People will be taking their hopes and frustrations about public education to the streets, rallying against reform efforts that include any kind of privatization.

“Free, public education is the cornerstone of a democracy,” reads the e-flyer. “Public education is under siege by those seeking to privatize it for a profit. Together, we will call for a more equitable system of public education for all and ensure literacy as a basic civil right.”

The Defend Public Education Rally will take place Wednesday, April 30, starting at 6:00 PM at the Old Courthouse downtown. It will feature Thunderheart, a group of traditional Native American drummers, and speakers, including:

• Rebecca Rogers, Literacy for Social Justice Teacher Research Group, Acting for a Better Community Committee, Professor of Education, UMSL
• Ora Lewis-Clark, YMCA Literacy Programs, Advocate for Adult Literacy Education
• Donna Jones, Parent, member of the Elected School Board, St. Louis Public Schools
• Chad Beffa, SLPS parent, public school advocate, and candidate for State Rep (67th District)
• Byron Clemens, Regional Vice President, AFT Missouri
• Jackie Taylor, Literacy President Group
• Chuc Smith, Instead of War and Retired SLPS Math Teacher
• Cynthia Peters, World Education and The Change Agent

It’s your chance to mingle with the loudest and the proudest of St. Louis’ gay, lesbian, bisexual and trans-gendered communities and St. Lous Mayor Francis Slay.

The St. Louis Pride annual Open House Gala and PrideFest Kickoff Party is happening this Friday at the Millennium Hotel, 200 S. Fourth St. Slay will be at the event along with Aldermanic President Lewis Reed.

Happening from 6:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., attendees will enjoy complimentary appetizers, drinks, music, dancing, an awards ceremony and a raffle.

The shindig is free and open to the public. For more information contact Lucky You Productions at 314-210-7764.

How do we improve educational opportunities in St. Louis? That is one of the unanswered questions that has defined our region — as well as many other urban areas around the country — for more than three decades. Is is also the subject of an upcoming public forum which marks the return of former St. Louis Public Schools superintendent Cleveland Hammonds.

On Saturday, March 1, the St. Louis Board of Education (or “the elected board”, as it has become known as) will host a forum on public education at the Schlafly Library, 225 North Euclid Ave., from 11:00 to 2:00 PM.

Attendees will hear presentations from professional educators, including: Dr. Nancy Williams, assistant dean of education, Maryville University; Dr. John Wright, interim superintendent of Normandy Public Schools; Dr. Kathryn Pole, professor of educational studies, St. Louis University; Dr. Joyce Roberts, former principal of the national award-winning Laclede School; Tom Nolan, executive director of Access Academies; Rich Patton, director of Vision for Children at Risk; Mary Armstrong, president of the St. Louis teachers’ union, AFT Local 420; and Dr. Cleveland Hammonds, Jr., former SLPS superintendent.

We haven’t heard much from Dr. Hammonds since he retired in 2003. Hammonds led the district for seven years (a term, which compared to those of the six superintendents since Hammonds, seems expansive).

Group discussion, as well as public comments and questions, will follow the presentations. All are welcome.

Starting tomorrow, Republicans from across Missouri will gather in Springfield for their annual Lincoln Days event.All three announced Republican candidates for governor, current Governor Matt Blunt, federal, state and local elected officials.U.S Congressman Kenny Hulshof, Lt. Governor Peter Kinder and State Treasurer Sarah Steelman will meet with attendees and share their plans for building on positive accomplishments made through Republican leadership.The event is from Friday, February 8, to Sunday, Feb. 10. A host of approximately 20 hospitality suites will be open to the public beginning at 9:00pm on Friday & Saturday evening.Check the website at www.MoLincolnDays.com for a full schedule of events.

Keep up with St. Louis politics at www.pubdef.net

Supporters of Barack Obama will be watching tomorrow’s Super Tuesday results at the Moolah Theater, 3821 Lindell Blvd, starting at 7:00 tomorrow evening.

Lines wrapped around three sides of the Edward Jones Dome before the doors opened and crowds of supporters poured onto the stadium floor.

As you may have heard, the biggest thing in politics since the ballot box is coming to St. Louis today and they could barely find a place big enough to hold the expected crowd.

State representative candidate Shamed Dogan, a Republican running in the south St. Louis County district being vacated by Neal St. Onge, is holding a fundraiser tonight at 6:00 PM at Mandarin, 44 Maryland Plaza, in the Central West End.

For your $25 ticket, you will receive two free drinks during the event, and Mandarin is offering specials for those who hang out afterwards.

A group of young Democrats celebrating a George W. Bush speech? It must be his last State of the Union speech ever.

The Young Democrats of Greater St. Louis say they will be “rejoicing” watching the last time Bush, who leaves office in 11 months, makes his annual address.

The speech is on Monday, January 28, and the Dems will be gathered at Sol Lounge, 4239 Lindell Blvd (enter through the Grind Coffee Shop), from 7:30 to 10:00 PM.

After waiting for more than three hours, the gymnasium which held thousands of Hillary Clinton supporters erupted in cheers as Bill and Hillary Clinton finally arrived at McCluer North High School.

Here’s her full 30-minute speech:

Click To Play