2018 Aug Unite

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Do You Need a Lawyer When You Buy or Sell a House? By Sativa Boatman-Sloan, Attorney at Law

vitally important that you read the terms and pay particular attention to the time frames set In most circumstances, a forth in the contract. If time realtor is involved in the proframes are missed, it can result cess, so you may not need a in being stuck with certain lawyer. However, every contract terms you did transaction should not want or even in include the creation of your contract falling a real estate contract through. between the buyers and There may also sellers. The real estate be instances in which contract consists of a realtor will not be the purchase and sale involved, so it would Sativa Sloan terms between the parbe necessary to hire an ties. Most home sales involve a attorney to prepare the real realtor who uses the standard estate contract. It is important real estate sales contract for the to understand that since the Missouri county in which the attorney will represent the best property is located. interests of the party who hired Since each contract differs them, both sides of the contract depending on your location, it is would be wise to seek legal

advice from their own separate attorneys. Additionally, the economy has created more situations in which people enter into non-traditional sales of real estate. Instead of selling a property to a buyer who obtains a traditional loan from a lending institution, owners are being forced to find alternative solutions for buyers. There are many factors to consider. One increasingly popular option is a lease-purchase. It consists of a standard Lease Agreement with some portion or all of the monthly lease payment being applied to the purchase price if the buyer ultimately follows through with purchasing the property. An

Option to Purchase Agreement accompanies the transaction setting forth the terms for the buyer to purchase if they timely exercise their rights under the option. A lease-purchase is usually the best for sellers since it is the easiest way to evict the buyer if they fall behind on payments. It can also be good for buyers when there is not a large down payment and the buyer expects to have better credit in the future to obtain a traditional loan. The best option for you depends on the circumstances of your transaction and whether you are the buyer or seller. Consulting with a lawyer in these situations is vital to determine which option best protects your interests.

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August 2018 Volume 28/ Number 8 • A Monthly Publication by Unite of Southwest Missouri, Inc •

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NewsOnline

Building Empowering Connections In Our Diverse Community

See Photos on Page 6

Building Empowering Connections In Our Diverse Community

The Rev. Harold Ewell II is appointed new pastor at Pitts Chapel UMC

Rev. Harold Ewell II See details on Page 4

African-American Heritage Trail to be unveiled at ParkDay Springfield, MO— The organizers of Springfield’s African American Heritage Trail project will unveil an artist’s rendering of the trail’s first marker at the annual Park Day Reunion Aug. 3 at Silver Springs Park, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary. The ceremony will take place around 1 p.m. at Silver Springs Park, on the greenway near the basketball courts. Continued on Page 9

UNITE.

See Photos from the 2018 Black History Summer Academy

2018 ParkDay Weekend Is Here!

Springfield, MO— The ParkDay Reunion Weekend celebration is one of the longest run African American events in Springfield, Missouri. The reunion was termed Park Day in 1952 when a day of games was organized by Gerald Brooks, a teacher at the all-black Lincoln High School, and Robert Wendell Duncan, a Silver Springs Park supervisor. Silver Springs Park,

Springfield's only public park the Lamplighter Inn North with open to black residents during a Hospitality Event. On Satursegregation is where day there will be Tennis and most of the celebration Bowling tournaments along y a will take place. This with a Parade, and a Picnic kD Par dule year, the tradition in Silver Springs Park, che 2 S e continues with a followed by a Dance that Pag weekend full schedevening. The weekend celule of activities for the bration will wrap up Sunday entire family. All of the events afternoon with a Gospel concert all open to the public. in the park and the Miss Silver continued on page 9 The weekend will kick off at

Celebrating the Legacy: Commemorating the 100th Birthday of the Rev. Oliver Brown Springfield, MO— The daughter of the late Rev. Oliver Brown will join Springfield community leaders and Drury University officials on August 19, as Drury host a special public event dedicated to the civil rights leader and local pastor who was the namesake of the landmark 1954 U.S. Supreme Court decision ending racial segregation in American schools. "Celebrating the Legacy: Commemorating the 100th Birthday of Rev. Oliver Brown" will take

place from 4 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, August 19. The event will begin in the Central High School Rev. Oliver Brown atrium with a series of speakers, including Brown's daughter Cheryl Brown Ferguson. Following the program, the event will move one block away to Benton Avenue African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.)

Benton Avenue AME Church

Church, where Brown was pastor from 1959 until his death continued on page 9

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2018 ParkDay Reunion Weekend Calendar Sponsored by Springfield Reunion Club, Inc. & Springfield Greene County Parks

Theme for 2018 …“Celebrating 100 Years of Silver Springs Park”

FRIDAY, August 3, 2018

8:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m. HOSPITALITY - Lamplighter Inn North, 2820 N. Glenstone - 417-869-3900 featuring … Springfield’s Own … “DJ Feddii“ Adults - $10 / Kids - $5 (ages 5-10)

SATURDAY, August 4, 2018

9:00 a.m. - TENNIS TOURNAMENT ~ Silver Springs Park Contacts: Randy Smith 576-6116 or Vincent Stout 886-2682 11:00 a.m. - BOWLING TOURNAMENT ~ Sunshine Lanes ~ 1500 W. Sunshine Contacts: Sidney Needem 865-1203 or Sunshine Lanes 866-7246 12:00 Noon - PARK DAY REUNION PARADE ~ Silver Springs Park – Sponsored by Ladies Civic League & NAACP Contacts: Charmaine Huddleston 425-9355 or Janet Price 379-6652 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. - KID’S $1 SWIM – Silver Springs Park 1:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. - PARK DAY REUNION PICNIC - Everyone is Welcome! Bring your covered dish. 9:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m. - PARK DAY REUNION DANCE - Lamplighter Inn North, 2820 N. Glenstone featuring … “Skinny Hightower & Company” Atlanta, GA “It’s a Black & White Jazzy Night” (suggested Black & White Attire) (Tickets- $15 in advance / $20 at the door)

Library

Mercy

freedom, the case going all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court, with the court ultimately deciding that slaves were not citizens and could not sue in federal court. Strong will discuss Dred Scott v. John Sandford, considered the court's greatest "self-inflicted wound," and how the decision polarized the nation and forever changed the course of history. ••• Through September-November in the five Springfield library branches, enjoy original art from area middle school and college students commemorating MLK50, the community’s observance of the 50th memorial for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The yearlong MLK50 observance includes cultural, social and civic activities on the theme, “Where Do We Go from Here: Chaos or Community?” For more information call 417-3533189 or 417-836-5070.

hospital was raised. The Springfield Colored Hospital Association opened in 1921 at the site of the current Bartley Decatur Neighborhood Center to care for the black population of Springfield. The Springfield Colored Hospital Association operated there until 1950 (reference from the Bartley Decatur Neighborhood Center). The gradual integration of Springfield hospitals is thought to have occurred about the time the schools became integrated in the mid-1950s (History Museum). In answer to the question about salary range for healthcare professions, “a doctor in some specialties can expect to make millions and millions of dollars over his/her career” according to Laura Starks. Leslie Botch-

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Lifestyle Factors continued from page 10

community – if you love animals, consider volunteering at a local shelter. If you enjoy singing, join

SUNDAY, August 5, 2018

MORNING WORSHIP - Go To the Church of Your Choice 3:30 p.m. - GOSPEL PRAISE IN THE PARK Contacts: Quinci Williams 861-3965 or Nora England 861-7568 6:00 p.m. - MISS SILVER SPRINGS BEAUTY PAGEANT - (for pageant information) Contacts: Jane Pike 869-8091 Stephanie Herron 693-6442 Sabrina Shockley 597-1946 (Monetary Donations Are Accepted For Any Event) Hope To See You All Soon!

a local choir or help at an afterschool program. Or just share activities with friends and family. It’s never too late or too early to start thinking about your brain’s

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Events & Resources continued from page 5

the Ozarks and ask to speak with someone from the VITA Program, 417-720-2000.

August 7 – National Night Out at Nichols Park Learn how to prevent and address crime to have healthier neighborhoods. Visit with local police officers, firefighters and park rangers and enjoy games, food and fun from 5:00 to 8:00 P.M.

health — making healthy choic-

August 22 – Landlord Training

es at any age is beneficial. To

This training session will focus on lead paint and rental property. Registration for the training session is required. Call 417-888-2020 or register online at www.cpozarks. org/evnt/landlord.

learn more about how lifestyle factors impact brain health visit our website, alz.org/greatermissouri.

way, Masters of Physical Therapy (MPT), spoke to the youth about the types of services he provides for his patients. Leslie stressed the importance of academics, good grades and accepting the help of others. Leslie stressed the importance of teamwork in achieving important goals. The HR team then took the youth on a tour of the hospital that included the pharmacy, the Emergency Department, the shiny new cafeteria, the chapel and a pediatric floor. During the tour the speaker talked about how she started as a pharmacy technician and is now a recruiting specialist in the HR department. Pharmacy technicians can start at the age of 16. The youth learned that there are shortages of both doctors and nurses which are both important and well paying jobs. The youth were treated to August 7, 14, 21 and 28 – Making Sense of Money/Basic Budgeting Series

Learn how to establish a budget that works for you and develop habits to reach your financial goals. Participants could be eligible for a $100 savings match with partnering banks. Dinner provided at 5:30 P.M. and the workshop is from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Free to attend but need to register – please contact Danielle Jones at 417-888-2020 or www.cpozarks. org/financialliteracy/.

drinks, snacks and a swag bag containing several Mercy branded products. The field trip started in the airy and lovely Catherine McCauley conference room and ended with the tour. In addition to the twelve youth in attendance, the youth leaders, parents, grandparents and other NAACP members were in attendance. The Health Committee would like to thank the Mercy HR team for the planning and effort put into making our youth feel comfortable, welcome and hopefully challenged to prepare themselves for healthcare professions in the future. Thank you Leslie for sharing what you do and being a picture of success for our youth. Youth interested joining the NAACP can contact Shurita or Lola on the NAACP Springfield website.

Minorities In Business

Monthly Networking Event August 7, 5:30 pm at Robert Plaster Free Enterprise Center/ The eFactory 405 N Jefferson Ave Guest Speakers: Dee King, Guaranty Bank and Cory and Amy Whitaker Bring a friend or business partner!! For more information call: (417) 837-2631

Good News, Great Music & Warm People

2101 W. Chestnut Expwy. Springfield, MO 65802 (417) 865-4338

Service Times: Sunday 10:30 a.m. & Wednesday 6:00 p.m.

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IN THIS ISSUE

Health News Certain lifestyle factors can impact the health of your brain and body brain and body. • Hit the books: Formal education in any stage of life will help reduce your risk of cognitive decline and dementia. For Alzheimer’s is growing in its example, take a class at a local prevalence. An estimated 5.7 college, community center or million Americans of all ages online. are living with Alzheimer's or • Butt out: Evidence dementia in 2018. This shows that smoking number includes an increases risk of cogestimated 5.5 million nitive decline. Quitting people age 65 and smoking can reduce older and approximatethat risk to levels comly 200,000 individuals parable to those who under age 65 who have not smoked. have younger-onset • Follow your heart: Alzheimer's. Regina Lowe Evidence shows that • One in 10 people age risk factors for cardiovascular 65 and older (10 percent) has disease and stroke — obesity, Alzheimer's or dementia. high blood pressure and diabe• Almost two-thirds of tes — negatively impact your Americans with Alzheimer's are cognitive health. Take care of women. your heart, and your brain just • Older African-Americans are about twice as likely to have Alzheimer's or other dementias as older Caucasians. So, is there anything you can do to protect yourself from Springfield, MO—On Saturday Alzheimer’s? The short answer July 14th, the Mercy Human is that Alzheimer’s cannot be Resources (HR) Vice President prevented, treated or cured. and her team hosted the NAACP However, recent research studYouth group. The purpose of the ies show that certain lifestyle field trip was to introduce the factors can impact the health youth to some of the career and of your brain and body, and by professional opportunities availchanging your lifestyle, you able in healthcare and at Mercy can actually reduce the risk hospital. of cognitive decline. Based on Laura Starks, VP of Human this research, the Alzheimer’s Resources kicked off the presenAssociation has developed a list tation with a slideshow of healthy habits that can help highlighting the history and achieve maximum benefit for values of St. John’s from the the brain and body: humble beginnings to one of the • Break a sweat: Engage in largest employers in Springfield regular cardiovascular exercise Missouri. Various professions that elevates your heart rate were highlighted: doctors, nursand increases blood flow to the es, physical therapists, occupa-

By Regina Lowe Director of Community Programs Alzheimer’s Association Greater Missouri Chapter

might follow. • Heads up: Brain injury can raise risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Wear a seat belt, use a helmet when playing contact sports or riding a bike and take steps to prevent falls. • Fuel up right: Eat a healthy and balanced diet that is lower in fat and higher in vegetables and fruit to help reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Although research on diet and cognitive function is limited, certain diets, including Mediterranean and Mediterranean-DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension), may contribute to risk reduction. • Catch some Zs: Not getting enough sleep due to conditions like insomnia or sleep apnea may result in problems with memory and thinking.

• Take care of your mental health: Some studies link a history of depression with increased risk of cognitive decline, so seek medical treatment if you have symptoms of depression, anxiety or other mental health concerns. Also, try to manage stress. • Stump yourself: Challenge and activate your mind. Build a piece of furniture. Complete a jigsaw puzzle. Do something artistic. Play games, such as bridge, that make you think strategically. Challenging your mind may have short- and longterm benefits for your brain. • Buddy up: Staying socially engaged may support brain health. Pursue social activities that are meaningful to you. Find ways to be part of your local continued on page 11

Mercy introduces youth to Healthcare careers

tional therapists and pharmacists but also less commonly thought of but necessary professions such as teachers, lab techs, and jobs in human resources. Some of the Mercy values which include dignity, stewardship, justice, excellence, charism

and service were discussed. The Sisters of Mercy were a Catholic organization that brought their values with them when they came over from Ireland to care for the poor. A question regarding the integration of the continued on page 11

Community News

The Importance Of The Dred Scott Case Explored At The Library by Kathleen O’Dell, Springfield-Greene County Library District There’s a little bit of everything at the Library in these waning days of summer. You can always find more at thelibrary.org! Here’s a sample: For grades 6-12, it’s a Back-to-School Bash at 3:15 Kathleen O'Dell p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 15, in the Midtown Carnegie Branch Teen Room. ••• LibraryCon gets underway from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 18, throughout the Library Center. Geek out with fellow fans and cosplayers! The day will include a Geeky Storytime, Draw-alongs with illustrators, a Comic Illustrators and Authors Panel, and lots more. Family-friendly cosplay is welcome. See the schedule at thelibrary.org/librarycon. ••• Springfield attorney Thomas Strong will present a history program, “The Importance of Dred Scott,” at 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 23, in the Library Center auditorium. Missouri slave Dred Scott sued for his continued on page 11

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Do you know the importance of Postsecondary Attainment? by Francine Pratt

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Business News

Black History Summer Academy Photos Photos by Leonard Horton

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Lifestyle & Entertainment News

Movie Review: "The Equalizer 2" Lyle Foster

Health News

Mercy introduces youth to Healthcare careers by J.R. Chappell

UNITE. Volume 28, Number 8 PUBLISHER Unite. of Southwest Missouri, Inc. MANAGING EDITOR Samuel G. Knox CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Lyle Foster Gwen Marshall Kathleen O'Dell Mariah Oke-Thomas Francine Pratt John Sellars Sativa Boatman-Sloan PHOTOGRAPHY Tondaleigha Jones Erin Gamble VOLUNTEERS Tyra Knox Laura Clark

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 Heather K. Howell Angela N. Collins Harley R. Williams 886-9996 Clint W. Mease Russ Allen

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

City Employment Link 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 TV: CityView on Mediacom Cable Digital Channel 80; or In Person: visiting our offices at 840 Boonville, Room 324, Springfield, MO 65802. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, status as a protected veteran, among other things, or status as a qualified individual with disability. Individuals with disabilities should request reasonable accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act prior to testing or appointment. Proof of United States Citizenship/Authorization to Work in The United States as established by the Immigration Reform Act of 1986 is a condition of employment. Pre-employment drug testing required.

The Unite. publication is a 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 correspondence to the same address. Readers comments and questions are welcomed. The opinions expressed in these pages do not necessarily reflect the views of Unite. of Southwest Missouri, Inc. “The Unite Publication in accepting advertising in this publication, makes no independent investigation concerning the services of products advertised and neither endorses nor recommends the same and assumes no liability therefore.” For further information, you can contact us at (417) 864-7444. Email: unitepublication@yahoo. com

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CommunityNews

The Equalizer 2

Do you know the importance of Postsecondary Attainment? of educational options such as earning an apprenticeship or trades certificate. There was a Historically, the word degree time when a good-paying quality described college education job could be obtained with just beyond high school. However, a high school diploma. the word degree does Now, additional skills not take into considerare required for most ation other educational jobs. Many employers options beyond high require the additional school. Why is this education because important? Today’s job technology is used opportunities require in many work appliadditional education Francine Pratt cations, even to repair beyond high school. a car or drive a forklift. The Postsecondary educational Springfield community is fortuattainment provides a variety By Francine Pratt Unite Contributing Writer

The Rev. Harold Ewell II is appointed new pastor at Pitts Chapel UMC Springfield, MO—Pitts Chapel United Methodist Church is pleased to announce the appointment of The Rev. Harold “Russell” Ewell II as Pastor. Rev. Ewell Rev. Harold Ewell lead his first worship service on Sunday, July 1, 2018. Rev. Ewell graduated from Normandy Sr. High (St. Louis MO), earned a B.S. in Sociology from Southern Illinois University (Edwardsville), and in 2009 he distinguished himself by becoming the first blind student to graduate from Eden Theological Seminary in its 168-year history. Rev. Ewell also has the distinction of being the first blind person to be ordained in the Missou-

ri Conference of the United Methodist Church. Rev. Ewell is a happy newlywed, married to Rev. Adrienne Denson Ewell, who serves as a pastor at Campbell UMC, Springfield MO. Rev. Ewell serves as Co-Chair of The United Methodist Association of Ministers with Disabilities and serves as a board member of Missouri Faith Voices. As a person with a disability in pre-ADA America, his personal and systems advocacy skills began to develop the day his parents enrolled him into Kindergarten. Ophthalmologists and educators forewarned, “Blind students could not succeed in integrated classrooms.” So “don’t dream of one day seeing your son graduate from high school.” Obviously, continued on page 9

nate to have several options in the area to increase job skills beyond high school through Ozarks Technical Community College, Missouri Job Center and a few private venues. Another option to consider for postsecondary educational attainment is going to college or going back to college. Many working adults attended college previously and life circumstances made it difficult to finish college. However, most of those college credits can be utilized to still earn a degree. For example, a few more classes may lead to an associate’s degree. Several local employers have programs that will assist with returning to college. Another example is for a person who previously attended a four-year college and stopped attending. A person in this situation may have earned enough credits to obtain an associate’s degree. If this scenario applies to you or someone you know, they should contact the college they attended and ask to speak with someone about a “Reverse” degree, which allows the credits earned to revere to an associate’s degree. Maybe a person stopped attending high school and did not receive a diploma or a GED. Springfield Public Schools has a program focused on helping the student who did not receive a diploma finish school and obtain a high school diploma. The high schools now have several online programs that makes this feasible with any work schedule. Why does all of this matter? The Springfield area has over 6,000 jobs and the majority

of these jobs are good-paying quality jobs that require at least one level of education beyond high school. If a person is willing to increase their job skills, there are many opportunities to increase hourly and even salary pay. If someone is in a lower paying job than what is needed for the lifestyle they want, there are options to increase skills for better paying jobs that pay over $12.00 per hour. Some employers are willing to help with job training skills. If currently employed, and have the desire to increase job skills, contact your supervisor or the Human Resource office of your employer. If unemployed and have a desire to increase skills to obtain a job, there are employers willing to pay for job skills training after a person is hired. The MO Job Center has the “Change 1000” program that will develop pre-employment skills. OTC has different programs as well. Increasing postsecondary attainment is a win-win for the person seeking a job and for the employer. The person seeking employment demonstrates the willingness to increase their job skills and potential employers are willing to give someone a chance. Prosper Springfield is a collective impact initiative focused on a shared community vision to improve economic mobility in the Springfield community. For more information about Prosper Springfield, contact Francine Pratt at 417-888-2020. Prosper Springfield - Uniting Resources. Improving Lives.

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and this is definitely one of those as it is worth the time and money to get to the big screen and show some support for Mr. Denzel! The Equalizer is back and based on the quality of this installment he will be back again to execute some more vengeance. And to just let you know that I am not on my very own special planet Equalizer 2 surprised the pundits by coming in no. 1 in its first week of release edging the favored Mama Mia. Go Mr. Washington….you are one bad mamma jamma! And it is rated R for violence. 94 out of 100

Heritage Trail

continued from page 1

The organizers, which include business owner Lyle Foster, Missouri State University professors Wes Pratt and Tim Knapp and NAACP Springfield President Cheryl Clay, plan to designate as many as 20 sites on the trail with distinctive, cast-iron historical markers and have partnered with the City of Springfield, Springfield-Greene County Park Board, Ozark Greenways, Missouri State and Drury universities to make the project a reality. Due to the expense of the markers, both public and private funding will likely be used for the project. The trail will follow an existing greenway that runs near several of the important sites, such as the Sherman Avenue Corridor, the former Lincoln High School, (Springfield’s black high school before integration, now known as Ozarks

Technical Community College’s Lincoln Hall) Jones Alley Business District and the Historic Church Quadrangle (Washington Avenue Baptist Church, Benton Avenue AME Church, Pitts Chapel UMC and Gibson Chapel). There will also be signs directing people to other significant markers from the greenway. Silver Springs, Springfield’s only public park open to black residents during segregation, was established in 1918 on land owned by Springfield school superintendent Jonathan Fairbanks, who had died the previous year. The night before Easter 1906, Fairbanks opened his home to black residents frightened by the lynching of three black men – Will Allen, Fred Coker and Horace Duncan – on Park Central Square. A memorial honoring the three men will be incorporated into the heritage trail. The Park Day Reunion dates back to 1952, when Lincoln High School teacher Gerald Brooks started a day of games and sports for Springfield’s young black residents at Silver Springs. Park Days includes a parade, beauty pageant, concerts and a picnic, and provided the backdrop for the 1998 film “Park Day,” by director Sterling Macer, Jr., who grew up here. "One of the goals of the whole project is to promote healing and appreciation for the African American community's past and present," said Mayor McClure, in his 2018 State of the City address. "... We are making great strides forward in diversity and inclusion but we have a long ways to go."

2018 ParkDay

continued from page 1 Springs Beauty Pageant. For details and a complete schedule of events, refer to the full ParkDay calendar on page 2.

Rev. Oliver Brown continued from page 1

at age 47 in 1961. A de-consecration ceremony will take place at that time, formally decommissioning the church as a sacred space. Drury University purchased the building in 2014 following the end of services there in 2013. The university intends to eventually honor Rev. Brown through re-use of the building as an academic and teaching space, and with new streetscape features along Central Street adjacent to the church. For more information, contact Drury University Media Relations at (417) 873-7390.

New Pastor

continued from page 4 those folks did not realize the power of prayer and a made-up mind. Rev. Ewell advocates for people to realize their power and apprehend their life goals. He gives talks across the country on Disability Advocacy and Awareness, The Disability Rights Movement, The Intersections of Religion and Disability, and The Intersectionality of Disability Theology and Black Theology. Rev. Ewell works from the prophetic tradition and witness of the Black Church. The term Black Church is primarily a theological and historic term

used to describe the worship setting, the community and the prophetic witness of the African diaspora living in America. Rev. Ewell states “there is a shared ethos, a shared reality, and shared experiences that accompany Black folk. Whether we attend or serve a predominantly Black Congregation or attend or serve a multicultural congregation, we are members of the Black Church.” Rev. Ewell is both excited and enthusiastic about his appointment to the historic Pitts Chapel United Methodist Church. He desires to build on its reputation as a beacon in the community while growing in order to fulfill its mission today. Rev. Ewell is clear about holding on to the past yet looking to the future. He is actively seeking to meet Pitts Chapel’s neighbors in order to see how we might collaborate with one another. Rev. Ewell is aware of the changes in the community around Pitts and has seen its impact on historic Black Churches. Nevertheless, his faith resides with God and the biblical text, particularly 1 Corinthians 2:9 which says, “no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the human heart conceived, what God has prepared for those who love him.” Please help the Pitts Chapel family welcome Rev. Ewell to the Springfield Community by attending his installation service on Sunday, August 26 at 3p.m., in the Pitts Chapel fellowship hall.

Subscribe To The Unite Publication For A One Year Subscription Call: (417) 864-7444

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Arts&Entertainment News

Waynesville students win Gold at FCCLA National Competition

Movie Review: “The Equalizer 2 - Denzel Washington” a quiet neighbor who wants to stay way under the radar because in his previous “bad The Equalizer 2 - featuring boy” days as a covert operator Denzel Washington he took down enough enemies to last a lifetime. But he will Well, maybe it was the mood come out of retirement to help I was in or the summer blocksomeone who has been misbuster season excitetreated and in the case ment but I am writing of this movie if you to tell you that Denzel hurt one of his friends. Washington is a bad We also get to learn a mamma jamma! Yes, little bit more about the I went old school Equalizer’s background because Denzel goes and why he seeks to back a few years as far live quietly minding his as being one of the top own business in the Lyle Foster actors from any backfilm which really assists ground. in some of the character develThe Equalizer franchise is back opment. for a second installment meanHe or the movie had me on the ing the first one did well enough edge of my seat with a little bit to bring it back and judging by of suspense and just the right the way this one ended it ain’t amount of action that kept you over yet. Denzel is smooth at full attention. Now heads up even though he is looking just to those who are faint of heart a tad older but his acting chops there is a scene or two that you are as strong as ever and he was may not want to be stuffing still making a few moves taking your mouth with popcorn and down the bad guys. nachos. The effects are strong If you saw the first one you but I have to say when Denzel might remember that Denzel or should I say Mr. McCall goes plays the part of Mr. McCall for revenge he has nerves of By Lyle Foster Unite Contributing Writer

steel and smooth as butter. In the final take down scene the fact that the major fight scene occurs during a hurricane had me screaming from my seat as some of you know I’m a minor weather geek. Yes, I did say that. But it added a unique background and special effect to take the movie to a whole new level. And did I mention the car chase…. well he wasn’t chasing anyone but some off the chain maneuvering that had me shouting in the theatre…..Go Columbia Pictures 2018 head…Denzel. How much you want to bet? I did! In case you can’t tell I loved the movie and I think I plan to go see it again. And while I don’t want to spoil it for you there was a good new actor that was a young blood in the film that the Equalizer takes under his

wing. The young blood is actually Ashton Sanders who has considerable acting talent at a young age and some of you will recognize him from Straight out of Compton and the award winning Moonlight. He plays a young neighbor who is trying to figure out his path to manhood. This added a very special human element and some words of wisdom that speak past the movie to our society today and our young brothers in the street. Really nice effect and some good lines to remember and great execution. There is also another sweet little story in the plot too that I will let you discover for yourself. It was powerful for me. I always try to encourage readers to get off the sofa and not wait for Red Box for some flicks

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Springfield Contemporary Theatre - “The Elephant Man” By Bernard Pomerance Directed by Nathan Shelton Featuring Annie Crumbaugh, Heath Hillhouse, John Johnson, Helena Lee, Tony Maldonado, Makenah Marshall, Andy McMurtrey, Trish Price, Spencer Tilley and Bryant Turnage A horribly deformed young man – victim of rare skin and

bone diseases – John Merrick becomes the star freak attraction in traveling sideshows. Found abandoned and helpless, he is admitted to the prestigious London Hospital in Whitechapel. Under the care of celebrated young physician Frederick Treves, Merrick is introduced to London society and slowly evolves from an object of pity to an urbane and

witty favorite of the aristocracy and literati, only to be denied his ultimate dream – to become a man like any other. The Elephant Man plays July 20-22, 26-29, August 3-5, 2018; Thursday, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30p.m. and Sundays at 2:00p.m. Reserved seat tickets are priced $30 for Adults, $27 for Seniors (55 and over) &

Students. Opening Weekend all tickets are priced $25. Student Rush Tickets (if seats are available) are sold 30 minutes before each performance for $12. On Thursday evenings, tickets remaining at 6:30p.m. will be available "Pay What You Can." Group rates are available for parties of 12 or more. For tickets call our box office at 417-831-8001.

Waynesville, MO—Two Waynesville High School students, Kiara Smith and Zikia Woods, took gold at state and gold at the FCCLA National Leadership competition held, June 28 - July 2, 2018 in Atlanta, Ga. The Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) is a national student organization that helps young men and women become leaders and address important personal, family, work and social issues through Family Consumer Sciences education. STAR Events, Students Taking Action with Recognition, is an FCCLA program of competitive events designed to recognize individuals and chapters for their proficiency and achievement in chapter and individual projects, leadership skills and occupational preparation.

Students from Waynesville High School attended the Missouri FCCLA State Leadership Conference March 11-13 at Tan-Tar-A Resort, Osage Beach. There were more than 1,600 students (grades 6-12) and their teachers in attendance. Woods, the daughter of Camesha Williams and Henry Woods, and Smith, the daughter of Felicia Tucker and James Tucker, competed with their chapter service project entitled “All the Colors Matter - Help Find Their Cure!” They won a gold medal and the opportunity to advance to the FCCLA National Leadership Conference competition to be held in Atlanta, Ga., in July where they also won a gold medal. This year’s student-developed conference theme was “Unmask Your Leadership

Zikia Woods and Kiara Smith

Powers.” The conference featured speakers and workshops on topics such as preparing for college and careers, leadership skills and traffic safety. In

Community Events & Resources 2-1-1 United Way

Need help with: basic needs, medical, supports for seniors, children, youth and families and much more, dial 2-1-1 or go to the 211 website www.211Helps.org

Change 1000 Skills Academy

Free new job-training program for manufacturing, construction, transportation/logistics, Information Technology and healthcare industries. If you have not worked in a while or you want to improve your skills specific to these industries, this course is for you. For more information contact Ozark Region Workforce Development Board at 417-887-4343 or 417-874-2730.

Northwest Project

Offers a free program to help fam-

ilies revitalize their hope so they can set and meet personal goals with a community system of support. Program participants focus on specific key measures for family stability: Affordable Quality Housing, Quality Childcare, Transportation, Job Training and Educational Opportunities, Budgeting, Resolving Legal Issues, Accountability and Health and Well Being. If you want to stop living paycheck to paycheck, contact the Northwest Project at: www.DrewLewis.org, SGFNWP@ gmail.com or 417-720-1890. One Door Are you without a home, at risk of becoming homeless or do not have a safe stable place to stay, call 417-225-7499 or visit the Springfield Affordable Housing

Center at 300 E. Central.

July 1 to October 2 – Help with Past Year Tax Returns The Volunteer Income Tax

addition to leadership training, honors and recognition, more than 640 students participated in 30 competitive events, including early childhood education, entrepreneurship, culinary arts, fashion design, career investigation, chapter service learning projects and sports nutrition. Family, Career and Community Leaders of America is a Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO) for young men and women enrolled in family and consumer sciences education courses. Since 1945, FCCLA members have been making a difference in their families, careers, and communities by addressing important personal, work and societal issues. The Missouri association ranks fifth in the nation in membership with more than 9,800 members. There are more than 320 FCCLA chapters across the state.

Assistance Program can help you file past year tax returns, amend tax returns, file for property tax credits and rent rebates. Call Community Partnership of

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2018 Black History Summer Academy Photo Gallery All Photos by Leonard Horton

Steven Sanon and the 6th-8th-grade boys display their t-shirts

Two students give Ms Gwen Marshall a big hug Three little girls who are a part of the choir

Black History Summer Academy Choir directed by Mrs. Nora England

Working Together to Power Springfield Monica Horton (high school girls) sharing their success affirmations

Whether you have a material to sell or offer a great service—CU is looking for reputable vendors to help us keep our business up-and-running. Call 417-831-8363 or log on to cityutilities.net, key search “Purchasing”, to learn about ways for us to work together.

Jeannie Barge and her kindergarten class It is the policy of City Utilities to offer equal opportunity to individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, ancestry, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, or marital status.

Monica Horton playing the Djembe and the audience in the background

City Utilities of Springfield • 301 East Central, Springfield MO • 417.863.9000 • cityutilities.net

Pastors Henry and Chris Grandberry sharing words of wisdom during the Rites of Passage Ceremony (the Kwanzishas)

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

High School student sharing her future goals

Are you inspired to create a better future for yourself and others? If so, Missouri State has a place for you. With a campus community filled with diverse perspectives, voices and opinions, Missouri State is fulfilling its commitment to address the needs of a changing society.

Black History Academy Entrepreneur Fair displaying the hand-made jewelry

Ravonda Sanon and her 1st & 2nd-grade class

Kwanzishas, (recent African American female graduates) and their escorts: L to R 1st row: Witney Williams, Jasmyn Johnson, Amani Howard, Christiana Adams Strickland L to R 2nd row: Brendan Hudson, Donte Reese, Nardo Trout, Jermorio Robinson

Missouri State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Minority/Female/Veterans/Disability/Sexual Orientation/ Gender Identity Employer and Institution. Employment will require a criminal background check at university expense.

ARE YOU READY TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE? APPLY TODAY AND

www.jobs.missouristate.edu