Advocates for education

Jet, March 4, 2002

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Caption: ADVOCATES FOR EDUCATION: Amber H. Boykins (D-MO) (3rd, r), chair of the Missouri Legislative Black Caucus, congratulates rap star Nelly (2nd, r) along with members of his group, the St. Lunatics (l-r), Slo Down, KyJuan, Ali and Murphy Lee, after the performers were honored by Missouri Governor Bob Holden with an Advocates for Education Award during a ceremony at the House of Representatives lounge at the state Capitol in Jefferson City. The St. Louis natives received a proclamation from the governor and a resolution from the House of Representatives for its success in increasing the attendance of students taking the Missouri Assessment Program test in the St. Louis public schools. Nelly and the St. Lunatics made a challenge that if teens at three high schools--Vashon, Sumner and Beaumont--stayed in school and doubled their attendance, the group would go to their school and play a basketball game with students. Attendance at all three schools increased by 28 percent.