Rev. Dr. Martin L. King, Jr.: Celebrating The Holiday Pg 12
UniteNews January 2024 | Volume 34 | No 1 | www.unitenewsonline.org
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27th Annual Springfield Multicultural Festival at Oasis Convention Center Page 7 Embrace the New Year: A Guide to starting 2024 Happy, Healthy & Strong Page 10 History of Silver Springs Park in Segragated Springfield MO Page 5 Plan to attend the MBA Heritage Awards Event February 9, 2024 Page 15
The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and wife Coretta Scott King
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“LET THE CHILDREN MARCH” TAKES PLACE IN 1963 BIRMINGHMAM, ALABAMA, AS THOUSANDS OF AFRICAN-AMERICAN CHILDREN MARCHED FOR THEIR FREEDOM AFTER BEING INSPIRED BY A DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. SPEECH.
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From the Editor
The Unite News Publication is published by Unite of Southwest Missouri, Inc.
Volume 34, Number 1 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 2024, and a Happy New Year to each one of you! As we step into January, UnitedNews is gearing up for its busiest period of the year. For the 27th consecutive year, we are thrilled to present the annual Springfield Multicultural Festival. Our primary goal remains steadfast: fostering community spirit and broadening appreciation for the rich tapestry of talent and resources available in the Springfield and southwest Missouri area. As the calendar flips to a new year, we face a fresh opportunity to take control of our lives and set the stage for a year filled with happiness, good health. Be sure to check out Melesha Bailey’s article, guiding us on how to embark on the new year with happiness, robust health, and our best quality of life! This issue delves into the historical archives at the History Museum, shedding light on a period in Springfield, Missouri’s history when organized Black Baseball teams competed against Caucasian teams in various parks. Despite this, the unfortunate reality was that black players and fans were barred from utilizing picnic facilities, playgrounds, or other amenities within these parks. Additionally, we bring you insights on commemorating the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday. Whether it’s visiting the Smithsonian African American Museum in Washington DC, participating in the annual Springfield MO NAACP March and Celebration, or joining the festivities at the Springfield Multicultural Festival, there are numerous ways to honor and engage in this significant day. 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 January issue and embrace the season 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
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2024 Winter Reading Challenge at the Library Join Us at the Library in January Adults: Take the 2024 Winter Reading Challenge The Winter Reading Challenge returns for adults, especially those who love a challenge. The Library’s fifth cold-weather adult reading event runs from Jan. 2 to Feb. 29. Pick up a Winter Reading Challenge form at any library branch or Mobile Library checkout desk and get ready to mix it up. You can log your titles on Beanstack by visiting thelibrary.org/readingchallenge. Librarians have assembled 15 new reading categories this year. Some will surprise you; some may nudge you out of your comfort zone. All of them are bound to introduce you to some new ideas and authors. Need help finding a book, just ask. Patrons that complete the challenge will receive a 2024 edition mug for being a Winter Reading Master! ••• 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s Join us at the Republic Branch Library on Thursday, Jan. 25, at 10:30 a.m. Does someone you care for frequently misplace things, forget names or get confused about where they are? Learn the ten common warning signs of Alzheimer’s and dementia and explore the next steps in seeking out help for yourself or a loved one. Presented in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association Greater Missouri Chapter. ••• Bundle up for a Winter StoryWalk® For Infants- age 9. Don’t let winter keep you inside! Take a StoryWalk® at three great locations in January. • Jan. 2 -22 at the Springfield Art Museum, 1111 E. Brookside Drive, featuring “Cat’s Colors” by Airlie Anderson • Jan. 3 -29 on Commercial Street, start at the C-Street Market parking lot at 320 E Commercial St. and head west, featuring “All Are Welcome” by Alexandra Penfold. • Jan. 9 -22 at the Ash Grove City Park, 300 E Parkway St., featuring “All You Need for a Snowman” by Alice Schertle. 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.
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Community News
UniteNews Building Empowering Connections | Page 5
Connect students with opportunities in your organization
By Nicki Donnelson UniteNews Contributing Writer
No matter where you are in an organization – from the intern to the CEO – you got your start by being offered an opportunity. Maybe it was a chance to excel in the classroom. Maybe it was at a lemonade stand where you made your first buck. Or maybe your current position is that big opportunity. “Creating opportunities to grow and succeed is the backbone of what we do at efactory,” said Emily Denniston, director of community engagement and operations. Since the beginning, efactory served as a one-stop shop for entrepreneurs and small businesses to get the support services and resources that would help them overcome common challenges startups encountered. “We’ve expanded services to meet needs of small and large businesses, professionals and students,” Denniston said. “The town-gown relationship is real, and we want to continue to facilitate opportunities to build students’ and graduates’ skills and keep talent here. It helps the whole community.” Through efactory, you can connect with students and be the one that offers an extraordinary springboard to future success.
Launchpad
Launchpad is the newest collaborative space on Missouri State University’s campus. Here students can find jobs, interview for positions, have materials reviewed and meet with prospective employers. You can schedule time to visit with students or showcase your organization, too. Visit efactory.missouristate. edu/contact.
Graduate assistantships
Missouri State recently rolled out
the community-sponsored graduate assistantship program, which can be a huge asset to an organization. Prior to this, graduate assistantships were solely available to students on campus, but the university always knew that there was so much untapped potential for students if they were to get more community experience. Through this arrangement, you can offer a position to a talented graduate student and benefit from their insights while they also learn from you. However, the students are technically employees of the university, which eases the burden for your organization. It also gives you access to hiring international graduate students. Otherwise, they would be ineligible for hiring off-campus. “Hosting a graduate assistant is a win for all,” said Dr. Julie Masterson, dean of the Graduate College. “The
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student brings a fresh perspective and can help in a variety of areas, which frees up senior staff to focus on higher-level issues. The employer provides real-world experience, which makes coursework come alive for the student. It can be somewhat like a long-term interview resulting in talent acquisition for the company and a desirable first job for the student.“
Course projects
University classrooms can be a breeding ground for innovative solutions to questions in the workplace. Therefore, we connect community organizations with MSU classrooms to design course projects that can be beneficial to all parties. Students get the hands-on experience they need while employers get fresh perspectives and a chance to meet future leaders. As an example, CoxHealth has
participated in course projects. Their leadership team continues to find value in teaming up with the students in this way. “In addition to the changes we made during the project, we have continued to leverage their findings on subsequent work as well,” said John Chastain, CoxHealth.
Fostering talent
Building a strong workforce at your company, creating a more educated community talent pool or upskilling yourself to improve your livelihood takes intentionality. This year, take the time to create opportunities for yourself and others around you. Check out several options for fostering talent here in Springfield: www.missouristate.edu/partnerships/talent
Tips for Back to School After Winter Break by creating a visual countdown for the end of winter break. • Discuss the Year Ahead: Such as the coursework your Winter break is upon us bringchild will do each day. Talking ing holidays and celebrations through any worries or concerns galore— like Christmas, Hanukcan help them feel more confikah, and Kwanzaa— dent. Older kids and which adds color and teens might want to fun into an otherwise set some academic dull, cold time of New Year’s resoluyear. These different tions they can work merriments are a time toward. of laughter, joy and • Celebrate Their family fulfillment that First Week Back: can induce a kind of Returning to school joyful haze that can be Gwen Marshall after a fun-filled quite challenging to winter break can come back from. When these fesfeel a little disappointing. Help tivities come to an end and reality soften the blow by organizing comes crashing back, kids often something special to celebrate struggle with the transition back the completion of their first week to structure, routine, and rules. back. For many, the return to school in January invokes the same kind of struggles as back-to-school season in August. So, the need for preparation at home with parents Springfield, MO—Unite of Southand families to help their students west Missouri proudly presents get back into the swing of things, the 27th Annual Springfield Multiwithout feeling overwhelmed, is cultural Festival, a celebration of imperative, and begs the quesdiverse cultures in the Ozarks. tion, “How?” The event is set to take place on Follow these tips by Fiona Monday, January 15, 2024, from Tapp former teacher and school 12 pm to 4 pm, coinciding with administrator for 13 years as we the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. begin a new calendar year: Holiday, at the Oasis Hotel and • Return to Bedtime Routines: Convention Center. Make sure they transition to their “In our 27th year, we continue regular bedtime before school our tradition of honoring music starts. Because regular sleep patand dance performances that repterns are essential to your child’s resent cultures from around the ability to learn and their behavior. globe. The Springfield Multicul• Create a Back-to-School Counttural Festival serves as a bridge down: Ease the transition back to connecting diverse communities class, especially for younger kids, while offering families an by Gwen Marshall, UniteNews Contributing Writer
• Stock Up on School Supplies: Start the new year ready for new challenges by ensuring your child has all the resources they need. • Make Your Mornings Easier: School mornings can be hectic, especially if kids have gotten used to moving at a slower pace during the holidays. Make the before-school hours run smoothly by prepping a few things in advance. A students’ feelings can range from excitement to dread and everything in between. Be sure to validate their feelings, it’s normal for kids to have mixed emotions about going back to school. Though they might be eager to see their friends and their teachers they might also feel anxious and apprehensive about the situation. Both reactions are
normal and valid. Encourage kids to voice their feelings and listen with patience. When children feel heard, they’re more likely to share their feelings and worries. Act as a safe space, and let your kindness help them find the courage needed to face all of life’s challenges. Let them know this is a time for a new beginning as they enter a new year. Happy Holidays to all.
Coming Events: January 1-2, 2024 District Closed
January 3, 2024
Professional Day (Students Out)
January 15, 2024
Dr Martin L King Jr. Day District Closed
Celebrate Culture In the Ozarks at the 27th SGF Multicultural Festival enjoyable way to commemorate the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday,” stated Samuel Knox, the event coordinator. Knox emphasized, “Our festival remains dedicated to our mission of promoting community, as well as enhancing understanding and appreciation for the diverse talent, resources, and opportunities available in the Springfield area.” In addition to the captivating on-stage cultural presentations, attendees will have access to local financial services, healthcare information, career and employment opportunities, and various community resources.
“Our partnering organizations recognize our diverse audience as an excellent way to demonstrate their commitment to outreach and support for the diverse populations residing in Southwest Missouri,” added Knox. Musical performances will start at 1:00 pm and continue throughout the day. General admission tickets are priced at $7, and children ages 12 and younger can attend for free. Traditional foods will be available for purchase at the event. For more details, go to www.springfieldmulticulturalfestival.com or check out the festival’s Facebook page.
Unite News Building Empowering Connections | Page 7
Artificial Intelligence (AI) - 2024 and beyond by Heather Noggle, UniteNews Contributing Writer
ChatGPT celebrated a birthday in November of 2023. If you haven’t tried it out, now is a good time to interact with the free version. You can find it at chat,openai,com. You’ll have to register the first time you use it. The world shifts and changes in small parts (and large) each year, and as we enter into 2024, it’s good to recognize we have to shift and change along with it. ChatGPT is just one of those things. We need awareness and sometimes understanding. My favorite thing to do with ChatGPT is to make images, as I can’t draw even a stick figure. But I can use
words to tell the program what to build and draw, and - mostly - it’ll do that for me-Enough to illustrate my writing. You may have a job that ChatGPT and other large language models (LLMs) like it can help - kind of like having a robotic arm. In 2023/2024, it’s not replacing jobs, but it can make people more productive if they know how to use it. Like computer searches replacing the library card catalog. You - like me - might remember those. So much of technology is that way - knowing how it can benefit you and learning a little bit (or a lot) about how to use it. The ChatGPT AI that makes images is called DALL-E 3 and has a month-
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ly price tag of $20 for ChatGPT plus - for now. But interacting with ChatGPT itself - asking it to summarize key points or help you identify something that’s missing - can help you be more productive and round out your thinking. And that’s free. Our next generation will need to know how to interact with AI for many jobs. It should help automated the mundane things or help us get “unstuck” when we need another partial brain to move forward. But that takes knowing how to use it.
The future of work is heavily integrated with technology. I’ve mentioned before that with cybersecurity there are a great many free or low cost courses, and with cybersecurity, a degree isn’t necessary; knowledge is. AI- and using it effectively another skill that can be learned on line and for free or low cost. So if you have some time, interest, and an lnternet connection, explore. Vanderbilt University has a free Generative AI course. You can find it here: https://
www,coursera,org/learn/ prompt-engjneerjng. I took it a few months back and found it helpful the results you get from AI are cleaner with clear prompts. Google has one, too, but I haven’t taken this one. It looks to be more in-depth. https:// collegedunia,com/courses/artificial-intelligence/google-ai-course When the future arrives, we have a chance to help shape it. Al should reflect collective thinking and creation. The more of us who are involved in that work, the more the future will reflect our contributions. Start learning, and help our young people do the same. Schools may not be ready to embrace ChatGPT and programs like it, but they soon will. Because they’ll have to.
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A Tribute Bench to recognize Dr Rosalyn Thomas by Serenity Sosa, UniteNews Contributing Writer
Throughout my academic journey at Drury University, I have had the honor of closely collaborating with Dr. Rosalyn Thomas, whose impactful role as the Associate Dean of Diversity and Inclusion resonates across our campus. Dr. Thomas has left an indelible mark by spearheading initiatives such as the Kente Stole ceremony for African-American graduates, providing leadership for the Drury Bridges program, and actively participating in the renovation committee of the Serenity Sosa Benton Avenue African Methodist Episcopal Church. Her commitment to diversity work has been unwavering, and she navigates challenges with remarkable strength and conviction. Dr. Thomas, a woman of both subtle and bold talents, dedicates herself tirelessly to enriching the student experience for minority students, seamlessly moving from one meaningful meeting to another. In recognition of her outstanding contributions, the idea of a tribute bench for Dr. Thomas took root during our annual fashion show last February. Despite the success of the event, which raised over $700 for personal BUIC funds, the executive council of Black United Independent
Collegiate (BUIC) unanimously decided to channel these funds into honoring our esteemed advisor. Over the summer, collaborative efforts with campus facilities, Chip Parker, the Business Office, and the Dean of Students culminated in the successful acquisition of a tribute bench on July 31st. Our Vice-President, Cristian Cuevas, exhibited exceptional diligence, working on campus to liaise with facilities and secure the perfect location for the bench. Despite the challenge of keeping this heartfelt project a secret for three Cristian Cuevas months, our commitment remained steadfast. The culmination of our collective efforts unfolded in an intimate ceremony on November 9th at 6:00 pm at Drury University. This event not only brought together Dr. Thomas’s family, friends, and numerous community members but also served as a poignant moment for the unveiling of the tribute bench—a lasting and fitting symbol of our deep gratitude for her guidance and profound influence in our lives.
Dr. Rosalyn Thomas sitting on her Tribute Bench at Drury University
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Your Health & Wellness News Embrace the New Year: A Guide to Starting 2024 Happy, Healthy, and Strong by Melesha Bailey, UniteNews Contributing Writer As the clock strikes midnight and the calendar flips to a new year, we face a fresh opportunity to take control of our lives and set the stage for a year filled with happiness, health, and the best quality of life. Many people use the new year to set new goals for self-improvement. These goals can encompass many aspects of life, such as physical fitness, mental well-being, career advancement, or learning new skills. Whether you aim to improve your physical fitness, enhance your mental well-being, or embrace a more positive outlook, here are some guides to help you start a joyous new year. Reflect on the Past Year Before looking ahead, it’s essential to take some time to think and reflect on the past year. What were your successes and challenges? What did you learn, and how did you grow and evolve? This reflection can provide valu-
A positive mindset is the founable insights to guide what you dation of happiness and strength. want for 2024. Start each day with gratitude. Seek New Experiences Reflect on things you are grateful A happy, healthy, and vibrant for. I heard Myron Golden say if life isn’t just about maintaining you aren’t practicing the status quo. gratitude, you won’t Challenge yourself be able to handle to try new things, abundance when it whether learning a comes. Gratitude new skill, traveling is the conduit for to a new destinaabundance. Surround tion, or meeting yourself with supportnew people. These ive and positive peoexperiences will ple who encourage enrich your life and Melesha Bailey your personal growth. expand your horiPrioritize Your Health zons. Your health is your most valuLearn from Setbacks able asset. Make it a top priority Remember, setbacks are a natby focusing on a balanced diet, ural part of life. Instead of becomregular exercise, and adequate ing discouraged, view them as sleep. Incorporate more fruits, opportunities for growth. While vegetables, and whole grains into we often strive for a smooth path your meals, and find an exercise in life, the hurdles and challenges routine you enjoy. A healthy body we encounter test our character leads to a happier mind. and strength. Learning from setRenewed Motivation: backs is crucial to help us build The beginning of a new year resilience and turn adversity into often brings a sense of motivation growth and self-improvement and determination. It’s a time opportunities. Cultivate a Positive Mindset
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when people are inspired to take action and make positive life changes. Celebrate Small Wins While focusing on your goals, remember to celebrate small wins along the way. Acknowledging and appreciating your achievements, no matter how small they may seem, can boost your motivation and self-confidence. A New Year is a chance for a fresh start, to make choices that promote happiness, excellent health, and your chance of experiencing your best quality of life. Start your journey to a happier, healthier, and more fulfilling life in 2024 with our Love 4 Life Wellness New Year’s Coaching Package Special. Embrace personal growth, improve your relationships, and achieve your dreams. Don’t wait; this special offer will only last for a while. Take the first step towards a brighter future today!” Contact me at melesha@love4lifewellness. com or any of my social media platforms, and DM me. Here’s to a Happy, Healthy New Year.
Social Security: Understanding It’s Past & Future by Mahalia Boyd, UniteNews Contributing Writer
Social Security has a long and evolving history. The program began with the Social Security Act of 1935. The Act was signed into law by President Franklin D. Roosevelt as a response to the economic challenges of the Great Depression. It was an attempt to limit unforeseen or unprepared dangers of advancing age, unemployment following the stock market crash, poverty, disability, and burdened widow(er) with or without children. While its intentions were primarily positive, critics argued bias in its implementation and disproportionately excluded certain groups, like the agricultural sector, domestic workers, and ethnic groups. In 1935, the life expectancy in the United States was significantly lower than today. Life
expectancy at birth in the 1930s was 58 years for men, 62 years for women, and the retirement age was 65. According to sources, our government based this value on life expectancy because people wouldn’t live beyond their mid-sixties. In other words, they didn’t expect the workforce’s average worker would live long enough to receive the “fruits of their labor.” Nowadays, advances in healthcare, improved living conditions, and access to public health measures have contributed to people living longer. When the program began, employees and employers were required to contribute a percentage of the employee’s wages to the Social Security Trust Fund. Social Security receives monies through payroll taxes (FICA) to be a pay-as-you-go system, with current workers supporting retirees. The goal of establishing the
fund is to collect, hold, and invest until needed to pay benefits to retirement-eligible individuals. Social Security has undergone numerous changes and expansions. In 1939, amendments were made to the Social Security Act to provide benefits to dependents and survivors of workers who died prematurely. The program adjusted for longer life expectancy and changing demographics of the U.S. population. Before 1937, the full retirement age was 65, from 1960 and later, the retirement age has gradually increased to 67. These changes ensured the program’s long-term solvency as more people lived longer in retirement. However, debates persist about the program’s financial sustainability of providing monies for retirees; dependents, and survivors of workers who die prematurely, are disabled; and have longer life expectancy. The main factor contributing to the projected shortage is the demographic shift as the pop-
ulation ages. As baby boomers retire, life expectancy increases, and fewer workers pay into the system versus beneficiaries receiving benefits. This imbalance puts a strain on the Social Security Trust Funds. According to a recent article in the Trustees Report, it projects the Trust Fund reserves will be depleted in 2034. If Congress takes no action to ensure the solvency of Trust Funds, the Social Security program will have enough FICA taxes to pay about 80% of the scheduled benefits. Social Security should not be a person’s sole source of income in retirement. It was designed to provide some economic relief and comfort along with savings, investments, and employer-sponsored benefits (pensions), if available. Resolve in the New Year to save and invest for the future. Email me at mahalia.boyd@primerica.com for a free copy of our “How Money Works” brochure. Mahalia Boyd, Representative Primerica Life Company & Financial Services
Unite News Building Empowering Connections | Page 11
National Museum of African American History and Culture
by Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture
The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) celebrates Martin Luther King Jr.’s life and legacy with various educational opportunities throughout January. From in-person activities to online offerings,
the museum commemorates King and the holiday surrounding his impact on the world. Beginning Jan. 8, 2024, King’s original “I Have a Dream” speech from the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, on loan from Villanova University, will be on display through March 4, 2024. For digital visitors looking to learn more about King online, a
blog post highlighting surprising facts about King’s life is now available at nmaahc.si.edu/5thingsMLK. Alongside the “I Have a Dream” speech on view are objects associated with King, including a Congressional Gold Medal awarded posthumously to him and Coretta Scott King in 2014, a laundry pail used by King during the march from Selma to Montgomery and 1956 handbill advertising a prayer meeting with King at a Boston church. On Monday, Jan. 8, 2024, the museum welcomes author Jonathan Eig for a special event to discuss his biography “King: A Life,” in the Oprah Winfrey Theater and streaming online. The event “The People’s Holiday: The Many Dreams of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.” Monday, Jan. 15, reinterprets the life and work of King through powerful performances by students from Duke Ellington
School of the Arts. From Jan. 12 to Jan. 15, 2024, the museum’s Sweet Home Café will celebrate the holiday with a special menu featuring a selection of King’s most-liked dishes, including ribs, collard greens and a chocolate bourbon pecan pie. For more details, visit the Sweet Home Café website. Entry to the museum includes access to the café, and special Dine and Shop passes are available for access to the café and museum store only. In observance of the holiday, the museum will remain open during its regular operating hours from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Advanced and same-day free timed-entry passes are available online.
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