Unite Aug 2014

August Unite Page 12

Library Column

continued from page 3

struggle before the institution would finally disappear from American life. Dr. Greg Renoff, Drury University associate professor of history, will talk about what happened during those years in “Slavery in America: The Final Chapters, 1863-1865.” All ages are welcome to attend the free event. The exhibit, which kicked off on July 12 with a moving talk by H. Wes Pratt and “protest movement” songs by the band Geezer, continues through Aug. 22 before it continues on its national tour. The exhibit is presented by the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture and the National Museum of American History in collaboration with the

American Library Association Public Programs Office. The tour of the traveling exhibition is made possible by the National Endowment for the Humanities: Exploring the human endeavor. The series is sponsored by the Springfield-Greene County Libraries and the Greater Springfield Race & Faith Collaborative. It caps the collaborative’s yearlong project to focus the community on improved race relations and enhanced diversity in the greater Springfield area. ••• Kids and adults, alike, are back to school, and the homework assignments are pouring in. The most valuable school supply is a library card. You can get one free at any of the

10 branches of the SpringfieldGreene County Library District and the Mobile Library. A library card offers books and media to help your children as they learn to read. It gives access to the “online” library 24/7/365 at thelibrary.org. And

it offers homework help at thelibrary.org/kids and thelibrary. org/teens. Kathleen O’Dell is community relations director of the SpringfieldGreene County Library District. She can be reached at kathleeno@ thelibrary.org.

Celebrities Turning 50 Years Old In 2014 Nationwide — It happens to everyone as time goes by, and there is nothing any of us can do about it! It’s called aging, and some of our favorite African American celebrities have already turned 50 or will be turning 50 some time this year. Some of these may surprise you! Here’s our list of the top 10 to hit the big 5-0: #1 – Wendy Williams: Birthday: July 18th; #2 – Lenny Kravitz: Birthday:

May 26th; #3 – Cedric the Entertainer: Birthday: April 24th; #4 – Wanda Sykes: Birthday: March 7th; #5 – Rev Run: Birthday: November 14th; #6 – Vivica A. Fox: Birthday: July 30th; #7 – Blair Underwood: Birthday: August 25th; #8 – Holly Robinson-Peete: Birthday: September 18th; #9 – Robin Givens: Birthday: November 27th; #10 – Don Cheadle: Birthday: November 29th.

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On page 4

Building Empowering Connections In Our Diverse Community

ParkDay Reunion Weekend 2014 “Continuing The Tradition.”

Loads of Potential

Springfield, MO—ParkDay Reunion Weekend is a three day celebration of freedom, community, and competition. According to official Parkday Reunion website, The African American community in Springfield has been celebrating the first weekend in August long before it was officially named Park Day. It started as a day of celebration See story on page 5 Samson Yi owner of Panda Laundry Factory

Panda Laundry Factory owner Samson Yi hopes his automated laundry service gets a clean break into the marketplace by Ren Luebbering, Unite Contributing Writer Samson Yi is having loads of fun creating Panda Laundry Factory, a new automated laundry

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

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Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill, Aug 8-24 Springfield, MO—In Philadelphia, 1959, in a small intimate bar, Billie Holiday puts on a show that unbeknownst to the audience, will leave them witnesses to one of the last performances of her lifetime.

Building Empowering Connections In Our Diverse Community

See story on page 11

business concept. The idea for the full-service laundromat developed while he owned a motel and noticed that his industrial washers and dryers were going unused for most of the day.

“There are a lot of local colleges, so I figured it would be a big customer base here,” said Yi. “I went to Baptist Bible College and Evangel University, and I would talk to students as they walked by. It took about two semesters, but eventually it got to the point where I had a steady pool of customers.” Panda Laundry has existed as a traditional wash and fold laundry service, but now, Yi is innovating his way to a new business concept. Panda Laundry Factory has a refreshing, innovative business model that promises clean clothes and great service. Geared towards college students, the laundry service would pick up clothes at members’ homes and dorm rooms, clean, dry and fold clothes, and then return them. The cycle continues indeficontinued on page 5

Phoenix Suns agree to $6 million contract with forward Anthony Tolliver Springfield, MO—According to Arizona Sports.com the Suns have agreed to a two-year, $6 million contract with veteran Anthony Tolliver. They spoke to Tolliver, who also confirmed the news via his Instagram page. "It's a great opportunity for me," Tolliver said by phone. "I

went into this free agency and it worked out perfectly when Phoenix contacted my agent. With a great nucleus of young players, and the respect I have for Ryan [McDonough], Jeff Hornacek and the entire organization, it's a perfect situation. continued on page 11

Anthony Tolliver

August Unite Page 11

August Unite Page 2

Measurement Matters - Preparation for a Real Year of Advancement in Diversity by Ken Coopwood,Sr. Ph.D. Unite Contributing Writer

are succeeding or failing. They would simply rather leave well enough alone until responsibility I’ve been asked many times to know the truth is somebody over, “Why does diverelse’s problem. Well, sity matter?” “Why can’t I’ve got news for those we be good with the people…. it will always way we are?” People be your problem too, often expect philosophiand responsibility. cal answers to these Ignorance of real facts questions. However, is not bliss, but simply the real answers should a delayed solution that be less about philosomay cost you, those you Ken Coopwood phy and more about love, friends, and maybe numbers. Answering these queseven your children’s children tions with numbers makes the more than what is in the bank activity of measurement more when realities come home to relevant than one might believe. roost. In fact, the significance of sound It’s summer time; a time measurement may actually when many people make plans scare some people from ever to start another round of yearly seeking hard evidence that they activity which begins in the fall.

At Commerce, you make the difference. At Commerce, we are committed to being an employer of choice in the communities we serve. We recognize that our workplace diversity makes us a stronger company. We value, embrace and leverage the variety of perspectives that come as a result of our individual differences. Our inclusive and diverse workforce supports the engagement, innovation and productivity that allow us to better serve the needs of our customers and communities, now and in the future.

This is especially true for universities, colleges and schools. When asked about diversity advancements to speak of from the previous year, too often those “why” questions come up again. I’m writing this time to ask my own question; “How will you know if you really advanced from one year to the next?” Of course, to answer in any form you have to compare one year to the next, i.e., measure. But all measurement is not the same. Some measurement is about real progress while other measurements simply provide numbers which distract us from real issues… like diversity and changes in the human condition. People should plan for a real year of advancement regarding diversity. This statement doesn’t mean that people have made no previous progress with this vital matter. Instead, it means that diversity measures from previous years are likely not reflected in numbers representing its true essence… which is, its capacity to drive organizational performance and success. For example, in terms of product, if an organization made no change to appeal to new markets in the 1970’s, it would be out of business in about 5 years. Shrink that time frame by 4 years for 2014 and add 6 months for

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the technology industry. The same is true now with regard to diversity; more diversity enables greater organization versatility. Non-diverse organizations are subject to takeover by global markets… today. Truth is, diversity matters because its effect on human life and productivity can be measured…right down to the number and type of people who read this article. And we can’t remain good with the way we are because measurement of change in the human condition informs us that sooner than later we’ll want something different, and someone else will have it and it may be homegrown in India! It pays to know if you grow, but more so if you know how you grow. When you know the how, then you can plan to advance with sound metrics and objectives. The moral to this article is this: add more business intelligence to diversity goals and metrics. Doing this allows real focus on performance of people and resources as opposed to simply counting heads, rank, gender, etc. Counting has its value, but not the value that says what you are doing with the diversity among the ranks…. which brings more diversity in product and people. So again, diversity matters because it effects your financial outlook, impacts your customer base, community partnerships, organizational image, climate and culture, leadership perspective and commitment, and your ability to learn how to grow your business. As you are planning for next year’s advancement make sure advancement is really what’s in your plan. Measure or melt, the choice is yours. Let’s integrate, collaborate and elevate… together!

Billie Holiday

continued from page 1

Through her poignant voice and moving songs, one of the greatest jazz singers of all-time shares her loves and her losses. This haunting and remarkable musical evening features “God Bless the Child,” “What a Little Moonlight Can Do,” “Strange Fruit” and “T’aint Nobody’s Biz-ness” and many more Lady Day hits. The play is written by Lanie Robertson, directed by Richard

Dines, music directed by Brooke Stephens and it stars Johnnie Angelia King as Billie Holiday. The production will run from August 8-9, 15-16, 22-23, 2014 at 7:30 PM; August 10, 17 & 24, 2014 at 2:00 PM Tickets are $23 opening weekend. $10 Student Rush (Cash only); $28 Adults, $25 Senior (55+) & Student. For more ticket information call: 417-831-8001 This production contains adult language and subject matter.

Anthony Tolliver

sota, Atlanta and Charlotte, the former Creighton Blue Jay has continued from page 1 averaged 6.1 points and 3.7 reFor me, I want to go in there and bounds in 20 minutes per game. help any way I can. Tolliver committed to Creigh"The Suns are an up tempo ton in the fall of 2002. He was team, and when I was with one of four players from his Golden State I had a similar Kickapoo High School team in style. I'm able to produce at a Springfield, MO to play Division high level and this style comI basketball; the team ended his pares to that Golden State team. I senior season of 2002-03 ranked can play the three as well, but my 12th by the USA Today and as natural position is four, rebound- the Missouri Class 5A State ing, hitting open shots. The Suns Champions. made it clear I'm coming to play His best statistical season the four. Phoenix is a great city, a came in 2009-10 with the Wargreat family city." riors, as he averaged 12.3 points Suns fans may remember and 7.3 rebounds per contest. AcTolliver, 29, from when he was cording to various reports, sevput on a poster by Amare Stoueral teams including Cleveland, demire, but the 6-foot-8, 240Detroit, San Antonio, Charlotte, pound forward has carved out a Washington and the Los Angeles nice career as a stretch-four who can hit from three-point range. Last season, as a member of the continued from page 7 Charlotte Bobcats, Tolliver averaged 6.1 points and 2.6 rebounds American investors (as reported while shooting 42 percent from by BlackEnterprise.com): the field and 41 percent from #1 - Daymond John, Founder, three-point range. FUBU; CEO, Shark Branding In a six-year career that has #2 - Simone Castillo, Office of included stops in San Antonio, the Vice Chair, Tax, KPMG Golden State, Portland, Minne#3 - Ken Coleman, Special

Angel investor

New Growth Ministries to Open Private Christian School

Springfield, MO— The Christian Educational Cooperative, (CEC) in collaboration with New Growth Ministries, will open a private Christian school in the Fall of 2014. The school will focus on "Helping Children Achieve Success in Life through a solid foundation in their early beginnings in moral instruction, compassionate training, and a classical based education in excellence." according to school organizer, Barbara Smith Classes will start this Fall 2014, K through 12th grade. For more information, contact Barbara Smith at 417-496-8333. continued from below Adviser, Andreessen Horowitz #4 - William Crowder, Partner, DreamIt Ventures #5 - Stephen DeBerry, Founder & Chief Investment Officer, Bronze Investments #6 - Erica Duignan Minnihan, Managing Partner, DreamIt Ventures #7 - Jon Gosier, Founder, D8A Group, UpStream Analytics, and adviser at SiftDeck #8 - Michael Howard, Founder and Managing Member, MJH Group

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August 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

August Unite Page 3

IN THIS ISSUE

Health & Mental Fitness Holistic Spa: A fresh and healthy way to pamper ourselves is growing in the Ozarks by Kandice Alexander Unite Contributing Writer

skin, what you eat, your stress ous skin issues and can make level, as well as your work and recommendations as to how to home environment all affect prevent them from becoming With the farm to table movethe look and health of your worse. They can also let you ment sweeping the nation over skin. Healing your skin from know when it may be necessary the last few years, it is no surthe inside out not only gives you to consult with a health care prise that more natural longer lasting youth professional. In those cases spa ways of doing things but also a healthier may even save your life. are emerging in other over all being. Skin is the largest bodily industries. Spa is no So why visit a organ. It also happens to be the exception. Chemicalspa at all? The bigonly organ we can see change free, holistic skin care gest misconception is before our eyes. This, and the is popping up all over that spa is a luxury. fact that all your bodily systems the Ozarks. However, Spa is indeed a health affect one another, is why your Kandice Alexander this “new trend” is not and wellness necesskin is your alert system. More new at all. It is actually sity. For those who have and more people are realizing a return to the old way. For been hesitant there are many the importance of taking betthe last four decades man-made reasons to try it. My favorite is ter care of themselves inside ingredients and new technoloyou might get a much needed and out. The increasing use of gies have been king. The evanap, but proper treatment also natural ingredients designed for sive peels and scrub routines provides many benefits includour bodies, and balancing nutrihave been the gold standard ing relaxation, detoxification, tion and environment shows used by countless Estheticians. tighter skin, as well as aging that holistic spa is no longer just While they do get short term and skin malady reversal. Often trendy, but a sensible habit that results, their long term use is skin issues such as Rosacea or is making a healthy comeback. proving to do more harm than acne are more than just topical Kandice Alexander is a good. Research shows it is best abnormalities, but are actually licensed esthetician and owner of to save these extreme treatsigns of deeper internal issues. 5 Elements Esthetics and Makeup ments for serious skin maladies When treating these ailments Studio as well as the Director and look towards a more natural and others spa becomes a of Sales and Development for source to prevent them. For must. Licensed Estheticians are Market Fresh Skincare. that we look to the past; as far also trained to spot more seriback as hundreds of years to when skin care ingredients read Smoking Cessation more like a gourmet recipe than a chemistry book. Smoking and tobacco use are significant risk factors for a variety Holistic spa is about realof chronic disorders. Turn to the experts at CoxHealth when you’re izing that the body is designed ready to quit. to heal itself. Whether you are • TIPS (Tobacco-free Individual Plans) is a tobacco cessation program offering sup port to help you succeed. Individual programs concerned about aging, acne, are available, as well as group support. hyperpigmentation, or just need • Beat the Pack, Weekly sessions for four weeks provide everyto relax, your body is equipped thing you need to quit smoking. to tackle these problems on its own. Our job is to make sure it You can learn more about our programs by calling 417/269-INFO. has the proper environment to do that. What you put on your

Community News

Changing America Series Concludes At The Library Center by Kathleen O’Dell , Springfield-Greene County Library District A sobering program on the final chapters of slavery in America is planned for 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 18, in the Library Center auditorium. It concludes the month-long series of programs that accompanies the large exhibit, “Changing America: the Emancipation Proclamation, 1863 and the March on Washington, 1963,” in the Library Center concourse. President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation marked the beginning of the end of slavery, but it would take two more long years of continued on page 12

4

Complete ParkDay Weekend Schedule

6

The Money Section

by Springfield Reunion Club

10

Volume 24, Number 8 Publisher Unite. of Southwest Missouri, Inc. Managing Editor Samuel G. Knox

Maria Contreras-Sweet becomes the 24th Leader of the U.S. SBA by Small Business Administration

8

UNITE.

Lifestyle & Entertainment News

Movie Review —“Get On Up” by Lyle Foster

Contributing Writers Dr Ken Coopwood Lyle Foster Vincent H. Lyons Gwen Marshall Kathleen O'Dell Vera Jane Goodin Schultz Photography David N. Knox John Schultz

Health & Mental Fitness

Holistic Spa: Fresh and healthy way to pamper ourselves

Volunteer Tyra Knox

by Kandice Alexander

The Unite. publication is a

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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.

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August Unite Page 4

CommunitySection Park Day! Reunion Weekend 2014 Calendar ~ Sponsored by Springfield Reunion Club, Inc. & Springfield Greene County Parks THURSDAY, July 31, 2014 Did you come in early?...looking for something to doâ&#x20AC;ŚCome on over to the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Qâ&#x20AC;? - JAZZ NIGHT featuringâ&#x20AC;ŚThe Arthur Duncan Trio & othersâ&#x20AC;Ś 306 W. Commercial - 8:00 p.m. to 12:00 midnight - $5 cover FRIDAY, August 1, 2014 8:00 p.m. ~ 1:00 a.m. HOSPITALITY ~ University Plaza Hotel , 333 S. John Q. Hammons Pkwy, 417-864-7333 featuring â&#x20AC;Ś Springfieldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ownâ&#x20AC;Ś. â&#x20AC;&#x153; D.J. Feddi â&#x20AC;&#x153; Adults - $10

Kids - $5 (ages 5-12) SATURDAY, August 2, 2014 8:00 a.m. ~ SKINS GAME â&#x20AC;&#x201C; TEE TIME ~ Payne Stewart Golf Course Contacts: Bevo Looney 343-8228 ; Tommy Bedell 830-3760; Gene Johnson 869-1308 9:00 a.m. ~ TENNIS TOURNAMENT ~ Silver Springs Park Contacts: Randy Smith 8863430 or 576-6116 Vincent Stout 886-2682 11:00 a.m. ~ BOWLING TOURNAMENT ~ Sunshine Lanes ~ 1500 W. Sunshine Contacts: Sidney Needem 8651203; Skip Thompson 8627225; Richard Young 882-1737

12:00 Noon ~ PARK DAY REUNION PARADE ~ Silver Springs Park â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Sponsored by Ladies Civic League & NAACP Contact: Carlene Ferguson 869-1443 1:00 p.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 6:00 p.m. ~ KIDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S $1 SWIM â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Silver Springs Park 1:30 p.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 4:00 p.m. ~ PARK DAY REUNION PICNIC Everyone is Welcome 9:00 p.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 1:00 a.m. ~ PARK DAY REUNION DANCE ~ University Plaza Hotel, 333 S. John Q. Hammons Pkwy featuring â&#x20AC;Ś â&#x20AC;&#x153;SOMETHING XTRAâ&#x20AC;? Wichita, Kansas (Tickets- $15 in advance, $20 at the door)

Get On Up

continued from page 8

SUNDAY, August 3, 2014 MORNING WORSHIP ~ Go To the Church of Your Choice 3:30 p.m. ~ GOSPEL SINGING IN SILVER SPRINGS PARK Contact: Arthur Duncan, 894-8422 6:00 p.m. ~ MISS SILVER SPRINGS BEAUTY PAGEANT Contact: Jane Pike 869-8091 (for pageant information) For more information, call the above phone numbers or go online to: www.parkdayreunion. com

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horrorâ&#x20AC;Ś.I am trying to sleep at night. I have mentioned before that I always do some of the superhero in the summer because that is just what the summer is for. So I did go to Transformers and Tom Cruise Edge of Tomorrow and even did the Transformers even though I am not a Transformers fan. But that is actually a part of the sum-

Falstaff's Local

continued from page 8

and for a bar the look was clean and crisp and the furniture was comfortable. Staff were friendly without being overbearing and service was timely. I had noticed in driving by the bar offers a lot of good lunch specials for usually a price around $7.00 with everything included and the menu while not extensive certainly had the usual bar offerings and prices were Springfield reasonable. The lunch specials are certainly a good idea for a new venue as it drives customer traffic into the space and gets new folks acquainted with the spot and gives value at the same time. I wanted to save some room for movie popcorn so I did the old hamburger and chips and asked for it medium well. Now we know it was not going to be a gourmet burger but it was adequately prepared and definitely tasty. The kitchen is open so sitting at the bar you can watch your meal prepared before you and make sure it meets your specifications. I saw a piece of American cheese

mer fun to check out a few flicks that are not always what you typically see. Did I mention Sex Tape ?â&#x20AC;Śok I just did. (Hmmmâ&#x20AC;Śthat is a movie too!) And Dawn of the Planet of the Apesâ&#x20AC;Ś.to just mention a fewâ&#x20AC;Ś..we still have a few more weeks before the Labor Day holiday so the summer movie season is still here and there is a lot more to enjoy. But first, Maceo â&#x20AC;Ścome blow your horn! Only the true James Brown fans will know what that means! Enjoy!!!

jumping on top of my burger and promptly asked for it to be removed and was quickly accommodated. And yes, the burger was good and I was satisfied. Now it is summer and we are quickly seeing that there is a growing demand for the brew here in the Queen city and this was Craft Beer week ....so I decided to oblige and what could be better on a hot summer evening that a cold one. Falstaff's offers a reasonable array of the cold stuff and prices are good. The three local breweries in Springfield...Mother's, White River and Springfield Brewing are establishing quite a name for themselves and their popularity is continuing to grow and Falstaff's has a nice array of craft beer and the traditional domestic kings of beer as well. Ample promotions and specials help to make the drinks affordable and if this is your thing enjoyable. Now since this is truth in journalism the night that I visited was American Honey girls night so there were free samples and t-shirts and the beautiful people. So take it at that and continued in next column

continued from below it all contributed to the ambiance. A buddy went with me and from a comparison side he got a cheeseburger which he described as good but it was still a burger like mine. Their were other appetizers that I would like to try and will go back for and the Reuben is very good or so I have been told! The real test for me with a bar is the question of the comfort level I feel and would I want to go back? I can honestly say I would go back here and have an enjoyable time and the big screens make it a great spot of some of the rest of sum-

mer baseball. Did I mention that the pre-season is starting for the NFL....you have go to be kidding but football season is starting this month and I can see catching a game right here. The space is clean, the food is good, the service is friendly, the big screens are NICE, the prices are affordable and the drinks are plenty. So it is definitely a nice new spot to the downtown scene and will help to add some additional amenities around the College Stations theatre complex. I think I am going back for a lunch special. And of course as we say with any drinking establishment drink responsibly.

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August Unite Page 8

August Unite Page 5

LifeStyle&EntertainmentNews Movie Review: “Get On Up!” by Lyle Foster, Unite Contributing Writer

sing and perform many more years much to the delight of millions. And I am sure that many Well, I am going to start off of you have your own stories by telling on myself! When I of the influence of the music of was knee high to a bramble James Brown on your life and bush I remember going with my almost everyone else. older brother to a James Brown This is not the first time that concert in Norfolk, Va. I have mentioned the movie Get The Norfolk arena on Up and I am sharwas packed with fans ing it again because screaming for more of it promises to be the the godfather of soul. power punch of the He was telling us that summer with a release night that the medical date of August 1. So doctors were telling the film is out and we him that he exerted too need to Get on Up and Lyle Foster much energy and that go! the amount of perspiraTate Taylor who has tion he exerted was not good made quite a name for himself for him and that this would be with the inspirational film The his last concert in Virginia. As Help is the director of this film they put the famous cape on that many have been waiting him everyone was screaming for many years. The all star please don’t go to the Godfather cast includes Octavia Spencer, of soul please don’t go! And Viola Davis, Nelsan Ellis, Dan underneath the famous cape he Aykroyd and the incredibly dropped to one knee and the talented Chadwick Boseman as crowd literally took off the ceilJames Brown. ing. Well needless to say the The story of James Brown Godfather of Soul was able to covers everything from his des-

of someone that we may never perate beginnings to the launch witness again in our lifetime. of his stellar music career and The pulse of the movie keeps us the drug demons that ultimately wanting more and the cast….. changed the course of his life. well there are not many words But along the way we get to to describe Viola Davis and recapture the amazing talent Octavia Spencer that don’t start of the Godfather of Soul that is with super. more than aptly When you go captured by the try not to sit in unbelievable front of anyone performance because Get on of Chadwick Up will have you Boseman. This on your feet in is a story that has the theatre and been waiting to we don’t want be told because you to get asked very few have out! influenced the Now to keep world of music it up to date like the Godfather there are a lot and many are of other movstill giving him ies going on credit today for Universal Pictures 2014 and a few of the impact his them are worth our nickels and soul funk had on their career. some are better for the DVD So from the famous band…. rental. I have heard a few tell did anyone see the Bruno me how good The Purge is…. Mars halftime show at the well frequent readers of this Superbowl…to the back story column know that I don’t do the to the painful life story we get to continued on page 9 witness the rags to riches story

Food Column: “Falstaff’s Local” by Lyle Foster Unite Contributing Writer Falstaff's Local 311 Park Central West This is going to be a bit of a different spin from the usual restaurant review but it is right in line with summer time and summer fun in the Ozarks. It is no secret that a lot of the downtown Springfield scene

is a varied collection of bars and eateries that cater to the university and college crowd. And the Park Central corridor is a very popular area even though the strongest section is the eastern end. But there has been a steady progression towards improvement on the western end in the last few years with Harbel's and the Hurts Donut rage and now sandwiched in between a new

place. So on a recent weekday night I did just what this end of center city is trying to cater to the crowd before and after the College Station movie crowd. No matter what you may think about bars in particular it is nice to see another vacant building downtown come back to life. The owners of this particular building have done a nice job on the renovation with

lofts above on the second floor and a very smart looking comfortable bar pub space on the first floor. The color scheme is muted with the typical bar section and an adjacent room for eating as well away from the bar. Props to the big screen TV's for watching your favorite sport and the night I was there Cardinal baseball was loud and proud. Everything was new continued on page 9

ParkDay Reunion

continued from page 1

from slavery in 1865 when blacks first learned, probably by word of mouth, of the Emancipation Proclamation on August 4. The celebrations were held in the Springfield area where blacks had settled. This area of land later became Silver Springs Park—or the "black park." In 1952, Gerald Brooks, a park supervisor, school band and orchestra director, along with Robert Wendell Duncan, also a park supervisor, started a day of games and sports events in the park where young blacks, particularly boys, could compete for trophies. Blacks from other towns also joined in the competition. In 1953 Robert Wendell Duncan started the bathing beauty contest. Young women were given a chance to participate in a swim suit competition for the title of Miss Silver Springs. A panel of judges would select the winner. Little Miss and Pre-teen categories were added in later years. The picnic in the park was turned into a formal annual event by three clubs made up of native Springfieldians. The St. Louis Reunion Club, led by Mrs. Ora Logan, was formed in 1973 and had the first formal picnic

Panda Laundry continued from page 1

indefinitely for customers, making laundry service affordable and accessible -- modeled on the principles of an assembly line. “Henry Ford, he didn’t create a better automobile, he just created a faster, cheaper way to make more cars accessible,” said Yi. “Panda is trying to be that

that same year. The Kansas City Reunion Club was formed in 1977 and the Springfield Reunion Club was formed in 1980. The first scholarship dance was held at the Colonial Hotel in 1975. Miss Vanessa Bedell, a graduate of Hillcrest High School received the first scholarship in the amount of $250. On May 4, 2001, the scholarship was renamed the Clifton Moore, Jr. Minority Memorial Scholarship Fund after the founder and first president of the Springfield Reunion Club, Clifton Moore, Jr. Annual scholarships in the amount of $1000 have been awarded consistently since that time. The Ladies Civic League, a local non-profit civic organization, started coordinating a parade for the event in 2004. It is a community parade where businesses, organizations and individuals are invited to join in the celebration. Today’s Park Day activities are coordinated by the Springfield Reunion Club, a group of volunteers dedicated to plan and carry out the tradition of Park Day. While the Parkday Weekend Celebration has historically been an African American event, it has become more diverse through the years and welcomes participation from the entire Springfield community.

for laundry and an assembly line process, thereby dropping cost for customers while maintaining quality. It’s possible with our process.” Innovation and exploration were two key parts of developing Panda Laundry’s Panda Care Promise, a systematic process for caring for customers’ clothes. Yi hopes that in every interaccontinued in next column

continued from below tion, customers will have expectations of quality, reliability and cleanliness. “The thing about laundry is that there’s a trust factor when it comes to clothes,” he said. “The idea is to create a service that has a brand and a process, so you’re not simply handing over your clothes, you’re giving them to a company you trust.. And that’s one of the things that I’m passionate about, letting our customers know how we care about their clothes and their belongings.” Good business practices come from passion and persistence, Yi says, and laundry is something he always genuinely

enjoyed. Now, he hopes to make the concept of Panda a reality in the marketplace with the help of venture capital and a network of people who support his idea. “I think I became an entrepreneur because of creating something that you enjoy and you created,” he said. “The greatest thing I learned pursuing Panda is how important networking is. Anything you create is because of the framework of people you have around you, and the more you network and communicate with the community around you, the more you’ll be able to do. The goal is for Panda to become a national brand, and I’m excited to see what’s next. ”

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.

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August 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 417.890.8501 Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) www.score.org 417.837.2619 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 Maria Contreras-Sweet becomes the 24th Leader of the U.S. Small Business Administration by The Small Business Administration

aged Health Care and its Office nonpartisan advocacy organizaof Patient Advocate and in the tion dedicated to encouraging implementation of a $2.1 billion Latinas to engage more fully in Maria Contreras-Sweet behousing bond that stimulated the democratic process. came the 24th Administrator of the state’s economy. During Born in Guadalajara, Mexico, the U.S. Small Business AdminCalifornia’s energy crisis, she Contreras-Sweet is a first-genistration and a member of Presichaired the finance committee eration immigrant who came dent Obama’s Cabinet of the state’s electrical to America at age 5 with her on April 7, 2014. power grid, CA-ISO, mother and five siblings. She is Contreras-Sweet is helping to stabilize the married to Ray Sweet, and they a successful entreprestate’s volatile energy have three children and a grandneur, business execumarket. daughter. tive, and state cabinet Contreras-Sweet In nominating Contreofficial. Throughout her entered the private ras-Sweet to lead the SBA, career in the public and sector as the director President Obama said: “As Maria Contreras-Sweet private sector, she has of public affairs for Secretary of the California been a champion of diverWestinghouse’s 7-Up Business, Transportation and sity, access to capital and equal / RC Bottling Company. She Housing Agency, Maria was opportunity for all Americans. rose to vice president and later the driving force behind major Prior to her arrival in Washbecame an equity partner in the job creation and major public ington, Contreras-Sweet founded company. investments in infrastructure the first Latino-formed commerContreras-Sweet was a foundand in housing. As a consultant, cial bank in California in more ing director of The California she helped companies expand than 35 years. As the bank’s Endowment, a multi-billion dolinto the Latino market. She’s executive chairwoman, she lar philanthropic health foundaa champion of women-owned focused on providing access to tion. She was appointed by the and family-owned businesses. capital and counseling to smallUnited States Senate to serve on And as someone who moved and mid-size businesses in Los the Federal Glass Ceiling Comto California from Mexico as a Angeles. She previously started mission, created to help break young girl, and whose mother a venture capital firm that indown barriers between women worked long hours to support vested in small businesses. and the executive suite. In Maria and her five siblings, she Contreras-Sweet was the first 1989, Contreras-Sweet founded knows firsthand the challenges Latina to hold a state cabinet Hispanas Organized for Political that working families and recent post in California. As Secretary Equality (HOPE), a nonprofit, immigrants are facing.” of Business, Transportation and Housing, she managed 13 Daymond John and Other Black Angel Investors departments, including Caltrans, the California Highway That Every Minority Startup Should Know About Patrol, the Department of Motor Black Business.Org In the U.S. there are currentVehicles and the Department of According to Black Enterly about 7.2 million accredited Financial Institutions. She manprise magazine, Black-owned investors, or individuals who aged a $14 billion budget and a firms are far less likely to earn $200,000 or more each year workforce of more than 42,000 receive funding from an angel or whose net worth (not includemployees during her five-year investor. An Angel is an affluent ing their home) exceeds $1 miltenure. She led in the creation of individual that offers capital to lion. But minority-owned startthe state’s Department of Mancontinued on page 7 assist business start-ups.

Angel investor

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ups only represented about 8.5% of those who pitched to these angel investors, and an average of only 15% of them actually get funded. Most people are aware of Daymond

John, founder of FUBU and Shark Branding. He is an angel investor on the hit ABC show Shark Tank. But he is not the only African American angel investor. If you have a small business and are looking to get funded, here is a list of the top 8 African Daymond John continued on page 11

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August Unite Page 7

African American Community Organizations Directory Mark A. Dixon Bartley-Decatur Neighborhood Center 918 E. Calhoun Springfield, MO 65802 417-987-9939 www.bartley-decatur.org

Lynette Adams, Worthy Matron Missouri Jurisdiction PHA Order Of Eastern Star Greater Truth Chapter #88 P.O. Box 8804 Springfield, MO 65801 417-866-6878

American Legion Post Norvel Stafford 1339 E. Division St Springfield, MO 65803 417-862-9123

Calvin L. Allen, Exec. Director Springfield Community Center- Family Achievement Academy 911 E. Division St Springfield, MO 65803 417-866-4359

Deidra England, President Ladies Civic League Provides scholarships for youth P. O. Box 8296 Springfield, MO 65801 417-887-7440 Robert Looney, Ozarks Golf Club, Inc Spfld. Community Center 618 N. Benton Springfield, MO 65806 Sherman Avenue Project Committee, Inc. Housing Org. 1228 N. Sherman Springfield, MO 65802 417-865-1203 Anthony Pickens 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 Dennis Davis Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Springfield Alumni P.O. Box 6287 Springfield, MO 65801-6287 417-496-7365

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

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