June 2013

June Unite Page 12

JaNae Hornsby, Third Grader Among Oklahoma Tornado Victims BlackNews.Com— 9-year old JaNae Hornsby was one of 24 people killed in the recent Moore, Oklahoma tornadoes, which caused an estimated $1 billion in damage. Her father rushed to her school to get her when he realized where the storm was touching down, but he didn't make it in time. According to the Associated Press, the tornado had already slammed through the building when he arrived. He franticly combed through the rubble with the help of other students and first responders looking desperately for JaNae. Slowly, more and more children were pulled from the rubble. Many children, still alive, were rescued, but none of them were

JaNae. It wasn't until two days later that JaNae and several other children were found at the very bottom of all the debris. All of them suffocated beneath the debris, and died from mechanical asphyxia. Her dad says that JaNae loved to draw, sing, and be a big sister and cousin to her younger relatives. He commented, "JaNae was the life of the party. If JaNae was there you were having a good time." Other children who died in the storm include: - Sydney Angle, 9 - Antonia Candelaria, 9 - Emily Conatzer, 9 - Kyle Davis, 8

June 2013 Volume 23/ Number 6 • A Monthly Publication by Unite. of Southwest Missouri, Inc •

www.unitenewsonline.org

UNITE. Building Empowering Connections In Our Diverse Community

Springfield Public Schools Coordinator of Cultural Diversity Dr Nate Quinn Is Retiring 9-year old JaNae Hornsby - Case Futrell, 4 months - JaNae Hornsby, 9 - Christopher Legg, 9

- Nicolas McCabe, 9 - Karrina Vargyas, 4

- Sydnee Vargyas, 7 months Dr. Nate Quinn

“I hope I have shown others that if you work hard there will be ups and downs but you will make it.”

See story on page 2

Share What You Love About The Unite Publication With Your Friends & Family. Unite enriches lives and connects you with diverse news about your community you can trust and count on. Unite is now available online at unitenewsonline.org Have the Unite Publication delivered to your home or office for only $25. per year. Call: (417) 864-7444

UNITE.

NewsOnline

Building Empowering Connections In Our Diverse Community

Join Us In Celebrating Father’s Day June 16th

Board Awards Wes Pratt And Juan Meraz Excellence in Public Affairs

Wes Pratt

Juan Meraz

See story on page 4

Springfield Reunion Club Launches Their New Website The Springfield Reunion Club is happy to announce their new website: parkdayreunion. com. You will be able to see updated information on Park Day 2013, photos from Park Day 2012-2011, along with a lot more information.

JUNETEENTH A DAY OF REMEMBRANCE

Springfield, MO—Missouri State University will partner this year with the NAACP to co-sponsor the Juneteenth Celebration. The observance of June 19 as the African American Emancipation Day has spread across the United States and beyond. Today Juneteenth commemorates African American freedom and emphasizes education and achievement. It is a time celebrated across the country when, people of all races, nationalities and religions acknowledge a period in our history that shaped and continues to influence our society today. Many cities, including Springfield, are recognizing this day as an opportunity to celebrate everyone’s freedom! Springfield’s celebration will include spoken word, praise

dances, poems, gospel rap and other local talent. This year’s activities will include performers from Columbia and Kansas City. Pack a picnic lunch and join the community in celebrating Juneteenth. The Juneteenth celebration will take place at Silver Springs Park on June 15, 2013 from 12:00 to 5:00 P.M. If you are interested in performing or having a booth to educate the community about your organization, please contact Francine Pratt at fpratt@missouristate.edu or 916-541-1675. This event is one of two initiatives under consideration in the City of Springfield’s Strategic Plan. The other initiative is an annual Jazz Festival the first Friday of October each year.

June Unite Page 11

June Unite Page 2

Dr. Quinn Retires After 30 Years by Mia Jackson Huskisson Unite Contributing Writer

He started working for Springfield Public Schools in 1983 as an assistant Hillcrest After 30 years with Springbasketball coach and science field Public Schools, Missouri’s teacher. Over the past 30 years largest school he worked his district, Dr. Nate way up the ranks Quinn’s first day working as: of retirement will Hillcrest Coach, be July 1, 2013. Teacher and As“I knew sistant Principal, this day would Jarrett Middle come, and I have School Principal, planned for it,” and District CoorDr. Nate Quinn, dinator of Cultural Springfield Public Diversity and ExSchools Coordipanded Learning nator of Cultural Opportunities. Dr. Nate Quinn Diversity and ExQuinn believes panded Learning Opportunities his career path has been a natusaid. ral progression since his father

City of Springfield project bids Open for business – Open to all The City of Springfield Division of Purchases welcomes all contractors and vendors to participate in the City’s bid opportunities for providing needed supplies, equipment, and services to the City. Information and notification about bidding is open to all, and there is never a charge. To view or download all current documents for bidding opportunities with the Division of Purchases, please go to our website at: Springfieldmo.gov/purchasing, and click on ‘Bid Processing Center.’ Contractors, consultants and other types of vendors may also sign up to receive notifications of the City’s future bid opportunities based on the type of services they provide. This service can be found by clicking on ‘Bid Notification Service’ on the Purchasing website. There is a fee (for use of a third party notification service). The City’s Department of Public Works also uses the City website to let contractors know about upcoming construction projects. Go to Springfieldmo.gov/departments/publicworks and look for the ‘Notices To Contractors’ box. The links will direct you to a virtual plans room for more information on projects.

worked as a school administrator and superintendent. When asked what his plans are for his first day of retirement, Quinn grinned and said he would probably be cutting his lawn or doing something with his kids. “I plan to stay in education. I’m going to Missouri State as a professor, Quinn said. My sole interest as I leave is to make sure my kids make it through, as my parents did for me.” “His presence has been powerful for the whole district and he will really be missed,” Springfield Public Schools Associate Secondary Superintendent Dr. Justin Herrell said. “I will miss the people and the relationships I have built here

The Library

continued from page 3 they make the job more fun,” Quinn said. “Nate has an amazing way of connecting with anyone and making them feel comfortable, Herrell said. His key characteristic is that he truly cares and he has a great ability to demonstrate that.” Quinn said he’s most proud of the students he has impacted who have gone on to become successful adults. “He’s touched numerous lives,” Herrell said. “I hope I have shown others that if you work hard there will be ups and downs but you will make it,” Quinn said.

Deliverance Temple Ministries Presents 40th Church Anniversary Celebration Springfield, MO– Deliverance Temple Ministries will present their 40th Church Anniversary Celebration, taking place at 2101 W. Chestnut Expressway, Springfield, MO on Friday, June 7 – Sunday, June 9, 2013. They are very happy to announce that Dr. Elijah Hankerson, Pastor of Life Center International Church of God in Christ in St. Louis, MO will be their special guest speaker on Friday night. The service will begin at 7:00 pm. Saturday morning at 11:00 am they will have a Gratitude Luncheon in honor of all of the volunteers who serve in the ministry. Venue for the luncheon is the Catholic Campus Ministry

Center at 847 S. Holland on the MSU campus. The luncheon is for members of Deliverance Temple only. Saturday evening at 6:00 pm they will host a city-wide community gospel musical. Their founding pastor, Bishop David Knox Jr., will close the celebration with a Vision Service on Sunday morning at 10:15 am. The Friday night service, the Saturday night musical and the Sunday morning worship service are all open to members, past and present as well as friends of Deliverance Temple Ministries. If you have any questions please contact, Minister Regina Rogers, 417-849-3191.

Children age 4 through fifth grade can drop by a library branch or Mobile Library for a game board and begin logging their hours to win a Food ‘n’ Fun Flipcard of free and discounted treats and attractions from area sponsors. As they read more, they can earn a Fresh Start Fine Waiver Card, a free book and enter the Eager Reader Challenge for more prizes. Learn more at thelibrary.org/digintoreading. Readers in grades 6-12 can sign up online, read and post reviews and earn the Flipcard and Fresh Start Fine Waiver Card. As they read, they can enter weekly drawings for prizes. Grand prize drawing Aug. 5 is for a Kindle Fire. Learn more at thelibrary.org/beneath. Kids and teens who spend summer at day camps and clubs can take part, too. Library staff brings the program to them through Summer Reading To Go.

Adults can register at any branch by listing their first five completed books and receive an “I Love My Library” window cling. Or, register online at thelibrary.org/ groundbreakingreads. Everyone will be entered into a drawing on Aug. 5 for prizes. Keep reading and submit book reviews online. Parents of children from birth through 36 months have a new program that provides the tools for reading, playing and singing with little ones to build their pre-reading skills. It’s patterned after the Library’s signature early literacy program, Racing to Read. Pick up the Tiny Tots game board in any children’s department to record 10 books and complete five of the simple activities. Then exchange the finished board for a free book from the library and enter a drawing for other prizes. Kathleen O’Dell is community relations director of the Springfield-Greene County Library District. She can be reached at kathleeno@thelibrary.org.

Jason Umbarger, Attorney TRIALS * APPEALS * FAMILY * CRIMINAL * INJURY (417) 865-4600 jason@jasonumbarger.com

If you want to experience something new —the before and after look of true beauty, come to:

Trena’s Exquisite Hair Salon

Monday - Saturday 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. 1553 N. National Ave.

Call: (417) 849-6611

Fades Barber Shop Specializing in Fades and other popular styles. 812 S. Glenstone Ave Call to schedule an appointment or come by. Walk-ins are welcome.

(417)832-8242

Father and Son To Graduate Morehouse College Together BlackNews.com—A father and his son will be graduating from Morehouse College in Atlanta together. Dorian Joyner Jr. will march with his dad, Dorian Sr., who is finally finishing his studies that he started way back in 1984. When Dorian Jr. first heard that his dad was coming back to Morehouse, he admitted it was a shock at first. He reflects, "I said, 'Oh, you're coming back to visit some of your friends?' And my dad said 'No, I'm coming back to be a student.' I said - can you repeat that?" But the story gets even more

remarkable. The father and son duo were not distant while on campus; They supported one another throughout their college experience. They studied together, and made it a plan to achieve their family goals as a unit. They say the experience brought them closer together. “We’re Morehouse brothers,” they said with pride. After graduation, Dorian Sr. is planning to go to law school to eventually become a judge, and his son, Dorian Jr., is planning to travel abroad with the Peace Corps for two years, and then attend film school.

L to R: Dorian Joyner Jr. with his dad, Dorian Sr. on campus together

June Unite Page 10

A Directory of local and regional health resources AIDS Federal hotline; 24 hours a day, everyday, including holidays. 1-800-590-AIDS (2437) Local office: 417-881-1900 Alzheimer’s Association 417-886-2199 Alzheimer's Dementia Workshop Lynette Adams Springfield, MO Any size class available 417-866-6878 American Stroke Association Learn more about strokes by calling 1-888-4-STROKE Cancer Resource Network 1-800-227-2345 Diabetes Hotline Division of Cox Medical Center North 417-269-3737 Medicare Information Medicare Information Hotline 1-800-494-7355 Mental Health Crisis Hotline Counseling needs & crisis intervention 1-800-494-7355 National Parkinson Foundation Education, announcements, links to related sites 1-800-327-4545 www.parkinson.org OTC Dental Hygiene Clinic Provides low cost dental care for adults and children; performed by students under the supervision of faculty and local dentists. Cleanings, X-rays and exams For adults $50. for children $35. Call 417-447-8835 to make appt. DHSS/ Office Of Minority Health The mission is to eliminate health disparities through assertive leadership, advocacy support, and visible interaction with minority communities in Missouri. Call: 1-800-877-3180

June Unite Page 3

IN THIS ISSUE

Health & Mental Fitness African American Men’s Health Beliefs: Dispelling the Myths by Dr. Waverly Duck, Community College of Philadelphia When Waverly Duck, Ph.D., began research for his doctorate at Wayne State University in his hometown of Detroit, he soon realized an alarming pattern: Beliefs and attitudes about health and certain disease were keeping African-American men from preventative and routine health care A Sociology professor at the College and Philadelphia resident since 2004, Duck has continued his research with funding from the Christian R. and Mary F. Lindback Foundation’s prestigious Minority Junior Faculty Grant Program for Career Enhancement for nontenured minority college faculty. The often-persistent belief that certain diseases are more dangerous if you are AfricanAmerican surfaced throughout Duck’s research. AfricanAmerican men often deal with health threats by avoiding regular checkups, screenings and treatment because of their perceptions about masculinity. They see themselves in positions of strength as the head of the house, the breadwinner and the sexual partner, according to Duck. Exploring reasons for the prevalence of HIV/AIDS and prostate cancer among AfricanAmerican men, Duck found that many interviewees avoided seeking treatment because they perceived these diseases as incurable or unmanageable. “African-American men see these diseases as ‘a death sen-

tence’ and conclude seeking young, African- American men, treatment would be pointless,” going to the doctor for a screenhe said. ing when you are healthy just African-American men are isn’t done,” Duck said. at the highest risk Duck recomfor prostate cancer. mends that health care Individuals who are practitioners look at between the ages African-American men’s of 60 and 69 with a beliefs about wellness, family history of the treatment and illness. disease are the least Fortunately, men’s attilikely to be screened tudes about masculinity for it, confirms the are changing, partly Dr. Waverly Duck National Institutes of due to efforts to raise Health (NIH). Just 25 awareness about male percent of those in the highhealth issues, he said. risk group received the screenDuck has incorporated ing. Conversely, 65 percent of his research findings into a African- American men without Sociology course at the College a family history of prostate canon health and society, focusing cer get screenings, according to on Philadelphia resources and the NIH. case studies. Additionally, Duck hopes The most at-risk HIV/AIDS is a to engage leading killer populations are older men students and of Africanfaculty in a at or nearing retirement age American dialogue about and younger men who males aged the relation25 to 44 and ship of genthink nothing bad can affects nearly der, race and happen to them. seven times health. more African“These stories Americans and have to be told,” three times more Hispanics he said. “I believe men will act than whites, according to the more responsibly if the myths Centers for Disease Control and are dispelled.” Waverly Duck Ph.D. Prevention Duck’s research did show that many African- American men seek medical attention for lesser health problems, such as sexually transmitted diseases, because they are seen as treatOnly $25. per year able. Call: (417) 864-7444 The most at-risk populations Unite is a 501(c)3 are older men at or nearing not-for-profit organization. retirement age and younger Your contributions may be men who think nothing bad tax-deductible. can happen to them. “For most

Subscribe To The Unite Publication

Community News

Register To Win Prizes During The Summer Reading Program by Kathleen O’Dell , Springfield-Greene County Library District The Library’s annual Summer Reading Program is under way, and we’re ready to reward you with prizes and fun programs for all ages – especially kids! Librarians can help you find exactly what you want, and we’ll reward you for reading – no matter how old you are. The program runs through August 3 and is funded by the Friends of the Library with additional funding from the Missouri State Library. The rewards are great, especially for young readers. Research shows that public library summer reading programs enhance student achievement in school. With tiny tots, reading, playing and singing are the best ways to help them get ready to learn to read. continued on page 11

4

Board of Governors Awards Pratt And Meraz Excellence In Public Affairs by Missouri State University

6 8 10

The Money Section

Home Ownership: Protect Your Investment by Kim Jones

Lifestyle & Entertainment News

Movie Review —“Peeples” by Lyle Foster

UNITE. Volume 23, Number 6 Publisher Unite. of Southwest Missouri, Inc. Managing Editor Samuel G. Knox Contributing Writers Lyle Foster Mia Jackson-Huskisson Kim Jones Gwen Marshall Kathleen O'Dell Vera Jane Goodin Schultz Photography David Huskisson David N Knox John Schultz

Health & Mental Fitness

Volunteers Tyra Knox Angelor Wilkes

African American Men’s Health Beliefs by Dr. Waverly Duck

The Unite. publication is a

Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home, Inc. The quality and care that you expect in 242 years of combined experience

W. Bruce Howell Robert J. Lohmeyer Don R. Lohmeyer Marquis D. Howell, Jr Heather K. Howell Angela N. Collins Harley R. Williams Clint W. Mease Winford R Laster

(417)886-9994 • Fax: (417) 886-9996 • 1947 E. Seminole • Springfield, MO 65804

monthly newspaper published by

Unite of Southwest Missouri, Inc. a 501(c)(3) non-profit community organization.

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 corre-

spondence to the same address.

City Employment Link Chase Card Services More than a Job…a Career. Open positions in our Springfield, MO Center. Join an organization recognized as one of the World’s Most Admired Companies by Fortune Magazine. Now Available: • Customer Service Advisors • Collections • Team Manager & Team Leader Apply today. Visit us online at careers.jpmorganchase.com. Keyword: SpringfieldMO

The City of Springfield offers a variety of municipal career opportunities for individuals interested in public service. Job opportunities are updated each Friday and can be accessed through a number of mediums: Web: http://www. springfieldmo.gov/jobs; or Phone: Jobs Hotline at 417-8641606; or TV: CityView on Medicacom Cable Digital Channel 80; or In Person: visiting our offices at 840 Boonville, Room 324, Springfield, MO 65802. The City is fully committed to a policy of hiring without regard to age, sex, race, religion, national origin, or disability. The City is an equal opportunity/ affirmative action employer.

Readers comments and ques-

tions are welcomed. The opinions expressed in these pages do not necessarily reflect the views of

Unite. of Southwest Missouri, Inc.

“The Unite Publication in accept-

ing 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 further information, you

can contact us at (417) 864-7444.

Email: unitepublication@yahoo.com

June Unite Page 9

June Unite Page 4

CommunitySection

Movie Review

continued from page 8

Board of Governors Awards Pratt And Meraz Excellence in Public Affairs Board recognizes faculty, staff and student accomplishments Springfield, MO—Governors award inaugural Excellence in Public Affairs recognition Thursday, May 16, 2013 The Missouri State University Board of Governors awarded its new Staff and Faculty Excellence in Public Affairs awards to five faculty and staff who excel at carrying out the public affairs mission. The Board also recognized three biology students for recent accomplishments during its May 17 meeting.

The recipients of the Excellence in Public Affairs awards are: • Juan Meraz, assistant vice president of multicultural services, who established the Student Transition and Education Program (STEP) –a recruitment Wes Pratt program for Hispanic students to teach them about financial aid, admission and student life. • Wes Pratt, equal opportunity officer/director of institutional equity and compliance, who established The Gathering, a volunteer-led, community-fo-

Your Loved Ones Need You Take steps to improve your quality of life

today!

June is Men’s Health Month

Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Office of Minority Health www.health.mo.gov 800.877.3180

visit

Visit us on Facebook at facebook.com/HealthyLivingMo Follow us on twitter at twitter.com/HealthyLivingMo

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER

Services are provided on a nondiscriminatory basis

cused group whose mission is to improve the Springfield community through partnerships that promote the educational, economic, political and social empowerment of all who live in the city and region. • Dr. Robert Juan Meraz Pavlowsky, professor of geography, geology and planning, who serves as the director of Ozarks Water and Environmental Research Institute and developed a cultural and environmental program to benefit the community of Bluefields Bay in Bluefields, Jamaica. • Dr. Tim Knapp, professor of sociology and anthropology, who helped establish and educate the City of Springfield about social capital and worked with colleagues to conduct the

first-ever statewide civic health assessment. • Dr. David Hays, professor of music, who founded and continues to work with the Missouri State String Project to mentor young students on string instruments in the Springfield area. The biology students recognized by the Board include Michelle Williams, a senior from Kansas City, Mo.; Katie Schmelzel, a senior from St. Louis, Mo.; and Katelyn Barlett, a graduate student from Raymore, Mo. The three students are members of Associate Professor of Biology Dr. Kyoungtae Kim’s lab group, staffed by undergraduate and graduate student researchers. The group studies the molecular mechanisms involved in moving compounds into and out of cells. Their current focus is with how a protein complex called eiosome functions in yeast cells.

Pre-Pastoral Anniversary Musical At Holy Ground Ministries June 22, 6 p.m.

Annual Fish Fry At Pitts Chapel UMC, June 7 & 8

Springfield, MO —Holy Ground Ministries will be hosting a PrePastoral Anniversary Musical Saturday, June 22, 2013, 6:00 p.m. at Holy Ground Ministries, 2722 W Mt. Vernon. The public is invited. The featured guest will be, "Inspired" from Columbia, MO and "Saved" from Springfield. For more information please contact Annette Johnson (417) 291-1132

Springfield, MO— Pitts Chapel UMC, 600 W. Benton Ave., will host their Annual Fish Fry on Friday, June 7th from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and on Saturday, June 8th from 11:00 a.m. until. They will also be hosting “The Power of Praise Gospel Celebration” on Saturday, June 1st at 3:00 p.m. They are inviting everyone to come out and enjoy an afternoon of Praise by some of Springfield’s Finest. For more information please call (417) 866-1720

an increasing number of affluent black folks who meet out in the Hamptons and the Cape for elaborate parties and summer shingdigs (including our president!) But even once you get that the lobster feast and the guest house and the Moby Dick festival seem to be such out of step themes for every day working people that it is a little hard to relate. Despite the onscreen charisma of Ms. Washington and the other young ladies the plot line has issues with everyone and one gaffe after another. Some of the humor is begging to either go all the way of skip it. Everyone has a secret so that by the end the poor chap playing the lead man (his first starring role) Craig Robinson almost seems to be the only

Food Review

continued from page 8 was a part of the culture and summer routine….we thought we were doing it to be prudent with limited resources and our grandparents and their parents always had and we would can and freeze and now we find we were being organic!!! How’s that for some new information? But honestly the best food I have ever had were the fresh garden vegetables that were picked garden to table. And Springfield is enjoying a growing number of community gardens that you can participate in and often local neighbors and volunteers will help and assist. As you probably know the top chefs in the world are now growing a limited number of crops that they grow for the restaurant menu and rotate the menu according to

sane one in the bunch. Okay I'm not hating on the film but this is a review and if you are going to pop for $20.00 to go to the show and get some popcorn you kind of want to know should you just watch the Voice on your DVR. Don't get me wrong....you may laugh a little but it is not funny enough to laugh out your seat and the plot seems like you have seen it many times before. I will say what I have said before.... don't just grab some actors that you think we will run out to see (even though we will) get a plot too. Go to your favorite grocery store and get some hot dogs, bar-b-q chips and cole slaw..... get your plate ready and watch the DVD. Sorry Kerry and Diahann. Score....78 out of 100

what is in season. Our grandparents knew something didn’t they? Okay I hear you complaining even though you admit that it is the truth anyhow…..but there is still an easy solution. We have a growing number of farmers markets that are continuing to expand their offerings throughout the city! Whether it is the neighborhood C Street Market to the Battlefield Mall or the growing and fairly new Farmers Park on Republic Road there is something for everyone. And not just crops but food trucks in some cases, crafts, fresh plants and other novelty items. And we all know this is an excellent way to support our local farmers and growers. There are some excellent extremely hard working growers in our area and this is a chance to show them that we the big city folk

in Springfield appreciate what they do and keep them successful. Their prices are already good and as I often say what price can we put on our health and its improvement? If this is not enough there are farmer markets in the neighboring towns as well and it is great to visit some of them as well as different markets attract different growers. This time of the year some of our favorites are not yet ready for picking but the early crops are there harvested and ready and it gives us great opportunity to be a little creative and maybe try some veggies we don’t always eat or utilize some new food recipes. I got some fresh lettuce last week and it was tender almost a little sweet and plain delicious. Because I had so much and I didn’t want it to go bad it forced me to make creative salads all week long and it was wonderful! This is something else that is great about visiting farmers markets no matter how old we are there are some vegetables that we may not have tried and

it is a chance to introduce our families to some other nutritional food items and prepare them in a lot of ways. Often I ask the market purveyors for preparation ideas and try them out….. hmmm hhmmmm good! I’d love for some of you to share some of those down home summer recipes……I remember my mother would make cucumber salad with vinegar…..anyone else remember that… I would love to hear about your gardening projects too. We need to be more aware of what we are eating than ever and the more we can avoid processed foods the better for our health and our loved ones. There was a march in Springfield and around the country last week concerning Monsanto and some of their new techniques…..I won’t go into it here but you may want to learn what is going on. Ok…that’s all for today…..so let’s gather some fresh vegetables and fruit and toast to healthy eating!!!

Rapper Lil Wayne Finally Loses Mountain Dew Endorsement vagina after a violent sex act. BlackNews.Com—PepsiCo, After weeks of bad PR, PepsiCo which owns and distributes apparently felt the presMountain Dew, has sure and eventually finally dropped their issued another statement endorsement deal to the media saying that with rapper Lil Wayne Lil Wayne's lyrics "do just two days after his not reflect the values publicist issued what of our brand," and that many called a "weak" they had parted ways. and "late" apology Pepsico had signed to the family of civil Lil Wayne Lil Wayne in 2012 to rights icon Emmett endorse the Mountain Dew softTill. drink in exchange for sponsorLil Wayne had been under ship of his upcoming “America’s fire for using some lyrics in one Most Wanted” concert tour, feaof his songs comparing what turing rappers T.I. and 2 Chainz. happened to Till to a woman's

June Unite Page 8

June Unite Page 5

LifeStyle&EntertainmentNews Movie Review: “Peeples” by Lyle Foster Unite Contributing Writer

Carroll are all in the film. Kerry Washington of course is having major success and getting The Peeples…….well…….. a lot of attention after starring you already saw it! in the hit TV series Scandal I am sure someone has seen and recently in the acclaimed the very popular movie Meet movie Django Unchained. And the Parents….well if you have I haven't seen Diahann Carroll you don’t necessarily need for awhile so it was great to see to see the Peeples her and know she is because you already doing ok....Am I dating saw it……the main myself mentioning her? difference is the skin The movie for color of this set of being a Tyler Perry actors is different….. backed film along with they don’t even add Lionsgate did not do any flavor. well at all in its first Lyle Foster Recently I saw the weekend at the box Peeples and I have to office bringing in under admit it might have been more 5 million. This compares to a entertaining if I had seen it in typical return of about 20 million St. Louis or Kansas City where the first weekend. A large part we would likely have had a of it was the stiff competition nearly packed theatre and lots it was up against including the of laughs and comments that ever popular Iron Man installwould have added to the overall ment. But not too worry by the experience. But I didn’t, there time it hangs around the box were about 9 of us brave souls office and has its run on DVD.... and despite the almost decent the money will roll in although acting the film was a little weak. not as much as some of his Craig Robinson, Kerry other films to be sure. Washington and Diahann The story line is so weak

that it is almost insulting; now not everyone will agree with me on this but it is my opinion. We have seen it so many times... are they running out of ideas in Hollywood and is that why we have Fast and Furious 6 and it is a box office smash.... every successful movie is redone as many times as the public will come back out for it. So we have the girl who has a guy back in the city but her parents don't know about him because he doesn't quite meet the father's 2013 Lionsgate standards and he of course decides it's a great idea to come uninvited to the family reunion for Moby Dick days at the family's summer home in the Hamptons. Of course what ensues is one miscue and min-disaster after another which results in laughs

(if you think it is funny), fun and some scenery of the supposed New England waterfront. Other actors include David Alan Grier and S. Ephatha Merkerson. For director Tina Gordon Chism this is her directorial debut. One of the things I got confused about was whether they were in the Hamptons or Michigan with the Sag Harbor location. But the descriptions say the Hamptons and trust me the name and setting are synonymous with green as in $! The storyline itself may even escape some of us in the Ozarks as we may not be familiar with the popularity of the Hamptons with some of the East Coast jetsetters and there continued on page 9

Food Review: Healthy Summer Eating Style! by Lyle Foster Unite Contributing Writer Well readers beware this is the annual healthy eating column so put the fries and chips and Cheetos away now. Even though we had record breaking snow just a few weeks ago…yes…the historic May snow in the Ozarks it is now safe to put our vegetables and

flowers in the ground. Shhhhh! They should already be in the ground but this was the late winter when you could not be sure. Remember the song with the lyrics parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme…..well a few of you might. I am mentioning these because I’m trying to do as I say this year and grow some tomatoes, peppers, sage, basil and thyme. It is pretty sweet that we

can grow the foods we love to haggle over and touch and feel in the supermarket. The secret is out…..there is no taste like when you grow your own. So take this as a note of encouragement to try to grow a few things for yourself this year…even if it is just a few baskets on the deck or a few tomato plants around the edge of the flower garden. It is great for our kids to see

nature at work and know that those crops didn’t miraculously appear on the shelves at the local Price Cutter. So maybe consider having the family do some gardening together and there are so many good crops that we can grow in our yards and put on our tables. Many of us have come from the South or areas where the family garden continued on page 9

Senior Writes Letter To The Editor Waking up at 6'o clock every morning for twelve years has finally made sense. It was always in the back of my mind since freshman year that I wanted to go to college. I didn't know where but I knew it had to be somewhere fresh and new. I was born and raised in Springfield, MO, however, my parents pushed me at a young age to venture out into the world and I will finally be given the opportunity this coming Fall. I will be attending Claflin University located in South Carolina for a degree in accountancy on a full tuition academic scholarship. This would not have been made possible without achieving academic success throughout my high school years at Glendale maintaining a 4.6 GPA along with the support from my community including participation in

Young People on the Move and scholarships earned from the NAACP, Ladies Civic League, and the Wallace and Libby Walter Foundation. I also received the President's Award for Educational Excellence, College Preparatory Studies Certificate, and three scholarships from the Foundation of Springfield Public Schools outlining academics and hard work ethics. I can't thank my parents enough for everything they have done- parent meetings, open houses, field days and much more from when I was in kindergarden up until graduation night. My dad always told me that you can never forget where you came from, when in reality it's you never forget who you came from. — by Alysha Johnson Glendale High School

Come lend your voice to our University!

Missouri State University is recruiting diverse faculty and staff for a variety of positions. We are committed to inclusive excellence across campus, and we have a unique public affairs mission that encourages cultural competency, community engagement and ethical leadership. We believe diversity is good for our students, our community and our University. Our most important job is to give students an enriching education, complete with the tools for career success. Our faculty and staff must be racially, ethnically, culturally and socioeconomically diverse to help our students understand and appreciate different viewpoints, preparing them to lead the future. We act on our beliefs. Let us welcome you to our campus. Come see for yourself!

Search our vacancies to learn how you can join us.

www.missouristate.edu/careers Employment will require a criminal background check at University expense Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Institution

The Resolution Ceremony At DTM Father's Day, June 16 - 3 p.m. Springfield, MO— Deliverance Temple Men's Ministry, 2101 W. Chestnut Expwy. will present "The Resolution Ceremony," based on the movie "Courageous," Sunday, June 16 at 3 p.m. "There are some men who, regardless of the mistakes we've made in the past, regardless of what our fathers did not do for us, will give the strength of our arms and the rest of our days to loving God with all that we are

and to teach our children to do the same— and whenever possible, to love and mentor others who have no father in their lives but who deserately need help and direction." The guest speaker will be Dr. Bryon Klaus, President of the Assembly of God Theological Seminary. The public welcome and invited to participate. For more information call (417) 501-9909.

June Unite Page 7

June Unite Page 6

A Directory of free or low cost Business Assistance Minorities In Business Monthly Networking Meeting 417.861-0760 Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce www.spfldchamber.com 417.862.5567 Small Business Administration (SBA) www.sba.gov 417.864.7670 Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) www.score.org 417.864.7670 Drury University - Breech Center / Student in Free Enterprise www.drury.edu 417.873.7243 Ozarks Technical Community College www.otc.edu 417.895.7158 The Library Center Business Reference thelibrary.springfield.missouri.org 417.874.8110

Small Business & Technology Development Center

sbtdc.missouristate.edu 417.836.5685 • Loan assistance • Financial analysis • Business planning • Marketing products • Trademark searches • Training seminars (business planning, business valuation, business management, finance, human resources, QuickBooks, marketing and international trade)

The MoneySection Robert L. Johnson Received Highest Award Recognition From Black Enterprise Magazine Bethesda, MD (May 21, 2013) - Robert L. Johnson, founder and chairman of The RLJ Companies and founder of Black Entertainment Television (BET), attended the 18th Annual Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Conference + Expo where he was presented with the Arthur G. Gaston Lifetime Achievement Award, the publication's highest honor. Johnson first appeared on the cover of Black Enterprise magazine in May 1992, soon after taking BET public, making the network the first African American company to be traded on the New York Stock Exchange.

He again appeared on the Battelle South Columbus Concover of the publication's June vention Center and was honored 2007 issue, which highlighted later that evening during the his "Second Act" and BE 100s Anniversary explored the expansion Celebration & Awards of The RLJ Companies Dinner. brand. Today, Johnson The A.G. Gaston owns or holds interests Lifetime Achievement in business operations Award is named for that include automoArthur G. Gaston, the tive, hotel real estate legendary entrepreneur Robert L Johnson and one of America's investment, financial services, and entertainment. first black millionaires, whose RLJ companies consistently rank empire included communicaamong the BE 100s annual list. tions, real estate and insurance On Friday, May 17th, Johnbusiness operations. Gaston, son participated in the "One on who passed in 1996 at the age of continue on page 7 One Conversation" event at the

Robert L Johnson

continued from page 3

103, was named Entrepreneur of the Century by Black Enterprise in 1992. The Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Conference + Expo annually brings together more than 1,200 of the country's leading entrepreneurs and corporate executives. This year's theme: Accelerate Your Business. About The RLJ Companies: The RLJ Companies, founded by Robert L. Johnson, is an in-

novative business network that provides strategic investments in a diverse portfolio of companies. Within The RLJ Companies portfolio, Johnson owns or holds interests in businesses operating in a publicly traded hotel real estate investment trust; private equity; financial services; asset management; insurance services; automobile dealerships; sports and entertainment; and video lottery terminal (VLT) gaming. For more information, visit: www.rljcompanies.com

Every First Tuesday of the Month

Minorities In Business

equity in your future and making memories that last a lifetime are well worth the effort. Here are a few tips that may ease the transiA home purchase tion as you move into a is possibly the largest new neighborhood: single investment a • GET TO KNOW person will make. Some YOUR NEIGHhomes are bought and BORS: This is espesold many times; others cially important if you are passed in the famhave children. Good ily from generation to neighbors will look generation. Whatever Kim Jones after one another. You the case may be, home also never know when you will ownership is not for the faint of need someone to pick up your heart and pride of ownership is mail or water your plants! BE essential in order to maintain • A GOOD NEIGHBOR: The and protect your investment. best way to have good neighbors The transition from renter to is to be a good neighbor. homeowner requires maturity, • RESPECT BOUNDARIES: diligence and commitment. ReKeep children, pets and toys on pairs are no longer a simple call your property. Avoid playing exto the landlord and lawn maincessively loud music. If hosting tenance will often occupy entire a large gathering, alert neighweekends. However; having a bors ahead of time to alleviate place to call 'your own, building

any noise or parking concerns. • BECOME FAMILIAR WITH YOUR LOCAL BIG BOX HARDWARE STORES: (i.e. Home Depot or Lowe's). These resources will prove invaluable in the upkeep and maintenance of your home. Salespersons are extremely knowledgeable and always willing to share their experience. They even offer 'do it yourself classes which could save huge amounts of money in routine repair. The purchase of a home is a milestone in anyone's journey. Make sure you are mentally, financially and physically prepared. For more information on home ownership, contact Kim Jones at CJR, Carol Jones Realtors, 417-861-5025.

Mark A. Dixon Bartley-Decatur Neighborhood Center 918 E. Calhoun Springfield, MO 65802 417-719-4300 www.bartley-decatur.org American Legion Post Norvel Stafford 1339 E. Division St Springfield, MO 65803 417-862-9123

What: Networking & Guest Speakers When: 5:15 p.m. Where: Q Enoteca • Anyone interested in business is welcome.

Conzy Mitchell-Burns, President Ladies Civic League Provides scholarships for youth P. O. Box 8296 Springfield, MO 65801 417-894-0399

Guest Speaker for 2013 June Meeting Rayanna Anderson, Director of the Small Business & Technology Development Center 318 West Commercial Street For more information call: (417) 861-0760

Robert Looney, Ozarks Golf Club, Inc Spfld. Community Center 618 N. Benton Springfield, MO 65806

monthly networking meeting

Sidney Needem, Sec., Sherman Avenue Project Committee, Inc. Housing Org. 1228 N. Sherman Springfield, MO 65802 417-865-1203

Home Ownership: Protect Your Investment by Kim Jones Unite Contributing Writer

African American Community Organizations Directory

Commerce is a super-community bank who seeks employees committed to preserving and enhancing our core values and business practices. We recruit the best and brightest people to join our team and support their efforts to excel by providing resources to enable them to do so. Our commitment to diversity extends to each employee, customer, business partner and community in which we live

W.M. Herman Burkett, Jr. Prince Hall Masons Truth Lodge #151 P.O. Box 8063 Springfield, MO 65801 417-890-5180 Wesley Pratt The Gathering A Community Action Group For more information call 417-987-7809 Shelia Burton, President Lincoln Memorial Cemetery Board, Inc. P.O. Box 9282 Springfield, MO 65801 417-877-0668

Lynette Adams, Worthy Matron Order Of Eastern Star Greater Truth Chapter #88 P.O. Box 9412 Springfield, MO 65801 417-866-6878 Calvin L. Allen, Exec. Director Springfield Community Center- Family Achievement Academy 911 E. Division St Springfield, MO 65803 417-866-4359 Cheryl Clay, President Springfield Branch N.A.A.C.P. P.O. Box 8983 Springfield, MO 65801 Meetings are every third Saturday of the month from 1:30-2:30 p.m. 417-873-6386 Flora (Pat) Looney, President Our Night Out Social & Charitable Org. 417-866-2387 James Pike, President Springfield Reunion Club Organizes the Annual Park Day/ Reunion Weekend 1447 N. Hampton Springfield, MO 65802 417-869-0183 Meeting every first Monday Willie Carter, Director Victory Circle Peer Support Inc 2101 W. Chestnut Expwy Springfield, MO 65802 417-894-0188 Support group for men in recovery Samuel G. Knox Unite of SWMO, Inc. Publishes the Unite Publication; presenters of the Annual Springfield Multicultural Festival 2101 W. Chestnut Expwy. Springfield, MO 65802 Phone: 417-864-7444 unitepublication@yahoo.com www.unitenewsonline.org

and work. We are Commerce. You make the difference. Please visit www.commercebank.com to view current career opportunities. AA/EOE/M/F/D/V

If you are a part of a Springfield African American Community Organization, we want to hear from you. Please send the name of your organization, address, phone number and a contact person to Unite., P. O. Box 1745, Springfield, MO 65801