Unite Dec 2017

December Unite Page 12

December 2017 Volume 27/ Number 12 • A Monthly Publication by Unite of Southwest Missouri, Inc •

www.unitenewsonline.org

UNITE.

Deliverance Temple Ministries Annual Christmas Candlelight Concert Dec 17th | 6 PM See Page 12

Building Empowering Connections In Our Diverse Community

Downtown Springfield Christmas Parade Dec 9

Springfield, MO—Downtown Springfield Association invites the community to celebrate at the 2017 Christmas Parade, Dec 9 at 2 p.m.

Whether you love Rudolph or Ralphie, remember holiday shopping at Heer’s or enjoy watching the square light up each year, these festive, local stories bring us together.

Come be part of the tradition this year as parade participants show off their floats, bands march their way around downtown with an appearance by Santa.

The route starts on South Avenue and Elm Street and ends at Jordan Valley Park.

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T

Springfield, MO—The 2017 Kwanzaa Celebration will be held on Friday, December 29th from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Creamery Art Center, 411 N. Sherman Parkway.

This event is sponsored by

the Ladies Civic League and will feature individuals from the Springfield Community.

The program will include singing, dancing and presentations about the seven Principles of Kwanzaa and there will be traditional food tasting. Everyone is invited to this free event to see how

our families, communities and our nation can benefit if we all live our lives by these Principles: Unity, Self-Determination, Working Together, Supporting Each Other, Purpose, Creativity and Faith in Ourselves. For additional information, please contact (417) 894-0399.

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Actor Earle Hyman, Best Known as Grandpa Huxtable on “The Cosby Show,” Dies at 91

Norway in 1957 and loved the country so much that he bought property there, became fluent in the language, and even performed on stage – starring in

Norwegian productions.

Although he played Bill Cosby’s father in the Cosby Show, there was only a 14-year age difference between the two.

Miss Georgia Burton: Queen of Everything

Reprinted from Bissett Neighborhood Newsletter

by Pete Radecki, Bissett Neighborhood President

Actor, Earle Hyman on the Cosby Show

Nationwide — Earle Hyman, the veteran stage, television and film actor best known for playing Bill Cosby’s father, Russell Huxtable on The Cosby Show has passed away. He was 91, and died in his home in Englewood, New Jersey.

From 1984-1992, Hyman appeared in more than 40 episodes of the hit sitcom, The Cosby Show. But there is so much more to tell about his acting career.

Born in 1926 in Rocky Mount, NC and raised in Brooklyn, NY, Hyman made his Broadway debut in 1944 in Anna Lucas-

ta. He also appeared in other hit productions including The Merchant of Venice, No Time for Sergeants, Mister Johnson, Waiting for Godot (in an acclaimed all-black production in 1957), and in Henrik Ibsen’s The Master Builder, opposite Lynn Redgrave.

Hyman also guest-starred on many TV shows throughout the 1950’s and ’60s.

Little known facts: • In the 1980’s, Hyman was the baritone voice behind Panthro for more than 125 episodes of the cartoon series ThunderCats.

• Hyman took a vacation to

Springfield, MO — What would you call someone who shoots straight, treats everyone with kindness, charity and respect, doesn’t play the victim even though she’s had her share of challenges, has lived in our neighborhood for nearly 50 years and Springfield her whole life, has pinch hit for her parson in sharing The Word, spent 34 years helping many look more

beautiful, and was the catalyst that got security lights in L.A. Wise Park?

Well how Georgia Q. Burton about Queen, which also happens to be her middle name!

Her full name is Georgia Queen Burton, but those of us who know her affectionately call her Miss Georgia. Miss Georgia has been associated with the Bissett Neighborhood Associcontinued on page 11

Springfield Black History Moment This photo from the late 1940's shows the Lincoln School marching band in the Springfield Christmas parade. The band under the direction of Gerald Brooks was a favorite for parades because of their amazing showmanship and musical skill. To everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

See How CU Can

Work With You Plumbers, caterers, landscapers, exterminators, and more are all needed to help City Utilities of Springfield operate on a day-to-day basis. If you offer a good or a service, CU has opportunities. Call 417-831-8363 or visit cityutilities.net, key search “Purchasing”, to learn about ways for us to work together.

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.

Lincoln Marching band in the Springfield Christmas parade Provided by

301 East Central, Springfield • 417.863.9000

cityutilities.net

History Museum On The Square

Open Monday ~ Saturday from 10:30 am to 4:30 pm Adults $5 ~ Children $3 ~ Museum Members Free In our historic Fox Theatre at 157 Park Central Square, Springfield MO

Miss Burton

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Association since its inception, and you can always count on her for something good contributed to the potluck dinners before BNA monthly meetings. That may be on account of her many years in food services at Harry Cooper Supply’s employee cafeteria and at Parkview High School.

You can always count on her to say something kind about somebody or something almost every time you visit with her.

Given her faith and facility for speaking, she is our go-to person to say grace before potluck dinners. And when BNA has an event,you can usually find her helping out. Miss Georgia cares about others. In 1970 ,the first year she moved into the Bissett Neighborhood (in just the third house on a block that was largely vacant land overgrown with weeds and brush at the time), there was a day when her husband, Charles, saw a little girl come running out of L.A. Wise Park scared and crying. The poor little thing apparently had been approached by a strange man and it had scared her.

Charles and Georgia figured some lighting in the park would help, so they got some neighbors together to petition the City for the lights. Then one day, then-City Councilman Wilson McClinton gave Georgia a call and said the City Council would be meeting that night and they should come talk about the need for the lights.

So at the last minute, Georgia said to Charles, “Know what you’re going to do tonight? You are going to go speak to City Council and tell them we need those lights.”

Well, Charles did just that and we have that last minute action by him (and Georgia’s prodding), plus a good City Council vote to thank for the lights. And no, that little girl was not Miss

Georgia’s, but a neighbor, and that was good enough for her.

She isn’t one to say, “Not my problem.” If she sees a way she can make things better, she steps up.

As for making women look more beautiful, Miss Georgia was a top sales representative for Avon for decades, and even though she’s no longer doing that, she still helps some of her former clients get Avon supplies.

One doesn’t get to be top salesperson by just showing up.

We think her kind way of sharing compliments had a lot to do with it. She’s made a lot of folks look good and feel good too, and she’s pretty good at it.

And the preacher she has known! Miss Georgia used to belong to the historic Benton Avenue AME Church in Midtown, where she recounts former pastor Oliver Brown. He, like Miss Georgia, sought to step up and do something to make things better. So what did Oliver Brown do? He was the named plaintiff in the landmark Brown vs The Board of Education Supreme Court case that outlawed racial segregation in 1954.

At her church, Miss Georgia would sometimes be asked to fill in and speak her thoughts on the scriptures. She liked doing it and we think she was (and is) pretty good at it. So what is the key to Miss Georgia, and the message to all of us about a happy, productive life?

She would say, “I love people no matter who they are or what they look like. We need to get along with one another.”

Faith hope and charity. Seems like Miss Georgia is living it, and isn’t that what we would want in our our very own neighborhood Queen? If you come out to a monthly BNA meeting or an event, seek out Miss Georgia.

She’ll probably have something nice—and genuine—to say, and that might just brighten your day.

Library

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more than 3,000 instructor-led courses and 150,000 video tutorials on a variety of technical, creative business skills. Homework and term paper help is at your fingertips there, too.

If cabin fever creeps in, head to the Library for entertainment!

It’s a Harry Potter Yule Ball, Library-Style at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 20, for grades 6-12 in the Midtown Carnegie Branch Teen Room.

How about a New Year's Eve-Eve Bash at 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 30, in the Schweitzer Brentwood Branch for families with children in grades K-5. We’ll have music, games and a 2018 countdown.

At 6:30-8 p.m., grades 8-12 have their own New Year’s Eve-Eve Cosplay Ball with an escape room, dancing and trivia. Call 883-1974 for details.

Learn “How to be an Extreme Couponer” from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 4, for ages 18-24 in the Library Station Santa Fe Room.

Resolving to eat right in 2018?

Drop by the Schweitzer Brentwood Branch at 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 11. Dietitian Brittany Carpenter talks about shopping to uncover secretly unhealthy “health foods.”

Curious about your Native American ancestry? Get expert research help at a Genealogy Workshop at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 17, at the Library Center.

Kathleen O’Dell is community relations director of the Springfield-Greene County Library

High Blood Pressure continued from page 10

condition much earlier.

The new guidelines stress the importance of using proper technique to measure blood pressure. Blood pressure levels should be based on an average of two to three read-

ings on at least two different occasions, the authors said.

Paul K. Whelton, M.B., M.D., M.Sc., lead author of the guidelines published in the American Heart Association journal, Hypertension and the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, noted the dangers of blood pressure levels between 130-139/80-89 mm Hg. “We want to be straight with people – if you already have a doubling of risk, you need to know about it. It doesn’t mean you need medication, but it’s a yellow light that you need to be lowering your blood pressure, mainly with non-drug approaches.”

Awareness of Stroke continued from page 10

like “The sky is blue.”

• Time to Call 9-1-1: If someone shows any of these symptoms, even if the symptoms go away, call 9-1-1 and get to a hospital immediately.

(Tip: Check the time so you’ll know when the first symptoms appeared.)

“With today’s advanced technology, stroke is more treatable than ever before,” said Lee H. Schwamm, M.D., executive vice chair of Neurology at Massachusetts General Hospital and American Stroke Association spokesperson.

Education about F.A.S.T is a part of the American Stroke Association’s Together to End Stroke initiative, nationally sponsored by Medtronic.

For more information and to find a complete list of the stroke warning signs, visit www.StrokeAssociation.org.

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IN THIS ISSUE

Health & Mental Fitness High Blood Pressure Redefined For First Time in 14 Years: Dallas, TX — High blood pressure should be treated earlier with lifestyle changes and in some patients with medication – at 130/80 mm Hg rather than 140/90 – according to the first comprehensive new high blood pressure guidelines in more than a decade. The guidelines are being published by the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American College of Cardiology (ACC) for detection, prevention, management and treatment of high blood pressure.

The guidelines were presented at the Association’s 2017 Scientific Sessions con-

ference in Anaheim, Calif., the premier global cardiovascular science meeting for the exchange of the latest advances in cardiovascular science for researchers and clinicians.

Rather than 1 in 3 U.S. adults having high blood pressure (32 percent) with the previous definition, the new guidelines will result in nearly half of the U.S. adult population (46 percent) having high blood pressure, or hypertension. However, there will only be a small increase in the number of U.S. adults who will require antihypertensive medication,

Highlights: • High blood pressure is now defined as readings of 130 mm Hg and higher for the systolic blood pressure measurement, or readings of 80 and higher for the diastolic measurement. That is a change from the old definition of 140/90 and higher, reflecting complications that can occur at those lower numbers.

• Among African-Americans, 56 percent of women and 59 percent of men will have high blood pressure under the new guidelines.

The change means African-American men have the highest rate of hypertension; previously, black women did.

authors said. Additionally, more African-Americans, a population that faces a higher risk for high blood pressure than other demographics,

will have high blood pressure under the new guidelines.

Fifty-six percent of women will be affected compared to 59 percent of men, which reflects an increase from 42 percent for women and 46 percent for men. This now means African-American men have the highest rate of hypertension while, previously, black women did.

These guidelines, the first update to offer comprehensive guidance to doctors on managing adults with high blood pressure since 2003, are designed to help people address the potentially deadly continued on page 11

Video of 1970’s Hit Song Spreads Awareness of Stroke Signs Dallas, TX — A new parody music video is teaching diverse populations and generations across the country to recognize the most common stroke warning signs. The YouTube sensation was created by the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, the world’s leading voluntary health organization devoted to fighting cardiovascular disease and stroke.

Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability.

African Americans are most likely to die from stroke.

For the American Stroke Association, raising awareness of stroke is more critical

than ever, as new reports indicate that stroke deaths are on the rise.

The song is a parody of the well-known Y.M.C.A song from the 70’s.

It features a person having a stroke in a diner and the patrons and staff singing about the acronym F.A.S.T., an easy way to teach people the most common stroke warning signs and to call 9-1-1 during a stroke emergency.

“The majority of stroke patients still do not arrive at

the Emergency Department quickly enough to receive the care that can dramatically improve their outcomes, in large part because they or those around them do not recognize the warning signs and the importance of calling 9-1-1,” said Dr. Mitchell Elkind, chair of the American Stroke Association and professor of Neurology and Epidemiology at Columbia University. “The song is intended to be a lighthearted way of helping peo-

ple remember F.A.S.T. and to encourage them to call 9-1-1 when someone is experiencing any stroke symptoms.”

The acronym F.A.S.T. stands for: • Face Drooping: Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile. Is the person’s smile uneven?

• Arm Weakness: Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?

• Speech Difficulty: Is speech slurred? Is the person unable to speak or hard to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence,

continued on page 11

Community News

Your Online Library Is Open 24/7/365 to E-books, Movies, Music and Magazines

by Kathleen O’Dell, Springfield-Greene County Library District Unpredictable winter weather doesn’t have to stop you from using the library. Your “online library” is open 24/7/365.

Your library card gives you access to Kathleen O'Dell e-books, movies, music and magazines.

You can also tap into the electronic sites to research your health issues, take a free online course or get some homework help.

New book titles appear at the top of thelibrary.org, and you can click on “See All” to find the list of genres. You can also go directly to thelibrary. org/catalog. Each title indicates if it’s also in e-book form.

Under “Stream and Download,” you can get e-books, audiobooks, video, music and your favorite magazines – easy to download or stream on your device anywhere with Wi-Fi. Under “Research,” click on “Search Library databases” and choose from sites such as Medline for health information. At Lynda.com, learn continued on page 11

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Does your student have grit?

by Gwen Marshall, SPS

Business

What Is Supplier Diversity? And Why is it So Important

by Black EOE Journal

8

Lifestyle & Entertainment News

Movie Review “Justice League”

by Lyle Foster

10

Health & Mental Fitness

Video of 1970’s Hit Song Spreads Awareness of Stroke Signs

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.

UNITE.

Volume 27, Number 12 PUBLISHER Unite. of Southwest Missouri, Inc. MANAGING EDITOR Samuel G. Knox

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Lyle Foster Gwen Marshall Kathleen O'Dell John Sellars PHOTOGRAPHY Tondaleigha Jones VOLUNTEERS Tyra Knox Patrica Burton

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

Justice League continued from page 8

Does you student have grit? get tough. That’s why grit is important in education? We Springfield, MO—So, that’s should also teach our students a great question but what is the difference between “good “grit”? In GRIT: The grit and smart grit.”

Power of Passion and They should learn to Perseverance, Angela use good grit for good Duckworth calls grit purposes, and smart the “combination of grit to determine if passion and perseverit is wise or in their ance for very long-term best interest to pursue goals.” Grit is tenacity, Gwen Marshall a particular goal. In perseverance, hanging in Fostering Grit, Thomas and not ever giving up. The R. Hoerr recommends six steps most valuable part of this forfor developing this crucial mula is not to quit. It is importformative skill in students. It ant that our students learn what is important that we reinforce it takes to be successful in the these at home or as we interact classroom and life. They also with other young people. need to understand that failure Establishing the is a part of the process. They Environment -- By recognizing will encounter frustration and your child’s accomplishments failure along the way, but they regardless of how large or must learn to see them as obstasmall, they are. cles, not as walls. My journey Setting Expectations -- Let towards grit began with my eduthe child know that failure is a cation. I finished high school pivotal life skill. Many times we and one year of college before have to step out of our comfort I got married. After marriage I zone to develop enough grit to had children, and it seemed my continue. It is always easier to dream of finishing college was just give up than to keep going over. It took a lot of grit to raise in spite of failure. a family, work, and go to school Teaching the vocabular y -but I did it. And, it’s important We must be able to describe grit for me to share this struggle in various ways. Tenacity, pluck, AND triumph with my own chilstick-to-itiveness, backbone, dren and students I work with. courage, bravery, and spunk.

Winston Churchill once said, Creating Frustration -“Success is the ability to go Help your child rise above failfrom failure to failure without ure by walking them through a losing your enthusiasm.” To disappointing situation in their achieve that kind of success, life or by role play. Help them to you must have grit. understand equal is not always Many educators have confair and how to be a winner even cluded that it is not enough when they lose. Losing can be a to teach students to master stepping stone to success if we content; they must also teach learn from the mistake. them to persevere when things Monitoring the Experience

By Gwen Marshall Unite Contributing Writer

-- Monitor how your child reacts to disappointments. The time to teach grit is when your child wants to quit. We need to teach them that the journey is very important and the right attitude can turn a bad situation into something good.

Reflecting and Learning -- Spend time with your child reflecting on how the incident made them feel. Ask questions to determine if they are having a problem with the incident, are they able to figure it out, are

they not sure they can succeed or are they ready to quit.

If our children are to succeed, they must know how to hang in there. Also, we must allow them to learn how to persevere and learn from their failures. What examples from your life do you need to share to encourage and empower your children? This is a work in progress that is beneficial for parents and students.

Happy Holidays from the Office of Equity and Access.

machine-human. He wasn’t the easiest to look at but had some personality and a father that we all know (think Scandal).

One more thing and you will have to look this up but Superman looks like a robot.

Read about how they had to take off his moustache and beard with CGI so his mouth looks weird the whole movie and is somewhat distracting. Huh? Well for the record Justice League was the second most expensive movie to ever be made so I guess that is one

SCT

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2017-2018 ACT Test Dates ACT Registration Deadlines: January 12, 2018 ACT Test Dates: February 10, 2018 ACT Scores Posted Online: February 21, 2018 – April 6, 2018 Up Coming Events: Winter Break: December 22 - January 2 (School System Closed)

Subscribe To The Unite News Publication Only $25. per year

Call: (417) 864-7444 Merry Christmas!

A big thank you to the community from the Celebrate Life team Springfield, MO—The Celebrate Life & Unity committee would like to thank everyone for their generous support of our recent event! It could not have been the great success that it was without your help.

We would like to thank all of the donors, supporters, businesses, volunteers and attendees. Also, Thank you to the Unite News Publication for their support and help in uniting and keeping the community aware of stories, events and concerns that are beneficial to all.

The Celebrate Life & Unity in Our Community Committee: Patricia Burton, Cheryl Clay, Mark A. Dixon, Charlotte Hardin, Gwen Marshall, Alma Clay, Amanda Darden, Zetta Graves, Kimberly Jones, Janet Price The Celebrate Life & Unity in our Community is a project of the Bartley-Decatur Neighborhood Center, Inc.

about the holidays. See what it’s like for the subversive to work at Santaland, where the only thing more plentiful than good cheer is a good case of the giggles.

This production contains mature language. This production plays Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2:00 p.m. from December 8-17, 2017.

Springfield Contemporar y Theatre is also searching for a diverse cast for us its Februar y production of the Tony Award-winning musical Ragtime. Based on the novel by E.L Doctorow, Ragtime weaves together the story of three groups in America, represented by

reason to see it and a lot of the costs were for the CGI. These films cost hundreds of millions to make…is that a problem? Of course when they are successful they bring in hundreds of millions…..but flying through the air should that cost $600 million once all of the costs are totaled? Is that crazy or what and they expect to only recoup about $545 million back. The reason …well I am not the only person that thought the movie had problems.

Check it out if you must and maybe you can tell me how Aquaman didn’t need the water to breathe. 82 out of 100 Coalhouse Walker Jr, a Harlem musician; Mother and her white, middle class family in New Rochelle; and Tateh, a Jewish immigrant who has come to America with his daughter seeking a new life. Their fictional lives become dramatically intertwined with one another as well as with historical figures including Harry Houdini, Booker T. Washington, Emma Goldman, JP Morgan and Henry Ford. Auditions will be held Sunday & Monday, December 10 and 11 at 6:30 p.m. at the theatre. For more details regarding auditions, visit the theatre's website.

Tickets for both events can be purchased by calling 417-8318001 or online at SpringfieldContemporaryTheatre.org.

Good News, Great Music & Warm People 2101 W. Chestnut Expwy.

Springfield, MO 65802 (417) 865-4338

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

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

Deidra England, President Ladies Civic League Provides scholarships for youth P. O. Box 8296 Springfield, MO 65801 417-887-7440

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

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

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

Anthony Pickens Prince Hall Masons Truth Lodge #151 P.O. Box 8063 Springfield, MO 65801 417-890-5180

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

Dorothy L. McClendon, Esq. (President) Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Cultured Pearls of Springfield P.O. Box 8361 Springfield, Missouri 65801 (816) 721-8946

Nora England, 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

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

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Arts&Entertainment News Movie Review: “Justice League” be free for a few hours. Did I just say that….oh well!

Hey, I think I am just like the next person in that I love the “Holy Dynamite, Batman!” special effects and yes it is cool I think I now know why Robin to see the exploits of my favorite used to say all of those crazy super heroes on the big screen. one liners to Batman. He had It is hard for me to believe as dreamed about the future and well but I did read the seen some clips of comic books and about Justice League. Well, all of the main characters many folks had highin Justice League back in ly anticipated the first the day! installment of Justice But I just want the League and there writers and producers in were hints of it in the Tinsel City to at least give most recent super us a plot and a story line hero movies such as Lyle Foster that just makes sense. Oh Wonder Woman that well, how about a little everyone was going to team sense? It’s going to be insanely together and save us from the successful but that doesn’t give evils of the universe. you an excuse for not putting And warning to the wise I any thought into what makes am so fired up about this movie sense and how many holes that I am going to give away a there are in the plot. I think few spoilers so stop reading if it is partly the way my brain you are planning to go see this works but as I kept looking movie or if you are really stoked at Aquaman I was wondering about it. I know these movies when was he going to get back are immensely popular so not in the water to wet his gills. I a lot of thought has to really mean could we even as super go into them because folks are heroes just stay in the water going to line up just to have for days and not need to come something to do and parents up and get some oxygen. Yet, can drop the little angels off and

By Lyle Foster Unite Contributing Writer

ground and tried to resurrect we know that Aquaman was not him. Can I keep it real Unite only a neat superhero in this fans……the friend that was with movie but also great eye candy me and myself we had to turn for whoever wanted some. Ok our heads. I will just leave it at fine but at least acknowledge that. Brother don’t play with or explain how he never needs that. For real. to go back to Atlantis for some Let’s get back to good old water. the plot……I still Is that too much don’t get it but to ask? there are some Spoiler energy boxes alert…… stored around Superman was the planet and dead but he has the villain was risen. Being trying to get raised in the all of them so Baptist church he would be all in the South I powerful and guess I still have rule Earth. Isn’t trouble with that what they anybody but the always are trying Holy One trying to do but they to raise someone Warner Brother Pictures 2017 couldn’t come up from the dead. with anything else than energy And I am always wondering if boxes. Stay woke! there is some alterior motive Now for what I did like with all of this “coming back ….well, Flash was worth a few from the other side” narrative laughs and Ezra Miller does a that is getting more frequent in good job and adds the comic popular culture. Yes I am giving relief. Well they did add a it away but you already know brother to the cast in the person it cause you know Superman is of Cyborg who is a machine-huin Justice League. They pulled this brother’s casket out of the continued on page 9

SGF Contemporary Theatre Presents “The Santaland Diairies” Springfield, MO— Springfield Contemporary Theatre's production of Alfred Uhry’s Pulitzer-Prize winning play, Driving Miss Daisy concludes the first weekend of December. A timeless, searing, funny and ultimately hopeful meditation on race relations in America, Driving Miss Daisy

is told through the complex relationship between two of popular culture’s most enduring characters. This new production stars Springfield area actors Julie Bloodworth and Pete Nielsen as Daisy and Boolie Werthan respectively. The role of Hoke Colburn will be played by guest professional actor Erik Kilparick.

Driving Miss Daisy plays Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2:00 p.m. from December 1-3, 2017.

Also in December, SCT will present an encore performance of last year's run away holiday hit, The Santaland Diairies, David Sedaris’ side-splitting sendup of Christmas and his brief,

misguided career as a Macy’s elf. Besieged by bratty kids with overzealous parents and donning a humiliating costume, he finds that his cynical self and his elfin alter ego, “Crumpet,” are not exactly compatible. The Santaland Diaries skewers everything we love (and secretly loathe) continued on page 9

2017 Celebrate Life & Unity in our Community Photo Gallery Photos by Tondaleigha Jones

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The BusinessSection

Supplier Diversity continued from page 6

What is Supplier Diversity and Why is it So Important?

What is Supplier Diversity: A Profitable Strategy Supplier Diversity is a business strategy that ensures a diverse supplier base in the procurement of goods and services for any business or organization.

Supplier Diversity emphasizes the creation of a diverse supply chain that ensures the inclusion of diverse groups in the procurement plans for government, notfor-profits, and private industry.

Statistics show that companies who embrace diversity are more profitable than companies who don’t.

“The reason diversity works is that on almost every measure, greater racially, ethnically, and culturally diverse workplace teams function more effectively than more homogenous teams. Members from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives avoid “groupthink,” whereas non-diverse teams get mired in it. …In short, the business case for diversity is overwhelming.”

What is a Diverse Supplier?

There are approximately sixteen categories used to identify diverse businesses.

[2] Common examples include Small Business Enterprise (SBE), Minority owned business enterprise (MBE), and Women Business Enterprise (WBE). In order to report diverse spend; it is important to ensure suppliers are certified.

Diversity Certification is an important milestone in thelife of a supplier because it authenticates that the business is owned,

managed, and controlled by a qualifying diverse group. Organizations such as the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) and the National Minority Supplier Diversity Council (NMSDC) focus on assuring that businesses are appropriately categorized by offering third-party certification services on behalf of private industry. State and local governments also offer certification services. Diversity certification by a governmental agency positions a supplier to do business in the public sector.

Why is Supplier Diversity important?

A common misconception is that diversity is a quota system or social program designed to benefit selected groups while adding little to no value to the bottom-line. The fact is that a

competitive advantage exists, as progressive organizations who have already implemented an effective strategy have realized. A Supplier Diversity commitment benefits a company because it: Promotes innovation through the entrance of new products, services, and solutions Provides multiple channels from which to procure goods and services Drives competition (on price and service levels) between the company’s existing and potential vendors Allows a company to take advantage of new opportunities for business expansion with the emergence of new consumer needs based upon shifting demographic realities Displays an organization’s commitment to doing business, beyond consumerism, in diverse markets

Showcases the company’s interest in and commitment to the economic growth of all communities Supplier diversity is beneficial to all stakeholders, not just to the companies with programs.

First and foremost, supplier diversity programming adds economic value because it encourages the growth of diverse businesses. Diverse businesses typically encounter barriers that challenge their start-up and sustainability, so effective supplier diversity strategies can alleviate these painpoints.

As small businesses grow, so will our nation’s economy. Since most diverse businesses are small businesses, they aid in the economic recovery and sustainability of their communities. In addition, supplier diversity is important because it provides continued from page 7

products and services to emerging consumer markets. While traditional products and services remain available to consumers, demographic shifts create opportunities for diverse suppliers to meet the needs of emerging and/or shifting populations in the U.S. and across the globe.

Supplier diversity is also important because it assists the country in job creation. U.S. statistics show that nearly 50% of the U.S. workforce is employed by small business. In December 2014, the U.S. Small Business Administration reported 57 consecutive months of new jobs added back to the U.S. workforce after the worst recession in recent U.S. history. SBA Administrator, Maria Contreras-Sweet reports “…this new trajectory is attributable to the success of America’s entrepreneurs and the resurgence of our nation’s small businesses. About 7 million of the 10.9 million jobs added back were created not by large corporation, but by start ups and small enterprises.”

Supplier Diversity Thought Leadership Thought leadership in supplier diversity is important because it provides a forum for sharing information, resources, tools, methodologies, and experiences to assist in the growth, expansion, and development of the industry. It is also important because it provides information to companies that are attempting to develop effective supplier diversity initiatives. As organizations share their experiences, they enable success within other organizations and in-turn build a stronger industry and stron-

How to Get Certified For The SBA 8(a) Small Business Program Reprinted from Black EOE Journal SBA’s 8(a) Small Business Development program can help qualifying minority-owned firms develop and grow their businesses through one-to-one counseling, training, workshops, and management and technical guidance. The program also provides access to government contracting opportunities, allowing these businesses to become solid competitors in the federal marketplace.

How do I know if I qualify for the 8(a) small business program?

Some minority groups are presumed to be socially and economically disadvantaged and can qualify for the 8(a) program. ger communities with stronger diverse businesses.

As the premier provider of supplier management services and solutions, CVM is positioned as a thought leader in the industry. We offer resources and solutions that enable supplier diversity success for our clients.

Our team is comprised of supplier diversity leaders from the corporate, government, non-profit, and technology sectors. With over 400 years of combined supplier diversity experience, our solutions are designed to solve real-life supplier diversity challenges that can help our clients achieve their operational objectives.

Subscribe To The Unite News Publication Only $25. per year

Call: (417) 864-7444

These groups include: African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Native Americans, Asian Pacific Americans and Subcontinent Asian Americans. Individuals who are not members of one or more of these groups can be considered for the 8(a) program, but they must provide substantial evidence and documentation that demonstrates that they have been subjected to bias or discrimination and are economically disadvantaged. Firms owned

by Alaska Native Corporations, Indian Tribes, Native Hawaiian Organizations and Community Development Corporations can also apply to the program.

How does Small Business Association support 8(a)-certified firms?

After businesses are accepted

into the small business program, SBA provides business development assistance and helps them maintain small business program requirements. In addition, SBA’s Mentor-Protegé program, a subset of the 8(a) program, pairs mentor firms with protégé firms to provide managerial and technical assistance as well as joint venture and subcontracting opportunities to help the protégé compete successfully for federal contracts.

How do I find out more about the 8(a) program?

Small businesses interested in the 8(a) program should contact their local SBA district office.

Amos Ferguson, February 28, 1920 – October 19, 2009

Amos Ferguson was a Bahamian folk artist. He was trained as a house painter after teaching himself to paint as a young boy and Untitled, 1999, enamel on board. eventually ran his own house paint- On loan from the collection of William Brandon Bowman. ing business in Nassau. In his late teens, he received a vision from God who told him to “paint the beauty of His world.” Ferguson then began to paint prolifically culling subject matter from his dreams. He used the tools of his trade – enamel house paint – in rich, bright colors, to depict Biblical scenes, nature motifs and scenes of everyday Bahamian life. He claimed to “Paint by Faith, Not by Sight.”

December Unite Page 7

December Unite Page 6

The BusinessSection

Supplier Diversity continued from page 6

What is Supplier Diversity and Why is it So Important?

What is Supplier Diversity: A Profitable Strategy Supplier Diversity is a business strategy that ensures a diverse supplier base in the procurement of goods and services for any business or organization.

Supplier Diversity emphasizes the creation of a diverse supply chain that ensures the inclusion of diverse groups in the procurement plans for government, notfor-profits, and private industry.

Statistics show that companies who embrace diversity are more profitable than companies who don’t.

“The reason diversity works is that on almost every measure, greater racially, ethnically, and culturally diverse workplace teams function more effectively than more homogenous teams. Members from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives avoid “groupthink,” whereas non-diverse teams get mired in it. …In short, the business case for diversity is overwhelming.”

What is a Diverse Supplier?

There are approximately sixteen categories used to identify diverse businesses.

[2] Common examples include Small Business Enterprise (SBE), Minority owned business enterprise (MBE), and Women Business Enterprise (WBE). In order to report diverse spend; it is important to ensure suppliers are certified.

Diversity Certification is an important milestone in thelife of a supplier because it authenticates that the business is owned,

managed, and controlled by a qualifying diverse group. Organizations such as the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) and the National Minority Supplier Diversity Council (NMSDC) focus on assuring that businesses are appropriately categorized by offering third-party certification services on behalf of private industry. State and local governments also offer certification services. Diversity certification by a governmental agency positions a supplier to do business in the public sector.

Why is Supplier Diversity important?

A common misconception is that diversity is a quota system or social program designed to benefit selected groups while adding little to no value to the bottom-line. The fact is that a

competitive advantage exists, as progressive organizations who have already implemented an effective strategy have realized. A Supplier Diversity commitment benefits a company because it: Promotes innovation through the entrance of new products, services, and solutions Provides multiple channels from which to procure goods and services Drives competition (on price and service levels) between the company’s existing and potential vendors Allows a company to take advantage of new opportunities for business expansion with the emergence of new consumer needs based upon shifting demographic realities Displays an organization’s commitment to doing business, beyond consumerism, in diverse markets

Showcases the company’s interest in and commitment to the economic growth of all communities Supplier diversity is beneficial to all stakeholders, not just to the companies with programs.

First and foremost, supplier diversity programming adds economic value because it encourages the growth of diverse businesses. Diverse businesses typically encounter barriers that challenge their start-up and sustainability, so effective supplier diversity strategies can alleviate these painpoints.

As small businesses grow, so will our nation’s economy. Since most diverse businesses are small businesses, they aid in the economic recovery and sustainability of their communities. In addition, supplier diversity is important because it provides continued from page 7

products and services to emerging consumer markets. While traditional products and services remain available to consumers, demographic shifts create opportunities for diverse suppliers to meet the needs of emerging and/or shifting populations in the U.S. and across the globe.

Supplier diversity is also important because it assists the country in job creation. U.S. statistics show that nearly 50% of the U.S. workforce is employed by small business. In December 2014, the U.S. Small Business Administration reported 57 consecutive months of new jobs added back to the U.S. workforce after the worst recession in recent U.S. history. SBA Administrator, Maria Contreras-Sweet reports “…this new trajectory is attributable to the success of America’s entrepreneurs and the resurgence of our nation’s small businesses. About 7 million of the 10.9 million jobs added back were created not by large corporation, but by start ups and small enterprises.”

Supplier Diversity Thought Leadership Thought leadership in supplier diversity is important because it provides a forum for sharing information, resources, tools, methodologies, and experiences to assist in the growth, expansion, and development of the industry. It is also important because it provides information to companies that are attempting to develop effective supplier diversity initiatives. As organizations share their experiences, they enable success within other organizations and in-turn build a stronger industry and stron-

How to Get Certified For The SBA 8(a) Small Business Program Reprinted from Black EOE Journal SBA’s 8(a) Small Business Development program can help qualifying minority-owned firms develop and grow their businesses through one-to-one counseling, training, workshops, and management and technical guidance. The program also provides access to government contracting opportunities, allowing these businesses to become solid competitors in the federal marketplace.

How do I know if I qualify for the 8(a) small business program?

Some minority groups are presumed to be socially and economically disadvantaged and can qualify for the 8(a) program. ger communities with stronger diverse businesses.

As the premier provider of supplier management services and solutions, CVM is positioned as a thought leader in the industry. We offer resources and solutions that enable supplier diversity success for our clients.

Our team is comprised of supplier diversity leaders from the corporate, government, non-profit, and technology sectors. With over 400 years of combined supplier diversity experience, our solutions are designed to solve real-life supplier diversity challenges that can help our clients achieve their operational objectives.

Subscribe To The Unite News Publication Only $25. per year

Call: (417) 864-7444

These groups include: African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Native Americans, Asian Pacific Americans and Subcontinent Asian Americans. Individuals who are not members of one or more of these groups can be considered for the 8(a) program, but they must provide substantial evidence and documentation that demonstrates that they have been subjected to bias or discrimination and are economically disadvantaged. Firms owned

by Alaska Native Corporations, Indian Tribes, Native Hawaiian Organizations and Community Development Corporations can also apply to the program.

How does Small Business Association support 8(a)-certified firms?

After businesses are accepted

into the small business program, SBA provides business development assistance and helps them maintain small business program requirements. In addition, SBA’s Mentor-Protegé program, a subset of the 8(a) program, pairs mentor firms with protégé firms to provide managerial and technical assistance as well as joint venture and subcontracting opportunities to help the protégé compete successfully for federal contracts.

How do I find out more about the 8(a) program?

Small businesses interested in the 8(a) program should contact their local SBA district office.

Amos Ferguson, February 28, 1920 – October 19, 2009

Amos Ferguson was a Bahamian folk artist. He was trained as a house painter after teaching himself to paint as a young boy and Untitled, 1999, enamel on board. eventually ran his own house paint- On loan from the collection of William Brandon Bowman. ing business in Nassau. In his late teens, he received a vision from God who told him to “paint the beauty of His world.” Ferguson then began to paint prolifically culling subject matter from his dreams. He used the tools of his trade – enamel house paint – in rich, bright colors, to depict Biblical scenes, nature motifs and scenes of everyday Bahamian life. He claimed to “Paint by Faith, Not by Sight.”

December Unite Page 5

December Unite Page 8

Arts&Entertainment News Movie Review: “Justice League” be free for a few hours. Did I just say that….oh well!

Hey, I think I am just like the next person in that I love the “Holy Dynamite, Batman!” special effects and yes it is cool I think I now know why Robin to see the exploits of my favorite used to say all of those crazy super heroes on the big screen. one liners to Batman. He had It is hard for me to believe as dreamed about the future and well but I did read the seen some clips of comic books and about Justice League. Well, all of the main characters many folks had highin Justice League back in ly anticipated the first the day! installment of Justice But I just want the League and there writers and producers in were hints of it in the Tinsel City to at least give most recent super us a plot and a story line hero movies such as Lyle Foster that just makes sense. Oh Wonder Woman that well, how about a little everyone was going to team sense? It’s going to be insanely together and save us from the successful but that doesn’t give evils of the universe. you an excuse for not putting And warning to the wise I any thought into what makes am so fired up about this movie sense and how many holes that I am going to give away a there are in the plot. I think few spoilers so stop reading if it is partly the way my brain you are planning to go see this works but as I kept looking movie or if you are really stoked at Aquaman I was wondering about it. I know these movies when was he going to get back are immensely popular so not in the water to wet his gills. I a lot of thought has to really mean could we even as super go into them because folks are heroes just stay in the water going to line up just to have for days and not need to come something to do and parents up and get some oxygen. Yet, can drop the little angels off and

By Lyle Foster Unite Contributing Writer

ground and tried to resurrect we know that Aquaman was not him. Can I keep it real Unite only a neat superhero in this fans……the friend that was with movie but also great eye candy me and myself we had to turn for whoever wanted some. Ok our heads. I will just leave it at fine but at least acknowledge that. Brother don’t play with or explain how he never needs that. For real. to go back to Atlantis for some Let’s get back to good old water. the plot……I still Is that too much don’t get it but to ask? there are some Spoiler energy boxes alert…… stored around Superman was the planet and dead but he has the villain was risen. Being trying to get raised in the all of them so Baptist church he would be all in the South I powerful and guess I still have rule Earth. Isn’t trouble with that what they anybody but the always are trying Holy One trying to do but they to raise someone Warner Brother Pictures 2017 couldn’t come up from the dead. with anything else than energy And I am always wondering if boxes. Stay woke! there is some alterior motive Now for what I did like with all of this “coming back ….well, Flash was worth a few from the other side” narrative laughs and Ezra Miller does a that is getting more frequent in good job and adds the comic popular culture. Yes I am giving relief. Well they did add a it away but you already know brother to the cast in the person it cause you know Superman is of Cyborg who is a machine-huin Justice League. They pulled this brother’s casket out of the continued on page 9

SGF Contemporary Theatre Presents “The Santaland Diairies” Springfield, MO— Springfield Contemporary Theatre's production of Alfred Uhry’s Pulitzer-Prize winning play, Driving Miss Daisy concludes the first weekend of December. A timeless, searing, funny and ultimately hopeful meditation on race relations in America, Driving Miss Daisy

is told through the complex relationship between two of popular culture’s most enduring characters. This new production stars Springfield area actors Julie Bloodworth and Pete Nielsen as Daisy and Boolie Werthan respectively. The role of Hoke Colburn will be played by guest professional actor Erik Kilparick.

Driving Miss Daisy plays Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2:00 p.m. from December 1-3, 2017.

Also in December, SCT will present an encore performance of last year's run away holiday hit, The Santaland Diairies, David Sedaris’ side-splitting sendup of Christmas and his brief,

misguided career as a Macy’s elf. Besieged by bratty kids with overzealous parents and donning a humiliating costume, he finds that his cynical self and his elfin alter ego, “Crumpet,” are not exactly compatible. The Santaland Diaries skewers everything we love (and secretly loathe) continued on page 9

2017 Celebrate Life & Unity in our Community Photo Gallery Photos by Tondaleigha Jones

December Unite Page 9

December Unite Page 4

CommunityNews

Justice League continued from page 8

Does you student have grit? get tough. That’s why grit is important in education? We Springfield, MO—So, that’s should also teach our students a great question but what is the difference between “good “grit”? In GRIT: The grit and smart grit.”

Power of Passion and They should learn to Perseverance, Angela use good grit for good Duckworth calls grit purposes, and smart the “combination of grit to determine if passion and perseverit is wise or in their ance for very long-term best interest to pursue goals.” Grit is tenacity, Gwen Marshall a particular goal. In perseverance, hanging in Fostering Grit, Thomas and not ever giving up. The R. Hoerr recommends six steps most valuable part of this forfor developing this crucial mula is not to quit. It is importformative skill in students. It ant that our students learn what is important that we reinforce it takes to be successful in the these at home or as we interact classroom and life. They also with other young people. need to understand that failure Establishing the is a part of the process. They Environment -- By recognizing will encounter frustration and your child’s accomplishments failure along the way, but they regardless of how large or must learn to see them as obstasmall, they are. cles, not as walls. My journey Setting Expectations -- Let towards grit began with my eduthe child know that failure is a cation. I finished high school pivotal life skill. Many times we and one year of college before have to step out of our comfort I got married. After marriage I zone to develop enough grit to had children, and it seemed my continue. It is always easier to dream of finishing college was just give up than to keep going over. It took a lot of grit to raise in spite of failure. a family, work, and go to school Teaching the vocabular y -but I did it. And, it’s important We must be able to describe grit for me to share this struggle in various ways. Tenacity, pluck, AND triumph with my own chilstick-to-itiveness, backbone, dren and students I work with. courage, bravery, and spunk.

Winston Churchill once said, Creating Frustration -“Success is the ability to go Help your child rise above failfrom failure to failure without ure by walking them through a losing your enthusiasm.” To disappointing situation in their achieve that kind of success, life or by role play. Help them to you must have grit. understand equal is not always Many educators have confair and how to be a winner even cluded that it is not enough when they lose. Losing can be a to teach students to master stepping stone to success if we content; they must also teach learn from the mistake. them to persevere when things Monitoring the Experience

By Gwen Marshall Unite Contributing Writer

-- Monitor how your child reacts to disappointments. The time to teach grit is when your child wants to quit. We need to teach them that the journey is very important and the right attitude can turn a bad situation into something good.

Reflecting and Learning -- Spend time with your child reflecting on how the incident made them feel. Ask questions to determine if they are having a problem with the incident, are they able to figure it out, are

they not sure they can succeed or are they ready to quit.

If our children are to succeed, they must know how to hang in there. Also, we must allow them to learn how to persevere and learn from their failures. What examples from your life do you need to share to encourage and empower your children? This is a work in progress that is beneficial for parents and students.

Happy Holidays from the Office of Equity and Access.

machine-human. He wasn’t the easiest to look at but had some personality and a father that we all know (think Scandal).

One more thing and you will have to look this up but Superman looks like a robot.

Read about how they had to take off his moustache and beard with CGI so his mouth looks weird the whole movie and is somewhat distracting. Huh? Well for the record Justice League was the second most expensive movie to ever be made so I guess that is one

SCT

continued from page 8

2017-2018 ACT Test Dates ACT Registration Deadlines: January 12, 2018 ACT Test Dates: February 10, 2018 ACT Scores Posted Online: February 21, 2018 – April 6, 2018 Up Coming Events: Winter Break: December 22 - January 2 (School System Closed)

Subscribe To The Unite News Publication Only $25. per year

Call: (417) 864-7444 Merry Christmas!

A big thank you to the community from the Celebrate Life team Springfield, MO—The Celebrate Life & Unity committee would like to thank everyone for their generous support of our recent event! It could not have been the great success that it was without your help.

We would like to thank all of the donors, supporters, businesses, volunteers and attendees. Also, Thank you to the Unite News Publication for their support and help in uniting and keeping the community aware of stories, events and concerns that are beneficial to all.

The Celebrate Life & Unity in Our Community Committee: Patricia Burton, Cheryl Clay, Mark A. Dixon, Charlotte Hardin, Gwen Marshall, Alma Clay, Amanda Darden, Zetta Graves, Kimberly Jones, Janet Price The Celebrate Life & Unity in our Community is a project of the Bartley-Decatur Neighborhood Center, Inc.

about the holidays. See what it’s like for the subversive to work at Santaland, where the only thing more plentiful than good cheer is a good case of the giggles.

This production contains mature language. This production plays Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2:00 p.m. from December 8-17, 2017.

Springfield Contemporar y Theatre is also searching for a diverse cast for us its Februar y production of the Tony Award-winning musical Ragtime. Based on the novel by E.L Doctorow, Ragtime weaves together the story of three groups in America, represented by

reason to see it and a lot of the costs were for the CGI. These films cost hundreds of millions to make…is that a problem? Of course when they are successful they bring in hundreds of millions…..but flying through the air should that cost $600 million once all of the costs are totaled? Is that crazy or what and they expect to only recoup about $545 million back. The reason …well I am not the only person that thought the movie had problems.

Check it out if you must and maybe you can tell me how Aquaman didn’t need the water to breathe. 82 out of 100 Coalhouse Walker Jr, a Harlem musician; Mother and her white, middle class family in New Rochelle; and Tateh, a Jewish immigrant who has come to America with his daughter seeking a new life. Their fictional lives become dramatically intertwined with one another as well as with historical figures including Harry Houdini, Booker T. Washington, Emma Goldman, JP Morgan and Henry Ford. Auditions will be held Sunday & Monday, December 10 and 11 at 6:30 p.m. at the theatre. For more details regarding auditions, visit the theatre's website.

Tickets for both events can be purchased by calling 417-8318001 or online at SpringfieldContemporaryTheatre.org.

Good News, Great Music & Warm People 2101 W. Chestnut Expwy.

Springfield, MO 65802 (417) 865-4338

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

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

Deidra England, President Ladies Civic League Provides scholarships for youth P. O. Box 8296 Springfield, MO 65801 417-887-7440

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

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

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

Anthony Pickens Prince Hall Masons Truth Lodge #151 P.O. Box 8063 Springfield, MO 65801 417-890-5180

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

Dorothy L. McClendon, Esq. (President) Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Cultured Pearls of Springfield P.O. Box 8361 Springfield, Missouri 65801 (816) 721-8946

Nora England, 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

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

December Unite Page 10

December Unite Page 3

IN THIS ISSUE

Health & Mental Fitness High Blood Pressure Redefined For First Time in 14 Years: Dallas, TX — High blood pressure should be treated earlier with lifestyle changes and in some patients with medication – at 130/80 mm Hg rather than 140/90 – according to the first comprehensive new high blood pressure guidelines in more than a decade. The guidelines are being published by the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American College of Cardiology (ACC) for detection, prevention, management and treatment of high blood pressure.

The guidelines were presented at the Association’s 2017 Scientific Sessions con-

ference in Anaheim, Calif., the premier global cardiovascular science meeting for the exchange of the latest advances in cardiovascular science for researchers and clinicians.

Rather than 1 in 3 U.S. adults having high blood pressure (32 percent) with the previous definition, the new guidelines will result in nearly half of the U.S. adult population (46 percent) having high blood pressure, or hypertension. However, there will only be a small increase in the number of U.S. adults who will require antihypertensive medication,

Highlights: • High blood pressure is now defined as readings of 130 mm Hg and higher for the systolic blood pressure measurement, or readings of 80 and higher for the diastolic measurement. That is a change from the old definition of 140/90 and higher, reflecting complications that can occur at those lower numbers.

• Among African-Americans, 56 percent of women and 59 percent of men will have high blood pressure under the new guidelines.

The change means African-American men have the highest rate of hypertension; previously, black women did.

authors said. Additionally, more African-Americans, a population that faces a higher risk for high blood pressure than other demographics,

will have high blood pressure under the new guidelines.

Fifty-six percent of women will be affected compared to 59 percent of men, which reflects an increase from 42 percent for women and 46 percent for men. This now means African-American men have the highest rate of hypertension while, previously, black women did.

These guidelines, the first update to offer comprehensive guidance to doctors on managing adults with high blood pressure since 2003, are designed to help people address the potentially deadly continued on page 11

Video of 1970’s Hit Song Spreads Awareness of Stroke Signs Dallas, TX — A new parody music video is teaching diverse populations and generations across the country to recognize the most common stroke warning signs. The YouTube sensation was created by the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, the world’s leading voluntary health organization devoted to fighting cardiovascular disease and stroke.

Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability.

African Americans are most likely to die from stroke.

For the American Stroke Association, raising awareness of stroke is more critical

than ever, as new reports indicate that stroke deaths are on the rise.

The song is a parody of the well-known Y.M.C.A song from the 70’s.

It features a person having a stroke in a diner and the patrons and staff singing about the acronym F.A.S.T., an easy way to teach people the most common stroke warning signs and to call 9-1-1 during a stroke emergency.

“The majority of stroke patients still do not arrive at

the Emergency Department quickly enough to receive the care that can dramatically improve their outcomes, in large part because they or those around them do not recognize the warning signs and the importance of calling 9-1-1,” said Dr. Mitchell Elkind, chair of the American Stroke Association and professor of Neurology and Epidemiology at Columbia University. “The song is intended to be a lighthearted way of helping peo-

ple remember F.A.S.T. and to encourage them to call 9-1-1 when someone is experiencing any stroke symptoms.”

The acronym F.A.S.T. stands for: • Face Drooping: Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile. Is the person’s smile uneven?

• Arm Weakness: Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?

• Speech Difficulty: Is speech slurred? Is the person unable to speak or hard to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence,

continued on page 11

Community News

Your Online Library Is Open 24/7/365 to E-books, Movies, Music and Magazines

by Kathleen O’Dell, Springfield-Greene County Library District Unpredictable winter weather doesn’t have to stop you from using the library. Your “online library” is open 24/7/365.

Your library card gives you access to Kathleen O'Dell e-books, movies, music and magazines.

You can also tap into the electronic sites to research your health issues, take a free online course or get some homework help.

New book titles appear at the top of thelibrary.org, and you can click on “See All” to find the list of genres. You can also go directly to thelibrary. org/catalog. Each title indicates if it’s also in e-book form.

Under “Stream and Download,” you can get e-books, audiobooks, video, music and your favorite magazines – easy to download or stream on your device anywhere with Wi-Fi. Under “Research,” click on “Search Library databases” and choose from sites such as Medline for health information. At Lynda.com, learn continued on page 11

4 6

Does your student have grit?

by Gwen Marshall, SPS

Business

What Is Supplier Diversity? And Why is it So Important

by Black EOE Journal

8

Lifestyle & Entertainment News

Movie Review “Justice League”

by Lyle Foster

10

Health & Mental Fitness

Video of 1970’s Hit Song Spreads Awareness of Stroke Signs

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.

UNITE.

Volume 27, Number 12 PUBLISHER Unite. of Southwest Missouri, Inc. MANAGING EDITOR Samuel G. Knox

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Lyle Foster Gwen Marshall Kathleen O'Dell John Sellars PHOTOGRAPHY Tondaleigha Jones VOLUNTEERS Tyra Knox Patrica Burton

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

December Unite Page 11

December Unite Page 2

Actor Earle Hyman, Best Known as Grandpa Huxtable on “The Cosby Show,” Dies at 91

Norway in 1957 and loved the country so much that he bought property there, became fluent in the language, and even performed on stage – starring in

Norwegian productions.

Although he played Bill Cosby’s father in the Cosby Show, there was only a 14-year age difference between the two.

Miss Georgia Burton: Queen of Everything

Reprinted from Bissett Neighborhood Newsletter

by Pete Radecki, Bissett Neighborhood President

Actor, Earle Hyman on the Cosby Show

Nationwide — Earle Hyman, the veteran stage, television and film actor best known for playing Bill Cosby’s father, Russell Huxtable on The Cosby Show has passed away. He was 91, and died in his home in Englewood, New Jersey.

From 1984-1992, Hyman appeared in more than 40 episodes of the hit sitcom, The Cosby Show. But there is so much more to tell about his acting career.

Born in 1926 in Rocky Mount, NC and raised in Brooklyn, NY, Hyman made his Broadway debut in 1944 in Anna Lucas-

ta. He also appeared in other hit productions including The Merchant of Venice, No Time for Sergeants, Mister Johnson, Waiting for Godot (in an acclaimed all-black production in 1957), and in Henrik Ibsen’s The Master Builder, opposite Lynn Redgrave.

Hyman also guest-starred on many TV shows throughout the 1950’s and ’60s.

Little known facts: • In the 1980’s, Hyman was the baritone voice behind Panthro for more than 125 episodes of the cartoon series ThunderCats.

• Hyman took a vacation to

Springfield, MO — What would you call someone who shoots straight, treats everyone with kindness, charity and respect, doesn’t play the victim even though she’s had her share of challenges, has lived in our neighborhood for nearly 50 years and Springfield her whole life, has pinch hit for her parson in sharing The Word, spent 34 years helping many look more

beautiful, and was the catalyst that got security lights in L.A. Wise Park?

Well how Georgia Q. Burton about Queen, which also happens to be her middle name!

Her full name is Georgia Queen Burton, but those of us who know her affectionately call her Miss Georgia. Miss Georgia has been associated with the Bissett Neighborhood Associcontinued on page 11

Springfield Black History Moment This photo from the late 1940's shows the Lincoln School marching band in the Springfield Christmas parade. The band under the direction of Gerald Brooks was a favorite for parades because of their amazing showmanship and musical skill. To everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

See How CU Can

Work With You Plumbers, caterers, landscapers, exterminators, and more are all needed to help City Utilities of Springfield operate on a day-to-day basis. If you offer a good or a service, CU has opportunities. Call 417-831-8363 or visit cityutilities.net, key search “Purchasing”, to learn about ways for us to work together.

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.

Lincoln Marching band in the Springfield Christmas parade Provided by

301 East Central, Springfield • 417.863.9000

cityutilities.net

History Museum On The Square

Open Monday ~ Saturday from 10:30 am to 4:30 pm Adults $5 ~ Children $3 ~ Museum Members Free In our historic Fox Theatre at 157 Park Central Square, Springfield MO

Miss Burton

continued from page 2

Association since its inception, and you can always count on her for something good contributed to the potluck dinners before BNA monthly meetings. That may be on account of her many years in food services at Harry Cooper Supply’s employee cafeteria and at Parkview High School.

You can always count on her to say something kind about somebody or something almost every time you visit with her.

Given her faith and facility for speaking, she is our go-to person to say grace before potluck dinners. And when BNA has an event,you can usually find her helping out. Miss Georgia cares about others. In 1970 ,the first year she moved into the Bissett Neighborhood (in just the third house on a block that was largely vacant land overgrown with weeds and brush at the time), there was a day when her husband, Charles, saw a little girl come running out of L.A. Wise Park scared and crying. The poor little thing apparently had been approached by a strange man and it had scared her.

Charles and Georgia figured some lighting in the park would help, so they got some neighbors together to petition the City for the lights. Then one day, then-City Councilman Wilson McClinton gave Georgia a call and said the City Council would be meeting that night and they should come talk about the need for the lights.

So at the last minute, Georgia said to Charles, “Know what you’re going to do tonight? You are going to go speak to City Council and tell them we need those lights.”

Well, Charles did just that and we have that last minute action by him (and Georgia’s prodding), plus a good City Council vote to thank for the lights. And no, that little girl was not Miss

Georgia’s, but a neighbor, and that was good enough for her.

She isn’t one to say, “Not my problem.” If she sees a way she can make things better, she steps up.

As for making women look more beautiful, Miss Georgia was a top sales representative for Avon for decades, and even though she’s no longer doing that, she still helps some of her former clients get Avon supplies.

One doesn’t get to be top salesperson by just showing up.

We think her kind way of sharing compliments had a lot to do with it. She’s made a lot of folks look good and feel good too, and she’s pretty good at it.

And the preacher she has known! Miss Georgia used to belong to the historic Benton Avenue AME Church in Midtown, where she recounts former pastor Oliver Brown. He, like Miss Georgia, sought to step up and do something to make things better. So what did Oliver Brown do? He was the named plaintiff in the landmark Brown vs The Board of Education Supreme Court case that outlawed racial segregation in 1954.

At her church, Miss Georgia would sometimes be asked to fill in and speak her thoughts on the scriptures. She liked doing it and we think she was (and is) pretty good at it. So what is the key to Miss Georgia, and the message to all of us about a happy, productive life?

She would say, “I love people no matter who they are or what they look like. We need to get along with one another.”

Faith hope and charity. Seems like Miss Georgia is living it, and isn’t that what we would want in our our very own neighborhood Queen? If you come out to a monthly BNA meeting or an event, seek out Miss Georgia.

She’ll probably have something nice—and genuine—to say, and that might just brighten your day.

Library

continued from page 3

more than 3,000 instructor-led courses and 150,000 video tutorials on a variety of technical, creative business skills. Homework and term paper help is at your fingertips there, too.

If cabin fever creeps in, head to the Library for entertainment!

It’s a Harry Potter Yule Ball, Library-Style at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 20, for grades 6-12 in the Midtown Carnegie Branch Teen Room.

How about a New Year's Eve-Eve Bash at 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 30, in the Schweitzer Brentwood Branch for families with children in grades K-5. We’ll have music, games and a 2018 countdown.

At 6:30-8 p.m., grades 8-12 have their own New Year’s Eve-Eve Cosplay Ball with an escape room, dancing and trivia. Call 883-1974 for details.

Learn “How to be an Extreme Couponer” from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 4, for ages 18-24 in the Library Station Santa Fe Room.

Resolving to eat right in 2018?

Drop by the Schweitzer Brentwood Branch at 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 11. Dietitian Brittany Carpenter talks about shopping to uncover secretly unhealthy “health foods.”

Curious about your Native American ancestry? Get expert research help at a Genealogy Workshop at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 17, at the Library Center.

Kathleen O’Dell is community relations director of the Springfield-Greene County Library

High Blood Pressure continued from page 10

condition much earlier.

The new guidelines stress the importance of using proper technique to measure blood pressure. Blood pressure levels should be based on an average of two to three read-

ings on at least two different occasions, the authors said.

Paul K. Whelton, M.B., M.D., M.Sc., lead author of the guidelines published in the American Heart Association journal, Hypertension and the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, noted the dangers of blood pressure levels between 130-139/80-89 mm Hg. “We want to be straight with people – if you already have a doubling of risk, you need to know about it. It doesn’t mean you need medication, but it’s a yellow light that you need to be lowering your blood pressure, mainly with non-drug approaches.”

Awareness of Stroke continued from page 10

like “The sky is blue.”

• Time to Call 9-1-1: If someone shows any of these symptoms, even if the symptoms go away, call 9-1-1 and get to a hospital immediately.

(Tip: Check the time so you’ll know when the first symptoms appeared.)

“With today’s advanced technology, stroke is more treatable than ever before,” said Lee H. Schwamm, M.D., executive vice chair of Neurology at Massachusetts General Hospital and American Stroke Association spokesperson.

Education about F.A.S.T is a part of the American Stroke Association’s Together to End Stroke initiative, nationally sponsored by Medtronic.

For more information and to find a complete list of the stroke warning signs, visit www.StrokeAssociation.org.

December Unite Page 12

December 2017 Volume 27/ Number 12 • A Monthly Publication by Unite of Southwest Missouri, Inc •

www.unitenewsonline.org

UNITE.

Deliverance Temple Ministries Annual Christmas Candlelight Concert Dec 17th | 6 PM See Page 12

Building Empowering Connections In Our Diverse Community

Downtown Springfield Christmas Parade Dec 9

Springfield, MO—Downtown Springfield Association invites the community to celebrate at the 2017 Christmas Parade, Dec 9 at 2 p.m.

Whether you love Rudolph or Ralphie, remember holiday shopping at Heer’s or enjoy watching the square light up each year, these festive, local stories bring us together.

Come be part of the tradition this year as parade participants show off their floats, bands march their way around downtown with an appearance by Santa.

The route starts on South Avenue and Elm Street and ends at Jordan Valley Park.

Continued on Page 2

T

Springfield, MO—The 2017 Kwanzaa Celebration will be held on Friday, December 29th from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Creamery Art Center, 411 N. Sherman Parkway.

This event is sponsored by

the Ladies Civic League and will feature individuals from the Springfield Community.

The program will include singing, dancing and presentations about the seven Principles of Kwanzaa and there will be traditional food tasting. Everyone is invited to this free event to see how

our families, communities and our nation can benefit if we all live our lives by these Principles: Unity, Self-Determination, Working Together, Supporting Each Other, Purpose, Creativity and Faith in Ourselves. For additional information, please contact (417) 894-0399.