2018 June Unite

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Marian Croak

continued from page 11 domains on the Internet when a user wishes to place a call. With that technology, calls and SMS text messages can be sent over mobile data or

Wi-Fi using VOIP phones (software-based softphones or hardware devices), personal computers and tablets. Marian's contribution to VOIP has literally taken the internet to a new level, but sadly most people have no idea who she is.

Watch her keynote speech during the 2017 Google's Women Techmakers Summit at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPwwxIN6M9w&t=2s

June 2018 Volume 28/ Number 6 • A Monthly Publication by Unite of Southwest Missouri, Inc •

Life is full of wonderful challenges.

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UNITE. Building Empowering Connections In Our Diverse Community

Some are wonderful. Some… well, not so much. But whatever challenge you’re facing, if it involves money, we’d like to help. We want to get to know you and what’s important in your life. Then we’ll help you with real life solutions and advice. Just call, click or come by.

Ford Settles In As MSU Bear’s Head Basketball Coach

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Dr. Nicole Holt named the District’s new Director of Learning Development

Dr. Nicole Holt See stor y on Page 4

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Celebrate At The Juneteenth Block Party Juneteenth, is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States

Springfield, MO—Join the Springfield Branch NAACP in celebrating Juneteenth, the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. The annual event will take

place Saturday, June 16th from 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm at the Bartley-Decatur Neighborhood Center, 918 E. Calhoun. The celebration will kick-off with the band Indigo Soul. There will be food, music, community

booths and fun for the entire family. If you are interested in contributing via musical or dramatic performance, or hosting a booth, please contact Cheryl Clay at 417-873-6386 or email clay_naacp4081@ymail.com.

Symphony Will Present A Concert in the Park

Unite enriches lives and connects you with diverse news about your community you can trust and count on. Unite is now available online at unitenewsonline.org Have the Unite Publication delivered to your home or office for only $25. per year. Call: (417) 864-7444

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Springfield, MO— The Springfield Symphony Orchestra and the Springfield-Greene County Park Board will present a FREE Family Concert in the Park, Saturday, June 9, 2018 in the Jordan Valley Park, 635 E Trafficway from 4:00 pm - 5:15 pm. In addition to the concert, Family-friendly activities will start at 3:00 pm like: • Petting Zoo • Face Painting • Balloon Twisters, provided by GigSalad • Painting Station, provided by the Springfield Regional Arts Council • Early Warning: the park’s fountains will be closed during this event.

• We highly encourage everyone to bring lawn chairs and blankets. For more information: 417-864-6683 or go to: www.springfieldmosymphony.org Everyone is welcome!

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Ford Settles In As MSU Bear’s Head Basketball Coach SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A new era for Missouri State University men's basketball officially began Thursday (March 22) with the introduction of Dana Ford as the program's 18th head coach. Dana Ford Ford was introduced to a gathering of media and fans at JQH Arena after his hire was unanimously approved by the Missouri State University Board of Governors Executive Committee and an extensive national search.

The 33-year-old served the last four years as head coach at Tennessee State University. He is widely regarded as one of the nation's most promising young head coaches and was awarded the Ben Jobe Award in 2016 as the nation's top Division I minority coach. Within the first 15 minutes of talking with Coach Ford, I was excited about him," said Missouri State President Clif Smart. "I could tell he was extremely excited about Missouri State. He and his wife, Christina, have great personal stories. I don't think we could have found a better fit." Ford orchestrated one of the best turnarounds in NCAA history when he accepted the TSU job in 2014-15 as the nation's youngest Division I head coach at the time. The Tigers went from a 5-26 record his first

Springfield Black History Moment Each year we provide a display for the Black History Summer Academy at Deliverance Temple Church. This years display will be on social activism and includes this picture of the members of the NAACP after a meeting in the late 1940’s. — John Sellars

season to a 20-11 ledger a year later. He earned Ohio Valley Conference Coach of the Year honors and NABC District 19 Coach of the Year laurels that same season. Over his last three years in Nashville, Ford has led the Tigers to a combined 52-39 record and coached five AllOVC players in addition to two players recognized on the OVC All-Newcomer Team. Under his leadership, Tennessee State also doubled its home attendance average and twice earned votes in the Associated Press Top 25 poll during the 2016-17 season. "When you consider what Coach Ford has done, his resume is impressive," said Kyle Moats, MSU's director of athletics. "But when you consider that he was the fifth-youngest head coach in Division I this season – with four years of head coaching already under his belt – then you can understand why all of us are so excited here today." A native of Tamms, Ill., Ford is a 2006 graduate of Illinois State University where he was a four-year letterman for the Redbirds under coaches Tom Richardson and Porter Moser from 2002-06. He was a regular

starter and led ISU in steals as a senior. He went on to successful assistant coaching stints at Winthrop and Wichita State under coach Gregg Marshall and later as associate head coach at Illinois State under coach Dan Muller. His coaching resume also includes assistant coaching stops at Chipola (Fla.) College and Tennessee State. Ford has been an assistant coach on two NCAA Tournament teams at Winthrop (200607) and Wichita State (2011-12) as well as a NJCAA national final four run at Chipola College (2008-09). "I'm looking forward to getting started," said Ford. "I have always had a great admiration for this university and the great basketball program here. It is an honor to return to the Missouri Valley Conference and be the one selected to carry on a great Bears basketball tradition." Ford's contract, which was also approved by the Board of Governors, is a five-year agreement through March 31, 2023. He will earn a base salary of $375,000 his first two years and $425,000 in years three, four and five.

See How CU Can

Work With You Plumbers, caterers, landscapers, exterminators, and more are all needed to help City Utilities of Springfield operate on a day-to-day basis. If you offer a good or a service, CU has opportunities. Call 417-831-8363 or visit cityutilities.net, key search “Purchasing”, to learn about ways for us to work together. It is the policy of City Utilities to offer equal opportunity to individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, ancestry, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, or marital status.

Provided by

History Museum On The Square

Open Monday ~ Saturday from 10:30 am to 4:30 pm Adults $5 ~ Children $3 ~ Museum Members Free In our historic Fox Theatre at 157 Park Central Square, Springfield MO

301 East Central, Springfield • 417.863.9000

cityutilities.net

Library

Autism

and documents, and photograph any artifacts you may have from your school days at Lincoln High. Your recollections will help the Library, Missouri State University, Drury University, the History Museum on the Square, Greene County Archives and the Springfield Public School District preserve the history and legacy of Lincoln High School. For more information, call 6160534. ••• Summer fun continues for kids, teens and adults. We encourage you to find what you love to do – consult the summer Bookends or visit thelibrary. org/librariesrock! Each Friday June 15-29 is Fantastic Friday with Library hosts. On June 15 from 9 a.m.noon, families are invited to the Springfield Conservation Nature Center. On June 22 from 10 a.m.noon, we’re at the Steam Engine Grounds on the south side of U.S. 60. Friday, June 29, 10 a.m.noon we’re at the Springfield Art Museum for exhibits with Pete the Painting Pig and art activities. Christian the Magician performs K-5 on Saturday July 14, 10:30 a.m. at the Library Center and 2 p.m. at the Schweitzer Brentwood Branch. Christian, resident magician of the St. Louis City Museum, engages his audiences with magical surprises. Watch a kid from the audience float in mid-air! For details call 882-0714. Kathleen O’Dell is community relations director of the Springfield-Greene County Library District. She can be reached at kathleeno@thelibrary.org.

significantly help in improving outcomes in healthcare and education of those with ASD and could ultimately guide future ASD research. Here are 4 things revealed in the new study: #1 - There are more children with ASD than in previous years. In 2014, there was 1 diagnosed with ASD in every 59 children or 1.7% while before it ranged between 1 in 150 or 0.66% to 1 in 68 or 1.5%. #2 - Children with ASD are not being diagnosed as early as they

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could be. In some areas, they have been diagnosed by the age of four while some are earlier. The data shows regional differences in diagnostic practices and services. #3 - Children identified with ASD (especially from low income areas) don't seem to receive comprehensive developmental evaluations as early as they could be. Fewer than half of children at the age of three receive the evaluation that is essential to provide services to address the delays connected with the disorder. #4 - The study also found that while more White children are

being diagnosed with ASD, the gap between them and Blacks are narrowing. The ADDM reports that this could indicate that there are more effective ways and efforts now that help reach minority communities in order to ensure that all children -- minority or not -- receive the care and services they need. DISCLAIMER: The content or opinions expressed in this article are not to be interpreted as medical advice. Please consult with your doctor or medical practitioner before utilizing any suggestions in this article.

Woman Who furthered the Development of VOIP -- The Technology Behind Skype, MagicJack and More! Most people have no idea that Marian Croak, an African American woman, has been credited with initiating and furthering the development of VOIP, also known as Voice Over Internet Protocol. Her groundbreaking technology allows people to efficiently communicate through audio and/or video while using the internet. In fact, it's the very technology used by popular companies like Skype, MagicJack, Vonage, Google Talk and more. Marian, who holds a PhD in quantitative analysis from the University of Southern California, has more than 125 patents in VOIP technology. She has worked at AT&T for more than 30 years in data services, and is currently a Senior Vice President at the company. She manages over 2,000 world class engineers and computer scientists responsible for over 500 programs impacting AT&T’s enterprise and consumer wireline and mobility services.

Marian Croak, Quantitative Analyst

Marian says that when the internet first became popular, she predicted that IP and the internet "were going to explode." She thus felt a need to start developing technology that would "transform the internet". And

she did exactly that; She developed the fundamentals for what is now called VOIP. Now there is a billion dollar industry based on the technology. There are hundreds of companies worldwide that offer VOIP services. They started out by offering business models and technical solutions that mirrored the architecture of the legacy telephone network, but now the industry has evolved. The concept of federated VOIP was born which allows dynamic interconnection between users on any two continued on page 12

Good News, Great Music & Warm People

2101 W. Chestnut Expwy. Springfield, MO 65802 (417) 865-4338

Service Times: Sunday 10:30 a.m. & Wednesday 6:00 p.m.

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IN THIS ISSUE

Health News Know the Signs of Alzheimer’s tion, managing a budget at work By Regina Lowe or remembering the rules of a Director of Community Programs Alzheimer’s favorite game. Association Greater CONFUSION WITH TIME OR Missouri Chapter PLACE People with Alzheimer's can We all know that Alzheimer’s lose track of dates, seasons and is a disease that affects your time. They may have trouble memory, but Alzheimer’s is discussing situations from the more than memory past or in the future. loss. In many instances, Sometimes they may other symptoms may forget where they are occur either along with or how they got there. or in place of memory TROUBLE loss. These symptoms UNDERSTANDING are signs that someIMAGES AND thing is going on that SPATIAL can’t be attributed to RELATIONSHIPS normal aging. Here Regina Lowe For some people, are some of these sympvision problems can be a sign of toms: Alzheimer's. They may have difMEMORY LOSS THAT ficulty reading, judging distance DISRUPTS DAILY LIFE and determining color, which The most common sign of causes problems with driving. Alzheimer's is memory loss-PROBLEMS WITH WORDS IN especially, forgetting recently SPEAKING OR WRITING learned information. Important People with Alzheimer's may dates or events are also forgothave trouble following or joining ten, which causes the person a conversation. They may stop with the disease to ask for the in the middle of a conversation same information repeatedly. and have no idea how to continPeople will increasingly need ue and may repeat themselves. to rely on memory aids, like Vocabulary can be a struggle, reminder notes or electronic devices, or family members for things they used to handle on their own. CHALLENGES IN PLANNING OR SOLVING PROBLEMS There may be changes in their ability to develop and follow a plan. They may have trouble following a recipe or paying monthly bills. Their difficulty concentrating causes them to take much longer on projects than previously. DIFFICULTY COMPLETING FAMILIAR TASKS Similarly, there may be difficulty driving to a familiar loca-

and they may have problems finding the right words. MISPLACING THINGS Some people with the disease may put things in odd places. They may lose things and be unable to go back over their steps to find them again, often accusing others of stealing. DECREASED OR POOR JUDGMENT There may be problems with decision-making, such as using poor judgment when dealing with money. They may pay less attention to grooming and keeping their home clean. WITHDRAWAL FROM NORMAL ACTIVITIES A person with Alzheimer's may start to remove themselves from social activities or work projects. They may have trouble keeping up with current events or how to complete a favorite hobby. This may also cause them to become less social. CHANGES IN MOOD AND PERSONALITY The mood and personalities of people with Alzheimer's can change rapidly, as they can become confused, suspicious,

depressed or fearful. They may be easily upset in situations both familiar and unfamiliar. If you have a family member or friend who's showing symptoms such as those described above, take action. The symptoms listed above aren’t a normal part of aging. Make a doctor’s appointment, and get a diagnosis. Then, reach out to the local Alzheimer’s Association office, which offers a range of services – education programs, support groups and also care consultations (free, one-on-one meetings with social workers to develop a plan of action). Additionally, the Association’s 24/7 Helpline, 800-272-3900, is staffed by trained professionals who can answer questions, provide information and resources and offer emotional support. When talking with families, they often say they wish they acted sooner in order to have a better game plan or to start managing the disease sooner. Please don’t wait. Get a diagnosis and get connected with our free support and services.

4 Things Parents Are Clueless About Regarding Autism by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC(ADDM) Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), a developmental disorder that affects communication and behavior, has been challenging children from different races. Many Black par-

ents are unaware that a new study has revealed that although the disorder generally lasts throughout a person's life, early detection can help improve the health outcomes of those with ASD. The study, conducted by the Centers for Dis-

ease Control and Prevention's Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network (ADDM), shows the number of children with ASD, its attributes, and the age in which it could be diagnosed. An early diagnosis could continued on page 11

Community News

The Library Is Helping To Preserve The History Of Lincoln High School by Kathleen O’Dell, Springfield-Greene County Library District Do you have a memory about Lincoln High School? Do you have a story about a favorite teacher? The Library would love to hear how the school impacted your life and about Kathleen O'Dell the friends you made. The Library and other community partners are on a mission to preserve the history and legacy of Lincoln High School. It operated as a school for African-American students from 1884 until 1954, when Springfield public schools were integrated. Lincoln High closed, and today operates as Lincoln Hall, part of Ozarks Technical Community College. We invite you to be part of this preservation effort during Memories of Springfield Past: Preserving Lincoln High School’s Legacy, on Saturday, July 14, from 1-4 p.m. in the Midtown Carnegie Branch Library upstairs meeting room. The Library’s Local History staff will help record your stories, scan your photographs continued on page 11

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Dr Nicole Holt Named Director Of Learning Development by Springfield Public Schools

Business News

Do You Have The Correct Power of Attorney Documents? Lifestyle & Entertainment News

The Turnt Up Tour: featuring Chingy The Gillioz Theatre

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Volume 28, Number 6 PUBLISHER Unite. of Southwest Missouri, Inc. MANAGING EDITOR Samuel G. Knox

by Sativa Boatman-Sloan

8

UNITE.

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Lyle Foster Gwen Marshall Kathleen O'Dell Francine Pratt John Sellars PHOTOGRAPHY Tondaleigha Jones Erin Gamble

Health News

Know The Signs Of Alzheimer's by Regina Lowe

GORMAN-SCHARPF FUNERAL HOME, INC

The Quality And Care That You Expect In 242 Years Of Combined Experience W. Bruce Howell Robert J. Lohmeyer Don R. Lohmeyer Heather K. Howell Angela N. Collins Harley R. Williams 886-9996 Clint W. Mease Russ Allen

(417) 886-9994 • Fax: (417) 1947 E. Seminole Springfield, Missouri 65804

City Employment Link The City of Springfield offers a variety of municipal career opportunities for individuals interested in public service. Job opportunities are updated each Friday and can be accessed through a number of mediums: Web: http://www.springfieldmo.gov/jobs; or TV: CityView on Mediacom Cable Digital Channel 80; or In Person: visiting our offices at 840 Boonville, Room 324, Springfield, MO 65802. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, status as a protected veteran, among other things, or status as a qualified individual with disability. Individuals with disabilities should request reasonable accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act prior to testing or appointment. Proof of United States Citizenship/Authorization to Work in The United States as established by the Immigration Reform Act of 1986 is a condition of employment. Pre-employment drug testing required.

VOLUNTEERS Tyra Knox Laura Clark The Unite. publication is a monthly newspaper published by Unite of Southwest Missouri, Inc. a 501(c)(3) non-profit community organization. Distribution of Unite. is by free circulation at various locations. However, request for home delivery by mail may be directed to Unite. P. O. Box 1745, Springfield, Missouri 65801 and accompanied by $25. for one year’s postage and handling. Those wishing to make a contribution or become a monthly sponsor should direct correspondence to the same address. Readers comments and questions are welcomed. The opinions expressed in these pages do not necessarily reflect the views of Unite. of Southwest Missouri, Inc. “The Unite Publication in accepting advertising in this publication, makes no independent investigation concerning the services of products advertised and neither endorses nor recommends the same and assumes no liability therefore.” For further information, you can contact us at (417) 864-7444. Email: unitepublication@yahoo. com

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CommunityNews New Group Brings African American Mentors to Classrooms sue their goals. Young Ladies of Purpose is a group of African American Springfield, MO— females led by Gwendolyn “I want to be successful,” says Marshall, Equity and Access eighth grader Savya Jones Specialist at SPS along with during the "Know Your Vision" Meet and Greet session led by the Outreach Coordinator speaker and entreChristine Peoples; preneur Cierra M. Teerah Vaughn School Robinson. Robinson Social Work at Westport addressed the students and Teresa Young on her path to success, Librarian. goal setting, and leadOnce a month, difership. Gwen Marshall ferent African American Twice a month, twenty female professionals middle school students meet for share their stories of finding the Empowerment Club (Young success through education. Ladies of Purpose). This new The Young Ladies of Purpose initiative at Westport Middle have had the pleasure of Schools features lessons about meeting Cynthia Collins, from knowing your purpose, setting the Missouri Career Center; goals, and being a leader. The Brecka Henderson, owner of speakers boldly share some of Hair Waves Salon; Cierra M. their challenges and the corRobinson, Entrepreneur; and rections they had to make to Dr. Kimberly J. Stormer, an become better students. They assistant professor at Missouri actively encourage the young State University. ladies to stay in school and purCierra Robinson said she By Gwen Marshall & Cierra Robinson Unite Contributing Writer

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES Are you inspired to create a better future for yourself and others? If so, Missouri State has a place for you. With a campus community filled with diverse perspectives, voices and opinions, Missouri State is fulfilling its commitment to address the needs of a changing society.

Missouri State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Minority/Female/Veterans/Disability/Sexual Orientation/ Gender Identity Employer and Institution. Employment will require a criminal background check at university expense.

ARE YOU READY TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE? APPLY TODAY AND

www.jobs.missouristate.edu

enjoyed the opportunity to speak to this group of young ladies about the importance of becoming good leaders for

their school and community and applauds Springfield Public Schools and staff for their efforts to make a difference in the lives of all students.

Subscribe To The Unite Publication For A One Year Subscription Call: (417) 864-7444

Affordable Housing Opportunities There are currently housing vacancies in the City of Springfield’s program for rental or home ownership. These programs include requirements for fair marketing and non-discrimination. You must be income eligible to qualify. For rental, call Marti Fewell, 417-864-1039 For home ownership, call LeeAnn Camey, 417-888-2020

Young Ladies of Purpose with Ms. Cierra Robinson, at Westport Middle School.

Dr. Nicole Holt named the District’s new Director of Learning Development Springfield, MO— Springfield Public Schools is pleased to announce that Dr. Nicole Holt has been named the district’s new director of learning development, effective July 1. This position is Dr. Nicole Holt currently held by Kathy Gross, who will retire from the district at the conclusion of the 2017-2018 school year. Dr. Holt brings 14 years of experience to this crucial leadership position, with a background that includes five

years as an elementary teacher, six years as principal of Holland Elementary and three years as principal of Sherwood Elementary. Dr. Holt’s career has provided her with a deep understanding of the importance of adult learning, and she is passionate about providing high-quality professional development opportunities in support of teachers and other SPS leaders. This role is essential in helping to equip all district representatives to meet our students’ needs. Dr. Holt is a graduate of Springfield Public Schools, obtaining a bachelor’s degree in early childhood and continued on page 5

African American Community Organizations Directory Mark A. Dixon Bartley-Decatur Neighborhood Center 918 E. Calhoun Springfield, MO 65802 417-987-9939 www.bartley-decatur.org

Shelia Burton, Worthy Matron Missouri Jurisdiction PHA Order Of Eastern Star Greater Truth Chapter #88 P.O. Box 8804 Springfield, MO 65801 417-866-6878

Deidra England, President Ladies Civic League Provides scholarships for youth P. O. Box 8296 Springfield, MO 65801 417-887-7440

Calvin L. Allen, Exec. Director Springfield Community Center 911 E. Division St Springfield, MO 65803 417-866-4359

Sherman Avenue Project Committee, Inc. Housing Org. 1228 N. Sherman Springfield, MO 65802 417-865-1203

Cheryl Clay, President Springfield Branch N.A.A.C.P. P.O. Box 8983 Springfield, MO 65801 Meetings are every third Saturday of the month from 1:30-2:30 p.m. 417-873-6386

Anthony Pickens Prince Hall Masons Truth Lodge #151 P.O. Box 8063 Springfield, MO 65801 417-890-5180 Shelia Burton, President Lincoln Memorial Cemetery Board, Inc. P.O. Box 9282 Springfield, MO 65801 417-877-0668 Dennis Davis Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Springfield Alumni P.O. Box 6287 Springfield, MO 65801-6287 417-496-7365 Dorothy L. McClendon, Esq. (President) Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Cultured Pearls of Springfield P.O. Box 8361 Springfield, Missouri 65801 (816) 721-8946

Nora England, President Springfield Reunion Club Organizes the Annual Park Day/ Reunion Weekend 1447 N. Hampton Springfield, MO 65802 417-869-0183 Meeting every first Monday Willie Carter, Director Victory Circle Peer Support Inc 2101 W. Chestnut Expwy Springfield, MO 65802 417-894-0188 Support group for men in recovery

Samuel G. Knox Unite of SWMO, Inc. Publishes the Unite Publication; presenters of the Annual Springfield Multicultural Festival 2101 W. Chestnut Expwy. Springfield, MO 65802 Phone: 417-864-7444 unitepublication@yahoo.com www.unitenewsonline.org

If you are a part of a Springfield African American Community Organization, we want to hear from you. Please send the name of your organization, address, phone number and a contact person to Unite., P. O. Box 1745, Springfield, MO 65801

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Arts&Entertainment News

Prosper Springfield – Do You Know How Households Are Strengthened?

The Turnt Up Tour: Chingy, Ying Yang Twins, & Petey Pablo Springfield, MO—The Turnt Up Tour: featuring Chingy, Ying Yang Twins, & Petey Pablo is Saturday, June, 16 2018, 8:00 pm at the Gillioz Theatre, 325 Park Central East. Howard Bailey Jr. also known as his stage name “Chingy” is an established Multiplatinum international recording artist

from St. Louis, MO. His passion for music began at an early age, having being influenced by many different genres and artists including Michael Jackson, The Temptations, Kris Kross, & Tupac. His first performance as a young 12-year-old, was when Chingy entered a talent show as then rapper, Slix-O. Chingy’s

2003 debut album, Jackpot, sold two million copies, producing other major hits “Holidae Chingy Inn” and “One Call Away”. A second album, Powerballin’, was released in

2004 including features from Lil Wayne, Janet Janet Jackson, Lil Flip & R- Kelly. His third album, Hoodstar was released in 2006. “Pullin Me Back” and “Dem Jeans” were successful singles from that project. Ticket range from $35-$75. For more information contact the box office (417) 863-9491.

A Grand Night for Singing at the Springfield Contemporary Theatre Springfield, MO—Springfield Contemporary Theatre launches their 24th season of premiere, immersive, grown-up Real Theatre in downtown Springfield this June with a new production of A Grand Night for Singing, a celebration of the music of Rodgers and Hammerstein. Some of the most romantic music in the Great American Songbook came from the Broadway stage. This enchanting Tony Award® nominated musical features songs by two of the theatre’s greatest songwriters – Rodgers and Hammerstein. Behind the plots, characters, carnivals and surreys with the fringe on top are beautiful stories about people falling in – and out – of love. Enjoy these beloved songs in an entirely new way that will make for a grand night of singing indeed. Opening June 8, A Grand Night for Singing is directed and music directed by Alex Huff and is choreographed by Vince Miller. The show features the talents of Lavelle Johnston, James Brandon Martin, Charlie McCoy, Erin Scheibe and Darby Vincent. The production plays through June 24 running Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:30p.m. and Sundays at 2:00p.m. Tickets can be purchased online at SpringfieldContemporaryTheatre.org or by calling the box office at 417-831-8001.

Francine Pratt Unite Contributing Writers

that interfere with my work or school? • Health and Well-Being – Do Springfield, MO—Some people I have any health issues that refer to them as assets, stability keep me from going to work or indicators or “getting ahead” school? outcomes. Many of our Getting ahead outlocal agencies that help comes or strengthen people without enough indicators are a starting resources or living paypoint for a family’s level check to paycheck use of prosperity. A family’s a set of strength indiprosperity will also look cators to help families different for everyone. become more prosperFrancine Pratt For example, if a family ous. When families can unit of four (two adults and two strengthen in the following areas, children) had annual income their level of household stability of $9,000, a credit score of 350, can change: a broken car and thousands of • Accountability – Can I see past dollars in debt, this is a famitoday, two to three weeks ahead ly that does not have enough or a month or two in the future resources. If that same family and make plans? completed a program at the • Earned Income Credit – Am I taking full advantage of the Earned Income Credit by filing my taxes every year? • Parent Training – Am I taking advantage of opportunities to learn how to be a better parent by learning new techniques that help my children thrive? • Transportation – Do I have reliable transportation that is dependable? • Affordable Housing – Am I spending more than 30% of my income on housing? • Quality Childcare – Do I have dependable, quality and safe childcare for my children? • Monthly Budget and/or Spending Plans – Have I created a plan to spend within the amount of money I have coming in each month with plans to save some money for emergencies? • Job Training – Do I want to take advantage of opportunities to increase my skills to obtain a better paying job? • Resolving Legal Issues – Do I have unresolved legal issues

ParkDay Reunion Weekend Parade Call For Entries Springfield, MO—“It’s Time To Make Park Day Great Again” And you can help! …by being in the Park Day Parade. The ParkDay Parade is a FREE community event, where all participants are welcome. We need your organizations, cars, floats, motorcycles, your bicycles, anything you would like to see in the parade. This year we are adding “The Parade of Hats.” Hats of all kinds are welcomed to be judged. The parade will be held Saturday, August 4, at 12:00 noon in and around the Silver Springs Park area. Please call or text (417) 379-6652, to register. The ParkDay is sponsored in part by the Ladies Civic League, a Springfield not-for-profit organization.

Northwest Project or Dream Center, within a year or two, that family may have doubled their income, doubled their credit score, now have a working car and cleared their debt – that family has become more prosperous. However, according to federal guidelines, that family will still be considered living below the poverty level. Yet, this is a family that has regained hope to continue improving their household. We must be careful when using the word poor or poverty because it does not tell a true story. Our community has many organizations that will help families in any of these areas. United Way of the Ozark’s 2-1-1 is a great place to locate resources that can help

strengthen families. Prosper Springfield is a collective impact initiative focused on a shared community vision to improve economic mobility in the Springfield community. The Prosper Springfield mission is to build community relationships and align community resources to create pathways that help move people to prosperity. Today’s column was written by Prosper Springfield Director, Francine Pratt. For more information about Prosper Springfield, contact Francine Pratt at 417-888-2020. Prosper Springfield - Uniting Resources, Improving Lives.

Fox 5 KRBK: Pay It Pitts Chapel Hosts Annual Fish Fry Forward Contest Springfield, MO—You don’t have to go far to find kind and charitable people in the Ozarks. These are the people who put the needs of others before themselves. FOX 5 wants to honor those who have a giving heart with “Pay It Forward.” We are looking for people in your community who deserve recognition for going out of their way to help others. Take some time to nominate someone today. Each month, we’ll choose one deserving person to receive a $250 gift card. Pay It Forward is brought to you by Air Services and All Services Plumbing. For more details on how to nominate someone go to: http://www.fox5krbk.com/ link/787593/pay-it-forward

Springfield, MO—Pitts Chapel 600 N. Benton will host their annual Fish Fry on Saturday, June 9th from 11 a.m. until all the fish is gone. Fish dinner is $9.00 and includes: Fish, spaghetti, coleslaw, cornbread, dessert and drink. (417) 866-1720.

Dr Nicole Holt

continued from page 4 elementary education from Evangel University, a master’s degree in educational administration from Missouri State University and a doctorate in educational leadership from the University of Missouri. This announcement will create a principal vacancy at Sherwood Elementary School and that position will be posted very soon.

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The BusinessSection A Directory of free or low cost Business Assistance Minorities In Business (The eFactory) Free Enterprise Center 405 North Jefferson Ave. Suite 1040J Springfield, Missouri 65806 Phone: (417) 837-2631 www.sgfmib.com Small Business Administration (SBA) www.sba.gov 417-890-8501 Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) SW MO SCORE www.swmissouri.score.org 417-986-4730 Small Business & Technology Development Center sbtdc.missouristate.edu 417-837-2617 1Million Cups Every Wednesday Morning 8:30 am -10:00 am SGF Art Museum 1111 E. Brookside Drive Free admission

Minorities In Business

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Economic Power continued from page 6

Do You Have The Correct Power of Attorney Documents? Sativa Boatman-Sloan, Attorney at Law Unite Contributing Writers

Springfield, MOâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; What if an accident, illness, or even simply the effects of aging left you unable to tell your doctors what kind of medical treatment you wanted, or made it impossible to manage your financial affairs? No one likes to think about such grim possibilities, but the truth is that almost every family will eventually face this kind of difficulty. While powers of attorney canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t prevent accidents, unforeseen illnesses or the aging process, they can certainly make life easier for you and your family if times get tough. Perhaps the biggest misconception that many people have is that one document covers everything. On the contrary, there are several types of powers of attorney available and each serve different specific purposes. The two types of powers of attorney we usually suggest that

people have are:

who can fill out disability paperwork, withdraw funds from your 401K or IRA, or manage your A Durable Power of Attorney real estate? The answer: no one, for Health Care is a document unless you have a General Duraexecuted by you, giving anble Power of Attorney in place. other person the authority to Even your spouse cannot sign make health care decisions if on an account if they are not a you are unable to do so at any joint owner and will not be able time in the future. to control assets The document ...powers of attorney... solely owned in your appoints a trusted can certainly make name. family member or Sure, you may see life easier for you friend, known as many free templates and your family if the agent, to follow out on the Internet times get tough. your wishes. The stating they are one agent can only make of these two types health care decisions for you of powers of attorney, but they in the event one or two doctors may not align with your wishes say that you are no longer able or be compliant with Missouri to make decisions for yourself. law. Careful review and underThese decisions include general standing is needed when premedical care and consent for paring your powers of attorney. surgical procedures, as well as Because no two people or family healthcare directives for end-ofsituations are exactly the same, life choices. it is a good idea to review your General Durable Power of power of attorney documents Attorney (Finances/Assets) with your attorney to ensure you If you are temporarily or permaare protected for your specific nently unable to sign your name, situation and wishes.

Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care

Does Black Political Power Equal Economic Power? Walter E. Williams, Columnist for TownHall.com

It's often thought to be beyond question that black political power is necessary for economic power and enhanced socio-economic welfare. That's an idea that lends itself to testing and analysis. Between 1970 and 2012, the number of black elected officials rose from fewer than 1,500 to more than 10,000. Plus, a black man was elected to the presiden-

cy twice. Jason Riley, a fellow at the Manhattan Institute, tells how this surge in political power has had little beneficial impact on the black community. In a PragerU video, "Blacks in Power Don't Empower Blacks," Riley says the conventional wisdom was based on the notion that only black politicians could understand and address the challenges facing blacks. Therefore, electing more black city councilors, mayors, representatives and senators was

deemed critical. Even some liberal social scientists now disagree. Gary Orfield says, "There may be little relationship between the success of ... black leaders and the opportunities of typical black families." Riley says that while many black politicians achieved considerable personal success, many of their constituents did not. After the 2014 Ferguson, Missouri, riots, which followed the killing of Michael Brown after continued on page 7

he charged a policeman, much was made of the small number of blacks on the city's police force. Riley asks: If the racial composition of the police force is so important, how does one explain the Baltimore riots the following year after Freddie Gray died in police custody? Baltimore's police force is 40 percent black. Its police commissioner is black. Its mayor is black, as is the majority of the City Council. What can be said of black political power in Baltimore can also be said of Cleveland, Detroit, Philadelphia, Washington, Atlanta and New Orleans. In these cities, blacks have been mayors, police chiefs, city councilors and superintendents of schools for decades. By contrast, when blacks had little political power, they made significant economic progress. During the 1940s and '50s, black labor force participation rates exceeded those of whites; black incomes grew much faster than white incomes. Between 1940 and 1950, black poverty rates fell by as much as 40 percent. Between 1940 and 1970, the number of blacks in middle-class professions quadrupled. Keep in mind that was before affirmative action programs. Riley says that racial gaps were narrowing without any special treatment for blacks. After the 1960s, the government began pouring trillions of dollars into various social programs. These programs discouraged marriage and also undermined the work ethic through open-ended welfare programs, helping keep poor people poor. The fact that political success is not a requirement for

socio-economic success -- and indeed may have an opposite effect -- doesn't apply only to blacks. American Jews, Italians, Germans, Japanese and Chinese attained economic power long before they had political power. By almost any measure of socio-economic success, Japanese and Chinese are at or near the top. Riley asks, "How many prominent Asian politicians can you name?" By contrast, Irish-Americans have long held significant political power yet were the slowest-rising of all immigrant groups. Riley says that the black experience in the U.S. has been very different from that of other racial groups. Blacks were enslaved. After emancipation, they faced legal and extralegal discrimination and oppression. But none of those difficulties undermines the proposition that human capital, in the forms of skills and education, is far more important than political capital. Riley adds that the formula for prosperity is the same across the human spectrum. Traditional values -- such as marriage, stable families, education and hard work -- are immeasurably more important than the color of your mayor, police chief, representatives, senators and president. As Riley argues in his new book -- "False Black Power?" -- the major barrier to black progress today is not racial discrimination. The challenge for blacks is to better position themselves to take advantage of existing opportunities, and that involves addressing the anti-social, self-defeating behaviors and habits and attitudes endemic to the black underclass.