On Friday, September 28, Missouri Congressmen Wm. Lacy Clay (D-St. Louis) and Emmanuel Cleaver, II (D-Kansas City) hosted their annual Missouri Walk of Fame reception at the National Association of REALTORS® building in Washington, D.C.

This year’s inductees were Kansas City businessman Samuel J. Cornelius, former Kansas City mayoral candidate Alvin Brooks, baseball great Buck O’Neil, and the late John F. Bass, former St. Louis Comptroller, alderman and state senator.

Congressman Clay with Howard Dean.

Clay with Dr. Ben Chavis.

Clay with awardee Samuel J. Cornelius.

Carrie Brooks-Brown, daughter of awardee Alvin Brooks.

Darryl Piggee, chief of staff to Cong. Clay.

State Rep. Rodney Hubbard, Alonzo Byrd of Enterprise Rental, and Congressman Russ Carnahan.

Jerryl Christmas, aide to Sen. Claire McCaskill.

State Rep. Juanita Head Walton looks around.

A little rain couldn’t keep the people — or the politicians — away from today’s PrideFest parade in south St. Louis.

Aldermen Stephen Gregali and Jennifer Florida passed out beaded necklaces in the rain.

Alderman Stephen Conway wasn’t deterred either.

Circuit Attorney Jennifer Joyce hung tough.

Elizabeth Kucinich, wife of anti-war Presidential candidate Dennis Kucinich, relays the campaign message loud and clear.

Fire Chief Sherman George, no need for the hose today.

Thousands came out (pun intended).

Security was under control.

Aldermanic President Lewis Reed presented a resolution from the Board of Aldermen.

Umbrella. Smart.

Roller-girl.

Free?

She couldn’t resist.