Happy Thanksgiving! CAC Audited NOV. 28 – DEC. 4, 2013
Vol. 84 No. 34 COMPLIMENTARY
stlamerican.com
Martin Mathews to retire Rev. Nance: ‘We have some very big shoes to fill’ By Rebecca Rivas Of The St. Louis American
Photo by Wiley Price
On Nov. 25, Martin Mathews announced that after more than 50 years, he is retiring as president and chief executive officer of the Mathews-Dickey Boys’ & Girls’ Club.
Martin Luther Mathews, co-founder of the MathewsDickey Boys’ & Girls’ Club, remembers a day in 1958 when a close friend invited him to his home. “There, he had 30 boys in his house who wanted to do something with their lives,” said Mathews, who was coaching baseball outside for a textile manufacturing company of working in an engineering department. He placed those 30 boys on baseball teams that year, but other kids just kept showing up wanting to play. In
the summer of 1960, Mathews and the late Hubert “Dickey” Ballentine, coaches of neighborhood baseball teams called the Knights and the Arabs, were talking in Handy Park after baseball practice. They both hated to turn kids away, and both desired to keep young men on the fields and off the streets. This meant they needed to organize more teams. “We came up with a great idea,” Mathews said. “Why can’t we have a boys club like they have in South St.
– Martin Mathews
See MATHEWS, A7
INSIDE
McCoy says board ignores him
OPINION
Missouri must raise minimum wage Missouri’s current minimum wage is $7.35, which on Jan. 1, 2014 will climb to a whopping $7.50.
Suspended super and community still waiting for explanation
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BUSINESS
By Rebecca Rivas Of The St. Louis American
‘Making things better’ in local construction
On Tuesday, Ferguson-Florissant Superintendent Art McCoy Jr. made his first public comments since the school board placed him on administrative leave on Nov. 6 for “differences in focus and philosophy.” “I choose to always do things the right way, do things with integrity, do things appropriately and within established policy, procedures and best practices,” McCoy said at a press conference held at Art Shalom Church (City of Peace) in McCoy Jr. Berkeley and organized by the Citizens’ Taskforce for Excellence in Education, a coalition of citizens, clergy and community leaders. Upon placing McCoy on leave, Board of Education President Paul Morris said the action was not an indication of any wrongdoing on
The Construction Forum STL, a new nonprofit organization dedicated to holding discussions of local construction industry issues.
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SPORTS
‘Mr. Cub’ given Presidential Medal of Freedom
See McCOY, A6
Chicago Cubs legend Ernie Banks, 82, was one of 16 individuals honored with a 2013 Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama.
F.I.R.E. IN THE PULPIT
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Photo by Wiley Price
Wellston’s McLamore scores for charity Jaleah Randolph, 5, enjoys her pre-Thanksgiving meal at the Wellston Community Center on Saturday. Wellston basketball standout and current Sacramento Kings rookie Ben McLamore held the dinner and turkey give-away. The event was sponsored by his All 4 Kids Foundation.
Help for the neediest Community Women Against Hardship partners with The American By Clarice Evans For The St. Louis American
Hall of Famer Ernie Banks
“We came up with a great idea. Why can’t we have a boys club like they have in South St. Louis?”
The effects of the government shutdown and congressional budget cuts have only led to the continued suffering of those most in need. Community Women Against Hardship and the St. Louis American have partnered again to address some of the needs of some of our most fragile citizens. As we find ways to continue to lift our community up, we are grateful for any
Teacher, preacher, battalion chief Longtime firefighter Steve Simpson serves in first pastoral role By Bridjes O’Neil Of The St. Louis American
support. Help us encourage these families during this season of giving. Send all donations to CWAH, 3963 West Belle Pl., St. Louis, MO 63108 or call 314-289-7523. Case 1 – Ms. A. is a single mother of four who is currently unable to work due to an injury. She is working on a nursing degree and is determined
See CWAH, A6
Steve Simpson
The church is the best place to raise a child, said Steve Simpson, pastor of Bethel Christian Assembly Faith Fellowship, 4006 Cottage Ave. in North St. Louis. Simpson referred to himself as a “pew baby” and says his personal achievements are a direct result of his spiritual upbringing at Kennerly Temple Church of God In Christ, under the leadership of then Pastor
See SIMPSON, A6