2023 July Unite

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From the Editor

MANAGEMENT

PRESIDENT & MANAGING EDITOR, Samuel G. Knox

ASSOCIATE EDITOR, Tyra Knox

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT, Mary Gartner

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 this issue, you can read about the Carver Days Celebration that takes place every year in Diamond , MO at the Geroge Washington Carver National Monument. We are very forunate to have the national monument with a hour and a half drive from Springfield. I try to attend the event every year to hear the interesting speakers and enjoy the music and workshops.

We also have a photo recap of the 2023 Springfield Juneteenth Celebration including photos from Timmons Hall, Springfield Art Museum the expo center and other Juneteenth activities around the city. If you missed the 2023 Black History Summer Academy, we have a photo recap starting in the historic Silver Springs Park, class room photos at Drury University and a wrap-up of the week long event at the DoubleTree Hilton Hotel where outstanding graduating High School seniors were celebrated at the annual Aryia.

You don’t want to miss our feature story on community activist Mark Dixon. Dixon was recognized by Missouri State University as an Alumnus’ life dedicated to “teaching and preaching, community work and helping people.”

As always, if you have news or information you would like us to consider writing about, we invite you to email or give us a call. Your news leads and stories are always welcome. We hope you enjoy our July issue.

Best,

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

CREATIVE TEAM

GRAPHIC DESIGN, Bradley Knox

WEB DEVELOPER, Christopher Palma

The Unite. publication is a monthly newspaper published by Unite of Southwest Missouri, Inc. a 501(c)(3) non-profit community organization. Our goal is to promote a broader understanding and appreciation of the African American talent, community resources, and opportunities available in the Springfield/Greene County area.

Distribution of Unite. is by free circulation at various locations. You may, subscribe and have a copy delivered by mail to your home or office by writing to UniteNews, P. O. Box 1745, Springfield, Missouri 65801. For a one-year subscription, please send $25.00 for postage and handling.

Those wishing to make a contribution or become a monthly sponsor should direct correspondence to the same address. Reader’s comments and questions are welcomed. The opinions expressed in these pages do not necessarily reflect the views of Unite. of Southwest Missouri, Inc.

The UniteNews Publication in accepting advertising in this publication, makes no independent investigation concerning the services of products advertised and neither endorses nor recommends the same and assumes no liability therefore.

For more information, you can contact us at our business office at (417) 864-7444. Email: unitepublication@yahoo.com

80th Carver Day Celebration at Carver National Monument

Diamond, MO— George Washington Carver National Monument is pleased to announce the park’s annual Carver Day Celebration to be held on Saturday, July 8, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., celebrating the life of George Washington Carver and the establishment of the national monument in his honor. This year we are commemorating the 80th anniversary of Carver’s passing and the subsequent establishment of the national park on July 14, 1943, the first one to honor an African American. The event is free of charge.

Guest speakers include Leo Landis, Museum Curator for the State Historical Society of Iowa. Mr. Landis will share insights into George Washington Carver’s time living in Iowa, which were critical years for Carver as a student and artist, and when he made the decision to change his career path to become an agricultural scientist. Steve Sitton, Site Supervisor at the Thomas Hart Benton State Historic Site, in Kansas City, Missouri will share a presentation entitled, Art, Race, and Thomas Hart Benton. Regionalist painter Thomas Hart Benton was one of the first white artists to paint African American life, labor, culture, and inequality.

Music is a huge part of the Carver Day fun. Musical performers this year include Lem Sheppard. Lem is a local jazz, blues and folk musician who traces the history of African American music from

both the North and South. Lem will perform African American music and stories from George Washington Carver’s lifetime and share the African American experience with visitors. Afrique Aya Drum and Dance Company, Fayetteville, Arkansas will perform traditional West African music and storytelling in a high energy performance that is highly interactive.

Cherry and Jerry, a ragtime

duo from St, Louis, Missouri, will blend history and music in their program “Early African American Composers.” It includes music by Scott Joplin, James Scott (born in Neosho, Missouri & raised in Carthage, Missouri) and other key figures in this genre which was very popular in George Washington Carver’s time.

Bright Star Touring Theatre, a national children’s touring theatre

from Asheville, North Carolina, will perform Freedom Songs. This family-friendly, musical revue provides an energetic and engaging approach to learning about Black history. From songs which carried the secret messages needed to navigate the Underground Railroad, to the powerful anthems of the Civil Rights Movement, to Beale Street Blues, music has long been an integral part of American history which is celebrated in this production.

George Washington Carver was born enslaved and went on to become one of the most prominent scientists and inventors of his time, as well as a teacher at the Tuskegee Institute. Carver devised over 100 products using one major crop — the peanut — including dyes, plastics and gasoline.

Carver’s iconic status remained after his death. In 1943, President Franklin D. Roosevelt dedicated $30,000 for the monument west of Diamond, Missouri — the site of the plantation where Carver lived as a child. The 210 acre complex includes a statue of Carver as well as a nature trail, museum and cemetery.

Carver appeared on U.S. commemorative postal stamps in 1948 and 1998, as well as a commemorative half dollar coin minted between 1951 and 1954. Numerous schools bear his name, as do two United States military vessels.

George Washington Carver, Scientist, Educator, and Humanitarian

Courtesy of Tuskegee University Archives

MSU recognizes Mark Dixon’s dedication to community

four years: ‘As soon as I get this degree, I’m heading to seminary out east.’ ... It never happened, I never left Springfield!”

The city became his home.

“I know most people go to college and four years later they’re out there changing the world,”

Dixon said. “That was not my story. But I got there eventually.”

He held other jobs, including running a nightclub for five years starting when he was 29.

“I’ve been a few places, done a few things. I think that helps me relate to people.”

He is now a minister, trustee and teaching pastor at Deliverance Temple Ministries. It’s a nondenominational Christian church known for a racially diverse congregation.

He’s also been involved with many organizations and initiatives, including:

• Co-Founder of Unite of Southwest Missouri, Inc and past Editor of the UniteNews Publication

• School task forces and community committees.

• NAACP.

Mark Dixon, who was first a student in the late 1970s and early ’80s, left before earning a degree. He went on to become a Springfield community leader and champion for local Black history. In 2010, he finished his bachelor’s studies.

Mark Dixon admits he is the man who can’t say no.

Growing up as a minister’s son, he’s always had a desire to help

people. That has only grown as he’s gotten older: “I’ve been volunteering in some manner for the past 40 years of my life and loving every minute of it.”

He is an ordained minister and volunteer for countless community groups. He also manages Recovery Outreach Services with his wife Nina Smart-Dixon, who is a substance-use disorder counselor.

“Teaching and preaching, community work and helping people

at Recovery Outreach — those are three bright spots in my life.”

“I’ve been a few places, done a few things”

Dixon was raised on a 40-acre farm in Hartville, Missouri.

He came to Missouri State in 1978 to study biology, but soon switched to the psychology program with a religious studies minor. However, life happened — and he didn’t finish his degree until more than 30 years later.

“I planned to be out of here in

• Community Partnership of the Ozarks.

• Southwest Missouri Council of Governments.

• Good Community Committee.

Reviving a building important to the Black community

Dixon is also the president and executive director of the Bartley-Decatur Neighborhood Center in north Springfield.

He was instrumental in reviving this older building for a new use.

continued on page 7

“Anyone can find important work that can be done right in their backyard. And that’s what happen to me.”

Mark Dixon

Alumnus’ life is dedicated to “teaching and preaching, community work and helping people”

It has served the African-American community for more than 100 years, and is a stop on the Springfield-Greene County African-American Heritage Trail.

It was built in 1900 as a private residence. After that, it was acquired by an organization called the Springfield Colored Hospital Association and became known as the “Negro Clinic.” In World War II, it was a convalescent home for Black veterans.

It was next a community center.

In the 1970s, Roberta Bartley and Olive Decatur — sisters who were both school teachers — started Kiddie Kove Daycare in the building after they retired from teaching. The daycare primarily served the needs of Black mothers. The building is now named in their honor.

Following their deaths and closure of the daycare in the 1990s, the building fell into disrepair.

In 2002, Dixon was part of a group who came together to save the structure. The Bartley-Decatur Neighborhood Center organization was officially formed in

2003, on Dixon’s birthday.

“We’re tied together, this building and I,” Dixon said.

It opened as the neighborhood center during Park Day weekend in August 2011. Park Day is a Springfield tradition that started in the 1940s as a reunion and celebration for African-American residents.

Now, the center hosts events and organizations, such as:

• Spanish and English classes.

• Multicultural dance practices.

• Commercial drivers’ license training for minorities.

• Missouri State University department retreats.

• Language and literacy programs.

Bartley-Decatur’s tenant partners include ALAS — the Alliance for Leadership, Advancement and Success, which offers higher-education support to the local Hispanic/Latino community — and Grupo Latinoamericano.

“We’ve had a little bit of every kind of thing in here you can imagine. It’s a true community space,” Dixon said. “We’re proud of that.”

Coming back to finish his degree: “All these years, for 10 hours”

For decades, Dixon said, “education has always been a central focus that’s near and dear to my heart.”

That’s why he felt it was ironic he didn’t have his college degree.

When he looked into completing his Missouri State program, he learned he only needed 10 more hours to graduate.

Dixon still remembers tearing up.

“I thought, oh my gosh. All these years, for 10 hours.”

He received his bachelor’s degree in 2010, shortly before his 50th birthday.

“Mark exemplifies the pillars of public affairs in life and business”

Dixon describes himself as a huge supporter of the university’s public affairs mission.

He believes there’s a lot the university offers the community, and the community offers the university in

return.

“Mark exemplifies the pillars of public affairs in life and business,” said Stacey Trewatha-Bach, coordinator of MSU’s office of public affairs support. “He has served as a panelist during two Public Affairs Conferences. We have national and international conference speakers, but Mark was specifically invited for his local perspectives on building community trust, bridging divides and advocating for the power of all voices to be heard.”

Dixon said when people with expertise start a dialogue with those they’re trying to help, magic happens.

“Respect should always go both ways,” he said. “My main goal is to bridge that gap between the people trying to help and the people being helped.”

He will probably continue to be the man who doesn’t say no to doing what the community needs.

“One way or another, I’m about helping people,” Dixon said. “I can’t get away from that, though I can’t say I’m trying to. It’s who I am.”

Written

by Olivia Fowler. Story reprinted from the June 2023 issue of Missouri State magazine. All text and images created by and courtesy of Missouri State University.

Mark Dixon (first in front row), who is now a minister, was in several MSU clubs related to religion and philosophy. These included Chi Alpha (shown here in the 1982 Ozarko), the University Christian Fellowship and Zeitgeist-Religious Studies Club. 1982 Ozarko

Bartley-Decatur Neighborhood Center.

Photo From Bartley-Decatur

and opportunities available in the Springfield/Greene County area. Distribution of Unite. is by free circulation at various locations. However, request for home delivery by mail may be directed to Unite. P. O. Box 1745, Springfield, Missouri 65801

by Heather Noggle

Springfield, MO—ChatGPT is all the rage. Just register with OpenAI, its parent company, and you can talk with ChatGPT just like it’s your longlost cousin.

Make A Contribution Today!

You can ask it for facts, figures, Father’s Day gift suggestions, and who you think will win the World Series.  Anything.

“Let’s

And sometimes it’s helpful.  But, also, it lies.  It lies a lot. ChatGPT stands for Chat and GPT, which is an abbreviation for Generative Pre-Trained Transformer.  The technology behind ChatGPT, which was released in late 2022, is Generative AI.  The data behind ChatGPT was originally a set of historical data, but it’s opening up to live data opportunities, fueled by OpenAI’s partnership with Microsoft and therefore its Bing search engine. OpenAI’s been working on the core of the current ChatGPT since 2018. ChatGPT’s capacity to understand language in context was one of its earliest challenges, and I’ll foreshadow here: it still is. A May 2023 article in Forbes gives a good history of GPT-1 (the first version) of June 2018, GPT-2 of February 2019, GPT-3 in June 2020, and GPT-4, the current version.

One very important phrase regarding GPT-4 – “Increased factual accuracy.”

Accuracy and context remain the big challenges for Generative AI.  A lawyer recently asked ChatGPT for cases that bolster his argument only to learn – because he did not fact check – that the cases weren’t real. Additionally, a few months back, another

lawyer was chatting with ChatGPT and asked about legal cases featuring professors who made sexual advances against students. Again, ChatGPT – in great detail – fabricated a news story it said was in The Washington Post. The accused professor was not pleased.

As my mother would say about anything where facts matter (which is anything) – “inspect what you expect.”

- Samuel Knox Managing Editor

Another platform Google’s Bard, is free, and you don’t have to register for an account. Simply visit bard. google.com, and then start talking with it.

Bard is even looser with these “hallucinations,” which is what the fabricated “facts” are often called. I was chatting with Bard and fed it some prompts where I told it a “fact,” and then it built a complete story with detailed information.  I used my father’s fake persona of “Homer Thawkquab” and said things like “Tell me about the arrest of Homer Thawkquab for stealing Olympic Medals.”

And it did - in great detail.  Here’s a sample:

“Sure. Homer Thawkquab, a 53-year-old man from Los Angeles, was arrested on May 16, 2023, for stealing Olympic medals from the Los Angeles Olympic Museum. Thawkquab is accused of breaking into the museum on May 15 and stealing 10 gold medals, 5 silver medals, and 3 bronze medals. The medals were worth an estimated $1 million. Thawkquab was arrested after he was seen on surveillance video

continued on page 11

Be careful when using Open AI ChatGPT. It may not tell the truth

Queen City Soul Kitchen opens at 14 Mill Market: Nixa’s Food Hall

Nixa, MO—After months of anticipation, 14 Mill Market has finally opened its doors. With ten unique restaurants housed within its walls, this food hall is set to become a culinary destination for residents and visitors alike.

Nixa residents are in for a treat with the arrival of Queen City Soul Kitchen, the brainchild of Lyle Foster and Francine Pratt. Bringing soul food to the heart of Nixa, this eatery serves up delectable fried chicken wings, meatloaf, collard greens, and mac & cheese — beloved dishes that will surely become a staple in many diets. As a local resident, having Queen City Soul Kitchen just a ten-minute drive away is a dream come true.

One cannot miss the vibrant stall of Not’cho Ordinary Taco, operated by Casey McTavish and his team. They skillfully prepare Parmesan crusted tacos that are simply irresistible. Highly recommend is the Hawaiian surf & turf

taco, packed with teriyaki steak and shrimp. This unique fusion of flavors will leave you craving more.

Other restaurants included at the site are: Lindsay’s Kitchen SGF, where they have lattes, cinnamon rolls; Fresh Poke, offering poke bowls featuring salmon, ahi tuna, rice, fresh fruit, vegetables, and a variety of sauces, nori, and seaweed salad; Abby’s Acai Company, D’Vine Delicatessen & Wine and Sno Biz Plus.

With its family-friendly ambiance, diverse culinary options capable of pleasing any palate, and live music to enhance the overall experience, 14 Mill Market will quickly become everyone’s favorite go-to spot. The location is at 203 E Mt Vernon St, Nixa, MO. Hours are Tue - Thurs 11 am - 10 pm; Fri -Sat 11 am -12 am Sun 11 am - 8 pm.

Men’s Wellness Summit facilitates conversation on health topics

Springfield, MO—In a community gathering last month, the SpringMO Black Wellness group orchestrated an empowering event specifically tailored for black men. With the resonant theme “Men On The Move: Stronger, Wiser, and Better,” this transformative occasion delved into crucial aspects of self-care, personal finance, and relationship dynamics, including marriage enrichment.

Drawing a crowd of approximately 30 attendees, the event was not only cherished by all, but it was also recognized as a vital and immensely advantageous

experience, as evident from the overwhelmingly positive feedback received through surveys.

The planning committee, comprising esteemed individuals such as Dr. Ron Woodard, SPS; Melesha Bailey of Live $ Life Wellness; and Justyn Pippens and Samuel Knox of UniteNews Publication, express heartfelt gratitude to the esteemed guest speakers and participants whose invaluable contributions fostered this impactful community conversation.

Join the SpringMO Black Wellness FaceBook group to keep up with the latest in health care.

14 Mill Market located at 203 E Mt. Vernon Street in Nixa, MO

Lto R: Dr Joe Debrah, Reggie Harris, Duan Gavel and Daniel Ogunyemi

Personal experiences were shared Ways to reduce stress were experienced

by Melesha Bailey, UniteNews Contributing Writer

Springfield, MO— July is Cord Blood Awareness Month, established by the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. Cord blood is collected from the umbilical cord and placenta after a healthy baby is born. Cord blood banks stores and preserves newborn stem cells found in the blood of the umbilical cord and the placenta. The remaining blood collected after cord clamping is valuable for newborn stem cells. Parents have a choice between donating cord blood to a public bank for free or paying to store it for their family in a private

Your Health & Wellness News

July is Cord Blood Awareness Month

bank for future medical uses. Cord blood contains a rich source of unique stem cells that can develop into different types of cells in the body. These stem cells can be used in medical treatments for various diseases and conditions, including certain cancers, blood disorders, and immune system disorders. Cord blood from Blacks can be precious for patients from the same ethnic group. Certain diseases, such as sickle cell anemia, are more prevalent among black individuals, but there are

also over 80 conditions that benefit from one cord blood. Unfortunately, over 90% of cord blood gets discarded as medical waste. What if we get people to donate cord blood instead of throwing it away?

Accessing cord blood stem cells from a racially diverse pool can increase the chances of finding a suitable match for transplantation to help cure many diseases, according to “Be the Match.” It’s a very simple thing to do, and it can be lifesaving for sick children. According to the Parents Guide to

Cord Blood Foundation, less than 30 percent of parents know they can donate or save their baby’s cord blood. But, in the first 30 seconds of a child’s life, they can save someone else’s life. Parents must decide about cord clamping before birth and talk to their healthcare provider about their preferences. Now is the time to think about saving cord blood for the future of black health.

A limited donor pool is designated for the black community because many are uneducated about how cord blood can save lives. Stem cell transplantation requires finding matching donors through the Human Leukocyte

Continued on page 11

Are Adult Children Obligated to Care for Aging Family?

by Jacqueline Jadidian, UniteNews Contributing Writer

Springfield, MO— As I meet families during my consultations the one emotional topic that usually gets brought up is aging parents voicing that it’s their children’s responsibility to care for them as long as they can. This topic usually is brought up when there is already a negative family dynamic entailing resentment, guilt, selfishness, and/or victim mentality. Not only am I an advisor, but I sometimes have to put on my mediator hat when topics like this get brought up during my

meetings.

Are the adult children obligated and made to feel guilty to care for their aging family? My answer isn’t black and white, and culture and family dynamics play a vital role, though I never agree with aging parents that aren’t empathetic and open minded to their children’s work and family schedule.

The generation I advise, most of the women were homemakers while the spouse worked long hours, and children’s extracurricular activities were not overloaded like they’re today. These days women are in the workforce

full time along with running the family unit, and taking kids to extracurricular activities. So when I hear aging parents say, “I raised and took care of them, now it’s their turn”, I don’t always agree. Of course if we were in a different country the advice may be different due to culture and work life expectations.

Another area

aging parents don’t think about is the actual caregiving needs. Most children don’t want to provide personal care to their parents, es-

pecially the opposite sex; personal care entailing bathing, toileting and dressing. Also, children don’t always feel comfortable being the authority to parents when they need to be and this can add more friction between the parents and children.

Usually my advice is if the parents are financially sound and want to remain at home I recommend leaving the personal care needs to a trusted outside in-home care company versus the children.

Continued on page 11

Jacqueline Jadidian

Melesha Bailey

Cord Blood

continued from page 10

Antigen (HLA) typing system accruing to HRSA Blood Stem Cells. The chances of finding a suitable donor can be higher among individuals of the same ethnic background due to the importance of matching HLA markers. However, there is an underrepresentation of racial and ethnic minorities in public cord blood banks and bone marrow registries. By saving cord blood, we can increase the diversity of available stem cell sources, thereby improving the chances of finding a match for needy patients.

Stem cell therapy is promising for the future of personalized medicine. The genetic makeup of an individual can influence the effectiveness of specific treatments. By saving cord blood, we can access our own genetically compatible stem cells in the future for regenerative therapies or other medical interventions tailored to our specific needs.

To learn more about cord blood banking, visit Parent’s Guide to Cord Blood Foundation at https://parentsguidecordblood.org/en/can-i-have-delayed-cord-clamping-and-still-collect-cord-blood.

Aging Family

continued from page 10

This will allow the children to just be children while visiting versus personal caregivers, so no lines are blurred. If finances

are tight I advise discussing Med icaid options and other external financial resources, if applicable.

Wise proactive long-term care planning will not only alleviate a lot of stress for all parties, but also will not leave children in a predicament to provide personal care to aging family.

Cybersecurity

continued from page 8

entering the museum and leaving with a bag. He was later identified by police and arrested at his home. Thawkquab has been charged with grand theft and bur glary. He is currently being held in the Los Angeles County Jail on $1 million bail.

The stolen medals have not yet been recovered. Police are asking for the public’s help in locating them.

Thawkquab is a former Olym pic athlete himself.  He competed in the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, where he won a gold medal in the 100-meter dash. He also competed in the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, where he finished fourth in the 100-meter dash.”

All lies!

Users can lead Generative AI where they want it to go, but it has no interest in or recognition of what humans call truth.  At least not in 2023.

So – try out Generative AI.  And then inspect what you expect when it tells you something.  This technology can be great to help generate ideas using good prompts, but any facts it feeds you may not be facts. Be cautious!

Written by Heather Noggle, Owner, Codistac

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