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April 2021 Volume 31/ Number 4 • Find Digital Version @ www.unitenewsonline.org •

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Master Gardeners will answer your questions about

Composting & Gardening Page 12

Building Empowering Connections

April Is National Minority Health Month African Americans make the decision to Vaccinate Or Not to Vaccinate Page 10

SPS names new principal of Central High School

SPS Selects Dr Grenita Lathan as Next Superintendent Page 5

Dr Genita Lathan

Page 7

Jeremy Brown

Library Spring Book Sale at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds April 28-May 2 Page 5

‘Updated COVID-19 Community & Public Health Resource Directory See Information on PAGE 13

417.338.8122

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disabled / Veterans

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Are you without a home, at risk of becoming homeless, do not have a safe stable place to stay NOW HIRING or need affordable call FORhousing, THE 417-225-7499 or visit the Spring2021 SEASON field Affordable Housing Center Apply At at 300 E. Central, Springfield.

SilverDollarCity.com/Jobs

1/15/19 11:13 AM

Or Call 417.338.8122

Making Sense of Money February 5, 12, 19 and 26 – (Basic Budgeting Series) Unite HR ad.indd 1 2/18/21 10:41 AM Free interactive class to learn how to manage money better.

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Contact 417-888-2020, ext. 150 or register online at http://www. cpozarks.org/financial-literacy/.

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We’re Better Together City Utilities is looking for business partners to make our company better. If you offer a product or service, contact our purchasing department to discuss opportunities.

Get Connected to Us. Call 417-831-8363 or go to cityutilities.net/purchasing to learn ways we can work together.

Letter to the Editor Continued from Page 7

to being truly inclusive. Nevertheless, I dream of an inclusive society with mutual respect: something that Americans can be proud of. Above all, I love because of this revelation.

“Disagreement does not equal hate.”

—

Page 2 Building Empowering Connections | Unite News

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

COVID-19 Community & Public Health Resource Directory: See PAGE 13

Tableof Contents Art & Culture

Education

40th Artsfest on Historic Walnut Street set for May 1 & 2 Page 6

SPS Selects Dr Grenita Lathan as Next Superintendent Page 5

Community

Library Spring Book Sale at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds April 28-May 2

Page 5

Health & Wellness African Americans make the decision to Vaccinate Or Not to Vaccinate Page 10

Business

City to host meeting & mixer for disadvantaged businesses April 1 Page 6

Entertainment

Remember To Vote On April 6

Idris Elba, and Caleb McLaughlin star in new ‘Concrete Cowboy’, starts April 2 on Netflix

For complete list of candidates and ballot issues call: (417) 868-4055

Page 9

Heather Hardinger

Daniel Ogunyemi

Heather Hardinger is running for Springfield City Council - General Seat A Daniel Ogunyemi is running for Springfield Public School Board

Unite News Building Empowering Connections | Page 3

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MANAGEMENT MANAGING EDITOR & PRESIDENT Samuel G. Knox ASSOCIATE EDITOR Tyra K Knox

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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.

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Community: News, People & Events Springfield Historical Black Lodge: Truth Lodge #151, F&AM positions itself for a comeback

By Cory Brockert Unite Contributing Writer Springfield, MO—I am writing this on behalf of Truth Lodge #151, F&AM. We are a historically Black lodge in Springfield, MO. We have come to realize that most of this community does not know who we are or that we are still around. Unfortunately because of that, our membership has grown older and smaller, which has also caused the unfortunate instances for this lodge. The blessing in this, is, we are primed for a comeback that folks will be talking about for years to come!

First a little bit about our lodge. We are in line with the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge F&AM of Missouri, you can look them up

on facebook. One of our main mottos is “we take good men and make them better.” Our Lodge locally, in the past has been very active in our community. We are a service oriented organization that prides ourselves on helping the youth, elderly, widows and sick and shut in. In the past we have handed out Christmas food baskets to families in need. Provided Christmas for a family that could not provide one. Helped pay utility bills and car repair bills. We have held back to school parties for kids and provided them with school supplies, haircuts, we cooked for them, had a DJ and water slides. We have handed out scholarship money in the past too. We also have cornerstones at two lower income properties in Continued on page 12

SPS Selects Dr Grenita Lathan as Next Superintendent

By Gwen Marshall Unite Contributing Writer

first in many positions of leadership. I’m ready to do the work, the work with our teachers and principals, but also the work with our students Springfield Public Schools (SPS) has named the and our parents.” new superintendent for the district.

Dr. Lathan will start at SPS on July 1, following We are excited to welcome Dr. Grenita Lathan. the pending retirement of Dr. John Jungmann.

Dr. Lathan is from the Houston, Texas We want to thank Dr. Jungmann for his Independent School District, which tireless efforts and accomplishments is the seventh-largest school district made for Springfield Public Schools in the nation and the largest school and the Springfield community. We are district in Texas. wishing him the best in the future.

Lathan is the first woman and person “Dr. Lathan’s 30-year career in of color to serve as the superintendent education demonstrates a proven track in the history of Springfield Public record of enhancing public education Dr Grenita Lathan Schools. with an unwavering commitment to all Dr. Lathan said “It is a weight to carry students and educators,” said Dr. Alina because people are looking to me to do great Lehnert, president of the SPS Board of Educathings and I will do my best to deliver. It’s truly tion. a wow moment for 2021, to be the first in both arDr. Grenita Lathan background: eas is still just unbelievable but I’m excited to be Dr. Lathan joined HISD in 2015 as Chief School able to have this opportunity so that others can Officer for Elementary Transformation Schools, see they, too, can rise and have access to be the Continued on page 12

Library Spring Book Sale at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds April 28-May 2 It’s coming April 28-May 2: The big Friends of the Library Spring Book Sale at the E*Plex, Ozark Empire Fairgrounds.

Spring is the perfect time to build up your home library, or gather up gifts, with like-new, bargain-priced books, DVDs, music CDs, audiobooks, vinyl records, games and puzzles.

Friends Night Preview Sale is 5-8 p.m. Tuesday, April 27. Get a head start on shopping. Friends members get in free, non-members can pay $5 at the door to shop and join the Friends that night.

Regular hours are 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Wednesday, April 28, through Friday, April 30; 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Saturday, May 1, Half-Price Day; and 1-5 p.m.

Sunday, May 3, when everything you can jam in a sack is $1 or $5 from Better Books.

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 help fund the programs you love at the Springfield-Greene County Libraries.

••• Love cooking? Tune in Saturday, May 1, at 10 a.m. for Cookbook Show and Tell. Grab your favorite cookbook and join library staffer Julia Rhodes to discover some new cookbooks to check out or add to your own collection. Visit thelibrary. org/programs to register for a link to the virtual program. Registration starts April 17.

••• Thinking of starting a business? Sign up for a free, five-part virtual workshop, Simple Steps for Starting Your Business. It runs from 2-5 p.m. on Thursdays, April 27-May 25. Southwest Missouri SCORE will provide a foundation for pursuing your business idea. Register once for a link to the entire series at https://swmissouri.score. org/content/localworkshops. Sessions cover everything from Start-Up Basics, to Marketing Continued on page 12

Unite News Building Empowering Connections | Page 5

City to host meeting & mixer for disadvantaged businesses April 1 Springfield, MO—The City of Springfield will host an industry meeting for general contractors, subcontractors, suppliers and design professionals to learn about the three-stage process to determine a successful design-build proposal for the Grant Avenue Parkway roadway improvement project.

The virtual industry meeting will be hosted at 10 a.m., Thursday, April 1, immediately followed by a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) mixer.

During the meeting, the City will review the Grant Avenue Parkway Request for Qualifications (RFQ), outline a timeline for Request for Proposals (RFP), discuss project goals and provide additional project information.

Following the meeting, the City will enter

Stage 1 of the process, requesting statements of qualification from interested proposers. Stage 1 RFQ documents including procedures for submitting statements of qualification will be posted to the project website and available for download at www.grantavenueparkway.com.

Included as part of the meeting will be a DBE mixer to introduce DBEs to industry contractors.

Participants will be provided the opportunity to share a brief overview of their firm and qualifications. The intent of the DBE mixer is to provide opportunities to businesses owned and operated by socially or economically disadvantaged individuals.

“Not only is outreach to disadvantaged businesses a requirement of the Federal BUILD grant funding, but it’s also a commitment of the City of

Springfield in all construction projects and truly is key to the inclusive, community focus at the heart of this improvement project,” said Public Works Director Dan Smith.

The City is committed to providing opportunities to DBE prime, general and subcontractors and encourages such business enterprises to submit responses in this process. A DBE goal for 10% Construction Activities and 12% for Professional Services has been established for the project.

Firms interested in attending the Industry Meeting and DBE Mixer are encouraged to fill out an interest form. Follow-up participation details will be provided.

Questions regarding the meeting can be directed to project manager Leree Reese at lreese@springfieldmo.gov or 417-864-2069.

40th Artsfest on Historic Walnut Street set for May 1 & 2 Springfield, MO—For the first time since 2019, Artsfest, presented by Great Southern Bank, is returning to Historic Walnut Street in Downtown Springfield!

The Springfield Regional Arts Council and Downtown Springfield Association announced that plans are moving forward to host southwest Missouri’s largest outdoor arts festival May 1-2. The festival will be open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $5 per person, with children ages 5 and under admitted for free. Tickets for all patrons, including children, should be purchased in advance.

“The SRAC and DSA have spent months diving deep into the needs of our artists, as well as various ways to safely host Artsfest.

This was not a decision we made lightly,” Leslie Forrester, Executive Director of the Springfield Regional Arts Council, said. “We are grateful for the guidance from the Springfield-Greene County Health Department and the City of Springfield.

We are so excited to help kick-off this season of recovery that our arts economy desperately needs.”

The safety and security of all artists, vendors, patrons and volunteers remain the highest priority for DSA and SRAC staff. With that in mind, Artsfest will have several protocols in place.

• Temperature checks for everyone entering Artsfest • Masking and physical distancing will be required at the outdoor event Continued on page 12

Page 6 Building Empowering Connections | Unite News

SPS names new principal of Central High School of secondary learning for SPS. Springfield, MO—Mr. Jeremy “His passion for inspiring Brown has been named the students and connecting with new principal of Central High the community makes him an School in Springfield, effective exceptional choice for July 1. Mr. Brown is Central High School. I currently the prinam eager for our team cipal and athletic to welcome him to director for Scott Springfield.”

Charter School in Prior to leading Scott, Arkansas, Scott Charter School, and will follow the Mr. Brown served as interim leadership Jeremy Brown the assistant principal of Mrs. Judy Brunner of Jacksonville High School in and Mr. Stephen Seal. the Jacksonville North Pulaski “Springfield Public Schools School District, where he also looks forward to welcoming led the school’s freshman Mr. Brown,” said Dr. Ron academy and history departWoodard, executive director

ment. Other leadership experience includes service as the K-8 dean of students for eStem Public Charter Elementary/ Middle School in Little Rock.

Mr. Brown’s 11-year career in education includes service in a variety of roles with the Pulaski County Special School District, Little Rock School District and North Little Rock School District in Arkansas, including as a physical science, physical education and health teacher; as well as a baseball and basketball coach.

“I am excited and honored by the opportunity to serve as

the principal of Central High School,” said Mr. Jeremy Brown. “As an instructional leader, my priority is to provide students a welcoming learning environment and meaningful educational experience to ensure we create positive global leaders. I am excited to meet our staff members, students, and families. I look forward to collaborating and building rapport with all stakeholders to ensure a successful transition.”

Mr. Brown completed his undergraduate work at the University of Missouri-St.

Continued on page 11

Apply Today for the Diversity Scholarship/Internship Program

by Central Bank.

The 2021 program provides financial assistance to current high school seniors wishing to attend Missouri State University (Springfield), Evangel, Drury University, OTC (Springfield/Ozark) or other Southwest-Missouri colleges. Included is a paid part-time internship to supplement educational opportunities and income, and to enhance the educational process.

The program is designed to gain awareness with minority students about career opportunities at Central Bank of the Ozarks and within the Central Bancompany family so they might be encouraged to seek employment with us once they have obtained their undergraduate degree. Application forms are due by April 16, 2021.

For more information, please contact your school’s counselor, or Jamilah Saunders at Central Bank 417-841-4426.

MEMBER FDIC

Unite-Mag-Half-Horz-March-2021.indd 1

3/12/2021 12:43:44 PM Unite News Building Empowering Connections | Page 7

Bears LEAD!: A new initiative to support diverse students at Missouri State Springfield, MO—Dola Flake is the Diversity and Transition Coordinator at Missouri State University. “I’m excited to tell you about a new initiative to support diverse students at MSU called Bears LEAD! Bears LEAD (Leadership, Empowerment, Achievement, Diversity) is an initiative created out of Missouri State’s commitment to providing a welcoming, supportive environment for all students.

Dola Flake We serve to immerse diverse and first-generation students into the college experience while enhancing their academic success. Visit our website for more information about the program. https://www.missouristate. edu/bearslead/” You are invited to participate in the Bears LEAD Networking Event!

When: Thursday April, 15th @ 6-8 pm Where: Zoom Networking is not only about trading information, but also serves as an avenue to create longterm relationships with mutual benefits. Please join us and support our diverse and first-generation scholars. Many of the Bears LEAD scholars are from larger cities such as Kansas City, St. Louis , and Chicago and will greatly benefit from additional support during the transition to Springfield. If you don’t live in Springfield, no worries.

We encourage you to attend this virtual event and keep in mind virtual connections are also very helpful.:)

Page 8 Building Empowering Connections | Unite News

New Platform for Kids Celebrates Black Beauty Through Natural Hair Care

Silk Me Kids, a kids’ salon and hair care brand, has launched a campaign with many of their brand ambassadors, called RUN THE WORLD.

New Orleans, LA — Silk Me Kids, the only kids’ salon in New Orleans, is ramping up brand awareness campaigns to spread their mission of becoming the educational leader and epicenter for kids to learn about and celebrate natural hair and black beauty.

The brand recently launched a slew of high-profile marketing efforts including a billboard campaign featuring their baby bratty ambassador Demi Skye, and in lieu of the cancelation of MARDI GRAS, the brand allows the spirit to live on with the “Krewe de Kuties” themed campaign and salon decor that creates the scenery and vibe of local New Orleans Carnival parade festivities.

In addition to running a kids’ only salon of the same name, the brand is also known for a range of natural hair care products for kids.

Recent marketing efforts all ladder up to the brand’s ultimate goal of providing a spotlight for black and mixed girls and boys to celebrate their natural tresses and learn the best methods to take care of their hair.

“Kids who use Silk Me Kids hair care products are able to bring out their hair’s best potential and it instills in them a sense of confidence from being able to embrace and celebrate who they are. In addition to creating products to allow kids to look and feel their best, we create platforms, like campaigns, performances, and music videos, to give kids the spotlight where they can celebrate their beauty.” Said CEO Meme Kelly, who was featured in The Spa Queen Magazine in 2019.

Silk Me Kids also runs an online academy featuring a wealth of free digital downloads to teach parents and kids everything they need to know about caring for different hair types and textures. The library currently includes 9 eBooks and a hair care assessment, with topics such as Mixed Kids, Mixed Textures, Understanding Type and Texture, and Washing Hair Made Easy.

To learn more about Silk Me Kids hair salon, hair care products, visit SilkMeKids.org.

Idris Elba, Caleb McLaughlin star in new ‘Concrete Cowboy’, starts April 2 The Grio—Idris Elba and Caleb McLaughlin star in the emotional new official trailer for Concrete Cowboy, their new Netflix film based on the Black horseback riding community in North Philadelphia.

Based on the nonfiction book Ghetto Cowboy

by Greg Neri, Concrete Cowboy dives into the rich and layered world of the Black horseback riding community in Philadelphia. Elba stars as Harp, McLaughlin’s estranged father, who takes his son after being expelled from school.

The film also boasts a star-studded supporting cast, including Emmy winner Jharrel Jerome, Byron Bowers, Lorraine Toussaint, and Clifford “Method Man” Smith.

Idris Elba + Caleb Mclaughin Photo: Getty Images/theGrio collage According to Shadow and Act, the film depicts “a frosty relationship” between McLaughlin and Elba’s characters and infuses an emotional story with the rich history and context of The Fletcher Street Riders.

The new film aims to dispel “the myth that cowboys only exist in the south or out west” by portraying the “vibrant Black cowboy subculture” that has existed in North Philadelphia for years.

The official description of the film reads: “When fifteen-year-old Cole (Caleb McLaughlin) is expelled from school in Detroit, he is sent to North Philadelphia to live with Harp (Idris Elba),

his estranged father. Harp finds solace in rehabilitating horses for inner-city cowboys at the Fletcher Street Stables, a real-life black urban horsemanship community that has provided a safe haven for the neighborhood residents for more than 100 years.

Torn between his growing respect for his father’s community and his reemerging friendship with troubled cousin Smush (Jharrel Jerome), Cole begins to reprioritize his life as the stables themselves are threatened by encroaching gentrification.”

Per Shadow and Act, real-life members of The Fletcher Street Riders will appear in the Netflix film. Director and co-writer Ricky Staub reportedly “conducted two years’ worth of research to build relationships and get to know the community in order to authentically tell their story.”

It seems fans aren’t the only ones excited about the new trailer for Concrete Cowboy.

McLaughlin shared the new video on his official Instagram page, telling his followers, “Come ride out with me,” before tagging his talented co-stars.

The Fletcher Street Urban Riders have decades’ worth of history and are still going strong today. According to the official website for the non-profit organization, it “remains true to its mission in producing an alternative to outdoor leisure activity to the community and engaging urban youth in equestrian sports while teaching life skills, instilling discipline and promoting academic excellence.”

For more information on The Fletcher Street Urban Riding Club, head to their official website, http://fsurc.com

by Jared Alexander, The Grio

Idris Elba and Caleb McLaughlin

Unite News Building Empowering Connections | Page 9

Health & Wellness News To Vaccinate Or Not to Vaccinate?

by Melesha Bailey Unite Contributing Writer

ble communities to get vaccinated as more vaccines become available.

An essential tool to help us Springfield, MO—That is the get the country back to whatever question on every person’s mind normal will be for the future and globally, especially if you prevent the spread of are of African descent.

COVID-19 so that this April is National pandemic can end is the Minority Health Month. promotion of the vacThis year, the HHS Ofcine. fice of Minority Health This year’s theme for (OMH) will focus on the National Minority Health disproportionate impact Month is #VaccineReady. the COVID-19 pandemic The focus will be to emMelesha Bailey has impacted ethnic minoripower communities to: ty communities. The goal is to em• Get the facts about COVID-19 phasize the need for those vulneravaccines

Christina Mae Jenkins: A Pioneer In The Field Of Cosmetology Rarely Heard Of

by Carla Benham Unite Contributing Writer Christina Mae Jenkins was the African American hair stylist who was the “trail blazer” and inventor of the sew-in hair weaving process.

Hair weaves were first seen among the Egyptians as early as 3400 B.C. At this time in history, women often wore braids, sewn-on hair pieces and wigs made from sheep wool.

Hair weaves were very popular in the 1950’s as they were worn by many celebrities. In the 1970’s, weaves were also very popular globally especially during the long disco hair era.

Christina (Christina Mae Thomas) was born in Zillplatt, Louisiana on December 25, 1920. She attended Leland College (an all- black college founded in 1870) located near Baton Rouge and graduated

with science degree in 1943. Christina obtained a teaching certificate in math and the same year married Herman Duke Jenkins-- one of Cleveland’s leading jazz performers. They had one child—a daughter. The family resided in Cleveland, Ohio.

In 1949, Christina worked in a wig manufacturing company located in Chicago. This job peaked her interest in devising new ways to hold wigs and hair pieces in place.

At this time, women simply used bobby pins to hold them in place.

Her extensive research inspired her to design a permanent way to attach commercial hair to natural hair.

She later moved to Malvern, Ohio to develop weaving extensions into braids. Christina’s technique was patented on December 16, 1952.

This method was created to add

Page 10 Building Empowering Connections | Unite News

Continued on page 11

• Share accurate vaccine information • Participate in clinical trials • Get vaccinated when the time comes • Practice COVID-19 safety measures Black, Hispanic, and Native American people are about 4x more likely to be hospitalized and nearly 3x more likely to die of COVID-19 than white people. Yet within the African American Community, there is hesitation about being vaccinated, rooted in mistrust from the past. Many in the black community don’t have a level of trust in the vaccine’s efficacy, which may be the driving force for or against getting vaccinated.

Two examples of that mistrust stem from the Tuskegee Study Experiment. Black men with syphilis were promised treatment that they never received and the Henrietta Lacks case. Her cancer cells were experimented with and used for research without her knowledge or compensation. These examples of black people’s treatment, and in many cases, current treatment by the medical community, have made many skeptical.

Many in politics, doctors, and scientists say the vaccine is safe.

We’ve seen Black people getting shots on TV. Does that mean anything to you? Many believe that the vaccine just hasn’t been out there long enough for scientists and doctors to know the long-term effects of people who have gotten the vaccine….so many are hesitant.

There’s no evidence to date that COVID vaccines may have serious

side effects long-term. They have been testing the vaccines since the summer of 2020. Out of millions of doses, at most, a handful of side effects have been a severe allergic reaction.

Health care professionals must continue to educate the Black community so that there are a comfort level and trust about the vaccines.

Hopefully, this will help more people to be open to receiving them.

As more vaccines become available, we must continue to protect ourselves. Be sure to: • Wear a mask to protect yourself and others and stop the spread of COVOD-19.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

• Stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arms lengths) from others who don’t live with you.

• Avoid crowds. The more people you come into contact with, the more likely your exposure to the Coronavirus.

Getting vaccinated is your choice. Most of us want our lives back. We are eager to visit our families, travel, and not worry about getting or infecting someone. If you are on the fence, think long and hard about how it affects you and the people you love.

Remember, April is National Minority Health Month, and the theme is #Vaccine Ready. Are you ready?

Emergency Rental & Utility Assistance & Options for Job Seekers? job opportunities. Individuals who Springfield, MO—Greene County have a job loss or reduction in work received federal award number hours and want to know about ERA0293 from the U. S. Departshort-term job training ment of Treasury to programs or job opporsupport, or in whole, tunities can contact the part emergency fundMissouri Career and Job ing for individuals and Center located in Springfamilies struggling to field at 2900 E. Sunshine pay their rent or utilities Street (417-887-4343). because of COVID-19.

The Job Center has This emergency funding reopened to the public is only available to rentFrancine Pratt by appointment only. ers in Greene County The Job Center also has a new Job and it is based on their income.

Center North affiliate office located COVID-19 impacted many families at The Fairbanks, 1126 N. Broadin several ways because of job loss, way. There are many job options reduction in hours, and so many and job training programs in the other factors.

Springfield area.

Renters who have been impactSpringfield’s top job industries ed by COVID-19 may qualify for include health/medicine, business/ emergency assistance if they lost entrepreneurship, teaching/edutheir job, had a reduction in work cation, manufacturing/engineerhours and/or experienced finaning, and information technology/ cial hardship because of COVID software solutions. Springfield is and are at risk of homelessness or fortunate to have many job training housing instability. Examples of opportunities. Several local and housing instability include past due state initiatives provide options to rent and/or having past due utility strengthen skillsets to enter the bills and/or not being able to pay workforce stronger than ever. current rent and/or utility bills.

Job seekers may want to conThere are several local trusted sider apprenticeship programs, community organizations availaespecially for individuals wanting ble to help individuals determine career changes. Apprenticeships if they qualify for the emergency provide an opportunity to connect assistance and can assist with the with employers and learn valuable application process: job skills in a variety of industries.

• Catholic Charities of Southern Apprenticeships provide an opporMissouri: 417-268-9998 tunity to earn while learning, re• Community Partnership of the ceive hands-on training, and study Ozarks: 417-888-2020 under a mentorship of seasoned • Consumer Credit Counseling professionals. Industry-recognized Services: 417-889-7474 credentials, a degree or certificate • Council of Churches – One Stop can also be earned through apprenfor Early Childhood Program: 417ticeships. Visit www.moappren887-3545 ticeconnect.com to obtain more • OACAC: 417-447-0554 information and create a profile.

• The Salvation Army: 417-862-5509 COVID-19 has had challenging Other assistance is available for

impacts in our community. However, with great programs supported locally and across the state, Missourians can return strong! For more information about the Return Strong Campaign, please visit www. jobs.mo.gov/return-strong.

As job seekers search for employment, it is important for individuals to know how they can enhance job skills in their areas of interest, or how to seek new employment opportunities in high demand jobs in the Springfield area. For connections to other related resources, in the areas of education, health, housing, job/financial security or

Jeremy Brown

Continued from page 7 Louis, a Master of Science in Education from Arkansas State University, and an Education Specialist in Superintendency from Arkansas State University. He is currently

Christina Mae Jenkins Continued from page 7

by the use of attaching a net that was sewn into the client’s cornrows.

Christina and Duke developed their own company called “Christina’s Hair Weev Penthouse Salon in Cleveland, Ohio. She spent many years traveling and teaching other stylist her techniques throughout the UK. At the same time, Christina was noted to own and operate her own store up until 1993 in which she retired. Records indicate that she died in 2003.

Where would woman of all nationalities be today without Christina’s wonderful invention?

Today, women can go from short

transportation, please visit 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. This column was written

by Francine Pratt. For more information about Prosper Springfield, contact Prosper Springfield at 417888-2020.

pursuing a doctorate in school leadership from Arkansas Tech University.

Before his career in education, Mr. Brown spent three years as a professional baseball player with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

to long, and/or curly or wavy in a single day. Women can experiment with different lengths, textures and colors. Weaves have many advantages. They make a person feel beautiful, are low maintenance, easy to maintain, protect our natural hair and allow us to experiment.

Every Christmas around the world take moment and thank Christina Jenkins for making life easier for some of us!!

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Unite News Building Empowering Connections | Page 11

Work For Great People!

Truth Lodge #151

would be repairing the electricity in the building and having the utilities Continued from page 5 turned back on. Third, would be finishing out the lower level with Springfield that our lodge helped a ceiling, walls, functioning bathbecome a reality. One of the rooms, so we can meet. We do have complexes is named after a past an upstairs that is in worse shape prominent member of our lodge, than downstairs but if we can hold Mr John B Hughes. All of this was that off until last. done in or based out of our buildrt Time Positions Available We are reaching out to you ing at 1914 N National in SpringrCity.com/Careers to ask for your consideration in field.

7.338.8122 making a donation to our lodge in y Employer Our / Disabled / Veterans building is in disrepair and an effort nake our building usable has left us and our sister chapter, for us to be able to still be a beawithout a place to call home for con of light in this community. No our meetings and functions movdonation is considered too large or 1/15/19 11:13 AM ing forward. We recently had a sk too small, it’s not about the amount building inspector go through the t it’s about your heart. Our heart is building and gave us a starting in this community and helping any point to get the building back up to yone and everyone we can. To do all where we can meet and function as that we need our building. We are a ga lodge again. First thing is a new non profit organization, any donater roof, guttering and brick work on tion can be written off on your tax the exterior to stop moisture from return. The lodge will provide you getting into the building. Second a receipt to use for that purpose.

As always, we are looking for applicants to our organization. If you or anyone you know would be interested in joining Truth Lodge #151 and becoming a member ou please reach out to me below. We also have a sister lodge Greater 0 Truth Ch 88. If you know any womww. en who would be interested they y/. can reach out to me as well and I will put them in touch with them.

Please feel free to call, text or email me anytime. Contact Cory Brockert 417-536-0407. or write to us at: erTruth Lodge #151, P.O. Box 8063, ve Springfield, MO 65801

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Dr Grenita Lathan

Continued from page 5 later transitioning to Chief Aca-

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demic Officer before serving as the district’s Interim Superintendent. Dr. Lathan’s other leadership experience includes five years as Superintendent of Peoria Public Schools in Illinois, as well as two years with the San Diego Unified School District in California as Chief Elementary School Improvement Officer and Interim Deputy Superintendent. Her career in education began as a high school teacher in North Carolina, where she later served as principal.

“I am honored to join Springfield Public Schools and work with the incredible SPS team to build upon the success of Missouri’s largest school district,” said Dr. Lathan. “During my career, I have focused on improving academic outcomes for all students, and I believe great things are ahead for SPS. I will be visiting Springfield this spring to introduce myself and meet the wonderful people who call this special place home. I look forward to being an active part of this community.”

As a community we are looking forward with great anticipation to welcome Dr. Grenita Lathan to the Queen city of the Ozarks. Dr. Lathan’s presence will support a very important quote for many students of color “if you can see it you can be it.”

Library

Continued from page 5

Plan, Financial Basics and Funding Sources.

••• Gardeners’ delight: at 10 a.m.

Saturday, May 8, Master Gardeners Mark and Ranae Bernskoetter will answer your questions about

composting. Visit thelibrary.org to register for a link to the program.

And on Tuesday, May 11, author Marta McDowell will take you on a virtual tour of White House gardens through history.

Sponsored by the Library Foundation. Visit thelibrary.org/programs to register beginning April 27 and get a link to the program.

Kathleen O’Dell is community relations director of the Springfield-Greene County Libraries.

She can be reached at kathleeno@ thelibrary.org.

Artsfest 2021

Continued from page 6 • Capacity on the festival footprint will be limited to 2,500 guests per timed entry • Distance between vendor booths will be a minimum of 6 feet • Hand sanitizing stations will be placed throughout the festival • Seating for food vendor areas and stages will be placed 6 feet apart • Volunteers will be dedicated to festival cleaning and hygiene The biggest change will be to ticketing procedures. Tickets will be sold in two-hour flights, ensuring Artsfest is never over capacity.

Artsfest patrons are encouraged to buy tickets in advance to ensure entry at their preferred day and time. This will allow for better contact tracing, and fewer cash transactions will minimize contact between guests and volunteers.

Behind the scenes, the DSA and SRAC will be providing extra staff and volunteer training on all mitigation efforts. difficult year.”

For more information, visit SpringfieldArtsfest.org

CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) COMMUNITY & PUBLIC HEALTH RESOURCE DIRECTORY PUBLIC HEALTH RESOURCES 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 during Recovery orders. 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.

Missouri Food Stamp

Pandemic Food Stamp/Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (P-SNAP) provided all households currently eligible for SNAP to receive the maximum amount for their house size for March through June 2020 to prevent Food Stamp benefits from ending during the COVID-19 pandemic. Starting July 1, 2020, Missourians are required to complete a periodic recertification process to verify the household still qualifies for Food Stamp/SNAP benefits.

For more information visit https://mydss.mo.gov/covid-food-stamp-info.

Food Resources in Springfield and Greene County

Food resources in Springfield that are available to the general public, children and older adults who are 60 years and above during COVID-19 Stay-atHome and Recovery orders can be found at the following Google Spreadsheet. The list is updated with new resources when they become available and contains the location, hours, type of food service, ways to access food services and who can access services: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1v3UBVz5i68INI3agcZLM7ULys-O3jHOKm6zwJXWqJB0/edit#gid=0

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EDUCATION PRE-K TO 12TH GRADE & BEYOND HIGH SCHOOL Springfield Public Schools (SPS)

Springfield Public Schools (SPS) has an online resource center to help adjust to schooling from home to create an environment for your student to learn well at home. Resources include tips to schedule a routine for homeschooling children at each grade level, special education and English Language Learner (ELL) resources. For more information visit https://www.sps.org/Domain/57 or contact your child’s school.

Kahn Academy

Kahn Academy is offering free resources to parents, teachers, schools and districts to keep everyone learning. Their website offers resources such as daily schedules, weekly learning plans for students in remote learning environments. For more information visit https://keeplearning.khanacademy.org/.

Fast Track Program

Fast Track is a financial aid program from the Missouri Department of Higher Education that helps adults obtain an industry-recognized credential in high need job areas. Students who receive the Fast Track grant have any remaining college tuition and fees covered after using other state and federal aid programs. Individuals 25 years or older or who have not been enrolled in school within the last two years and are seeking to earn a bachelor’s degree are eligible to apple. Participants must earn under $40,000 per year or $80,000 filing jointly.

For more information visit https://dhewd.mo.gov/initiatives/fast_track.php.

Ozarks Technical Community College

OTC is a community college in Springfield, Missouri. Students can earn a one-year certificate, two-year Associate of Applied Science degree or Associate of Arts degree. They also have a variety of apprenticeship programs. For more information visit https://www.otc.edu/ or call 417-447-7500.

Missouri State University

MSU is a public, comprehensive university system with a mission in public affairs. Their purpose is to develop fully educated persons with a focus on ethical leadership, cultural competence and community engagement. For more information visit https://www.missouristate.edu/ or call 417-836-5000.

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.

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. https://2020census.gov/en.html?utm_campaign=20200312msprts1ccpupnl&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

Tax Filing New Due Date

TThe 2019 tax filing deadline was extended to July 15, 2020 due to COVID-19. For individuals with simple returns to file, Community Partnership of the Ozarks is hosting Tax Clinics through September 30, 2020. If individuals have access to a computer, they can also use the following website suggested

by Community Partnership of the Ozarks: www.myfreetaxes.com. For more information visit https://www.cpozarks.org/financial-literacy/ or call 417-720-2000.

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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PUBLIC HEALTH RESOURCES WIC

Effective March 18, 2020, all satellite WIC locations were closed until further notice. All appointments are 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)

Most DSS offices are still closed to the public at this time, but some offices are taking in person visits by appointment only. Please visit the DSS website to see how the Family Support Division, Child Care Subsidy, MO HealthNet (Medicaid), Children’s Division and Division of Youth Services will conduct business during this time period if assistance is needed 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.

JOB SEEKERS AND EMPLOYERS Missouri Job Center

The Missouri Job Center has reopened to the public and offers a variety of job options and job training programs during Recovery Orders to make sure individuals can get back to work stronger than ever before with events and opportunities such as: Aspire (youth program), MO Works Together, Green for Greene, Career Services, America’s Promise, SkillUP and Franklin Apprenticeship & Dislocated Worker programs. The north location job center has relocated from the Cox building to the N. W. Project, located in the on Fairbanks. For more information visit https://www.springfieldmo.gov/1007/Workforce-Development or call 417-887-4343.

Prime, Inc.

Prime, Inc. is a logistics company with a Driver Training Program that allows individuals to earn their Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) while getting paid. CDL training classes start each week and gives driver’s real-world experience to prepare for any situation they may encounter on the road. Prime also offers in-house job opportunities to ensure the safety, success and reliability of operations. For more information visit https://www.primeinc.com/ or call 1-877-774-6356.

SRC Holdings

SRC Holdings is a manufacturing company that remanufactures products for major industries that allows individuals to gain real-world experience, pursue an education and avoid student debt through apprenticeship, internship and tuition reimbursement programs. Participants receive one-on-one mentorship, earn wage increases at work milestones and learn cutting edge technology practices from Ozarks Technical Community College (OTC). For more information on how to apply, students may contact their high school counselor or OTC’s Career Center. All others can visit https://www.srcholdings.com/ career-development or contact them at 417-862-4510.

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 complaints 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.

More resources listed online at: unitenewsonline.org

EDUCATION PRE-K TO 12TH GRADE AND BEYOND HIGH SCHOOL • RENT OR MORTGAGE ASSISTANCE • CHILD CARE & TUTORING

Unite News Building Empowering Connections | Page 15

#DanceLikeaDad #DanceLikeaDad YOUR HEADLINE HERE Instructions: Click on text box and hold down Ctrl+E to adjust size and text formatting (bold, italics, underline) YOUR MESSAGE HERE Instructions: Click on text box and hold down Ctrl+E to adjust size and text formatting (bold, italics, underline)

Becoming more involved in your child’s life can take a lot of different forms. At every stage your children can benefit from your involvement. Read with young children. Join the elementary school parent teacher organization. Chaperone a school event. Volunteer as a coach, or ask your child’s coach in what way she/he could use your help. Take a rainy Saturday and turn it into a family movie night.

Take time to be a positive and supporting part of your child’s life. The resources and links here are a great starting place to learn more.

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YOUR MESSAGE HERE Instructions: Click on text box and hold down Ctrl+E to adjust size and text formatting