JUNETEENTH FREEDOM DAY EVENT CALENDAR Page 16
UniteNews June 2022 | Volume 32 | No 6 | www.unitenewsonline.org
Special Father’s Day Edition
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Celebrating Black Fathers: Debunking myths about black fatherhood Unite News Publication— It has long been known that father presence in the household is important for the positive well-being of families, neighborhoods, and youth. Dads who actively participate in the lives of their families provide a steady source of stability and support. Read Stor y On Page 7
Volunteers needed to help prepare Living History programs
Tonish Fewell: From dishwasher to Owner of The Carriage House
Former NBA Player Anthony Tolliver launches Tolliver Family Foundation
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Timmons Hall is looking for volunteers to help with Juneteenth events.
The story of how he went from running the streets to a relationship with God.
Tonish Fewell
Tolliver created scholarship foundation in honor of his late mother Donna Lewis.
Anthony Tolliver
The SPS Class of 2022 Photo Gallery of Black Graduating Seniors See Information on PAGE 8 & 9
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From the Editor
The Unite News Publication is published by Unite. of Southwest Missouri, Inc.
Volume 32, Number 6 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 SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR, Christella Payne
Happy Father’s Day! June is the month that we celebrate our fathers. I am blessed to have both my parents still living. I also count myself fortunate to be on the side of the statistics of children who had a father who was married to my mother, lived in our home, and supported his family. In this issue, we are featuring a number of stories that address the accomplishments of men both on the national and local stage literally. We talked to Tonish Fewell who is the owner and operator of The Carriage House Restaurant. Former NBA player Anthony Tolliver is launching The Tolliver Family Foundation and we will talk about the myths and supporting data surrounding the American Black Father. We encourage you to register for the upcoming SpringMO Black Wellness Initiative Kick-off scheduled for September 17, 2022. You will be hearing more about this community-wide initiative to promote better health and wellness outcomes for Black families and individuals living in the Springfield area. 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 June issue and find an empowering way to celebrate your father on Father’s Day.
CREATIVE TEAM PHOTOGRAPHY, Geve Penaflor 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 delivery 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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LotsNITE. of Summer Activities for U the Kids at The Library Volume 31, Number 5
MANAGEMENT If your family’s summer schedule is too unpredictable for a sumMANAGING EDITOR & PRESIDENT Samuel G. Knox mer camp commitment, The Library can help you with activities for ASSOCIATE EDITOR Tyra K Knox the kids that are free and fit any busy schedule. You can always check thelibrary.org/programs any dayCONTENT to see what’s coming! Kids through adults can makeWRITER, a custom silicone CONTRIBUTING Melesha Bailey wristband – like a CONTRIBUTING WRITER, Sativa CONTRIBUTING Gwen Marshall personalized ID bracelet -- atB-Sloan the Maker Space inWRITER, the Midtown CarCONTRIBUTING WRITER, Kathleen O'Dell negie Branch. From 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m. on Wednesday through FriCONTRIBUTING WRITER, Daniel Ogunyemi day, June 15-18, learn how to use the Glowforge Laser Engraver to personalize a bracelet. Materials provided. Youth under 18 must be CREATIVE TEAM accompanied by an adult. Register at 417-837-5011. PHOTOGRAPHY, Erin Gamble FESTIVAL GRAPHIC••• DESIGN, Bradley Knox The Fantastic Friday’s series invites families to visit fun Springfield sites. On Friday, June 17, 10 a.m.-noon, we meet at the Railroad HisCOMMUNITY ADVISORY GROUP COMMUNITY ADVISORY MEMBER, Christopher Palma will give tours torical Museum, 1300 N. Grant Ave. Museum volunteers COMMUNITY ADVISORY MEMBER, Jasmine Bailey of the train engine, cars and depot; Library staff will share stories and COMMUNITY MEMBER, Vargaswill be there. activities. Bring your libraryADVISORY card – the MobileDiana Library Fantastic Friday on June 24 goes the Nathan and Olive Boone Homestead State Historic Site, 7850 N. State Hwy V, from 10 a.m.noon.The OnUnite. Julypublication 8 from 10 meet at thebySpringfield Conservais a a.m.-noon, monthly newspaper published Unite of Southwest Missouri, a 501(c)(3) non-profit is to promote a broader tionInc. Nature Center. Oncommunity July 15,organization. join us atOur themission Springfield Art Museum. understanding and appreciation of the ethnically diverse talent, community resources ••• and opportunities available in the Springfield/Greene County area. Distribution of Unite. On Tuesday, June 21, at 10:30 a.m., all ages are invited to the is by free circulation at various locations. However, request for home delivery by mail may be Library Center toSpringfield, watch the Stone Lion Theatre directed to Unite.auditorium P. O. Box 1745, Missouri 65801 andPuppet accompanied by $25. for present “Ofpostage the Deep End.” We’ll journey into the deep of our oceans one year’s and handling. Those wishing make a contribution or becomeitaand monthly sponsor should to direct and examine thetoplastic that is polluting why we need protect correspondence to the same address. Reader’s comments and questions are welcomed. The them. Supported by the Missouri Arts Council, a state agency. opinions expressed in these pages do not necessarily reflect the views of Unite. of Southwest From 2-4 p.m. Tuesday, June 21, sing along with Disney’s “Enactor” in Missouri, Inc. the Library Station Frisco Room.advertising For kids agepublication, 3 and older. We’ll have “The Unite Publication in accepting in this makes no independent investigation the services of products advertised and neither endorses nor popcorn andconcerning a craft, too. recommends thethrough same and June assumes no and liabilityJuly therefore.” Every Tuesday 28, 5-26, kids from K-grade 2 For further information, you can contact us at (417) 864-7444. canEmail: enjoy STEAM Explorers at 4:30 p.m. in the Library Center Story unitepublication@yahoo.com Hour Room. Hear a story and explore STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) activities. Register at 417-616-0562. ••• Then enjoy Ocean Magic with Magician Tommy Terrific at 10 a.m. Monday, July 11, in the Midtown Carnegie Branch for preschool-grade 4. Kids will learn how oceanstoand biodiversity enrich our If you would like to make a contribution the Unite lives. Tommy will also be at the Library Station with News Publication and it’s mission, please mail yourhis ocean magic show gift at 2top.m. Tuesday, Unite, P.O. Box July 1745,12. Springfield, MO 65801 or
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contact our office at (417) 864-7444. Kathleen O’Dell is community relations director of the Spring“Let’s build a stronger community together.” field-Greene County Library District. She- can be Knox reached at kathSamuel Managing Editor leeno@thelibrary.org.
Our Community News
People In The News
Opinion & Editorial
The Buffalo Shooting Brings to Light Why the Great Replacement Theory Is a Danger to Us All By Tyrone C. Howard, PhD, May 17, 2022
Dr Tyrone Bledsoe
Larnelle Foster
Kenneth Wilson
In the May/June issue of Biz 417 Magazine, Dr Tyrone Bledsoe, founder of SAAB formerly known as the Student African American Brotherhood, headquartered downtown Springfield was featured for items in his office that held a significant memory or an inspiring story.
Co-producer Larnelle Foster, is about to see the result of his first experience as a movie producer. The coming-ofage comedy “Paulie Go!” debuted in May as part of the annual Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival.
Kenneth Wilson has recently moved to Springfield from Oklahoma to become the Pat Jones YMCA Executive Director. Kenneth brings 14 years of YMCA experience from where he was the Operation Director with the Richard Kane Family YMCA in Bartlesville, Oklahoma.
Agreement between MSU and MBSCM
Pictured signing is Dr Linden Bowie, President of Missionary Baptist State Convention of Missouri and Clif Smart, President of Missouri State. The “Memorandum of Understanding” between Missouri State University and the Missionary Baptist State Convention of Missouri is designed to offer scholarships to students of color recommended by churches within the group’s network.
Over the past two years, there has been a persistent uproar from parents across the country, most of them white, about critical race theory. The premise being that schools should not teach students a theory that “makes white kids feel bad about being white” or ideas that the US is inherently a racist country. Over the past few years, at least 28 states have either introduced or passed legislation banning the teaching of critical race theory or discussions around race and racism. Parents have showed up in mass at school boards, angry, threatening and mobilizing around the elimination of critical race theory, despite the fact that there is little evidence that it is even being taught in schools. The tragedy in Buffalo last week, which has been ruled by law enforcement officials as a racist domestic terrorist attack, resulted in 13 people being killed, 11 of them Black. In doing investigations into the shooter’s background, a number of writings on his social media accounts revealed deeply disturbing anti-Semitic and anti-Black references. Steeped in the manifesto, the shooter made reference to the great replacement theory. The great replacement theory written about by French author Renaud Camus in his 2011 book Le Grand Remplacement is a white nationalist, far-right conspiracy theory which states that there is a complicit or cooperation plan of elites who want to demographically and culturally replace European whites through mass migration, demographic growth and decreases in the birth rates of whites. Think Charlottesville, Virginia in 2017, when chants of “You will not replace us” and “Jews will not replace us” was shouted by protestors. These anti-Semitic comments serve as some of the foundational belief of great replacement which date back to the 19th century. The idea behind great replacement theory in this country is that non-white people, Continued on page 11
UniteNews Building Empowering Connections | Page 5
Danielle Bennett new NABF Female Super Bantamweight champion Dallas, TX—On May 14, 2022 Danielle Bennett from Springfield, MO ,who now lives in Kansas City, MO, fought World Title Contender Shurrette “Chiccn” Metcalf. and won a majority decision for the new NABF Female Super Bantamweight champion. The judges scored the fight, 78/74, 76/76, 70/73. Congratulations Dani!
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Celebrating Fathers Continued from Page 1
The consequences of such support impact a whole host of child developmental outcomes, including behavior, academics, and health. Involved fathers are also more likely to engage in positive parenting behaviors like academic intervention and constructive discipline. There is a pervasive myth about black fathers: that they’re more often than not absent from their children’s lives. But if you look at the data, it turns out the truth is far more complicated than the ugly stereotype suggests. New York Times columnist Charles Blow previously took on this myth. Blow started with the basis for much of the idea: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data that showed 71.5 percent of black, non-Hispanic children in 2013 were born to unmarried women, compared with 29.3 percent of white, non-Hispanic children. But as Josh Levs pointed out in his new book “All In,” 2.5 million of 4.2 million black fathers — or about 59.5 percent — live with their children. Levs’s numbers suggest that it’s not true, as the CDC figures suggests, that 71.5 percent of black dads are absent from their homes — but rather that many of them are simply unmarried. And when black fathers do live with their children, they’re just as, if not more, likely to be involved in their kids’ everyday lives. Blow cited CDC data that showed black fathers are more likely than their white and Hispanic counterparts to feed, eat with, bathe, diaper, dress, play with, and read to their children on a daily basis. Many fatherlessness statistics utilize marital and housing statuses as cornerstone metrics, resulting in highly inflated figures. These stats
do not account for the fact that men have died or passed away, couples may live together while unmarried, couples may be divorced, and, let’s not forget, that, due to the system of incarceration, men are not only separated from their families but often even prevented from staying in the homes with their families if the housing is federally provided. Research by scholars like Waldo E. Johnson Jr., Ph.D., professor at the University of Chicago School of Social Service Administration, leads in efforts to re-educate about black fatherhood, and also brings notice to the men who stand in as genuine, authentic father figures for children who have lost fathers for whatever reasons. This is not an attempt to excuse those fathers who are absent and not involved with or supportive in their children’s life. The data suggest that there is a real problem when a little less than half of the black fathers in this country are not married to the mother of their children. I advocate for programing that addresses Pre-Marital Education and Marriage Enrichment courses and retreats. As we approach Father’s Day in 2022, when the now horrific 73% statistic is utilized so often, I urge our leaders to re-speak the narrative. Speak to the power of how millions of African American men and dozens of programs, are shedding light on the actual truth: most black children are not fatherless and Black American fatherhood is very much alive!
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Congratulations Senior Class of 2022 Always remember “the road to success begins with you.”
Central High School
Arshaun Bradley
Aleesha Brown
Analicia Donley
Tynieze Edwards
Goodnews Ehie
Shemaiah Farisse
Stephon Fewell
Tatiera Grandberry
Ahmias Hart
Sarenity Harvey
Isaiah Harvey
Tyren Hendrix
Henry Herbert
Zion Howard
Briana Jackson
Malia Joe
Kiera Kaba
Deverin King
Jayyn Lewis
Trace Love
Nuru Lwali
Jarvis Mcmillion
Jaydon Mercado
Kiprotich Togom
Elijah Totten
Shannel Walker
Darrell Williams
Kamryn Francois
Patrick Howell
Teagan Johnson
Derrick Thomas
Jeremiah West
Aquianna Young
Gwen Marshall
On behalf of of Springfield Public Schools, the Office of Equity and Diversity and the Springfield Community, we would like to congratulate all of the 2022 graduates on your well-deserved success. You deserve our deepest repsect for perservering and accomplishing your goal. We wish you a successful future.
Madeleine Mickle
Glendale High School
Dylan Brown
Harold Brown
Shawn Burleigh
Sydney Evens
Juanita Jones
Ariel McGinnis
Xavier Pitts
Donnica Riggins
Page 8 Building Empowering Connections | Unite News
Nadia Fletcher
Jeannette Salama
Raymond Floyd
Charles Sargent
Derrick Thomas
Hillcrest High School Not Pictured:
Carter Boyd
Devin Oliver
DeeVon Braxton
Joshua Rose
Jaela Burris
Cyrus Scott
JaQuan Carr
Dana Daniels
Deshawn Strachan
Delana Daniels
Jimm’esha Davis
Glenn Johnson
Demarco Jones
Lamarkus Miller
KeiAnna Cook Darrell Davis Autumn Kinkade Jasmine Lurry Alexis Miles Judah Mitchell Jacoby Smith Tanea White Jaylan Williams Takia Williamson Aliah Winford Malique Young
Jozen Swearingen
Kickapoo High School
Zachariah A
Cierra Burkett
Jeniya Chapman
Danaisa Cole
Sky Dos-Reis
Anisa Drake
Ysabelle Fontleroy
DuSean Howard
Quinten Johnson
Chance Nelson
Jonathan Soppo
Alicia Elrod
Ashley Elrod
Isaiah Farley
Isaiah Robinson
Alaya Sam
Heavenly Schiro
Jeff Kagogo
Parkview High School
Kania Pullman
Jonathan Bell
Zion Black
NeQuira Franklin
Zoe Harvey
Kyron Highley
Corian Singletary
Carl Thomas
JaMall Wallace
Armanaie Blacksure
Junior Lamarre
Nayla Carter
Tanisha Clay
Trenten Diede
Kamryn Ducker
Jourdyn McKinney
Essense Moore
Devrin Perry
Marcus Price
Deven Ellison
Genesis Reid
Elijah Whitley
Unite News Building Empowering Connections | Page 9
Your Health & Wellness News Focus on What’s Important to enhance your life by Melesha Bailey Unite Contributing Writer
enhance your life, here are ten (10) tips: 1. Prioritize your daily objectives. Focus on important proSpringfield, MO— Do you somejects. It will eliminate the stress times feel disconnected from of trying to accompeople, time, and plish everything at things? We can cononce. nect with someone 2. Cut your internet on the other side of and social media time the world, yet it can to half. Technology feel like there is a can be a time sucker. disconnection with Social media, email, the people closest and surfing the web to us. impede our ability If you are like Melesha Bailey to focus. Reduce your me, you have a lot going time on Facebook, Tik Tok, and on. We have tools to simplify Twitter by 50% and use that time our lives and help us accomplish to explore new hobbies, exercise, things quickly. But doesn’t it plan, and cook healthy meals. seem like our to-do lists are getSomething to enhance your life. ting longer, and it’s harder to sit 3. Get out and enjoy nature. down, relax and be still? Take a break to step outside and Life is short, and time is rapidbreathe fresh air. Unplug from ly flying by, especially in today’s all the distractions, take time and fast past world. So to help you admire the beauty of nature. slow down, enjoy life, and focus 4. Slow down and enjoy your on important things that will
meals. Most of us eat our meals so fast that we don’t take the time to appreciate our food. Chew slower, and enjoy your meals. Experience all the beautiful smells, tastes, and feelings you get while enjoying your food. 5. Connect with loved ones and friends. How often do you slow down and genuinely listen and connect with people? Put the cell phones away, remove yourself from noisy environments, and connect on a deeper level. 6. Make you a priority. When was the last time you concentrated on just yourself? Take time for yourself. You are worth it. 7. Give yourself the grace of time. Do you keep to a tight schedule? Give yourself some grace and factor in extra minutes when estimating how long things will take to keep you from rushing through your daily tasks. 8. Take the scenic route. Go in a different direction. A casual
drive along a river or pond or cruising through a part of your city that you have never seen can be very relaxing. 9. Before you start your computer, close your eyes, and take a few deep breaths. Those few seconds can set the tone for the rest of your day. Empty your mind and take deep breaths before jumping into your tasks. 10. Rember your aspirations and goals. When you wake up, ponder your life goals and aspirations. Remember the achievements you’ve already reached and your desire to achieve new ones. Do this before getting out of bed to start your day. It will help you focus on the big picture and not sweat the small stuff. Spend your time doing what gives you joy. Take care of yourself first, slow down, and focus on all the desires of your heart and what’s important.
OTC Dental Clinic offers reduce cost preventative services
“The clinic is run by our educaSpringfield, MO— The Ozarks tors. We have three supervising Technical Community College dentists from the comDental Programs munity that are almost provide opportunities retired or semi-retired for students as well dentist who are comas people living in the ing in and helping and community who need supervising the clinic,” preventative dental remarked Rebecca care. Caceres, OTC DenThe Dental Hytal Hygene Program giene program is a Rebecca Caceres Director. two year program which We encourage all of our students eccept 20 students annually.
Page 10 Building Empowering Connections | Unite News
to call friends and family to be patients. The patient load has been small since the pandemic. Right now, students are going to WalMart, Walgreens, and calling their neighbors trying to get people in so that they can get the experience of working on a live patient. They have to have the practice to take their clinical board examination to graduate. The OTC dental clinic also receives referrals from other dental
practices. We are a preventive type of clinic that provides services at a reduced price. If you would compare our cost to the community it would be about a fifth or sixth of the cost from a regular dental service. and we provide a quality experience, said Caceres. The clinic has been taking patients from the community since 2001. For more information about services offered call 417-447-8835.
The Buffalo Shooting Continued from page 5
cultural outsiders, national interlopers or foreigners will overtake the United States via immigration or reproduction and seize political power. Steeped in the idea is that the US is being taken over by immigrants and minorities, briefs from the Buffalo shooter’s manifesto stated that: “Diversity is not a strength. Unity, purpose, traditions, nationalism and racial nationalism is what provides strength. Everything else is just a catchphrase. Diversity is weakness.” The promotion of the great replacement theory poses a much more significant and theoretical danger than critical race theory. Yet, where is the outrage from parents who were worried about their children being exposed to critical race theory? Where is the anger to say that the great replacement theory is racist and has no place in our schools and society? Moreover, where is the repudiation of a theory that has resulted in the senseless killings of innocent people? Schools have a responsibility to teach young people about the dangers of hate, how it plays out in our society, and how we all can play a role in eliminating hate. The innocent killings in grocery stores in Buffalo, synagogues in Pittsburgh, Walmart’s in El Paso, and churches in Charleston, South Carolina tell us that too many young white people are growing up becoming radicalized under the premise of the great replacement theory. The Southern Poverty Law Center documents at least 733 active groups in the US as of 2021, with
thousands of members who are self-proclaimed white nationalists, neo-confederates, and neo-Nazis, who believe that their country is being taken over, by Blacks, Jewish people and Latinos, and that these “minority” groups must be eliminated. Let’s be clear, demographers have documented that whites in the US are declining, and that people from non-white backgrounds are increasing. This is primarily due to immigration patterns, lower birth rates and an aging white population in the US. The racist ideas tied to replacement theory teaches that people of color are a threat, are dangerous and a threat to the national culture of the US. Are the same parents who don’t want white children to feel bad concerned about how children of color feel when they are deemed as a problem or threat to the nation? In short, the manner in which critical race theory has been politicized is the reason that replacement theory has not. If children of color have to endure the ugliness of racism in the US, white children should be willing to learn about it. It is through learning about the ugliness that racism still has in this country that we can begin to educate young people that diversity is a strength, diversity is something that we should celebrate. So which poses the bigger threat to us as a nation?
JUNETEENTH VOLUNTEER PROGRAMMING PREP AT TIMMONS HALL. Saturday June 11th 11:30 at Timmons Hall (Lunch Provided) Join Christine and Addison at Timmons Hall. Volunteers needed to help prepare Living History programming for Juneteenth in Silver Springs Park. Paint word signs and or prep preselected library books to connect to story telling activities.
SIGN UP TODAY! LIVING HISTORY AT TIMMONS HALL Parkboard.org/TimmonsHall
JUNETEENTH VOLUNTEER Saturday, June 11th 2:00 PM
PROGRAMMING JUNETEENTH VOLUNTEER PROGRAMMING PREP AT TIMMONS HALL. PROGRAMMING JUNETEENTH VOLUNTEER FATHERS MENTORS DAY AT TIMMONS HALL PREP AT&TIMMONS HALL. PREP AT TIMMONS HALL.at Timmons Hall (Lunch Provide Saturday June 11thth 11:30 Sunday, June19th Saturday June 11 that 11:30 at Timmons Hall (Lunch Provided Join Christine and Addison Timmons at Hall.Timmons Hall (Lunch Provided Saturday June 11 11:30
King Richard Movie Showings atLiving Timmons Join Christine and Addison at Timmons Hall.HistoryHall. Volunteers needed to help prepare programming JoinShowing--Sunday Christine and Addison at Timmons Hall. 1st 11:00 to 1:00 Volunteers needed to help prepare Living History programming for Juneteenth in Silver Springs Park. Volunteers needed to help prepare programming 2nd Showing---Sunday 2:00 toLiving 4:30 History for Juneteenth Silver Park. Paint word signsinand orSprings prep preselected library books to connect to story telling acti for Juneteenth in Silver Springs Park. Paint word signs and or prep preselected library books to connect to story telling activi Paint word signs and or prep preselected library books to connect to story telling activ
SIGN UP TODAY! SIGN UP TODAY! Parkboard.org/TimmonsHall SIGN UP TODAY! Parkboard.org/TimmonsHall A(HANDS ON) PAINTING WORD SIGNS Parkboard.org/TimmonsHall
B- (HANDS ON) BOOK AND STORY-TELLING ACTIVITIY PREP
AON) PAINTING PAINTINGWORD WORDSIGNS SIGNS A- (HANDS (HANDS ON) A- (HANDS ON) PAINTING WORD SIGNS
Tyrone C. Howard is professor of education at the University of California, Los Angeles. He is also president-elect of the American Educational Research Assoc.
B- (HANDS ON) BOOK BBOOK AND ANDSTORY-TELLING STORY-TELLINGACTIVITIY ACTIVITIYPREP PREP B- (HANDS ON) BOOK AND STORY-TELLING ACTIVITIY PREP Unite News Building Empowering Connections | Page 11
From dishwasher to owner of The Carriage House Restaurant Springfield, MO— The Carriage House has a long history in Springfield. For over 40 years, it was a family owned and operated restaurant that to this day continues to be. The young owner of the establishment is also a Springfieldian whose journey to owning the Carriage House begins as a dishwasher for the establishment. Before we get to that we will start at this young man’s beginnings. Tonish Fewell is the owner and operator of the Carriage House. He began working at Ziggie’s Café for the original owner Agim Zendeli. Tonish learned a great deal about the restaurant business and became the General Manager for one of the locations. As a young man he found himself doing well but the lure of making big money, quickly soon had him running “the streets” as some call it. Tonish left his position at Ziggies to make a profit on the streets of Springfield. This led to trouble with the law, that resulted in his having to leave town for fear of being arrested. While this life style did create the ability to buy the finer things in life; fancy cars, clothes, etc. It also led to prison time. After a year of running Tonish found himself in jail. While there he found what he knew to be the answer he had heard about but never experienced for himself. A personal relationship with God. He picked up a bible and hasn’t looked back
since. He found God and for Tonish Fewell, “he’s the truth in love and life”. He read the parable about the rich man and contacted his mother. He instructed her to get rid of all of his possessions that he had acquired. He sold his cars and vowed to come out a new man. Once released Tonish recalls going to his cousin who worked at Olive Garden at the time and begging for a dishwasher position. From there he moved up in the restaurant. He moved into the kitchen as a cook and remained with the organization for over five years. He jumped into entrepreneurship and opened his first restaurant across the street from Missouri State University; Fat Tony’s. This only lasted one year, due to his inability to purchase the necessary equipment to operate. He was able to find a job as a cook working in Pleasant Hope, but wasn’t able to keep the job due to his probation limitation. This led Tonish to the Carriage House. He worked in the kitchen for over 3 years and saw that the establishment wasn’t doing well. He sought counsel from a friend who encouraged him to think about purchasing the restaurant himself. It wasn’t until he found out that the owners were planning to close the restaurant that Tonish acted. He purchased the carriage house for 60,000 From there, as they say, the rest is history. In short order,
Page 12 Building Empowering Connections | Unite News
Tonish Fewell standing with his wife and children
Tonish increased the profits of the Carriage House. He credits the success to better quality food and treating his guest like family. Their slogan is “we feed you like family.” Tonish makes it a priority to attend his customer’s graduations, special events and sometimes funeral services. This no doubt keeps his customers coming back and creates a loyalty beyond food ingredients. While the Carriage House will be celebrating another milestone; Moving to a new location this Spring. Tonish continues to look to the future and focus on his
vision of spreading God’s love in everything that he endeavors to do. His hope is to franchise, his restaurant nationwide. He hopes to create entrepreneurs in young adults, while also creating more safe spaces for the community he loves. The first Sunday of every month starting in June, he plans to continue hosting Community barbeques in Silver Springs Park. IF you would like more information, please reach out to the Carriage House. The Carriage House is open seven days per week 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
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A Great Place To Work For Great People! Ra-Keish and Billy “TAKE the STAGE” on television show to spread joy
Springfield, MO—Ra-Keish N. Rowill air on Tuesdays @7P.M. ESland has teamed up with her brother, T/6P.M.CST. or binge watch on your Billy J. Brockington II to collaborate favorite streaming services. on using their music and poetic talThis experience has taught us e ents to star in a new television show. the value of our relationship. It’s not Ra-Keish N. Roland, is also known as easy working with family, but Full Time and Part Timealways Positions Available R.A.W. (Resilient. Anointed. Woman.) through this process we know comSilverDollarCity.com/Careers and her brother Billy J. Brockington munication is key and follow through II, who goes by M.I.S.T.A. (Minisis important. Not only are we sib417.338.8122 EqualThat’s. Opportunity / Disabled / Veterans try. Is. Something. Anoint-Employer lings, but now business partners. We ed.) The television show, R.A.W & are blessed beyond measure. n, M.I.S.T.A.’s “TAKE the STAGE” is If anyone is interested in becomabout a brother and sister duo who ing a sponsor for RAW and MISTA OneareDoor using their love for there are commercial slots available. Unite Springfield Feb issue.indd 1 each other as 1/15/19 11:13 AM a way bring something fun Prices vary depending on packAre youtowithout a home,fresh, at risk e new to television in ado positive age. We also have a website to gain of and becoming homeless, not uplifting fashion for people of all ages. more info on us. It’s www.rawandhave a safe stable place to stay “We are going to “TAKE the STAGE” mistatakethestage.com. or in need waysaffordable that inspire,housing, encouragecall and We are also looking for people 417-225-7499 visit the Springenlighten ouror viewers in positive to get on the Believe Bus as well field Affordable Housing ways. Music, Laughter, andCenter Spoken to have their own television show. . Words only a few things we will Follow us on social media @RAWandat 300 E.are Central, Springfield. deliver to help inspire our viewers.”MISTA @RAWandMISTA1 Facebook r said Roland. @rawandmistatakethestage. Making Sense of Money I had a 20 minute meeting with r February 5, 12, 19 and 26 – a lady named Mary Moss. After NEEDED . (Basic Budgeting we Series) our conversation, discussed Free interactive class to learn many ways to use my talents and how to manage skills. Then onemoney day she better. asked me if I’d ever thought about having my Registration is required and you own television show. I laughed at must attend all four sessions. the o thought, then I mentioned to my Contact 417-888-2020, ext.it 150 brother, and he was really interested or in register online at http://www. learning more about this opporm cpozarks.org/financial-literacy/. tunity. I was introduced to another woman named, Dorissa McCallister, who invited me to a zoom call with this network called, Believe in Your Dreams Network. To make a long Continued from story short, the Page zoom 7 call was a success, because after the call the toowner beingand truly NeverCEOinclusive. of the company, Dr. Nichole Peters called me and theless, I dream of an inclusive personally asked us to be a part society with mutual respect: of y the Believe Team. We are blessed something that Americans can r to have full creative control and all berights proud of. Above to our content.all, I love because of this The show canrevelation. be viewed on all digital platforms including “Disagreement does not PrimeTV, equal AppleTV, ROKU TV, iSO and Android hate.” devices, LGSmartTV and others. It
The Tolliver Family Foundation
SEEKING
Letter to the Editor
Anthony Tolliver pictured with his wife and children
Springfield, MO—In honor of Anthony’s late mother, the Tolliver Family Foundation is proud to support scholarships for Drury University students through the Donna Lewis Endowed Scholarship. The fund supports undergraduate students that are pursuing a degree at the University and
members of underrepresented groups who demonstrate a financial need. The goal is to further opportunities for education so all students are able to reach their potential. For more information contact the Advancement Office at Drury University for application details and deadlines.
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(COVID-19) COMMUNITY & PUBLIC HEALTH RESOURCE DIRECTORY Below, please find new and updated community resources and services. The information is based on research conducted in January 2022 We encourage readers to contact the organization directly for updated information:
NEW INFORMATION
Greene County Emergency Rental Assistance Greene County has coordinated fund distribution efforts with area organizations and community partners that have existing experience with utility and housing assistance programs: • Ozarks Area Community Action Corporation (OACAC) 417-447-0554 • Consumer Credit Counseling Services 417-889-7474 • Community Partnership of the Ozarks 417-888-2020 • Catholic Charities of Southern Missouri 417-268-9998 • Council of Churches of the Ozarks 417-887-3545 • The Salvation Army 417-862-5509 Greene County has structured this program so you can make an appointment with a trusted Community Agency and complete the application together. Contact one of the partnership agencies to schedule an appointment. To make the most of your appointment please bring the following items: • A listing of every individual living in the household • Identifying documentation for all members of the household such as licenses and social security cards • Income information for every individual 18 years or older with either 2020 or 2021 Tax return or past 60 days of income sources that are reported on a tax return • Documentation of unemployment for at least one of the individuals or a reduction in pay due to COVID-19 • Past-due rent and utility bills and/or notices of eviction • A copy of your lease agreement • Contact information for your landlord. Stimulus Checks (2022 Economic Impact Payments) According to the US Government, parents of newborns, foster or adopted children (2021-2022) will have a stimulus check benefit in 2022. Part of the government help will go to either a new dependent or a parent of a child who was born in 2021.Those who had eligible children in 2021 are able to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on their next tax return. The Economic Impact Payments, otherwise referred to as stimulus checks, were sent out during 2021 and these are advance payments of the Recovery Rebate Credit. If you did noy receive the full amount you were expecting by December 31, you can claim the remainder of the money when you submit your taxes in 2022. Given that the 2021 Economic Impact Payments were Page 14 Building Empowering Connections | Unite News
calculated off a person’s 2020 or 2019 return, any eligible dependents who became a member of the family in 2021 will not have been included in the calculation nor the payment. For the latest updates on the Economic Impact Payments/Stimulus Checks, check the IRS website: IRS.gov/coronavirus. 2021 Taxes | Voluntary Income Tax Assistance (VITA) VITA offers free tax help to people who generally make $54,000 or less, persons with disabilities, the elderly and limited English taxpayers who need assistance in preparing their own tax returns. 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. ‘Stronger Together’ COVID-19 Vaccine | Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services is committed to providing a free COVID-19 vaccination experience to all Missourians, including those without insurance. For Missouri COVID-19 vaccine information, visit www.MOStopsCovid.com. Get the facts about vaccines and where to find one. Everyone ages 5 and up is eligible for vaccination now in Missouri. Vaccination providers may charge an administration fee to insurance, Medicaid, or Medicare, if applicable to an individual’s circumstance. To learn about vaccine providers in your area and time frames to access the vaccine, please visit https://covidvaccine.mo.gov. Housing Locator “Socialserve” is a free, online rental property search service that links individuals with available rental housing across Greene, Christian, and Webster counties. It helps to make a more informed decision when exploring your housing options. For more information, visit www.cpozarks.org. Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Use the FAFSA form to apply for financial aid for college or graduate school for the 2021-2022 or 2022-2023 academic year. For the 2021-2022 academic year, the FAFSA form must be submitted by 11:59 PM (CT) on June 30, 2022. Any corrections or updates must be submitted by 11:59 PM (CT) on September 10, 2022. The FAFSA form must be submitted by 11:59 PM (CT) on June 30, 2023. Any corrections or updates must be submitted by 11:59 PM (CT) on September 10, 2023. Deadlines are quickly approaching! Completing the FAFSA form is free. For more information visit: https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa
OTHER RESOURCES Continued on Page 15
Continued from page 14 This resource list provides information about Springfield area community resources related to public health, employers/job seekers, education, and other services available during Springfield’s Road to Recovery. Please feel free to share:
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 has direct links to information on the latest Springfield-Greene County health updates, resources for job seekers and employers, and a pledge citizens, businesses and institutions can voluntarily take to show commitment to slowing the spread of the Coronavirus. For more information visit https:// www.springfieldmo.gov/5107/Help-Ozarks Cox Health Visits Cox Healthcare System is providing free virtual visits to screen individuals for COVID-19 and provide more guidance about 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 To apply for the Food Stamp Program, individuals can drop off, mail, fax or complete an application at a Family Support Division (FSD) office. FSD will call the number listed on the application to complete a phone interview within 3 days of receiving the application. Individuals will typically know their eligible for Food Stamp benefits within 30 days. For more information visit https://mydss.mo.gov/food-assistance. 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 can be found on 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 WIC 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) 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 are no copays for COVID-19 testing for MO HealthNet participants. Coverage has been 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, etc. The north location job center continues to have an office at the Drew Lewis Foundation located in the Fairbanks. For more information visit https://www.springfieldmo. gov/1007/Workforce-Development or call 417-887-4343. Ozark Career Academy The MO Job Center’s youth work experience program prepares youth to enter the workforce during and after high school in the Ozark region. The Ozark Career Academy is a virtual project-based, community work program that focuses on fine-tuning work-readiness for local youth through workforce preparedness, physical and mental health, and financial literacy. Participants learn soft-skills such as self-motivation, time-management, independence, adaptability, and work ethic. This program allows participants to work on weekly tasks at their own pace while earning a paycheck and learning skills for online virtual work. For more information visit: or call 417-841-3341. File for Unemployment | Missouri Department of Labor The Missouri Department of Labor’s website has information on how to file or manage an unemployment claim or claim benefit eligibility. The website also has 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/. Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce provides a comprehensive list of resources for employers on their website with links and updated information about economic development resources for local businesses and job openings in the Springfield area. For more information visit https://www. springfieldchamber.com/. More resources listed online at: unitenewsonline.org
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EVENT CALENDAR Saturday, June 11th Juneteenth Day Party at Q Enoteca 1:00 PM - 5 PM – Live DJ/Food/Drinks Saturday, June 18th United Community Change 7:00 AM Juneteenth DEI 5K and Kid Run at Jordan Valley Ice Park United Community Change 3rd Annual Juneteenth Freedom Celebration at Jordan Valley Ice Park 11:00 AM— Guest Speakers/ Entertainment Springfield NAACP Juneteenth Celebration at Silver Springs Park 12:00 PM—Exhibitors/Guest Speakers/ Activities/ Entertainment United Community Change 1:00 PM—3rd Annual Juneteenth Freedom Walk from JVP to Silver Springs Park 2:00 PM—Living History at Timmons Hall, Silver Springs Park United Community Change 3rd Annual Juneteenth Freedom Celebration at Jordan Valley Ice Park 3 PM - 5 PM — Exhibitors/ Activities/ Kilties United Community Change 6 PM - 9 PM —Juneteenth Soul Music Festival at Park Central Square Sunday, June 19th Father’s and Mentors Day King Richard Movie Viewing at Timmons Hall, Silver Springs Park 11:30 AM and again at 2:00 PM Shine Entertainment LLC/United Community Change 4 PM - 8 PM —3rd Annual Juneteenth Freedom Day Music Fest at Park Central Square