October Unite Page 12
Library
continued from page 3 audiobooks, movies, music from the movies, story collections for all ages. We have multiple copies of many of those items, too. Our observance began with World Hobbit Day in September, but the festival continues through December, timed with the expected winter release of
NOTICE: NAACP Springfield Chapter Office & Executive Board Election November 17, 2012 The Springfield Mo. Chapter of the NAACP will hold their chapter elections at their November 17, 2012, meeting.
the major motion picture version of “The Hobbit.” Upcoming events: A book discussion for adults on “The Hobbit” at 7 p.m. Oct. 18, in the Library Center’s Harrison Room; and at 1:30 p.m. Nov. 27 at the Brentwood Branch Library. More is coming in November and December, including presentations by Tolkien scholar Justin Noetzel at 2 p.m. Nov. 17
at the Brentwood Branch and at 7 p.m. that day at the Library Center. You can see the full schedule of events in the fall Bookends, or go to thelibrary.org/programs for Tolkien programs and more. Kathleen O’Dell is community relations director of the Springfield-Greene County Library District. She can be reached at kathleeno@thelibrary.org.
The meeting will be held at the Midtown Carnegie Library, 397 E. Central, Springfield, Mo. Voting will take place from 11:30 am to 3:30 pm. All members of good standing are eligible to vote. The nominating committee for the election will present their nomination report at the October 20, 2012 meeting. The
committee will nominate officers and at large executive Board members. Nominations from the floor will also be accepted at this time. All members of good standing are eligible to be nominated and vote. If you have questions or concerns please contact the office at 417-873-6386.
The Words
continued from page 9 like this in real life. But this is a movie after all and in some respects the main character has to deal with the harshest critic of all his own conscience. Perhaps this might be best enjoyed at a matinee or when it comes out on DVD in the comfort of your home on one of these chilly fall evenings but it makes for an interesting 90 plus minutes. Yup, I didn't mention it but the movie is not that long so for some that maybe an added benefit. I tend to be in the camp that says give me at least a 100 minutes for the amount of $ this costs. But anyhow in case you were wondering what The Words was about or if you should see it ....it at least makes one think a little and poses some interesting ethical dilemmas. Let me know what you think! 88 out of 100
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Building Empowering Connections In Our Diverse Community
October 2012 Volume 22/ Number 10 • A Monthly Publication by Unite. of Southwest Missouri, Inc •
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Attend The Welcome Wagon Event Details On Page 5
Building Empowering Connections In Our Diverse Community
“Dream BIG: The World of Shane Evans, AfricanAmerican Author and Illustrator” Springfield, MO—“Dream BIG,” two exciting presentations by author and illustrator Shane Evans will be given on October 20, 2012 at 1:00pm for children in grades 4 – 8 and at 10:00am for older teens, parents, educators and others who are interested in teaching and learning about world cultures. The presenta-
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Fall Fundraiser Fashion Show and Dinner October 5 Details On Page 4
Mic Check One Two, One Two by Mykeshia Jackson Unite Contributing Writer Mic Check One Two, One Looking for a good time during the week? Big Momma’s, located on 217 E. Commercial Street, hosts Open Mic Night every Monday startcontinued on page 2
Lift Every Voice by Mia Jackson Huskisson Unite Contributing Writer
Lift every voice and vote. That is the message political candidates, interest groups, local, state, and national officials are sending on the eve of the 2012 presidential election. Martin Luther King said, “Our lives begin and end the day we become silent about things that matter.” “Our ancestors worked too hard to give us the right to vote,” Springfield NAACP President Cheryl Clay said. According to the U.S. Census Bureau 65.3 percent of African Americans and 49.9 percent of Hispanics voted in the 2008 presidential election. While the statistics are a notable increase from the 2004 presidential election they indicate that 35 percent of African Americans and more than 50 percent of Hispanics’ voices were not heard. “There was an upswing in voters getting to the polls 4 years ago but now voters must continue to exercise their right,” Missouri State University Political Science Professor and Department Head Dr. George Connor said. Connor explains that most citizens don’t vote because they
ties,” Clay said. “Elections are the one time that the little guy can voice his opinion about what he likes and doesn’t like,” Connor said. “The real struggle for some voters is feeling that their life Cheryl Clay Dr. George Conner goes on no matter how the election turns out, the truth is, simple daily decisions are tied think their vote doesn’t matto votes.” ter or because they find little Future voter, Brandon difference between the political Looney, 20, plans to lift his candidates. voice this November for the “I want to participate in the first time. “This will be my first civic process, I have one vote,” time voting. I said registered couldn’t vote in voter Marvin the last (presiPringle, 46, “but, dential) election many people but this time I with one vote have my own can really make Romney/Ryan Obama/Biden place, a job, and a difference.” I pay taxes so I can be a part of Dr. Connor refers to the what’s going on,” Looney said. 2012 Republican Missouri 130th Fortunately, citizens House District primary election who have decided to vote but which was decided by one vote. have not registered have until 5 Registered voter Ora Map.m. on October 10th. ben, 60 something, explained You may register at the importance of each voter any state agency including but examining the issues and the not limited to: the Missouri candidate’s views on the issues. Driver’s License office, Divi“Voting is not about the color sion of Family Services, and of the candidate’s skin it is Military Recruitment office. about where they stand on the All branches of the Springfieldissue,” Maben said. Greene County Library are also “There are a lot of people runregistering voters. ning for office in this state and Voter registration is free and nationally that don’t necessarily continued on page 2 represent the interest of minori-