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Classically Chuck Berry
St. Louis American See page B1
The
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Beyond NGA’s glow North St. Louis neighborhoods left in the dark
Vol. 97 No. 28 COMPLIMENTARY
Saluting excellence
Gala honors educators who shape futures and the students they inspire By Kenya Vaughn St. Louis American
Neighborhoods surrounding the new NGA campus have yet to see the revitalization city officials promised.
Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American
W
By Sylvester Brown Jr. St. Louis American
hen the National GeospatialIntelligence Agency opened its sprawling, state-of-the-art western headquarters late last month, dignitaries hailed it as a turning point for north St. Louis — a glittering promise of rebirth for an area long marked by disinvestment and decline. The city also has the NGA Arnold facility, located south of St. Louis.
“Historically, America has always packaged harm to our communities as progress. Every time, it comes at the expense of Black life and Black legacy.”
A week from Saturday, members of one of the region’s most unsung professions will take their well-earned turn in the spotlight when The St. Louis American Foundation presents its annual Salute to Excellence in Education Scholarship and Awards Gala. For one evening, America’s Center will transform into a celebration of teaching, learning, and legacy — honoring educators and the students whose lives they’ve shaped through more than $19 million in scholarships awarded since the Education Salute began. “Salute to Excellence is important to me because it recognizes the talented educators and leaders that work hard to enable our children to develop skills they will need in life, while at the same time helping fund educational scholarships for students,” said St. Louis American Foundation Board Chairman Michael Holmes. Now in its 38th year, the Education Salute will award more than $2.4 million in scholarships to students pursuing higher education. “The Salute to Excellence in
See SALUTE, A13
– Kalambayi Andenet
See NGA, A12
INSIDE BUSINESS
Arch Grants expansion Arch Grants unveiled its expanded Downtown West headquarters and announced its latest class of startup grant recipients.
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HEALTH
‘It was a sound decision’ SLPS turns to Myra Berry after superintendent’s ouster
Dr. Myra Berry, a 20-year veteran of SLPS, said during her introductory press conference as interim superintendent of the district that she is aware of the many challenges she faces and that “We will keep students at the center of every decision that is made.”
Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American
Last year’s Stellar Performer, Ellicia Lanier, receives her award from St. Louis American Foundation Director Raven Whitener during the Salute Gala on Oct. 12, 2024.
Teaching literacy
St. Louis educators build on early reading success By Ashley Winters St. Louis American
Why Black women can’t afford to ignore breast cancer Raising awareness about the disease is the first step in preventing breast cancer. Many Black women may not have access to reliable information regarding breast cancer risks.
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Photo by Alvin A. Reid / St. Louis American
By Alvin A. Reid St. Louis American Dr. Myra Berry, who had been serving as St. Louis Public Schools’ interim chief of human resources, was formally introduced Monday as the district’s interim superintendent. Her appointment came three days after the school board voted to terminate Superintendent Millicent Borishade
“without cause” following a five-hour closed session on Oct. 17. Because of that designation, the school baord will pay Borishade $475,000 in salary. Board President Karen Collins-Adams said the financial cost was justified to “move the district in a more positive direction.” “It was a sound decision,” Collins-
See BERRY, A13
When students at Moline Elementary gather for reading lessons, their teachers now use strategies that go beyond memorization — helping children connect sounds, letters, and meaning. It’s part of a growing shift in how reading is taught in St. Louis, one that emphasizes proven practices to help more students read fluently by third grade. That approach will expand this year as Moline Elementary and three other schools join the second cohort of the Emerson Early Literacy Challenge, an initiative focused on improving early reading outcomes and closing literacy gaps across the region. The goal is to ensure every child can
See LITERACY, A12