ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • SEPTEMBER 18 – 24, 2014A6

SALUTEContinued from A1

COUNCILContinued from A1

Higher education institutions from across the state bestowed funding for scholarships upon worthy students. These scholarships named after the American’s publisher and executive editor, Dr. Donald M. Suggs, came from St. Louis Community College, Webster University, Harris-Stowe State University, University of Missouri-Columbia, Southeast Missouri

State University, and Missouri State University.

By evening’s end, the grand total of scholarship awards given would exceed $250,000.

“You need to stand on your feet for that – the least you can do is stand,” said Carol Daniel, longtime emcee of the annual gala and KMOX radio personality. “Dr. Suggs is an awesome man with great vision, and we are lucky to have him.”

A dozen awardees were recognized for their efforts in grooming future “Suggs Scholars” and educator

honorees in settings that ranged from early childhood to higher learning.

Salute awards have grown to include higher education scholarships, eight “Excellence” awardees, PNC Early Childhood Educator, Monsanto School of Excellence, SEMO Counselor of the Year, Stellar Performer and Lifetime Achievement Award recipients.

The 27th Salute has special significance because for the first time scholarship recipients at the post-graduate level were introduced with the University of Missouri-Columbia Dr. Donald M. Suggs Fellows.

The $1,500 fellowship will support the research endeavors of two minority PhD students whose work offers the potential to advance academic scholarship within their field of study. The first recipients are Angela Haney and Tanjanette Sconyers.

“To give you a taste of who these future doctors are, Angela was accepted into the Department of Psychological Sciences’ PhD program in clinical psychology. She is currently working on her dissertation which examines the family history of alcoholism and impulsivity,” said Dr. DeAngela Burns-Wallace of University of Missouri-

Columbia. “Tajanette is pursuing

a PhD in counseling psychology through the College of Education. Her doctoral dissertation will explore retention issues in higher education from a student-centered perspective, focusing specifically on black first-generation college students.”

The 2014 Lifetime Achiever was grateful to be recognized alongside such brilliant young students.

“I’m in gratitude mode,” said Dr. Katie Harper Wright, recipient of the 2014 Lifetime Achievement Award. “I congratulate these people – these awardees. And of course these kids, these smart kids.”

However, it would be this year’s stellar performer Dr. Terrence Freeman who best illustrated the impact of a quality education. His acceptance speech brought the sold-out audience to their feet.

“If I have taught, been taught, work shopped, cheered, churched, templed,

synagogued, prayed, braided hair, housed, fed, hugged, kissed, changed diapers, skated, played, sparred, gamed or just fellowshipped with you – please stand,” said Freeman, who teaches mechanical engineering.

At least one-third of the room rose to their feet.

“From the bottom of my heart, I thank you, and know that I am here because you have been present in my life.”

In a presentation that was equal parts speech, poem and prayer, Freeman left a lasting impression on the audience with his inspirational and intentional remarks – which included an indirect, yet extremely powerful, reference in response to the death of Michael Brown Jr.

“It’s about the young folks. That’s where I’ve been and where I want to be. That’s why it’s difficult to see a young life cut short under any circumstance,” Freeman said. “‘Hands Up’ is fine, but we need ‘Hands In’ – more hands in education, more hands in our communities, and more hands in the lives of our children.”

n “It’s about the young folks. That’s where I’ve been and where I want to be.” – Dr. Terrance Freeman

Freelance journalist Umar Lee spoke directly to Stenger, stating that Stenger ran a campaign of “insurgency” with McCulloch’s backing.

“A vote for Stenger is a vote for McCulloch,” Lee said. “If we want change in St. Louis county, we need to vote in Mike Brown.”

Stenger’s Republican opponent on the Nov. 4 ballot is conservative Rick Stream. White Democrats following the council meeting protests on Twitter objected to Stream’s right-wing stances on gun rights and on women’s issues.

The meeting began with a recitation of The Pledge of Allegiance, and protesters emphasizing “with liberty and justice for all.” Every seat within the chamber was occupied for the meeting, which lasted longer than two hours.

“This is truly your government and we are here to listen to your concerns,” Stenger said. “As a member of our community, I’m deeply troubled by how we’ve been torn apart.”

He was interrupted by inquiries regarding the whereabouts of Ferguson Police Officer Darren Wilson, who abruptly disappeared after fatally shooting unarmed teen

Michael Brown on August 9. Protesters demanded Wilson’s arrest.

One young man shouted, “I’ve been arrested more than Darren Wilson and I didn’t kill nobody!”

It was one of several outbursts that punctuated the meeting. After several minutes, Councilwoman Hazel Erby called for order.

“I have to say that I agree with you,” Erby said. “I respect

your right to protest, but please let’s do it in an orderly fashion.”

A diverse group of protesters were each allowed two minutes to speak. One woman commended Erby for standing with protesters and asked how many other council members had been on the frontlines in Ferguson. Sunny Ford accused Stenger of being noticeably absent in the fight for justice for Michael Brown.

Ford reminded council members that McCulloch’s father was a police officer who was killed by a black man and therefore “biased when it comes to this case,” she said.

She proposed the appointment of a special prosecutor.

Several members of Brown’s family attended, including his father Michael Brown Sr., uncle Pastor Charles Ewing and cousin Eric Davis.

Davis asked why Ferguson Police Chief Tom Jackson has not been fired for lying about why he released surveillance video footage of Brown that incited violence within the community.

One man said protesters would no longer be used as political “pawns” and vowed to use their voting power.

Local rapper and activist Tef Poe, who has been on the frontlines in Ferguson since day one, took his turn at the mic, urging council members to be “on the right side of history.” He expressed outrage that children had been gassed during protests in Ferguson, and that the perpetrators needed to be held accountable. He said that the time for dialogue is over; the time has come for answers and action.

Tef Poe said, “I know you can drive home to West County – places that I can’t drive without being harassed and pulled over – so it’s not relevant to you. But, guess what? The roosters have come home to roost.”

Follow this reporter on Twitter: @BridjesONeil. E-mail this reporter: boneil@stlamerican.com.

n One young man shouted, “I’ve been arrested more than Darren Wilson and I didn’t kill nobody!”

Ferguson protesters turned the St. Louis County Council meeting in Clayton on Tues-day night into an opportunity to protest St. Louis County Prosecutor Bob McCulloch’s handling of the Oficer Darren Wilson case.

Photo by Wiley Price