Biden addressing affordable housing crisis
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St. Louis American See page B1
The
CAC Audited MAY 9 – 15, 2024
Serving, empowering and advocating for equity in St. Louis since 1928
Vol. 96 No. 5 COMPLIMENTARY
stlamerican.com
Medgar Evers receives Medal of Freedom
Harris-Stowe graduates praise its diversity LaTonia Collins Smith, HarrisStowe State University president, was joined by 2024 Commencement keynote speaker Dawnn Lewis. The acclaimed actor and activist told students “You are prepared to earn the right to be where you are.”
‘Embrace opportunities with courage’ St. Louis American Harris-Stowe State University held its Spring 2024 Commencement on Saturday May 4, 2024, and its president, Dr. LaTonia Collins Smith, told graduates they should “hold fast to the power within that has carried you across this stage.” “Your journey is not just a personal triumph but a testament to the transformative impact of education and the unwavering support of the HSSU community.” Amariah Hardwick, who graduated magna cum laude after three years at HSSU, praised her school’s “diversity and all-around
See GRADUATES, A7
Photo courtesy of Harris-Stowe
By Stacy M Brown NNPA Newswire President Joe Biden has awarded a Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, to the late civil rights icon Medgar Wiley Evers and 18 other Americans. Evers, born in 1925 in Decatur, Mississippi, is remembered for his unwavering dedication to the civil rights movement despite facing relentless racism and threats to his life. His childhood was marked by the pervasive specter of racism, with incidents Medgar Wiley like the lynching of a Evers family friend serving as stark reminders of the injustice prevalent in the community. Determined to make a difference, Evers enlisted in the Army during World War II, serving with distinction in a segregated field battalion in England and France. After returning, Evers earned a Bachelor of Arts from Alcorn College, where he met Myrlie Beasley, who he married in 1951. He embarked on a career in activism, joining the
See EVERS, A6
‘Times’ to help
Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American
Mattie Vasser, End Times Christian Church associate minister, and members of her congregation distributed food in the Ville neighborhood on Wednesday May 8, 2024. According to the USDA, almost 15% of people in Eastern Missouri and Southwestern Illinois face hunger. Many must choose between buying food or paying medical expenses or utility bills.
HEALTH
By Ashley Winters The St. Louis American
ty to make a positive impact. Training will be provided for adults looking to become mentors. “Epworth has a long-standing relationship with the community and we are thrilled to be partnering with them,” said Stephanie McCreary, Oasis national intergenerational tutoring program director. ‘Grand Champions’ are the gateway to helping these teens become successful adults.” “We take pride in meeting the youth we serve, where they need us most,” said LaTrina Hopton, Epworth Children
See OASIS, A7
See GREENWAY, A6
Mentoring makes a difference for teens “We take pride in meeting the youth we serve where they need us most.” Oasis Institute offers a unique partnership between teenagers aging out of the foster care system and mentors eager to share their life experiences, skills, and expertise to help provide foster teens with the tools they need to thrive. The Institute is recruiting 30 to 40 mentors for Epworth Children Family Services, providing these adults with the opportuni-
‘A powerful symbol of progress’
The vision for connecting St. Louis and the Brickline Greenway now has Harris-Stowe State University (HSSU) as a partner. The new Greenway Project on Market Street focuses on improving access for residents and visitors while enhancing the environment, and commemorating local history with public art. Construction will begin this summer for ta new stretch of greenway along Market Street between 22nd St. and Compton Ave. Market Street will be narrowed, now with shorter distances to cross the street but still plenty of room for driving and parking. The 0.8-mile project will include trees and artwork. The expansion will begin at the corners of Compton and Market
An Oasis of understanding By Ashley Winters The St. Louis American
Greenway links with HSSU; to head north in future
SPORTS
Affinia, partners open Little Free Libraries
A dash of district track meets sprinkle calendar
The concept behind the Little Free Library is to encourage reading and literacy in communities where books may be scarce or not readily accessible.
The road to the Missouri state track and field championships got underway last weekend with district competition around the state at the Class 1,2 and 3 levels.
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