2020 May Unite

May 2020 Volume 30/ Number 5 • Find Digital Version @ www.unitenewsonline.org •

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UNITE.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY FROM THE UNITE NEWS STAFF

Building Empowering Connections

SPECIAL REPORT

RECOVERY: THE QUESTION OF HOW

TO RE-OPEN SAFELY Also In This Issue

African American Community Is Being Hit Hard by COVID-19

We All Can Play a Part in Supporting Strong and Thriving Families

BRIDGING THE DIVIDE FOR KIDS: SHURITA THOMAS -TATE IS NOW PART OF SPS BOARD

Springfield Loses Two Community Leaders See Article on PAGE 5

Take Photos Of “Enduring COVID-19 in the Ozarks”

See How CU Can

Work With You

The Springfield-Greene County Library District invites you to join us with our partners to document scenes of life in the Ozarks as we practice self-distancing and stay at home during the coronavirus pandemic.

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.

We are seeking images and information from you to tell this story. These photographs can be images of daily life coping with social distancing, or unusual scenes outside the home such as drive-by birthday parties, empty parking lots, colorful messages on homeowner windows, 6-feet-away warning signs, and people wearing personal protective equipment.

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.

Enhance these stories by describing the people, places, and events depicted in the image to preserve this piece of Ozarks history. Upload your photo to: https://thelibrary.org/enduringcovid19 The images and descriptive information will be added to the Library District’s Digital Archive.

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Page 2 Building Empowering Connections | Unite News

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What is a Mama? A mama is someone who is always there for you. She makes you your favorite food, takes you to the park, and kisses your boo-boos better. Some mamas didn't hold you in their belly, but they will forever hold you in their hearts. Mamas come in all different shapes, colors, and ages, but they all have one thing in common. They love you!

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

Prosper Springfield: Coronavirus (Covid-19) Community & Public Health Resources PAGE 14

Tableof Contents Community

Norman Jackson: The Passing Of A Springfield Blues Legend

Page 5

Community

Rev Leo King Sr: Husband, Father, Pastor & Friend

Page 5

Education

Thank You Teachers

by Gwen Marshall SPS Equity & Access

Page 6

Community

GA Barbershop Owner Drops a Massive Truth Bomb About the Struggles of Being a ‘NonEssential’ Business Owner

Page 8

Business & Money

The Library’s Online Services Available 24 Hours A Day, Free Of Charge Page 5

Heath & Wellness

A Word Of Instruction To Communities Of Color From The US Surgeon General

Page 10

Education

Bridging The Divide For Kids: Shurita Thomas -Tate Is Now Part Of SPS Board

Page 6

Arts & Entertainment

‘This Is Us’ Actor Niles Fitch to Become Disney’s First Black Live-Action Prince: Niles Fitch

Page 11

Unite News Building Empowering Connections | Page 3

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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

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Page 4 Building Empowering Connections | Unite News

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Community: Events & People Norman Jackson: The Passing Of A Springfield Blues Legend

Springfield, MO— September 7, 1951 April 12, 2020 Norman Leslie Jackson was born to Alberta Denise and Norman Lowell on September 7, 1951 in Canton, Ohio. Norman was the oldest of five children.

Norman attended Hartigan Grammar School and Wendell Phillips High school.

Norman was ordained in the ministry in 1983. Norman rededicated his life to Christ on March 1, 2020 at the New Growth Ministries under the leadership of Apostle Larry Maddox.

One day in 1994, Norman met and subsequently fell in love with Darla Berry. They courted for one month and were married December 23, 1994. Norman cherished his wife and the family they created with all his heart.

Quick witted and eager to learn, Norman bought his first guitar at 16 years old, and he taught himself how to

play; being left-handed that was hard. Norman first started learning gospel from Stella Burke.

The ensemble gave him his first chance at 17 years old. In 1969-72, Norman played in the group the Mighty Gospel Wonders of Chicago, IL. Norman continued his gospel career with the Mighty Masiah of Chicago, IL the Salem Travelers of Chicago, IL, Junior Echoes of Detroit, MI, The Gospel Worriers with Evelyn Turrentin of Detroit, MI, and The Pilgrim Wonders of Ohio. He also had his own family group named Norman and the So-

lets. Norman continued to play gospel groups until 1991. Norman also played in a rock band in 1992 named Touch of Class in Detroit, MI. Also, in 1992 he joined Don Shipps and the Titanic Blues band, where he was the guitarist and lead singer until 1996 when he started his own band, The Pawn Shop.

In 2016 he then started the Norman Jackson Band- that’s when he became a world renown blues singer. He won the #3 blues band in the world at the international blues challenge in Memphis, TN. He also toured

Continued on page 12

Rev Leo King Sr: Husband, Father, Pastor & Friend

Springfield, MO— December 10, 1934 April 10, 2020 Rev. Leo D. King Sr. was born in Carthage, MO on Dec. 10, 1934 to Marion C. and Henrietta (Thornhill) King. He was the middle child of the family, brother to Margaret Ann and Wilma.

After losing his mother

he was raised in Springfield, MO by his great grandmother, Maggie Leachman. He attended Lincoln High School and later went to Kansas Technical College where he met Nettie Gray. They married in 1955 and to this union 7 children were born.

Leo loved the game of basketball being a star player during high school and college. He loved to fish, bowl, play yahtzee and dominoes. He was an all out K.C.Cheifs fan!

Leo worked for Sears for 25 years. He was

called to minister in 2001, ordained in 2002 and elected Pastor of Freedom Baptist Church in 2003. Leo was a devoted husband, father, grandfather extending to great great, uncle and friend to all he could touch he was always there to lend a hand, feed, clothes or whatever was needed. Leo was always ready to tell a joke and make you smile. He had a lions roar but was meek as a lamb.

Preceding him in death are his parents; sisters, Wilma King and

Margaret Barker; Aunt Margaret Johnson; sons, Dennis Grubbs and Leo D. King, Jr.; grandson, Derrick Pelliccio and great grandson Amare King.

Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Nettie King; children, Garry (Sharon) King, Lonzetta (Mark) Graves, Wilma (Frank) Pelliccio, Bonnie (Jeff) Young, Connie (Alan) Vollmar and Sherri (Ashley) Harper; 27 grandchildren; 60 great grandchildren; 4 great great grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.

The Library’s Online Services Available 24 Hours A Day, Free Of Charge We’ve all gotten used to dealing with uncertainty in these days of the coronavirus pandemic. Between closures, stay-at-home orders and interrupted services for this and that, it’s not the usual Ozarks spring we’re used to.

But one thing has remained constant: The Library’s online services continue to be there for you, 24 hours a day.

Here are some specific online sites children, teens and adults can enjoy anytime.

• Creativebug, at thelibrary,org/creativebug, is the newest addition to our online resources to improve and enrich your life. It brings you more than 1,000 art and craft classes for all ages taught by expert instructors. Enjoy videos on drawing, sewing, knitting, crocheting, quilting, baking and more.

Downloadable patterns, templates and recipes and access to community galleries and forum.

• You might be familiar with TumbleBook Library -e-books for kids -- because the Library has offered access to it for years. But right now, Tumblebooks has opened up access to additional resources through August 31, 2020. Some of these are for all ages and may have more appeal to adults. (No library card required.)

• AudioBookCloud.com: audiobooks for all ages • RomanceBookCloud.com: a huge collection of romance novels • TeenBookCloud.com: e-books for grades 7-12 • TumbleBookLibrary: children’s e-books for grades K-6 No apps or downloading necessary, just click the links in your browser and start reading.

• The Library has continued to acquire content for OverDrive/Libby, including a recent addition of the Duke Classics -- some of those books you always meant to read but never got around to.

Download e-books and audiobooks the easy way Continued on page 12

Unite News Building Empowering Connections | Page 5

Bridging The Divide For Kids: Shurita Thomas -Tate Is Now Part Of SPS Board A fresh voice connecting the community

S

hurita Thomas-Tate, associate professor at Missouri State University, started serving a three-year term on the school board Tuesday April 14. In a virtual meeting, she was sworn in just before incumbent Denise Fredrick.

A longtime champion of equity and access for all children, Thomas-Tate initially ran for a spot on the seven-member governing board in 2019. She garnered 9,092 votes — or 26 percent — but lost to incumbents Alina Lehnert and Charles Taylor.

This year, she and Fredrick ran unopposed for two open spots after Tim Rosenbury, the board president, opted not to run again. Fredrick, a retired Springfield administrator and teacher, was first elected in 2011.

“SPS has welcomed Dr. Shurita Thomas-Tate as its newest board member. “We look forward to beginning the orientation process in support of a smooth transition,” said Superintendent John Jungmann, prior to the swearing-in ceremony Tuesday. “We’ll also be welcoming a returning board member, Dr. Denise Fredrick. Both Dr. Thomas-Tate and Dr. Fredrick are highly-respected leaders and caring individuals who have the best interests of our students at heart.”

Tate moved to Springfield August 2011 for a job as an assistant professor at Missouri State University. “I came to Springfield after working as an assistant professor at Florida State (2004-2011).”

Tate currently is employed at Missouri State University as an associate professor in the disarmament of Communication Sciences

Shurita Thomas-Tate

and Disorders. Tate currently teaches courses related to child language development and disorders, school-age language and literacy disorders, research methods and cultural and

Thank You Teachers

the proper instruction and what is this new math concept anyway?

Springfield, MO—These Teachers are concerned about the are trying times during the corowellbeing of na virus pantheir students demic for parand want to ents, students, see their faces and teachers. so they are Schools are having paclosed and parrades through Gwen Marshall ents or guardithe school’s Unite Writer ans have become neighborhood and the teacher for their chil- notifying students by dren. I am sure it is not phone to stand outside as easy as it seems; this and wave as they go by. business of teaching.

Springfield R-12 school Making sure that your district is so concerned that they are making stay at home student sure students have stays on task, is getting

by Gwen Marshall SPS Equity & Access

Page 6 Building Empowering Connections | Unite News

linguistic diversity. “My research is related to my teaching interest, with many of my publications being related to literacy, language and cultural competency. I started a community-based literacy program, Ujima, in 2015. The program was initially housed at the Bartley-Decatur Neighborhood Center.

Last year when Tate was running for school board, she vowed to advocate for Springfield students and families who felt marginalized.

She repeatedly argued more must be done to close the achievement gap for students from underresourced and underrepresented groups.

When asked what she hopes to accomplish,Tate said, “I care about the children and families in this community. I have committed my time and energy to serving children and families in Springfield since moving here. I have met and worked with many families who find themselves marginalized within the SPS district – for any number of reasons including their race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, disability/ability, etc. I recognize the need for representation on the school board for these families, and I intend to be a voice for them.”

breakfast and lunch.

Let’s give a shout out of appreciation to all staff members that are making all this possible.

Now parents since you are experiencing firsthand the teaching profession. It gives you a deeper appreciation for what they do. You might be asking the question: How can I thank a teacher? Thank them by letting them know that the work they do is not just a good deed, and that you appreciate the highly professional career path they have cho-

sen. Let your child’s teacher know that you appreciate the work that they do, not only in the classroom, but in the community, creating partnerships and building tangible lasting relations. Thank them for being continuous learners at their own expense so they can be better qualified to teach your child.

When things return to normal let’s do more to support our educators.

Be willing to tell them how much you Continued on page 7

Thank You Teachers

Continued from page 6 appreciate them, become a volunteer at your child’s school, make sure your children are great students, make a teacher appreciation basket, donate money to their classroom, tell the principal how much you appreciate your teacher and be supportive as a parent or guardian.

“Teaching is a very noble profession that shapes the character, caliber, and future of the individual. If the people remember me as a good teacher that will be the biggest honor for me.” – A. P. J. Abdul Kalam Remember that we are in this fight against the Coronavirus together • Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

• Avoid touching eyes, mouth or nose with unwashed hands.

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick. The World Health Organization suggests maintaining at least 3 feet of space between yourself and an ill person, or someone who is coughing and sneezing.

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or the crook of your arm when sneezing or coughing (also known as the vampire cough). Dispose of tissue after use.

• Stay home and away from others if you or your family members are feeling ill.

Please be safe, stay engaged with your school work and we will see you in August of 2020.

We All Can Play a Part in Supporting Strong Families This month and throughout the year, Unite News encourages all individuals and organizations to play a role in making Springfield a better place for children and families. By ensuring that parents have the knowledge, skills, and resources they need to care for their children, we can help prevent child abuse and neglect by creating strong and thriving children, youth, and families in our communities.

Research shows that protective factors are present in healthy families. Protective factors are conditions or attributes of individuals, families, communities, or the larger society that mitigate risk and promote healthy development and wellbeing.

What are child abuse and neglect?

Child abuse and neglect are serious public health problems and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) that can have long-term impact on health and wellbeing. This issue includes all types of abuse and neglect against a child under the age of 18 by a parent, caregiver, or another person in a custodial role (such as a religious leader, a coach, a teacher) that results in harm, potential for harm, or threat of harm to a child.

There are four common types of abuse and neglect: • Physical abuse is the intentional use of physical force that can result in physical Examples include hitting, kicking, shaking, burning, or other shows of force against a child.

• Sexual abuse involves pressuring or forcing a child to engage in sexual acts. It includes behaviors such as fondling, penetration, and exposing a child to other sexual activities.

Please see CDC’s Preventing Child Sexual Abuse webpage for more information.

• Emotional abuse refers to behaviors that harm a child’s self-worth or emotional well-being. Examples include name calling, shaming, rejection, withholding love, and threatening.

• Neglect is the failure to meet a child’s basic

physical and emotional needs. These needs include housing, food, clothing, education, and access to medical care.

Child abuse and neglect are connected to other forms of violence through shared risk and protective factors. This means preventing child abuse and neglect can also prevent other forms of violence.

How big is the problem?

Child abuse and neglect are common. At least 1 in 7 children have experienced child abuse and/or neglect in the past year, and this is likely an underestimate. In 2018, nearly 1,770 children died of abuse and neglect in the United States.

“It’s going to take us all to make sure kids are safe,” said Sara Smith, with the Missouri Department of Social Services.

It’s a phrase you hear often: if you see something, say something. With Missouri children home from school during coronavirus outbreaks, however, child abuse and neglect could be going unseen and unreported.

“We’re concerned kids might not have enough food in their home. Parents might’ve lost jobs,” Smith said. “Stressors might be happening more than ever.”

Smith is the Deputy Director of the

The Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline number is 1-800-392-3738.

It’s available around the clock, every day.

Callers can make anonymous reports.

Continued on page 12

Unite News Building Empowering Connections | Page 7

Business News & Personal Finance

GA Barbershop Owner Drops a Massive Truth Bomb About the Struggles of Being a ‘NonEssential’ Business Owner

by Beth Baumann, TownHall.com Posted: Apr 25, 2020 Those in the beauty industry – barbershops, hair and nail salon and spas – have all taken a massive hit during the Wuhan coronavirus pandemic. They have been deemed “non-essential” from the beginning. In some states, it will be another four to six weeks before these businesses are able to reopen. In other states, like California, they are closed with no reopening date in sight.

Critics, especially rich critics on the left, want beauty professionals to stay home. Taurean Overall, the owner of three successful Blessed Up Barber Shops in Atlanta, said what’s

being asked of them is unrealistic and unfeasible. He is, however, thankful that Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp (R) has decided to reopen the economy and allowed these so-called “non-essential businesses” to reopen.

“What do you say to all the folks out there who think this is so dangerous, you are putting people’s lives, you know, in jeopardy?” Fox News’ Laura Ingraham asked. “Al Sharpton today said that what you’re actually doing is bad.”

She then played a clip of Rev. Al Sharpton on MSNBC. “I don’t know any barber in Georgia that has 6-foot long arms. How are you going to have social distancing in a barbershop or in a beauty parlor?” Sharpton said. “I mean, let’s be seri-

Page 8 Building Empowering Connections | Unite News

ous. You are really telling people, put yourself in danger. For what reason, I cannot imagine.”

Overall smirked when he heard the comments.

“Rev. Al, you might have a couple million dollars in the bank. Us non-essential owners do not,” the barbershop owner said. “The only thing we can speak from is our perspective.

For the last two months – I speak for myself – I had no income for the last two months. I own three barbershops, I also cut hair myself, and us being out of work is no money coming in at all. In the last few months, I have spent over $20,000 in rent, in mortgages, you know, stuff like that. I applied for the SBAs, applied for the unemployment. I haven’t even received the stimulus.”

“So my question to people out there: what should we do? Should we just sit back and wait for the government to bail us out, or take advantage of the opportunity we have them be as safe as possible and still, you know, make as much money as we can and play it safe?”

Overall asked.

His three barbershops are taking extra safety precautions, like requiring customers to sanitize their hands, spray down in Lysol and wear disposable gloves and ponchos. Employees are wearing masks.

Ingraham played a clip from a New York Times reporter who suggested that allowing economies to freely reopen would put us back to square one in the pandemic.

Overall, again, asked how businesses that are deemed “non-essential” should maneuver this crisis when they’re being asked to stay home.

“If you don’t want us to work, find a way to make an extra stimulus package or some kind of funds for us non-essential workers to save our homes, to save our cars from being repoed, to save from being evicted, to save our businesses,” the barbershop owner said. “I’ve busted my butt for the last six years building a Continued on page 9

“Non-Essential” Business Owners Continued from page 8

franchise from the ground up and what people are telling me [to do is] to sit at home and wait, for something no one has an answer to, save me.”

Overall said he would rather reopen, take the opportunity to be as safe as possible while having faith in God to provide.

“The key is to be as safe as pos-

sible. It’s no different than coming into the barbershop as a person going to the grocery store. And touching that bag of chips. Who knows who touched that bag of chips before you did,” he explained.

“When you come into a barbershop, I know who sat in my chair so I’m going to wipe it down. I know who’s touching my door handle so I’m going to wipe it down.”

Tulsa’s Black Wall Street to be modernized thanks to grant

Smoke billowing over Tulsa, Oklahoma during 1921 race riots. Library of Congress

By Dawn Onley - April 13, 2020 The Grio Tulsa, OK—Nearly 100 years after Black Wall Street was destroyed by an angry mob of white racists, the federal government is stepping in to restore some of the buildings on the famed Tulsa, Oklahoma block.

The National Park Service (NPS) is giving $500,000 in grant money to renovate buildings along Tulsa’s one-block North Greenwood Avenue business district known as the former Black Wall Street, announced the Greenwood Cham-

ber of Commerce, which manages the district. Chamber President Freeman Culver told the Associated Press that the money will go toward replacing roofs on 10 buildings as well as revamping the exteriors of the buildings.

North Greenwood Avenue is all that remains from that once-affluent community. The 10 buildings were refurbished in the early 1980s, but have not had any major work done since that time period.

The NPS announced the Oklahoma project is one of $14 million

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Unite News Building Empowering Connections | Page 9

Health & Wellness News

Disparities and Inequality of Health Care in America For Ethnic Minorities

A

n interview with Latasha Harris, RN of Black Nurses Rock. An organization of nurses who work to educate vulnerable communities on racial disparities. Interview conducted by Melesha Bailey, owner of Love 4 Life Wellness.

MB- Let’s start with identifying what is a disparity?

LH- A disparity is unequal access and opportunities for better health care, income, education, doctors, lawyers, and food.

MB-What are some of the most significant health disparities you see as a nurse?

LH-Many that have health disparities have economic disparities as well. The lack of proper medical coverage for medications, treatments, and convenient transportation is problematic. Chronic disease education and access to information create unbalance.

MB-Why, do you think when there is an adverse health diagnosis that solutions are not sought after right away?

LH- Normally, people wait until the last minute to seek treatment and follow up with their physicians. Many don’t ask questions and leave the doctor’s offices with a lack of understanding of what lies ahead for them. Many people return to life as usual and not make the necessary healthy lifestyle behavioral changes.

Some will not seek treatments or will go without medications because they don’t have money or medical coverage. Transportation to and from appointments is also a contributing factor.

MB-What types of programs are needed to make sure people are getting the care they need?

LH-We need a strong Home Health Care

System that is covered by insurance. The medical community needs to make sure that when a diagnosis is given, that people fully understand the diagnosis and then make sure there is adequate follow-up.

There’s a need for home health nurses to do well check-ups making sure people are following the advice of their health care provider and making lifestyle changes to Melesha Bailey lessen the progression of their diseases.

MB-What observations do you see in the hospitals regarding health care?

LH-Because of the lack of education around a person’s disease, people are coming in and out of the hospital with the same problem each month to access health care. When they go home, they are right back to the same lifestyle, not getting treatments and the education needed. There is a breakdown in communication that comes from a lack of understanding and not asking questions.

MB-How, do we move forward addressing health disparities?

LH-Many health problems are passed from generation to generation from food and traditions.

We must stop eating what our ancestors ate and change how we address our health today.

Starting conversations about hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and other chronic illnesses are key. Addressing the fact that many of these illnesses come from the way we eat and not heredity. Implementing physical activity, healthy eating, and drinking water as a necessity.

Page 10 Building Empowering Connections | Unite News

Continued on page 12

A Word Of Instruction To Communities Of Color From The US Surgeon General

US Surgeon General, Jerome Adams

Washington, DC—Good afternoon everyone. I started off the week talking about the challenges that lie ahead. And I want to finish the week just by reiterating what you’ve heard. Mitigation works. It definitively and quantitatively is working and I want to say thank you to America for your efforts to help flatten the curve and to save lives.

At the President’s direction, in April I met with 2,000 Hispanic leaders from their communities.

And today, the Vice President led a phone call that I was on with hundreds of African-American leaders, including the Reverend Jesse Jackson, including Derrick Johnson of the NAACP including the National Medical Association in the black Nurses Association to talk about some of the alarming trends we’re observing regarding the impact of COVID-19 on communities of color.

You’ve heard the stats in New York City.

Hispanics represents the majority of deaths. In Milwaukee County, blacks are 25% of the population but almost 50% of the cases and 75% of the deaths. So what’s going on? Well it’s alarming, but it’s not surprising that people of color have a greater burden of chronic health conditions.

African-Americans and Native Americans develop high blood pressure at much younger ages, Continued on page 13

Arts & Entertainment News ‘This Is Us’ Actor Niles Fitch to Become Disney’s First Black Live-Action Prince: Niles Fitch

T

his is us! Disney has cast a black prince.

Niles Fitch will play a character named Prince Tuma in a new Disney Plus movie, Secret Society of Second-Born Royals, according to The Grio. Fitch is Disney’s first live-action black prince.

The actor shared the news via his Facebook account. “Welcome Disney’s first live-action Black prince! Coming to your home screens as Prince Tuma, streaming on Disney+ in Summer 2020!!”

Secret Society of Second-Born Royals follows a princess unlike those usually seen in Disney movies. Second-born Sam lives in the shadows of her older sister, Princess Eleanor, who is next in line to take the throne. But being younger means Sam gets superpowers and she gets drafted into a top-secret group of other gifted young recruits responsible for the world’s safety.

The cast includes Peyton Elizabeth Lee as Sam, Skylar Astin as Professor James Morrow,

Élodie Yung as Catherine, Ashley Liao as Eleanor, and Noah Lomax as Mike.

Lee told Entertainment Weekly, “Sam is going to be a unique addition to the Disney princess family because she doesn’t want to be a princess, she doesn’t want to be royalty. Because of that, it takes her on this journey of figuring out how to make it work for herself that’s going to break that delicate princess mold. When she finds this secret society that feels the same way, they figure out how to create their own legacy and have an impact on their country and the world.”

Fitch is best known for portraying the teenage version of Sterling K. Brown’s Randall Pearson on the NBC television show This Is Us. He made his television debut with a guest appearance in Tyler Perry’s House of Payne, followed by a recurring role in Season 7 of Army Wives. He has appeared in the movies St. Vincent and Roman J. Israel, Esq.

by Cedric ‘BIG CED’ Thornton

Tyler Perry’s New Hit Cult Thriller “The Oval” Having already made waves on BET’s currently #1 ranked new scripted series “The Oval” with dual roles, breakout star Melissa L. Williams, who has quickly become Tyler Perry’s new muse, is now set to lead Perry’s spin-off series “Ruthless,” as the title character Ruth Treadle on BET’s new streaming platform, BET Plus, out now. We would love to arrange a fun and inspiring interview with you and Melissa to discuss her roles in both series, working with Tyler Perry and her career overall. Melissa is also available discuss the current

COVID-19 climate and what she is doing to help those in need and her fans, as recently seen in her PEOPLE.COM exclusive.

“The Oval” tells the story of a family placed in the White House by people of power while also highlighting the personal side and everyday lives of the staff who run the inner workings of the nation’s most iconic residence.

On the new hit series, Melissa portrays twin sisters ‘Denise’ and ‘Ruth,’ polar opposite roles, both with their own agenda.

Perry’s spin-off series “Ruthless” follows

Ruth Truesdale as she’s forced to play nice with a scandalous religious cult of powerful sex crazed fanatics in the hopes of freeing herself and her daughter. Williams stars opposite Stephanie Charles (“The Paynes”), Anthony Bless (“Tyler Perry’s Sistas”) and Bobbi Baker James (“House of Payne”).

Melissa grew up in Oklahoma City as the oldest of six and utilized her family holiday gatherings to put together and star in her own talent shows. A natural performer from an early age, she set out to do as much local theater as she could find in Oklahoma City, eventually heading to Clark University in Atlanta for college to study theater. Williams joined the CAU Players, the University’s drama club, which puts on various productions yearly ranging from classical works, musical works, children’s productions, and one-act play festivals. Melissa starred as Carmen in F.A.M.E. during her time in the CAU Players. Even after finishing her degree, she went to get additional technical training so that he could produce projects herself and applied it to several music videos she produced when she moved to LA. Williams is a true breakout star, landing her first series regular role on “Ruthless” and taking the town by storm, with plans to also produce and star in her own future projects.

When she’s not acting or behind the camera, Williams is usually in Los Angeles with her new French bulldog, Ray, taking a spin class or working with the Young Storytellers.

by JT Hainje & Caitlin Green, AGPR@AndersonGroupPR.com

Melissa L. Williams breakout star in Tyler Perry’s spin-off series “Ruthless.”

Unite News Building Empowering Connections | Page 11

Library Continued from page 5 with Libby. Get the app from the App Store or Google Play for your smartphone or tablet.

• Read an unlimited number of your favorite magazines or listen to audiobooks through RB Digital.

• Learn a new language with Mango Languages, an online language learning system that teaches conversational skills for practical communication.

• Get to know Lynda.com, and learn softDisparities Continued from page 10 There needs to better support systems to make sure healthcare needs are taken care of at the onset of diagnosis along with access to educational resources, good quality care, and transportation to appointments.

Black Wall Street Continued from page 9 in African American Civil Rights Historic Preservation Fund grants that the agency is giving to fund 51 projects in 20 states and the District of Columbia.

“These grants will fund important projects that document, interpret, and preserve sites that tell the stories of the African American experience in the pursuit of civil rights,” said National Park Service Deputy Director DaNorman Jackson

Continued from page 5 the United States, Europe and South Korea.

February 6, 2016 the mayor, Robert Steven of Springfield, MO, announced that every year February 8 would be Norman Jackson day.

Norman was strong in giving back to the community; he played at nursing homes and

schools for free.

Norman never gave up on gospel music and ministering to the people. On the 1st and 2nd Sunday of every month, he would minister at the Springfield Rehab and Healthcare Facility, where his wife, Darla now resides. In January of 2020 while playing with the group, The Vanity Box, Norman won the Overy Award for

ware, technical, creative and business skills through more than 3,000 courses and 150,000 high-quality video tutorials taught by industry experts.

• Visit missourioverthere.org for stories, photos and documents revealing Missourians’ role in World War I. Kathleen O’Dell is community relations director of the Springfield-Greene County Library District. She can be reached at kathleeno@thelibrary.org.

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. vid Vela in the press release announcing the grants. “Thanks to the coordination of public and private partners, these projects will help connect Americans to historic places that preserve American history.”

But some residents want to see more done, according to The Black Wall Street Times. To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the race riot in 2021, some Black leaders tell the newspaper they want to bring 100 businesses to the area. his support of women singing the blues at the international blues challenge in Memphis, TN. Norman was a father and a mentor to many.

He is preceded in death by his dad, Norman Lowell; brother, George Jr.; daughter, Deja; and granddaughter, Serenity.

Norman leaves to cherish his fond memories: his mom, Alberta; his wife, Darla; his chil-

Page 12 Building Empowering Connections | Unite News

dren, Norman of Springfield, Shawntina (Stacy) of Joliet, IL, Tiawana (Emmitt) of Matterson, IL, Shameka (Shaunton) of South Holland, IL, Leslie of South Holland IL, Darryle (Shemrya) of Detroit, and Shaniece; his stepchildren, Karla of Kansas City, Emanuel (Kiesha) of Detroit, Latoya, and Trish; godson, Rick (Johanna); his sisters Debra, Diane

(Payton) of Memphis and Darlene of Chicago; 33 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; 2

extended sons Boogie and Kyle and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Abuse and Neglect

cuts, bruises, or broken bones, as well as emotional and psychological problems, such as impaired social-emotional skills or anxiety.

Child abuse and neglect and other ACEs can also have a tremendous impact on lifelong health and wellbeing if left untreated. For example, exposure to violence in childhood increases the risks of injury, future violence victimization and perpetration, substance abuse, sexually transmitted infections, delayed brain development, lower educational attainment, and limited employment opportunities.

Chronic abuse may result in toxic stress, which can change brain development and increase the risk for problems like post-traumatic stress disorder and learning, attention, and memory difficulties.

Smith said hotline calls typically come from mandated reporters in schools, day cares and churches. You don’t have to see something to make the call. The Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline number is 1-800392-3738. It’s available around the clock, every day. Callers can make anonymous reports.

Continued from page 7 Missouri Department of Social Services, Children’s Division. She said just since March 11, the state has seen about a 50% drop in calls to the Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline.

“Typically we see about 650 calls a day during this time of year during the week day. It’s just going down significantly,” Smith said.

Children living in poverty experience more abuse and neglect.

Rates of child abuse and neglect are 5 times higher for children in families with low socio-economic status compared to children in families with higher socio-economic status.

Child maltreatment is costly. In the United States, the total lifetime economic burden associated with child abuse and neglect was approximately $428 billion in 2015. This economic burden rivals the cost of other high profile public health problems, such as stroke and type 2 diabetes.

What are consequences?

Children who are abused and neglected may suffer immediate physical injuries such as

Surgeon General Continued from page 10 African-Americans and Native Americans develop high blood pressure at much younger ages, it’s less likely to be under control and does greater harm to their organs.

Puerto Ricans have higher rates of asthma and black boys are three times as likely to .die of asthma as their white counterparts. As a matter of fact I’ve been carrying around an inhaler in my pocket for 40 years out of fear of having a fatal asthma attack. I hope that showing you this inhaler, shows little kids with asthma all across the country that they can grow up to be Surgeon General one day. I more immediately share it, so that everyone knows it doesn’t matter if you look fit if you look young you were still at risk for getting and spreading and dying from coronavirus.

The chronic burden of medical ills is likely to make people of color especially less resilient to the ravages of COVID-19 and if possibly in fact likely that the burden of social ills is also contributing. Social distancing and teleworking we know are critical. You’ve heard Dr. Burks and Dr. Fauci talk about how they prevent the spread of a virus.

Yet only one in five African Americans and one in six Hispanics has a job that lets them work from home. People of color are more likely to live in densely packed areas and in multi-generational housing which create higher risk for spread of a highly contagious diseases like COVID-19.

We tell people to wash their hands, but a study showed 30% of the homes on Navajo Nation don’t have running water. So how are they going to do that. In summary people of color experienced more likely exposure to COVID- 19 and increase complications from it. But let me be crystal clear, we do not think people of color are biologically or genetically predisposed to get COVID-19. There is nothing inherently wrong with you. But they are socially predisposed to exposure and to have a higher incidence of the very diseases that put you at risk for severe complications of coronavirus. But as the Vice President shared on a call this history and I want you to hear me say this, it does not have to be our nation’s future. Steps will be taken now in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic to reach protect and strengthen all communities impacted by this disease and especially our communities of color. More details will be forthcoming. But we are actively working as the vice-president and

the CDC director laid out today, data collection, targeted outreach to communities of color and increasing financial employment education, housing, social and health supports so that everybody has an equal chance to be healthy.

I want to close by saying that while your state and local health department’s and those of us in public service are working day and night to help stop the spread of COVID-19 and protect you regardless of your color your creed or your geography, I need you to know you were not helpless. It’s even more important than in communities of color we adhere to the task force guidelines to slow the spread. Stay at home if possible. If you must go out maintain six feet of distance between you and everyone else. Wear a mask if you’re going to be within six feet of others. Wash your hands more often than you ever dreamed possible. Avoid alcohol, tobacco and drugs. Call your friends and family checking on your mother she wants to

hear from you right now. And speaking of mothers, we need you to do this not for yourself, then for your A buela do it for your granddaddy do it for your Big Mama do it for your Pop Pop. We need you to understand especially in communities of color we need you to step up and help stop the spread so that we can protect those who are most vulnerable. This epidemic is a tragedy, but it will be all the more tragic if we fail to recognize and address the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 and an array of other diseases and risk factors on communities of color. The task force in this administration are determined not to let that happen.

The President, the Vice President have said we will not let that happen. We can’t fix these issues overnight, but I promise you we will work with your communities to quickly and meaningfully move the needle in the right direction. Nothing less than the fate of our families and friends my family and friends depends on it.

Unite News Building Empowering Connections | Page 13

CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) COMMUNITY & PUBLIC HEALTH RESOURCES PUBLIC HEALTH RESOURCES “Stay at Home” Order is available on the city’s website: www.springfield.mo.gov or through the City of Springfield’s Facebook

page. Below, please find a list of resources that might be helpful to you and those you serve.

Please feel free to share:

Help Ozarks

Help Ozarks is the City of Springfield’s main website to share official directions to slow the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). This website provides direct links to information on the latest Springfield-Greene County health updates, resources for job seekers and employers, and a pledge citizens, businesses and institutions can voluntarily take to show commitment to slowing the spread of the Coronavirus.

For more information visit: https://www.springfieldmo.gov/5107/Help-Ozarks

Springfield-Greene County Health Department | COVID-19 Resources

The Springfield-Greene County Health Department’s website has guidelines for good hand and respiratory hygiene habits, tips for at-risk groups that may be more affected by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and guidance for travel and isolation/quarantine timelines. The health department’s website also shows testing sites—Cox Virtual Health Visits and MyMercy—available in Springfield. For more information visit: https://www.springfieldmo.gov/5068/Coronavirus or call 417-874-1211.

Cox Health Visits

Cox Healthcare System is providing free virtual visits to screen patients for COVID-19 and provide more guidance about the appropriate actions to take if they are sick with the Coronavirus. Virtual visits are online appointments that are available for people ages two years and older and include a COVID-19 Risk Assessment and if needed, a prescription referral to a pharmacy. For more information visit: https:// www.coxhealth.com/services/virtualvisits/ or call 417-269-3000.

Mercy Health

Mercy Health provides virtual care options to seek medical treatment without exposing others to illness. MyMercy is a free, easy-to-use application to manage your whole family’s health online. This app allows users to access information about their health and care team 24 hours a day. For more information visit: https://www.mercy.net/patients/mymercy/ or call 417-820-2000.

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PUBLIC HEALTH RESOURCES Missouri Food Stamp

Food Stamp/SNAP certification periods are extended by six months for those with re-certification periods in March, April and May 2020 to prevent Food Stamp benefits from ending during the COVID-19 pandemic. DSS waived all work requirements for able bodied adults without dependents through the end of the federal emergency. Missouri will issue the Pandemic Food Stamp/Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (P-SNAP) to give households currently eligible for SNAP the maximum benefits. Families eligible for free or reduced-price lunch in school districts that have closed for five consecutive days will receive a P-EBT (Pandemic - Electronic Benefit Transfer) to value the amount of missed meals. For more information visit https://mydss.mo.gov/food-assistance

WIC (Women, Infants and Children) | Jordan Valley Community Health Center

Effective 3/18/2020 - All satellite WIC locations are closed until further notice. All appointments will be handled over the phone. The WIC program is housed at Jordan Valley Community Health Center and provides free services for qualifying participants such as health screenings, nutrition education and additional food packages, breastfeeding support, referrals to health care providers or social services agencies. For more information visit: https://www.jordanvalley.org/services or call 417-864-1540.

Missouri Department of Social Services (DSS)

Effective 3/24/2020 - The following offices of the Missouri Department of Social Services will be closed to the public through 4/6/2020: Family Support Division, Child Care Subsidy, MO HealthNet (Medicaid), Children’s Division, Division of Youth Services. Please visit the DSS website to see how to the offices will conduct business during this time period at https://dss.mo.gov/covid-19/

MO HealthNet (Medicaid)

Telehealth is available to MO HealthNet participants. There will be no copays for COVID-19 testing for MO HealthNet participants.

Coverage will be extended to Missourians ages 19 to 64 who test positive for COVID-19. Requirements for prescriptions refills will make sure participants have access to essential medications. For more information visit: https://dss.mo.gov/mhd/or call 573-751-3425

Center for Disease Control

The Center for Disease Control website provides the latest updates on COVID-19 cases in the U.S and links to resources that describe actions to take if you think you are sick, are an older adult or have health conditions that would increase the effects of coronavirus, symptoms and how to prepare your family. This website also provides resources for communities regarding travel, schools, childcare, businesses, employers, community and faith-based organizations and healthcare workers or institutions. For more information visit: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

JOB SEEKERS AND EMPLOYERS Missouri Job Center

The Missouri Job Center provides resources to job seekers and employers impacted by the COVID-19 virus. Information on employment opportunities and information on apprenticeships throughout the state, steps on how to file for unemployment for individuals and businesses through the Missouri Department of Labor. For more information visit: https://www.springfieldmo.gov/1007/Workforce-Development or call 417-887-4343

File for Unemployment | Missouri Department of Labor

The Missouri Department of Labor’s website provides information on how to file or manage an unemployment claim or claim benefit eligibility. The website also features information on worker’s compensation and discrimination for businesses and workers. Businesses can file unemployment for groups of employees they may have to lay off due to COVID-19.

For more information visit: https://labor.mo.gov/coronavirus

Unite News Building Empowering Connections | Page 15

JOB SEEKERS AND EMPLOYERS US Small Business Administration (SBA)

The US Small Business Administration website describes areas eligible for SBA disaster loans and the steps to apply for a loan. SBA can provide small businesses who have experienced substantial suffering due to COVID-19 with low-interest federal disaster loans to overcome temporary loss of revenue. For more information visit: https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/ or call 1-800-877-8339.

COMMUNITY RESOURCES Community Health Advocates | Springfield-Greene County Health Department

Community Health Advocates help individuals navigate Springfield resources and work with individuals to determine their needs and provide personalized referrals to employee assistance, affordable housing, healthcare, pregnancy and parenting services, education, disability services and childcare assistance. To make a referral visit: https://www.springfieldmo.gov/CHAreferral or call 417-874-2477.

Crosslines Food Pantry | Council of Churches

Crosslines Food Pantry is remaining open and changing its distribution process to protect public health and serve the community. Individuals must be a Greene County resident, meet USDA requirements, show Social Security identification and bring mail with current address that is less than 30 days old to access the pantry. Crosslines is taking online food orders at: http://www.123formbuilder.com/form5352339/form or phone calls at 417-869-0563.

U.S. Census 2020

The U.S. 2020 Census invitations began arriving at households March 12. For the first time, nearly everyone will be invited to respond online, by phone, or by mail. Along with the invitation, households will receive a census overview, description of language assistance in English and 12 additional languages, and a census ID number. More information about when most people will receive their invitations can be found at 2020census.gov.

Tax Filing New Due Date

The tax filing deadline has been extended to July 15, 2020. For individuals with simple returns to file and have access to a computer, they may want to consider utilizing the following website suggested by Community Partnership of the Ozarks: www.myfreetaxes.com.

Prosper Springfield Website: “Get Help & “Get Informed”

This website has information on current resources and services available in the Springfield/Greene County area. Click “Get Help” to find information related to almost any area of need related to education, health, housing, job/financial assistance and transportation. Please visit: www.prosperspringfield.org.

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