2019 March Unite by Unite News

March 2019 Volume 29/ Number 3 • A Monthly Publication by Unite of Southwest Missouri, Inc • www.unitenewsonline.org

UNITE.

Standing Room Only Crowd at Dr. R. Todd Payne’s Faculty Recital See Photo on Page 9

Building Empowering Connections In Our Diverse Community

Drury Appoints New Vice President of Enrollment for Adult & Online Education Springfield, MO—Drury University is pleased to announce the appointment of Kimbrea Kimbrea Browning J. Browning as Executive Vice President of Enrollment Management and Operations for Adult and Online Education. Browning will report directly to President Tim Cloyd and will provide strategic leadership in recruitment, the student experience, and day-to-day operations for Drury’s evening and online programs in the College of Continuing Professional Studies. She begins her duties at Drury on March 18. Browning brings 15 years of experience overseeing higher education enrollment services to the role, serving both traditional continued on page 11

Missouri State University Professor Runs For School Board

Child Literacy expert runs for Springfield School Board seat

Springfield, MO— Dr. Shurita Thomas-Tate graduated from Southern University (an HBCU) in Baton Rouge, Louisiana in 1995 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Speech-Language Pathology. Tate went on to earn a Master’s degree (1997) and a Ph.D. (2002) from The Ohio State University. Dr. Tate spent two years at the University of Michigan as a

post-doctoral fellow (2002 - 2004), where Dr. Tate worked with a group that was trying to understand the language and literacy skills of young African American students and the role those skills played in their school success. Dr. Tate moved to Springfield August 2011 for a job as an assistant professor at Missouri State University. She came to Springfield after working as an assistant professor at Florida State (2004 - 2011). continued on page 2

Dr. Shurita Thomas-Tate

Nick Cave Exhibit Opening April 5th At SGF Art Museum

Springfield, MO—The Springfield Reunion Club, Inc will host a Blues Brews & Barbecue featuring The Norman Jackson Band, Saturday, April 6 2019 from 8 am -12 pm at QEnoteca, 308 W. Commercial St. Tickets are $10

Springfield, MO— Nick Cave Exhibit, April 6 - July 28, 2019 Opening Reception: April 5, 5:30 - 7 pm. Nick Cave is an African American multi-disciplinary artist well known for the Soundsuits series, sculptural forms based on the scale of his body.

Page 2 March 2019 | Unite News

School Board

Continued from Page 1

Dr. Tate currently is employed at Missouri State University as an associate professor in the disarmament of Communication Sciences and Disorders. Tate currently teaches courses related to child language development and disorders, school-age language and literacy disorders, research methods and cultural and linguistic diversity. My research is related to my teaching interest, with many of my publications being related to literacy, language and cultural competency. I started a com-

munity-based literacy program, Ujima, in 2015. The program was initially housed at the Bartley-Decatur Neighborhood Center, but now meets at The Connecting Grounds. The program host family literacy nights once a month year-round and a 3-week long summer literacy camp. Her community involvement includes: • Abilities First Advisory Council – 2016-Present • Springfield NAACP 2012 Present -Youth Council Advisor, Board Member and several other committees • Lutheran Family Services –

STARS Trained Foster Parent. 2015- Present • Courageous Mission Trip – Dominican Republic - 2016 • Black History Summer Academy speaker - 2016 When asked why she is running for School Board and what she hopes to accomplish,Tate said, “I care about the children and families in this community. I have committed my time and energy to serving children and families in Springfield since moving here. I have met and worked with many families who find themselves marginalized within the SPS district – for any number of reasons including their race/

ethnicity, socioeconomic status, disability/ability, etc. I recognize the need for representation on the school board for these families, and I intend to be a voice for them.”

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Apply Today for the Diversity Scholarship/Internship Program by Central Bank. The 2019 program provides financial assistance to current high school graduates, or currently enrolled college students with at least two years left in their undergraduate studies. This program is open to future or current students of Missouri State University (Springfield), Evangel, Drury University, OTC (Springfield/Ozark) or other Southwest Missouri colleges. Included is a paid part-time internship to supplement educational opportunities and income, and to enhance the educational process. This program is designed to gain awareness with minority students about career opportunities at Central Bank of the Ozarks and within the Central Bancompany family so they might be encouraged to seek employment with us once they have obtained their undergraduate degree. Application forms are due by April 5, 2019. For more information, please contact your school’s counselor, or Nicole Downey at Central Bank 417-881-3100.

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IN THIS ISSUE 4

Community News Meet Mae Ella Mahaffey Graham Moore, RN by Gwen Marshall

African American ReadIn Continues In March At The Library

Business News Jums African Market by Mariah Oke-Thomas

by Kathleen O’Dell, Springfield-Greene County Library District

Entertainment News Oscars and Beale Street by Lyle Foster

A celebration of the Springfield African American Read-In continues through March with two programs for all ages. On Saturday, March 23, at 2 p.m. in the Library Center meeting room Kathleen O'Dell B, hear a discussion about the coveted Coretta Scott King Book Awards. Grades 2 through adult are welcome. The year 2019 marks the 50th anniversary of the awards, given annually by the American Library Association to recognize outstanding books for young adults and children by African-American authors and illustrators that reflect the African-American experience. Former committee members April Roy and Kim Patton will share what makes each book unique and why the illustrations are distinguished. Ask a librarian for the picture book reading continued on page 11

UNITE. Volume 29, Number 3 PUBLISHER Unite. of Southwest Missouri, Inc. MANAGING EDITOR Samuel G. Knox CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Lyle Foster Tyra Knox Gwen Marshall Kathleen O'Dell Mariah Oke-Thomas Francine Pratt John Sellars Sativa Boatman-Sloan

Health News Growing Old Gracefully by Tyra Knox

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Page 4 March 2019 | Unite News

CommunityNews Meet Mae Ella Mahaffey Graham Moore, RN 286 in 2010). She was one of 14 children in the family. Her parents, Joseph, and Bertha (Poppa Springfield, MO— In and Big Momma) were honor of Black History farmers. Although Poppa Month, Women’s Hisonly had a third-grade tory Month and an inieducation he insisted all tiative by The NAACP of his children pursue Health Committee, higher education. His I am able to share a sons served honorably recent interview with J. in the military. Poppa Gwen Marshall R. Chappell, chairperamassed a farm of 300 son of the NAACP Health Comacres despite the local banker’s mittee. I hope this dear story of and surrounding white farmers’ my mother’s courage and perschemes to take the land. He severance will inspire our youth didn’t like the idea of credit and to pursue careers in the medical would save his money until he field. could pay cash for whatever he Meet Mae Ella Mahaffey wanted. Mom left the farm at age Graham Moore, RN 1917 - 2012. 14 to go live and attend a Jackson My mom was born in 1917 near high school about 50 miles away. Georgetown, Mississippi (popShe lived with a cousin, a beauty ulation 317 in 1920, population salon owner. Mom worked at the By Gwen Marshall 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.

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beauty salon to earn extra spendMrs. Rosie Mitchell, Mrs. ing money. She graduated from Mae Ella Mahaffey Graham Lanier High School in Jackson Moore(Mom) and Mrs. Jean MS. She then worked at a health- Frazier. The motto of the club is, care facility that “An Organizatook care of people tion Dedicated with TB or polio. It to Excellence in was there she disHealthcare.” covered her love I was asked if for caregiving. my mom talked She attended about facing nursing school racism? Stories in Jackson where of racism in she was one of the segregatonly four other ed South were Black students to quite frequent. graduate as RNs. She related that She loved nurswhen she would ing and was very go into a patient compassionate and room at the VA to Mae Ella Mahaffey Graham Moore gracious. She was give medications always immaculately dressed in the men would say, “I need to her white uniform and scuff-less see the nurse.” She would say, “I shoes. Her career spanned 40 AM the nurse.” Sometimes they years at the Veterans Adminiswould refuse her care or meditration (VA) Hospital in Jackson cation so she would leave. Later MS, the VA hospital in Memphis they would ask her to return TN and the Adolescent Psychiatand say, “Nurse, may I have my ric Hospital also in Memphis. My medication?” mom was a founding member She was proud of her profesof the Black Nurses Club (later sion. She maintained her RN the Eliza Pillars Nursing Club) license until her late seventies. formed in 1945 in response to Even after she retired she was black nurse exclusion from the “on duty” caring for those injured Mississippi Nursing Association. in auto accidents, emergency They worked towards equal deliveries of babies and even treatment, pay and appropriate a soldier having a seizure on a staffing levels. There were six bus. When she wasn’t assisting founding members: Mrs. Mattie others she enjoyed working in Rundles, Mrs. Mary Hankins her flower garden and maintainHarris, Mrs. Johnnie Wilson, continued on page 11

Page 5 March 2019 | Unite News

What are the Benefits of a “Clean Slate” Expungement Clinic? most individuals with a felony conviction have to settle for substandard housing. In most cases, Springfield, MO— Several emthese are non-violent felonies. ployers have interviewed great For the second year in a row, candidates for job opthe Springfield Metroportunities but because politan Bar Foundation of a felony conviction, has organized a clinic to they are generally not educate the community able to hire the indion changes in the law vidual. When workthat took place in 2018. ing with community For decades, a single organizations that are non-violent conviction focused on helping often meant a life senFrancine Pratt individuals increase their tence as a convicted felon. education beyond high school, a A felony conviction can impact barrier is having a felony convicthe quality of home and or job an tion on their public record. Many individual can have because of a agencies also have shared that mistake made years ago. It can By Francine Pratt Unite Contributing Writer

OTC student to lead peer-to-peer mentoring program with B2B Springfield, MO—OTC student Javeon England is stepping into an important role this semester. The 20-year-old business and marketing major has been named the president of Brother 2 Brother (B2B), a “near-peer” mentoring program that strives to improve college retention and graduation rates among minority students. The 20+ member group is comprised of young men from Springfield’s colleges and high schools. The students meet twice a month to discuss their personal and academic goals. Javeon says the meetings help the group come up with a game plan to tackle the semester ahead. “We’ll schedule study groups

even impact the joys and passions of life because if an individual has a felony conviction, they cannot serve as a scout leader, a substitute teacher or even obtain a hunting license. The new law that went into effect, in 2018, greatly expanded the ability for individuals previously convicted of a non-violent, low-level offense to seal the public record of those offenses and have a fresh start. The “Clean Slate” Expungement Clinic will explain how the new law works and who can help individuals through the process. Participants in this workshop will be given an opportunity to sign up for free representation through Legal Services of Southern Missouri and the Springfield Metropolitan Bar Foundation. Individuals must register to attend the clinic, and there are only 50 spots!

Online registration is available through March 27, 2019 – the same day of the clinic. The clinic will take place at the Fairbanks, located at 1126 N. Broadway Avenue, Springfield, MO 65802 from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. The following website link will go directly to the online registration page: https://www.springfieldbar. com/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=1202894&group=. Individuals can also call the Springfield Metropolitan Bar Foundation for additional information at 417831-2783 or through their email, info@springfieldbar.com. If other assistance is needed, the Prosper Springfield website, www.prosperspringfield.org has information under “Get Help” for almost any area of need related to education, health, housing, job/financial assistance and transportation.

See How CU Can

Work With You L to R: Greyson Foresee and Javeon England

and community service projects,” Javeon said. “We also talk about different ways we can build our resumes, apply for jobs and prepare for interviews.” Greyson Foresee, an OTC employee and coordinator of the mentoring group, says Brother 2 Brother has become a “safety network” for its members to ask questions and seek out help. continued on page 11

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.

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Page 6 March 2019 | Unite News

BusinessNews Jums African Market Opens In Springfield By Mariah Oke-Thomas Unite Contributing Writer

Springfield, MO—Currently, over 167,00 people live in Springfield, Missouri and every year those numbers grow welcoming a new and diverse set of individuals to the city. Three years ago, the Sodade family moved to Springfield with a vision of adding to the increasingly multifarious community of the city and have done so by creating an African market. Jums African Market and Delivery Store, which opened in September 2018, is a family owned business run by Fola and Jummy Sodade. Upon entry of Jums African Market, you are immersed into a world of African culture as the vibrant orange walls and the food lining the shelves provides a warm sense of home away from home. After having to travel to Texas in order to buy food which originated from Africa, Fola

and Jummy decided to open up their own store in Springfield which would allow easy access to African food, supplies, clothing, and more. “It’s a place where you can get something different and a place where you can get the uniqueness of the African taste. It’s a place where you can try new things.” said co-owner Fola Sodade about the market. Currently, the store offers traditional items from several different countries in Africa such as cassava, ugali, banku, garri, and bitter leaf. With Jums African Market and Delivery Store being the first Delivery store that primarily sells items from Africa, the goal of the store is to make it easier for the growing African community of Springfield to have easy access to food from home without traveling far to get it. “There is a growing community of Africans,” said Fola Sodade. “Springfield is getting to the point of becoming a cosmopolitan city so it’s high

Jums African Market at 1410 E. Kearney St

time we get things for Africans so they can feel at home”. Not only do the owners of Jums African Market hope to bring in African customers, but Fola Sodade says that he hopes to inspire the people of Springfield to experience a little bit of Africa while at home, “We’re trying to expose people, without traveling, to see more of Africa than what is seen on TV.” He said. “A lot of people have

Misconceptions about Africa and we’re trying to portray Africa and Africans as very hospitable, loving, caring, and respectful people.” If you would like to visit Jums African Market and Delivery Store, they are located on 1410 E. Kearney St. For more information go to their facebook page at: https:// www.facebook.com/JUMSAFROMART/

Protect Your Business with Confidentiality Agreements By Sativa Bowman-Sloan Attorney at Law Unite Contributing Writer

Springfield, MO—Some small business owners have created an idea or product that contains a new business model, invention, or other trade secret. Far too often, these same business owners don’t take into consideration how

important it is to have documents in place to protect their ideas. Perhaps they are consumed with the hectic operations of growing their business or they rely on the faith that everyone will honor some unwritten rule of “what happens at work stays at work.” Have you taken the necessary steps to protect your business? Confidentiality Agreements

can help to protect you by providing a contractual agreement allowing you to file suit against investors or employees who violate your confidences. This makes you more protected when sharing your proprietary information with others. When running your business, the fact is, in order to get funding or necessary loans for

growth, you must share your idea or product with investors. You must also share information with employees simply to get things done. Many times, a confidentiality agreement for an employee may extend beyond the time of their employment. This helps protects you from a disgruntled employee leaving and revealing your privileged information to a competitor.

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Black-ish Star Marsai Martin Set to Become Youngest Executive Producer in Hollywood by Michael Harriot When the comedy Little hits theaters this spring, aside from featuring some of the industry’s biggest stars, the film will also make history. For at least a few months, 14-year-old Marsai Martin will hold the title as the youngest executive producer of a major Hollywood motion picture in history. Martin will co-star with Regina Hall in the singular role of Jordan Sanders, a take-no-prisoners tech entrepreneur who wakes up to discover that a random act of black girl magic has transformed her into the 13-year-old version of herself. Aside from starring in the film and making everyone, including this writer, wonder what the hell we’ve been doing with our lives, Martin will also serve as the executive producer of the irreverent body-switch comedy. The Black-ish star had the idea for the film when she was 10 years old after falling in love with the Tom Hanks film, Big. She ended up pitching the idea to Black-ish Executive Producer Kenya Barris when she was only 10 years old. “It was one of my most favorite films growing up,” Martin told The Root. “After the Season 1 finale of Black-ish, we told Kenya Barris about it, and he called Will [Packer] and said: ‘Yo, you know the girl who plays Diane on Black-ish? She has this dope idea!’” Packer, the blockbuster produc-

Marsai Martin in the movie “Little”

er of hits like Ride Along and Girls Trip, says he immediately bought the idea but was astounded at Martin’s maturity, noting that she pitched the idea to the studio. While Marsai never mentioned the historical significance of her achievement during The Root interview, she did add that she is not only proud of the movie but also hopes it will inspire others. “It doesn’t matter if you are four or 84, there’s no limit to what you can do,” Marsai told The Root. “And if you prove that you can do it, you don’t have to wait... A 13-year-old created this film and it turned out to be a wonderful, loving and fulfilling film.” What is important is that there is a film coming out created by a black girl, starring black women, written by black women, directed by a black woman, and it was all the idea of a black girl.

Minorities In Business Call For 2019 Heritage Awards Nominees Springfield, MO—Minorities In Business has opened nominations for the 2019 MIB Heritage Awards. The event recognizes outstanding individuals in business for their achievements and contributions to our community. The 9th Annual Minorities In Business Heritage Awards Ceremony will take place on April 11, 2019 at the Doubletree Hotel. “It is our great pleasure each year to recognize minority business leaders that are working to grow and thrive in today’s mar-

ket place.” said Samuel Knox, Executive Director of Minorities In Business. Nominees for the Small Business of the Year Award and for the Young Entrepreneur Award will be evaluated on these criteria found on our website: sgfmib.com Letters of nomination should be submitted by March 15th 2019 to MIB Executive Director Samuel Knox by email to info@ sgfmib.com or by mail to Minorities In Business, P. O. Box 1368, Springfield, Mo., 65801.

diverse career opportunities serve your community Make an impact!

Call: 864-1607 /CityofSGF

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Page 8 March 2019 | Unite News

Arts&EntertainmentNews Movie Review: “If Beale Street Could Talk” in the cold to do so. I want to discuss the “Green Book” for a moment. This film Springfield, MO— Well the was moving and very powerOscars have come and gone and ful won the Best Picture. To we have seen Hollywood conbe candid I am still trying to tinue to increase its recognition process it as you may be aware of diversity and inclusion with that many people find the its awards and recogmovie to be a problem nitions. Of course we as it hails to an era of cannot get through very difficult relations every film that was up between. Spike Lee for an award but if you almost stormed out of haven’t seen them now the Oscar awards cereis an excellent oppormony when the picture tunity. won the coveted award. I must admit the I suppose we need to be Lyle Foster number of films that considering the quality have come out in 2018 was a of the film as well as the content nice and refreshing change. Of etc. For those of us who lived course, some were better than through any of this era in the others and part of the job of South we don’t always want the hopefully embracing the new reminders and the refreshers. normal is to recognize that we But it still is a really well done have to realize that not every film. Perhaps the debate and I film will be a Black Panther. can join in this part is whether While I don’t mean to lecture out of everything made that a meaningful part of the expecame out in 2018 was this the rience as well is that we have Best Picture? The controverto get out to the box office and sy around the film which is support these films even when based on a real life story of Dr. it means that we have to get out Donald Shirley and his driver/ By Lyle Foster Unite Contributing Writer

bodyguard and the friendship that developed between them in the midst of the perils of segregation. Perhaps the best thing about the film for me is the education the film provided for many in this nation who never heard of the “Green Book” and apparently didn’t realize that people of color had to delicately navigate around the highways and byways when they travel to know where to stop and eat. Anapurna 2018 We had places in Springfield that were in the “Green Book”. I will celebrate the success and education of the film and pray that it was not an odd to the less favorable aspects. I titled this column Beale Street in homage to an amazing actress Regina King who has stepped into her season and has

picked up numerous awards for the film and now the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress. I am definitely a fan. The film which is an adaptation of the James Baldwin book If Beale Street Could Talk. This might be the time to just mention how phenomenal it is for the new found appreciation of James Baldwin and his work with new films still coming out of his genius works. Perhaps if Beale Street and any other street in our nation could talk we would get quite a story and in this case a far different story. The cast of this film is brilliant especially newcomer Kiki Layne who plays one of the main roles in this film It is an emotional film but that is precisely what makes it so powerful and the continued on page 9

Food Review: Hot Cluckers Springfield, MO— Yes you read it right…Hot Cluckers. The eagerly anticipated Springfield branch of the hot Nashville, Tennessee chain opened just

before Christmas in the previous Big Slice location. Big Slice is still there but has moved a few doors down and they are of course on East Sunshine. Hot

Cluckers is at 1450 E. Sunshine and is open until 9 p.m. in the evening. I am not ashamed to say that I have been there a few times

and I am a fan. But I know y’all know that we keep it real up in here so let me give a word to the wise. Bring a few dolcontinued on page 9

Page 9 March 2019 | Unite News

Straight Outta MSU Department Of Music

Congratulations to Dr. Richard Todd Payne, Baritone, for a successful and inspiring Faculty Recital. His classical and soulful performances included Dr Casey Robards, pianist, Jennifer Forni, soprano and Robert Gibson and the MSU Multicultural Ensemble.

Beale Street

Continued from Page 8

cast just works so well together that they bring the story line together and it gels. Regina King is the glue in this film…. this story and is nothing short of phenomenal. So as they say tell me how you really feel. It is a film to appreciate for the story….. for the author….. for the director……for the cast. The column doesn’t give me

Hot Cluckers

Continued from Page 8

dollars with you …..these are not Popeye’s prices so if you are a fried chicken lover you will need to spend a few dollars. If I recall correctly my two pieces of white meat and some bread were over $7.00 (with tax) and most dinners cost over $10.

the space to adequately review the film but I have to say if you haven’t seen it please do. It is not a happy film but it strikes as the experience of the AfricanAmerican family in our nation and helps us to consider class and values and how they can contrast in their own way. It is also a story of love and how despite the injustice of a system tries to destroy all the love of a family still breaks through and speaks life. 94 Cha-Ching…. But I do need to add that the size of the chicken parts were really big. In fact, I began to wonder what they were feeding the chickens to get them this size and then I took another bite. I went the first time for lunch and while I had an appetite I wasn’t overly hungry so I took half of my order home for continued in column above

dinner. So that should give you some idea of the portions. So how was the food? It was really good! The chicken was a great color and very well seasoned. Now I don’t know the recipe but it had some heat and yet a subtle sweetness to the flavor like it was seasoned with honey. Now you may find this funny or clever but they have a heat rating system for when you order and of course on my first visit I chose to be slightly adventurous. The rating system consists of one cluck, two clucks etc up to Mother Cluck….yes this is really true! So I asked for the two clucks and when I took my first two bites I had to douse myself with water as my tongue and throat were on fire. On my next visit needless to say I went for the one cluck. They do have catfish and my guest tried that and gave it high marks but I stayed with the chicken on both of my visits. I did notice one difference that I want to give you an inside track on. My first visit was during the lunch hour and my chicken was moist and very, very tasty and of course they had the lunch crowd in the store. The second visit was in the evening and the store was much quieter and my serving seemed to be drier and not as good. Now, of course I am assuming they are cooking everything fresh no matter what time of day but just an observation. If you go please let me know what your thoughts are on the moistness and texture. Of course they have the usual sides including fries, hush

puppies, cole slaw, potato salad and fried okra. Yes I said fried okra…after all the chain is from Tennessee. To be honest I didn’t try the sides after that big piece of fried chicken I needed to cut back on the calories somewhere. They do have a beer selection for those of you wanting some adult beverage with your gospel bird. From my last scouting mission to the location they are definitely catching on as the lunch crowds are getting bigger and more customers at night as well. They are also advertising that they have updated their menu so that might be worth checking out as well. It is definitely a nice addition to the Springfield culinary scene and more proof that the options for foodies in our city are growing. You have to pay a few dollars but I am a fan and plan to go back and check it out again. But remember to watch out for the clucks on the heat scale! 3 1/2 forks!

BE A JEWEL FUND

Road to Guardianship or UPCOMING EVENTS Adoption for Grand Families Featuring Attorney Rick Vasquez

• Road to Guardianship or Adoption for Grand Saturday, March 9, 2019 1:00 pm - 3:00Families pm Featuring Attorney Rick Vasquez Midtown Carnegie Saturday, March 9, 2019,Library 1:00 – 3:00 Midtown397 Carnegie Library, 397 E Central, Springfield, MO E. Central, Springfield, MO

moreinformation: information: 417-319-5803 417-319-5803 ForFor more Info@beajewel.today info@beajewel.today PO BOX 10991 - SPRINGFIELD, MO. 65808

The “Be A Jewel Fund” is to promote the welfare and integrity of the community and youth in home and in school. To raise the awareness of grandparents raising grandchildren with available resources through community organizations and networks of available services. To meet small monetary grants/needs of grand families, or to assist with emergency monetary grants for needs approved by the “Be A Jewel Fund” Board of Directors.

Page 10 March 2019 | Unite News

HealthNews Growing Old Gracefully By Tyra Knox Unite Contributing Writer

health is always important but you must maintain your emotionSpringfield, MO— Getting older al health as well. doesn’t have to mean you will Many things change in our have a lot of medical bodies as we get older. conditions or have a poor Our bones, brain and quality of life. Getting nervous system, digesolder is a natural part of tive system, skin, sex living. life, etc. Many of these “Aging gracefully” is changes are natural. Just often used as an euphebecause some of the mism. People may use changes are natural does Tyra Knox the phrase to mean an not mean you have to slow individual is showing signs of agdown or come to a complete stop ing but yet has maintained their in your journey. There are many physical health and charisma. things you can do to protect your Getting older does involve body as you age. changes. Some of those changes Stay physically active with can seem to be both negative and regular exercise. Stay socially positive; but you can enjoy the involved with your friends and journey if you understand what family. Volunteer in your commuis actually going on in your body nity. Go to new places. Have fun and take steps to maintain your and try new things. health. Maintaining your physical Don’t neglect yourself. Reg-

ular doctor visits are important. Get the sleep that your body is asking for. Cut out the junk foods that are not benefiting your body and replace your meals with fiber rich, low fat and low cholesterol eating for a start. Study shows Tai Chi and Dance benefit the brain in older adults and that Tai Chi beats stretching and conventional exercise in reducing fall risks for the elderly. Every Friday morning there is a free Tai Chi class offered here in Springfield. The classes are held at the Springfield Art Museum. Although the Museum is merely the location spot for the seniors to meet, you can call the Museum at 417-837-5700 for more information about getting in contact with the Tai Chi instructor for more information

about the class and the benefits of Tai Chi. Dance classes may beat traditional exercise when it comes to improving older adults’ balance and it is believed to possibly enhance brain areas related to memory and learning along the way. That’s the finding of a study that was conducted that compared dance lessons with seniors against standard exercise. Urban Ballroom Dancing classes are offered on Saturday afternoons at the Ballroom World in the Plaza Towers Center. No previous dance instruction necessary. You can call 330-634-4382 to speak with Larry and Valerie Gates for more information on the benefits of dancing at any age. I close with a quote I once read that said, “you don’t stop laughing when you grow old, you grow old when you stop laughing.”

‘Black Men in White Coats’ Inspiring Black Boys to Become Doctors Dallas, TX — Dr. Dale Okorodudu, an African-American doctor and the founder of Black Men in White Coats, aims to make an impact on the world by helping develop future leaders in medicine. He recently organized a youth summit with a goal to inspire Black boys to pursue the career of becoming a doctor as well. “Some alarming data came out that the number of Black men applying to the field of medicine was decreasing. There were actu-

ally less in 2011 than there was in 1978,” Dr. Okorodudu shared via the organization’s YouTube channel. “Our mission is to inspire the next generation of physician leaders and to diversify the field of medicine with a special emphasis on Black males.” In hopes to do that, Dr. Okorodudu organized the Black Men in White Coats Youth Summit at UT Southwestern. It was attended by hundreds of students from thirdgrade level to middle and high

school. They got to connect with educators, clinicians, and community leaders as well as discov-

ered resources that would help them as they take on the path of becoming doctors.

Page 11 March 2019 | Unite News

Library

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list so you can come prepared to discuss your favorites. Books will also be available at the event. On Thursday, March 28, at 7 p.m., Library Center auditorium, hear best-selling author and illustrator AG Ford talk about his work, the process of making a picture book and becoming an illustrator. Ford has published more than 30 books for children, including “My Daddy, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr” and “Malcolm Little: The Boy Who Would Grow Up To Become Malcolm X.” Books will be available for sales and signing. Don’t miss the traveling exhibit Telling A People’s Story African-American Children’s Illustrated Literature, at the Library Center until March 31. ••• Here’s one for parents and grandparents. Conscious Parenting: From Chaos to Calm, from 10-11:30 a.m. Saturday, March 16, in the Library Center auditorium. Conscious Discipline is a program that supports children’s healthy social and emotional learning. Parents learn life-changing skills that decrease problem behavior, power struggles and aggression, while increasing resilience, emotional health and achievement. Conscious Discipline meets families where they are and empowers them to experience success. Child care will be provided. Presented in partnership with Early Childhood One Stop. To register call 616-0563. ••• Want to understand investment

practices but don’t know where to start? Investing for Beginners is a two-part series at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 2; and Thursday, April 4, in Library Center meeting room A. Presenters Gene Toner, Billie Nelson, and Kathy McGovern of the non-profit Better Investing will explain the sometimes-confusing terminology of investment and provide resources you can use to decide where and how to start investing your money in the stock market. 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.

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and non-traditional populations. She comes to Drury from Union Institute & University in Cincinnati, Ohio, where she has served as vice president of enrollment management since 2015 and was responsible for providing leadership in all areas of admissions, retention, financial aid, and marketing. In her time at Union Institute, Browning engaged the entire campus community in discussions of enrollment management, vision, and strategy, and she made extensive use of analytics, market research, and student experience mapping to drive enrollment goals. Prior to that, Browning spent four years as a senior director of admissions with the Art Institutes, where she implemented a

successful new student recruitment and admissions operation as part of the institution’s executive committee. Before that, Browning spent six years at the University of Phoenix, where she started as an enrollment counselor and was promoted three times to eventually become director of enrollment for the schools’ Maryland campus. In that role, she oversaw a team of 35 and was a key member of the national implementation team for a new orientation program. Beyond her expertise within the non-traditional education arena, Browning brings a passion for service and community connections. In 2016, she was the Cincinnati Community Action Agency/Head Start Conference Facilitator and was twice selected by Cincinnati BizWomen as a mentor for the annual “Mentoring Monday” event. She is a standing member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. - Sigma Omega Chapter and the Queen City (OH) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated. She has presented on enrollment management topics at several national conferences and appeared on the Lifetime television series “The Balancing Act” focused on “Today’s Education for Today’s Working Adults.” The Kentucky native received her bachelor’s degree from Murray State University and her M.B.A. from the University of Phoenix.

Mae Ella Mahaffey Continued from Page 4

maintaining the most beautiful lawn in the neighborhood. In retirement she enjoyed lunch with other, mostly white, retired VA nurses along with three other black nurses from her unit. What advice would your mom have for young people? Today she might say, “Dream big and follow your dreams, don’t let anything hold you back.” Do not give up when called the “n” word. She noted that people are people, look beyond the prejudice and racism. When people are sick, you see them as your patient, a person that needs help.

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Many of the young men prefer to ask their peers for assistance and guidance rather than strangers. “They’ll meet for lunch to discuss their goals and what it’s like to work in their prospective fields,” Greyson explained. “It’s a great opportunity for our members to sit down one-on-one with someone who has found success in work and life.” The local Brother 2 Brother program is open to male high school and college students. The group meets the second and fourth Thursdays of the month from 7:30-9 p.m. at Missouri State University. To learn more or get involved with Brother 2 Brother, email Greyson Foresee at foreseeg@otc.edu.

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