TELEVISION STAR, DANCERS, SINGERS PROMOTE REUNION

Melvin "Spankee" Rogers, co-star of the new "Saved by the Bell: The New Class" television series, signed autographs and promoted Cape Girardeau's Black Family Reunion Saturday at West Park Mall.

In addition, dancer John Guilliam and duet "Brothas With Flav" were at the mall offering a boost to the reunion, planned here Aug. 12-14 at Cape Girardeau's Arena Park.

The performers all work through a not-for-profit organization in St. Louis called WBMS For Kids Sake.

Sonny Metcalf coordinates the organization, which identifies and develops young artists.

Metcalf has brought performers to Cape Girardeau's Civic Center over the past six years.

He is also working with organizers of the Black Family Reunion.

"I think this is a great thing for Cape Girardeau," he said.

"It's not a black-only reunion," he said. "We are inviting everyone. I think they are saying, `Hey, we're a vital part of this growing community.'"

Rogers, who is from St. Louis, plays the character Bobby Wilson on the new show, which begins airing in September.

"We're all in high school and he's real gullible and believes everything," Rogers said. "He's a real funny character, real positive."

About nine months ago, Rogers moved to Los Angeles in hopes of landing a record deal. He also considered acting. Within a month, he was signed for the job on "Saved by the Bell."

Rogers has aunts and cousins who live in Cape Girardeau. He is participating in the Black Family Reunion as a way to support them. "I think it's very positive and I really like the idea," he said.

John Gilliam also of St. Louis danced with M.C. Hammer's "2 Legit 2 Quit" tour. "We toured all over the world," Gilliam said. He is preparing to dance again on Hammer's "Payback" tour.

Gilliam went to Oakland looking for an audition with Hammer. He caught up with the singer as Hammer was going in to a gym. "I auditioned for him right on the parking lot and he signed me the same day," Gilliam said.

Doug Greene and Auntramaine "Archie" Calvin make up the group "Brothas With Flav" a rhythm and blues, rap, jazz group from St. Louis.

They got their performance start in church.

"We were listening to jazz and loved Kenny G. and decided we could put it all together," said Calvin.

Two years ago they hooked up with the WBMS program.

Today they are considering two contract offers, one from Mo-Jazz and the other from Warner Brothers.

They have performed on ABC News, at the White House and at dozens of black expos across the country.

They also have done a "Did You Know to Just Say No" tour of schools.

Greene said, "We're telling kids to stay in school and get an education."