May 2019 Volume 29/ Number 5 • A Monthly Publication by Unite of Southwest Missouri, Inc • www.unitenewsonline.org
UNITE.
Congratulations! Springfield, MO 2019 High School Graduates
Building Empowering Connections In Our Diverse Community
MSU Hires Amaka Agugua-Hamilton to Lead Lady Bears
Minorities In Business recognizes two local Business Owners at banquet
Coach Amaka Agugua-Hamilton
H. Wes Pratt and Carl Davis
H. Wes Pratt and Nick Cunningham
See Stor y on page 4
Hamilton is the first African-American female head coach for any sport at MSU Springfield, MO— Missouri State University has selected Amaka Agugua-Hamilton (Uhmah-kuh Uh-goo-gwa) to be its eighth head women’s basketball coach. Agugua-Hamilton was formally introduced at a 3 p.m. press conference on Wednesday, April 17, in the Prime Overtime Club inside JQH Arena, and was
unanimously approved by the Missouri State University Board of Governors early Wednesday morning after an extensive national search. The first African-American female head coach for any sport at Missouri State, Agugua-Hamilton, 36, is an 18-year veteran of Division I women’s basketball, including four seasons as a player at Hofstra and four coaching stops, most recently on the staff of Michigan State for the past six seasons, the last four as Associate Head Coach. “I am excited to welcome Coach Mox to Missouri State University and know she will build on the good work that has gone on before to create an even
2019 ArtsFest May 4th & 5th on Walnut St See stor y on page 2
stronger women’s basketball program at the University,” said Missouri State President Clif Smart. “I commend Kyle Moats and the search committee for their good work.” During an impressive six-year stint at Michigan State, Coach Mox helped the Spartans to four seasons with
L to R: Clif Smart, Amaka Hamilton, and Kyle Moats
continued on page 2
Cheryl Brown Henderson To Address Drury Graduating Class Of 2019 See stor y on page 11
Page 2 May 2019 | Unite News
Coach Mox
Continued from Page 1
at least 21 wins, four NCAA Tournaments, one WNIT bid, and the 2014 Big Ten regular season title. She was integral in signing four consecutive top-35 recruiting classes, most recently the seventh-ranked group in the nation, and recruited and coached 26 all-conference players and a pair of top-10 WNBA draft choices. She also earned four victories as interim head coach in 2017, and aided the Spartans to an overall 125-72 record and 58-44 Big Ten mark in six years. “Coach Mox has everything we were looking for in a coach,” said Kyle Moats, MSU’s director of athletics. “She is a player’s coach, detailed-oriented, disci-
plined, high integrity, community-oriented, and is completely invested in the student-athlete - wanting to make them great people first and great basketball players second.” A native of Herndon, Va., Agugua-Hamilton is a 2005 graduate of Hofstra University, where she averaged 10.2 points and 6.0 rebounds over a 95-game career. She is the Pride’s career field goal percentage leader at .551, and graduated with the top three single-season field goal percentage marks in school history. A four-year team captain, she was a second-team all-Colonial Athletic Association pick in 2004, and helped Hofstra to a WNIT berth in 2006, the school’s first ever postseason appearance. Prior to Michigan State, Agugua-Hamilton was the top assis-
tant and recruiting coordinator at Old Dominion for two seasons, helping the Monarchs to an eight-win improvement and WNIT berth her second year in 2012-13. She recruited and coached eight all-CAA selections and one WNBA draft pick while at ODU. Before her time at ODU, Agugua-Hamilton worked at Indiana for two seasons (2009-11) as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator, and at Virginia Commonwealth for three years, as a graduate assistant (2006-07) and assistant coach (2007-09). Coach Mox helped VCU to a pair of 26-win seasons and the school’s first NCAA Tournament appearance during her two years as a full-time assistant. She earned her bachelor’s degree in business management from Hofstra in 2005 and received her master’s degree in sports leadership and administration from VCU in 2007.
Agugua-Hamilton married Billy Hamilton in 2017. The couple have a son, Eze, born in April 2018. She replaces Kellie Harper, who was hired as the head coach at her alma mater, Tennessee, following the 2018-19 season. The Lady Bears lose only one senior from a 2018-19 squad that finished 25-10 overall, ranked 24th in the USA Today Coaches Poll, won the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament, and advanced to the NCAA Sweet Sixteen for the fourth time in program history. Agugua-Hamilton’s contract, which was also approved by the Board of Governors, is a fiveyear agreement through April 16, 2024, with a base salary of $240,000. Additional achievement incentives for NCAA and WNIT appearances, conference championships, coaching honors, attendance average and APR standards are also included in the agreement.
The 39th Springfield Artsfest on Walnut St May 4th & 5th
10 am to 5 pm. Tickets cost $5 at the gate, children ages 5 and under are free. Support the local arts and artists, AND have an exclusive Artsfest shopping experience through the Patron Experience. The event is Friday, May 3rd from 6-8 pm and we would love to see you there! You will also receive a complimentary catalog of the art available at Artsfest 2019 so you can pick out the newest pieces for your collection before the event! To read about all the great benefits of becoming a Patron, contact the Springfield Regional Arts council office at 417-862-ARTS.
Springfield, MO—Artsfest makes art essential to the lives of those living in Southwest Missouri by showcasing talented artists and their creativity in a community-centric festival. Thirty-nine years strong, this outdoor event hosts more than 120 artists, 70 performers and 25 food vendors on the beautiful Historic Walnut Street. Festival hours will be on Saturday, May 4 from 10 am to 6 pm and on Sunday, May 5 from
Page 3 May 2019 | Unite News
IN THIS ISSUE 4
Community News
9th Annual MIB Heritage Awards Banquet
by Minorities In Business
Rewards-Filled Summer Reading Program At The Library
6
by Kathleen O’Dell, Springfield-Greene County Library District
8
Here comes summer, and that means the fun and rewards-filled Summer Reading Program that runs May 17-Aug. 3. This year we’re celebrating A Universe of Stories, and every week in Kathleen O'Dell May and June is filled with reading challenges, prizes and entertainment by guest performers. Best of all, summer reading enhances children’s reading skills so they don’t fall into that dreaded summer reading skills slide. There’s a program for tiny tots from birth through age 2; preschoolers for age 3 through 5; children ages 6 through 11; youth in grades 6 -12; and adults. Tots and preschoolers benefit from being read to even if they can’t read because it builds pre-reading skills. Listening to others read to them also counts toward their reading time. Beginning May 17, pick up a continued on page 11
Volume 29, Number 5 PUBLISHER Unite. of Southwest Missouri, Inc. MANAGING EDITOR Samuel G. Knox
Business News
2019 MIB Small Business of the Year Recipient
by Minorities In Business
10
UNITE.
Entertainment News Homecoming review: Beyoncé film ... by Katie Collins Health News Where Volunteering Can Make A Differnce, Part 2 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
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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Lyle Foster Tyra Knox Gwen Marshall Kathleen O'Dell Mariah Oke-Thomas 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 May 2019 | Unite News
CommunityNews Minorities In Business recognizes two business owners at banquet Springfield, MO— There were close to 200 people in attendance at the 9th Annual Minorities In Business Heritage Award Banquet, April 11, 2019. The annual event was held at the Doubletree Hotel where two entrepreneurs were honored. Each year MIB recognizes two minority owned businesses that have made outstanding progress in the business community. Carl Davis who was awarded the Small Business of the Year, owns Advanced Lawncare and Fertilizer, Bo’s Black Angus and buys and sells farms. Between his three businesses, Carl currently has 25 employees, 6 subcontractors and over 1,000 customer accounts. Honesty and Integrity are the success principles Carl Davis uses to grow his
business. He teaches, “Always take the high road when dealing with employees, customers and your suppliers.” The Young Entrepreneur Award went to Nick Cunningham. Cunningham owns Nick Cunningham, LLC where he buys houses to remodel and resell, or he will buy a house, remodel it and keep it in his rental portfolio. Nick’s life philosophy is, “your best is a moving target, …your best today isn’t necessarily your best tomorrow, I am always striving to improve.” He also uses the quote, “Failure is an opportunity to begin again, more intelligently.” “Minorities In Business started in 2009 and provides monthly programs that share information about business opportunities and business education for entrepre-
development and business opportunities through advocacy, networking and capacity building for minority owned businesses and entrepreneurs. Their goal is to help connect historically underrepresented groups with the tools they need to grow, thrive and compete more effectively in today’s market place.
Whether you have a material to sell or offer a great service—CU is looking for reputable vendors to help us keep our business up-and-running.
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.
neurs and area professionals. These monthly programs are open to all guests who are thinking about opening a business or individuals looking to network with business owners with a particular product or service.” said Samuel Knox, MIB Executive Director. Minorities In Business is a business association who’s mission is promoting economic
Working Together to Power Springfield
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.
See more photos from the banquet on the MIB Facebook Page
ARE YOU READY TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE? APPLY TODAY AND
Call 417-831-8363 or log on to 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.
www.jobs.missouristate.edu City Utilities of Springfield • 301 East Central, Springfield MO • 417.863.9000 • cityutilities.net
Page 5 May 2019 | Unite News
Heritage Trail Committee announces new round of markers By Cora Scott Guest Writer
The Springfield-Greene County African-American Heritage Trail Committee announces plans for additional trail markers commemorating four churches historically interconnected to form the core of the African-American religious community in Springfield and markers commemorating Alberta’s Hotel and Lincoln School. The markers will be installed in early summer. The trail project which is now in its second year recognizes the history and contributions of the African-American community to area history with trail markers commemorating local history, culture and points of interest. The new markers will be recognizing the following historical sites: Church Square North During slavery, some slaves met in secrecy to worship in the woods along Jordan Creek (formerly Wilson’s Creek). In the north area bounded by Central, Benton, Washington Avenue and Brower Street (currently Bob Barker Boulevard), the Benton Avenue African Methodist Episcopalian Church (AME) was organized in 1872. In 1926, the current two-story brick building was completed. Washington Avenue Baptist Church, organized in 1867 as a mission by members of the white congregation of the First Baptist Church, was called Second Baptist Church (Colored). The church was renamed Washington Avenue Baptist Church to
remove two stigmas: the use of the term “colored,” and eliminating Second Baptist Churches as inferior “offshoots” of First Baptist Churches. The church was later moved 300 feet north on Washington Avenue so that Drury University could build a new science center. The church is now the Drury University Diversity Center. Church Square South The southern area of the historic Church Quadrangle includes Pitts Chapel United Methodist Church, built in 1865 after an arsonist torched the log cabin church along Jordan Creek. The other church is Gibson Chapel at Tampa and Washington Avenue, which was formed as the First Negro Cumberland Presbyterian Church in 1865 by a former slave, the Rev. Peter Lair. Alberta’s Hotel The community hospital for the black community was remodeled by Ms. Alberta Ellis to include rooms for paying guests; a large dining room, a rumpus room, beauty salon, barbershop and snack bar. The hotel, staffed by family members, was located three blocks north of historic Route 66. Alberta’s Hotel was listed in The Negro Travelers’ Green Book beginning in 1954. Over the years, Route 66 travelers from across the United States and other countries stayed at Alberta’s Hotel. Lincoln School The Rosenwald Foundation in 1930 issued a grant to pay for a new school for Springfield’s Negro students and a two-story redbrick school was dedicated on
May 21, 1931. When it opened, teachers led students in a parade on Central Street to the New Lincoln School. Once there, students sang “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” The new school had 15 rooms, including a gymnasium, mechanical arts shop, domestic science room and a library. Lincoln School, described in the local newspaper as “one of the best equipped Negro schools in the state,” was a community school. Teachers, administrators and parents sponsored scout troops; a community library and child care center; as well as held dances, plays, concerts, talent
contests and fashion shows. When Springfield public schools integrated, Lincoln School became a junior high school and is now Lincoln Hall on the Ozarks Technical Community College campus. Funding support for the African-American Heritage Trail has been received from the City of Springfield and the Community Foundation of the Ozarks. Donations are welcome and encouraged, and can be sent to the Springfield-Greene County African-American Heritage Trail c/o of the Community Foundation of the Ozarks.
diverse career opportunities serve your community Make an impact!
Call: 864-1607 /CityofSGF
City of Springfield, Missouri
@CityofSGFjobs
@CityofSGF
Page 6 May 2019 | Unite News
BusinessNews 2019 MIB Small Business of the Year Recipient from Minorities In Business Contributing Stor y
Springfield, MO—This monthwe will feature Minorities In Business Small Business of the Year Awards recipient, Carl Davis. Carl Davis was born and raised in Hartville, Missouri. After graduating from Hartville High School on May 18, he immediately started working for Consumers Market in Springfield on May 24th, 1972. Carl worked as a Meat Cutter and managed the meat department for Consumers Market for 28 and a half years. In July 1996 a friend of Carl’s, who owned a lawncare business, came into the meat department and said the lawncare business was for sale. Carl went into business with a partner only to realize in a short time the partnership wasn’t going to work out. The partnership was dissolved
and Carl bought the mowing equipment. Carl started his business with six lawns, one push lawn mower and a rented lawn mower. On a day off from mowing, Carl went by Kraft Foods and gave them his business card, they later called him and he has had their landscaping account to this day. Over time, Carl said he took those six customers and expanded his business into lawn maintenance and lawn fertilization. Carl remembers, “From there, I just talked to people, and bid on contracts.” Carl says God has given him favor with his banker. “I’ve never had them tell me no for anything.” Carl says, “DBE certification put me on the map. When the Master Card Company came to Kansas City, I was the only certified minority owned Lawn care Company in that area and did almost a million dollars
Carl Davis standing in the middle with family members
worth of business with them. “When I completed that project, I paid cash for my first farm. As I started making money from the landscaping company, I started buying real estate. I would buy farms and resale them. When I got my retirement check, I went and bought 12 registered
Angus, and we started Bo’s Black Angus. We now have somewhere between 750 to 800 head of cattle. The herd is divided between Greene County, Webster County, Wright County and Laclede County.” When asked what was the continued on page 7
Avoid Stress: Assign A TOD to All Your Vehicles By Sativa Bowman-Sloan Attorney at Law Unite Contributing Writer
Springfield, MO—It makes sense for you to name a transfer-ondeath (TOD) beneficiary for your vehicles. That way, your vehicle can be transferred to the beneficiary quickly and easily, without probate court approval. (Beware: the beneficiary inherits any out-
standing debts on the vehicle, as well as the vehicle.) If you have a Trust, be sure to make the TOD beneficiary the name of your Trust. You may have already applied for and received a new certificate of ownership with TOD beneficiary(s) listed for your current transportation sitting in your garage or driveway, but what about
that “little gem” sitting in storage or in the barn? How about your project car, the one you are going to restore someday? Not having a TOD on these vehicles can create real paperwork problems when it comes time for your heirs to sell, or heaven forbid, junk! Take an inventory of your cars, motorcycles, boats, motor homes, and trailers, no matter
their condition. Update the TOD if necessary. It is an easy procedure that you can do at the local DMV office.
Subscribe To The Unite Publication Call: (417) 864-7444
Page 7 May 2019 | Unite News
Carl Davis
Continued from Page 6
decision to go into business, Carl said, “I had two sons and wanted to give them the same work environment that his daddy provided for him.” Carl says his greatest compliment was when someone told him his dad would be very proud of what he had accomplished.” Between his three businesses, Carl currently has
25 employees, 6 subcontractors and over 1,000 customer accounts. Honesty and Integrity are the success principles Carl Davis uses to grow his business. He teaches, “Always take the high road when dealing with employees, customers and your suppliers.” Would you please help us recognize our Minorities In Business, Small Business of the Year, Mr Carl Davis!
NOW HIRING FOR THE FOLLOWING POSITIONS: •
Account Executive (Advertising Sales) Producer Broadband Installers Direct Sales Representatives Commercial Account Representatives •
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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
Toni Robinson, 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
BENEFITS INCLUDE…. • Full-time hours! • Hourly pay! Great commission potential! • And MUCH more! EOE m/f/d/v
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 www.smfinfo.com
Page 8 May 2019 | Unite News
Arts&EntertainmentNews Homecoming review: Beyoncé film brings fireworks to Netflix By Katie Collins Guest Contributing Writer
Beychella will stand the test of time as the definitive and declarative Beyoncé performance, and now we can witness history being made in our homes. Beychella. It was April 2018, and the word thrummed around the internet as video clips of Beyoncé dressed as Nefertiti were posted and pulled down. Everyone who wasn’t in the California desert suddenly switched focus. Everyone who was there realized they’d witnessed a historical musical event -- the first black woman to headline Coachella bringing her A game and then some. A year on and we’re still talking about Beyoncé’s performance, but those of us who didn’t brave the dry and dusty plains of the Coachella Valley in
the Colorado Desert no longer have to watch snippets recorded on people’s phones. Instead we can watch the full show in the comfort of our own homes courtesy of Netflix. And if you don’t need the visuals, you can listen on the streaming service of your choice. The show is captured in high definition for posterity and combines with the rougher footage depicting the painstaking preparation and collaborations that ultimately made it such a triumph. Beyoncé, who wrote, directed and executive produced the movie, wants to show and tell us what her Homecoming performance meant to her. Threaded through glossy footage of the performance are vignettes of the months-long rehearsal process. In raw, often black and white, behind-thescenes shots, Beyoncé brings together dancers, singers and
where none of us were margina full orchestra, not just to peralized.” form behind her, but to co-creShe doesn’t make it look ate a show that celebrates black easy and effortless, because history and music. it’s not. With a face free from She themed Homecoming makeup and around the hisa baseball cap torically black often wedged on colleges and uniher head, the star versities (HBCU) moves between and pulled her three sound stagteam of performes, pulling long ers from their hours over many student bodies, months, switchchanneling their ing between the energy and taproles of audience ping into their member, direcexperiences. tor, logistics coor“When I dinator and perdecided to former to ensure do Coachella, every detail is instead of me Universal Pictures 2019 perfect. pulling out For Beyoncé who gave birth my flower crown, it was more to twins by caesarean less than important that I brought our a year before her Coachella, the culture to Coachella,” she says performance and the rehearsals during a voiceover. “We were leading up to it also presented able to create a free, safe space continued on page 9
A Brief History of the Origin of Soul Food By BlackNews.Com Guest Contributing Writer
Nationwide — The mention of soul food evokes an image that instantly invigorates each of your senses. You imagine the most satisfying of comfort foods, like fried chicken, corn
bread, and collard greens. A very rich culture surrounds soul food, and its history runs deep. Slaves brought many of their recipes with them to America, and slave ships transported some of their crops, as well. Okra, watermelon, and coffee all came to America from Africa.
Slave owners would often give their slaves the most undesirable parts of the animal, such as pig feet and intestines, to eat. Slaves owners also let slaves cultivate their own garden plots to lower the costs of feeding them. As a result, slaves adapted by inventing their own unique
cooking methods. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, African-American cuisine began to merge with the food of European immigrants. Dishes such as ham and macaroni and cheese became staples in the Black community. Around that continued on page 9
Page 9 May 2019 | Unite News
Homecoming
Continued from Page 8
her with a unique physical challenge. Rather than skirting over this, she addresses it directly, talking about the ways she restricted her diet and the discomfort she felt in her stomach muscles as she recovered from the operation while learning the choreography. The physical strain the performance put on her body was compounded by the challenge of suddenly being a mum to twins in addition to her 6-year-old daughter Blue Ivy. I’m no stranger to watching Beyoncé perform, but Homecoming feels different, definitive -- and that’s kind of the point. “It feels like a dream come true and something I worked
Soul Food
Continued from Page 8
time, Black cooks often served these meals at church gatherings; the best meals were usually served on Sundays. The term “soul food” did not originate until sometime in the 1960s. Although we don’t know when phrase was first used, Alex Haley used the phrase in his 1965 novel The Autobiography of Malcom X. In 1962, Sylvia Woods opened her eponymous restaurant. The establishment quickly became a soul food staple. Her restaurant featured several Southern classics and became a draw for politicians and tourists. Called “the queen of soul food,” Sylvia played an important role in the
my entire life for,” Beyoncé’s voice tells us at one point. “I’m so grateful I was able to come home.” Homecoming was part career retrospective, part celebration of what Beyoncé’s become. What it is to the rest of us will depend who you are, especially if you’re black, if you’re a woman, if you’re a black woman. And what it means over the course of time will evolve as it continues to be talked about as an important moment in musical history. You will be proud to be able to say you were there. And even if you weren’t, then at least you can say that thanks to Netflix you’ve seen it with your own eyes -- that you witnessed it and you too were grateful that Beyoncé brought it home.
popularization of soul food. In the 60s, the influence of soul food began to grow rapidly. The hip-hop artists of the 90s frequently used the term, and today, most people are familiar with the culture of soul food. When you sit down for your next family meal, take a moment to consider their history of the dishes in front of you. The meal you’re eating may have originated generations ago, perhaps when families relayed their recipes by ear instead of by paper. The culmination of their struggles and their victories is what created the culture we live in today. As you prepare these meals and pass them down to your own children, know that you, too, will become a key player in this continuing narrative.
Scholarship Resource Guide For Diverse High School Students Name of Scholarships:
For Guidelines Contact:
Central Bank of the Ozarks Diversity Scholarship/ Internship
Central Bank of the Ozarks 1800 S. Glenstone, Springfield, MO 65804
For minority seniors interested in the area of Business attending college in the area Clifton F. & Lorane S. McCormic Endowed Scholarship For graduating African American students at Central High School Thomas L. & Ursalee Cole-Darton Endowed Scholarship For graduating African American and Hispanic students who want to continue their education Dr. Calvin Allen Minority Scholarship For graduating minority preference to Central High School Wallace & Libby Walter Scholarship For African American students from Springfield, MO NAACP Springfield Branch Youth Scholarship For graduating minority students Jacquelin Waugh Foster Scholarship For graduating minority students
For Guidelines Contact: Foundation for Springfield Public Schools, 1131 Boonville, Springfield, MO 65802
For Guidelines Contact: Foundation for Springfield Public Schools, 1131 Boonville, Springfield, MO 65802
For Guidelines Contact: Community Foundation of the Ozarks, P.O. Box 8960, Springfield, MO 65801 For Guidelines Contact: Lawrence Anderson, Office of Equity & Access, 1359 E. St Louis, Springfield, MO 65802 For Guidelines Contact: Springfield NAACP, P.O. Box 8983, Springfield, MO 65801
For Guidelines Contact: Springfield NAACP, P.O. Box 8983, Springfield, MO 65801
For guideline details on any of these scholarships listed, please contact Lawrence Anderson, Office of Equity & Access, Springfield Public Schools (417) 523-0064
Page 10 May 2019 | Unite News
HealthNews Where Volunteering Can Make A Difference, Part 2 By Tyra Knox Unite Contributing Writer
need of volunteers to make their vision a reality for the communiSpringfield, MO—Last month we ty. looked at a number of reasons for Second, I recommend to you seniors to volunteer. We to check out the list of stated positive reasons organizations listed here not just for the senior but in the Unite publication for the organizations as this month. Make a call well. or send an email to the This month I want to organizations listed to look at some organizasee if there is some way tions that could possibly you could volunteer. Tyra Knox use some free assistance. Some other local organiThe first place that comes to zations include places like; Crossmind are the small local churchlines, Lost & Found, Least of es. Some of the larger churches These, Casa, Meals on Wheels, have several activities weekly or Care to Learn, etc., just to name monthly for the community. They a few. are able to do a number of these We will look further into some events because they have a large of these organizations as we go number of volunteers. Howevalong the next few months. This er, the smaller churches could month I just want to talk about a have the same type of events and couple not even on this list. activities for children, families, seniors, etc. However, they are in The Springfield Humane Society:
Animal shelters are an obvious first step for animal lovers who have time to volunteer, whether it’s to foster a pet, help care for animals at the shelter, or any of a variety of other tasks. Contact your local shelter. Nursing Homes: Nursing homes rely on volunteers to interact with their residents. They need volunteers to provide company for residents and assist in church services, hosting dances, card games, bingo nights and more. There are a number of residents that don’t really have the opportunity to connect with people outside of the nursing home staff. Senior Corps: Senior Corps aims to connect people 55 and older with the community. Senior Corps has a foster
grandparents program that gives retirees an opportunity to mentor children and youth. Foster grandparents volunteer an average of 20 hours per week in schools, childcare centers, hospitals, drug treatment centers and correctional institutions. Ozarks Food Harvest: The food bank’s senior food program supplements the diets of low income seniors with nutritious USDA food. More than 3,600 seniors, age 60 and older who live at or below 130% of the poverty level, receive monthly food boxes at Ozarks Food Harvest partner agencies like senior centers, churches and pantries. So please consider getting involved and see what a big difference you could actually be making in your community.
Family-Owned Vegan Restaurant, Green Love Kitchen, in Atlanta Area Atlanta, GA — On April 6th, Green Love Kitchen, the sole vegan restaurant in Lithonia, Georgia (a suburb of Atlanta), will host a grand affair for foodies, vegans, vegetarians, or those looking for a great meal and a fun time. The special event will feature an all-new menu of tasty vegan dishes and a line-up of entertainment and guests from the community. While the festivities run from noon until 8 pm,
musical performances by Official Grey Music and Mama Sol are slated to kick off at 3 pm. “We are so excited to reopen our doors and celebrate with our customers, family and friends,” said Green Love Kitchen Owner Marie-Maudelyne Green. She co-owns the restaurant with her husband, Jhavaun Green. “Attendees will also get a unique farm-to-table experience. We Continued on Page 11
Page 11 May 2019 | Unite News
Library
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game board at the Library or log on to thelibrary.org/universe and follow the links to register for the reading program that fits you, and start logging reading minutes and complete activities to earn great prizes. Teens can post reviews online, too, at thelibrary.org/universe. Tots, Preschoolers, Kids and Teens can earn a free book, a Summer Youth Passport offering treats from the Mudhouse, Firehouse Pottery, Chick-fil-A, Andy B’s, Little Caesar’s Pizza and more. Complete the program, and get a Fresh Start Fine Waiver Card. Prizes can be picked up at any library branch or the Mobile Library from May 25 through August 3. Prizes for Star Readers who complete the program before summer is over earn entries into the end-of-summer drawings for reading totes, coupons for free books and gift cards from Itty Bitty City, Missouri Sports Hall of Fame, 1984, Willard Aquatics, Dark Stone Coffee, Barnes & Noble, Amazon and more! Adults can also register at thelibrary.org/universe, log books and complete activities, or log all that on forms available at any checkout desk. As you log books and complete activities, you earn entries into our August 10 drawings for gift set prizes. See all the upcoming summer events planned for you, too, at thelibrary.org/universe, or grab the summer issue of Bookends at any branch.
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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partner with several local African American farms to ensure we offer the freshest produce. At the grand opening event, people will be able to meet and mingle with the farmers who grow the foods they enjoy at Green Love Kitchen.” Fans have been awaiting the return of their favorite spot to get mouthwatering vegan macaroni and cheese and the award-winning Thai Kale Wrap. Now they will get to savor several new items on the enhanced menu. “When we first moved to metro-Atlanta, it was impossible to find vegan restaurants outside of the perimeter. If you wanted a variety of healthy, plant-based and delicious foods, you had to drive 30 or 45 minutes. We were practically in a food desert,” said Green. Her experience with the lack of vegan options spurred an idea. Inspired by the opportunity to create something that would not only help her family but introduce many others to healthier eating habits, Green began her entrepreneurship journey. While she knew how to prepare vegan dishes, she furthered her expertise by attending Le Cordon Bleu’s culinary college. She
started with a vegan catering company, and eventually opened Green Love Kitchen in 2015, steadily growing its customer base. “We saw that there was an incredible demand. Eating vegan isn’t a fad or trend,” added Green. “It was so important to us that people had access to the best vegan and vegetarian food, no matter their zip code.” With an eye on quality, convenience and customer service in a family-like atmosphere, the Greens have gone
beyond a menu; they’ve created a movement. Boasting hundreds of 5-star reviews and a loyal fanbase, Green Love Kitchen offers patrons not only food, but a sense of community. Located at 6986 Main St. in Lithonia, Georgia, Green Love Kitchen is open Monday – Friday, 10am to 8pm. For more information, visit www. greenlovekitchen.com. To get an inside look at events and happenings, connect with them on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Pioneering civil rights family to be honored at May 11 Drury commencement Springfield, MO— Cheryl in recognition of his contribuBrown Henderson, daughter of tions to equality and civil rights, the late Rev. Oliver Brown, will which Brown Henderson and return to Drury Univerother family members sity to address graduwill accept on his behalf. ates during the 2019 In 1959, Brown and spring commencement his family moved from ceremony, which begins Topeka, Kansas, to at 11 a.m., Saturday, Springfield where he May 11, at the O’Reilly served as pastor of the Family Event Center. Benton Avenue African Brown Henderson Methodist Episcopal Cheryl Brown last visited Drury in Church until his death in Henderson August for a celebration 1961. During that time, of the 100th anniversary of her he remained active as a civil father’s birth. A civil rights rights leader, working to bring leader and local pastor, Brown equality to his new home. The is best known as the namesake Benton Avenue church ceased of the monumental 1954 Suoperation in 2013 and was acpreme Court case to end legal quired by Drury in 2014. Drury racial segregation in American organized the August celebraschools, Brown et al. vs. Board tion as a way of honoring the of Education. During the cerechurch, its congregation and the mony, Drury will bestow an honBrown family. orary doctoral degree to Brown Continued from Page 12
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During her previous visit, Brown Henderson addressed audiences at Central High School, the school where her eldest sister, Linda, graduated in 1961. She described her father as ordinary person who was simply seeking to ensure a greater opportunity for the next generation. “Watching my parents here in Springfield was an example of what commitment, duty and leadership looks like,” she said. “Because what it has required is that we be good stewards of that history. It has required that we use every moment as a teachable moment. It has required that we make certain that the message to this and future generations is one that their work could not have gone in vain.” About Cheryl Brown Henderson Brown Henderson is the founding president of the Brown Foundation for Educational Equity, Excellence and Research, which seeks to preserve and promote the ideals won in the original Brown vs. Board case. She has extensive experience as an educator and political advocate, having served on various state and national boards. She is also an experienced speaker, appearing at conferences, universities and on television across the country. On seven different occasions she has been invited to the White House in honor of her work and the work of those who came before her in the struggle for civil rights.