2022 November UniteNews

the Editor

32, Number 11

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

In September, Missouri’s new voter law, including the state’s new photo ID rules, went into effect across the state. The new law will require voters to use a government-issued photo ID to vote. People who don’t have a photo ID on Election Day will have to vote with a provi sional ballot, which takes a few extra steps before it can be counted. The photo ID provision is just one aspect of the broader new Missouri voting law. Parts of the law include changes to who can register voters, how absentee voting will work, rules around the use of touch screen voting machines and the removal of presidential primaries.

There are currently two lawsuits challenging the new law. The League of Women Voters and the Missouri NAACP filed a suit that argues the new photo ID requirements violate the state’s constitution, and one challenging new restrictions to who can register people to vote.

A $50,000 grant made possible by US Bank Foundation, provided ten BIPOC business owners a grant to expand their business in Center City Springfield. There were a total of eight black business owners among the ten recipients. The most recent recipients are highlighted in this issue.

A Master Plan for the Lake Springfield area is going to be developed through a federal economic development administration planning grant. You have an opportunity to participate in this community planning meeting to share your history, your ideas, your imagination.

As always, if you have news or information you would like us to consider writing about, email or give us a call. Your news leads and stories are always welcomed.

We hope you enjoy our November issue and find an empowering way to celebrate the Fall season.

Best, Samuel G. Knox President & Managing Editor www.unitenewsonline.org unitepublication@yahoo.com

CREATIVE TEAM

GRAPHIC DESIGN, Bradley Knox

WEB DEVELOPER, Christopher 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 avail able in the Springfield/Greene County area.

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Give your input on the Lake Springfield Master Plan: An opportunity for historical reimagining

Springfield has a golden opportunity to share their dreams for enhancement of the Lake Springfield by Francine Pratt

Did you know 36 percent of Springfield’s water has come from James River over the past five years? I learned this information from a neighborhood meeting that took place at the Lake Springfield Boathouse. The meet ing shared information and gathered input from neighbors who live close to the lake. This little bit of historical information made me think

about other historical facts about this land. According to some research I did through thelibrary.org, I learned Greene County was known as “Osage County” or the County of Osage Indians prior to the War of 1812. The Osage Indians hunted in the forests, fished in the streams, and camped on the grounds. After the War of 1812, the Kickapoo tribe of Indians built a town on the present site of

Springfield and occupied this area for several years. I also learned there are current Native Ameri can protective areas in the Lake Springfield area.

City Utilities provided some historical information at this neighborhood meeting regard ing the original design for Lake Springfield. In 1957, Lake Spring field was created by building a dam on James River to support the cooling needs of the James River Power Plant. The Power Point increased the population in Springfield by almost 30 per cent with the ability to provide

affordable utilities. In the early 1990’s, the Missouri Department of Conservation partnered with City Utilities to add a boat ramp, fishing dock, and several fishing platforms. The Lake Springfield Park and the Boathouse became a part of the Springfield-Greene County Park system because of a long-term lease with City Utili ties, which is still in place today.

As I strolled through the vari ous grounds of Lake Springfield, which is currently only possible by having some type of trans portation, I started asking myself

Continued on page 14

Francine Pratt

Community News

People In The News

Springfield Public Schools inducts Anthony Tolliver into its Class of 2022 Hall of Fame. Anthony Tolliver is a 2003 graduate of Kickapoo High School. His successful career as an NBA basketball player for more than 13 years has attracted national attention. He is an entrepreneur and philanthropist, Anthony has made an impact not only in Springfield but around the world.

Springfield Area Sports Hall Of Fame Class of 2022 honors Darrell “Smitty” Smith. Smith opened the Smitty’s Mid-West Boxing Gym & Youth Center in 2012 in Springfield, and he has coached more than 1,500 kids in the sport of boxing. For the last decade, he has operated a USA am ateur boxing gym, focusing on getting disadvantaged youth involved in structured boxing programs.

Keisha McMillen is featured in the Springfield Contemporary Theatre play, Roe. In this incisive play, acclaimed writer Lisa Loomer cuts through the headlines and rhetoric to reveal the divergent person al journeys of lawyer Sarah Weddington and plaintiff Norma McCorvey (“Jane Roe”) in the years following the fateful decision. Roe will run Nov 3-6, 2022, Evenings at 7:30 pm, Sundays at 2 pm

A Girl Like Me Network celebrates ribbon cutting

Springfield, MO—On September 27, A Girl Like Me Network celebrated their new shared space in partnership with the Drew Lewis Foundation at the Fairbanks. The new space will allow the organization space to teach various programs including their healthy nu trition, life skills and STEM Program, — a partnership with Missouri State University, said board member Marlon Graves.

The organization serves girls in grades 5th-12th in the Southwest Mis souri area. Their mentorship program expands their girls experiences and opportunities for leadership devel opment, personal development, and STEM preparation.

Maker Space, and Holiday Store for Kids at the Library

It’s the busy season, but we hope you take time to enjoy some of these helpful and fun Library events.

On Monday, Nov. 14-19 from 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m. at the Midtown Carnegie Branch Maker Space, we’ll show kids how to make Handprint Turkeys. Trace your handprint, then let the laser engraver transform it into a wooden keepsake for your Thanksgiving table. Materials will be provided. Youth under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. To register call 417-837-5011.

•••

Get crafty! On Tuesday, Nov. 29, from 2-4 p.m. in the Midtown Carnegie Branch Maker Space, adults can take an Introduction to Laser Engraving: Wooden Bookmarks. Staff will teach you how to design a per sonalized wooden bookmark using the laser engraver. Materials will be provided. To register call 417-8375011.

The Library’s annual Holiday Store for Kids, where kids get to shop low-cost gifts to give to friends and family for the holidays, runs Saturday, Dec. 3-11! Most items are priced from 25 cents to $10. Kids up to age 18 can shop the wide variety of items including jew elry, toys, ornaments and useful tools. There’s some thing for Mom and Dad, grandparents, siblings, aunts and uncles, teachers and friends.

Here are the Holiday Store Hours: Saturday, Dec. 3: The Library Center, 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Library Station, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

The Library Center store continues through Sunday, Dec. 11, at these times: Sunday, Dec. 4, 1-4 p.m.; Monday-Friday, Dec. 5-9, 2:30-6:30 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 10, 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 11, 1-4 p.m.

•••

The Downtown Springfield Christmas Parade is Saturday, Dec. 10, 2 p.m., so stop by the Park Central Branch Library anytime from 1-5:30 p.m. for a special Holiday Storytime. We’ll have holiday crafts for families to make before or during the parade. Provided with the Springfield Regional Arts Council.

•••

Drop by the Maker Space again from 2-4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10, for Introduction to Laser Engraving: Gift Tags and Ornaments, for adults. Library staff will teach you how to design and print these using the laser engraver. Materials will be provided. Registration starts November 26; call 417-837-5011.

Kathleen O’Dell is the community relations director of the Springfield-Greene County Library District. She can be reached at kathleeno@thelibrary.org.

Anthony Tolliver Darrell “Smitty” Smith Keisha McMillen

In front, Marlon Graves, Director, Amby Lewis and Shawntra Johnson

US Bank provides grant to advance Springfield Entrepreneurship, Networking & Diversity

A $50,000 grant made possible by US Bank Foundation, provided ten BIPOC business owners a grant to expand their business in Center City Springfield. by UniteNews Staff

Springfield, MO (UniteNews)—The Downtown Springfield Association (DSA), Multicultural Business Association (MBA), Missouri SBDC at MSU and efactory partnered with U.S. Bank to provide support for (BI POC) small business development. BIPOC stands for Black, Indigenous, and people of color. Through a new initiative called ASCEND – Advancing Springfield’s Commitment to Entre preneurship, Networking & Diversity, the program provides grant awards to support small business creation and growth among BIPOC business owners in downtown Springfield, Missouri.

A $50,000 grant made possible by US Bank Foundation, provided ten BIPOC business owners a grant to expand their business in Center City Springfield. Grants were awarded by working with the identified needs

of the new business and in conjunc tion with existing resources from the Springfield Finance & Develop ment Corporation, City of Springfield, efactory, Missouri SBDC at MSU and other community organizations.

There were a total of eight black business owners among the ten recipients. The most recent recipients were:

The Cut is owned by Charlten Henderson, who has been a licensed barber for four years and holds a master’s degree in counseling from MSU.  He notes the barbershop in the Black community has historically been a safe, nonjudgmental space for men to talk about anything—sports, politics, religion, women, manhood. He wants to use his position to dis rupt the flow of conversation. Men are taught to be stoic and strong at all times. Rather than using time to fill

the space with chatter, why not use it to promote self-care practices as a part of being mentally healthy? Char lten plans to use the ASCEND funds to learn new services, such as cranial prosthesis and how to rid males of Keloidalis Nuchae.

Lashes by Aja is owned by Aja Starks. She started her business not only because she enjoys making a difference in people’s lives through their self-confidence, but also to provide a better life for her three boys. She plans to use the ASCEND grant to buy 3-4 lash beds as well as the other materi als needed for the lash techs to use. A long-term goal is to purchase a building for her business.

Crystal Campbell plans to open a new sneaker and apparel store. A native of Chicago, she and her chil dren consider themselves “sneaker heads”. She has identified a shortage of exclusive sneakers and apparel in Springfield, and she wants to elim inate the need to travel and shop internationally for the latest releases. The ASCEND grant will allow her to

put her plans into motion and jump start her first small business loan.

Grant recipients chosen to receive the $5,000 award committed to the following milestones for engagement:

• Meet with representatives from US Bank and City of Springfield Loan Officer to explore financing options.

• Complete one training program through the Mis souri Small Business De velopment Center (SBDC) at MSU and efactory to strengthen the owner’s professional development (offered at no-charge to the award recipient).

• Engage in one-on-one assis tance provided at no-charge with the Missouri SBDC at MSU.

• Attend one Multicultural Business Association meeting to interact with minority business owners and advo cates.

• Meet with DSA Communications Manager to learn about leveraging Downtown communications.

• Attend one DSA Mixer to connect with fellow Downtown business own ers and stakeholders.

Charlten Henderson with a client at his Barber Shop

Aja Starks working on her client’s lashes

Crystal Campbell

The Importance of Observing Traditions: Aspects of a Culture

by Gwen Marshall, SPS Office of Equity & Diversity

Springfield, MO—Traditional celebrations are some of the core aspects of any culture. Whether it is a wedding, harvest festivals (which we celebrate this time of year), upcom ing religious holidays, or national observances.

Celebrating your traditions helps keep you grounded in your own culture while adapting to new ones. Celebrating your traditional holidays can brighten up your mood for weeks as you become absorbed in prepa rations for the event and the excite ment of the day itself.

Likewise, traditional celebrations are also an excellent opportunity for intercultural exchange and under standing. Both adults and children learn about cultures through these celebrations.

We must remember that the culture of a nation is something that reveals and upholds its identity to the people within and outside its borders. Only those cultures that are in tune to their traditional backgrounds and values can survive in this fast-paced world in which we live. Our culture has reached that crucial situation where it needs to reinforce its iden tity to survive the blemishes of time. Many of us can’t even remember the true meaning of the holidays. For ex ample, Memorial Day morphed from remembering our fallen soldiers to the unofficial beginning of summer. Traditions and celebrations remind us that we are part of a history that defines our past, shapes who we are today and who we are likely to become.

It is important to teach our children to be aware of their family traditions and celebrations. Studies

show that cultural appreciation and awareness contribute to building a positive self-image. The more your student learns about their heritage the more likely they are to develop a positive sense of identity and self-es teem.

Some reasons that “Traditions Matter” according to Frank Sonnen berg, an award- winning author for moral character and personal values are:

• Tradition contributes a sense of comfort and belonging. It brings families together and enables people to reconnect with friends.

• Tradition reinforces values such as freedom, faith, integrity, personal responsibility, and a strong work ethic.

• Tradition provides a forum to showcase role models and celebrate the things that really matter in life.

• Tradition offers a chance to say “thank you” for the contribution that others have made.

• Tradition enables us to show case the principles of our Founding Fathers, celebrate diversity, and unite as a country.

• Tradition serves as an avenue for creating lasting memories for our families and friends.

• Tradition offers an excellent context for meaningful pause and reflection.

In the words of Cesar Chavez, “We need to help students and parents cherish and preserve the ethnic and cultural diversity that nourishes and strengthens this community – and this nation.”

Coming Events: Thanksgiving Vacation November 21-25,2022

School System Closed November 23-25, 2022

Celebrate With Us 175 Years

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Drury University Findlay Ballroom $25

Guest speaker: Rev. H. Russell Ewell II Call (417) 766-2893 or (417) 827-5070 for ticket information.

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Missouri election law has changed. Here’s what voters need to know to cast a ballot

by Shane Schoeller

Election Day is this month and a lot has changed for voters since the last time they cast a ballot.

A new elections law went into effect after the August primary election and, as local election authorities, we have an obligation to educate voters about what to expect when they vote this fall. We want Mis sourians to be informed, confident and — most importantly — engaged voters so we’ve made a list to prepare them for Nov. 8.

Bring a photo ID to the polls

Voters that cast a ballot in person at their polling place or during absen tee voting will need to show a photo ID issued by the state of Missouri or federal government, such as a Missouri driver’s license, Missouri non-driver’s license, a U.S. passport, or military ID. Importantly, you do NOT need a REAL ID to vote and the address on your ID does NOT need to match the address on your voter registration.

The state does have resources available to help voters obtain a free photo ID so we encourage them to contact the Missouri Secretary of State’s Office for more information.

counted after the election if their sig nature matches the signature on their voter registration record. This option does require more time to fill out both the envelope and the ballot, so we encourage voters with out a photo ID to plan ahead and budget extra time. The more prepa ration that voters can do before going to vote, the better their experience will be.

In the spirit of expec tation-setting, we also want voters to be aware that increased numbers of blue provisional ballots may impact the timing of election results. It’s impor tant to check each provisional ballot with care so our bipartisan teams will adjudicate provisional ballots during the certification period following the election. This means that the results close races may take a bit longer to certify if a large number of blue provi sional envelopes are outstanding on election night. It’s not an indication of any issue or problem—it’s simply how the law is appropriately imple mented.

There are no changes to mail absentee voting

Voters without a photo ID can still vote

If a voter does not have one of these IDs, they can still cast a blue provisional ballot, which will be

We’ve heard concerns from voters, particularly those who are perma nently disabled or homebound, about whether they’ll be able to continue voting by mail. The answer is yes. Absentee voting by mail is still valid and a photo ID is not required for those voters.

Springfield NAACP Branch will hold chapter elections Nov19 at Sanctuary of Praise church

Springfield, MO— The Springfield chapter of the NAACP will hold their chapter elections on Saturday, November 19th. Polls will be open from 11:30 am to 3:30 pm.  Nomina tions will be presented from their October meeting. The elections will be held at Sanctuary of Praise

church, 2245 S. Holland. This is a required election for the chapter’s Executive Committee. In order to vote in the Springfield Branch election, one must be a member in good standing of the branch since May 2022.

Meet Drury University’s new standout Ice Hockey player, Number 33, Xavier Abel

While the game was lost 1-3, one player stood out. Number 33, Xavier Abel was the only Drury player to score a point in that historic game.

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Casting your ballot

continued from page 8

Springfield, MO—In the Septem ber issue of The Mirror, —Drury University’s campus newspaper, Gisele Ortega writes, “Introduc ing men’s ice hockey—Meeting one of the most anticipated teams on campus.

The season opener game against St Louis University on September 23rd, was a full house. Panthers from most all other sports teams on campus came to support, filling the arena with enormous vocal support throughout the whole game.

According to Drury’s Ice Hockey Head Coach Ben Kenyon, “Xavier scored our first and only goal in the opening game/inaugural game against St. Louis University.  He’s a speedy, high-skill forward and used his exceptional speed on an end-toend rush up the ice to finish the play with a goal. He’s a freshman forward from Chicago IL. Before coming to Drury he’s played junior hockey in various parts of the US and Canada. Now 8 games into the season, Xavier is current ly our team’s leading scorer with 4 goals and 3 assists for 7 points in those first 8 games of Drury University Hockey.”

With a few games left on the schedule for this season, there are more opportunities to sup port the Drury Ice Hockey team at the JordanValley Ice Park, in Springfield.

Voters can also take advantage of a new no-excuse absentee voting period

Beginning Oct. 25 and contin uing through 5 p.m. on Nov. 7, all registered voters can vote in person at their local election office without giving a reason. This is an incredibly convenient option for voters that is no different than election day voting. We are look ing forward to the opportunity it provides to hopefully lessen the length of election day lines and help increase voter turnout across our state.

Registered Missouri voters can update their address at any time, including on Election Day, even if they move counties

This relatively minor change in the law will have serious benefits for voters. College students that registered to vote as seniors in high school in their home county and need to update their address

to their new dorm the day before the election, Christian  County vot ers who move to Greene County or vice-versa the week before the election, and recent retirees from Callaway that downsize to a senior living community in Boone County the weekend before the election will now all have the opportunity to cast a ballot on Election Day. Lastly, please remember that if you have questions about the new election law, reach out directly to your local election authority. We want to ensure that every eligible voter can make their voice heard on November 8, 2022.

Mon-Tues: Closed

Wed- Fri: 12pm-8pm

Sat: 10am-6pm

Sun: 1pm-5pm

864-7444

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.

Page 4 Building Empowering Connections | Unite News

#33, Xavier Abel, for Drury University

Photo provided by Drury U

Navigating Alzheimer’s and Dementia

Alzheimer’s is an advancing disease that destroys memories and cognitive and mental function. by Melesha Bailey

Springfield, MO— Alzheimer’s and dementia are devestating families and those with whom you may have had close relation ships. It will forever change those relationships that will forever look like something different. Alzheimer’s disease changes everything. It can be terrifying when you think of your loved ones not remembering their lives and the people that are closest to them. You may lose close com panionships as you navigate the difference in those relationships. It’s overwhelming as a diagnosis triggers emotions from fear, an ger, sadness, and frustration. People with dementia experience fluctuations in their emotions and may have less control over their feelings and how to express

them. Some may overreact to situations, have mood changes, or feel irritable. They may also appear distant or uninterested to the people around them or things that usually bring them joy. What is Alzheimer’s?

Alzheimer’s is an advancing disease that destroys memories and cognitive and mental func tion. Of Black Americans aged 70 and older, over 21% live with Alzheimer’s and requires a med ical diagnosis. According to Web MD the overall chance of a per son getting Alzheimer’s is more than 1 in 10. Estimates suggest that Black Americans have about twice the risk of Alzheimer’s or dementia compared to white people. In addition, the Centers for Disease Control and Preven

LGBTQ+ and Senior Living Communities

The general population does not thoroughly think about what LG BTQ+ seniors have faced in his/her lifetime. by Jacqueline Jadidian

Springfield, MO— As a previous nursing home administrator, I have been asked at different times if senior living communities are permitted to discriminate towards LGBTQ+ seniors. I realize the general population does not thor oughly think about what LGBTQ+ seniors have faced in his/her

lifetime, let alone deciding which senior living community to move into that would be inclusive. These days there has been a lot of discussion regarding various topics related to the LGBTQ+ population through social me dia, news media, politics, and law-changing pushing for/or

tion (CDC) says that Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia are steadily increasing. There are estimates that almost 14 million will suffer from these conditions by 2060, with four times as many Black Americans being affected. Symptoms may include, mental decline, difficulty thinking and understanding, confusion as the sun goes down, forgetfulness,

making things up, delusions, disorientation,and the ability to recognize common things. There are also behavioral issues of aggression, agitation, personality changes, difficulty with self care. There may be extreme symptoms of depression, hallucinations or paranoia. If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms get checked out.

Living While Black With Alzheimer’s and Dementia

Black people may have more risk of getting a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s due to chronic health conditions. While socioeconomic and health disparities likely play a role, lack of adequate medical care, educational resources, and diet are contributing factors. An increased incidence of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, dia betes, and cardiovascular disease that many Blacks faces may also contribute to Alzheimer’s risk. High stress levels are associated with an increased risk of

Continued on page 11

against LGBTQ+ rights.

Years ago, the LGBTQ+ (back then only the LG part was recognized) population would typically not disclose their personal life to the public espe cially moving into a nursing home. Back then they did not have the variety of options of senior living communities like we do today. Today you will find 55+ communities, independ

ent living, assisted living, nursing home and memory care. Back then there was only one institution for the senior population as they aged and needed more help, which was your standard nursing home.

A gay or lesbian couple could not be open and public about their relationship with their partner without discrimination, refusal of services,

on page 11

Health Coach, Melesha Bailey

Jacqueline Jadidian

Prevention

Alzheimer’s

Continued from page 10

continued from page 10

Alzheimer’s. The unique stress related to living while black, ra cial discrimination and health dis parities play a role in the chances of experiencing this horrible disease in many black families. Inequalities regarding healthcare Research has shown that people in the Black community often face barriers to Alzheimer’s or dementia, that includes delays in diagnosis, according to Medical News Today.

Here are some easy things you can do NOW to help prevent lifestyle diseases:

1. Choosing a diet consist ing of whole, unrefined plants and minimally processed foods. Eating more plant-based helps prevent heart disease and cancer risk.

2. Physical activity and move ment help all your body’s internal organs and mind. Most experts recommend that a consistent 30 minutes of moderate physical ac tivity five days a week will make a significant difference.

BIPOCs face discrimination when seeking health care for Alzheimer’s and dementia. Two national surveys by the Alzheim er’s Association show that Black Americans reported the highest

3. Good sleep is essential. Aim to get seven to nine hours of sleep each night. No matter how busy your life is, having a consist

ent bedtime and wake time, even on the weekends, helps.

bias in dementia health care, followed by Native Americans, Asian Americans, and Hispanic Americans.

4. Control stress. Chronic stress wrecks your immune system. Instead, try mindful ness, meditation, and gratitude to relieve stress to improve your physical and mental health.

Half of African Americans say that they have experienced discrimination while seeking care for a person living with Alzheimer’s. In addition, only 48% of Blacks report being confident they can receive culturally com petent care.

Don’t be afraid to seek treat ment and get help. Be an advo cate for the best care for you and your loved ones. Difficult decisions may have to be made and with the proper guidance it doesn’t have to be devasting. The Alizheimer’s Association is available for care and support and to help navigate the journey.

LGBTQ+

health now before it’s too late. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

continued from page 10

termination from job, violence and/or hate. Nursing homes back then could discriminate if a gay or lesbian individual or couple want ed/needed to move in. Thankfully we have come a long way from that era.

5. Social connections, and lov ing people, keeps you emotionally and physically healthy. Although physical distancing is becoming a usual way of life, virtual relation ships can be transformative.

You don’t want to get sick if you can prevent it. Sickness affects your finances, time with your family, and the ability to do the things you love. Taking care of yourself NOW reduces the risk of diseases, disabilities, and death. Don’t be like millions of people, including myself, and turn a blind eye. Take care of your

safeguard

3. If you’re taking more than 4 prescribed medications, it would be best to schedule an appoint ment with your physician to re view your med list and make sure they will not affect your cognition and balance.

Safety Is Key

Continued from page 10

Nowadays, senior communities that receive federal reim bursement from Medicare and/ or Medicaid cannot discriminate towards LGBTQ+. If a community does discriminate, the individual or couple can file a complaint with the state’s department of aging complaint department. Also, legal resources would be available to assist the individual or couple with pursuing a lawsuit, if warranted.

on a hot stove burner, electrical fire, while smoking dropping the cigarette on self and/or in home, smoke detectors not working properly, unsupervised lit candles, fireplace not having a

Private pay only senior commu nities are a different story. If a senior community only receives funds privately from the resi dents, the community can create their own admission policies that could restrict the LGBTQ+ population. However, in all my years of working in senior care, I have never witnessed a private pay only senior community dis criminate towards the LGBTQ+ population. The chances of a community not admitting anyone from the LGBTQ+ population is almost slim to none.

Whenever you decide to tour senior communities, be sure to ask what their policy is towards the LGBTQ+ population, ask for the state level’s complaint hotline, and be cognizant of your rights as a potential resident.

4. Specific potential causes: loose rugs, shower floor or any bare floor getting wet, not wearing rubber sole or non-slip footwear, having to bend over or reach high for items, not using your assistive device correctly (walker or cane), bed level is too high or too low, not having your nightstand closer to your bed, stairs, the toilet is too low.

Sometimes things are inevita ble and out of our control where we must move into a senior living community; however, there are practical ways, like the list above to prolong that decision.

W h e n y o u ' r e r e a d y , w e ' l l b e h e r e . V A C C I N E 4 1 7

Individuals

VACCINATION OPPORTUNITY AT

C O M

Vaccine Clinic

“Taking care of yourself NOW reduces the risk of diseases, disabilities, and death.”

WE: The key to workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion a humanity-driven workforce

by Dami Odunewu

I was born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria. I moved to the United States at the age of 20 and lived in Maryland. 9 years ago, I moved to Springfield, Missouri. Friends and family thought I had lost my mind when I told them I was moving here for school. Some had no clue what part of the country Missouri was. In most of my classes, I was the only black-African. Upon graduating, I accepted a job offer at one of the largest health systems as an Operations Manager with 33 direct reports. There was one black-American, a couple of Romanians and Asians but my team was mostly made up of White. I was also the only black-African manager in my department.

Three months into the job, I was ready to quit. I was ready to flee the Ozarks entirely and never return. The opposition I faced from both employees and co-managers was enormous. One day, my system director asked me to meet him in his office. He had received a full page of com plains about me from the HR. Those who did not feel comfort able with me found a problem in everything I did. They also added things that were simply untrue. However, my white male direc tor saw right through what was happening, so he decided that we come up with a game plan. Despite his support, I felt unsafe and unwanted knowing I was surrounded by people I could

not trust. I was ready to quit and leave the Ozarks. I wanted to go back to where I had years of experience working with diverse teams. I got home, grabbed my computer, and started applying to jobs in Maryland. By the next morning, I had slept over all my fears and woke up determined to go back to work. I had worked too hard to reach the point of getting that job and I was not going to let it go to waste.

I stayed in that job for one more year before transition ing to a different department as a Sponsor Relations Director at the same hospital. This new department felt nothing like the previous one. In fact, you couldn’t tell I was different unless you looked at the color of my skin or heard my accent. I was in this role for almost 5 years and still have a great relationship with my leaders and coworkers till date. So why do I share all of these?

It is not to shame my previous employer or coworkers. It is not for sympathy either. But to bring light to some of the realities of the struggles diverse talents face which decision makers of organ izations do not always have any insight to. Employer DEI efforts are limited because WE lack the tools needed for effectively communicating with one another as humans and at the level that is meaningful to us based on our culture, sex, religion, ability, and other differentiators which make up diversity.

While there might be differing

perspectives on what diversity, equity, and inclusion mean, hu manity is a phenomenon that everyone simply gets because be fore we identify as anything else in our community, at work, or at home, we are first humans. WE—Humans make up a humanity-driven workforce

It is impossible to foster a hu manity-driven workforce without first identifying what places every single one of us on a leveling plain field. All humans interact the same way – from culture, experience, and knowledge.

The Uncertainty Reduction Theory suggests that human beings are uncomfortable with uncertainty and seek the means to predict the trajectory of social interactions. In attempting to re duce that uncertainty, people tend to utilize passive, active, and in teractive strategies to help predict and explain someone’s behavior during an interaction. Refer ence: mastersincommunications.

com

What happens when we’re limited in knowledge and experience of a per son’s culture?

To foster a humanity-driven work force, three things must be in place:

• Representation

• Intercultural education

• Access to community Representation

This is an important component for HR compliance. However, the greater importance is in what it does for new employees who walk into an organization to find others like them selves. Based on the Uncertainty Reduction Theory, this makes total sense. The opposite, however, is that when a new employee begins a new job and discovers that they are the only representation of their culture or community, they immediately feel unsafe, and employees who feel unsafe or isolated end up leaving the organization.

Intercultural Education

In my opinion, this is vey easily

Dami Odunewu

Workforce

continued from page 12 the one component that gets missed and has the greatest oppor tunity for organizational growth in fostering a humanity-driven work force. I wish someone would ask me what it is about my culture that people need to know when interact ing with me. I’m glad you asked!

I am partly from the Yoruba tribe of Nigeria and in my culture, a young person does not shake an older person’s hand. It is considered disrespect. Although I have lived in the United States for 14 years, I still struggle to shake people’s hands in the professional setting. I am sure most of those people think my hand shakes are not firm because I lack confidence.

Imagine what would happen if organizations simply asked their employees the same question and educated their workforce and teams about the culture of their teammates?

Access to Community

Our community is the absolute best at welcoming new businesses, residents, and students. As a new business owner, I am thankful for the resources our community offers. Accessing the community is especial ly important for diverse talents. Not only are WE looking for others like us when we enter a new place in or der to feel safe - as humans, we hope that those who are different from us will welcome us, share resources and opportunities with us, and push us forward even when they don’t know us.

Imagine what our community would look like if WE were the model for a HUMANITY-DRIVEN WORKFORCE? We’d only attract more of the diversity we desire.

For real change to happen, organization leaders need to foster an ongoing systemwide education along with an intentional diversity representation throughout their de cision-making leadership and overall workforce.

Cyber Security Column

Uber Cyberattack - How it Happened

by Heather Nogle

Springfield, MO— Lapsus$ - have you heard of it?

It’s a hacking group of young people. The best place to learn more in depth is an article in Wired or on the Podcast Darknet Diaries, episode Click Here “Lapsus$”. Lapsus$ hack ers are young, brazen, and making statements showing their skill. Goog le Lapsus$. You’ll see information about them on the FBI site, the BBC, Wikipedia.

Uber was recently breached, and here’s what we know about it: Lapsus$ representative purchases Uber internal credentials on the dark web. An earlier attack - probably by someone else - had obtained the credentials. Some hackers’ goals are

strictly to obtain credential sets and sell them to other hackers who’ll use them to breach computer systems.

Those Uber credentials worked, so either the person didn’t know he or she was compromised or didn’t change the password and did know.

A multifactor authentication re quest went to the person who owned the credentials.

Wired says that “Lapsus$ repeat edly sent the victim multifactor au thentication login notifications until they mistakenly approved access.” Probably the person was weary of the requests. And with that, the hacking group is in. The full brain power of the group can then work to determine what to do. Early priorities of the hackers:

Church Musician Needed

Pitts Chapel United Methodist Church is looking for an enthusiastic part time musician to work with the Pastor and Worship Team to lead weekly worship and special pro grams. We are an historically African American congregation birthed through the vision of enslaved people. Our mission is Sharing God’s truth, grace, and love through service, guidance, example, and inclusion. Our Vision is Building a spiritual foundation for today’s every-changing world!

Qualifications: We are looking for someone who can:

Play Piano, organ, and/or keyboard.

Read music and play by ear and transpose keys for vocalist range.

Demonstrate familiarity with and ability to play Christian music from a variety of genres including but not limited to contemporary and traditional gospel, hymns, contemporary Christian, as well as appropriately arranged or rearranged pop, R&B, jazz, etc.

Accompany worship moments – playing softly during prayer, sermon, etc.

Duties to include:

Select and prepare musical selections for weekly worship and special services. Set up the sound system and sound check for services.

Provide accompaniment for periodic special services other than Sunday worship. Lead weekly practice for Power of Praise.

Collaborate with the pastor and worship team in the planning process.

Arrange for tuning and maintenance of pianos/organ in cooperation with the church board. Arrange for a suitable substitute when unavailable.

For more information contact Rev. Tracey Wolff

PastorTWolff@gmail.com, Church phone: 417-866-1720

Lake Springfield continued from page 4

Springfield area community mem bers know the beauty of what is out here. I thought of all the family reunions and events I have seen at Silver Springs Park and wondered if the pavilions and waterways are utilized by people of culture. I thought of Ms. Alma Clay and wondered what stories she could talk about the history of Black people being able to use parks other than Silver Springs Park. What would the ancestors say who lived in this area but could not utilize the beautiful grounds and waterways? I thought about Barry Hairston and his family who are avid hunters and love to fish. Do they utilize Lake Springfield? Springfield has a golden op portunity to share their dreams for enhancement of the Lake Springfield subarea. The ability to reimagine what could happen with extended trails, other water sports and recreational amenities is an

Cyberattack

continued from page 13

• Hide evidence that anything is weird with this user’s login. Determine how to cover tracks of any activities they’ll do within the compromised network. Keep information out of the server logs.

• Scan the network to determine what they can do to escalate their access and then what they can do in the network

• Look for vulnerabilities to enable them to add malware to en crypt data or siphon data - or both Regarding the Uber event,

opportunity for all who call Spring field home. Imagine bringing the rich history of this land to the surface and make sure community members can share their lived experiences and offer ideas.

A Master Plan for the Lake Springfield area is going to be developed through a federal economic development adminis tration planning grant. You have an opportunity to participate in this community planning meeting to share your history, your ide as, your imagination. The Lake Springfield Master Plan Kick Off Event will take place at the Spring field Art Museum, located at 1111 E. Brookside Drive, from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. on November 17, 2022. Livestream is available through

LAKESGFMASTERPLAN.COM.

The James River Power Plant and Lake Springfield has served the area well for 65 years. Be a part of the discussion to develop plans for the next 65 years for our children, our grand children and all those who call Springfield home!

Uber’s newsroom page on their site states that the attacker was able to gain access to other em ployees’ accounts. Then - they boasted they had access via the company’s messaging program Slack that communicates to the employees.

Imagine the scrambling within Uber - get the attackers out. Lock down live systems with Uber users’ data. Work efficiently and effectively to control damage. It’s every company’s nightmare - when someone has accessed private information and has access to destroy it, take it, encrypt it - do

essentially anything to it.

As of September 16th, Uber claimed on its Newsroom site that all was operating normally. It reported the incident public ly on its site the day before.

The forensic work to uncov er the detail and impact of the breach as well as reshaping how Uber does security will take months. There’s public distrust to handle as users don’t like to consider that their private data may be exposed. Policies, processes, and pro cedures will change. Uber will need to know the full and detailed impact of the breach so that it can serve its stake holders with upgraded secu rity and repair its reputation. Every company carries some

level of risk for a breach. The first step in mitigating risks is understanding that they exist and how to proceed in light of the risks. This is common to families with computers and de vices online, small businesses, non-profits, mid-sized business es, behemoths like Uber - just everyone.

October was Cybersecurity Awareness Month. If you’re unsure about yourself or your organization and how secure you are, the first step is to find out. Then plan and make small changes to be more cyberse cure. Living as a cybercitizen in 2022 and beyond requires that you do so. Stay safe online!

UPCOMING EVENTS AT TIMMONS HALL

The History of Pound Sunday Sun., Nov. 13

Join Timmons Hall and Be A Jewel in collecting nonperishables to create meals in a bag for families in need. Free event, drop-offs are welcome. Time: 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Family Time Movies Nov. 5 and Dec. 3

FREE family movies and popcorn at Timmons Hall. Registration required. Call to register, space is limited

Date: Nov. 5, “Hidden Figures” Time: 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. and 2:20-4:30 p.m. Date: Dec. 3, “Scrooge” (1951) Time: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. and 2-3:30 p.m.

Holiday Open House Sun., Dec. 11

Refreshments, photo opportunities and gift wrapping (two gifts/family) while supplies last. Registration required. Call to register, space is limited. Time: 2-6 p.m.

Timmons Hall in Silver Springs Park 1055 E. Webster, Springfield,

Congratulations & Best Wishes to NAACP Springfield Chapter 2022 Freedom Fund Award Banquet

2022 Award Recipients are:

H. Wes Pratt, Honoree of the W.E.B.Du Bois Education Award Dr. Kyler James Sherman-Wilkins, Honoree of the W.E.B.Du Bois Education Award (not shown in photos) Neighbor’s Mill Bakery & Cafe, Myrlie Evers - William Business Partner Award KayAnnah Ray, Marley Dias Youth Award Misty McIntosh, Community Service Award Nanda Nunnelly, NAACP Drum Major Award

Kai Sutton and H. Wes Pratt

KayAnnah Ray Kai Sutton and Misty McIntosh Sam Timmerman and AJ Holmes

SAAB Table of student members

Sade Shine sings Negro National Anthem Springfield NAACP Youth Chapter

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Table

Nanda Nunnelly Rev Tracy Wolff delivers Invocation

Rev. Darryl Gray, Keynote Speaker

Photo by Milea Carbello

Photo by Milea Carbello

Photo by Milea Carbello

Photo by Milea Carbello