2023 May Unite

check out how we're Celebrating AAPI (Asian American and Pacific Islander) Heritage Month with our Diverse Children's Book of the Month!

Suki loves the blue kimono her aunt (obachan) gave her when she came to visit over the summer. When school resumes after summer break, Suki uses the opportunity to wear her beautiful kimono and share about her experience at a Japanese street festival through a lively demonstration

Designed by: Avery Brooks

Ages: birth-11 yrs.

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

Mother’s Day is celebrated in the month of May. It’s a special day dedicated to honoring and celebrating mothers all around the world. It’s a time to reflect on the love, care, and sacrifices that mothers make for their children every day.

Today, Mother’s Day is celebrated in over 40 countries worldwide, with each country having its unique way of celebrating this special day. Mother’s Day is a time to express gratitude to mothers and show them how much they are appreciated. It’s a time to give gifts, send cards, and spend quality time with the special women in our lives. Whether it’s a bouquet of flowers, a heartfelt card, or a simple phone call, every gesture of love and appreciation counts.

Mother’s Day is an important day to celebrate the extraordinary women in our lives who have made a significant impact on our journey. It’s a time to honor their sacrifices, and show them how much they are loved. Let’s make this Mother’s Day a day to remember by showing our appreciation to the special mothers in our lives.

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 May 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

generational musical talent

Licensed Funeral Directors of Distinction

W. Bruce Howell · Robert J. Lohmeyer · Don R. Lohmeyer · Heather K. Howell · Clint W. Mease

Licensed Funeral Directors of Distinction

Licensed Funeral Directors of Distinction

W. Bruce Howell • Don R. Lohmeyer • Heather K. Howell • Clint W. Mease

Angela N. Collins · Harley R. Williams · Andy D. Vowell · Dulcinea M. Lane

W. Bruce Howell · Robert J. Lohmeyer · Don R. Lohmeyer · Heather K. Howell · Clint W. Mease

Angela N. Collins • Harley R. Williams * Andy D. Vowell • Dulcinea M. Lane

W. Bruce Howell · Robert J. Lohmeyer · Don R. Lohmeyer · Heather K. Howell · Clint W. Mease

Buckle up for spring and summer –there’s so much to do for free at The Library! Have you heard Ernie Bedell’s family story? He’ll talk about it at 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 16, in the Library Center auditorium. Using his book “Generation B Music & Melodies,” Bedell tells the story of this five-generation Black musical family that has written, performed and sold recordings throughout the region and the U.S. Bedell highlights the Bedells’ contributions and those of other Black musicians. Books will be available for purchase and signing.

Angela N. Collins · Harley R. Williams · Andy D. Vowell · Dulcinea M. Lane

Angela N. Collins · Harley R. Williams · Andy D. Vowell · Dulcinea M. Lane

•••

Nicole E. Bauer • Angie Howell Larsen

Nichole E. Bauer · Barbara A. Hinds · Angie Howell Larsen

1947 E. Seminole · 886-9994 · GormanScharpf.com

Nichole E. Bauer · Barbara A. Hinds · Angie Howell Larsen

Nichole E. Bauer · Barbara A. Hinds · Angie Howell Larsen

1947 E. Seminole · 886-9994 · GormanScharpf.com

Locally owned and operated for over 70 years

1947 E. Seminole · 886-9994 · GormanScharpf.com

Locally owned and operated for over 70 years

Locally owned and operated for over 70 years

In honor of Juneteenth, take a cultural tour of the African American community. Beginning June 3-18, pick up an “I Too Am America” passport at any library or Barnes & Noble and explore an African American timeline history and learn about contributions that were made while striving toward freedom.

For details call the Springfield Greene County Park Board’s Timmons Hall at 417-512-6070. Presented in partnership with the NAACP Springfield Chapter, Community Partnership of the Ozarks, the City of Springfield and the Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau.

•••

Kids and teens can earn cool rewards in the Library’s Summer Reading Program June 1-Aug. 5. The theme “All Together Now” features a game board so kids can keep track of their reading minutes and activities as they earn rewards. Best of all, summer reading helps kids build reading skills.

•••

Beginning June 1, pick up a game board at any library branch or the Mobile Library, or 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 a Fresh Start Fine Waiver Card, a free book and Summer Youth Passport. End-of-summer drawings offer book bags, coupons for free books and gift cards. Adult readers are entered into gift drawings, too.

Everyone can attend all the crazy, free shows with magicians, musicians and mad scientists at the libraries throughout summer. And visit area attractions for tours and stories during Fantastic Fridays. Visit thelibrary.org/programs, or see Bookends for the schedule. The Summer Reading Program is funded by the Friends of the Library.

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

Ernie Bedell will share stories about his families’

Ernie Bedell, Author & Musician

Brentwood Chapel - University Chapel

Brentwood Chapel - University Chapel Crematory - Columbarium

Brentwood Chapel - University Chapel Crematory - Columbarium

From high school dropout, to college graduate, to career in architecture

Springfield, MO— Emonn Ray dropped out of high school when she was just 17. After attending OTC, Emonn not only has a high school diploma but she’s also a college graduate with a career at a local architecture firm.

Having lived for several years as a high school dropout, Emonn Ray received her high school equivalency diploma from OTC and eventually her associate degree in drafting and design. Now, she’s a college graduate and working as a drafter at Springfield’s Ireland Architects.

Emonn was born in Springfield, and is the daugter of Kayla Manning and Anthony Ray. She and her family moved to Florida when Emonn was three. She returned more than a decade later to start high school and, as Emonn puts it, “Life happened.” Emonn dropped out of school, but not before she fed her love for construction by learning some carpentry and masonry skills through OTC’s Career Center for high school students.

“I’ve always been a huge fan of HGTV,” Emonn said. “I love watching shows like ‘Fixer Upper’ and ‘Property Brothers.’ I’ve always had an interest in building and remodeling.”

After dropping out of high school, Emonn worked several different types of jobs in warehouses, food service, hospitality and with temporary employment agencies. Then, one day, “I woke up and just decided I wanted more. I was tired of working jobs I absolutely detested. I wanted a career, and I knew in order to have a career I would need to go back to school.”

In 2018, Emonn came to OTC to receive her high school equivalency diploma, but that was just the beginning of her educational journey.

“After getting my high school diploma, I realized I could do a lot more. It gave me the motivation to do more,” Emonn said.  Emonn’s computer features a sticker that says, “Words. Actions.” Emonn took that message to heart and took action by enrolling in OTC’s drafting and design technology program in the spring of 2019. She took 21 hours, which is a huge course load for someone working full-time. During that first

semester, as an assignment in her English 101 course, Emonn was introduced to the author, podcaster and social work professor Brene Brown.

“Listening to those TED Talks made me realize that it’s okay to be vulnerable,” Emonn said. “I always let my fear hold me back. I realized that it’s okay to be scared, but you can’t let it stop you.”  Emonn didn’t stop and she graduated in May 2022, but before she graduated, her instructor Rene Wade, encouraged her to apply for a position at Ireland Architects.

Fewer than a fifth of drafting professionals are women, and barely

3 percent are African-American, so Emonn represents two under-represented populations in her chosen profession.

“I didn’t want a career typically associated with women. I wanted to challenge myself,” Emonn said.

“Being the only African-American female in my classes just made me work harder.”

“Your mistakes don’t define who you are,” Emonn said. “I tell my teenage sister all the time, ‘Always try to do better and be the best person you can be.’”

Photo by Kristina Bridges, OTC

Emonn Ray is pictured in the Robert Plaster Center for Advanced Manufacturing

by Mark Miller, Ozarks Technical Community College

Women’s health and wellness summit in May

Springfield, MO— The SpringMo Black Wellness Initiative, in collaboration with the Springfield NAACP, is proud to announce its upcoming Health and Wellness Summit on May 20th, 2023. The summit will take place at the Robert Plaster Free Enterprise Center located at 405 N Jefferson Ave. in Springfield, MO.

The event is designed to bring together women from different socioeconomic backgrounds to educate and identify social determinants of health that women face in their daily lives. It aims to provide an opportunity for women to learn about their health and wellness and make informed decisions. The summit will feature renowned guest speakers who are experts in the field of health and wellness. These speakers include Dr. Katie Gooch of Beyond Chiropractic and Acupuncture, Kimberly Costello of The Doula Foundation, Marasha Blakley of Marilyn’s Divine Meals, Dr. Evelyn Partain of PartainMD, and Constance Brown, MSW, LMSW of Center of Life Coaching and Counseling.

Dr. Katie Gooch’s Beyond Chiropractic & Acupuncture practice focuses on achieving optimal alignment using a low force tool to apply pressure to the bones of the spine and extremities. The practice also offers acupuncture and other acutherapies to achieve balance within the body.

Kimberly Costello, CEO of The Doula Foundation, has been advocating for women, children, and families for over 20 years in Southwest Missouri. She is excited to build relationships and connect partners in a meaningful way. Marasha Blakley, with her background in Public Health specializ

ready to serve the uninsured or underinsured working-class Missourians with quality care without time restrictions during consultation.

Constance Brown, MSW, LMSW of Center of Life Coaching and Counseling, will provide insight into mental health and wellness during the summit.

All participants are invited to scan the QR code on the poster to register for the event. For more information, please call Melesha Bailey at 417-300-2796 or Latasha Harris at 314-297-9447. Join us on May 20th, 2023, to learn more about health and wellness and take charge of your well-being!

Springfield, MO. – The Springfield Art Museum is pleased to announce that Watercolor USA 2023 will feature 70 works from 70 contempo rary artists working in watermedia, representing 25 states. The 62nd exhibition of Watercolor USA was selected by juror and prolific water colorist Keiko Tanabe, AWS, NWS, AIS, LPAPA.

Two hundred and twenty-four artists from 41 states entered 366 works for consideration. Fifty-eight

sented by Friends of the Springfield East Brookside Drive in Springfield, Missouri. Admission is always free.

M. Blakley Dr K. Gooch Dr E. Partain K. Costello

Open Enrollment Begins for Apprenticeship Building America Grant

Springfield, MO—The City of Springfield Department of Workforce Development announces open enrollment into the Apprenticeship Building America training program, a $3 million grant funded by the U.S. Department of Labor. The grant aims to serve 1,275 apprentices over the next three years in a 10-county region around Springfield.

Registered apprenticeships are now available in healthcare, public safety, education, manufacturing, renewable energy, information technology, construction, transportation/distribution and logistics. The apprenticeship model combines classroom learning with hands-on experience and provides wages to the apprentice while providing a nationally recognized credential from the Department of Labor.

“Registered apprenticeships are a win-win for all parties involved,” said Ericka Schmeeckle, Interim Director of Work-force Development. “Whether you are new to

the workforce or wanting to start a new career after being in the workforce for a while, we have numerous opportunities for all individuals no matter your background,” Schmeeckle added.

“We are also looking for companies and organizations willing to partner with us and start registered apprenticeship programs. So much of what companies are already doing by way of internships and on-the-job training programs can be turned into registered apprenticeships,” Schmeeckle said.

Residents in Barry, Christian, Dade, Dallas, Greene, Lawrence, Polk, Stone, Taney and Webster counties are eligible to enroll in this program. To find out more or enroll, visit: springfieldmo.gov/ apprenticeships.

For more information please contact Communications Coordinator Katherine Trombetta at 417-880-6306 or ktrombetta@springfieldmo.gov.

The Apprenticeship Building

Greene County Archives Speaker Series

Springfield, MO—The first installment of the Greene County Archives Foundation Speaker Series will be held May 18, 7 p.m. at the Schweitzer Brentwood Library. Springfield architect, Paden Chambers will present Beneath the Surface: Unearthing Myths and Tips of Historic Building Research.”

America Grant is a $3 million grant awarded to the City of Springfield, Department of Workforce Develop-

ment and is 100% funded by the U.S. Department of Labor.

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 and accompanied by $25. for one year’s 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.

Technology and Springfield - The Springfield Tech Council

“The Unite Publication in accepting advertising in this publication, makes no independent investigation concerning the services of products advertised and neither endorses nor

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.

ARE YOU READY TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE? APPLY TODAY AND www.jobs.missouristate.edu

by Heather Noggle

Make A Contribution Today!

Springfield, MO— Let’s talk about technology and Springfield opportunities.

Ever heard of the Springfield Tech Council?  Springfield’s good for building groups that bring people together, help them network, and then get things done. You can list some in your head, I’m sure. Thinking - MBA - Multicultural Business Association, formerly Minorities in Business. Missouri Association of Manufacturers,  Association of Women in Communications, and One Million Cups, a group for Entrepreneurs. These last two are local chapters of national groups. Not necessarily related to technology, but definitely a good example of what Springfield offers.

If you would like to make a contribution to the Unite News Publication and it’s mission, please mail your gift to Unite, P.O. Box 1745, Springfield, MO 65801 or contact our office at (417) 864-7444.

“Let’s build a stronger community together.”

Back to the Springfield Tech Council.  The tech council was formed in 2021 after a group of people from two other tech groupsMATA and IATP (we tech people love our acronyms) strategized and organized under the Tech Council model set formed by TECHNA (yes, another acronym). The tech council is a good example of one of those local chapters affiliated with a national group.

Members meet usually once a month, often at events held at the eFactory, — Lunch and Learns,  networking, Happy Hours, serving people in technical careers and students who are studying in the field or aspiring to study in the field. There are also a couple of annual events, including a FREE tech conference each spring called STC Squared.

Springfield is a great land of non-profits, and the Tech Council is certainly one of those. Other tech-related non-profits in Springfield include Springfield Devs (software developers), Springfield Creatives, Springfield Women in Technology, a Splunk User Group, Google Developers Group, and many more.

- Samuel Knox Managing Editor

Interested in a full list?  Contact the Springfield Tech Council at info@sgftechcouncil.com and ask! The group aims to be the umbrella of technology information to help point interested people into groups that can benefit them.

Tech is a great and growing field, and there’s something for everyone.  There’s training available – at OTC and in other programs, so not just traditional four-year college programs.  There are also many free courses online and some almost free courses.

You can learn to write software, work in cybersecurity, or add knowledge so that later you can interpret how you may want to shift your career. Our local community has high demand for IT Technicians and available training to help learn and apply those skills.

Are you a recent graduate from a high school with the option to take A+ courses from a community college?

Consider OTC where you can get some of that practical tech training in working with computers, systems and also in cybersecurity.

For more information you can contact the Springfield Tech Council with career and technical questions.

Umbrella of technology info to point you in the right direction

by Darline Mabins, UniteNews Contributing Writer

Springfield, MO—According to the Oxford dictionary, there are two definitions of the word diversity. The first is: “the state of being diverse; variety”. The second is: “the practice or quality of including or involving people from a range of different social and ethnic backgrounds and of different genders, sexual orientations, etc.”…hmm. So, if I interpret the definition correctly, wouldn’t the definition of diversity include ALL of us? If that’s the case, why does this word strike so much fear and anger in the hearts of so many people?

With just four weeks left in the 2023 legislative session, there are many controversial bills that are being reviewed and up for votes. The budget approval is one that many universities, schools, and nonprofit organizations are watching. There was a published article in the Missouri Times, where 150 Missouri Organizations signed and sent in a letter in opposition to the DEI language added to the Budget.

The language reads:

No funds shall be expended for staffing, vendors, consultants, or programs associated with “Diversity, Equity, Inclusion,” or “Diversity, Inclusion, Belonging,” or any other initiative which similarly promotes:

1) the preferential treatment of any individual or group of individuals based upon race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexuality, ethnicity, national origin, or ancestry;

2) the concept that disparities are necessarily tied to oppression;

3) collec-

tive guilt ideologies; 4) intersectional or divisive identity activism; or, 5) the limiting of freedom of conscience, thought, or speech. This does not prohibit the department from following federal and state employment and anti-discrimination laws.

If approved, this would be extremely problematic for many organizations that work to make our state and local community more equitable. Again, why ban Diversity? Why restrict Inclusion and Belonging? As human beings, we by definition are, in this world looking for a tribe, family, group, or organization to belong to. Acceptance and respect the things we strive for. So why ban diversity?

Outside of the dictionary definition, and in the simplest term, Diversity is all of us. It’s every man, woman and child that makes up our community. Diversity is not just one ethnic group or race. It’s not a few genders or religions. It isn’t a particular socioeconomic group. Every one of us makes up the diverse landscape that is our community. Our history, lived experiences, families, age, abilities/ disabilities, culture and so much more, makes us diverse. Shrinking the meaning of this word is a disservice to us all.

Stay connected and stay informed in our local, state, and federal proceedings. The future of our community, businesses and educational organizations depend on it. Remember, “We the People” is the Preamble of our constitution. We must take part in the discussion and decisions “in order to form a more perfect union, establish jus-

tice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense,

promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty…”

Missouri State Capitol Building in Jefferson City, MO

by Melesha Bailey, UniteNews Contributing Writer

Springfield, MO— May is Mental Health Awareness Month. It’s a time to raise awareness of those living with mental or behavioral health issues and to help reduce the stigma many experience. Mental health is at the forefront of today’s topics. As a result, many people are more open to discussing daily challenges from their struggles to maintain productive lives.

Black women face mental health challenges that go unnoticed. They hide them in an effortless way as they work to keep their struggle secret. They

Your Health & Wellness News

The Hidden Secret

are afraid to tell anyone they feel like not getting out of bed some days.

Women today are inundated with managing various tasks all at the same time.

It sometimes feels like a roller coaster that keeps going up and down, around and around. Women are juggling work and raising kids or grandkids. They are the chauffeur, the lunch lady, the tutor, and the coach, and many have assumed the responsibility of caring for aged parents. These are what I call “women in the

middle.” They end up taking care of everything and everybody but themselves. They work in their communities and churches while handling a busy dayto-day life. It’s a lot, and adding being a black woman on top of all that, is a whole other layer.

Black women experience unique challenges that can impact their mental health, such as systemic racism, discrimination, and socioeconomic factors leading to symptoms of depression, anxiety, and PTSD.

Black women often face

multiple forms of oppression, sexism, racism, and classism, increasing the risk of developing mental health issues. In addition, when these mental health issues arise, many women feel a stigma attached to seeking care for their symptoms. According to John Hopkins Medicine, part of the challenge in getting care is the cultural belief that only people who are “crazy” or “weak” see mental health professionals. Access to culturally competent mental health providers is a barrier to black women seeking treatment.

Black women are more likely to experience maternal mental

Continued on page 11

Can Self-Sufficiency Be a Double-Edged Sword?

by Jacqueline Jadidian, UniteNews Contributing Writer

Springfield, MO—

Self-sufficiency is described as the ability to provide for one’s needs without outside aide. Many facets in our society promote self-sufficiency, such as social media and entertainment, family values, religion and/or spirituality, Corporate America mindset, sports teams, etc. As everything in life needs to be balanced, our self-sufficient zest needs to be balanced with hard work and ambition along with wisdom, common sense, and knowing when to seek outside

assistance. If we are self-sufficient and do not have balance in this area, we can overwork ourselves, make poor choices, and/or our zest can affect others by the decisions we make for them.

When it comes to senior living communities and senior care in general, being self-sufficient is healthy to a certain point. That point would be, while looking into options, being open to ask for guidance if one is not completely confident and educated to know the different aspects of senior care. I have met many families through my business using my services for guidance and advise-

ment. What I have discovered is the individuals that are what we consider self-sufficient and independent, can sometimes think they know what is best for their loved one without having the slightest knowledge of the different aspects of senior care and what each one offers.

Here are some questions to review to see if you truly know the difference between senior care options. If you cannot fully explain each option, there is a good chance you

need outside guidance to assist you or your loved one when the time is near.

• What is the difference between a 55+ community, independent living, assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing care?

• If you have longterm care insurance, how does it work and what does it cover?

• What is short-term rehabilitation? How does your insurance cover the cost?

• What is the difference between

Continued on page 11

Jacqueline Jadidian

Melesha Bailey

The Hidden Secret

continued from page 10 challenges, such as postpartum depression after giving birth, which can significantly impact both mother and child. Unfortunately, many women struggle to receive treatment for these challenges and suffer in silence.   Black women are highly affected by health disparities such as chronic stress, hypertension, and obesity, which can increase the risk of developing mental health issues.

It’s essential to acknowledge and address the challenges Black women face. Finding culturally competent care, resources, and support that address

systemic barriers are crucial to supporting mental health. Therapy can be very effective when working with a licensed therapist to identify and manage symptoms and develop coping strategies to improve overall well-being. There are numerous online resources such as websites, forums, and support groups for women seeking mental health information. Women can also work with their healthcare providers to identify medication options that may be safe and effective.

Self-care is pivotal for women’s mental health. Slowing down and taking time for oneself can be achieved with prayer, meditation, yoga, journaling, or relaxing in a bath are effective. Anything that can slow the world down for a few

moments is excellent for mental health.

There is no shame in seeking help if you feel like you need it. Speak up, don’t keep it hidden, and don’t suffer in silence. Find a community of women who will support you with no judgment, just love. Your health is the most valuable thing you have. Guard it as if your life depended on it. It does.

Self-Sufficiency

continued from page 10

a Trust, Living Will, Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare and Finances, and a Deed?

If this is outside of your wheelhouse do not feel overwhelmed

or daunted. Ask for help from a trusted experienced guide.

Tune Into “Hour of Healing” Podcast

Springfield, MO—Mercy Primary Care doctor Joe Debrah is currently recording a weekly Podcast about healing. To hear the weekly podcast, visit the Apple Podcast app. Tune in each week to hear information about physical, emotional, social, or spiritual healing.

Dr Joe Debrah

Always remember “the road to success begins with you.”

Central High School

Glendale High School

Omarquiyon Bryant Octivia Carter Deon C. Tucker Travis Davison Kyonna Dickson Kamajay Epps Tavare A. Fewell Maggie Geer

Datreyvon Allen Andrew Bryant

Anais Keller

James Mosley

Drelando Wells

Jamarius Lawrie

Cameron Mumford

Iesha White

Turner Logan Zoe Malega Anevay Martz Seriyah McCaw

Evan Guler Chana Guler

Sean T. McShane

Tayliana Vernor

Tyrell Hurd

Siniya Moore

Taliah Moore

Sterling Vinson

Aniyah Ivory

Nabryah Morgan

Norah Vogt

Aurora Nicoloso

Tianna Yeager

Nisha Ntizala

Aaliyah Pittman

Nyla Siller

Kristina Perrin

Michael D. Cofield

Renee A. Pike

Ashton W. Davis Anna A. Potter

Ladon D. Dinkins

Enrique J. Razo

Amiah F. McKenzi

Bernadette A. Scott

Juanita E. Frieson

Jean-Renee S. Shade

Ranaee T. Jones

Marie J. Shockley

La’Shell B. Benson

Antonio P. Whalen Tshabola D. Yampanya

Jean N. Lewis Ray J. Lockett Kwame A. Oyeniyi

Zion E. Thomas

Kickapoo High School

Parkview High School

Jeri Allen

Avion Odom

Olivia Attyberry Emerald Penny

Mikyla Burkhart

Aniah Rather

Reggie Carey Dante Sample

Amerre Clark

Zoa Shatto

Hope Davis Sean Simmons

Alkerriana Fisher

Tracen Tate

Ezekial Gardner Dariona Trotter

Amari Gray Tyler Whitman

Ja’Miyah Johnson Ci’leena Williams

Damilo Adepoju

Ebony Love

Mekena B. Tyler

Natalia Mohamed

Christian Byndom Milani Njoroge

Gabriell Cohen Samias Pickett

Alyciah Jarman Samara Anderson

Kekelie Ketonou

Symphony Darville

Alicia Kimani

Wendy R. Washington Keshawn Y. Campbell

Not Pictured: Celestina Aline, KeShya Cook, Darrell Davis, Isaiah Dickson, Adison DosReis, Bailee Gerald, Mattea Price, Quenterious Sanders, Emmanuel Sarfo-Mensah, Gabriell Smith, Atiyanna Williams, Jaylan Williams, Lakeria Woods

Not Pictured: Gavin Green, Ashton Johnson, Rianna Lawrence, Lamont McKinnie, Nathaniel Pettet

Lilly Jackson Matthew Jones Samuel Johnson

James Kennedy

Massey Washington

Jodeci Adams Christopher Anderson Cynila Atkins Arionna Blackmon Ethan Brantley

Aryiauna Cannon Aria Chandler Malia C. Williford

Daelin Cook

Emmanuella Kalea

Olivia Brown Alex Dailey Jada Lowery

Shyann Brown

Ie’n Gibbs Max Golden Emma Grauberger Cameron Harris Tyvon Huddleston Taylor Kalama

Malaysia Marrero Cheyenne McDaniel

Naomi Jefferson

NaTorrianna Washington Paris White Kevin Parker Amya Williams Jeremy Njoroge Jestiny Worley

Daron Fowler, Jr

Arts & Entertainment News

Gigs in the Garden brings local musicians for free concerts

Springfield, MO – Hatch Foundation and Springfield Sister Cities Association present Gigs in the Garden, an outdoor concert series at 2 p.m. on Sundays, May 7, 14 and 21, 2023. Bring your lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy a variety of local performance groups in an extraordinary setting.

The concerts take place at the Peace Through People Pavilion located within the beautiful Kay Cummins Finnie Memorial Dogwood Garden at the Springfield Botanical Gardens at Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park, 2400 S. Scenic Ave., Springfield, Mo.

Admission is free with a $10 suggested donation to support garden accessibility projects. Beverages are available for purchase, and kids will love the playground nearby.

Goat Milk Honey kicks off the series on Sunday, May 7 at 2 p.m. Local brothers Rob and Ryan Hunt play their own mix on classic folk music reflecting a wide range of influences while retaining the foot stomping sounds this region is known for. Expect many originals and a few classics featuring Ryan on bass and Rob on vocals, guitar, banjo and more.

On Sunday, May 14 at 2 p.m., MOJO Lite performs with special guest Johnnie Angelia King. MOJO Lite is a seven-piece jazz combo made up of members of the Missouri Jazz Orchestra. King is well known for singing the blues and has a long list of vocal-

ist credits and awards throughout the region. Together they’ll perform small-group jazz standards and originals.

The Paper Moons closes out this series on Sunday, May 21 at 2 p.m. The Paper Moons bring the best selection of timeless American tunes from the 20’s to the present. For this performance we’ll hear Joe Dillstrom on vocals, guitar, piano and harmonica; Corey Johnson on trumpet and flugelhorn; and Seth Darby on upright bass.

In the case of inclement weather, the concerts will move inside the adjacent Springfield-Greene County Botanical Center.

The series is sponsored by Hatch Foundation, Mid-Missouri Bank, and Guaranty Bank. It is managed by Springfield Sister Cities Association in cooperation with the Springfield-Greene County Park Board.

The Peace Through People Pavilion was constructed in late 2016 to encourage more cultural performances and community events in the Springfield Botanical Gardens.

For more information, please visit peacethroughpeople.org/ gigs or call 417-864-1191.

Hear

The Arthur Duncan Jazz Trio

Performing at Artsfest, May 6

Springfield, MO – Come out and hear The Arthur Duncan Jazz Trio at the Where House Bar locatedat 2463 W Sunshine St., Suite 120 next to Mama G’s Kitchen.

The jazz trio features Arthur Duncan on keyboard, Ernie Bedell, Sr on bass guitar and Richard Allen on drums.

The group is scheduled to perform jazz music at the Where House Bar every Monday night, starting at 6:00 p.m. May 1, 8, 15 and 29.

Springfield, MO – Vic Vaughan and Souled Out, is a super-talented super-charged Funk, Blues, Dance, Rock, and R&B band. In May, they will perform on May 6, 2023 at ArtsFest on Historic Walnut Street at 12:00 pm. May 26, 2023 at Carrie’s Bar, 8:00 p.m. 1906 E Meadowmere St, Springfield, MO (417) 863-8977

Artsfest starts May 6th on Walnut Street

Join us Saturday, May 6th and Sunday, May 7th for 2023 Artsfest! Presented by Great Southern Bank and hosted by the Springfield Regional Arts Council, Artsfest is one of the biggest outdoor art festivals in Southwest Missouri.

Known for featuring over 100 artists from all over the country, live entertainment, and delicious food. Patrons make it a priority to come back year after year. Admission is $5.00 for adults and kids ages 6+.