• 2022 JUNETEENTH WEEKEND Photo Gallery • Page 14
UniteNews
Remembering Community Activist Dennis “Denny” Whayne Page 8 City Council paves the way for Eway Scooter Company to expand Page 6 Recap of the Black History Summer Academy Page 12 12 Recipients chosen for the SGF NAACP Black Excellence Award Page 9
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July 2022 | Volume 32 | No 7 | www.unitenewsonline.org
DAY
Reunion Weekend August 4, 5, 6 & 7, 2022, Silver Springs Park
After a two-year break due to the COVID -19 pandemic, the Springfield Reunion Club and Springfield - Greene County Parks have made the decision to resume the historical ParkDay Reunion Weekend Celebration. The theme for 2022 is, “Reunited Together Again.”
Read Stor y On Page 7
See ParkDay Calendar of Events on Back Cover
Register for the SpringMO Black Wellness Initiative Kick-Off See Information on PAGE 11
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From the Editor
The Unite News Publication is published by Unite. of Southwest Missouri, Inc.
Volume 32, Number 7 MANAGEMENT MANAGING EDITOR & PRESIDENT, Samuel G. Knox ASSOCIATE EDITOR, Tyra K Knox CONTENT CONTRIBUTING WRITER, Melesha Bailey CONTRIBUTING WRITER, Jacqueline Jadidian CONTRIBUTING WRITER, Gwen Marshall CONTRIBUTING WRITER, Kathleen O'Dell CONTRIBUTING WRITER, Darline Mabins CONTRIBUTING WRITER, Heather Noggle
Last month we celebrated several note worthy events from Father’s Day to the Juneteenth Freedom Day. We also paused and reflected on the passing of one of Springfield’s long-time community activists, Denny Whayne. In this issue, we will present a gallery of photos to recap the Juneteenth week-long events starting with the Black History Summer School Academy, that ended in the beautiful Ariya on Friday night. The gallery also covers the Juneteenth events that were celebrated around the city from the Jordan Valley Ice Park to the historic Silver Springs Park. You can also find photos of the Ujima Language and Literacy fundraiser at Tie & Timber Beer Company where a lineup of bands paid tribute to Prince at the Purple Grain Concert. African American businesses are on the rise. We will highlight at least five new black-owned businesses that have recently opened in the Springfield area. I had the pleasure of serving on an evaluation panel sponsored by a collaboration between US Bank and The Springfield Downtown Association. The bank program gave away five $5,000 grants to businesses of color who operated in the Downtown Springfield area. Two of those businesses are featured in this issue. As always, if you have an interesting story or information you would like for us to consider writing about, email or give us a call. Your news leads are always welcomed. We hope that you enjoy our July issue and find an empowering way to celebrate our country’s Independence Day.
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR, Christella Payne CREATIVE TEAM GRAPHIC DESIGN, Bradley Knox WEB DEVELOPER, Christoper Palma GRAPHIC DESIGN, Axela Frost
The Unite. publication is a monthly newspaper published by Unite of Southwest Missouri, Inc. a 501(c)(3) non-profit community organization. Our goal is to promote a broader understanding and appreciation of the African American talent, community resources, and opportunities available in the Springfield/Greene County area. Distribution of Unite. is by free circulation at various locations. You may, subscribe and have a copy delivered by mail to your home or office by writing to UniteNews, P. O. Box 1745, Springfield, Missouri 65801. For a one-year subscription, please send $25.00 for postage and handling. Those wishing to make a contribution or become a monthly sponsor should direct correspondence to the same address. Reader’s comments and questions are welcomed. The opinions expressed in these pages do not necessarily reflect the views of Unite. of Southwest Missouri, Inc. The UniteNews Publication in accepting advertising in this publication, makes no independent investigation concerning the services of products advertised and neither endorses nor recommends the same and assumes no liability therefore. For more information, you can contact us at our business office at (417) 864-7444. Email: unitepublication@yahoo.com
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Unite News Building Empowering Connections | Page 3
The Unite News Publication is published by Unite. of Southwest Missouri, Inc.
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Volume 31, Number 5
MANAGEMENT It’s summer at The Library, bringing its special brand of crazy fun (and MANAGING EDITOR & PRESIDENT Samuel G. Knox free!) activities indoors and outdoors for all ages. ASSOCIATE EDITOR Tyra K Knox There’s so much, we can’t list them all here! Be sure to check the summer edition of Bookends, free at any branch, for all the live performers – magiCONTENT cians, storytellers, comedy acts – that kids love. See the schedule at theliCONTRIBUTING WRITER, Melesha Bailey brary.org/programs. They’re all part of the Summer Reading and all CONTRIBUTING WRITER, Sativa B-Sloan CONTRIBUTING WRITER,Program, Gwen Marshall CONTRIBUTING WRITER, Kathleen O'Dell ages can still sign up to read for prizes at thelibrary.org/summerreading. CONTRIBUTING WRITER, ••• Daniel Ogunyemi Remember ‘Where The Wild Things Are” by Maurice Sendak? The LiCREATIVE TEAM brary Center will feature an exhibit of the author’s original sketches now PHOTOGRAPHY, Erin Gamble through Aug. 14. On FESTIVAL Friday, July 22, 6:30 p.m., ages 2-grade 4 are invited to GRAPHIC DESIGN, Bradley Knox Wild Rumpus in the Library Center auditorium. We’ll read the book, dance and have a wild time. You’ll get a freeADVISORY copy of Sendak’s beloved book while COMMUNITY GROUP supplies last. OnCOMMUNITY Saturday, July 30, atMEMBER, 4 p.m., adults in the Library Center ADVISORY Christopher Palma COMMUNITY ADVISORY MEMBER, Jasmine Bailey auditorium will be treated to Dr. Brooks Blevins’ talk about the “wild things” COMMUNITY ADVISORY Diana Vargas rumored to have roamed the old OzarksMEMBER, hills. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library. ••• Summer is a good time for adults to learnpublished new skills or brush up onMissouri, existThe Unite. publication is a monthly newspaper by Unite of Southwest ing Inc. computer skills for school or get that new job. Adults can choose from a 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 variety of basic or advanced free computer classes at the Computer Training and opportunities available in the Springfield/Greene County area. Distribution of Unite. Center in the Midtown Carnegie Branch Library. Visit thelibrary.org/computeris by free circulation at various locations. However, request for home delivery by mail may be training, get more details for registering for a class at 417-837-5011. directed to Unite. P. O. Box 1745, Springfield, Missouri 65801 and accompanied by $25. for ••• one year’s postage and handling. Those a wishing to make contribution or for become a monthly sponsor directJuly There’s Storytime ataDoling Park infants to age 6 on should Mondays correspondence to the same address. Reader’s comments and questions are welcomed. through Aug. 29 at 10 a.m. Join your favorite children’s librarians from the The opinions expressed in these pages do not necessarily reflect the views of Unite. of Southwest Library Station for a weekly, outdoor storytime featuring stories, songs and Missouri, Inc. activities. near the in large pavilion behind Family Center. in “The Meet Unite Publication accepting advertising in the this publication, makes Provided no independent partnership with the Springfield-Greene County Parkand Board. investigation concerning the services of products advertised neither endorses nor recommends the same and assumes no liability ••• therefore.” For further information, you can contact us at (417) 864-7444. Encourage STEM learning with STEAM Explorers every Tuesday through Email: unitepublication@yahoo.com July 26 at 4:30 p.m. in the Library Center Story Hour Room. Kids in grades K-2 can enjoy a story and explore STEAM activities. Register at 417-6160526. ••• Finally, get ready to take a StoryWalk® through Silver Springs Park, 1100 N. Hampton Ave., from Aug. 19-29. Pages of the book “Jabari Jumps” by If you would like to make a contribution to the Unite Gaia Cornwall will be posted on signs so you can read a book while you walk News Publication and it’s mission, please mail your the path around the park!
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gift to Unite, P.O. Box 1745, Springfield, MO 65801 or contact our office at (417) 864-7444. Kathleen the community relations director of the Spring“Let’sO’Dell build aisstronger community together.” field-Greene County Library District. She can- Samuel be reached Knoxat kathleeno@ thelibrary.org.
Managing Editor
Community News People In The News
Cyber Security Column
What is Cyber security? Just what IS Cybersecurity? Why should I care about cybersecurity? by Heather Nogle
Chris and Kiara Noble
Vicki & John Palmer with Alex Roman
Lisa & Brandon Taylor Brandon and Lisa Taylor along with their partners recently opened Bin Crazy, a store that specializes in high-end returns and liquidation items, located at 1749 S Campbell Ave. Each week we get deliveries of 24-30 pallets of overstock, returns and slightly damaged products from Amazon, Walmart, Bed, Bath and Beyond, and Target.
Central Assembly of God is excited to announce that Pastor Chris Noble will be their new High School Pastor. Pastor Chris comes to Central from Roswell, Georgia, where he has recently served as Youth and NextGen Pastor at Roswell Assembly of God. Pastor Chris is married to Kiara, and they have three children.
R to L: CEO/President Alex Roman and her parents Vicki and John Palmer run Scott Rice, a dealer for the Steelcase Office Furniture Store. Steelcase makes furniture for offices, hospitals, and classrooms. Roman came to Springfield after working as a project manager at MGM National Harbor in Maryland and also working at ESPN.
Francine Pratt
Justin Loudermill
Christina Ford
Civic leader Francine Pratt was honored with Leadership Springfield’s 2022 O. Franklin Kenworthy Award for Outstanding Leadership. The honor, the only award given out by Leadership Springfield, recognizes community involvement, good citizenship, leadership qualities, and ethical standards.
Local artist Justin Loudermill has opened Louder Customs. Louder Customs is an art studio that paints murals, makes furniture, and designs a clothing line. “I want people to see history, culture, and success through my work,” remarked Loudermill.
Christina Ford, is known for providing transitional housing services for survivors of domestic violence. She is now focused on opening a flexible drop-in child care center, which will cater to kids from 6 months to 12 years of age and will be open evenings, nights, and weekends.
You lock the doors where you live and keep the windows closed unless you want either of these things intentionally open. Computer networks operate the same way. If your devices are connected to the Internet (phones, tablets, computers, hey, even refrigerators in some homes), good cybersecurity is keeping anyone who’s not you or someone you allow out of your devices and business (data). Cybersecurity is a word meaning everything standing between any naughtiness from the Internet and your internal, private network. You have a network at home if you connect to the Internet, and that makes you the network administrator of your home. Back in 2009 when I moved (back) to Springfield, my husband and I network cabled our house. It was a study of prepositions after we physically made the cables - put the cables in the pipe, through the ducts, and down into the next room or along the floor. Now, of course, connectivity is largely wireless, so I’ll be spared making CAT-5 cables if we move again. The standard’s up to CAT-6 anyway, and I’ve given you something to Google here if you’re curious. The cables don’t meow. How are humans cybersecure at home? A few ways, and these practices will help at your workplace as well. I’ll start with the Password Manager, which I have mentioned before. Trends show that we will someday log into systems using certificates (heavily encrypted long pieces of data with no spaces). Computer systems already authenticate with each other this way in secure communications. Until certificates for people’s direct use are completely common, we’re stuck with passwords. Any idea how long a fast computer takes to crack an 8 character password when the program knows a username? TechRepublic’s website tells us less than an hour. Seven characters? A matter of seconds. The longer your password, the more work a computer system’s password cracking software has to do. There’s an amazing graphic you can review of password crack times if you Google Hive Systems Password Chart. I’ll disclose again that I typically use 20 character passwords I’ll never remember, and you can see why. What else? • Be very wary of email, even from trusted senders. Digital representations of people are not people, so we Continued on page 9
UniteNews Building Empowering Connections | Page 5
City Council paves the way for Eway Scooter Company to expand its fleet
Local entrepreneurs are the first to offer electric scooter rental in the Springfield area. by Samuel Knox A new City Council ruling paves the way for local entrepreneurs Marquez Williams and his brother and business partner Trayvon Northern to expand their scooter fleet. EWay LLC is one of the first electric scooter rental companies in Springfield to offer micro-mobility services. Their younger brother, Laquion Williams, a junior at Parkview High School also works in the business providing how-to and safety instructions to each scooter renter.
On June 13, 2022, Springfield City Council approved new rules for electric scooter rentals. The proposed council bill implements micro-mobility device rules that create an outline to prevent electric scooters from being “a nuisance or poses a threat to public safety or security.” The business owners are both from the Quad City area. The Quad Cities is a region of cities in the U.S. states of Iowa and Illinois. They moved to Springfield
L to R: Laquion Williams, Marquez Williams, Marquell Williams, Trayvon Northern
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in 2014. Williams said he first experienced the electric scooter in Tulsa, OK, and had a great time! He came back to Springfield and went to work researching what it would take to bring that type of experience to the Ozarks. The two brothers started Eway, LLC in September 2021 making an agreement with the Bolt Scooter brand. The company owners have been in talks with the city Traffic Engineer to make sure they are in compliance with local ordinances and safety measures. Williams said the company started with five scooters but should soon have available a fleet of over one hundred. For those interested in taking a ride on the electric scooters, go to
their website: ewayscooters.com. There you will find instructions on how to register to take a ride. The cost is one dollar to unlock and forty cents per minute. ($25 per hour) According to the the company website, the scooters are used for recreational use, public tours, romantic dates, and school visitations. The business is open during daylight hours. By being local and first to market in the area, they hope to have a niche carved out before other competing companies come to town. Starting July 1, the Eway Scooter Company will have an office at the Robert Plaster Free Enterprise Center (EFactory) 405 N Jefferson Ave.
Husband and wife team Octavius and Tonisha Manier
Mimi’s Soul Food Kitchen — Sunday dinners made with love Mimi’s Soul Food Kitchen is a combination of the years of practical management skills and the recipes mixed with love that she learned from her grandmother. by Darline Mabins One sure sign of growth is competition. As luck would have it, the soul food restaurant industry in Springfield that was once non-existent is now showing signs of growth. What is not to love about food. They remind us of homecooked meals with our families or Sunday dinners made with love. Springfield’s soul food scene has another addition, with the June 8th opening of Mimi’s Soul Food Kitchen. Husband and wife team, Octavius and Tonisha Manier are the proud owners of Mimi’s Soul Food located at 533 S Kimbrough Ave in Springfield Missouri. Sitting
down with the couple we learned that, Tonisha has a long history of working in the food industry. Managing other restaurants helped her to learn the flow and processes of taking orders and providing the meals to customers in a timely manner. She also had the memories of growing up in Springfield and remembering the love that her grandmother put into the family meals. She shared how her grandmother’s house was the place where her friends would drop in for a meal before heading to the Boy’s and Girls Club. Tonisha combined the practical skills from her management years
with the love and recipes that she learned from her grandmother to create the menu and feel of Mimi’s Soul Food. Tonisha also had the encouragement of her brother (Owner of the Carriage House) to thank for taking the step to open her own restaurant. The road to her opening day was not easy. On the day that they were scheduled to sign the paperwork for a lease on the storefront, they now occupy. The couple shared that in the middle of signing the paperwork they were told that they had to stop due to a possible sale of the location to an interested buyer. In the end, the owner of the property decided to go with them and their vision for the building and leased the space to them. The obstacles didn’t stop there. As new property owners, they learned the hard way about what was needed to bring the building up to code and this process took them nearly 2 months more than anticipated to get their doors open. They credit the support of their immediate and church family for their ability to work through the issues and connect to resources.
The restaurant opened to large crowds and sold-out menu days. The top dish on the menu you ask…Fried Catfish and Spaghetti with the second runner-up being the brown beans and cornbread meal. What do they hope to accomplish in their first year? They want to focus on the culture of their restaurant to ensure that everyone that comes into their restaurant feels that they are welcome. They also hope to work out any kinks in their delivery of service. It’s important to them that food is delivered efficiently and customers are not left waiting for their food. They would also like to incorporate weekly specials to their menu that were family favorites and add to their soul food flare. When asked why people should try their restaurant. The couple shared that at the end of the day, “they want people to experience their culture, the spirituality, the love, the music… we want them to experience the atmosphere. It’s more than color, it’s connections. The magic is in the kitchen.”
Join our Team thearcoftheozarks.org *We are an equal opportunity employer.
Unite News Building Empowering Connections | Page 7
Remembering Community Activist Dennis (Denny) R. Whayne The Unite News publication remembers former City Council Member and community activist Denny Whayne. The following article is composed of Whayne’s obituary and local articles. by Unite News Staff Dennis Ray Whayne was born on January 8, 1945 in Springfield, Missouri. He was the youngest of two sons born to the late Wallace M. Whayne and Jeannie Christine Ingram-Whayne. Dennis was preceded in death by both parents and older brother, James Whayne, Sr. along with his ace-boon-coon/ brother Nate Adams. Dennis attended Lincoln School for three years until the Brown vs Board of Education integrated the schools in 1954. From there, he attended Boyd Elementary, Eastwood Jr. High School, and graduated from Central High School in 1963. In 1964, Dennis moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma, and united in marriage to Lynne Gail Peterson.
From that union, two children were born: Billy and Chrystie. In 1972, Dennis moved back to Springfield, Missouri where his journey of political activism spawned. Along his political course, Dennis married Marva McCauley in 1989 and lovingly embraced her children and grandchildren as his own. Mayor Ken McClure, on behalf of himself and the Springfield City Council, expresses his extreme sympathy upon hearing of the passing of former City Councilman Denny Whayne. “It is a sad night,” McClure said. “Springfield has lost an icon who worked tirelessly to bring communities of people together.” Whayne was the first African-American elected to the City
Page 8 Building Empowering Connections | Unite News
Council since the Council/Manoring former Councilman Denny ager form of government was Whayne for his service on Council adopted in 1953 and served as and his decades-long commitment the Zone 1 representative for two to justice and equal rights. consecutive four-year terms. The Busch Municipal BuildFirst elected in 2001, Whayne ing’s fourth-floor conference room served until 2009 and was a memwas named at the time the “Counber of the Finance, Plans and Polcilman Denny Whayne Confericies, Administration, ence Room.” and Public InvolveA plaque detailment committees. ing his accomplishWhayne, who grew ments with his up in Springfield, photo adorns one joined the NAACP at of the walls in the 11 and later particiroom in which the pated in the Freedom City Council holds Rides of 1961. weekly workshops. He continued his When intercivil rights work in viewed in 2018, Dennis (Denny) R. Whayne Tulsa, where racial Whayne said, “Betensions were high in the late ing on City Council was one of the 1960s. best experiences of my entire life. He moved back to Springfield My mindset on the council was to in 1972 and served as president try to move the city of Springfield of the Springfield chapter of the forward.” NAACP from 1980 until 1988. Dennis Ray Whayne passed in He worked for the City’s Fipeace at the age of 77. He was a nance department from 1975 until devoted father, grandfather, and 1985. who shared his heart with two City Council unanimously loving families. passed a resolution in 2018 hon-
Cybersecurity
Continued from page 5 shouldn’t trust emails at the same level as a person standing in front of us. • Protect your computer by keeping its operating system patched. By operating system I mean MacOS or Microsoft Windows as the common ones. If you’re running Linux or UNIX, I’m talking to you, too, but you’re likely already nodding. Hackers - good and bad - find vulnerabilities in operating systems and websites. The good hackers tell the companies so that they can fix, or patch, these bugs and problems. You download the patches using the Internet, the software is updated and secure, and future hackers trying to exploit those issues to get into your computer will be thwarted. That’s greatly oversimplified, but you get the idea. • Help others know and practice
good cybersecurity if they’re using the Internet, too. Not everyone in the older generation adapted how they live to regularly use the Internet, so there may be some gaps in knowledge for our senior citizens even about basic usage like sending email. • Antivirus, antimalware software running automatically on your computer, of course. • Enable multi-factor authentication when a site or app offers that option. •Remove your password management from your browser - keep everything in your password manager, secured by one super amazing passphrase. If you do these things, you personally raise the level of security of devices that access the Internet. You’re practicing good cyber hygiene. You are actively working to stop crime against yourself. These practices are simple but do require your attention.
2022 recipients of the NAACP Black Excellence Award ART EXHIBITS EDUCATION WORKSHOPS CLASSES FOR KIDS & ADULTS GUEST ARTISTS SIGNATURE EVENTS MUSEUM TOURS
free admission The recipients of the NAACP Black Excellence award were celebrated for their valued leadership and commitment to the community. It’s important to celebrate those who are doing the work. Each person recognized has consistently demonstrated qualities of compassion and selfless service. 1. Dr. Angela Holloway-Payne; 2. Dr. Ashley Payne; 3. Jonathan Bell 4. Tony Gunn Jr.; 5. Marlon Re’Sean Graves; 6. Dr Yvania Garcia-Pusateri; 7. Natasha Lancaster; 8. Darline Mabins; 9. KeKe Rover; 10. Cecily Woodard; 11. Duan Gavel and 12. Michelle Gavel
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Unite News Building Empowering Connections | Page 9
Your Health & Wellness News
Health Coach, Melesha Bailey
Fibroids—Suffering in Silence July is Fibroid Awareness Month July 1 is National Wear White Day to show support for women who suffer from fibroids. by Melesha Bailey The goal is to bring awareness to a common health issue affecting 20% to 80% of women by the time they reach age 50. It’s a rarely
discussed issue but impacts nearly 26 million women annually. Fibroids are a common gynecological condition and a primary
Springtime equals great time to move into a senior community
Senior living communities typically have incentives and discounts for new move-ins. by Jacqueline Jadidian If you’re contemplating when is a good time to begin researching and touring senior communities, springtime is the best season. Senior living communities typically have incentives and discounts for new move-ins. The reason why is because typically the winter season is slow for move-ins mainly
due to weather and holidays. The senior communities begin to prepare and advertise move-in deals during the beginning of the spring season to make up for the lack of move-ins during the winter months. Here is a brief list of what to be attentive to and ask during tours:
Page 10 Building Empowering Connections | Unite News
reason for hysterectomies for US women. Over their lifetime, about 80% of black women and 70% of white women will develop fibroids. Fibroids are small, noncancerous muscular tumors that grow in and around the walls of the uterus and become attached by a stalk or stem-like structure. They vary by size, shape, and location and often appear during a woman’s childbearing years, caused by the hormones estrogen and progesterone. If left untreated, they can affect reproductive issues like infertility and miscarriage. It’s a horrible condition that leaves many women isolated and feeling debilitated. But, according to some national estimates, they affect Black women at higher rates. These women can show symptoms in their teens and early 20s. By age 35, black women have a 60% chance of developing fibroids, reoccurrences, or suffer-
ing from complications, according to the CDC. Diet and genetics can cause women to develop fibroids. For example, some data suggest that low Vitamin D levels can increase women’s chances of fibroids. According to the Black Women’s Health Imperative, African-Americans usually have lower levels of Vitamin D, contributing to their higher risk. In addition, black women have higher rates of obesity, a risk factor for fibroids, and over time, they will become symptomatic as they grow. Fibroid symptoms include extremely heavy or prolonged periods and anemia from heavy bleeding that may appear as blood clots. Often women don’t know they have fibroids until they start experiencing these symptoms, and for many women leaving the house becomes problematic from excessive bleeding. To determine the presence of
Continued on page 11
smile on their face while provid1. Don’t always equate brand new ing a tour, but it is the other staff’s or even renovated communities demeanor and custo great care. There tomer service that you are beautiful commushould be attentive to. nities in our neck of 3. When you see other the woods, but not residents be cognizant all of them provide of how they look. If it exceptional care and is a community that customer service. provides hands-on 2. Be attentive to care to residents, a customer service; key factor in noticing not only the person Jacqueline Jadidian how they look (i.e. giving the tour, but dirty clothes, hair not brushed, the staff and administration that Continued on page 11 you pass by. Anyone can put a
Fibroids
Continued from page 10 fibroids, physicians will do a pelvic examination or an ultrasound. There’s also the embarrassment of appearing pregnant as the tumors grow and mimic pregnancy, with heartwrenching effects for those trying to become pregnant. In addition, pain is excessive as women experience extreme pelvic and lower back pain, frequent urination, difficulty emptying the bladder with constipation, or straining with bowel movements which can lead to hemorrhoids. Many women suffer in silence, and for black women, because of a lack of awareness and research, it is a contributing factor to health inequities. Study shows racial disparities in healthcare linked to beliefs and biases about Black women and the treatment of fibroids. Additionally, health disparities affect healthcare and
Great time to move Continued from page 10
shoes and/or socks not on) and if staff notices. 4. Cleanliness of the building. If a building is not clean, including smell, then that does equate to lack of resident care (i.e. carpets, overhead lights, doorways, flooring, furniture). Difference between dirty and old. 5. If you’re touring for someone that is a fall risk, nutritional problems, behaviors due to cognition, pressure sores/wounds and/or incontinent, request to speak to the Director of Nursing (DON) or
recommendations, affecting women’s trust in physician-suggested treatment. Women must not be afraid to ask questions and investigate alternative courses of treatment and know what is available before deciding what treatment works best for them. Unfortunately, many women are subjected to prolonged suffering as doctors prescribe birth control pills or other hormones to control the bleeding leading to many unnecessary hysterectomies as a source of treatment. It’s time to bring awareness to this debilitating condition and stop the suffering of women. Pitts Chapel invites you to support “The White Dress Project” with a Fibroid Awareness Luncheon Saturday, July 23rd. It is empowering those with fibroids to be fearless with support, education, and hope for women living with fibroids.
Congratulations on your 51st Wedding Anniversary
Bishop Jones Foote & Mother Dianne Foote
The Faith Tabernacle church family would like to honor our founders and leaders, Bishop Jones Foote & Mother Dianne Foote on their 51st wedding anniversary! We love you both! You are a wonderful inspiration to every person you connect with. You both are a beacon of light shining in a dark place! May God bless and keep you for many more years to come!
Administrator to receive guidance and a peace of mind. Be cognizant of how the DON or Administrator communicates with you as well as makes time to speak with you; you will know at this point if your loved one will be taken care of. 6. Stay long enough to eat in their dining room. The main complaint or focus in communities is the food. Food = love, socialization, and choices. Food is typically the last area residents still get to decide. 7. Security. Make sure the front doors are staffed by a receptionist and locked during certain hours. Ask about weekend coverage. Unite News Building Empowering Connections | Page 11
Recap of the Black History Summer Academy Ariya & The Kwanzishas
Goodnews resides in Springfield, Missouri with her parents Cyril and Jane Ehie, along with her four siblings. Goodnews’ origin of birth is Lagos, Nigeria. The family attends Truth and Goodnews Ehie Love Assemblies Ngozi of God as their “Blessed” place of worship. She graduated from Central High School with a weighted GPA of 4.63. While at Central, Goodnews was involved in the following extracurricular activities and hobbies: Photography, Girls for Good, A+ Tutoring, National Honors Society, as well as being in the International Baccalaureate Program. She also has a small jewelry business, “Gy Care by G.” Goodnews volunteers with Environmental Conservation of the Ozarks, (ECA), Girls for Good, and the Botanical Society at Central High School. Her achievements include being a local finalist with the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR); a state finalist for the 20192020 HOSA-Future Health Professionals, which is a global student led organization; International Baccalaureate Career Program Ambassador; and her continued presence on the Principal’s Honor Roll, 2018-2022. Goodnews plans to attend Missouri State University with a major area of study in Radiography. Her career will be as a Radiologic Technologist.
Tynieze resides in Springfield, Missouri with her mother, Chimere Heard and has eight siblings. Tynieze completed her high school career at Tynieze Edwards Central High School with a Kiongozi Imara weighted GPA “A Strong Leader” of 4.1, where she was part of the International Baccalaureate Program (IB). Her other school activities included: Cabinet Member as Elections Commissioner, Equity and Diversity Advisory Council Member, and IB Ambassador. Tynieze also volunteered during the year at Central’s Blood Donor Drive. Tynieze’s other in-school activities included: The National Honors Society and a 4-year member of The Central High School Kilties Drum and Bugle Corp, which she completed as Drum Major. Tynieze played the snare, twirled, and led over 40 performances as the Drum Major— including volunteer work for ALS walks and street clean-up. She also assisted in the redesign of the summer uniforms for the Kilties and received the award of “Outstanding Major” from the Missouri State University Homecoming Parade. Outside of classes, Tynieze enjoys her hobbies of art and writing. She plans to attend Laguna College of Art and Design in Laguna Beach, California. Her major area of study will be Game Art. Tynieze’s career plans are to work in video game design with a specialization in character creation.
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Jaela Maikal Burris
Mfanisi Mkubwa
Jaela resides in Springfield, Missouri along with her parents Michael Burris and Allison Burris. She has three siblings, Jordan, Amaya and Carter.
She graduated from Hillcrest High School with a GPA of 4.5. She is ranked #7 in her graduating class and was honored for her academic excellence as a Rose Scholar. In May 2022 Jaela was inducted into the Hillcrest Hall of Fame. Jaela has multiple awards in Broadcast Journalism including the Robert F. Kennedy High School Journalism Award. This award is given to only one high school student in the United States per year. Her winning podcast was called “The Talk” and was posted in March 2021. It featured Jaela talking to two students — both of African American descent — sharing the warnings they received from their parents about navigating the world as a young person of color. Jaela plans to continue her educational journey by attending the University of Missouri in Columbia, Missouri. Her major area of study will be Journalism. After completing her studies at the University of Missouri, she plans to have an outstanding career in Journalism.
“Magnificent Achiever”
Sarenity Harvey-Fewell
Nguva na Neema
Powerful and Graceful Sarenity was born in Springfield, Missouri. Her parents are Shamara Harvey and Antonio Fewell. She has five siblings. Sarenity attended Central High School and completed her studies with a GPA of 3.0. While at Central, Sarenity participated in cheerleading, track and also gymnastics. She has received awards in cheerleading for most athletic, best motions, and best cheer voice. Sarenity enjoys spending time outdoors camping, swimming, fishing and much more. She has volunteered in mental health awareness activities along with participating in cancer treatment fundraising walks every year. Sarenity is looking forward to attending Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas. Her area of study will be Athletic Training.
Shannel Walker
Haiba na Kuamua
Charming and Determined Shannel was born in Kansas City, Missouri but now lives in Springfield with her family. Her parents are Henry Walker and the late Marshalia Walker. She has three siblings, Tannel, Vernell, and Darnell. Shannel attended Central High School and completed the school year with a GPA of 4.0. While at Central, Shannel was involved in cheerleading all four years, three of those as a varsity cheerleader. She was also involved in The Black Girl Magic Program sponsored by Missouri State University. Shannel has consistently worked outside of her studies and attained the position of Manager at a local eatery at the age of 18. Shannel’s leadership is evident and her ability to lead with a commitment to quality sets her apart. She plans to begin her journey of higher education by attending Ozark Technical College and upon completion transfer to the University of Central Missouri for their BSN Program.
Unite News Building Empowering Connections | Page 13
2022 JUNETEENTH WEEKEND Photo Gallery We are empowering youth to reach their full potential. Learn more about existing 4-H Clubs in Greene County and our enrichment opportunities with topics ranging from pets and bicycles to cake decorating and shooting sports. Greene County MU Extension Online at http://extension.missouri.edu or locally call Willa Williams at (417) 881-8909 or email williamswl@missouri.edu
Page 14 Building Empowering Connections | Unite News
Family & Community Programming in Honor of Juneteenth
July 21st Thursday The Calm Chat Club Teachers
Timmons Hall History Keeper Luncheons $10 Timmons Hall in collabora9on with MSU Archives Special Collec9ons and the History Museum on the Square will present “Themed Luncheon Gatherings” to iden9fy local African American history, scan personal materials for preserva9on, collect primary stories, in conjunc9on with celebra9ng the elders of the community. Guest cost $10 ~ History Keepers no cost
Informa9on Cpeoples@springfieldmo.gov
Dates Below - Times (11-2pm)
August 25th Thursday Black Soldiers and the American Legion September 24th Saturday Georgia Burton Celebra9ng our Youngest History Keeper age 98! October 13th Thursday Community Philanthropist were Domes9c Workers by Day.
BOOK BOOK HIGHLIGHT HIGHLIGHT
selec9on for the Calm Chat Teaches Themed Luncheon July 21st
417-864-1046
Unite News Building Empowering Connections | Page 15
PARK
DAY
Reunion Weekend
EVENT CALENDAR
Sponsored by Springfield Reunion Club, Inc. & Springfield - Greene County Parks Theme for 2022 … REUNITED . . . Together Again
Thursday, Aug. 4, 2022: GOLF TOURNAMENT Contact Johnny Huddleston 816-223-7405 Thursday- Skin Game – Highland Green Saturday- 7:00 am – 2 MAN Scramble – Island Green Sunday- 7:00 am – 2 MAN Best Ball – Deer Lake
Friday, Aug. 5, 2022: HOSPITALITY – OASIS HOTEL & CONV. CENTER - 8:00 P.M. 2542 N. Glenstone - featuring DJ Feddi Adults & 12 & up - $15, ages 4-11 $5 – 3 & under free
Saturday, Aug. 6, 2022: PARK DAY PARADE 12:00 P.M. Sponsored by Ladies Civic League and NAACP Contact Charmaine Huddleston 417-425-9 355 or Michelle Wilson Johnson 417-849-0948
KIDS SWIM – SILVER SPRINGS PARK – 1:00 P.M.- 5:00 P.M. Cost: $1
PARK DAY PICNIC: 1:30 PM – 4:00 P.M. Everyone is Welcome Silver Springs Park Pavilion
PARK DAY DANCE: OASIS HOTEL & CONV. CENTER - 8:00 PM - 12:00 A.M. 2542 N. Glenstone featuring “ THE FULL FLAVA KINGS “ From Tulsa, OK. Admission $25
Sunday, Aug. 7, 2022
GO TO THE CHURCH OF YOUR CHOICE
PARK DAY GOSPEL PRAISE IN THE PARK – 3:30 P.M. Contact Samuel Timmerman 1-870-882-6696
