Devon goes Gold St. Louis welterweight Devon Alexander signs with Golden Boy Promotions.
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Vol. 83 No. 25
CAC Audited SEPTEMBER 22 – 28, 2011
COMPLIMENTARY
stlamerican.com
A classic coaches the Classic Mikes Jones leads Lincoln U in first game of Gateway Classic By Earl Austin Jr. Of The St. Louis American
Photo by Wiley Price
Coach Mike Jones leading a Hazelwood East High School football practice in 2008.
You just cannot keep Mike Jones out of the state of Missouri. Football and the Show-Me State seem to go hand-in-hand for Jones, who has enjoyed a very successful playing and coaching career in
Missouri at all levels. Mike Jones will be returning to the site of some of his greatest triumphs this weekend when he brings his Lincoln University Blue Tigers to the Edward Jones Dome to play in the St. Louis Gateway Classic. Jones is the
See CLASSIC, A6
Youth challenge to NAACP incumbent
2011 Lifetime Achiever Joyce M. Roberts was wowed when St. Louis American photojournalist Wiley Price presented her with his portrait of the legendary St. Louis Public Schools principal Friday night at the 24th annual Salute to Excellence in Education at America's Center in downtown St. Louis.
Nimrod Chapel Jr. opposes Mary Ratliff to lead State Conference By Chris King Of The St. Louis American Nimrod Chapel Jr., age 41, is challenging 20-year incumbent Mary Ratliff for president of the Missouri State Conference of the NAACP. The election by NAACP delegates will be held Saturday, Sept. 24. A former trial attorney and veteran counsel for state government, Chapel is president of the “It’s not a Jefferson City Chapter of condemnathe NAACP. His current tion of the position with the State of Missouri is Presiding past of the Commissioner of the organizaAdministrative Hearing tion, but a Commission in the Office commentary of Administration. He on the work holds his legal degree from Washington that could University in St. Louis. be done Chapel sees himself and how following the national NAACP’s trend toward that work new and young leadershould be ship, along the lines of done.” board chair Roslyn Brock, age 46, and president and – Nimrod CEO Benjamin Jealous, Chapel Jr. age 38. “I’m a new voice with new energy and new technology,” Chapel said. The St. Louis American spoke with him about his candidacy. The American: What is the position and what does it entail? Nimrod Chapel Jr.: I am running for president of the Missouri State Conference of the NAACP. The State Conference is the entity charged with working with local units to address large statewide-type issues more than
See CHAPEL, A7
Lincoln U. will be making its debut in the Classic on Saturday when they face Missouri Southern at 11 a.m.
Photo by Lois Ingrum
INVESTING
IN THE FUTURE
2011 Salute awards scholarships Honors educators By Chris King and Dana G. Randolph Of The St. Louis American “Education is an investment in the future well being of our community,” said Donald M. Suggs, publisher and executive editor of The St. Louis American and president of the St. Louis American Foundation. Suggs welcomed more than 1,100 guests and foundation supporters to its 24th annual Salute to Excellence in Education Scholarship and Awards Gala Friday evening at the America’s Center in
“My parents, no matter what their circumstances, wanted the best possible education for their children.” – Joyce M. Roberts
downtown St. Louis. It’s a task typical performed by foundation vice president Dina M. Suggs, but she was “on assignment with the U.S. State Department,” as her proud father noted. At the Salute, because of the generous support of individual attendees, support-
See SALUTE, A6
Call for 2,000 mentors Education Express launched at Salute By Chris King Of The St. Louis American “Tonight is our call to action,” said Johnny Furr Jr., president of the St. IN Louis CARES Mentoring EDUCATION Movement. Furr chose the St. Louis 2011 American Foundation’s 2011 Salute to Excellence in Education Scholarship and Awards Gala on Friday to announce the launch of a new initiative called the Education
See MENTORS, A7