2024 February Unite

Read about the Literary Calm Chat Club: History Museum Pg 5

UniteNews February 2024 | Volume 34 | No 2 | www.unitenewsonline.org

Lake Placid, Missouri’s first Black Resort: Timmons Hall, Freedom Classroom 101, Feb 1 Page 7 Celebrating Black Brilliance Storytime: Black Authors and Illustrators at the Library Page 4 Dr. Kimberly Berry selected as a Culture Coach for the UMC Page 8 Why Diversity in Clinical Research Matters Page 9 CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY EVERY MONTH OF THE YEAR

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Page 2 Building Empowering Connections | Unite News

From the Editor

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

Volume 34, Number 2 MANAGEMENT PRESIDENT & MANAGING EDITOR, Samuel G. Knox ASSOCIATE EDITOR, Tyra Knox ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT, Mary Gartner CONTENT CONTRIBUTING WRITER, Melesha Bailey CONTRIBUTING WRITER, Gwen Marshall CONTRIBUTING WRITER, Vickie Hicks CONTRIBUTING WRITER, Darline Mabins CONTRIBUTING WRITER, Heather Noggle

Welcome to UniteNews, where we celebrate Black History every month of the year. In this edition, Gwen Marshall, in her column on page 7, reminds us that in 1915, historian Carter G. Woodson co-founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History. This was done in response to the lack of information on the accomplishments of Black people available to the public. In 1926, the group declared the second week of February as “Negro History Week” to recognize the contributions of African Americans to U.S. history.

The date for Black History Week was chosen because it includes the birthdays of both Frederick Douglass, an abolitionist who sought to end the practice of enslaving people, and former U.S. President Abraham Lincoln.

In 1986, Congress under President Gerald Ford, passed Public Law 99-244, designating February 1986 as “National Black (Afro-American) History Month.”

On February 1, 2024, Ms. Christine Peoples will present another research, rethink, and reimagine discussion at Timmons Hall, Freedom Classroom 101, about the historic Lake Placid. Missouri’s first Black resort was established in 1934 in Morgan County. Today, visionary Brendalyn King and her partner are currently redeveloping 244 acres at Lake Placid for industrial hemp production.

As always, we extend an open invitation to our readers. If you have news or stories to share, please reach out to us via email or phone.

Your contributions play a significant role in enriching our content and strengthening our community bonds. So, dive into our February issue and celebrate the history with us!

CONTRIBUTING WRITER, Mahalia Boyd SOCIAL MEDIA, Allie Goin, Sidekick Social SOCIAL MEDIA, Jessica Matschiner, Sidekick Social CREATIVE TEAM GRAPHIC DESIGN, Bradley Knox WEB DEVELOPER, Christopher Palma CONTENT CREATOR, Jase Vorel UniteNews 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 UniteNews 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 shipping, 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 UniteNews 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

Best, Samuel G. Knox President & Managing Editor

Unite News Building Empowering Connections | Page 3

Bookmark Contest and Celebrating Black Brilliance Storytime at the Library

Brentwood Chapel - University Chapel Crematory - Columbarium Brentwood Chapel - University Chapel Brentwood Chapel - University Chapel Crematory - Columbarium Crematory - Columbarium

Our 25th Annual Design-a-Bookmark Contest!

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Contest Starts February 1 • Deadline for Entries March 15 Since 1999, the library has been asking youth to share original designs that promote and inspire literacy, and we have received thousands of amazing submissions over the years. To honor all of the talented participants, the 2024 Design-A-Bookmark Contest will be open to kids in kindergarten through 12th grade AND ADULTS. Starting February 1, pick up an entry form at any Springfield-Greene County Library or the Mobile Library, or download one at thelibrary.org/bookmarks.

Winners and runners-up will be notified and receive invitations to the Bookmark Contest Reception in April. Winning entries for each age category will be printed for distribution; the winner will get a certificate and a gift card to Hobby Lobby. To learn more, visit thelibrary.org/bookmarks.

Celebrating Black Brilliance Storytime

Honor Black History Month with your little ones at this special Racing to Read Storytime focusing on books by Black authors and illustrators—an African American Read-In Event.

MO

INSURANCE HELP INSURANCE.MO.GOV 800-726-7390 We can help you understand your options on insurance-related matters or assist you in resolving a complaint.

For Infants-age 6

• Monday, Feb. 5 at 6:30 p.m., Story Hour Room, The Library Center • Tuesday, Feb. 6 at 10 a.m., Republic Branch Library • Tuesday, Feb. 6 at 10:30 a.m., Story Hour Room, The Library Center • Tuesday, Feb. 6, 11:15 a.m., Story Hour Room, The Library Station • Tuesday, Feb. 6, 6:30 p.m., Story Hour Room, The Library Station • Friday, Feb. 9, 11:15 a.m., Story Hour Room, The Library Station • Thursday, Feb. 15, 10 a.m., Midtown Carnegie Branch Library • Wednesday, Feb. 28, 11 a.m., Schweitzer Brentwood Branch Library For infants – 36 months

• Tuesday, Feb. 6 at 9:30 a.m., Story Hour Room, The Library Center • Tuesday, Feb. 6, 10 a.m., Story Hour Room, The Library Station • Friday, Feb. 9 at 9:30 a.m., Story Hour Room, The Library Center • Friday, Feb. 9, 10 a.m., Story Hour Room, The Library Station • Wednesday, Feb. 28, 10 a.m., Schweitzer Brentwood Branch Library For more information on these and other great programs, visit thelibrary.org.

Vickie Hicks is the community relations director of the Springfield-Greene County Library District. She can be reached at vickieh@thelibrary.org.

Page 4 Building Empowering Connections | Unite News

Community News

UniteNews Building Empowering Connections | Page 5

Access resources and say yes to starting your business in 2024

By Nicki Donnelson UniteNews Contributing Writer

Selecting a word of the year can be a way to incorporate New Year’s resolutions into your life with more mindfulness and intention. It’s also a way to focus your efforts and clarify decision making and prioritization.

Can we propose a word for you?

Let’s make Start the word of the year.

At efactory, we work with people who are ready to take a big step forward. But we know there are many individuals that are waiting, overanalyzing, discouraged or hesitant even though they are sitting on something big.

Sound familiar? Let’s look at how we can help you start.

“We’ve got business consultants and mentors who are primed to answer your questions, guide you through complex business planning and introduce you to important financial and legal documents,” said Chrystal Irons, director of the Missouri Small Business Development Center at Missouri State University.

These consultations are at no cost to you, and they are a great way to introduce you to the necessary steps to start.

Getting started How about testing the potential of your business idea alongside other aspiring entrepreneurs in Bounce Your Big Idea?

This four-week, online workshop is 100% virtual with live workshops, personalized coaching and feedback.

It includes step-by-step activities to move you toward the right idea for a successful business. Applications are now open through Feb. 13. Learn more and apply: https://www.innovatesomo.org/bounce-my-big-idea This is part of Innovate SOMO and led by our partner Codefi. Innovate SOMO exists to add higher wage job

opportunities into Missouri’s economy by offering no-cost business support services, technology training and more. By spreading these programs throughout the southernmost 47 counties in Missouri – many that have traditionally been impoverished and have fewer education options – we can improve quality of life for many.

Along these same lines, we are activating our Early-Stage Business Boot Camps across the region, too.

In addition to the lessons and the applicable plans participants will walk away with (that will help start a business), these boot camps will enrich the participants by building new networks of professionals in a similar stage. This workshop series also exposes participants to guest speakers from a variety of industries and successful entrepreneurs.

We’re launching several more

Page 6 Building Empowering Connections | Unite News

boot camps this spring. Stay updated at efactory.missouristate.edu/bootcamp.

Financial training It’s easy to feel threatened by the unknown. Or to get cold sweats from flashbacks to math or accounting tests gone wrong. While there are accountants you can hire to help with your financials, it’s always smart to know the basics of what to look for and how to produce important financial documentation.

This spring we’re got two courses that will help you start on your journey to understanding these financials: QuickBooks Online (the basics) and QuickBooks Online (advanced). If you have never worked with this robust tool, the basics class is made for you to learn how to navigate and produce basic financial statements.

The advanced class will build on your knowledge, so if you’ve ever

used QuickBooks Online, even if you don’t think you’re prepared for advanced level learning on it, we recommend registering for this course.

You’ll follow along with an instructor who can show you how to get more out of the program.

You can find all of our training at efactory.missouristate.edu/training-calendar.

Reach out Of course, we offer space for you to grow your idea into a business. We offer flexible options for workspaces, including coworking and small private offices with shared amenities. It lowers your overhead and allows you to build a business rather than having to worry about the details of operating a small office facility.

If Start is your word this year, congratulations. We look forward to offering you any assistance you need.

Black History: The Journey Continues ident to issue a proclamation.

It is important to note that since the first Negro History Every February, people in Week in 1926 other countries the United States celebrate the around the world, including Canachievements and history of Afada, the United Kingdom, Gerrican Americans as part of Black many, and the Netherlands have History Month. joined the United Black History Month States in celebrathonors all Black peoing Black History ple from all periods Month. of U.S. history, from Among the the early 17th century notable figures to African Americans often spotlighted living in the United during Black HisStates today. tory Month are Dr. In 1915, in reGwen Marshall Martin Luther sponse to the lack of King, Jr., who fought information on the accomplishfor equal rights for Blacks during ments of Black people available the 1950s and ’60s; Thurgood to the public, historian Carter G. Marshall, the first African-AmerWoodson co-founded the Assoican justice appointed to the ciation for the Study of Negro United States Supreme Court in Life and History. In 1926, the 1967; Mae Jemison, who became group declared the second week the first female African-Ameriof February as “Negro History can astronaut to travel to space Week” to recognize the contribuin 1992; and Barack Obama, tions of African Americans to U.S. who was elected the first-ever History.

African-American president of The date for Black History the United States in 2008. Victor week was chosen because it inJ. Glover Jr. was the first Black cludes the birthdays of both Fredastronaut to live and work on the erick Douglass, an abolitionist International Space Station for (someone who wanted to end the an extended period in 2020, Vice practice of enslaving people), and President Kamala Harris, first former U.S. president Abraham person of South Asian & African Lincoln.

American decent and woman to In 1986, Congress passed Pubbecome Vice President of the lic Law 99-244, which designated United States in 2020, Dr. KizzFebruary 1986 as “National Black mekia S. Corbett, lead scientist (Afro-American) History Month.” on the Moderna Covid-19 vaccine This law noted that February 1, team in 2023, and a countless 1986 would “mark the beginning number of others that have made of the sixtieth annual public and tremendous sacrifices for liberty private salute to Black History.” and justice for all.

The law further directed the presI would like to recommend

by Gwen Marshall, UniteNews Contributing Writer

that during Black History Month and throughout the year the discussion of Black people and their contributions be continued by activities such as visiting museum exhibits, encouraging the study of achievements by African Americans, learning about Black inventors and authors, watching videos about Civil Rights, and other related topics.

Black History Month gives us the opportunity to reflect on the past and present, as well as an opportunity to show gratitude and honor to our ancestors, and the fruits of their labors. Black history is American history. Therefore, in the words of James Weldon Johnson’s Lift Every Voice and Sing “Let us march on till victory is won.”

Timmons Hall Freedom Classroom 101 will be streamed live on CityView.SpringfieldMO.gov Learn about Brendalyn King and the history of Lake Placid.

UPCOMING EVENTS AT

TIMMONS HALL

in Silver Springs Park | 1055 E. Webster, Springfield, Mo.

Freedom Classroom 101 • Thurs., Feb. 1 | 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

Brendalyn King

Dr. Gary R. Kremer

R

esearch, rethink and reimagine the power of people and place in this discussion about historic Lake Placid, Missouri’s first Black resort, established in 1934 in Morgan County. Join teacher, farmer and visionary Brendalyn King, the current owner of 244 acres at Lake Placid. King and her partner are currently redeveloping land for hemp production and processing fibers to serve as wood alternatives. King is joined

by Dr. Gary R. Kremer, Executive Director of the State Historical Society of Missouri and author of “Race and Meaning: the African American Experience in Missouri,” which explores Lake Placid’s rich history as a vacation destination.

Livestream available on CityView.SpringfieldMO.gov

FEE: FREE, limited spots available.

Register by email: cpeoples@springfieldmo.gov or call 417-983-1171

ParkBoard.org/TimmonsHall Unite News Building Empowering Connections | Page 7

Dr. Kimberly Berry selected to serve as a cultural coach for the Missouri Conf. of the United Methodist Church Springfield, MO—The Missouri Annual Conference recently trained 12 clergy and laity as culture coaches who will be deployed in 2024 to walk alongside local churches interested in learning about multicultural leadership, cross-cultural connection and healing justice. Among those named as Missouri Conference culture coaches was Dr. Kimberly Berry.

The culture coaches were selected from over 30 applicants to help Missouri Conference leaders and congregations in intercultural appointments build skills in better

cultural understanding. Coaches were trained in intercultural competency, implicit bias, multicultural worship, responding to racially fueled events and cross-culture listening.

The coach is in service to local church leaders and will walk alongside congregations in their journey toward better cultural understanding. The coach is also in service to the Missouri Conference’s mission, vision and values, particularly as it relates to its race and culture work.

Dr. Kimberly Berry is a member of the Pitts Chapel UMC.

ART EXHIBITS EDUCATION WORKSHOPS CLASSES FOR KIDS & ADULTS GUEST ARTISTS SIGNATURE EVENTS MUSEUM TOURS

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hours of operation:

1111 East Brookside Drive Springfield, Missouri 65807 417-837-5700 · SGFMUSEUM.ORG @SGFMUSEUM

Mon-Tues: Closed Wed-Fri: 12pm - 8pm Saturday: 10am – 6pm Sunday: 1pm - 5pm *Closed on city & national holidays

Page 8 Building Empowering Connections | Unite News

Why Diversity in Clinical Research Matters

by Lindsay Todd, UniteNews Contributing Writer

A Healthier Future for Everyone

A complex interplay of genetics, environment, and lifestyle shapes our health. This means how our bodies respond to medication and treatment can vary significantly depending on our unique backgrounds. Clinical trials are the cornerstone of medical advancement, propelling medical knowledge forward, fostering new therapeutic discoveries, and determining the effectiveness of novel treatments. However, for far too long, clinical trials have included a narrow demographic, neglecting representation of diverse communities. However, a shift is underway to ensure participants in research studies reflect the rich tapestry of our population, better encompassing diverse backgrounds, ethnicities, and genetic profiles.

This shift is critical for many reasons, including decreasing health disparities and improving the erosion of trust that occurred over time. In 2020, a study published by National Academies Press showed that 74% of US clinical trial participants were white, yet 40.2% of the US population consists of other racial backgrounds. The discrepancy between the represented clinical trial population and the general population means treatments may not be optimized for diverse needs as testing has not been completed on a representative sample. Additionally, treatments

may not be equally effective or safe for the underrepresented communities not receiving testing, which further exacerbates existing health disparities. For example, according to a recent study by Tulane University, Black Americans are 54% more likely to die from heart disease than white Americans. Suppose treatments and medications for heart disease are not adequately tested in this population; the genetic and lifestyle factors of Black Ameri-

to the positive change of rebuilding trust.

We must acknowledge medical research has been marred by instances of deception and harm inflicted upon minority communities in the past. This truth cannot be ignored and serves as a reminder of the importance of building trust through continued ethical practices. Prioritizing diverse trial enrollment and retention is paramount for the research community, ensuring

cans are not represented, leaving questions as to whether the medication is effective. In addition to this, the lack of representation of diverse communities in medical research can erode trust in the medical system and discourage participation in future trials. This lack of trust can hinder scientific progress and ultimately harm communities already experiencing health disparities. This is where involvement in clinical research can offer a powerful opportunity to address patient health disparities and contribute

ALL individuals have access to safe and effective treatments.

Today, many safeguards are in place to protect study participants’ rights and welfare.

An Institutional Review Board (IRB) must review and monitor every clinical trial under FDA regulations. Institutional Review Boards, or IRBs, review research studies to ensure they comply with applicable regulations, meet accepted ethical standards, follow institutional policies, and adequately protect research participants.

Study participation not only helps address the underrepresentation issue in research but also comes with several benefits.

These benefits include but are not limited to financial compensation for time and travel spent, access to advanced treatments at no cost, and close monitoring by medical professionals. This can be a valuable resource for those facing insurance challenges or struggling to find a solution.

Diversity in clinical trials is not simply a moral imperative but a scientific necessity. The only way to be sure everyone has a voice in shaping the future of medicine is through study participation by all demographics represented in our population. Together, we can ensure that equitable representation in clinical research is achieved, and no community is left behind.

About Clinvest Research: Clinvest Research is a dedicated medical research facility passionate about new disease control and prevention concepts.

Working with some of the nation’s top specialty physicians in the Springfield, Missouri, area, Clinvest Research conducts FDA Phase II-IV studies. Their dedicated team of research professionals is committed to excellence, making them a leader in the field of Clinical Research.

Clinvest Research has conducted studies in several research areas, including headache, migraine, hypertension, diabetes, arthritis, fibromyalgia, asthma, low back pain, inflammatory bio-markers, obesity, and vaccines.

Unite News Building Empowering Connections | Page 9

Your Health & Wellness News A Guide to Self-Love for Mental and Spiritual Health love. By staying present in the it truly means. Self-love is more moment and fostering self-awarethan just pampering yourself with ness, you can observe your an occasional massage, a good thoughts and emotions without meal, or positive affirmations. It In the hustle and bustle of judgment. This awareness allows involves accepting and embraceveryday life, it’s easy to lose you to respond to ing every aspect of sight of our most important relaeveryday challenges yourself, including tionship – the one with ourselves. with a compassionyour strengths, In pursuing success, happiness, ate and constructive weaknesses, and and validation, we often neglect mindset. imperfections. the foundation of our well-being: Nourishing Your Mind Letting Go of self-love. Cultivating a deep sense and Body: Self-Criticism: of love and appreciation for ourSelf-love extends One of the selves is essential for mental and to taking care of your biggest hurdles to spiritual health and the key to a physical and mental self-love is our intermore fulfilling and purposeful life.

Melesha Bailey well-being. Priornal critic. We judge The Power of Self-Kindness: itize activities that bring you joy, ourselves with unkind words, Self-compassion starts with get your body moving, and eat setting unrealistic expectations treating yourself with the same nourishing foods that promotes and self-sabotaging, which lead to kindness and understanding healthy living. A healthy lifestyle feelings of inadequacy. Recognizthat you would give to a friend boosts your mood and cultivates a ing and challenging these negin need. Instead of criticizing positive self-image. ative thoughts is essential. The yourself for mistakes or shortSetting Boundaries: goal is to replace those thoughts comings, approach your challengLearning to say “no” is an with self-compassion, grace, and es with a gentle and supportive act of self-love. Establishing understanding. mindset. boundaries in your personal and Mindfulness and Self-Awareness: Understanding Self-Love: professional life is crucial for A mindfulness practice is a In the journey of self-love, maintaining a healthy balance. By powerful tool for cultivating selfit’s crucial to understand what respecting your needs and limits, you create space for self-care and prevent stress and burnout.

Cultivating Gratitude: A grateful heart is a happy heart. Take time each day to reflect on the positive aspects of your life. Expressing gratitude for your accomplishments, relationMonthly class on third Thursday of each month. ships, and challenges can shift

by Melesha Bailey, UniteNews Contributing Writer

Enroll in the Neighboring 101 now.

- $25 one-time enrollment fee -

Ideas to make your neighborhood clean, safe and friendly from idea leaders across the United States.

Search for Neighboring 101 at http://extension.missouri.edu or email David Burton at burtond@missouri.edu Page 10 Building Empowering Connections | Unite News

your focus towards abundance, giving you a sense of contentment, living in grace, and joy.

Connecting with Your Spirituality: For many, spirituality is a fundamental aspect of self-love.

Whether through meditation, prayer, or connecting with nature, nurturing your spiritual side can provide a profound sense of purpose and inner peace. That connection leads to fulfillment and moves you forward.

In a world that often emphasizes external validation, the journey to self-love is a radical act of self-care. Embracing and loving yourself for who you are is the cornerstone of mental and spiritual health. By incorporating mindfulness, self-compassion, and gratitude into your daily life, you can begin a transformative journey toward a more fulfilling and meaningful existence.

Remember, the most important relationship you’ll ever have is with yourself – nurture it, cherish it, and watch as your mental and spiritual well-being flourishes.

Sometimes we need guidance on how to begin our self-care journey. Contact me at melesha@ love4lifewellness.com. Let’s have a conversation to begin 2024 loving yourself so that you can be your best self. Peace, blessings and love. Melesha

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Resources

Continued from Page 5

June. Contact the MO Job Center at 417-887-4343 for more information.

City of Springfield project bids

Advertise In The Full Time and Part Time Positions Available Unite Publication SilverDollarCity.com/Careers Open for Business - Open to all Change 1000 Skills Academy

SEEKING Minority & Women Contractors

All Specialties of licensed and insured 2 Weeks – 36 Hours (6 hours a 417.338.8122 For Rates call: (417) 864-7444 contractors are encouraged Equal Opportunity Employer / Disabled / Veterans day) new job-training program to participate in the The “City of Springfield Division of Purchases welcomes all contractors City of Springfield’s “HUD” financed for manufacturing, construction, and vendors to participate in the City’s bid opportunities for providing Housing Rehabilitation Projects. needed supplies, equipment, transportation/logistics, infor-and services to the City. Information and We welcome notification aboutand bidding is open to all, and there is never a charge.

Affordable mation technology health• General Contractors One Door Unite Springfield Feb issue.indd 1 1/15/19 11:13 AM • Sub-contractors covering all Housing care industries.

You can work Are for you without a home,with at risk To view or download all current documents bidding opportunities residential building trades Opportunities another job while attending the the Division of Purchases, please go toof ourbecoming website at: homeless, Springfieldmo.gov/ do not Questions? Call(417) 864-1031 There are currently housing vacancies in training.

At the and endclick of training, purchasing, on ‘Bid Processing Center’. the City of Springfield’s program for rental Applications are available at: have a safe stable place to stay or home ownership. These programs City of Springfield, participants are connected include requirements for fair marketting or need affordable housing, call Planning & Development Dept. and non-discrimination.

Contractors, opportunities consultants and other types of vendors may also sign up to to employment Neighborhood Conservation Office orbased visit on thetheSpringYou might be income eligible to qualify. receive notifications of the City’s future417-225-7499 bid opportunities 840 N. Boonville, Springfield, MO with the same employers who field Affordable For rental, call type of services they provide. This service can be found byHousing clicking onCenter Marti Fewell, 417-864-1039 designed the training program.

‘Bid Notification Service’ on the Purchasing website.

There isSpringfield. a fee (for at 300 E. Central, For home ownership, call Wages for most jobs start use of a third party notification service).

LeeAnn Camey, 417-888-2020 between $10 - $17 per hour. For Making Sense of Money City’s Department of Public Works also uses the City website to let moreThe information or to register February 5, 12, 19 and 26 – know about upcoming construction projects. Go to Springvisit: contractors www.changeonethousnad.

Applications for Artsfest 2024 are open!

(Basic Series) fieldmo.gov/departments/publicworks and lookBudgeting for the ‘Notices to org orContractors’ call 417-887-4343.

SPRINGFIELD, MO — Calling all artists, nonprofits, food vendors, performers, and Free to more learn box. The links will direct you to ainteractive virtual plans class room for

information on projects.

Northwest Project Offers a free program to help families revitalize their hope so they can set and meet personal goals with a community system of support. Program participants focus on specific ways to help families move from living paycheck to paycheck: Affordable Quality Housing, Quality Childcare, Transportation, Job Training and Educational Opportunities, Budgeting, Resolving Legal Issues, Accountability and Health and Well Being. For more information: contact the Northwest Project at: www.

DrewLewis.org, SGFNWP@ gmail.com or 417-720-1890.

how to manage money better.

Registration is required and you must attend all four sessions.

Contact 417-888-2020, ext. 150 or register online at http://www. cpozarks.org/financial-literacy/.

general vendors! Artsfest on Walnut Street, the largest outdoor arts festival in southwest Missouri, is gearing up for its grand celebration on May 4-5, 2024. Don’t miss your chance to be a part of this dynamic gathering of creativity and community.

Applications can be found at http://www.SpringfieldArtsfest.org.

Letter to the Editor Continued from Page 7

to being truly inclusive. Nevertheless, I dream of an inclusive society with mutual respect: something that Americans can be proud of. Above all, I love because of this revelation.

“Disagreement does not equal hate.”

Unite News Building Empowering Connections | Page 11

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