of basic civil rights — voting rights, reproductive rights,” Warnock said. Vermont Democratic Sen. Bernie Sanders already has called for an end to the filibuster to ensure Senators could effectively counteract judicial attempts to cancel Roe v. Wade. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) announced Tuesday there would be a vote soon on legislation to codify the right to abortion. “This is not an abstract exercise,” he said.
Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American
See SCOTUS, A7
Listen Up! To Your Mother
By Ashley Winters for The St. Louis American
including music producer, concert/party promoter, community activist and Prime 55 co-owner –he was celebrated with swagger. Guests were asked to wear all white. Watson’s broad scope of influence was made evident by the caliber of the crowd and those who stood on the stage to pay tribute. “Of course, we would be here celebrating his life looking as good as we do in our all white – you know Orlando loved white
The ninth annual “Listen To Your Mother” (LTYM) show is honoring motherhood through a 90-minute open and honest dialogue about the beauty and pain of motherhood. Presented by the Kranzberg Arts Foundation at the Grandel Theater, 11 a.m., and 3 p.m. shows are scheduled for Saturday, May 7, 2022. The charitable event donates proceeds to local nonprofit organizations supporting women and families Photo by Wiley Price in need. Cornerstone Center for The 2022 recipEarly Learning Director ient is Cornerstone Ta’Lisha Franklin gives Center for Early a good morning hug to Learning, and Ta’ E’Gracy Robinson, 2, Lisha Franklin, the Wednesday, May 4. center’s Director is grateful for the donation. “I feel fortunate about Cornerstone being the
See WATSON, A6
See MOTHER, A6
Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American
Violinist Bell Darris played “See You Again” by Wiz Khalifa and Charlie Puth as Best Talent Center dancers performed during a May 2, 2022, tribute to the late entrepreneur Orlando Watson at The Pageant.
‘He was a renaissance man’ Orlando Watson celebrated at The Pageant
By Kenya Vaughn The St. Louis American Entering The Pageant on the evening of Monday, May 2 to celebrate the life and legacy of Orlando Watson felt a bit surreal. As the line of family and friends entered the building, the energy was like one of the many sold out concerts he presented there through his Rockhouse Ent. brand. “A couple of times tonight, I’ve come around the corner and I fully expected in
HEALTH
Retired pastor spreads Alzeimer’s awareness
Primary caregivers cannot continue to do this indefinitely; they need assistance from others.
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my subconscious for him to be there,” said venue co-owner Pat Hagin. He fought back his emotions when discussing the business partnership with Watson that evolved into a friendship. Watson passed away on Sunday, April 10, 2022, after a battle with cancer. He was 48 years old. The last time The Pageant was used as a memorial venue was for the funeral of music icon Chuck Berry in 2017. And as expected for those who knew Watson in any of his many capacities–
BUSINESS
SPORTS
STEM Doll inspires careers in science
NBA big men becoming center of attention again
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Somi the Computer Scientist has arrived to encourage Black children to explore science while they play.
A group of young, big men has come to the forefront, even in the age of small ball and 3-point shooting.