37th Salute a night of elegance and celebration
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St. Louis American See Salute photos inside and online
The
CAC Audited OCTOBER 17 – 23, 2024
Serving, empowering and advocating for equity in St. Louis since 1928
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Reparations Commission releases its report ‘A turning point for St. Louis’
By Alvin A. Reid St. Louis American The City of St. Louis Reparations Commission has released its “comprehensive plan designed to address the longstanding impacts of systemic racism and economic inequality endured by Black residents.” The report marks a major milestone in the city’s ongoing commitment to justice, equity, and reconciliation, according to Kayla Reed, Commission chair. “This report is not just a reflection on our past—it’s a road map for building a more equitable future for all residents of St. Louis,” said Reed. “The report marks a critical moment for our city. These recommendations offer a path toward healing and justice, addressing generations of systemic racism and economic exclusion.”
See REPARATIONS, A6
Vol. 96 No. 28 COMPLIMENTARY
You have ‘no excuse’ not to vote
Key races, props on Missouri ballot By Sylvester Brown, Jr. St. Louis American Photo by Eric Lee / St. Louis Public Radio
Kayla Reed, St. Louis Reparations Commission chair, speaks during a meeting of the commission in February at City Hall. The commission, which was appointed by St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones in 2023, has released its 100page report. It is designed to “address longstanding impacts of systemic racism.”
Jackie JoynerKersee addresses the crowd at The St. Louis American Foundation’s 37th Annual Salute to Excellence in Education Scholarship and Awards Gala held Saturday, Oct. 5. JoynerKersee was recognized with the Lifetime Achiever in Eduaction Award.
Early voters are establishing new participation records in several states including Georgia as the general election nears on Nov. 5, 2024. The first day of early voting in the battleground state saw a record turnout, with 328,000 people casting a vote in person or by mail – more than doubling the previous record of 136,000 in 2020. While the chances of Vice President winning Missouri over Donald Trump are remote, several key propositions and statewide votes are Kamala included on a lengthy Harris ballot. On Oct. 22, two weeks before the November election, no-excuse absentee voting will begin. Absentee voting with an excuse is already taking place. According to the Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research (SIEPR), the 2020 U.S. election saw a huge increase in absentee voting and brought unified Democratic control at the federal level. An absentee ballot is a vote cast by someone who is unable or unwilling to attend the official polling station to which the voter is normally allocated. Methods include voting at a different location, postal voting, proxy voting and online voting. Eligible voters may apply to vote
See VOTE, A7
Leading and learning by example
Photo by Susan Gorman
Jackie Joyner-Kersee has been on the global stage for more than 40 years. She has been honored and celebrated – and bestowed with some of the most distinguished awards that the athletic and humanitarian spheres have to offer.
As she sat at her table in the main banquet hall of America’s Center waiting to be recognized with the Lifetime Achievement Award at The St. Louis American Foundation’s 37th Annual Salute to Excellence in Education Scholarship and Awards Gala, the joy she exuded filled the entire room. Her excitement level was more like some-
BUSINESS
An island paradise for young gamers
The idea for Gamer’s Island was conceived in 2023 by a trio of friends who loved video competition. The concept is proving a go-to spot and epic gaming experience.
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St. Louis American
one receiving their first award ever. She began her remarks with a deep breath. “Thank you from the depths of my soul,” as she released the air from her lungs. Even before she took the podium to give thanks, there was a permanent expression of gratitude
Beyond Housing has opened its Transformative Services Department, which is designed to address poverty more effectively to bring more St. Louisans into the economic mainstream. “We’ve torn down the silos so we can get more clients who come to us when in crisis onto a path to stability,” said Chris Krehmeyer, Beyond Housing president and CEO. All supportive services are under one department. We now have one team that intakes clients, assesses their needs, develops a personalized case plan for each individual, and guides them efficiently through the process to find success. Beyond Housing has worked for 14 years to transform many under-resourced
See SALUTE, A6
See HOUSING, A7
37th Annual Education Salute celebrated an icon, honored change agent educators
By Kenya Vaughn The St. Louis American
Beyond Housing launches ‘Transformative’ effort
HEALTH
A breast cancer heart to heart
Thousands of Black women breast cancer survivors, supporters and current warriors converged on downtown October 5, 2024 for the 15th annual Sista Strut.
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