June 2020 Volume 30/ Number 6 • Find Digital Version @ www.unitenewsonline.org •
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UNITE.
HAPPY FATHER'S DAY FROM THE UNITE NEWS STAFF
Building Empowering Connections
Outraged Within The Law O
Interview of family members of George Floyd
n Monday May 25, 2020 George Floyd, a 46 year-old black man, was detained by a white Minneapolis police officer who held his knee pressed against Floyd’s neck for several minutes over a non-violent allegation; Floyd died shortly thereafter. Floyd pleaded for his life during the arrest; he said repeatedly, “I can’t breathe,” “you’re killing me.” The four police officers involved in his death were fired from the department Tuesday. Ex-Minneapolis officer Derek Chauvin, has been charged Friday with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. Floyd’s death sparked protests across the country, with thousands echoing some of the man’s final words, “I can’t breathe.” Some of
Protestors march down Battlefield Rd in Springfield, MO
those demonstrations were peaceful, while others ended in flames, widespread looting, damages and hundreds of arrests as well as injuries —so much for social distancing. As city after city in America is under assault, with buildings on fire and increasing amounts of property damage, we need to unite as well in our condemnation of these violent riots. There is nothing righteous about looting and vandalizing the stores of community business owners. This is chaos. This is lawlessness. We can be outraged over the killing of George Floyd and aggrieved over the sin of racism without resorting to this. Police are sworn by oath to protect and to serve. They owe a duty to everyone they encounter and are held to a higher standard
Protestors vandalize and burn Minneapolis, MN
of care. That is why these kinds of murders hit a nerve that runs deep within the black community and almost always elicit a national outcry. It’s an emotional chord that pushes back against the memory and the pain of racism, betrayal of authority, and the historical bias of the criminal justice system. Our local Springfield Chief of Police and law enforcement departments have worked to cultivate an environment of trust, in our diverse communities. These efforts include the annual participation in and support of diverse community events, the active hiring of their diverse workforce, as well as diversity training for officers and the establishment of the Chief’s Citizen Advisory Group. This Group
‘Architect of Rock ‘n Roll’ Little Richard dies at 87 See Article on PAGE 11
Continued on page 7
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Ujima Kids Corner Mission: Ujima uses literacy to educate, connect, and empower children and families. How many words can you create from the phrase: FATHER’S DAY? _______________ _______________ _______________ _______________ _______________ _______________ _______________ _______________ _______________ _______________ ______________ ______________
______________ ______________ ______________ ______________ ______________ ______________ ______________ ______________ ______________ ______________ _____________ _____________
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Drive-Thru Ujima Night June 10th, 6-7pm 1722 N. National (Turning Point Church) o Dinner to-go o Literacy bag includes books for storytime at home Ujima Kids Corner powered by:
DIVERSE CHILDREN’S LITERATURE
Book of the Month
By: Taye Diggs
Mike is a brilliant, energetic child who comes from an interracial family. This picture book takes on the questions children of mixed races face with humor and offers a strong, positive message of self-love.
Springfield NAACP: Interview with Shane Schoeller, County Clerk on Voting Safety PAGE 7
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE
Tableof Contents Community
Recipient of the 2020 NAACP Youth Scholarship and Jacqueline Waugh Foster Scholarship
Page 5
Community
The Library Branches Finally Reopened On May 26 After The Long Closure
Community
School Is Out! by Gwen Marshall SPS Equity & Access
Page 6
Education
Do You Know the Next Steps to Take as a 2020 High School Graduate?
Page 5
Heath & Wellness
An Interview With Dr. Chiazo Amene, Neurosurgeon Page 10
Arts & Entertainment
Little Richard ‘Architect of Rock ‘n Roll’
Page 11
Page 6
Heath & Wellness
Men’s Health MonthStanding in Your Power
Page 10
Unite News Building Empowering Connections | Page 3
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The Unite. publication is a monthly newspaper published by Unite of Southwest Missouri, Inc. a 501(c)(3) non-profit community organization. Our mission is to promote a broader understanding and appreciation of the ethnically diverse talent, community resources and opportunities available in the Springfield/Greene County area. 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. Reader’s comments and questions are welcomed. The opinions expressed in these pages do not necessarily reflect the views of Unite. of Southwest Missouri, Inc. “The Unite Publication in accepting advertising in this publication, makes no independent investigation concerning the services of products advertised and neither endorses nor recommends the same and assumes no liability therefore.” For further information, you can contact us at (417) 864-7444. Email: unitepublication@ yahoo.com
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Community: Events & People Willard High graduate is the recipient of the 2020 NAACP Youth Scholarship and Jacqueline Waugh Foster Scholarship The 2020 graduate of Willard High School, Adora Lorae Snead is the recipient of the 2020 NAACP Youth Scholarship and Jacqueline Waugh Foster Scholarship. Adora Lorae Snead Adora also co-authored the play, the Milly Project, telling the true story of an enslaved woman who successfully fought for her freedom in Greene County only to be dragged into the street and beaten. Snead estimates that she has played Milly at least 200 times, originating the role at Willard High School. It was performed in Springfield theaters, on college campuses, in churches, and as far away as Mississippi. “For me, as a brown woman in Springfield, it gives me a lot of confidence,” she said. “It helps me to know that if somebody could do this in the 1830s, I can still persevere and achieve anything I set my mind to today.” At Willard High, she was involved in choir, theater and speech and debate. A leader, she also provided a student voice as Principal Kevin Morrison worked on policy changes and
planned for the future. Morrison said Snead excelled in fine arts and academics. “She has got a good head on her shoulders. She is going to go places, for sure.” Two years ago, before Snead and her peers wrote the Milly Project, they researched her story. The significant chapter in Springfield history was rediscovered by Connie Yen, the director of the Greene County Archive, and written in a front-page story by former News-Leader reporter Giacomo Bologna. Her passion for the storytelling project propelled her to apply for the highly competitive music theater program at Missouri State University. She was accepted. Snead’s academic prowess helped her snag the prestigious Presidential Scholarship at MSU, worth up to $60,000 over four years. Snead’s immediate goal is to get a Bachelor’s degree in Musical Theater with a minor in History. Her long term goal is to become an attorney and wants to work for the Equal Justice Initiative. She graduated with a 4.07 Weighted GPA Snead sings and plays piano, ukulele and saxophone. She is the daughter of Brad and Amanda Snead.
2020 ParkDay Reunion Weekend Celebration Cancelled Dear Families and Friends, We pray that everyone is doing what is necessary to ensure their personal safety during this time. The Springfield Reunion Club has decided to cancel the 2020 Park Day Reunion Event due to the Covid 19
Pandemic. The planning committee has considered long and hard about cancelling this year’s event. After meeting with Springfield Greene County Park Board’s Bob Belote and reviewing the Greene County Health Department’s guidelines of avoiding travel and large
group gatherings it was decided to cancel this year’s event. For the safety of our kids, older adults, and the disabled we believe this is the correct decision for our 2020 Park Day Reunion. It will be impossible to practice the health department’s social distancing guidelines at any
of our events planned. Next year in 2021 we will be Bigger & Better. We look forward to seeing you August 6, 7, and 8, 2021. The Springfield Reunion Club thanks the community for their support over the years but the event can not safely take place this year. —Nora England, Pres.
The Library Branches Finally Reopened On May 26 After The Long Closure Oh happy day! The Library branches finally reopened on May 26, and we’re eager to welcome everyone back after the long closure. We’re taking safety precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19, but the collections, public computers, newspapers and magazines are still here for you. You can always access more online with digital entertainment through thelibrary.org/digital. Things will be a bit different for a while, however. Through Aug. 31, the branches will have adjusted hours: 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday (no Sundays); drive-up windows will be open 7:30 a.m.7 p.m. Monday-Saturday. Mobile Library service continues, at times using the library van instead of the bookmobile. For the time being, the Park Central Branch and Fair Grove Branch will be closed to the public, but they will provide curbside service for holds pick up and returns on that same adjusted summer schedule. Another big difference: For everyone’s safety, there will be no in-person programs at any branches, and all meeting rooms, conference and study rooms are closed through Aug. 31. But the Summer Reading Program will go on, even without in-person performances! There’s something for babies through adults in the program through Aug. 29. Enroll now at thelibrary.org/imagineyourstory and follow the links to register for the reading program that fits you. Then start logging reading minutes and complete activities to earn great prizes. Game boards can help motivate kids to keep reading. You can download one on the Summer Reading Program page or pick up one at a library branch. Kids and teens can earn a free book and a Fine Waiver Card upon completing the program. Kids can pick up their prizes at any library branch Continued on page 9
Unite News Building Empowering Connections | Page 5
School Is Out! In Springfield Missouri
Remember the importance of a consistent routine
S
chool is formally out. However for many parents and guardians it has been out since March. Now, Summer break is here and the only thing that has changed is there are no more zoom meetings and online classes. Many of you feel like you have been set free at last from your teaching duties. While your students are thrilled by the end of the Gwen Marshall Contributing Writer school year, it might not be such a pleasure for you as parents and guardians. Even in the best of times, nothing calls on whatever extra powers you might possess more than the long summer
break that lies ahead. With this in mind we must remember the importance of keeping a consistent routine and the benefits it has for both children and parents. Structure not only helps children deal with stress, but can also help to teach children responsibility and self- control. I would like to recommend a few suggestions from Parenting Tips / By Prevent Child Abuse America • Create a daily schedule and put it in a place everyone will see it. Create a schedule for your family and hang it where your child can see it. Try to keep times consistent. • Include chores alongside fun activities on the schedule. Letting your child know what you expect is critical to your relationship. Keep chores as consistent as possible which cuts down on frustration and helps your child know what to expect,
• Have your child check off each activity as the day goes on. This will help your child look forward to exciting activities and feel accomplished when each is done! Keep fun items alongside boring ones. • Keep it positive! Reward your child for following a daily routine with good behavior. • Read, Read, Read. Summer is an important time for students to keep reading and improving their language skills. Numerous studies show that students who do not read during summer break see their abilities stagnate or decline so make sure your student is reading. Gwen Mashall is Springfield Public Schools Equity & Access Specialist The Annual African American High School Senior Photo Gallery will be published in the August Issue of the Unite New Publication.
Do You Know the Next Steps to Take as a 2020 High School Graduate?
Graduation looks different but next steps still honored
R
ecent graduating seniors in Springfield, Missouri successfully completed their high school experience during COVID-19. This time of year, high school seniors generally celebrate this major milestone that prepares them for their next stage of life. The class of 2020 will be remembered for celebrating virtually and with hometown parades as they virtually walked alongside their peers in graduation ceremonies. While graduations look different this year, all of those hopes and dreams for those next steps can still be honored. Graduating seniors took the time and effort to invest in themselves in doing what it takes to complete their coursework and successfully graduate. Whether the pathways are college,
trade-industry certification, or military service – all of those options (and others) are still available. Some colleges will have online classes or a combination of both. Locally, Ozarks Technical Community College (OTC), Missouri State University (MSU), Drury University and Evangel University have a variety of options. If an individual had plans to attend college in Missouri but outside of Greene County, they can Francine Pratt Contributing Writer find up to date information for trade schools, two-year and four-year colleges in one place through the Missouri College Access Network’s website under Resources: www.mocollegeaccess.org. Many seniors may decide to stay in the area or decide to pursue opportunities in other communities through
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employment or educational options beyond high school. Some of these opportunities include applying for employment and entering the workforce or taking time to develop employable job skills. All of this can still happen, even with physical distancing. Knowing about different pathways provides many options as life continues for the futures everyone deserves. Many businesses offer trade-industry certifications and the Missouri Job Center has a wealth of continuing education opportunities for recent graduates and individuals looking for ways to develop transferable skills. Local opportunities for employment to develop and learn skills in manufacturing and transportation include SRC Holdings’ apprenticeship programs and PRIME, Inc. training to earn a Certified Driver’s License aka CDL. Local Continued on page 9
NAACP Health Committee Interview with Shane Schoeller Greene County Clerk on Voting Safety By J.R. Chappell, Guest Writer
Springfield, MO— Chapell: What efforts are being made at the County Clerk level to increase voter turnout? Schoeller: The first duty of the County Clerk is to administer elections. We notify the press and the parties of needed information. We have a Facebook page and Twitter account that people can follow and get the latest information. We Shane Schoeller find turnout is primarily Greene County Clerk driven by issues. Some elections or issues bring more people out. On some elections we have conducted through mail-in ballots and may have only 15%returned. Many people underestimate the value of their own voice saying,”my vote doesn’t matter”. Talking to friends and neighbors has power; two recent elections were tied, a single vote would have decided the election. Elections can be settled with a runoff or the flip of a coin. Your voice does matter, vote. In addition to elections, we are responsible for tax administration (and challenges to assessments), the archives department and other responsibilities with the County Commission. Chapell: What kind of a budget do you have to work with? Schoeller: We have one election coordinator, a voter registration team of 4 of which one is the coordinator. Each election has an estimated cost. The March election cost $265,537.21. The August election is estimated to cost $297,300 and the November election $336,849. Some elections, like the rescheduled election will be paid for by the local entities holding an election, which is estimated to cost $98, 253. Chapell: Given that Greene County had a population of 288,072 in 2015, how many of these
are registered voters? Schoeller: We have about 190,000 registered voters but only 160,000 of those are considered “active voters”. “Inactive voters” are registered, but the address on the registration doesn’t match their current address. In the November 2016 election we had 8,000 address updates meaning those people moved without notifying our office. Chapell: How many polling stations are there in Greene County? Schoeller: We have 80 polling stations plus 5 voting centers where any registered Greene County voter can vote. The voting centers are at the MSU Welcome Center, Cox, Mercy, the Greene County Courthouse and the City Utilities Bus Transit Center. The transit center allows people who cannot get to their regular polling station to ride the bus to the transit center to cast their vote and the return home. Chapell: What do people do when they do not have a regular address? Schoeller: We have missionaries who use the Assemblies of God headquarters as their address so they can vote. Homeless people can use the last place they stayed (if they get mail there), the Salvation Army, Rare Breed, Victory Mission, or churches have served as addresses. Chapell: Can you characterize the difficulties you have conducting elections? Schoeller: We get a 10 week administrative notice in which we have to do ballot preparation, make and proof the ballots (the County now has the ability to print ballots the day of the election if we have to for some reason), we have to check that the coding system works to record the votes correctly. Bipartisan teams come in and test the ballots and tabulator. When we prepare for an election we are really hosting as many as 80 meetings and we strive to have each voter have the same experience
Outraged Within The Law Continued from page 1
is comprised of ethnically diverse community leaders as well as other concerned citizens who wants to attend and ask a question about any action, policy or procedure preformed by a Springfield Police officer. The vast majority of police officers are honorable men and women who serve their communities in very difficult, often dangerous, and ever changing situations. They deserve our support, just as those corrupt individuals within their ranks deserve our contempt. But the good ones far outnumber the bad ones. Written by Samuel Knox, Unite News Publication President and Managing Editor.
Continued on page 9
Unite News Building Empowering Connections | Page 7
Business News & Personal Finance
Woman Who Created Live 24-Hour Movie Streaming Platform KweliTV
DeShuna Spencer, founder/CEO KweliTV
Watch 400+ indie films, documentaries, web series & kids shows
Washington DC—Streaming has become the main way people consume entertainment. Platforms ranging from Netflix to Hulu have been dominating movie and television platforms with 24/7 content. For one entrepreneur, creating a streaming platform became a way to share black stories across the globe through a new 24-hour movie channel dedicated to the culture. DeShuna Spencer is the founder and CEO of KweliTV, one of the only digital streaming platforms dedicated to celebrating black culture and the African diaspora around the world. The name of the network comes from the Swahilli word for truth. Spencer was inspired to create the unique platform after becoming frustrated with the lack of diversity in movies and television. Her mission was to create a platform that could tell the global black experiences through numerous stories across the world. Spencer recently expanded her network to include a new 24-Hour movie channel where viewers can enjoy indie films, documentaries, and web series from black creatives all around the world. Many of the films have been played at notable film festivals and garnered critical
acclaim within the film community. Spencer is committed to ensuring that creators get their fair share of the profits offering them 60% of the revenue each quarter. KweliTV allows viewers to discover and enjoy Black-curated indie films, documentaries, web series, kids programming, news and live experiences from around the world - North America, Africa, Latin America, Europe and the Caribbean. 98% of the platform’s films have been official selections at film festivals and more than 65% are award-winning. Even more, it provides more than 300 indie filmmakers of color across the globe a space to showcase and make money off of their content.
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Streaming videos from Black filmmakers 24-hours a day KweliTV now broadcasts a new 24-hour live channel that streams a limited selection of its critically-acclaimed independent films, documentaries, shows and kids programming created and produced by mostly Black filmmakers. This free, ad-supported channel is accessible on the website and all of its apps as well as on Comcast Xfinity X-1 and Xfinity Flex. The addition of this live channel gives their customers more choices on ways in which to engage with the platform’s content. Now, customers can stream more than 15,000 hours of content on the company’s subscription on-demand channel for $5.99 a month or $49.99 per year; rent any of their 400+ titles for a day for a one-time fee; or watch the ad-supported 24-hour live stream of a curated collection of films and shows for frDeShuna comments, “This year, KweliTV is laser focused on spreading our content across various distribution channels to make it much easier to reach our audience in a number of ways. Given the fact that COVID-19 is disproportionately impacting our community’s health and pocketbooks, our live, free channel allows us to connect with customers who may be experiencing financial challenges.” KweliTV can be viewed on the web and on several major streaming devices and platforms including Roku, Amazon Fire, AppleTV, iOS, GooglePlay/Android, and Comcast Xfinity. For more details and/or to sign up, visit www.kweli.tv
Library
Continued from page 5
through Aug. 29. Adults can enroll and earn prizes, too. Register the same way, log books, write book reviews and complete activities outlined online. Or you can log everything on forms available on the website or at the checkout desk of any library branch. And as you log those, you earn entries in our Sept. 5 drawings for gift sets featuring products from local businesses. We hope you’ll join this summer break with us! Kathleen O’Dell is community relations director of the Springfield-Greene County Library District. She can be reached at kathleeno@ thelibrary.org. Kathleen O’Dell is community relations director of the Springfield-Greene County Library District. She can be reached at kathleeno@thelibrary.org.
Next Steps For High School Graduates
provides options for high school juniors and seniors to earn college credit towards an associate degree. If an SPS student qualifies for free and reduced lunch, they can participate in the dual-credit program that enables a student to earn college credits while taking certain high school classes. To the class of 2020: Your hopes, your desires, and dreams can still be achieved! Thank you for your hard work to complete high school during this challenging time of life. If additional resources and services are needed, please visit the Prosper Springfield website: www.prosperspringfield.org. Prosper Springfield is a collective impact initiative focused on a shared community vision to improve economic mobility in the Springfield community. The Prosper Springfield mission is to build community relationships and align community resources to create pathways that help move people to prosperity. Today’s column was co-written by Prosper Springfield’s Lauren Rogers and Francine Pratt. For more information about
Continued from page 6
institutions such as OTC offers courses to earn trade certificates in a variety of industries such as automotive, health or manufacturing. Fast Track is still an option to help with the cost of continuing education beyond high school and OTC and MSU offer courses to earn certificates and degrees for many of the workforce needs in the Springfield area. Scholarships are also available through two local entities: Foundation for Springfield Public Schools and Community Foundation of the Ozarks. For continuing high school students there are many opportunities to help jump start college and work experiences. Springfield Public Schools has a different academy course at each of the high schools such as leadership and engineering. The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce co-sponsors the GOCAP program, and OTC provides the Middle College program. GOCAPS offers students opportunities to develop employable skills in the top workforce industries and OTC Middle College
Greene County Clerk On Voter Safety Continued from page 7
although they may have different issues or candidates based on where they live. Getting enough election judges is always a problem. Chapell: Do you expect changes in voter behavior? Schoeller: Yes, people may be reluctant to put themselves at risk so we are providing gloves, sanitizer, encouraging people to bring their own pens/masks/cleaning materials. We (a bipartisan group of County Clerks) are working with the legislature to clarify the rules around absentee voting given we are in the midst of a declared emergency. We would like to open up the central voting locations (MSU, Cox, Mercy, the Courthouse and the CU transit center) a few days early to keep people from standing in lines and also maybe have drop boxes at the courthouse and libraries. Chapell: What is the County doing to help the
elderly, black and otherwise marginalized citizens be able to participate? Schoeller: All the central polling locations are ADA accessible. People who are permanently disabled can apply for the permanent absentee program. An NAACP member is a deputy registrar so she can register people at NAACP events. Chapell: Has a Greene County voter ever been convicted of voter fraud? Schoeller: Yes, there has been a single case. In the April 2015 election with the LGBTQ issue also known as SOGI, on the city ballot we had a voter who lived in the county vote and then present a change-of-address to a polling place in the city in order to vote again. So yes, one case. Chapell: How secure (relatively) are the voting machines? Schoeller: Voting security if very important to me. There is no WiFi connectivity on the machines. We go through a pre-testing procedure, passwords are changed every election, the machines must be shut down properly or the data is lost in which case the ballots have to be fed through again. After the election is over a post-audit is done ( no less than 5 precincts are counted by hand). When not in use the equipment is kept under lock and key and video surveillance 24 hours a day. We are headed for a more sophisticated audit system that necessitates paper ballots to go back and count by hand. Chapell: Are you aware of any Russian efforts to undermine our elections in Greene County? Schoeller: Not here but there were efforts in Cook County Illinois to tamper with voter registration and there were some unique problems in Durham North Carolina. We work with a national elections group that watches for irregular activities and reports back in real time. Chapell: Thank you for your time today, this has been illuminating. Twitter handle: @GreeneCountyMOWebsite: greenecountymo.gov4 Writtend by J.R. Chapell is the Springfield NAACP Health Committee Chairman.
Unite News Building Empowering Connections | Page 9
Health & Wellness News An Interview With Dr. Chiazo Amene, Neurosurgeon Springfield, MO— Please tell us about your background. I was born and raised in South Central Nigeria in a town called Enugu. Our primary language in Nigeria is English and there are 200 other languages as well. The other language I speak is Igbo. My dad is a doctor (now retired) and my mom is a pharmacist. My immediate family is all in the U.S. and while we are a close family, we are spread out in terms of geography. I am the 2nd of 5 children (4 Dr. Chiazo Amene, girls,1 boy). We lost Neurosurgeon my immediate younger sister in a car accident in Nigeria in 2011. At age 17 (after I graduated from high school) I moved to Michigan and lived with extended family. As we all moved to the US we began working towards getting green cards. Getting a green card is a long and complicated process that took 15 years. When did you realize you wanted to be a doctor? I would go with my dad when I was 8 or 9 years old to the hospital and I loved what he did as an Internist. He was able to help people who were in very difficult times. Although I didn’t decide then to be a brain surgeon, I knew I wanted to be a doctor. After moving to Michigan, I went to undergrad school in Arizona and studied biology as a major and astronomy as a minor. I then went to medical school in Arizona where I really enjoyed the neurosciences. I had also figured out that I wanted to practice procedural medicine and did my residency at the University of
Continued on page 12
Men’s Health Month - Standing in Your Power
J
une is the month we celebrate men with Father’s Day, which fitting because June is also Men’s Health Awareness Month. So to all men, we honor you, and we stand with you. The power of Black males shows up in how he takes care of himself so that he can make a difference in the lives of his family, the community, and the work he does. Role modeling to young men and boys that mental and physical health matters will affect the future health and wellness of Melesha Bailey black males. Young men need to see and hear how they care for themselves affects all aspects of their life and future, and you have the power to the effect that difference. June is Men’s Health Month. A national observance to raise awareness about health care for men and focus on encouraging boys, men, and their families to practice and implement healthy living such as exercising and eating healthy. The purpose of Men’s Health Month is to heighten the awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of disease among men and boys. During Men’s Health Month, men are encouraged to take control of their health, and for families to teach young boys healthy habits throughout childhood. Sunday, June 14th, is Wear Blue Day. This day is a part of the year-round Wear BLUE® awareness campaign that was created by Men’s Health Network to raise awareness about the importance of male health and to encourage men to live longer and healthier lives. Dust off those blue suede shoes, kick up your heels and show your solidarity with men all over the country that your health matters.
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There are many health disparities that African American men face: They more likely than white men to develop lung cancer, experience issues such as enlarged prostate and prostate cancer. And, sadly, more African-American males die from cancer than any other ethnic group according to the Central State Health Care System. Addressing men’s mental health is starting to gain more attention in the Black community. There is a stigma on males to admit there are mental health issues, and many men do not seek treatment, which is known to lead to drug abuse, PTSD, and not taking care of their physical health, according to Mental Health America. “Standing in your Power” is a reminder that when you seek medical advice, make healthy food choices, get physical activity, decrease cigarettes and alcohol, and taking care of your mental health matters. You will be displaying your strength to the world and young black men and boys. When men pursue good health, to combat the incidence of receiving a diagnosis of preventable diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure, it makes a huge difference. It demonstrates by example, that it’s never too early or too late to take care of your health. By paying attention to care for yourself and your effort to combat these issues are vital. Black males that purse good physical and mental health display a powerful image of strength and courage. Stand in Your Power. The world needs to see YOU. Please join my Facebook page Melesha’s Love 4 Life Wellness for resources, coaching tips, and help with solutions for healthy living. Visit my webpage www. love4lifewellness.com to make an appointment for a free consultation. Mention this article for additional discounts on any of my coaching services.
Arts & Entertainment News
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‘Architect of Rock ‘n Roll’ Little Richard dies at 87
OLLYWOOD – Black history legend and music icon “Little Richard” died Saturday after a battle with bone cancer. He was 87. According to Wikipedia, Richard Wayne Penniman was born on December 5, 1932. He was an influential figure in popular music and his most celebrated work dates back to the mid-1950s, when his dynamic music and charismatic showmanship laid the foundation for rock and roll, leading him to be given the nickname “The Innovator, The Originator, and The Architect of Rock and Roll.” Characterized by his frenetic piano playing and raspy singing voice, Richard’s music also played a key role in the formation of other popular music genres, including soul and funk. He influenced numerous singers and musicians across musical genres from rock to hip hop, and his music helped shape rhythm and blues for generations to come. “Tutti Frutti” (1955), one of Richard’s signature songs, became an instant hit, reaching No. 2 on Billboard Rhythm and Blues Best-Sellers chart and crossing over to the pop charts in both the United States and overseas in the United Kingdom. It reached No. 21 on the U.S. Billboard Top 100 and No. 29 on the UK singles chart. Richard’s next hit single, “Long Tall Sally” (1956), hit No. 1 on the Billboard Rhythm and Blues Best-Sellers chart and No. 13 on the Billboard Top 100 while reaching the top ten in the UK. Following his success, Richard
Neurosurgeon
Continued from page 10 California in Neurosurgery. Following my residency, I did a fellowship at Louisiana State University in Shreveport. After finishing there I came to Springfield and have been here 5.5 years. I am passionate about surgery on brain tumors and the difference I can make in people’s lives. What barriers have you had to overcome? When people say to me, “It’s not rocket science” or “it’s not brain surgery”, those statements make me want to do those things they imagine to be impossible. Being taken seriously in the very male dominated field of neurosurgery has been challenging. I think
built up his backup band, The Upsetters, with the part of its first group of inductees in 1986. He was addition of saxophonists Clifford “Gene” Burks also inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. and leader Grady Gaines, bassist Olsie “Baysee” He was the recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Robinson and guitarist Nathaniel “Buster” Douglas. Award from the Recording Academy and a Lifetime Richard’s critically acclaimed debut album Here’s Achievement Award from the Rhythm and Blues Little Richard (1957) peaked at No. 13 on the BillFoundation. In 2015, Richard board Top LPs chart. received a Rhapsody & Rhythm In 1962, concert promoter Don Award from the National MuseArden persuaded Little Richard um of African American Music for to tour Europe after telling him his key role in the formation of his records were still selling well popular music genres and helping there even though they were not to bring an end to the racial divide in the United States. Having heard on the music charts and in conof Richard’s European tour, Brian cert in the mid-1950s changing Epstein, manager of the Beatles, American culture significantly. asked Arden to allow the band to “Tutti Frutti” was included in the open for Richard on some tour National Recording Registry of dates, to which he agreed. The first the Library of Congress in 2010, show for which the Beatles opened which stated that his “unique vowas at New Brighton’s Tower calizing over the irresistible beat Ballroom that October. During this Richard Wayne Penniman announced a new era in music.” time, Richard advised the group on Little Richard was a true legend and will always how to perform his songs and taught Paul McCartbe a proud part of black history. Actor “Leon”porney his distinctive vocalizations. In the fall of 1963, trayed him masterfully in a movie about his life, but Richard agreed to rescue a sagging tour featuring as Richard himself says, he is “often imitated, but The Everly Brothers, Bo Diddley and the Rolling never duplicated.” Stones. A life well lived. RIP to the true Rock and Roll Richard was honored by many institutions. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as King!
I have accomplished that, through hard work and not taking ‘no’ for an answer. But also through maintaining a compassionate touch with my patients through, for most of them, possibly the most difficult time of their lives. What are your hobbies? My hobbies include traveling, reading and hanging with my German Shepherd, Ozzie. I am also an avid sports fan. Have you ever faced any racism here? I have been blessed in that, although I’ve had to overcome hardships from being an immigrant, I have never encountered overt racism. While Springfield is not necessarily a culturally diverse place, the medical
community, which is essentially my family here, is quite diverse. Where do you see yourself in ten years? I really love what I do, I have a passion for the work. I suppose I would like to see more growth in Mercy. We need to hire and keep more nurses and scrub techs. After they get training and experience they tend to move on. I would also like to see us have 15-20 neurosurgeons in the region. Do you have any guidance for youth? I’m not sure you can find anything more fulfilling than medicine. You can help people in their most vulnerable times and change their lives for good. — Interviewed by J.R. Chappell, Springfield NAACP
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