July 2019 Volume 29/ Number 7 • A Monthly Publication by Unite of Southwest Missouri, Inc • www.unitenewsonline.org
UNITE.
2019 Black History Summer Academy Photo Gallery Photos on Page 4
Building Empowering Connections In Our Diverse Community
Ujima Summer Literacy Camp at Turning Point Church July 8-28 Springfield, MO— Ujima Summer Literacy Camp will be July 8 - 26 at Turning Point Church. This Shurita Tate literacy program is for students entering KinderContinued on page 3
Nets hire Hawks exec Jeff Peterson as assistant General Manager By Brian Lewis, New York Post May 25, 2019 New York, NY— The Nets have begun restocking their front office, naming Jeff Jeff Peterson
Continued on page 8
76th Carver Day Event George Washington Carver
Diamond, MO — George Washington Carver National Monument is pleased to announce the park’s annual Carver Day celebration to be held on Saturday, July 13, 2019 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to celebrate the life and legacy of George Washington Carver and the establishment of the national monument in his honor. This year we are commemorating the 76th anniversary of Carver’s passing and the subsequent establishment of the National Park on July 14, 1943, the first one to honor an African American. The event is free of charge. Guest speakers include Dana Chandler, Tuskegee University archivist and associate professor. Chandler is the
George Washington Carver (front row, center) poses with fellow staff members at the Tuskegee Institute (now known as Tuskegee University) located in Alabama. ca. 1902
co-author of To Raise Up the Man Farthest Down: Tuskegee University’s Advancement in Human Health, 1881-1987. He will share information about the extraordinary Carver archival collection at the university, including some rare items that provide insight into Carver’s Work. We also welcome Lucy Phelps, Fort Scott Community College adjunct history instructor. Phelps examines the experience of enslaved women through the lens of mother-
hood, discussing aspects of their life including the labor they performed, care they provided their children, and the devastating effect of forced separation from their children. Her research contributes to the history of enslaved women as well as their experiences residing in Missouri. Former Executive Director of the Carver Birthplace Association Paxton Williams will return to reprise his role Continued on page 2
Page 2 July 2019 | Unite News
2019 ParkDay Reunion Weekend Schedule
Sponsored by Springfield Reunion Club & Springfield Greene County Parks
Theme for 2019...”Come Back For The Throw Back” Playing your favorites form the 70’s, 80’s & 90’s
(Come Sporting Your Afros, Platforms, Bell Bottoms, Mini Skirts, Zoot Suits Or Whatever You Were Wearing Back Then...)
FRIDAY, August 2, 2019
8:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m. HOSPITALITY - Lamplighter Inn North, 2820 N. Glenstone - 417-869-3900 featuring … “DJ Surprise” Adults - $10 / Kids - $5 (ages 5-10) Friday & Saturday - ParkDay Golf at Payne Stewart Friday, Skin Game 9:00 am Saturday, Golf Tournament 8:30 am Contact Bevo Looney 417-343-8228
SATURDAY, August 3, 2019
9:00 a.m. - TENNIS TOURNAMENT ~ Silver Springs Park Contacts: Randy Smith 417-576-6116 or Vincent Stout 417-886-2682 10:00 a.m. - ParkDay Co-Ed Softball Games - Nora England 417-861-7568 11:00 a.m. - BOWLING TOURNAMENT ~ Sunshine Lanes ~ 1500 W. Sunshine Contacts: Sidney Needem 417-865-1203 or Sunshine Lanes 417-866-7246 12:00 Noon - ParkDay REUNION PARADE ~ Silver Springs Park – Sponsored by Ladies Civic League & NAACP Contacts: Charmaine Huddleston 417-425-9355 or Janet Price 417-379-6652 1:00 p.m. - ParkDay Car Show - Silver Springs Park (Trophies will be given) Contact: Wally Ransom 417-766-6479 1:00 p.m. - 3 Point Basketball Shootout -Silver Springs Park (Trophies will be given) 4 different ages of teams Contact: Wally Ransom 417-766-6479 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. - KID’S $1 SWIM – Silver Springs Park 1:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. - ParkDay REUNION PICNIC - Everyone is Welcome! Bring your covered dish. 9:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m. - ParkDay REUNION DANCE - Lamplighter Inn North, 2820 N. Glenstone featuring … “Charlie Redd & The Full Flava Kings -Tulsa, Oklahoma” (Tickets- $15 in advance / $20 at the door)
SUNDAY, August 4, 2019
MORNING WORSHIP - Go To the Church of Your Choice 3:30 p.m. - GOSPEL PRAISE IN THE PARK Contacts: Quinci Williams 417-861-3965 or Nora England 417-861-7568 6:00 p.m. - MISS SILVER SPRINGS BEAUTY PAGEANT - (for pageant information) Contacts: Jane Pike 417-869-8091 Stephanie Herron 417-693-6442 Sabrina Shockley 417-597-1946
George W Carver Continued from Page 1
as George Washington Carver in his original one-person show Listening to the Still Small Voice. Like Carver, Paxton is a graduate of Iowa State University, and he has performed as Carver hundreds of times, as well as Othello, and Paul Lawrence Dunbar. Music is a huge part of the Carver Day fun. Musical performers this year include artist, actor and Delta blues powerhouse Clarence “King Clarentz” Brewer from Springfield, Missouri, who will play a rare solo set of roots classics from the likes of Son House, Bukka White and Duke Ellington, and provide background into the music. Also sharing the music stage will be multi-instrumentalist and gospel vocalist Arlecia Elkamil; and, gospel greats Sensational Wonders, and local band InCourage. Local choirs will also be performing. Activities are scheduled throughout the day, including exhibitors, musical performances, guided tours, educational programs, children’s activities, Junior Ranger station, and much more. The Diamond Lions Club will provide a food concession. The park is located two miles west of Diamond, Missouri on Highway V, then ¼ mile south on Carver Road. For more information, please call the park at 417-325-4151 between 9:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., visit the park website at www. nps.gov/gwca
Page 3 July 2019 | Unite News
IN THIS ISSUE 4
Community News
Black History Summer Academy Photo Gallery
by Gwen Marshall
Lots Of Summer Programs For Kids At The Library
6
by Kathleen O’Dell, Springfield-Greene County Library District
8
Who doesn’t love a spooky story now and then? The Library’s series Summer Scares! in July and August celebrates the horror genre – the scary and the tame sides. The series is part of a national Kathleen O'Dell effort sponsored by United for Libraries, Library Journal and BookRiot. Dig in to a scary book this summer, then dip into one of our Summer Scares programs. On Thursday, July 18, at 7 p.m. at the Library Center auditorium, New York Times best-selling author Daniel Kraus discusses his teen and adult titles and why he thinks horror appeals to so many readers. It’s for adults and teens in grades 9-12. Kraus wrote “Rotters” and co-authored “The Shape of Water” with Guillermo del Toro. Get ready for some Ozarkian Campfire Tales on Thursday, continued on page 11
Business News
Top 7 Pitfalls When Buying a Business
Entertainment News Springfield Contemporary Theatre: “Race” by Rick Dines Health News Where Volunteering Can Make A Differnce, Part 4 by Tyra Knox
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
Ujima Literacy Camp Continued from Page 1
Kindergarten through 4th grade. This 3-week program will target key literacy skills that are necessary for academic success. Camp runs Monday- Friday, 8 am to 4 pm. The first half of the day is literacy, and the second half of the day is enrichment and play. This program is FREE, we provide breakfast, lunch,
Volume 29, Number 7 PUBLISHER Unite. of Southwest Missouri, Inc. MANAGING EDITOR Samuel G. Knox
by Sativa Bowman-Sloan
10
UNITE.
and snacks. Limited space is provided so please register your children early. While all K-4th grade students are welcome, We are specifically looking to help students who may be struggling with reading, and or need a little extra help. For more information, contact Dr. Shurita Thomas-Tate, Dept. of Communication Sciences & Disorders, MSU.
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Lyle Foster Tyra Knox Gwen Marshall Kathleen O'Dell Daniel Ogunyemi Francine Pratt John Sellars Sativa Boatman-Sloan PHOTOGRAPHY Erin Gamble Tondaleigha Jones
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
Page 4 July 2019 | Unite News
CommunityNews 2019 Black History Summer Academy Photo Gallery By Gwen Marshall SPS Access & Equity
Springfield, MO—Thank you to the village of Springfield Missouri for a successful 2019 Black History Summer Academy and Aryia. This was the 5th year revival and our theme was inspired by the city-wide effort Gwen Marshall to launch the African-American Heritage Trail. The theme “Hidden Gems: Black Excellence in Springfield” celebrated the local & global contributions of persons of African American descent through curriculum and activities in entrepreneurship, art, and innovation. We took 230 students on a field trip to Silver Springs Park for a mini Park Day experience complete with food, balloon sculpturing, ice cream truck, golf lessons, dance lessons and a tour of Timmons Hall. We would like to thank all of our partners and sponsors and a special thank you to Drury University for hosting Black History Summer Academy. It is wonderful to see a community come together in unity. We are looking forward to 2020 and hope you will join us June 8-12, 2020.
Silver Springs Park Mini Park Day for students and Tour of Timmons Hall
Black History Summer Academy Choir
2019 Aryia Rites of Passage Celebration
Entrepreneur Fair for Black History Summer Academy
The Official Black History Summer Academy Drummers
SOP Jewels of Praise Dancers
Page 5 July 2019 | Unite News
Timmons Hall, formerly known as Timmons Temple, officially reopens Springfield, MO—The Springfield-Greene County Park Board and the Friends of Timmons Temple invited the community to the grand opening of Timmons Hall Saturday, June 29, 10 a.m., in Silver Springs Park, 1100 N. Hampton Ave., Springfield. Timmons Hall, formerly known as Timmons Temple, officially opened to the public following relocation to the park in 2015 and four years of restoration work managed by Friends of Timmons Temple. The former church will serve as an event facility offering historical, cultural and educational opportunities, owned and operated by the Park Board and under the direction of Christine Peoples, newly named Coordinator of Timmons Hall. “I’m excited because I know this Timmons Hall will bring the community together,” said Peoples. “It’s going to take you back
in time, and forward as well. And it will benefit the next generation. It’s just going to be epic.” Timmons Temple Church of God in Christ was built in 1932 at the corner of Webster Street and Texas Avenue, overlooking Silver Springs Park. The small church served Springfield’s African-American community for more than 80 years before Christine Peoples the congregation outgrew the building and relocated. Timmons Temple was sold and slated for demolition. Nonprofit group Save Timmons Temple (now Friends of Timmons Temple) formed in 2014 to preserve the church, noting its historic significance as well as its unique stone exterior, including sunburst patterns also found in
Are you inspired to create a better future for yourself and others? If so, Missouri State has a place for you.
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.
retaining walls in Silver Springs Park. The group coordinated financial and in-kind donations, and in early 2015, Timmons Temple was carefully lifted from its foundation and relocated by about 600 feet into Silver Springs Park. Over the next four years, Friends of Timmons Temple
coordinated extensive redevelopment of the landmark, including new foundation, roof, front entrance, windows, restrooms, plumbing, electricity and HVAC, as well as interior restoration with 1932-style paint and fixtures, and exposing the original hardwood oak floors. Private Continued on page 7
You’re Just the Person We’ve Been Looking For
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES 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.
Timmons Hall overlooking Silver Springs Park
ARE YOU READY TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE? APPLY TODAY AND
City Utilities is looking for motivated people to partner with to provide our customers with the care and service they’ve come to expect. If you’re a contractor who thinks outside the box, a vendor with an item to sell, or a hardworking person looking for a great place to work, look no further than CU. For more information on opportunities at CU, log on to cityutilities.net.
City Utilities of Springfield 301 East Central, Springfield MO 417.863.9000 cityutilities.net
www.jobs.missouristate.edu
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.
Page 6 July 2019 | Unite News
BusinessNews Top 7 Pitfalls When Buying a Business By Sativa Bowman-Sloan Attorney At Law
Springfield, MO—Purchasing a business is exciting, but the process can be tricky and confusing. There are a variety of variables you should consider before signing on the dotted line. Here are seven common pitfalls: • Not forming a business entity. Don’t begin signing contracts, leases, or loan agreements in your own name without planning and implementing your business entity. Making the investment to properly set up a corporation or LLC will help reduce the risk against your personal assets. • Not thoroughly reviewing the purchase contract. It is common to negotiate details of a business purchase. Many details, include property, trademarks, inventory, accounts receivable, and outstanding bills, will need to be defined as to who exactly will be
responsible and exactly how the responsibility will be transferred. • Not knowing succession plans of seller. It is important to do a careful review of the seller’s operating agreement to see how the transfer of interest would happen when a member wants to sell, dies, or is declared incompetent. The succession plan may reveal some unexpected scenarios. • Not defining a non-compete provision. To protect yourself, you should include a fair non-compete provision in your agreement that would prohibit the seller from directly competing against your business. • Not running a lien search. It’s important to know if there are any liens attached to any of the assets listed in the purchase agreement. Investing in a thorough lien search can be valuable to know that there aren’t any third-party interests in the asset. This will avoid future problems.
• Not doing proper due diligence. Researching a company’s financial history is essential. On the surface, they may appear successful and profitable, but if you dig a little deeper, you may find some surprises. Have a CPA review the company’s revenue and expenses and help
you determine if the asking price is reasonable. Your CPA can do the research to find out what outstanding debt exists and what is owned, leased, borrowed, unpaid, etc., and to pour over the data to see if the numbers the seller is providing are accurate. continued on page 7
Certification Can Take Your Business to the Next Level Springfield, MO—Are you a Minority or Woman owned business? Are you looking to expand your business into other markets? Have you ever thought about selling your products or services to prime contractors or to the government? Minorities In Business will present a mini-workshop on the minority/women/disadvantage business enterprise certification
process. The event is Tuesday, July 9, 2019 at the Robert Plaster Free Enterprise Center (eFactory) 405 N Jefferson Ave. There will be networking at 5:30 pm and the workshop will start at 6:00 pm. Light refreshments will be provided. The Certification Workshop will allow minority entrepreneurs to present themselves to lots of prospective buyers in a single
setting or listing. The certification also expands the relationship -building opportunities with corporate and government purchasing representatives. Minorities In Business is a local business association that promotes economic development though advocacy, networking and capacity building for women and minority business owners in the Springfield area.
For more information about Minorities In Business go to their website at: www.sgfmib. com or call their office at: (417) 837-2631.
Subscribe To The Unite Publication Call: (417) 864-7444
Page 7 July 2019 | Unite News
Buying A Business Continued from Page 6
Not reviewing commercial leases. Often, commercial leases have additional expenses that aren’t as obvious, and you should be aware of them to determine the true rental price. An attorney who specializes in commercial leases will sift through the details of the agreement and help you negotiate any potential problematic clauses. Every business purchase transaction is unique. Working with an attorney and a
CPA to tap into their experience will help you avoid these seven most common pitfalls.
DBE Certification Continued from Page 6
Minorities In Business July Networking Event M/W/DBE Certification Mini-Workshop July 9, 2019 405 N Jefferson Ave Robert Plaster Free Enterprise Center Networking 5:30 pm Program 6:00 pm Everyone is welcome Free Event
Timmons Hall
Continued from Page 5
fundraising efforts continue for future restoration. “It’s amazing to realize that over five years ago we began the volunteer effort to preserve historic Timmons Temple by relocating it to Silver Springs Park,” said Paula Ringer, president of Friends of Timmons Temple. “Many didn’t think it was
possible, and we almost didn’t think it was. But we were successful because of the collaborative support of the developer, private donors, the Park Board and the generous donations of expertise and labor from our local Trades Council and many others. This project is a monument to having faith!” The grand opening event included remarks, music, photos, a ribbon-cutting and refreshments.
Page 8 July 2019 | Unite News
Arts&EntertainmentNews Springfield Contemporary Theatre presents “Race” By Rick Dines Guest Contributing Writer
By David Mamet, Directed by L.J. Summers Featuring Tom Baker, Darryl Kent Clark, Jonova Lavon and Americo Zeccardi Contains strong language and adult content. A Springfield area premiere. Race plays July 26-28, August 1-4, 8-11, 2019; Thursday, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30p.m. and Sundays at 2:00p.m. Reserved seat tickets are priced $27 for Adults, $24 for Seniors (55 and over) & Students. Opening weekend all tickets are priced $22. Student Rush Tickets (if seats are available) are sold 30 minutes before each performance for $10. On Thursday evenings, tickets remaining at 6:30p.m. will be available “Pay What You Can.” Group rates are available for
Jeff Peterson
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Peterson assistant general manager on Saturday. Peterson replaces Trajan Langdon, who left on May 19 for a promotion and GM title in New Orleans with the rebuilding Pelicans. Peterson spent seven years with the Hawks, and sources say
parties of 12 or more. For tickets call our box office at 417-8318001 or click the link below. Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright David Mamet tackles America’s most controversial topic in a provocative new tale of sex, guilt and bold accusations. Charges are made against Charles Strickland, a wealthy resident in his town. He quickly goes to his friend Jack Lawson, a criminal attorney, and retains him to defend his case. Lawson agrees and begins to rely on help from a young black attorney he calls Susan working in his three-lawyer office. As evidence and police reports begin to accumulate for the preparation of the defense of the case, Jack begins to suspect deep flaws in the police investigation of the crime scene. He notes that although the crime reports clearly identify the crime victim as having worn a red sequin
dress on the night of the sex crime that something is wrong with the details in the police reports. From his personal experience, he explains to his fellow law office partners (Susan and Brown) how fragile sequin dresses are in general, and how even the slightest incident of jarring or simple out-onthe-town wearing of a sequin dress inevitably leads to sequins popping and falling off almost without any provocation whatsoever. However, the police reports, although otherwise seeming to be thorough, are completely absent of any information about any
red sequins being missing or laying around the victim’s room in question where an apparent extensive struggle had taken place. The other law partners are impressed by the startling omission, and all three partners come to the conclusion, with increasing and visible confidence before each other, that this omission by the police is very deeply flawed. They are convinced that the credibility of the police reports cannot withstand questioning in the courtroom. All three lawyers feel that their client will be exonerated. continued on page 9
he was pivotal in the high-profile trade that brought point guard Trae Young to Atlanta. Brooklyn head coach Kenny Atkinson spent four seasons in Atlanta from 2012-2016, and his time overlapped with Peterson. “We are thrilled to welcome Jeff and his wife, Lauren, to Brooklyn,” Nets GM Sean Marks said in a statement. “Jeff is an innovative basket-
ball executive who shares our strategic team building vision and will fit seamlessly within our culture.” Peterson’s last three seasons with the Hawks came as assistant GM. He started his career in Atlanta in 2012 after being hired as a seasonal basketball operations assistant. After just one season, Peterson got promoted to coordinator
of basketball operations and then was named Atlanta’s director of scouting in 2015, before his eventual rise to assistant GM. Peterson – from Springfield, Mo. – played first at Iowa and then at Arkansas before eventually finishing his career at Florida State, where he earned his Master’s degree.
Page 9 July 2019 | Unite News
Race
Continued from Page 8
The next day, however, news come to the lawyers that a maid in the hotel has “remembered” that she saw sequins under the bed. In the process of further interviews with his client, discussions with his partner, and with Susan, Jack becomes aware of even further complications in the case. The ethnic prejudices of his old friend whom he is defending turn out to be highly suspect and pejorative. More importantly, he begins to suspect that Susan’s hand in the activities taking place in the law office after receiving the case may be tainted. Susan turns out to have strong feeling about racially motivated sex crimes and she is far from unbiased in the representation of the case. As Jack continues to quiz her and challenge her on her own beliefs it becomes clear that Susan had come to play a part in the statement of the maid materializing overnight and invalidating the fragile sequin theory the partners were planning to use. It becomes clear by the final curtain that Susan had leaked the information concerning the basis of Jack’s planned defense, the fragile sequin theory, to the police and/or DA. It becomes clear that Susan had done this in order to influence the outcome in a matter of justice involving a question of bigotry and of race.
Summer Literacy Camp 2019 Ujima is now accepting registrations for its annual Summer Literacy Camp. This program is designed to prepare students for kindergarten, support elementary students needing extra help in reading, and provide literacy and language enrichment to combat loss of skills during the summer. Students will be engaged in small group instructional interventions focusing on core reading skills (e.g. Phonological awareness, vocabulary, oral language) during the first half of the day. Literacy intervention will be embedded in a variety of games and activities. Additional learning opportunities as well as plenty of play, fun and games will take place during the second half of the day.
Who: Students entering Kindergarten thru 4th grade Location: Turning Point Church - 1722 N. National Ave Dates/Hours: July 8 - July 26, Monday -Friday, 8:00 a.m. -4:00 p.m. Breakfast, Lunch and Snacks will be provided Cost: Free of charge
To register: Please contact: Dr. Shurita Thomas-Tate Dept. of Communication Sciences & Disorders, 901 National Ave, Springfield, MO 65897. OR Turning Point Church/Atten: Ujima, 1722 N. National Ave, Springfield, MO, 65803
Page 10 July 2019 | Unite News
HealthNews Where Volunteering Can Make A Difference, Part 4 By Tyra Knox Unite Contributing Writer
relaxation. But for this month, I have a Springfield, MO— I hope with few more organizations to talk this series, I have been able to about. provide some resourceRare Breed ful ideas for our senior The Rare Breed Youth community. Outreach Center ofNext month I will fers free and confidengive you a break from tial services to at-risk the volunteer scene and homeless youth. and discuss some The Center promotes summer activities for healthy relationships, Tyra Knox seniors. So get ready to resiliency, empowerment, have some more summer fun and and healing for Springfield’s
diverse career opportunities serve your community Make an impact!
Call: 864-1607 /CityofSGF
City of Springfield, Missouri
@CityofSGFjobs
@CityofSGF
young people. The Kitchen Inc’s Rare Breed Youth Housing works alongside the Outreach Center for homeless youth ages 17-24. For individuals wanting to volunteer on a one day or limited basis, you can help sort household items and food at the Receiving and Distribution Center. The days and times are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information about being a volunteer call 417-865-6400. American Red Cross The American Red Cross has served the people of Missouri for more than 100 years. Their mission is to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors. From serving meals to disaster victims to helping with blood drives, volunteers contribute throughout the community. Volunteers teach CPR and help soldiers arrange travel home for the birth of a child. They help to prepare for disaster and recovery from an aftermath. To find out more about the right volunteer opportunity for you call 417-8329500 Care to Learn Care to Learn focuses on meeting the emergent needs of students in areas of health, hunger and hygiene. Students with unmet health, hunger, and hygiene
needs are identified by school district faculty and staff. Anyone from a school bus driver to a principal can report a student need to their school district.. A few of the ways they provide help is with new clothes, hygiene items, doctor/eye appointments, prescription, weekend food packs and use of in school food pantry. To learn about the volunteer opportunities with Care to Learn call 417-62-7771 or go to www. CaretoLearn.org Park Day Reunion The Park Day Reunion takes place at Silver Springs Park every year on the first weekend of August, bringing together friends and family from Springfield and around the country. The event name dates back to 1952, when Mr. Gerald Brooks, a teacher at Springfield’s Lincoln School, started a day of games and sports for young black residents of Silver Springs. Park Day Reunion 2019 sponsored by Springfield Reunion Club and Springfield Greene County Parks will be August 2-4, 2019. To find out about volunteer opportunities call Nora England (Springfield Reunion Club President) at 417-869-0183. This week I spoke with a member of our senior community and she told me she volunteered a couple days a week at her church. “It keeps me active and I feel useful”, she said, with a great big smile.
Page 11 July 2019 | Unite News
Library
Continued from Page 3
July 25, at 7:30 p.m. at Ritter Springs Park, 3683 W. Farm Road 92. Cozy up to a crackling campfire, enjoy s’mores and hear some weird tales by the authors of “Feral: A Journal of Ozarkian Gothic.” Meet at the park pavilion. To register call 883-5341. Friday, July 26, 6:30-8 p.m. is the all-ages Family Movie Night at the Library in the Library Center. Watch “Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween” in the auditorium. Kids’ activities included! For grades 6-12, two things: Horror Board Game Night Thursday, Aug. 1, 6-8 p.m. in the Library Center Story Hour Room. Teen Friday Night Aug. 2 from 6-8 p.m. in the Library Station Frisco Room features Scary Stories Under the Stars. Snacks provided! ••• If your kids in grades 1-6 are more “makers” than horror fans, every Wednesday July 17-31, they can build, hack and create at our ongoing Maker Camp at 2 p.m. in the Library Station Frisco Room. A parent or legal guardian-signed waiver is required for participation in some projects. Kids in grades 4-6 can Build a Mars Rover at 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 2, in the Library Center Story Hour Room. Using our STEAM toys, work together to build a Mars Rover fit to explore the red planet! To register call 882-0714. Don’t miss the all-ages LibraryCon from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 17, in the Library Center. Meet authors, illustrators and your favorite characters at our
celebration of comics, reading and fandom. Visit thelibrary.org/ librarycon for details. Kathleen O’Dell is community relations director of the Springfield-Greene County Library District. She can be reached at kathleeno@thelibrary.org.
The Best Black YouTubers Creating Content in 2019
Nationwide — Since its founding in 2005, YouTube has dominated the social media world. The comprehensive video-sharing platform has revolutionized how we discover talented individuals – people who entertain and educate millions around the world, all at the click of a button. While anyone can upload a video to YouTube, the platform has struggled to promote diversity over the years. The top YouTube personalities are predominately white and male. Although YouTube has taken the initiative over the past few years to change this, many YouTubers of color remain in the shadows – especially those in the African American community. Considering the fact that people across the globe upload 300 hours of video to YouTube every
minute, it’s easy for talented folks to go unseen. That’s why we’ve provided you with a list of those we consider to be some of the best Black YouTubers making content in 2019. 1. Jackie Aina One of YouTube’s brightest beauty vloggers, Jackie Aina has become an advocate for the Black community within the cosmetics industry. She has partnered with top-name brands such as Too Faced and e.l.f. to promote inclusive makeup lines that cater to a wide
range of skin tones. 2. Patricia Bright Patricia Bright is another successful vlogger who shares product reviews, tutorials, and an inside look into her life as a content creator. Her honest and entertaining videos have allowed her to work with brands such as Bobbi Brown and L’Oréal. 3. Roberto Blake An entrepreneur, author, and public speaker, Roberto Blake Continued from Page 12
Page 12 July 2019 | Unite News
YouTube
Continued from Page 11
uses his creativity and determination to encourage others to take control of their lives and careers. Blake’s channel acts as a source of empowerment for other Black men who are striving to create successful futures for themselves. 4. GloZell Green An OG YouTuber, GloZell has been making videos since 2008. Her big personality and iconic tagline – “Is you good? Is you OK? ’Cause I wanted to know” – has created a following around the world. Whether she’s rapping, performing comedy sketches, or collaborating with her friends, GloZell is sure to entertain her viewers. 5. Jasmine Brown Jasmine Brown covers a variety of topics on her channel, including hairstyling, fashion, lifestyle, and beauty. She’s mainly known for her tutorials, in which she educates others on how to care for their natural hair. On top of being a YouTuber, Brown is also a model; she uses this platform to support a positive representation of Black females in media. 6. WilldaBeast Adams William “WilldaBeast” Adams is a professional dancer and choreographer. After establishing a career for himself within hip-hop – performing for artists such as T-Pain and appearing on the television series So You Think You Can Dance – he created the immaBEAST dance company. He now shares dance videos of himself and his protégés, which have enraptured millions of viewers.