2019 October Unite

October 2019 Volume 29/ Number 10 • A Monthly Publication by Unite of Southwest Missouri, Inc • www.unitenewsonline.org

UNITE.

SPD Addresses Racial Disparities in Traffic Stops Photos on Page 2

Building Empowering Connections In Our Diverse Community

Art of Independence

Bead Art created by women living in rural Kwa Zula-Natal, South Africa

by Tyra Knox Unite Contributing Writer

Beautiful costumes and interpretive dance of The talented Chinelos Morelenses Unidos en Arkansas

Diamond, MO— On Saturday, October 12th, George Washington Carver National Monument will host its second annual Hispanic Heritage Day. Throughout the event performers and storytellers will share their culture with the public. There will be presentations of traditional dance, customs, games, and foods. This FREE event takes place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

This special day is on-going commitment to embrace a wider audience and cultivate cultural See article on page 9

Springfield, MO— The Thando Ntobela Springfield Art Museum currently has an exhibition going on through November 10th, titled “Ubuhle Women: Beadwork and the Art of Independence”.

This traveling exhibition presents a spectacular over-

2013 Copyright Zanele Muholi

Hispanic Heritage Day at Carver National Monument

Thando Ntobela, Ankoli Bull, 2013, glass beads sewn onto fabric. Courtesy of the artist and Ubuhle Beads. Ubuhle Women: Beadwork and the Art of Independence was developed by the Smithsonian Anacostia Community Museum, Washington, DC in cooperation with Curators Bev Gibson, Ubuhle Beads, and James Green, and is organized for tour

by International Arts & Artists, Washington, DC.

view of a new form of bead art, the ndwango (“cloth”), developed by a community of women living and working together

in rural Kwa Zula-Natal, South Africa.

Using skills handed down Continued on page 2

Taste of Tlaquepaque brings Mexican talent to Springfield

Taste of Tlaquepaque brings Mexican talent to Springfield to promote peace between cultures

Springfield, MO— Springfield Sister Cities Association proudly presents Taste of Tlaquepaque: Viva Jalisco on Friday, October 11, 2019 from 7-10 p.m. at historic Firehouse No. 2,

101 E. Commercial St., Springfield, Mo. The event features talent from Springfield’s sister city of Tlaquepaque, Jalisco, Mexico, and raises funds for cultural programs that promote “Peace through People.” General admission is $150; young professional admission is $75; sponsorships start at $1,500 and include admission for 10.

Enrique Quesada, Bernardo Ruvalcaba and Jesus Cervantes

of the world-class Mariachi Viva Xalisco band will showcase their talents and mingle with guests. They are joined by Continued on page 9

Page 2 October 2019 | Unite News

SPD Addresses Racial Disparities in Traffic Stops Provided by Springfield Police Department Springfield,MO—Recent media coverage highlights findings from the Missouri Attorney General’s yearly Vehicle Stops Report that shows that black drivers around the state are more likely to be stopped by police. At the Springfield Police Department (SPD), we are aware the disparity also exists within our department.

“I understand that these statistics may be shocking for our citizens and I want to ensure you that we take those concerns seriously,” said Police Chief Paul Williams. “We are doing everything we can to be proactive in our approach to educate our officers and prevent bias-based policing. At the Springfield Police Department, we take serval precautions to ensure that discrimination does not play a role in our traffic stops.”

The first proactive set of measures we take to guard against biased-based policing is during the hiring process.

Before an individual is ever accepted into the academy, our background investigators check to make sure the candidate does not have a history of behavior that would suggest they have biases that could hinder their decision-making abilities.

If the candidate is accepted into the academy, they will undergo 12 hours of cultural diversity, racial profiling and implicit bias training. Further training

continues after the academy and every year all SPD officers receive a minimum of one hour of similar training.

We take our precaution efforts to the next level with an early intervention system which is designed to collect and scrutinize traffic stop data to ensure racially motived behavior does not exist.

Every time an SPD officer stops a driver, they are required to report the details about the stop using an SPD-created Vehicle Stop Racial Profiling (VSRP) form. The VSRP includes 13 required questions from the Missouri Attorney General’s Office as well as an additional 10 questions required by SPD policy. Some of the requested information includes the reason, location and outcome of the stop, whether or not a search was conducted, driver information (age, race, gender) and if the officer was able to identity the driver’s race prior to the stop.

After this information is collected, we submit it to the Missouri Attorney General’s Office where it becomes publicly accessible.

As recommended by the Attorney General, we also take a deeper dive into the numbers internally. After receiving data from officers in the field, we use a nationally-recognized mathematical formula to determine the “binomial probability,” which shows the possibility racial profiling exists for a specific officer. If any officers are shown to have a potential for bias while

conducting traffic stops, we then take a second look at the circumstances surrounding that officer and all their stops. The officer is then interviewed by their direct supervisor, who completes a report documenting their findings, which are reviewed by the officer’s chain of command. Chief Williams reviews all the information and determines if further action (I.e. training, discipline) should be taken.

After the yearly analysis is completed, Chief Williams meets with Springfield NAACP leadership to review the list of officers shown to be disparate and share the results of the review. They share their thoughts and opinions on what was discovered and let him know if they see any other issues. In nine years of meetings, the final result has been mutual agreement with the report results and the subsequent action taken.

SPD, at the request of the NAACP, has also employed a third-party, unbiased researcher from Missouri State University to comb through the data and compile a report that summarizes findings pertaining to racial disparities in traffic stops, vehicle searches, driver arrests and contraband seized. That information can be accessed through our website, Springfieldmo.gov/ SPD. Every step of this process, from our training techniques to our early intervention system, is taken very seriously at the highest levels of the department.

We understand our community’s concern and we hope that by opening the lines of communication, we can show our citizens that we are allies and want to UNITE in our efforts to help our community feel safe, and free from bias in police decision making.

Ubuhle Women Continued from Page 1

through generations and working in their own unique style “directly from the soul” (in the words of artist Ntombeph Ntobela), the women create abstract as well as figurative subjects for their ndwangos.

Uhuhle means “beauty” in the Xhosa and Zula languages and well describes the shimmering quality of light on glass that for the Xhosa people has a special spiritual significance.

Ubuhle Women: Beadwork and the Art of Independence was developed by the Smithsonian Anacostia Community Museum, Washington, D.C. in cooperation with Curators Bev Gibson, Ubuhle Beads and James Green.

The Springfield Art Museum invites you to come anytime during normal operating hours to view this elaborate exhibit or you can join a scheduled guided tour or request your own guided group tour through November 10th, free of charge, by contacting Museum Assistant Shauna Smith @ 417-837-5700 or slsmith@springfieldmo.gov.

Continued on page 3

Page 3 October 2019 | Unite News

IN THIS ISSUE 4

Community News Why is Parental Engagement Important ...

by Gwen Marshall

Bargin-Priced Books, DVD’s CDs And More At The Library Sale

6

Business News Protecting Your Assets With Revocable Trusts

by Sativa Boatman-Sloan

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

8

Food Review

Don’t miss the chance to buy bargain-priced, like-new books, DVDs, CDs and more for the whole family at the Friends of the Library Fall Book Sale Oct. 16-20 at the E*Plex at the Ozark Empire FairKathleen O'Dell grounds, 3001 N. Grant Ave. This is the big fall event that families with young children, teachers and student teachers, and movie and music lovers wait for. And with the holidays ahead, it’s a great time to pick up gifts.

Adult, young adult and children’s books and most audiovisuals are $1 or less. Better books are $2 and up. Cash or check accepted; parking is free.

Proceeds benefit the Springfield-Greene County Library District. For details, call 8501999.

••• The Library’s Oh, The Horror! continued on page 11

The Great Chicken Sandwich War of 2019

by Lyle Foster

10

Health News

Raising awareness and eliminating the stigma ....

by Tyra Knox

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Ubuhle Women Continued from Page 2

There is no minimum group number required to schedule tours. Tours can be made available on weekdays and weekends.

Tours generally last one hour.

I walked through the exhibit on my own and then I took my sister to the Museum so she could see this unbelievable talent being exhibited. Needless to say, she was not at all disappointed

in the beauty and skills of these ladies from South Africa.

Advertise Your Message In The Unite Publication Call: (417) 864-7444 Unitepublication@ Yahoo.com

UNITE.

Volume 29, Number 10 PUBLISHER Unite. of Southwest Missouri, Inc. MANAGING EDITOR Samuel G. Knox

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 October 2019 | Unite News

CommunityNews Why is Parental Engagement Important for Student Success? they need to not only to finish their assignments but also develop a lifelong love of learning.

Most of us are not aware that Parents, family members, and according to the National Eduteachers should have an open cation Association the average line of communication teacher in the United which is essential to a stuStates works more than dent’s success. It is imporfifty-two hours a week, tant for parents and family which includes thirty members to review what hours on instructional teachers send home and and twenty-two hours on feel free to ask questions other tasks like grading to clarify information or papers and preparing Gwen Marshall assignments when needed. lessons. The average teacher works with twenty or Ways Families Can Effectively more students per class and at Support and Partner with Teachers least twenty new students each • Get to know your child’s teachschool year. er and keep in touch with them That could be a lot of work often for one teacher but what is the • Feel free to ask questions solution? “Parent, and Family when needed Engagement,” when parents • Set goals with your child and are engaged in their children’s their teacher and work towards school lives, students have the the achievement of those goals home support and knowledge

by Gwen Marshall

Guest Contributing Writer

• Review your child’s data to make sure they are on track • Frequently view the school’s parent, family portal • Actively participate at school when possible, volunteering in the classroom and chaperoning field trips are great ways to show an interest in your child’s education While you and your child’s teacher both want the same outcomes—academic and personal growth for your child—your ideas of how to get there may vary. Use your first interaction

to build an initial connection that will empower you to: • Ask questions— By asking what the teacher expects and discussing where you can add value, you can work as a team to provide support • Speak up—If you have specific goals or concerns for your child • Keep an open mind—Education may look different than it did when you were in school.

By communicating openly with your child’s teacher, you can set expectations that fit the current environment.

ACT National Test Dates 2019-2020 Test Date December 14, 2019

Registration Deadline

(Late Fee Required)

November 8, 2019

November 9-22, 2019

Estimated Score Release

December 24, 2019 - February 7, 2020

New Location to “Celebrate Life & Unity” Springfield, MO—The 5th annual “Celebrate Life & Unity in Our Community” is coming up on Saturday, October 26, 2019 from 11:00 am until 3:00 pm. This year will be at the Teamsters Local #245, 1850 E. Division Street for the first time! You do not want to miss this very important, funfilled day. Come and reconnect with friends and family, as well

as, welcome new residents in the African American Community.

It will be a day of Faith, Fellowship, Food, Fun, History and Hope! We will remember the past, celebrate the present, and plan for the future. We are inviting everyone to be involved as we take time out to celebrate Us. • If you are a Church or Civic

group, Club or Organization, we welcome you to showcase your organization, past & present, by setting up a display table with memorabilia, information, and upcoming events.

• If you are an Artist and would be interested in displaying some of your art, we welcome you.

For more information or to volunteer to help, please contact

Patricia Burton at 417-894-2795.

All are welcome to attend this FREE day of Food, Fun, Music, and Fellowship so save the date, Saturday, October 26, 2019 from 11:00 am until 3:00 pm, Teamsters Local #245, 1850 E. Division Street. We’ll see you there.

Page 5 October 2019 | Unite News

Fast Track – Adult Financial Aid Program for Missourians college attendees and in 1975 Pell Grants covered 75% of college costs compared to in By next year, over 2015 Pell Grants cov60% of jobs in Misered 25% of the cost. souri will require an Governor Parassociate degree or son’s launched a new higher. This means Adult Financial Aid that as a community, program that can be we need to better accessed through the prepare our current Department of Higher and future workforce.

Francine Pratt Education & WorkAccording to Lumina force Development Foundation college going - www.dhewd.mo.gov. The individuals are not always the new program is available to traditional college student. adults 25 and older or adults Current and future college that stopped going to college students are 42% Students of for two or more years. The Color, and 31% are living beprogram covers tuition and low the federal poverty level fees to finish certification or a (For a family of four with two degree for up to four semesadults working their gross ters. The program is designed income is about $25,700). for the higher area job needs Parents are not providing in MO. MSU and OTC have financial assistance for 49% of many qualified programs to

by Francine Pratt

Guest Contributing Writer

finish or earn a certificate or degree. The Missouri Scholarship and Loan Foundation (Foundation) is a nonprofit organization that provides scholarships and low-cost student loans to support completion for Missouri citizens at higher education institutions.

The Foundation has several programs such as: Finish Line Degree Completion Grant (Debt Forgiveness Program) This is a pilot program for Missouri public community colleges, four-year institutions and State Technical College, if the institution agrees to participate. This grant was created because past due balances owed to higher education institutions can be a barrier for students, especially adult learners. Past due balances

are one of the reasons students do not complete higher education. In many cases, those balances must be paid to receive a copy of an official transcript. For more information, contact the Financial Aid Office of the institution you want to attend to finish credentials.

Missouri Family Education Loan Program This program provides a private student loan designed with borrowing options for Missouri students who have financial need but may not meet the traditional credit requirements for private loans.

The funds are limited for each academic year and are available on a first come, first served basis. These funds, while available, are for interest Continued on page 12

See How CU Can

Work With You

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

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.

Are you inspired to create a better future for yourself and others?

If so, Missouri State has a place for you.

With a campus community filled with diverse perspectives, voices and opinions, Missouri State is fulfilling its commitment to address the needs of a changing society.

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

ARE YOU READY TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE? APPLY TODAY AND

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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www.jobs.missouristate.edu

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Page 6 October 2019 | Unite News

Business&FinanceNews Protecting Your Assets With Revocable Trusts and manage assets for the benefit of any number of people or charities. With a revocable living Springfield, MO— by Sativa trust, the person or persons creBoatman-Sloan, Attorney at Law ating the trust are the sole beneHow do you avoid probate, yet ficiaries during their lifetime and put someone “in charge” reserve the right to reof your assets upon voke or make changes. death so they are distribThe person creating the uted to members of your trust usually chooses to family, friends, and/or also serve as their own charities based on your Trustee and remain in wishes? Create a Trust! charge while they are A revocable living trust competent.

Sativa B. Sloan is a sound estate planThe most well-known ning tool that can be used advantage of a revocable to determine who will get your trust is avoiding probate. Any assets when you die. Most living assets properly held in the trust trusts are “revocable” because or transferred upon death to the you can change them as your trust will avoid probate and pass circumstances or wishes change. to the named beneficiaries as set Revocable living trusts are out in the terms of the trust. “living” because you make them In addition, trusts are flexible during your lifetime. and can contain unique distriTrusts appoint one or more butions to beneficiaries. For persons or companies to control example, you can hold money

By Sativa Boatman-Sloan Attorney At Law

in a trust to be distributed over time. Some families prefer to have their adult beneficiaries receive only a portion of their inheritance at one time and wait to receive the remaining amounts at later dates in the future.

Although a revocable trust may be considered the principal

document in an estate plan, a will should accompany a revocable living trust. This type of will, referred to as a “pour over” will, names the revocable living trust as the principal beneficiary.

Thus, in the event it becomes necessary to probate any assets

The Show-Me State Adds Two Pro Teams

By Sean Neville Unite Contributing Writer

August was a busy month for sports in Missouri with the announcements of two new professional franchises. The announcements arrive in the midst of a historic St. Louis Blues Stanley Cup championship victory in hockey and a mid-season pennant race push by the St. Louis Cardinals. The time is reminis-

cent of 2015 when St. Louis was voted #1 Sports City by the Wall Street Journal. Grouped with the recent success of the Kansas City Chiefs, the Show-Me state is gaining steam as a contender in the national sports market.

Missouri Welcomes Soccer In mid-August, Major League Soccer (MLS) announced that a St. Louis expansion team would become the league’s 28th fran-

Continued on page 7

chise. The team, which remains MLS franchise will become the unnamed to date, will begin play sixth Major League Soccer franin 2022. The team also chise in the Midwest made history by beand a regional neighbor coming the first majorof Sporting KC located ity female owned club in Kansas City, Kansas. in the MLS since its The franchise is planned inception in 1996. The to be housed in the West ownership group is led district of downtown St.

by Carolyn Kindle Betz, Louis on Market Street. senior vice president of Soccer, the globSean Neville the Enterprise Holdings al sport of choice, has rental car company. The St. Louis Continued on page 7

Page 7 October 2019 | Unite News

Revocable Trusts

Two Pro Teams

after your death (such as in the instance where something was not properly transferred to the trust), it would ultimately go back into the trust and still be distributed to (or held for the benefit of) the beneficiaries according to the trust instructions.

Revocable living trusts are complicated legal arrangements that require considerable knowledge and expertise and must be the product of a thorough analysis of your goals and objectives, and your personal and financial circumstances.

witnessed sizable growth in the United States. According to a 2018 Gallup Poll cited by Forbes, 7% of Americans prefer soccer as their favorite sport to watch which is the highest number to date. Major League Soccer viewership has grown 27% since 2012. Soccer in Missouri has the potential to attract a larger international crowd which can foster business and cultural development throughout the state.

Pro Football Returns to the Gateway City Since 2016, a football void has been left in the Gateway City with the departure of the

Continued from Page 6

Continued from Page 6

St. Louis National Football League (NFL) franchise… to remain nameless by this writer, a St. Louis native. Though, in 2020, professional football returns to the Arch with the resurgence of the XFL which originally kicked off in 2001 for one season. The league is owned by Vince McMahon, the legendary face of World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. (WWE), formerly WWF for those who remember the glory days of pro wrestling.

The St. Louis BattleHawks of the XFL are set to kick off the second weekend in February 2020. The team is led by President Kurt Hunzeker, a St. Louis native and Mizzou graduate.

Hunzeker’s most recent position was Vice President of Market-

ing Strategy and Research for Minor League Baseball. On the field, the ‘Hawks will be led by Head Coach Jonathan Hayes, a former NFL player and coach for 16 seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals. Hayes will also serve as General Manager for the team. Games will be played at The Dome at America’s Center, the former home of said NFL team. Ticket reservations are available now through the XFL website.

The Impact The impact of two professional sports franchises entering Missouri can have a financial and cultural impact within the state by attracting a new base of sports lovers. The impact can Continued on page 9

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Minorities In Business events are always open to the public and everyone is welcome to join us.

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Page 8 October 2019 | Unite News

Arts&EntertainmentNews The Great Chicken Sandwich War of 2019 social media pictures and comments were priceless and yes unbelievable and of Well, did you get one? course downright funny. Of You know what I mean…one course we all will remember of those Popeyes chicken the $350 asking price for a sandwiches? I tried to but Popeyes chicken sandwich they were all gone. In one on Ebay …I wanted the sandof the zaniest social wich for sure but not media and marketing that bad….lol. And campaigns inn histothe very unfortunate ry the great chicken story of the man in sandwich war has Houston who got so come and gone. But frustrated that he not before some pulled a gun out on unbelievable stories the Popeyes workers of tasty chicken and in Houston to get Lyle Foster driving around to find them to produce a the ultimate chicken sandchicken sandwich. But they wich. To those who read this were out and that was just column you will recall I am wrong. This is the perfect a Popeyes man and proud opportunity to give a shout of it….and don’t tell anyone out to all of the Popeyes but the Popeye’s outlets in workers who had to put in Springfield have seen me roll extra hours when they did through the drive through on have the sandwich and who more than one occassion... experienced untold grief Yes. I’m a Popeye’s fan. when the sandwich was sold The truth is every now and out. I hope Popeye gives then no matter how much them a raise and a bonus!!! you try to reform you have to They definitely deserve it! give the old sandwich a try.

One of the more interBut I have to admit I was esting aspects of the social slightly late to the party for media war is that it was largethe sandwich war. I started ly fueled by diverse audiencreading bits and pieces of a es on social media and sure throw down between Chickthat taps into the stereotype Fil-A and Popeyes but didn’t of who likes chicken but in fully catch on until it was this case we all love chicken full scale on. Some of the and if we happen to say it

By Lyle Foster Unite Contributing Writer

louder it just is what it is.

The funniest part of it all to me is that it is just a little sandwich but that shows the power of food and creative marketing to put our taste buds to the test and a really good sandwich has a lot of power in the food world.

Yes, a brioche bun, a crunchy chicken breast, a pickle , and a special sauce and the right combination can become a major distraction. And do not be fooled all of the major fast food chains are trying to tweak and perfect their sandwich to the next level to get in on the unbelievable popularity of chicken. It’s just that Popeye’s seems to have hit on the fright combination and hit the market at the optimal moment. The playful volley that started between Chick Fil-a and Popeye’s took the competition to unprecedented levels.

Chick Fil-a had the advantage of having had their product in the system and having it down to a well oiled

machine. In fact there were a number of stories about Chick Fil-a workers taking some of their sandwiches over to worn out Popeyes employees.

And speaking of Chick Fil-a I have to give them credit they have the nicest, most polite employees in the industry. Whatever they do in their training needs to be duplicated, replicated and imitated.!!!

Popeye’s on the other hand was seeking to launch a fresh chicken sandwich for a promotion and get some traction but had never anticipated it would get to the unprecedented levels that it did. So when it did it was Game ON! Well maybe we should say Chicken on! And there just wasn’t enough to go around and the distribution system got overwhelmed and the suppliers couldn’t keep up.

And who lost …well we know it was you and I who were driving around to those drive throughs tryin to get a continued on page 9

Page 9 October 2019 | Unite News

Sandwich War

Continued from Page 8

chicken sammich….Where’s Where’s my chicken? Well Popeye’s lost too because it

certainly could have sold a lot more chicken but in the long run they got tens of millions in publicity and when the sandwich does come back it’s going to be Christmas in October.

I did talk to a few satisfied customers who did get the sandwich and they were extremely happy plus they got bragging rights…and to the all important question. Who has the best Sammich? Well….the informal tally I took showed Poyeyes’ edging out Chic Fil-a by a feather!

Let me know what you think and see you in the drive through lane!!!

Two Pro Teams Continued from Page 7

be particularly great for St. Louis as it looks to regain attention as a safe and diverse tourist city.

Furthermore, the presence of the sports franchises creates a new line of support and jobs for the community. So, if you are swinging by the Lou anytime in the next few years, show support for the Show-Me state and check out one of the new pro teams.

Tlaquepaque

Continued from Page 1

accomplished artist, singer and songwriter Paco Padilla and Charly Lopez, bartender at the Quinta Don Jose boutique hotel in Tlaquepaque.

Enjoy heavy hors d’uoerves

by Tortillaria Perches and opportunities to forge friendships across cultures. Dancing and singing is encouraged; attire is festive.

Join Enrique, Paco and Charly for an intimate tequila tasting prior to the main event. Listen to music by Enrique, learn its meaning from Paco and sample a wide variety of tequilas poured

by Charly. This patron experience runs from 5:30-7 p.m. on the second floor of the Firehouse and costs $50 per person.

Springfield Sister Cities is a nonprofit organization with a vision of “Peace through People.” It facilitates opportunities for citizens of the Springfield area to interact with foreign cultures – particularly the cultures of Springfield’s sister cities of Tlaquepaque, Jalisco, Mexico, and Isesaki, Gunma, Japan.

For more information regarding Taste of Tlaquepaque or Springfield Sister Cities Association, please visit peacethroughpeople.org or call 417-874-2962.

At Carver

Continued from Page 1

awareness. Hispanic Heritage Day is made possible because of the commitment and talents of

our volunteers, exhibitors, and partners.

The talented Chinelos Morelenses Unidos en Arkansas are returning this year. They perform at 12:15 and 2:15 p.m.

Learn how their beautiful costumes and interpretive dance share the history of the clash of cultures when Europeans arrived in Central and South America.

A demonstration of Mexican traditional food takes place from 10 a.m. to noon. Stop by and sample the tamales! Students with the Crowder College Latino Union will set up a soccer game and provide soccer lessons! A tamale food concession stand will be available with fresh tamales, beans, rice, and horchata.

Express your artistic side by creating traditional crafts. Worry dolls are meant to take your worries away as you sleep. Make one to tuck under your pillow.

Sugar skulls will be available for you to paint in remembrance of

ancestors. You may also make paper marigolds and learn how these relate to Hispanic culture.

The National Park Service celebrates America’s rich Hispanic history and culture with Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15th through October 15th. Discover national parks specifically dedicated to sharing Hispanic Heritage. Find out more at: https://home1.nps. gov/hispanicheritage/

Advertise Your Message In The Unite Publication Call: (417) 864-7444 or email: Unitepublication@ Yahoo.com

Co-Sponsors:

October 18, 2018

Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce Community Partnership of the Ozarks MSU Division for Diversity and Inclusion Ozark Region Missouri Job Center Minorities in Business Northwest Project City of Springfield City Utilities

DIVERSITY TALENT HUB: JOB FAIR Time: 6:30-8:00 p.m.

Location: The Fairbanks 1126 N. Broadway Avenue

connecting our diverse community to potential employers

Come and learn more about job opportunities in the Springfield area • For more information, email Francine Pratt at fpratt@cpozarks.org or call her at 417-888-2020.

BRING SEVERAL COPIES OF YOUR RESUME!

Page 10 October 2019 | Unite News

HealthNews Raising awareness and eliminating the stigma of Mental Health

By Tyra Knox Unite Contributing Writer

Springfield, MO—May is Mental Health Month. I feel however, any month is a good month to learn more about an illness that cripples so many of us every day.

Even though the ribbon color for Mental Health Awareness Month is green, mental illness comes in every color of creation.

World Mental Health Day, observed on October 10th, is another opportunity to raise awareness of mental health issues and to mobilize efforts in support of mental health.

Raising awareness and eliminating the stigma is so very important to everyone.

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): • In 2017, 41.5% of youth ages 12-17 received care for a major depressive episode but only 35.1% of African American youth and 32.7 of Hispanic youth received treatment for their condition.

• Asian American adults were less likely to use mental health services than any other racial/ ethnic group.

• In 2017, 13.3% of youth ages 12-17 had at least one depressive episode, but that number was higher among American Indian and Alaska Native youth at 16.3% and among Hispanic youth at 13.8% • In 2017, 18.9% of adults (46.6 million people) had a mental

illness. That rate was higher among people of two or more races at 28.6%, non- Hispanic whites at 20.4% and Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders at 19.4% The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) reports that racial and ethnic minority groups in the US are less likely to have access to mental health services and less likely to use the community health services.

Growing up you may have been led to believe if a person sought out professional counseling, they were “crazy”. I have been told by professionals that 10% may be mentally ill but 90% just needs a safe place and person to vent to.

I would not use the term “crazy”, but I will definitely say we need to find a safe environment we can vent or release in.

With society constantly looking at the negativity on the television, print, Facebook, or even in your neighborhood or home, we need to have ways to positively release.

We don’t have to be a part of every rally for or against. Sometimes we need to regroup for our own health sake. We can’t effectively help someone else when our thoughts and emotions are all over the place.

I want to share just f few tips to boost your mental health according to the Mental Health America (MHA).

• Track gratitude and achievement with a journal. Include 3 things you are grateful for and 3 things you were able to accomplish each day.

• Go ahead and yawn. Studies suggest that yawning helps cool the brain and improves alertness and mental efficiency.

• Set up a getaway. The act of planning a vacation and having something to look forward to can boost your overall happiness for up to 8 weeks.

• Work your strengths. Do something you are good at to build self-confidence, then tackle a tougher task.

Keep it cool for a good night’s sleep. The optimal temperature for sleep is between 60 and 67degrees Fahrenheit.

“You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step”.

– Martin Luther King, Jr. Think of something in your life you

want to improve, and figure out what you can do to take a step in the right direction.

I have just listed a few of their 31 tips list. I encourage you to visit their website and read some more. www.mhanational.org/31 tips-to-boost-your-mental-health.

I can warn you that the list has everything from laughing to dancing to leaving your cell phone at home for one day and not even checking your emails.

Ouch!

I will close with one tip of my own. Find a safe place, healthy mental person you can talk to and release to. If you can’t find that person close by, please seek out professional help. Get some help for this journey. It is not always another prescription we need, it can be someone to listen to us and aide us until we are back on a happier healthy journey using boundaries as our guide.

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Library

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Series offers a spooky mix of tales and truths. On Tuesday, Oct. 22, at 6 p.m. in the Schweitzer Brentwood Branch, hear about Haunted Libraries of the Midwest.

From “The Grey Lady” of Evansville, Indiana, to the Victorian ghost girls of Nevada, Missouri, ghostly specters are said to lurk between the shelves of many Midwest libraries. Library staffers Marily Weddell and Tod Jackson will give a tour of five of the Midwest’s most haunted libraries.

Call 883-1974 for details.

At 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 24 in the Library Center auditorium, hear from a best-selling author in Haunted Places and Haunted People: An Evening with Jennifer McMahon. Call 882-0714. Learn about all the series events at thelibrary.org/ohthehorror.

••• Join parents, grandparents and other caregivers at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 9, in the Library Center auditorium for a Conscious Parenting session on Choices: Building Self-esteem and Willpower. Child care will be provided. Presented in partnership with One Stop for Early Childhood

and Community Partnership of the Ozarks. Registration starts October 25; call 616-0563 to register.

We all struggle with loss and grief at times in our lives.

At 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9, in the Library Center auditorium, children’s author and illustrator Cori Doerrfeld will discuss her books, “The Rabbit Listened and “Goodbye, Friend! Hello, Friend!” and the ways we can help ourselves and others when life gets difficult and our emotions become uncomfortable. Sponsored by the Library Foundation. Call 882-0714.

Pitts Chapel UMC Launches Capital Campaign Concert & Reception ‘Honor the Legacy, Fulfill the Prophecy’ Springfield, MO - Pitts Chapel United Methodist Church, Rev. H. Russell Ewell II, pastor, is one of the oldest continuous serving congregations in the state of Missouri. Founded by slaves in 1847, Pitts Chapel has served the Springfield area for 172 years.

The current church building located at 600 N. Benton was constructed by the congregation in 1911 and is registered as a local historic landmark. To preserve, improve and ensure the longevity of this Queen City treasure, Pitts Chapel is launching a Capital Campaign beginning with a concert and reception on November 2, 2019.

Funds raised during the first phase of this campaign will go

towards the renovation and restoration of the sanctuary ceiling in addition to a new heating and air conditioning system. As demolition for ceiling repair has already begun, National Christian Church, 1515 S. National Ave., Springfield, MO has graciously agreed to host the launch Concert and Reception on Saturday,

Pitts Chapel United Methodist Church

November 2, 2019 at 3:00 p.m.

The Reverend Darren Faulkner, Springfield native, Drury University graduate and former Pitts Chapel member now residing in Kansas City, MO will be the guest Master of Ceremonies. Please mark your calendars to attend.

Everyone is welcome!

Service Times: Sunday 10:30 am & Wednesday 6:00 pm.

Deliverance Temple is a Non-Denominational Multi-Racial congregation. For more information, go to: www.deliverancetemple.org

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Fast Track

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free loans to students attending participating schools who meet the eligibility, underwriting and other requirements. For more information, go to mslf.mohela. com.

Access Extra Scholarship The Access Extra Scholarship is a private scholarship for students eligible for the Access Missouri Financial Assistance Program and who have a 28 or higher on the ACT. Students are required to complete an online application through Scholarship Central, which includes uploading SAR, ACT score report and answering a few questions. Awards are prioritized by first-come, first-served and they provide awards until the funding is depleted. Applications must be submitted online through Scholarship Central.

Director’s Choice Grant Program The Foundation funds grants for students with a specific and urgent financial need to address challenges to reaching their educational success in Missouri public institutions. Eligible students attending community colleges, four-year institutions, and State Technical College of Missouri should contact the Financial Aid office at the institution where they attend school for more information. OTC and MSU utilize this program for their students.

The Missouri Department for Higher Education has a “Student Portal” designed for an individual to have one place to access and store information related to higher education completion and

it includes a State Financial Aid Portal. Scholarship Central is designed for high school students to assist low-income students with

applying for scholarships and interest free loans – another portal where an individual can add their information one time and apply

for various scholarships. The website is www.myscholarship.org and a general application can be completed online.

Community remembrance will bring focus to pursuit of racial justice Springfield,MO—Creating greater awareness and understanding of an act of racial injustice that occurred in Springfield 113 years ago is the purpose of a community remembrance planned for Oct. 2. In 1906, three African American men named Horace Duncan, Fred Coker and William Allen were lynched in downtown Springfield.

The remembrance will include the dedication of an historical marker in Park Central Square.

An Equal Justice Essay Contest will also encourage Springfield Public Schools students to reflect on the impact of racial injustice.

“We hope the remembrance we are planning will prompt meaningful conversations in our community which acknowledge injustices and lead to reconciliation and healing,” said Mayor Ken McClure.

The Springfield Community Remembrance Coalition is organizing the remembrance in collaboration with Equal Justice Initiative (EJI). EJI is working with communities nationwide to commemorate and recognize the traumatic era of lynching by collecting soil from lynching sites across the country and erecting historical markers in these

spaces.

EJI has documented over 4,400 documented victims of lynchings that took place in the United States between the end of Reconstruction in 1877 and 1950.

“No matter how difficult, it is important that we own our city’s history and grow from that experience to create a more inclusive and just community,” said Wes Pratt, Missouri State University Chief Diversity Officer and member of the Remembrance Coalition.

Historical marker dedication set for Oct. 2 Community members are invited to participate in the public dedication of the historical

marker at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 2, on Park Central Square.

The dedication ceremony will feature remarks by Mayor McClure and Gabrielle Daniels, an EJI representative. Lyle Foster will be the keynote speaker.

Students from Springfield Public Schools’ five high schools will also attend the dedication ceremony. They are invited to participate in an essay contest sponsored by EJI, which will award a minimum of $5,000 in total scholarships to essay winners.

The deadline to submit entries is Friday, Nov. 1. Learn more about participating in the essay contest at https://tinyurl.com/ EJI-Springfield-EssayContest.

Springfield NAACP Annual Freedom Fund and Awards Banquet Springfield, MO— The Springfield NAACP Chapter will host their annual Freedom Fund and Awards Banquet, October 19, 2019 at the Doubletree Convention Center located at 2431 N. Glenstone.

The event will begin with a reception and silent auction at 6:00, followed by dinner and program at 7:00pm. This year’s theme is “This Is What Community Looks

Like”. The keynote speaker will be Social Justice Organizer for ACLU, Justice Gatson.

For ticket and sponsor information call 417-873-6386.