Salute to Excellence is Saturday at America’s Center!
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CAC Audited SEPT. 29 – OCT. 5, 2022
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Black psychologists are absent in public schools
By Sylvester Brown Jr. The St. Louis American
Dr. Jameca Woody Cooper is a licensed psychologist with a practice, Emergence Psychological Services, in Clayton. She’s the director of Webster University’s psychology program and is the director of the school’s Applied Educational Psychology program. All-in-all, Cooper has been in the profession for about 20 years. Cooper is a rarity in her profession. According to the US Census Bureau, 82% of psychologists in the United States are white, and only 5% are Black. Cooper also has
another concern: The lack of Black male psychologists in schools locally and nationwide. “I think some of the educators in the area should be interested and concerned for a couple reasons,” Cooper explained. “Number one; school Dr. Jameca districts need to seek out Woody psychologists who can Cooper attend to their student’s needs. [Psychologists) need to be in line with the demographics of their
students. Secondly, addressing the issue might make them consider going into this area themselves.” According to the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), more than 85% of school psychologists are white, while most K-12 public school students are not. Additionally, the NASP estimates that Black male school psychologists make up fewer than 1% in U.S. public schools. A Feb. 2022 NPR article on the topic phrased it this way: “There are fewer Black men working as
See SCHOOLS, A7
Vol. 94 No. 27 COMPLIMENTARY
Making history
Gershom Norfleet is STL’s first Black Chief Medical Examiner By Chris King For The St. Louis American Gershom Norfleet, MD, recently was appointed as the Chief Medical Examiner for the St. Louis County Medical Examiner’s Office, becoming the first African American to lead a regional office that conducts autopsy reports, determines cause of death, and provides expert medical testimony for the state at trial. As a University City native, he is proud to have reached this milestone in his home region. The St. Louis American spoke to Dr. Norfleet about his new Gershom appointment, why he chose his Norfleet, MD somewhat morbid medical specialty, and what comfort music he plays while conducting autopsies to provide a voice for the deceased by explaining how they died. “I speak for someone who no longer can do it for themselves and also provide closure to their living friends and family who have been left behind,” he said. “Believing in this principle provides me
See NORFLEET, A6
Daria Smith, a 2014 St. Louis American Foundation Scholar, currently works as exhibitions analyst for the forthcoming Obama Presidential Center, which is a part of the Obama Foundation. Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American
Self awareness
Shekinah Brown and her daughter Ava Rose Dudley, 4, a student at Washington Montessori get ready for a picture at Frizz Fest Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022 in Tower Grove Park.
A purposeful, festive evening It’s time to get dressed up for Salute!
St. Louis American staff If ever there was a time to celebrate the importance of education in the African American community, it is now. Black history is under attack from the far right. School boards are banning books. Black teachers and school administrators are taking on that challenge as well as doing all they can to help Black students succeed. The milestone 35th St. Louis American Foundation Salute to Excellence in Education Scholarship and Awards Gala on Oct. 1, 2022, at America’s Center downtown affords an opportunity to give a well-deserved thank you to educators and present scholarship aid to some high achieving students with financial needs.
SPORTS
Cardinal Ritter roaring under Spain’s reign
After going to the Class 3 state football semifinals last season, the Lions are off to a fast start this season as they are 5-0 and playing dominant football.
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“We are excited for everyone to join us on Saturday for an evening of celebration with a purpose,” said Raven Whitener, St. Louis American Foundation director. “Our program will be filled with heartwarming and inspiring stories and guests are sure to have a great time at the after parties. Come ready for a grand evening of entertainment and celebration of excellence.” The 2022 Salute to Excellence in Education will be the first in-person Salute in three years, following virtual celebrations in 2020, and 2021. It promises to be a spectacu-
Daria Smith finds success with Obama Foundation 2014 Suggs Scholar lands her ‘dream job’
By Kenya Vaughn The St. Louis American
lar event. The full evening is devoted to a celebration of education that includes post-banquet entertainment, and includes a jazz cabaret set with the incredible celebrated vocalist, Denise Thimes, and a dance party for those who like to get their party on on the dance floor. Several substantial scholarships will be awarded to help students as they pursue college degrees. Family members and loved ones can share in the remarkable achievements of the students. Proceeds from the St. Louis American Foundation’s four Salute to Excellence events are used for community grants as well as scholarships for local students.
When Barack Obama was elected President of the United States in 2008, Daria Smith was so young that she couldn’t remember much about it. “All I knew was that it was a big thing, and n “He’s my first president. He’s my I knew that I had never seen a Black man as only president.” president,” Smith said. “I knew that. And I – Daria Smith on knew that my parents Barack Obama were able to vote for him – and my grandparents were able to see history being made.” Although she was still not yet old enough to vote, him being elected for a second term was a life changing event for Smith. By 2012, she was in high school and had a much better understanding of the
See SALUTE, A6
See SMITH, A7
BUSINESS
LIVING IT
Big Mama’s serving more than BBQ to ESL community
St. Louis artist, Chingy, opens up with American
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Big Mama’s is a gem in the community, and Craig Hunter is doing more than serving good food; he is making a difference in the lives of young people in East St. Louis.
Chingy is candid about circulating rumors about his music career and a so-called falling out between himself and other artists.