2021 August Unite

August 2021 Volume 31/ Number 8 • Find Digital Version @ www.unitenewsonline.org •

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UNITE. Building Empowering Connections

Page 8 Bartley-Decatur Neighborhood Center Recovers from Vandalism

Minorities In Business Hires Darline Mabins as New Executive Director

Rev. Tracey Wolff is the newly appointed pastor at Pitts Chapel United Methodist Church

Burrell Behavioral Health names Keke Rover as Director of Diversity and Inclusion

Review: “Summer Of Soul”

New school start/end times inspire SHINE

New Column: Senior Living Guidance

Page 6

(...Or, When The Revolution Could Not Be Televised) is a feature documentary about the legendary 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival. Page 10

Page 7

New SHINE program provides before/ after school support for families at every school enabling districtwide transportation expansion. Page 5

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Your one-stop solution to find more on the topics of Independent Living, Assisted Living, Skilled Care, Memory Care and Hospice. Page 8

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

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DIVERSE BOOK RECOMMENDATION

In this New York Times Bestseller, starting kindergarten is a big milestone--and the hero of this story is ready to make his mark!

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

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

Tableof Contents Business Community

Education

Minorities In Business hires Darline Mabins as new Executive Director

OTC leader tapped for social justice program modeled after Martin Luther King, Jr.

Business Community

Community

Page 6

Page 8

Page 6

Page 7

Joy from Pain: An update from Bartley-Decatur Neighborhood Center

Burrell Behavioral Health names Keke Rover as Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

UJIMA GRAND

Faith Community

Rev. Tracey Wolff is the newly appointed pastor at Pitts Chapel United Methodist Church

RE-OPENING !!

Page 7

Health & Wellness

Heart Disease The Silent Killer

by Melesha Bailey

Page 10

Scholarship Resource Guide For Diverse High School Students

Page 9

Unite News Building Empowering Connections | Page 3

The Unite News Publication is published by Unite. of Southwest Missouri, Inc.

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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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“Let’s build a stronger community together.”

- Samuel Knox

Managing Editor

Community: News, People & Events New school start/end times inspire SHINE program SHINE provides outstanding before/after school support for families at every school.

Springfield, MO—, Friday, July 16, 2021 - Springfield Public Schools confirmed new start and end times for the 2021-2022 school year on Friday while announcing a major expansion of beforeand after-school support services for students, known as SHINE. New start times, summarized here, will enable the district to expand transportation options for 3,000 more high school students and provide busing service to choice magnet programs for the first time in SPS history. This effort helps reduce barriers by providing a safe, reliable ride to school for many students who have never before received this service.

Finalized school times closely align with projections that were shared with families in June, with only a few variations required for new bus routes. Specific updates reflected in the final schedule include moving the Wonder Years early childhood education program at Fulbright, Shady Dell and Campbell Early Childhood Centers to Tier 1, movement of the Academy of Fine and Performing Arts to Tier 1 and movement of WOLF to Tier 2.

Tier 1 schools will begin at 7:30 a.m. and end at 2:30 p.m.

Tier 2 schools will begin at 8:30 a.m. and end at 3:30 p.m.

Tier 3 schools will begin at 9:30 a.m. and end at 4:30 p.m.

Study Alternative Center will begin at 8:15 a.m. and end at 1:45 p.m.

About SHINE Working in partnership with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Springfield, the Dream Center, SPARC, and the YMCA, SPS will now offer expanded before- and after-school support through SHINE, a new program available at all school sites, beginning Aug. 23.

Any student can attend SHINE and students

who qualify for free/reduced meals can receive scholarships through the SHINE Fund that allow them to access academic support free of charge, either before or after school, depending on the site. Registration begins on Monday, July 26 and details are available at www.sps.org/shine.

“SPS is thrilled to provide this additional support to our families, and we deeply appreciate the community partners who made this possible,” said Dr. Grenita Lathan, superintendent of SPS. “We recognize that a change in schedules can be a challenge for some, and this support is designed to offer options through expanded programming outside of the traditional school day.

SHINE is designed to help close the achievement gap, ensure child safety, address student mental health and fight childhood hunger.”

About SHINE Scholarships Elementary sites now have early start times and students at those schools may qualify for scholarships to attend after-school programming free of charge. Middle school and K-8 sites now have later start times and students at those schools may qualify for scholarships to attend before-school programming free of charge.

This support is made possible by $3.4 million in Coronavirus Relief Funds (ESSER II), allocated through the SHINE Fund. Any student may attend SHINE, both before and after school, and full pay and reduced rate options are also offered by each SHINE program partner.

Next Steps for Families Families are encouraged to visit www.sps.org/ shine and take the following steps: • Identify the partner providing before- and after-school support at their school.

• Learn about applying for Free/Reduced Meals to qualify for SHINE scholarships.

• Review an FAQ document.

• Register for SHINE beginning on July 26.

To learn more More information about SHINE is available at Continued on page 12

Reconnect with In-person Programs, Music, Family Research, all at the SGF Library This fall, we’re inviting you to Find Your Way to Reconnect with the Library!

It seems the perfect time: Students are returning to school and look to the Library for project help. Clubs can schedule meeting rooms. In-person programs have resumed. And many of the branches launched extended hours including eight-hour Sundays at three branches.

We invite you to reconnect starting with these and other fall programs.

••• Who couldn’t use some help with family research? Learn how to use Ancestry.com with Ozarks Genealogical Society member Taylor Baldwin at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 18. The virtual discussion covers how to find frequently used genealogical records using Ancestry’s search options. Tune in on the OGS Facebook page, facebook.com/ozarksgs. Sponsored by Ozarks Genealogical Society.

••• For the kids, it’s Take a Tour Underground with David Harrison at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept.

1, at the Library Center auditorium. For grades K-4. David Harrison’s newest book takes kids on a make-believe elevator ride down into the earth to meet the roots and creatures who live and visit there. Join him for a presentation of poems from “The Dirt Book” and learn how he came up with his ideas.

••• Reconnect with Your Library with music! Hear America’s Front Porch songs from 5-6:30 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 11, in the Library Center auditorium. Folk gospel singer Mary Alexander joins acclaimed singer-songwriter Marideth Sisco in America’s Front Porch They’ll weave stories and period tunes that cover the time rural Americans spent singing, weaving tales and shelling peas Continued on page 12

Unite News Building Empowering Connections | Page 5

Minorities in Business hires new executive director

Darline Mabins

Springfield, MO—MIB President and its Board of Directors announced that Ms. Darline Mabins, who has worked in the financial sector for 20 years and in management for 17 years from Arvest Bank, will succeed Samuel G. Knox as the next Executive Director for MIB. Mabins has worked as the Branch Sales Manager and Regional Branch Manager during her employment with Arvest.

Mabins has called this city and community home for she and her family for 21 years. She was born in Port au Prince Haiti and raised in Kansas City MO. She has been an active member of this community through networking, board

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involvement and volunteerism.

She believes in valuing the inclusion of diversity and promoting equity for our minority, women, and disadvantaged businesses as well as our small, local, and emerging businesses.

Ms. Mabins’ current civic involvement includes the Greater Missouri Leadership Foundation and the Springfield Public Library Foundation. She and her husband, Sean, are also small business owners and currently lead the team at Drain Pro Plumbing. In her free time, she is also an active mother of four young Springfieldians and loves to read.

“MIB, as well as our local business community, are fortunate to have Darline Mabins assume the role of Executive Director for MIB. She is a highly respected professional who has been involved in our local financial, business, corporate and civic sectors, as well as making a difference for the young people in this region. The MIB Board of Directors made an excellent choice in selecting Ms. Mabins to lead the organization going forward!”

About Minorities in Business (MIB)- MIB is a local non-profit organization that was established to promote economic development, business opportunities and employment through advocacy, capacity building, and networking for MBE/WBE/DBE/Vets/Disabled and emerging local businesses and entrepreneurs.

Page 6 Building Empowering Connections | Unite News

Burrell Behavioral Health names Keke Rover as Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Marquuisa (Keke) Rover

Springfield, MO— After several months of searching, Burrell Behavioral Health is proud to announce and welcome its next DEI leader – Marquisa (Keke) Rover – who began her role as Burrell Behavioral Health’s System Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion on Tuesday, July 6.

Rover comes to Burrell from Ambassadors for Children where she served as the director for nearly four years. She has also held positions at Preferred Family Healthcare, Isabel’s House, and Boys and Girls Club of Springfield. Through her roles with each organization, Rover has indirectly led Diversity, Equity and Inclusion efforts for most of her career – creating trainings, connecting with community partners and being a voice for the underrepresented.

“I am fully invested in this community,” Rover said. “I know what’s it’s like to feel misunderstood and isolated because of someone else’s biases. I want to

be a part of change and creating safe space for all. Burrell is committed to doing that work.”

In her new position, Rover will complete a thorough assessment of Burrell’s current DEI status and will then begin making recommendations for updating, finalizing and overseeing the company’s DEI strategic plan. She will be involved in the full scope of employment and care within the organization, ensuring the best employee, client and community experience.

Burrell Behavioral Health is dedicated to serving and celebrating all people, all year long. The Community Mental Health Center values diversity and inclusion among the people it serves and employs.

“Our philosophy at Burrell is that all people deserve a fulfilling career path and access to competent care in a safe, informed and respectful environment,” said President and CEO C.J. Davis.

“We aim to improve the overall experience for everyone in our communities, with the hope of positively affecting change. We believe that will be possible with Keke leading diversity and inclusion efforts across our system.”

Burrell first committed to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in 2018 when the Diversity and Inclusion role (as it was then titled) was established with the hiring of Dr. Shelly Farnan. Farnan, who

Continued on page 12

Rev. Tracey Wolff is the newly appointed pastor at Pitts Chapel

Rev. Tracey Wolff

Springfield, MO—Pitts Chapel is excited to invite the community to join them in welcoming Rev. Tracey Wolff as their newly appointed pastor. Rev. Wolff was appointed to Pitts Chapel by Bishop Farr of the Missouri Conference of the United Methodist Church. Her first Sunday was July 4. Pastor Tracey has been a part of the Springfield community for the past 2 years, serving as the pastor and director for The Field Campus Ministry, a new ministry plant which started at Missouri State with plans to expand to other campuses. She was also ordained this summer, on June 13, in Springfield at the Annual Conference of the Missouri United Methodist Church. Prior to her appointment as the planter of The Field, she served as Lead

Pastor at North Hills And Associate Pastor at St Andrew United Methodist Churches in St Louis North County from 2017-19. Rev. Wolff is a graduate of Eden Theological Seminary in 2017 with a Masters of Divinity. During her time at Eden, she also served as the Connections Pastor at Grace United Methodist in St Louis.

Pastor Tracey earned her B.S. in Education – Mathematics in 1989 right here at (Southwest) Missouri State University, where she was a member of the Lady Bear Basketball team from 198588 and coaching staff from 198891. She had known since high school that she wanted to be a basketball coach. As she finished her time as a Graduate Assistant for the Lady Bears, she was hired as a full time Assistant Coach for the Marquette University Women’s Basketball team. During her 10 years at Marquette, the team saw unprecedented success, with multiple conference championships and trips to the NCAA Tournament.

In 2001, feeling called by God, she walked away from her dream job of coaching and became a missionary with Athletes in Action, the sports ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ, now known as Cru. While living in working in Ohio, she met and married her beloved husband, the late Rev. Nathan Wolff, who had been appointed as the Pastor of her mother’s church back in her hometown of Webster Groves MO. Tracey returned to St. Louis when she and Nate married in August of 2007.

OTC leader tapped for social justice program modeled after Martin Luther King, Jr.

Daniel Ogunyemi

Springfield, MO— The foundation that built the Martin Luther King, Jr. memorial in the nation’s capital has selected Daniel Ogunyemi to be part of the inaugural class of its Social Justice Fellows program.

Ogunyemi, the lone representative from Missouri, is the director of diversity, equity and inclusion at Ozarks Technical Community College.

His goal is to learn “more skills to better advocate” for individuals who are underserved or underrepresented, Ogunyemi said “social justice” has become a buzzword but too few people understand what it really means.

“It’s making sure people have the tools they need to succeed and, frankly speaking, not everybody does,” he said. “I’m always game to have a conversation with people and to educate and to listen. And this program, hopefully, is going to help me learn how to do that even better.”

The Memorial Foundation tapped 50 young leaders to be part of the

inaugural class, as part of the 10th anniversary of the Washington, D.C. memorial.

The fellows will meet virtually for eight weeks this summer with a curriculum centered around advocacy, community organizing and public policy. The goal is for them to work with others to create long-term, sustainable change in their communities.

“With the goal of transforming protest to policy, the challenges of today require a new generation of bold leadership,” said Harry E. Johnson Sr., president and CEO of the Memorial Foundation, in a news release.

“We have found the very best young leaders who embody and will inspire others to follow Dr. King’s principles of democracy, justice, hope and love. We designed the Social Justice Fellows program to help the participants grow in their ability to pursue Dr. King’s vision of equality and we are thrilled about the potential of our first class of fellows.”

The program includes a lecture series and a “personal learning journey” with a capstone project focused on building a movement to address an issue at the local, regional or national level.

“One of their goals is to really help us learn how to advocate on behalf of issues that are important to us legislatively,” Ogunyemi said. “Part of the program is going to be a trip to Washington, D.C., which is going to be early next

Continued on page 12

Unite News Building Empowering Connections | Page 7

Joy from Pain: An update from Bartley-Decatur Neighborhood Center

By Mark A. Dixon Springfield, MO— Perhaps music legend Frankie Beverly said it best, “Joy and pain, are like sunshine and rain.” These sentiments certainly ring true for me as I consider the events of the last couple of weeks at Bartley-Decatur Neighborhood Center (BDNC). It’s been my privilege to serve as its director since the organization’s launch in 2003.

But nothing prepared me for the sheer nastiness, disrespect, and racist aggression displayed when a vandal (or vandals) spray painted graffiti on both levels of the building, the sign out front, and even the roof! It was like a punch right into the gut of the community served by BDNC. However, just as suddenly as the damage had been done, people of good will, love, and brotherhood stood up to denounce these crimes and to display a solidarity literally beyond words! Within just a couple of days the graffiti was

Bartley-Decatur Neighborhood Center located at 918 East Calhoun

removed, thanks to the generous help of a crew dispatched by the Springfield-Greene County Park Board. Dozens of phone calls, text messages, and emails poured in offering to help in every way possible. Organizations and agencies such as Community Foundation of the Ozarks, Springfield Public Schools, and the City of Spring-

field stepped up to demonstrate that we, the community at-large, are better than this.

It is, on the one hand, a shame that something so painful was the stimulus for this outpouring of solidarity and generosity, but the joy that has resulted from seeing hundreds of community members (as well as people from outside

of Springfield) come along side BDNC to help has been overwhelming! Already improvements to the beauty and safety of the property have begun. We are grateful to Courageous Church for selecting BDNC as one of its project sites for Serve Day 2021.

The difference they made by clearing overgrown shrubs, vines, and branches was tremendous.

Likewise the monetary donations of nearly 200 people and agencies so far, has ensured that BDNC will now be able to put improved security and safety measures in place for the future. Again, on behalf of the board of BDNC and all those who are served by the iconic building at 918 East Calhoun, I say a heartfelt “THANK YOU!” If you would like to support the work of BDNC, you can do so online by going to gifts.bartley-decatur.org or to find out more about the organization and how you can partner with us, please email info@bartley-decatur.org.

A One-Stop Shop for Senior Long-Term Care Information seniors, and I knew that one of Springfield, MO—Before creating my God given gifts was not being Senior Living Guidance, I spent used wisely any longer ten years as a licensed as an executive direcexecutive director tor. I decided to take a overseeing long big risk, which ended term care commuup being a blessing in nities that included many ways, of leavindependent living, ing my administrator assisted living, memcareer and discoverory care and skilled ing what God had in nursing. store for me. I moved One of my pasJacqueline Jadidian back to Springfield, sions is working with

Page 8 Building Empowering Connections | Unite News

Missouri where I began to work part-time providing in-home care to seniors while taking care of my grandma, who had advanced dementia. I gained in-depth experience and understanding of Alzheimer’s and dementia.

As time passed, I had to figure out the next step in my career. I spent time with God asking what to do. Shortly as time went by, I was inspired to continue to help seniors and families, but by a

different method. I knew the 417 area needed a one-stop shop for seniors and families to navigate through long-term care. I wanted to create a business where I could guide seniors and families when it was time to discuss long-term care and external resources, while relieving some of the stress and guilt for them during the transition.

In August of 2019 I created Continued on page 9

Senior Care

Before advertising that the company was open, I spent a long continued from page 8 duration touring most of Greene and Christian county senior living Senior Living Guidance, LLC. communities; I researched and Senior Living Guidance is interviewed in-home care, home a locally owned one-stop shop providing independent consulting, health and hospice companies. A select number of communities, offering a variety of services and agencies and professionals are on a personal touch to clients and the company’s preferred list that professional partners alike. The are recommended to clients. I company provides in-depth inforonly recommend the best services mation about local senior living for my clients, keeping in mind communities and in-home care that every client is like family. companies, as well as resources Over the next few months, and education for estate planning, Unite I want to share in this column Medicaid/Medicare, asset pres• 1/8 page for 1 month is $215.00 1/8 HORT — 4is3/4” x 3 1/2” what I feel valuable information ervation, VA assistance, financial • 1/4 page for 1 month is $325.00 1/4 VERT — 4 3/4” x 5 1/2” everyone needs to know when advising, moving/downsizing, considering long-term care for housekeeping, hospice and home seniors. health.

Scholarship Resource Guide For Diverse High School Students Name of Scholarship:

For Guidelines Contact:

Central Bank of the Ozarks Diversity Scholarship/ Internship

Central Bank of the Ozarks 1800 S. Glenstone Ave, Springfield, MO 65804

For minority seniors interested in the area of Business attending college in the area Clifton F. & Lorane S. McCormic Endowed Scholarship For graduating African American students at Central High School Thomas L & Ursalee Cole-Darton Endowed Scholarship For graduating African American and Hispanic students who want to continue their education George Floyd & David Dorn Scholarship

Class details & enrollment at http://extension.missouri.edu •

•

Neighboring 101 (free-monthly-Zoom) Learn from special guests about the power of neighboring on you and your community.

Funding by donors and:

Childcare & Parenting Classes

Contact Amber Allen to learn about the classes we offer for parents and childcare providers.

•

Neighborhood Leadership Academy (NLA)

•

Mizzou Leadership Network — Aug. 8

•

National Good Neighbor Day—Sept. 28

For students emonatrate interest in promoting a society that is just, equitable and inclusive of all Wallace & Libby Walter Scholarship For African American students from Springfield, MO NAACP Springfield Branch Youth Scholarship

Registration deadline Aug. 15. Scholarships available.

For graduating minority students

Free lunch meeting featuring Dr. Lyle Foster.

Jacquelin Waugh Foster Scholarship

Meet your neighbors and win prizes! Learn more online.

For graduating minority students

Greene County MU Extension

2400 S. Scenic Ave., Springfield, Mo. | (417) 881-8909 Email burtond@missouri.edu

For Guidelines Contact: Foundation for Springfield Public Schools, 1131 Boonville Ave., Springfield , Mo 65802 For Guidelines Contact: CommunityFoundation of the Ozarks P.O. Box 8960, Springfield , Mo 65801

For Guidelines Contact: Missouri State University Foundation 300 S. Jefferson Ave Suite 100 Springfield, MO 65806 For Guidelines Contact: CommunityFoundation of the Ozarks P.O. Box 8960, Springfield , Mo 65801 For Guidelines Contact: https://www.naacpspringfieldmo.org/home.html

For Guidelines Contact: https://www.naacpspringfieldmo.org/home.html

For guideline details on any of these scholarships listed, please contact Lawrence Anderson, Office of Equity & Access, Springfield Public Schools (417) 523-0064

Unite News Building Empowering Connections | Page 9

Health & Wellness News Heart Disease The Silent Killer

by Melesha Bailey Unite Contributing Writer

failure or a stroke are diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, no physical activity, obesity, and a family history of any of these Springfield, MO—The heart is an risk factors. amazing organ. It beats in a steady, The most common types are even rhythm, about 60 to 100 times heart-related diseases each minute. So that’s are: about 100,000 times Coronar y Arter y each day. Around Disease (CAD)- Is the 665,000 Americans most common. There die from heart disare blockages in the ease each year. That’s coronary arteries-the 1 in every 4 deaths. vessels that supply Heart Disease and blood to the heart. CAD strokes are the No. 1 usually starts with pain killer of ALL Amerin the chest or leads to a icans in the United Melesha Bailey heart attack.

States and are the leading Arrhythmia refers to an cause of death for men, women, irregular heartbeat. For example, and most racial and ethnic groups. the heart may beat too fast (TachyThat includes African Americans, cardia), too slow (Bradycardia), or American Indians, Hispanics. erratically (Atrial fibrillation) that African Americans ages 18-49 stems from electrical impulses to are 2 times as likely to die from the heart is not working correctly. heart disease than whites. In addiA person may feel like a fluttering tion, African Americans ages 35-64 or racing heartbeat; these sensayears are 50% more likely to have tions can be severe. Seek medical high blood pressure than whites. advice right away.

Risk factors that lead to heart

Heart Failure- when this happens, the heart is still working, but it doesn’t pump enough blood for the body. Heart failure results from CAD, thyroid disease, HBP, and heart muscle disease. Seek early treatment for any of these conditions to avoid complications in the future.

Myocardial infarction is known as a heart attack. When this happens, there is an interruption of the blood flow to the heart. This can damage or destroy part of the heart muscle.

The most common cause of heart attack is plaque, a blood clot, or both in a coronary artery. However, it can also occur if an artery suddenly narrows or spasms.

The goal of keeping your heart healthy before, during, and after any heart-related occurrence is the most important thing you can do for your life. Therefore, it has to become part of your every lifestyle.

Since we know that African Americans are more susceptible to Heart Disease, we have to be even

more diligent in adhering to recommendations of a healthy lifestyle.

• Eat more plants, decrease animal products, eat more whole grains, decrease salt, and add good fats.

• Get more movement. Regular physical activity reduces your risk of having a heart attack and developing heart-related diseases.

• Quit Smoking- Smoking damages the blood vessels leading to your heart, brain, and other parts of your body. As a result, smokers are four times more likely to die of heart attack or stroke and three times more likely to die from sudden cardiac death.

• Check your blood pressure and get yearly medical check-ups.

If you struggle to control your blood pressure or have had other heart-related issues, I would love to talk with you. Please make an appointment with me so we can make a plan to turn things around for you. Contact me at 417-300-2796 or email melesha@love4lifewellness.com.

What if I told you that a “Black Woodstock” existed?- Summer Of Soul

by Brandon Pope

Summer of Soul. Filtering through piles of lost footage, the docuThe 1969 Harlem Cultural mentary details the iconic perforFestival was a mecca for music, mances of Stevie Wonder, Mahalia art, politics and acJackson, Nina Simone, tivism in New York and the politics swirling City’s Mount Morris around them.

Park. It celebrated the “It is my chance vibrancy and diversity to correct history,” of the area with jazz, Thompson told EBpop, blues, gospel and ONY. It’s a story that, African acts—but it for so long, hasn’t been was lost in time. Ahmir shared.

“Questlove” Thompson Back then, direcunearths the historic tor and producer Hal Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson event through his SunTulchin had cameras dance-prized directorial debut, rolling for the entirety of the

Page 10 Building Empowering Connections | Unite News

once-in-a-generation party in preparation for a concert film. But no studio green lit the project, so the colorful footage went unseen and was put in storage. Fifty years later, Thompson discovered it still existed and was in good condition.

“It took about three months for me to say ‘let’s make a movie,”’ said Thompson. Summer of Soul became his passion project.

“I myself didn’t even know the story,” Thompson admitted. “If I were a betting man, I would have bet all my publishing that this never happened.”

Thompson chalks that up to

“Black erasure,” decades of African-American achievement and excellence in the arts ripped from public record. It’s a practice that not only held this film back, he says, but also continues to cripple Black creativity and opportunity on social media.

“I will no longer eye roll at Gen-Z content creators on Tik-Tok, talking about ‘that was my dance,’” said Thompson. “Before I was just the old grumpy guy who thought it was just a dance and it doesn’t matter. But I will no longer be dismissive of anyone’s creative claims of

Continued on page 11

Summer Of Soul

continued from page 10 where the origin lies, because now I know it’s real and revisionism is dangerous.”

Thompson jumped full speed into Summer Of Soul because of the impact he believes it could have on a new generation of artists, like what the footage of Woodstock did for musical genius Prince when he was 11-years-old.

“What’s so weird is that when I’m doing this thing, I’m also reading Prince’s autobiography,” said Thompson. “That was the moment that called Prince to be Prince. He said he knew instantly, ‘this is what I’m going do for a living.’ Somehow, I manifested a situation in which my parents are entertainers. And I got raised in music, and I still wound up here in this place I am now. But what about the other 6 billion potential musicians that could have had this film? And that, to me is just a sad state of affairs.”

To craft the music documentary, Thompson had to mine through 40 hours of footage. He did so by creating a 24 hour loop of it that played on his television non-stop for five months. “It’s a wonder the fuse didn’t blow out. I kept it rolling in the bedroom, in the kitchen. Anywhere I went, I would watch this footage.”

After three months, the self-described cinephile assembled a team to help him craft the narrative flow.

“I just told my production team to be really transparent. Do not let me walk out in the world with a wine stain on my suit without telling me.” said Thompson. “Credit to my producer, my editors and everyone involved in the process of helping me make it this because I wanted to make an effective educational piece.”

See Also Upon the film’s release, Thompson is still wrestling with how working on this project has shaped him personally and as an artist.

“This could still change my life.

And I’m a musician now, but this changed my life now 50 years after

the fact. It’s like the greatest thing that ever happened to me. So imagine what this could have done for mankind if it came out earlier.”

The process wasn’t easy for him, he entered production on the film while coping with mental health issues. The process was revelatory for him. He saw himself in the archived performances at Harlem Cultural Festival, and was hopeful that others could find healing through it as well.

“We’re just starting to talk about mental health conversations that we weren’t having before,” said Thompson. “I would have never revealed that I’ve been in therapy for like 20 years in a publication because it was sort of like a source of shame. Like, ‘is Questlove crazy?’ We always associate that sort of thing like therapy as crazy. It’s very dismissive. So the reason why I wanted to show Sonny Sharrock doing that guitar solo, or why you see people transfixed and in a trance when they’re playing gospel, is because that was our form of release. That was our therapy. That’s what kept us from suicide. That’s what kept us from further abuse.

That’s what kept us from abusing ourselves.”

Thompson compares the vibe of his film to a church revival. He wants audiences to walk away from the project with a feeling of inspiration for the soul.

“I kind of want to plant a seed about spirituality, which is different from religion,” said Thompson. “When you see Abby Lincoln screaming, when you see Sonny Sharrock doing that solo, when you see Clara Walker and all these gospel singers with the wigs almost about to fall off, that’s the common denominator.”

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Call: (417) 864-7444 Unite News Building Empowering Connections | Page 11

behavior. Presented in partnership with Early Childhood One Stop. Call 616-0563 to register.

SPS SHINE Program

AKathleen Great Place To Workseeking For care Great People!

O’Dell is community from us, inclusion is

40,000 clients 25 counties across vitally important,” Farnan said.

“I Missouri and Arkansas. Burrell Continued from page 5 am absolutely thrilled to imagine has more than 400 licensed prothe belonging and healing that viders offering a full continuum of www.sps.org/shine. To learn more Continued from Page 5 will be made possible through about the expansion of transportacare through our integrated netKeke’s visionary leadership.” tion districtwide, visit www.sps.org/ work. Services include individual June.

Contact the MO Job Farnan said Rover is the busupdate. therapy and counseling, addiction Center at 417-887-4343 for more perfect person to drive Burrell’s recovery, psychiatric and mediSocial Justice Fellows information.

DEI mission moving forward, as About SPS cation management, educational Full from Time and Positions Available Continued page 7 Part Time her relationship-building skills are Springfield Public Schools (SPS) and therapeutic groups, crisis SilverDollarCity.com/Careers Change 1000 Skills Academy is Missouri’s largest school district, unmatched and she is not afraid intervention, medication-assisted year.”

2 Weeks – 36 Hours hoursand a 417.338.8122 representing 23,500 (6 students to have courageous conversations Opportunity Employer / Disabled / Veterans treatment, adult stabilization, case He learnedEqual about the program day) new3,500 job-training program nearly employees.

SPS has for necessary change. management, residential treatforbuilt manufacturing, through the Alpha Phi Alpha a reputation ofconstruction, academic exAbout Burrell Behavioral ment, autism, diagnostic testing transportation/logistics, cellence rooted in a beliefinforthat the fraternity and applied but did not Health: and evaluations and developmenlearning experience should be enmation technology and healthexpect to be picked.

Burrell Behavioral Health is One Door Unite Springfield Feb issue.indd 1 1/15/19 11:13 AM gaging, relevantYou and can personal care industries. work- for tal disability support. Learn more Ogunyemi has a bachelor’s one of the largest community Are you without a home, at risk every learner, every day. In addition another job while attending the in psychology Southabout Burrell’s programs and serbehavioral health providers in the ofdegree becoming homeless,from do not to traditional environments training.

At thelearning end of training, west Baptist University and a vices at www.burrellcenter.com. nation, working with more than have a safe stable place to stay across 35 elementary schools, an participants are connected master’s degree in clinical mental or need affordable housing, call intermediate school, nine middle to employment opportunities health counseling from 417-225-7499 or visit theEvangel Springschools, five high schools, a center with the same employers who University. field Affordable Housing Center for gifted education three early designed the trainingand program.

Prior to joining OTC, he 300 E. Central, Springfield. childhood centers, collaborates atworked Also read Unite Online, go to: www.unitenewsonline.org Wages for most jobsSPS start at Burrell Behavioral with community partners to offer between $10 - $17 per hour. For HealthSense and CASA of Southwest Making of Money more than a dozen choice programs more information or to register Missouri. He serves on numerous thatwww.changeonethousnad. meet the unique needs of each February 5, 12, 19 and 26 – NEEDED visit: SEEKING local boards. student. For more information, visit (Basic Budgeting Series) org or call 417-887-4343. is marriedclass to KitoOgunyemi FreeHe interactive learn www.sps.org.

Pitts Chapel UMC and has a 2-year-old sonbetter. named how to manage money Northwest Project “A Taste of Park Day” Kian.

Registration is required and you Offers a free program to help The story is reprint from July must attend all four sessions.

Library Fish fry families revitalize their hope so 15, 2021417-888-2020, Claudette Riley who Contact ext.

150is Continued from page 5 they can set and meet personal education reporter for the orthe register online at http://www.

Sunday, August 8th goals with a community system Springfield News-Leader. or husking corn out of reach of the cpozarks.org/financial-literacy/.

Resources

relations director of the Springfield-Greene County Library District.

She can be reached at kathleeno@ thelibrary.org.

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of support. particiradio and Program far from the summer heat pants focus on specific to of the wood cook stove.ways Sponsored help families move from living

by Friends of the Library. paycheck to paycheck: ••• Affordable Quality Housing, Quality Get a jump on the Friends of the LiChildcare, Transportation, Job brary Fall Book Sale at the Friends Training and Educational OpNight Preview Sale from 5-8 p.m. portunities, Budgeting, ResolvTuesday, Sept. 14, at the E*Plex ingatLegal Issues, Accountability the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds. andFriends Healthget and Well Being. in free, or pay $5For at more contact the information: door and join that night.the Most books audiovisuals, Northwest Project at:games www.and puzzles are $1 or less.

Better books are DrewLewis.org, SGFNWP@ $2 and up.orThe sale continues Sept. gmail.com 417-720-1890.

15-19 with free admission.

2:00p.m. - until 600 N Benton Avenue

Burrell DEI Letter to the Editor Continuedfrom fromPage page76 Continued

to truly inclusive.

Never-of is being now Burrell’s Vice President theless, I dream of an inclusive Be Well Initiatives, said Rover’s society with mutual respect: relationship-building skills and something that Americans can strategic thinking are unmatched.

“Mental is be proud of.health Abovewellness all, I love not possible when we do not feel because of this revelation. accepted or supported as equal our tru“Disagreement does not est selves. For the people within hate.” our organization as well as those

Page 12 Building Empowering Connections | Unite News

Enjoy local talent while enjoying your meal *Menu* Fish sandwich, Chips Soft Drink $7.00 On the church parking lot (seating outside or to go orders)

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.

Page 14 Building Empowering Connections | Unite News

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 Corp. is an employee-owned remanufacturer in North America directly servicing original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). Acknowledged as a Top 25 Best Small Company in America by Forbes, SRC employee-owners are leaders in custom remanufacturing, new assembly, supply chain management, and core and materials management. SRC associates take pride in their reputation as businesspeople who understand how they impact the company’s success and share in the wealth generated by the company. SRC offers extensive benefits packages and robust career development programs including 100% tuition reimbursement, paid training, apprenticeships and more. Learn more at https://www.srcholdings.com/ or call 417-862-2337.

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

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#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