2022 May Unite

Pg5 Dr Jokima Hiller - Wins

Global Hospitality Award

Pg6 Home Computer and

Device Security

Pg11 The Color Of Care - racial

disparities in healthcare

UniteNews May 2022 | Volume 32 | No 5 | www.unitenewsonline.org

Free | Take One

New Supreme Court Justice - Ketanji Brown Jackson

Monica Horton is appointed to fill City Council seat

Jada Bunch plays lead role in Once On This Island

Time to register for the Black History Summer Academy

Charlotte Hardin is given Award of Appreciation by Missouri State

Timmons Hall Open House with fashion designer Richard Andre

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Page 6

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BLACK HISTORY SUMMER ACADEMY

Informative, engaging classes for K-12 students and adults.

June 13-17

6-8:30 p.m.

Page 8

There’s no one more deserving of the Award of Appreciation...

Charlotte Hardin

Page 12

Founder of Jeanius Piece, exhibits items from his collection

Richard Andre

Drury University, Lay Hall 900 N. Benton Avenue

‘Updated COVID-19 Community & Public Health Resource Directory See Information on PAGE 14

Interactive Classes

Informative, engaging classes for K-12 students and adults that explore the impact of Black history in and beyond Springfield.

2022 THEME

Building Momentum: "LET US MARCH ON!" Our 2022 theme explores how we can collectively

OWN YOUR CAREER LITERALLY.

A career at an SRC Company means you'll experience the accountability, continuous learning and rewards from working on a team of employee-owners.

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

Get Connected to Us.

APPLY TODAY SRCHOLDINGS.COM 100% EMP LO YEE-OWNED

Page 2 Building Empowering Connections | Unite News

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

From the Editor

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

Volume 32, Number 5 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

Happy Mother’s Day! May is the month that we celebrate our mothers. A lot of news has happened over the last month.

A black man is the alleged mass shooter in a New York subway and the infamous Will Smith’s behavior at the Oscars heard and seen around the world. On a brighter note, Tiger Woods plays at the Master’s Golf Tournament after suffering from a life threatning accident in Feb 2021, and on April 7, Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson was the first black woman to be confirmed to the US Supreme Court.

In this issue we are featuring a number of stories that address the accomplishments of women both on the national and local stage literally. We talked with Jana Bunch who is starring in the lead role in the production of “Once On This Island,” and you can read about the newly appointed council woman in Zone 1, Mrs. Monica Horton.

We encourage you to register for the upcoming Black History Summer Academy. As always, if you have an interesting story or information you would like for us to consider doing a story on, email or give us a call. Your news leads are always welcomed.

We hope that you enjoy our May issue and find an empowering way to celebrate your mother on Mother’s Day. Best,

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR, Christella Payne 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 our business office at (417) 864-7444. Email: unitepublication@yahoo.com Pg5 Dr Jokima Hiller - Wins

Global Hospitality Award

Device Security

Pg11 The Color Of Care - racial

disparities in healthcare

UniteNews

Samuel G. Knox President & Managing Editor www.unitenewsponline.org unitepublication@yahoo.com

Pg6 Home Computer and

May 2022 | Volume 32 | No 5 | www.unitenewsonline.org

Free | Take One

New Supreme Court Justice - Ketanji Brown Jackson

Monica Horton is appointed to fill City Council seat

Jada Bunch plays lead role in Once On This Island

Time to register for the Black History Summer Academy

Charlotte Hardin is given Award of Appreciation by Missouri State

Timmons Hall Open House with fashion designer Richard Andre

Page 9

Page 9

Page 6

Page 5

BLACK HISTORY SUMMER ACADEMY

Informative, engaging classes for K-12 students and adults.

June 13-17

6-8:30 p.m.

Page 8

There’s no one more deserving of the Award of Appreciation...

Anthony Tolliver

Photos on the Cover: Photo of Ketanji Brown Jackson was used from a US Government, White House website; photo of Monica Horton was used from City of Springfield news release; photo of Jada Bunch was supplied by the Small Umbrella Theatre.

Page 12

Founder of Jeanius Piece, exhibits items from his collection

Richard Andre

Drury University, Lay Hall 900 N. Benton Avenue

‘Updated COVID-19 Community & Public Health Resource Directory See Information on PAGE 14

Interactive Classes

Informative, engaging classes for K-12 students and adults that explore the impact of Black history in and beyond Springfield.

Dinner Provided Bring your family to gain the tools to move our entire community forward into a brighter future. All are welcome.

2022 THEME

Building Momentum: "LET US MARCH ON!" Our 2022 theme explores how we can collectively "March On!" to justice.

Register Now

SPONSORED BY Bridge Builders

Drury University

Springfield Public Schools

QUESTIONS? READY TO ENROLL? CALL 417-523-0008

sps.org/BHSA

Unite News Building Empowering Connections | Page 3

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

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EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES Are you inspired to create a better future for yourself and others?

If so, Missouri State has a place for you.

With a campus community filled with diverse perspectives, voices and opinions, Missouri State is fulfilling its commitment to address the needs of a changing society.

Missouri State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Minority/Female/Veterans/Disability/Sexual Orientation/ Gender Identity Employer and Institution. Employment will require a criminal background check at university expense.

ARE YOU READY TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE? APPLY TODAY AND

Learn All About Gardening, & Attend A Plant Swap Event At The Library Volume 31, Number 5

UNITE.

If gardening is on your list MANAGEMENT of spring and summer to-dos, the Library MANAGING EDITOR & PRESIDENT Samuel G. Knox has a variety of programs to inspire.

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Tyra K Knox On Friday, May 20, at 6 p.m. in the Library Station Frisco Room, watch the film “My Garden of a CONTENT Thousand Bees” for adults. Immerse yourself in the worldCONTRIBUTING of bees withWRITER, a screening this bee-utiful and Meleshaof Bailey CONTRIBUTING WRITER, Sativa Martin B-Sloan Dohrn, CONTRIBUTING WRITER, Gwen Marshall surprising story, rated TV-G. veteran wildlife cameraman CONTRIBUTING WRITER, Kathleen O'Dell and bee enthusiast, filmed all the bees he could find in his tiny urban CONTRIBUTING WRITER, Daniel garden in Bristol, England.

By summer’s end,Ogunyemi he became bee obsessed and developed relationships with them.

CREATIVE TEAM How about a Plant Swap on Saturday, May 21, at 2 p.m. in the PHOTOGRAPHY, Erin Gamble Midtown Carnegie FESTIVAL Branch upstairs meeting room?

GRAPHIC DESIGN, Bradley KnoxBring one or more of your own houseplants, succulents, cactus plants, cuttings or garden seedlings to swap COMMUNITY with your neighbors.

Bring small containers or ADVISORY GROUP COMMUNITY ADVISORY MEMBER, Christopher Palma jars to carry your new plant pups home.

ADVISORY MEMBER, Jasmine Bailey Carnegie On Saturday,COMMUNITY June 11, from 1-3 p.m. in the Midtown COMMUNITY ADVISORY MEMBER, Diana Vargas Branch upstairs meeting room, adults are invited to a program by Sherri Hull, nutrition educator with the Greene County MU Extension Office: “Fight BAC: Gain knowledge in fighting bacteria, including washing our hands and foods we eat, and learn about the imporThe Unite. publication is athe monthly newspaper published

by Unite of Southwest Missouri, Inc. of a 501(c)(3) community organization.

Our mission is to promote broader tance caringnon-profit for plants and how to identify common weeds.a Fresh understanding and at appreciation of the ethnically diverse community resources produce samples these programs provided bytalent, Springfield Commuand opportunities available in the Springfield/Greene County area. Distribution of Unite. nity Gardens. Registration starts May 28; call 417-862-0135. is by free circulation at various locations. However, request for home delivery by mail may be On Sunday, 12 1745, at 10Springfield, a.m., learn about the Soil forfor directed to Unite.June P. O. Box Missouri 65801Preparing and accompanied by $25. a Micro Meadow Schweitzer Brentwood Branch community one year’s postage at andthe handling. wishing to make or become a monthly sponsor should direct room.Those Preparing the soila contribution for wildflowers starts in the summer.

Learn correspondence to the same address. Reader’s comments and questions are welcomed. The the basics and take some supplies home to prepare your own micro opinions expressed in these pages do not necessarily reflect the views of Unite. of Southwest meadow!

Missouri, Inc. ••• “The Unite Publication in accepting advertising in this publication, makes no independent investigation of products advertised and neither endorses nor June 1 is concerning the start the of services the popular Summer Reading Program for tiny the same andkids assumes liability therefore.” totsrecommends and preschoolers, andnoteens at The Library!

For further information, you can contact us at (417) 864-7444.

Pick up a game board at any library branch or Mobile Library, or Email: unitepublication@yahoo.com log on to thelibrary.org/summerreading and follow the links to register for the reading program that fits you. Start logging reading minutes and complete the activities to earn great prizes. Earn a Fresh Start Fine Waiver Card, and complete the program to earn a free book and a Summer Youth Passport.

Make A Contribution Today!

If you would like to make a contribution to the Unite Kathleen O’Dell is community relations director of the SpringNews Publication and it’s mission, please mail your field-Greene County District.

She MO can65801 be reached at kathgift to Unite, P.O. Library Box 1745, Springfield, or leeno@thelibrary.org. contact our office at (417) 864-7444.

“Let’s build a stronger community together.”

- Samuel Knox

www.jobs.missouristate.edu

Page Page 44 Building Building Empowering Empowering Connections Connections || Unite Unite News News

Managing Editor

Our Community News

People In The News

Opinion & Editorial

What Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson’s confirmation means for Black women

by Toni Watkins, April 12, 2022 The Grio

Rosalyn Thomas

Tommy Wells

Nicole Looney

Drury University announced the appointment of Dr. Rosalyn Thomas to associate dean of Diversity & Inclusion. Thomas joined Drury in August 2013 as the coordinator of Diversity Support Services in the Student Affairs Division.

She served 33 years in the Springfield Public Schools.

Tommy Wells is the next principal of Pershing K-8.

Tommy is the current assistant principal of Hot Springs World Class High School in Hot Springs, Arkansas, where he oversees career and technical education, coordinates transportation, handles student discipline and staff development.

Nicole Looney has been a Section 8 coordinator with the Housing Authority of Springfield for 33 years.

She was recently named the Emergency Housing Coordinator -helping unsheltered find housing and she also serves as the Family Self Sufficiency coordinator.

Top 25 Global Most Influential Educators in Hospitality Global Hospitality Magazine – While building a career in the hospitality industry, Jokima Hiller’s entrepreneurial record was being established as early as college when she created computer-generated baby shower invitations and wedding programs under the heading of Hiller Ink. She would go on to find her niche in assisting in the planning process of bridal and baby showers, family reunions, and wedding. Later, she would become part owner of Alpha Basics, an online marketing company, offering bath and body products and jewelry, using a drop-shipping business model.

Jokima has a bachelors in restaurant, hotel, institutional, and tourism management from Purdue University Northwest, Continued on page 12

The moment I read Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson was confirmed by the Senate to serve on the Supreme Court, the tears that welled in my eyes were a shock to me.

Yes, we expected this, although we knew it would be long, arduous, and trying—we believed Justice Jackson would likely be confirmed. However, in a world that so often demands emotional control, I often poise myself to regulate my emotional response, especially when expecting something positive, if for no other reason than the looming disappointment that Black Americans experience and expect from our government.

Before I started sending the celebratory text messages to all of the Black women I know, love, and respect, I sat in deep reflection on what I was feeling and experiencing.

In that moment, I felt so many things—pride, joy, respect, reverence, and guilt.

My day leading up to this was riddled with disappointment. I discussed with my father the labor he would go through for the first time to secure my elderly grandmother’s absentee ballot; I discussed the offensive antics of both parties on Sine Die in the Georgia State Legislature, the failure of our federal government to protect just the most basic of our human, civic, and voting rights, and I was heavy with disappointment. Disappointed with the fruits of my labor after organizing communities across the state of Georgia chose to elect new representation that we were convinced would deliver on new promises. I was disappointed with myself because I was questioning why I was even doing this work. I was disappointed with myself because, albeit fleeting, there was another moment for me today: the moment I wanted to give up.

When Judge Jackson was confirmed, it was the not-sosubtle reminder that giving up—quitting—is simply never an option.

As I scrolled through my local news app, I wondered where I would find the moxy to push through this Continued on page 13

UniteNews Building Empowering Connections | Page 5

Reading Tips for Parents with Young Children the best predictor of future education achievement and life success is reading ability - or, more signifSpringfield, MO— Parents often icantly, being an engaged readare concerned about how they er. The engaged reader, according can help teach their children to to John Guthrie, Director of the read. Many parents are Maryland Literacy Reaware of the important search Center, is “purposerole reading plays in a ful, intrinsically motivated, child’s over all educationand socially interactive.” al success regardless of Therefore, the earlier you their family background start reading to young chiland home environment. dren the better.

Gwen Marshall But many parents do not In an article I read recently, know the steps to start the Timothy Shanahan, a Literjourney. acy expert, shared a few recomIncreasingly, new research across mendations that might be helpful many countries is showing that to parents that are interested in

By Gwen Marshall Unite News Contributing Writer

UPCOMING EVENTS AT TIMMONS HALL

OPEN HOUSE WITH RICHARD ANDRE May 21, 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m.

Fashion designer Richard Andre, founder of Jeanius Piece, exhibits items from his collection. Free admission, registration required.

FREEDOM CLASSROOM 101 June 11, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

The Equity Lens Model, presented by Taj Suleyman, Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, City of Springfield. Registration required.

FEE: $30/Person, includes lunch JUNETEENTH June 18, 12-4:30 p.m.

FATHERS AND MENTORS DAY June 19, 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. or 2-4:30 p.m.

Join NAACP, United Community Change and other groups in observance of Juneteenth at Silver Springs Park. Program begins at Enjoy a free screening of the film “King 12 p.m., followed by Timmons Hall’s Living Richard.” Advanced tickets required.

History in the park at 2 p.m.

Seating is limited. Call 417-864-1046 or email cpeoples@springfieldmo.gov to RSVP Timmons Hall in Silver Springs Park, 1055 E. Webster, Springfield, Mo.

PARKBOARD.ORG/TIMMONSHALL Page 6 Building Empowering Connections | Unite News

helping their child with reading.

1. Teaching reading will only help.

Sometimes, parents are told early teaching is harmful, but it isn’t true. You simply can’t introduce literacy too early 2. Teaching literacy isn’t different than teaching other skills.

You don’t need a Ph.D. to raise a happy, healthy, smart child.

Parents have been doing it for thousands of years. Mothers and fathers successfully teach their kids to eat with a spoon, use the bathroom, and say “please.” If you show your 18-month-old a book and they show no interest, then put it away and come back to it later.

3. Talk to your kids (a lot).

Too many moms and dads feel a bit strange talking to a baby or young child, but studies have shown that exposing your child to a variety of words helps in their development of literacy skills.

4. Read to your kids.

Research shows the benefits

of reading to kids as young as 9-months-old, and even earlier than that. Reading to kids exposes them to richer vocabulary than they usually hear from the adults who speak to them, and can have positive impacts on their language, intelligence, and later literacy achievement. What should you read to them? There are so many wonderful children’s books.

Visit your local library, and book stores to get started. Get involved in the local Ujima Literacy Program in Springfield, Mo. 5. Have them tell you a “story.”

One great way to introduce kids to literacy is to take their dictation. Have them recount an experience or make up a story. Not just short sentences such as, “I like fish. I like my sister. I like grandpa.” But, write the story as it is being told, and then read it aloud.

Point at the words when you read them, or point at them when your child is trying to read the story.

Continued on page 7

Home Computer and Device Security

by Heather Noggle Unite News Contributing Writer

Springfield, MO— Last article I mentioned three components of a home plan to help you combat computer-based attacks that try to infect your computer and devices with viruses and other malware.

This one will focus on the details of the components of a plan for basic home security for your Internet connected devices.

The three things I mentioned were a password manager, antivirus software, and antimalware software. What are those?

A password manager is a se-

cure software program that helps you securely keep your passwords safe but only require you to remember only one password - the one that accesses the password manager. You can research LastPass - my favorite - or Google for the best Password Managers for 2022, which is an article on PC Magazine’s website.

LastPass offers a free option, a premium option, and also a family option, which is $4 a month but helps you share some passwords with one or more family members in secure virtual folders. This is helpful for passwords for Continued on page 7

Reading Tips

Continued from Page 6 Over time, with lots of rereading, don’t be surprised if your child starts to recognize words such as “I” or “like.”

6. Teach phonemic awareness.

Young children don’t hear the sounds within words. Thus, they hear “dog,” but not the “duh”-“aw”“guh.” To become readers, they have to learn to hear these sounds (or phonemes). Play language games with your child. For instance, say a word, perhaps her name, and then change it by one phoneme: Jen-Pen, Jen-Hen, JenMen. Or, just break a word apart: chair… ch-ch-ch-air.

7. Listen to your child read.

When your child starts bringing books home from school, have them read to you. If it doesn’t sound good (mistakes, choppy reading), have them read it again. Or read it to them, and then have them try to read it themselves. When your child reads, get them to retell the story or information.

8. Promote writing.

Literacy involves reading and writing. Having books and magazines available for your child is a good idea, but it’s also helpful to have pencils, crayons, markers, and paper. Encourage your child to write.

One way to do this is to write notes or short letters to them.

9. Make reading a regular activity in your home.

Make reading a part of your daily life, and kids will learn to love it.

Set aside some time when everyone turns off the TV and the web and do nothing but read. Be sure to make it fun, too. When your child has finished reading a book that has been made into a film, make some popcorn and watch the movie together. The point is to make reading a regular enjoyable part of your

family routine.

Happy reading!

Device Security

er term that also includes viruses, and malware is typically more powerful and sophisticated. Modern antimalware software includes

antivirus protection. Highly rated software for antimalware is Bitdefender or Malwarebytes.

Continued on page 12

Continued from Page 6 insurance sites, bank sites, and credit card sites - things like that. If you’re not interested in sharing any of your passwords, the free version may work wonderfully, but it only secures one device. The Premium option is a nice compromise at $3 a month and all of your devices secured.

Why is a password manager secure? It’s built to be simple to use to retrieve passwords and offers you options for multi-factor authentication just to access the program. For example, you can set your login to your password manager to require to use your biometric settings on your phone (thumbprint, for example) as well as your password. You can then set your sites’ passwords to be 20-character mixes of letters, numbers, and symbols you will never need to remember. This combination of what you know (password) and what you are (biometric) helps keep you secure.

Next, antivirus and antimalware software. The difference between the terms antivirus and antimalware? All viruses are malware, but not all malware are viruses.

Antivirus software is popular and has been available for the life of the publicly consumed Internet. Key companies who offer this software are listed in another PC Magazine online article you can Google for regarding Antivirus Protection for 2022. Prices vary, and some are available for free or fairly lost cost for a year or more to protect multiple devices.

Antimalware software protects against newer and more comprehensive threats. Malware is a broad-

diverse career opportunities serve your community Make an impact!

Call: 864-1607 /CityofSGF

City of Springfield, Missouri

@CityofSGFjobs

@CityofSGF

Unite News Building Empowering Connections | Page 7

Monica Horton is Springfield City Council’s Newest Member

By Unite News Staff

City Council interviewed four applicants for the Zone 1 seat appointing Horton with seven votes in one round of voting.

Steven Sexton received one vote. The other applicants were Karen Banta and Kathy Hubbard.

Horton has a Bachelor of arts in psychology, from Tuskegee University – graduating summa cum laude.” A Master of music therapy, from Florida State University and a Master of public administration, Missouri State University.

Monica is self-employed for the past 11 years for Lenica Consulting. Lenica Consulting has subcontracted with Center for Music Therapy and Wellness as a geriatric music specialist for four years;

She began contracting with Drury University in 2016 as an adjunct instructor for Drury students earning degrees in Music Therapy. She also has a certification in diversity, equity and inclusion.

Since 2018, she has served on the Greene County Senior Citizens’ Services Fund Board serving as treasurer of the $2.9 million tax levy for two of those years. “In 2019, she was appointed to the Mayor’s Commission for Children by Mayor McClure and City Council; and began serving as Ujima Language and Literacy’s founding board president while serving a three-year appointment on Leadership Springfield’s board of directors.

When Unite News reporter asked Horton, what made you apply for the City Council seat?

Horton responded, “My desire

MSU Professor Leonard Horton connects his broadcast journalism students to KOLOR 10 News Station

L to R top row: Mark Parrick/ News Director; Jesse Inman/Morning Anchor; Joseph Patrick/student, TJ Springer/Meteorologist L to R bottom row: Leonard B. Horton, III/Journalism instructor, Nicole Walker/student; Sha’Diya Tomlin-Warren/student; Madelyn Augustine/student; Gianni Kelley/ student; Carissa Codell/Executive Producer; Benjamin Ward/Executive producer

Page 8 Building Empowering Connections | Unite News

Monica Horton being sworn in as a Springfield City Council’s newest member

to join the city’s effort to recover from the twin pandemics (COVID-19 & systemic racism) motivated me to apply once the seat on Council was vacated by the previous council member.

While we are the 3rd largest city branding ourselves as a premier place for the great outdoors with a strong philanthropic community, a thriving library system and the largest school district in our state, we have some issues to address according to the results from the Community Focus Report, the Springfield Inclusiveness Surveys, and the ARPA funds priority surveys. With my passion for civic engagement and my professional experience, I believe we can address our issues with anyone willing to participate in the process of change.”

Horton added, “I hope to earn the respect and trust of the neighborhood and business associations as well as the community organizations in Zone 1 who are addressing key issues of poverty,

crime and nuisance properties. I want to see portions of the comprehensive plan implemented, but I also want to see significantly more action taken to implement the recommendations from the Springfield Inclusiveness Surveys as 45% of survey respondents viewed Springfield as “not very inclusive” and “not inclusive at all.” I want to see ARPA funds allocated as closely as possible based on the priorities that rose to the surface from the county and city surveys: affordable housing and homeless services were in the top 3. And finally, city council can use its influence to support the Network for Progress Initiative tasked with addressing the red flags of the Community Focus Report.”

Horton remarked, “I owe a debt of gratitude to the all African-American families who’ve been in Springfield for generations.” Horton took the oath to serve as City Council’s newest member on Monday, April 18, 2022.

Missouri State University Alumni Association awards Charlotte Hardin with the 2022 Bears of Distinction Award of Appreciation Springfield, MO—”There’s no one more deserving of the Award of Appreciation than Charlotte C. Hardin, faculty emeritus,” remarks award committee member.

This award honors retired faculty and staff members for professional and academic achievements, as well as loyalty to the university.

We are excited to celebrate all of our Bears of Distinction.

Congratulations Charlotte Hardin!

Join our Team thearcoftheozarks.org *We are an equal opportunity employer.

Charlotte Hardin

Be A Jewel Organization shares valuable resources with Grand Families in Southwest Missouri

BLACK HISTORY SUMMER ACADEMY

June 13-17

6-8:30 p.m.

Drury University, Lay Hall 900 N. Benton Avenue

L to R: Jordan Valley Health Center, Pediatrics/Foster Care Health Worker, Faith James Green and Children’s Health Worker, Patricia Burton

Springfield, MO— There were approximately 56 people who attended and 14 vendors at the Grandparents Resource Fair.

Some attendees came as far away as Neosha, MO. According to fair organizers, “the message is that grand families are not alone and there are some resources out there for them.” Among the many resources offered, guests received diapers from the Diaper Bank, free books from Ujimia Lan-

guage and Literacy, and ID kits from the Be A Jewel organization.

Save the date: July is Fibroid Awareness Month

Join the women of Pitts Chapel UMC and Gibson Chapel Presbyterian Church on Saturday, July 23 for a fibroid awareness lunch. Featuring Dr. Courtney Wiese, M.D. from Cox Health Physicians for Women and Melesha Bailey owner of Love 4 Life Wellness.

Interactive Classes Informative, engaging classes for K-12 students and adults that explore the impact of Black history in and beyond Springfield.

Dinner Provided Bring your family to gain the tools to move our entire community forward into a brighter future. All are welcome.

2022 THEME

Building Momentum: "LET US MARCH ON!" Our 2022 theme explores how we can collectively "March On!" to justice.

Register Now

SPONSORED BY Bridge Builders

Drury University

Springfield Public Schools

QUESTIONS? READY TO ENROLL? CALL 417-523-0008

sps.org/BHSA

Unite News Building Empowering Connections | Page 9

Your Health & Wellness News Western and Alternative Approaches For Your Health Care

by Melesha Bailey Unite Contributing Writer

on my body? Will I be prescribed medications or procedures that may leave me worse off than Springfield, MO—You go to a before? Should I go the Western doctor and receive a diagnosis medicine route (strictly followor a recommended ing your doctor’s course of treatment recommendations) or concerning your look into Alternative health. You may be modalities to achieve thinking, do I follow the same results? my physician’s recWestern medicine ommendations, or is a system where should I seek other medical and healthoptions? Unfortucare practitioners nately, people often such as doctors, Melesha Bailey don’t realize that there are nurses, therapists, and alternative solutions available. pharmacists manage and treat Yes, there are, and given the opdisease using conventional, portunity, it may be a great time evidence-based practices such to look at different approaches as drugs, surgery, and radiation. for achieving the health outHowever, with the onslaught of comes that best fit your needs. chronic diseases, many healthFirst, start by asking questions care systems are overwhelmed and seeking answers and direcand challenged to manage tives about treatments. Will they patients. be cost-effective and less invasive Alternative medicine, also

Springfield, MO— When clients call my company to discuss long-term care options, one of the questions I ask is if the client has completed their estate plan. I have had clients that either have not done

Estate Planning Requires Proactivity

an estate plan, or they only had done a Durable Power of Attorney (DPOA) for Health Care. Sometimes we think that we have plenty of time to get our estate paperwork in order, and we push it off if we can. Unfortunately, the further we push it off the more we are scrambling Jacqueline Jadidian and run into hurdles

by Jacqueline Jadidian Unite Contributing Writer

referred to as holistic and complementary, is often interchanged, referring to any health intervention outside of conventional medical approaches. The term encompasses a wide range of medical practices and systems from cultures worldwide and is outside mainstream medicine.

For example, alternative medicine may include special diets, vitamin supplements, herbs, special teas, chiropractic, naturopathic, acupuncture, health, and life coaches.

Complementary is a nonconventional medical approach as a complementary addition to conventional medicine. Holistic refers to treatments that consider a person’s whole health instead of focusing on one organ or bodily system.

People are beginning to realize there are other options available.

For example, many are dissat-

Page 10 Building Empowering Connections | Unite News

when it is needed. You may ask why having an estate plan done is vital and needed sooner rather than later.

Here is a list of reasons why and facts of having at least a basic estate plan done sooner rather than later: 1. Having an estate plan done while you’re healthy and of sound mind is wise so you can make healthy and intelligent decisions about your estate. Also, it gives

isfied with conventional drugs and surgical treatments and see alternative therapies as offering more personal control over health care decisions. In addition, some alternatives are more in line with a person’s core values, worldview, or beliefs concerning the meaning of health and illness.

An advantage of western medicine is that patients with critical or urgent needs, such as a heart attack or stroke, can go to an emergency room and find the cause of their medical problem and solutions within a few hours.

In addition, hospitals have access to laboratories, X-Rays machines, and other procedures for quick diagnosis and treatments.

Western medicine uses medication to alleviate many symptoms quickly. However, a disadvantage is that medication can sometimes only treat the Continued on page 11

you time to decide who you trust to make decisions on your behalf, healthcare and financial, if you can’t.

2. Most, if not all, senior living communities require upon admission at least a DPOA for Health Care. The community needs to know who they can legally contact in case of emergencies.

3. A DPOA for Healthcare form can be found on the Internet. The Continued on page 11

Alterative Approaches Continued from Page 10

symptoms without addressing the root cause of the issue. Also, the long-term effects of medicines can cause other problems in the body after long-term use. And now more than ever, doctors have limited time to spend with their patients.

Alternative modalities take a different approach, relying on the mind, body, and spirit while focusing on personal attention and prevention. A disadvantage could be limited scientific research.

Some practices have been studied and are deemed safe and effective. Others have not, and some remedies could have possible side effects. Check with a trusted healthcare provider to ensure there are no dangerous interactions with medications.

When contemplating which approach suits you better, consider taking the best health care approach. Both the western and alternative sides of medicine could be viable options. The goal is to be an informed consumer and arm yourself with optimum solutions to give you the best outcomes and quality of life now and in your future.

Estate Planning

Continued from Page 10 form can be signed without a notary but will require two witnesses to sign. However, a DPOA for Financial, Living Will, and Trust need to be done by a trusted attorney.

4 If you do not have your estate

Oprah’s Harpo Productions partners with Smithsonian Channel for ‘The Color of Care’ documentary The documentary on racial disparities in national healthcare will premiere on May 1

The Smithsonian Channel announced on Thursday that it is partnering with Oprah Winfrey’s Harpo Productions to release an original documentary, The Color of Care. The film will focus on

Black America’s racial inequality when it comes to healthcare.

The Color of Care, which Winfrey appears in as well, chronicles how Black Americans have been subjected to systematically substandard healthcare. It will show how these inequities were exposed after the COVID-19

pandemic hit the nation.

“At the height of the pandemic, I read something that stopped me in my tracks,” Winfrey, who is also executive producing the film, said in a press release. “I read a story about Gary Fowler, a Black man that died in his

Continued on page 13

plan in order before something medically happens to you and you cannot make sound decisions, your loved one(s) will have to seek an attorney. The attorney and your loved one(s) must go through the extensive process of gaining Guardianship and/ or Conservatorship through the court; this process can be expensive and very time consuming for your loved ones.

5. A Living Will directs your medical power of attorney and the medical personnel of your wishes in medical treatment if you’re incapacitated. It also prevents family members making decisions for you because it states your wishes in black and white.

6. Tell your appointed power of attorney(s) that you listed them in your estate plan and give a copy to them or tell them where it is located in case of emergency.

Advertise In The Unite Publication

For Rates call: (417) 864-7444 or go to: www.unitenewsonline.org

Unite News Building Empowering Connections | Page 11

Once On This Island: Hits The Stage In Springfield Springfield, MO— Jana Bunch will perform the lead role as Ti Moune in the production of “Once On This Island.”

This one-act stage musical is scheduled to show at the Wilhoit Theatre located in the Breech

Device Security continued from page 7

The biggest thing these provide is largely set-and-(mostly)-forget security for everyday computing. They also provide a lot of defensive detective power and containment for software built to harm your devices and your data that it finds on your device.

Learn and implement these tools, and share your knowledge and experience with others.

When you are connected to

School of Business on Drury University Campus May 13th 28th. Showings will be Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday Matinees. Ticket Cost is Pay What You Will.

The production centers

the Internet, make a wise and protected connection. We often leave our devices running when we’re not using them, so that continuous protection is even more important. Use password managers and antivirus/antimalware software frustrate attackers. Interested in learning more - research multifactor authentication, especially apps like Authy and Duo. Unsurprisingly, PC Magazine online offers an article of The Best Authenticator Apps for 2022.

Page 12 Building Empowering Connections | Unite News

around a book with lyrics by Lynn Ahrens and music by Stephen Flaherty. Based on the 1985 novel My Love, My Love; and, The Peasant Girl by Rosa Guy, it is set in the French Antilles archipelago in the Caribbean Sea. It’s about a peasant girl on a tropical island, who uses the power of love to bring people together of different social classes.

The production is being presented by The Small Umbrella Theatre Company and the newly formed Black Arts Alliance. The Black Arts Alliance is a local, Black led group of artists working in coalition with the Small Umbrella Theatre, Springfield Regional Arts Council, and Springfield Little Theatre to

Jana Bunch, as Ti Moune

create opportunity for marginalized talent in Southwest Missouri.

Their goal is recruiting BIPOC (Black, Indigenous people of color) and QTPOC (Queer and Trans People of Color) talent in Springfield, MO to give them a stage to perform and thrive on.

The alliance pursues talent, offer resources, and welcome opportunities to exercise that talent on stage, in film, and through music.

Show Dates: Preview: Thursday, May 12, 2022, Opening Night: Friday, May 13, 2022 Closing Night: Saturday, May 28 7:30 p.m.

For more information about this production, go to: www.SmallUmbrellaTheatre.org

Judge Jackson continued from page 5

emotional wall that I, and so many Black women before and alongside me, have hit. I had no idea how much I needed the confirmation not only of Judge Jackson but also of my place in this world and its importance.

For so many Black women, we enter each day with the understanding that we will be the subject of someone’s attacks. Professionally, socially, and politically, there are so few places where we are not mandated to enter in our full suit of armor, lest we be annihilated.

Just consider the treatment, the beratement, the perpetual disrespect of Judge Jackson during the Senate hearings. Black women everywhere spectated with frustration and unfortunate understanding. We recognized the smile—that is unique to us and our experiences—that manifests when someone is disturbing the deepest depths of our souls, but we were unable to defend ourselves using the same weapons as our attackers.

Our weaponry, as exhibited

by Judge Jackson, is displayed in our intellect, our indefatigable spirit of perseverance that makes Black women the winners we consistently choose to be. The confirmation of Judge Jackson was the reminder that I needed to suit up again, as her confirmation is a glorious victory for not only Black women but for this nation; yet there is so much work to be done and quite the long row to hoe.

The addition of Judge Jackson

to the Supreme Court is not solely historic. It is necessary.

While there has been another Black person seated on the court for more than 20 years, the interests of Black people have largely gone unrecognized with the representation of super conservative Justice Clarence Thomas. In an era that will define our nation’s history, the Supreme Court has the opportunity to make decisions that will impact our access to the most basic human and civil rights. We need representation that understands and considers the humanity of the Black community and factors that into their rulings. I am hopeful that this historic now-confirmed nominee will do exactly that.

The physical identity of Judge Jackson is not all that is relevant in the discussion of diverse representation. It is the totality of her identity that is right on time for a nation in great turmoil.

It is her exceptional educational background, her impressive career and her demonstration in rulings past to be fair, equitable and considerate of the impact of her rulings beyond the present day. It is her strength of character, her poise under pressure, and her commitment to justice that are necessary in this moment and all those moving forward.

Jokima Hiller

continued from page 5 a master of business administration (MBA) from Keller Graduate School of Management of Merrilville, a doctorate in hospitality management from Iowa State

University, and is an American Hotel & Lodging Association Certified Hospitality Educator (CHE). Merging her hospitality and business education with her hotel and entrepreneurial background, Jokima is an award-winning authorpreneur, co-authoring The RevPAR Formula and The Red Book and authoring 7 EASY Ways to Show Your Employees YOU Care! as well as contributing to the collaborative book written by survivors of life’s challenges, I Survived.

As the first African American faculty member for the hospi-

The Color of Care continued from page 11

home because no hospital would treat him despite his COVID-19 symptoms. As we continued to hear how the racial disparities in our country were exacerbated by the effects of the pandemic, I felt something needed to be done.”

“This film is my way of doing something, with the intention that the stories we share serve as both a warning and foster a deeper understanding of what changes need to take place to better serve us all.”

The documentary, directed

by Emmy Award-winning and Academy Award-nominated director Yance Ford, will trace these racial health disparities back to slavery and link it to the present day. Interviewees will include citizens whose

tality leadership department at Missouri State University, Jokima became an above the knee amputee which has added a new layer of understanding from which she approaches her role as a hospitality and business professional.

As one part of the book writing, educating, and training duo BET on Hospitality, Jokima is a speaker, author, workshop facilitator, consultant, mentor and change agent.

In March 2022, Jokima Hiller, PhD., MBA, CHE is named one of the Global Most Influential Educators in Hospitality.

family members died from COVID-19, as well as frontline medical workers.

“People of color have long endured the fatal consequences of racial health disparities and the COVID-19 pandemic made these inequalities plain for all to see,” said James Blue, head of the Smithsonian Channel. “I hope our documentary event, The Color of Care, will be a catalyst for action. I am delighted to partner with Oprah Winfrey and Harpo Productions on this vital project.”

In addition, it will serve as the launch of a robust impact campaign to help engage historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), as well as inspire medical institutions, nursing schools, and policymakers to reach solutions toward health equity among Black communities.

Unite News Building Empowering Connections | Page 13

(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

Unite News Building Empowering Connections | Page 15

A BOOST FOR A BOOST First COVID-19 booster doses are now eligible for a $50 gift card!

HOW THE GIFT CARD PROGRAM WORKS Eligible individuals who receive a vaccine from any Springfield-Greene County Health sponsored clinic may receive the following at the time of vaccination:

MODERNA or PFIZER

JOHNSON & JOHNSON

First dose: $50

First dose**: $100

Second dose: $50

First booster dose: $50

First booster dose*: $50 *Immunocompromised individuals may refer to the first booster dose as a third dose.

**Johnson & Johnson’s first dose is a complete initial vaccine series, and its recipients are given two $50 gift cards.

Second booster doses are not eligible for the gift card program. Individuals may not receive more than $150 in gift cards. Vaccines, booster doses and gift cards are available while supplies last.

FIND A VACCINE CLINIC AT

VACCINE417.COM EVERY

NE COUNTS