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June 2017 Volume 27/ Number 6 • A Monthly Publication by Unite of Southwest Missouri, Inc •
www.unitenewsonline.org
UNITE.
SCT Opens 23rd Season with “Beehive: The '60’s Musical” See Story On Page 8
Juneteenth:
Building Empowering Connections In Our Diverse Community
Black History Summer Academy Starts Springfield, MO—The Black History Summer Academy will be held at the Deliverance Gwen Marshall Temple Ministries Campus, 2101 W. Chestnut Expwy., June 12th - 16th. Doors will be open at 5:30 pm. The program will start each evening from 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm. Continued on page 11
Community Agency Seeks Advisory Council Members Springfield, MO—Prosper Springfield is establishing an Advisory Council to advance Francine Pratt the Impacting Poverty Commission’s goal to reduce poverty in the Springfield area by five percent by 2025 and to build an environment in which Continued on Page 2
Place: Deliverance Temple Ministries Campus, 2101 W Chestnut Expwy., Door open each evening at 5:30 pm, Program from 6-8:30 pm
Snacks each night. For more information contact Gwen Marshall at 417- 693-5753 or Register online at: tinyurl.com/BHA2017
Our Other Independence Day
Two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation, American slavery came to an end and a celebration of freedom was born by Kenneth C. Davis smithsonian.com America’s birthday is fast approaching. But let’s not wait for July 4 to light the fireworks. There is another Independence Day on the horizon. Juneteenth falls on June 19 each year. It is a holiday whose history was hidden for much of the last century. But as the nation now observes the 150th anniversary of the Civil War’s onset, it is a holiday worth recognizing. In essence, Juneteenth marks what is arguably the most significant event in American history after independence itself—the eradication of American slavery. For centuries, slavery was the dark stain on America’s soul, the deep contradiction to the nation’s founding ideals of “Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” and “All men are created equal.” When Abraham Continued on page 2
The official Juneteenth Committee in East Woods Park, Austin, Texas on June 19, 1900. (Courtesy Austin History Center, Austin Public Library)
Springfield Juneteenth Celebration Springfield, MO—The Springfield Juneteenth will be held Saturday, June 17 from 11:30 Cheryl Clay to 4:00 at the Bartley-Decatur Neighborhood Center, 918 E Calhoun. “There will be community organizations featuring local non profit information, various community and religious organizations and craft items will be for sale. The event will feature the Greene county Library book mobile,
Springfield Art Museum, Springfield Police department, as well as a Springfield fire department truck. There will be various skits, readings and musical selections featured throughout the day. The bands playing this year will be; Brother Ray and the Sometimes Righteous will take the stage at 1:00 and Shawn Munday will take the stage at 2:00. DJ Hugh Harvey will provide music throughout the afternoon,” says Cheryl Clay, Springfield NAACP President. Call 873-6386 for more info.
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Advisory Council continued from page 1
all members of the Springfield community are able to measurably improve their education, health, housing and employment/financial security. The Advisory Council will be composed of representatives from each of the sectors identified in the Impacting Poverty Reports as well as community members to reflect the diverse population of the Springfield community. The chair of the Advisory Council shall be the Prosper Springfield Director. The Council shall meet, at a minimum, every other month to start and then move to quarterly meetings. Subcommittees of this Advisory Council may be formed as determined by the chair.
Members must agree to abide by the following membership terms: • Participate in a minimum of four meetings per year. • Prepare for each meeting by reading materials distributed in advance. • Engage in small and large group discussions in a manner that is respectful of divergent perspectives, ideas, and experiences and other requirements not stated in this article. Please contact Francine Pratt at 417.888.2020 if you have questions or need additional information.
Juneteenth
continued from page 1 Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January
Springfield Black History Moment It is June and school is out for the summer. In recognition of all of the graduates of the class of 2017, I thought I would take you back to the turn of the last century and show you a picture of the graduating class of 1900 from Lincoln High School. Enjoy your summer and good luck to all of this year’s graduates.
Lincoln High School, Class of 1900 Provided by
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
1, 1863, he took a huge step toward erasing that stain. But the full force of his proclamation would not be realized until June 19, 1865—Juneteenth, as it was called by slaves in Texas freed that day. The westernmost of the Confederate states, Texas did not get news of Gen. Robert E. Lee’s surrender at Appomatox that April until two months after the fact. But they heard once Union Gen. Gordon Granger, a New Yorker and West Point graduate with a distinguished wartime service record, arrived in Galveston Bay with more than 2,000 Union troops. It was on June 19 that he publicly read General Order No. 3, which began: “The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free.” In amazement and disbelief, the 250,000 former slaves in Texas learned that they had been freed by the Emancipation Proclamation, which could not be enforced until the war was over. (It applied only to the states “in rebellion” at the time it was issued.) Shocked, disoriented, most likely fearful of an uncertain future in which they could do as they pleased, the liberated slaves of Texas celebrated. Their moment of jubilee was spontaneous and ecstatic, and began a tradition of marking freedom on Juneteenth. A grass-roots celebration highlighted by joyous singing, pig roasts, and rodeos, Juneteenth took root in many African-American communities during the late 19th century. But Juneteenth was never accorded official respect or recognition. In the bitterness of the Reconstruction and Jim Crow eras, few states of the former Confederacy
had any interest in celebrating emancipation. And as many African-Americans migrated north, especially in the Depression era, Juneteenth became a largely forgotten vestige of the Civil War era. Over the past few decades, however, there has been a movement to revive this celebration of more complete freedom in America. Today, 39 states and the District of Columbia recognize Juneteenth, although most don’t grant it full “holiday” status. A Congressional resolution also underscores the historical significance of “Juneteenth Independence Day.” And museums (including some of those that make up the Smithsonian Institution), now mark Juneteenth with annual programming. Before emancipation, America’s slaves and anyone else who prized equality, freedom and liberty knew that the Declaration of Independence only meant equality, freedom, and liberty for some. “What, to the American slave, is your 4th of July?” Frederick Douglass, the abolitionist and escaped slave, asked in his Independence Day oration in 1852. “I answer: a day that reveals to him, more than all other days in the year, the gross injustice and cruelty to which he is constant victim.” This year, let’s remember Juneteenth, the holiday that doesn’t mark a document, a battle, a birthday or a national tragedy, but the fundamental promise of America being more completely realized—the day on which Thomas Jefferson’s rousing rhetoric finally rang true throughout America, for all Americans. Kenneth C. Davis is the author of Don’t Know Much About History (Anniversary Edition) and A Nation Rising.
Library Events
Summer Academy
Summertime...
find it difficult to attend book discussions for whatever reason — busy schedules, social anxiety, so we’re giving them an easy way to participate in a discussion without attending an event,” Miranda says. “ReadUps members can give their two cents, even if it’s in the middle of the night.” June’s book is “Arrowood,” the haunting family mystery story by Laura McHugh. A bonus: McHugh will give a talk from 6-8:30 p.m. June 15 in the Schweitzer Brentwood Branch. Fans will recognize McHugh from her first-book blockbuster, “The Weight of Blood.” We will start posting questions on the event start date – it’s June 19 for “Arrowood,” and you are welcome to post your own discussion questions, as well, Miranda says. We’ll moderate the site, so expect some lag time before you see your original post appear on the page, she says. And try to form your post as a question, if possible. “We already have a good fan base on Facebook and people talk about books on social media anyway,” Miranda says, “so this gives them another way to use Facebook and share their thoughts.” Kathleen O’Dell is community relations director of the Springfield-Greene County Library District. She can be reached at kathleeno@thelibrary.org.
Run entirely by volunteers, the classes are educational as well as entertaining. By using the best materials possible, heroes and people of character came alive in the classrooms. Role models and historic moments that changed the course of history will be discussed along with displays of art and reminders of African culture from the past and present. The event had been presented for years in the past, but put on hiatus for a short while. The classes focus is on age appropriate information on history, culture, geography, art and the many accomplishments and contributions of the African American population. From kindergarten through adult, the classes are arranged and taught by volunteers, some of whom share teaching experience and resources. Community volunteers will share their time to help make the event a success. For more info contact Gwen Marshall at 417-693-5753.
incorporating nature's best. Some of us grew up on farms or had fresh gardens in the back yard and we fondly remember going to the watermelon patch and dropping one right there and start to eating it in the field. One of the neat things about the markets is you don't have to do the work just reap the benefits for a small fee of course. Many vendors will let you sample the products right at the stand so you have a good sense of what you are taking with you. Of course you can get fresh eggs and meat vendors are at a few locations which will be great for the grill. And if you have children it's a great opportunity for them to learn about veggies
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Call: (417) 864-7444
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Minorities In Business Monthly Networking Event Every First Tuesday of the Month at 5:30 pm (For Tuesday,June 6, 2017) Presentation by Alia Stowers, Leadership Consultant & Presenter; Dwayne Fulk, Esq., Lathrop & Gage, LLP Bring a friend or business partner!! For more information call: (417) 837-2631
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and realize they didn't grow in the cooler of the local grocery store. Can I encourage you to support our local markets this year? The local crops are just beginning to start getting harvested but soon the trucks will be up from Arkansas and Mississippi and more local Varieties will be filling in. My personal favorites are the flavorful tomatoes and the slap your pappy sweet succulent cantaloupe!!! Just writing about it has started making me want some!!! Hope to see you at the market but in the meantime. Summertime and the fresh food is tasty, The greens are cooking And the okra is lord have mercy good !!! See you next month !
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.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES 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.
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
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IN THIS ISSUE
Health & Mental Fitness Domestic Violence in Springfield MO by Ettie Berneking Excerpt reprinted from 417 Magazine, Oct 2016, The rise in domestic violence can be traced back to 2012 when the number of reported incidents in Springfield jumped by more than 370 to an alarming 2,583. That averages out to 6 incidents per day. That same year, the Springfield Police Department formed the Family Violence Task Force (now managed by the Community Partnership of the Ozarks under the Violence-Free Families Initiative), but the numbers kept rising. By 2014, the number of domestic violence cases had risen to a record high of 2,701. In 2015, the numbers dipped a little to 2,695, but those on the front lines, including Lieutenant Tad Peters, believe that dip will be short-lived. The statistics are alarming, and no one is immune. Domestic violence doesn’t discriminate based on age, sex or socioeconomic status, and sometimes, the people most in danger of becoming a victim are the ones you never think it could happen to. One such incident stands out in Peters’ mind: In 2013, a domestic violence situation between a local doctor and his wife became lethal when the doctor killed his wife and then took his own life. Peters, who supervised SPD’s domestic violence unit, joined the Family Violence Task Force in 2012 and still serves on the force today. He has learned not every call results in an arrest, but starting in
2013, officers implemented the Lethality Assessment to identify escalating violence in hopes of preventing serious injury or domestic violence–related homicide. They’re not the only ones making this change. Three years ago, Mercy Hospital created a team of Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners who go through special training to identify domestic violence, human trafficking and other forms of abuse. There are currently 18 nurses on the team. “We are looking for bruises in multiple stages of healing and on sensitive areas,” says Chandra Hazen, a clinical manager at Mercy. “These are bruises on the outer arms that show self-defense, intimate areas like the buttocks and breasts and injuries on the outer thighs like someone was curled up in a ball.” Of course, not all domestic abuse shows up as bruises or cuts. That’s part of what makes this epidemic difficult to prevent. There are all types of abuse, including physical, emotional, sexual, economic, religious, isolation, intimidation and threats. As a result, it can be hard to spot domestic violence even if you’re the victim of it, which is why Springfield hospitals, shelters and hotlines and the police department are working to better identify signs of the problem. HOW TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEM As the numbers continue to increase, resources in the area are getting creative with how
Now You Can Join A Virtual Book Group Through The Library by Kathleen O’Dell, Springfield-Greene County Library District
they address domestic violence. Harmony House’s new shelter is now open in Springfield. The 50-bed increase makes Harmony House the largest shelter in the state, and when the shelter’s new permanent housing apartment structure is complete, it will be the first of its kind in Missouri. The Victim Center recently moved one of its victim advocates into the City Clerk’s office when orders of protection began to flow in at high speeds. Between 2014 and 2015 the number of protection orders increased by 200 to a total of 3,555, and 2016 is on track to blow past that number with 2,092 orders already filed through July (that’s an average of 9.9 orders filed per day). It is understood that change is needed to keep up with the new demand, and efforts are in place to help build awareness—in October as part of the shelter’s month-long iCare event, Harmony House will tweet each time a victim is turned away due to lack of space. (You can
follow Harmony House’s Twitter account at @Myharmonyhouse.) Counseling ser vices, including H.I.T. No More (417869-8332, hitnomore.com) are offering therapy for abusers to help them control their anger and hopefully prevent future abuse. The city’s prosecuting attorney has started handling victim’s court cases in a way that doesn’t require the victim to appear in court. And as part of the SPD’s response to the increase in domestic violence, they are now routinely placing those people who are arrested for violating an order of protection on a 24-hour hold so the case can be presented to the Greene County Prosecutor for the immediate filing of charges. HOW TO HELP Harmony House relies heavily on volunteers, if you would like to find out more about how your time can help make a difference in the lives of others, please contact Volunteer Coordinator Felicia Rose at 417-837-7700, or email feliciar@myharmonyhouse.org.
Do you love to talk with others about the books you read but don’t have time to go to a book club? We get that, so the Library has launched a new book group just for you. ReadUps is a virtual book Kathleen O'Dell discussion group through facebook.com/thelibrary.org. Click on “Groups” on the left side column, join ReadUps and learn more. There are no meetings — it takes place entirely on Facebook. Reference Librarian Miranda Eudaly, who monitors the group, explains how it works: Each month the ReadUps page will announce a book and we’ll give you the first half of the month to read it and think about it. The second half of the month, you can join the current title’s “Event” page to discuss the book with others – all on Facebook. (Miranda says beware of spoilers when discussion begins.) “There are lots of people who want to talk about the books they are reading but continued on page 11
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Community News
Singing all together, "School Is Out!" by Gwen Marshall, SPS
Volume 27, Number 6 PUBLISHER Unite. of Southwest Missouri, Inc. MANAGING EDITOR Samuel G. Knox
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Business
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Lifestyle & Entertainment News
Company offers the world's first gift card for stock Movie Review “Get Out or Get In!” Part 2 by Lyle Foster
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UNITE.
Health & Mental Fitness
Domestic Violence In Springfield MO by Ettie Berneking
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.
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Lyle Foster Gwen Marshall Kathleen O'Dell 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
Get Our or Get In continued from page 8
Singing All Together, “School Is Out!” And I'm so glad that school is out I could sing and shout! Summer break is here, and there will be no more teachers for a while. But we Many years ago must not forget all the there was a song by hard work that has Gary U.S. Bonds titled, been put forth to build “School Is Out.” your child’s reading literacy. Now that school No more books and studis out it is a perfect ies, And I can stay out Gwen Marshall time to help your child late with my buddies develop some indepenI can do the things that I dent reading skills. want to do, 'Cause all my exams Did you know that if your are through I can root for the child does not read over the Yankees from the bleachers summer, they are likely to lose And don't have to worry 'bout some of their reading skills? teachers, by Gwen Marshall, Springfield Public Schools Access & Equity Specialist
Summer Youth Jam sponsored by Leisurettes Social Club July 8 Springfield, MO—The Leisurettes, a ladies' social and charitable organization is hosting a party for area youth. It is our Summer Youth Jam! The Summer Youth Jam will be held Saturday, July 8, 2017, 8:00 pm at Jalen's Lounge, 1611
N. Campbell. The targeted age for this event is 13 to 17 years old. Admission is $5. Youth will enjoy an evening of music and dancing in a fun and safe atmosphere. For more information, contact Rochel Johnson at 417890-0838.
Are you a current Missouri Medicaid recipient over 18 with a disability and need assistance with any of the following task? Bathing • Meals Prep • Toileting • Housekeeping Dressing • Grooming • Errands • Transportation to Appointments If the answer is yes, we would love to be a blessing to you. Please give our office a call to see if you qualify to have a friend or Family member paid for assisting you with these as well as many other everyday tasks.
300 E Sunshine St., Suite E, Springfield, MO
As we approach the summer months let’s not forget to encourage our children to read. Dr. Kimberly Tyson has some ideas I would like to share with you about encouraging your child to read during the summer. • Visit your local library – often. • Enroll your child in a summer reading program. • Check out whether your school has library hours over the summer. • Explore online reading sites for young readers. • Read aloud. • Encourage Vocabulary & Word Learning. • Be a good example by reading with your child. • Keep reading materials around the house.
• Check out kids magazines. • Check out online apps and digital tools to support reading and writing. • Join or create a Book Club. The Ujima Summer Literacy Camp is July 10-28 from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. It is also an option for summer reading. The camp will be held at BartleyDecatur Neighborhood Center, 918 E Calhoum in conjunction with Springfield Public Schools Summer program at the Springfield Community Center. K-3 students will receive targeted language and literacy lessons with small group instruction and individualized goals. On behalf of the Office of Equity and Access be safe, have a Great Summer! And don’t forget to read.
New Hope Intl Ministries to Host Southwest District Annual Meeting Springfield, MO—New Hope International Ministries will host the Southwest District Annual Session, Thursday through Saturday, June 29 - July 1, 2017. The community is invited to the opening musical and worship service Thursday evening at 7:00 p.m. and to the evening worship service Friday evening
also at 7:00 p.m. Various workshops will be held on Friday starting at 10:15 a.m. If you are interested in attending and want additional information on the workshops, please call (417) 207-2092. All activities will be held at the church, located at 901 N. Prospect.
Blues & Bar-B-Que Event, June 9th Springfield, MO—The Springfield Reunion Club presents the Blues and Bar-B Que, Friday June 9th 2017 8:00 pm -11:00 pm at Jalens, 1611 N Cambell Ave. Featured artist will be the Norman Jackson Band. Tickets
are $10. All proceeds will go towards supporting the 2017 Springfield Parkday Weekend event. For more information contact Nora England, Reunion Club President (417) 523-9216
the suburban ring in this movie that purchases their fantasies at the expense of people of color is past startling but it also makes people think. In some respects we already witness people purchase what they long for at the expense of others. Well if you can't think of how this works see the film first and then thing about it. Why do you think the plastic surgery industry in our nation is so huge. How many sports fans not only enjoy the game but live out some of their fantasies through the exploits of others ? Why is the black man white woman phenomenon still
Beehive: The '60's... continued from page 8
Haley Rolland and Paris Wheeler and runs May 26 through June 11. Performances are Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are priced $30 Adults, $27 Seniors (55 and over) and Students. Special pricing is available for opening weekend (May 26-28). For tickets or more information, visit SpringfieldContemporaryTheatre.org or call 417-831-8001. Springfield Contemporary Theatre’s 23rd Season of dynamic new work is their most ambitious to date. Reflecting the challenges and empowerment in the world that surrounds us, this season brings remarkable narratives to the stage. From female empowerment tunes of the 1960's to an outrageous political comedy of police corruption, from a war vet's return home to family in madcap crisis to a scrappy Bostonian struggling to survive on next to nothing for a fresh start. The season will bring some of the most memorable characters to stage: an Afri-
so difficult to process in our society ? And I don't want to say anymore than a simple line because if caused me to do some research as well. There are stories out about organ harvesting taking place at the expense of people of color. Yes you read that right. I Invite you to think of the references to real societal issues that the film Get Out so cleverly handles. The truth is films like this succeed not only because they are clever but also because they address the tragic holes that we have in our society and nation on far too many levels. Meanwhile if I run into a situation that seems sketchy I'm gonna Get Out !!! can-American chauffeur and his elderly Jewish female employer, a Hollywood power agent, a grounded female fighter pilot, an inspiring Latvian immigrant, a jaded Macy's elf and a sweet transvestite! The season tackles with humanity, humor and honesty issues of gender identity, race, science denial, immigration, police corruption, poverty, patriotism, religion, water crisis and inequality. Also in the 20172018 Season SCT continues their Songbook Series bringing onenight-only special concert events to the stage.
Jordan Peele, Comedian and Film Director for the movie "Get Out"
Summertime and the grilling is easy... By Lyle Foster Unite Contributing Writer
Summertime and the grilling is easy...The Bar-b-q is tasty... And the Lima beans are fine.
Well those are not the words of course but summertime despite the flooding rains is here. After Memorial Day food life kicks into a different gear and I hope everyone has been able to start thinking about what you never got to do last year that you want to try this year. I want to just grow a few herbs and vegetables to accent the summer kitchen. I am making a resolution to eat as many fresh vegetables and herbs as I can find. No froZen of canned for me. So many articles are touting the amazing benefits of the garden and farm vegetables and the get healthy movement is bigger than ever. A number of local farms allow you to pick your own vegetables and fruits and let me tell you it is worth it. A few daYs ago I had fresh strawberries from a local pick your own farm. It's funny in retrospect they were so red and tasty I thought someone had dyed them and injected sugar. But to the contrary they were organic and all natural just the way nature made them.
The growing and ever evolving farm to table movement in Springfield is a definite opportunity to make sure you are getting the freshest and bed for you when you go out. You don't have to compromise taste or quality because you are eating out. It's not the cheapest in some cases but what is the price of our health and after reading some of the latest news on "fake food" I will have to do without something else. This month I want to give a shout out to the good old farmers markets which are almost everywhere in the Ozarks ! The dates vary and I don't want to take up the space but from C Street to Battlefield Mall to Farmer's Park on Republic Road and many neighboring towns the choices are plentiful. One of the neat features now are that the markets take EBT cards and make it affordable for everyone to have fresh veggies and fruits. Some of the markets are smaller and have just a few local farmers while others are expansive with live music and a whole lot more than veggies. It's a great weekend habit to take the family to the market and plan some weekend and next weeks meal treats incorpocontinued on page 11
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Arts&Entertainment News
Eliminate public and private policy that rewards inferiority and irresponsibility
Movie Review: “Get Out or Get In!” Part 2 been stunned how the film tackled such topics as interracial relationships, slave trade, police brutality, suburban racism and The phenomenal almost cult black men dying first in horfollowing that occurred in the ror films. Now for the average wake of the Get Out film which director to take on any of these is believe it or not is still playing topics would be a Herculean in some theaters warrants a feat but to Take them all deeper look. The first on in a single film why review of this film that takes a comedian. could not cover some And that is what Jordan areas as many of you Peele is and his backhad not seen the film ground as a comedian yet. But now that and a willingness to take the film has brought on difficult and crazy topin over $175 million ics as comic do may have dollars it has gained Lyle Foster been one of the secrets to respect across multihis Willingness to address ple platforms. them all in a single film. There are a number of clevAs I indicated in the actual er references to society's top review column the budget for issues and to use the cover of the film was 4.5 million which a semi horror film is brilliant. is fairly minimal and no A list Well that is if the director was celebrity actors and actresses intentionally doing that. If he which means mad profits. I only wasn't then he hit fool's gold. hope that the next installment What we do know is that he either of Get Out or the direcused a novel approach to film tor will use the keep it simple the movie by approaching each approach and not bring in too scene examining how whites many top list celebrities. But and blacks would see the same we can be sure because of the scene. Hmmm maybe this idea incredible profits that there will will catch on for some future be some more from this film films. franchise or the director. Critics and audiences have By Lyle Foster Unite Contributing Writer
The film enjoyed a rare 99% fresh rating on the review site Rotten Tomatoes. I didn't even know that a film can get that kind of rating on any site. So that should tell us something. Audiences also resonated with the idea that the film brought up reminders of precious horror films but not only that but films such as Sidney Potier "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner" and the Stepforf Wives. These films were breakthroughs in their respective times and still strike a chord in Universal Pictures 2017 movie goers. The initial opening scene in the film Get Out when the main character goes to meet the parents of his white girlfriend strikes a familiar chord for all. It doesn't matter whether we have ever been in such a relationship the truth is we have seen it enough and we have our expectations of how such an encounter might go. The fact
that the family is comprised of suburban white Obama loving liberals provides a perfect opportunity to expose the shallowness of such scenes and in some respects the hypocrisy of it all. But if you have seen the film you also know that the film exposes a much more sinister side of the family that is at the center of the movie. Many on social media express that it struck a chord because there is a cynicism of liberalism and audiences love to tell the main character to not do certain things. And in this case it is extremely good advice. This of course is the premise of the film to "Get Out" because your life is at stake. But there is something else in this film that speaks to the deep core of our hypocrisy as a society. Without giving it all away continued on page 9
SCT Opens 23rd Season with “Beehive: The '60’s Musical”
by Rick Dines SCT Artistic Director
Springfield Contemporary Theatre opens their 23rd Season of theatre in downtown Springfield with Beehive: The '60's Musical. Beehive is the ultimate celebration of 1960’s female
empowerment, featuring such timeless classics as “My Boyfriend’s Back,” “Natural Woman,” "Proud Mary," “Son of a Preacher Man,” and “Me and Bobby McGee," Beehive nostalgically recalls the days of miniskirts, transistor radios and flower power. Told from the perspective
of six young women who came of age in this enigmatic decade, these young ladies look back on a host of issues ranging from their first Beehive Dance to the challenges we faced as a nation – all accomplished by a vast array of the most celebrated and memorable songs of the era.
Director Josh Inmon and music director Alex Huff, the creative team behind last season's Jerry's Girls, return with another evening of great music and dynamic female talent. Beehive features Aryn Bohannon, Emily Ogle Howard, Maria Kelley, Ellie Maji, continued on page 9
When some people know that they can have children out of wedlock, drop out of school and refuse employment and suffer As a group, black Americans little consequence, one should have made the greatest gains -over some of the highest hurdles not be surprised to see the growth of such behavior. and in a very short span The poverty rate among of time -- of any racial blacks is about 30 pergroup in mankind's cent. It's seen as polithistory. What's the ically correct to blame evidence? If one totaled today's poverty on racial up the earnings of black discrimination, but that's Americans and considWalter E Williams nonsense. Why? The ered us as a separate poverty rate among black intact nation with our own gross dohusband-and-wife families has mestic product, we would rank been in the single digits for more among the 20 richest nations. than two decades. Does one It was a black American, Gen. want to argue that racists disColin Powell, who once headed criminate against female-headed the world's mightiest military. families but not husband-andBlack Americans are among the wife families? world's most famous personalEducation is one of the ways ities, and a few are among the out of poverty, but stupid politworld's richest people. ical correctness stands in the The significance of these and way for many blacks. For exother achievements is that at ample, a few years ago, a white the end of the Civil War, neither Charleston, South Carolina, a slave nor a slave owner would teacher frequently complained have believed such progress of black students calling her a would be possible in a little over white b----, white m-----f-----, white a century -- if ever. As such, it c--- and white ho. School officials speaks to the intestinal fortitude told her that racially charged of a people. Just as importantly, profanity was simply part of the it speaks to the greatness of a students' culture and that if she nation in which such gains were couldn't handle it, she was in possible. Nowhere else on the the wrong school. The teacher face of the earth would such brought a harassment suit, and progress be possible except in the school district settled out of the United States of America. court for $200,000. The big and thorny issue that To suggest that such disreconfronts our nation is how spectful and violent behavior, these gains can be extended though it's observed in many to the one-third or more of the predominantly black schools, is black population for whom they part of black culture is an insulthave proved elusive. ing lie. Worse than that is the A major part of the solution fact that such destructive behavshould be the elimination of ior and lack of respect for aupublic and private policy that thority is rewarded. We can see rewards inferiority and irresponsome of the results by visiting sibility. Chief among the policies some city public schools where that reward inferiority and irreviolence, disorder and disrespect sponsibility is the welfare state. by Walter E Williams TownHall.com Columnist
is the order of the day. Many whites are ashamed and saddened by our history of slavery, Jim Crow and gross racial discrimination. As a result, they often hold blacks accountable to standards and conduct they would never accept from whites. A recent example is black students at colleges such as NYU, UC Berkeley, UCLA and Oberlin demanding racially segregated housing. Spineless college administrators have caved to their demands. These administrators would never even listen to a group of white students demanding white-only housing accommodations. These administrators and other guilt-ridden whites have one standard of conduct for whites and a lower standard for blacks. Black people can be thank-
ful that racist forms of double standards and public and private policies rewarding inferiority and irresponsibility were not broadly accepted during the 1920s, '30s, '40s and '50s. There would not have been the kind of intellectual excellence and spiritual courage that created the world's most successful civil rights movement.
Subscribe To The Unite News Publication Only $25. per year
Call: (417) 864-7444 Thank You For Your Support!
New Growth Ministries Christian School is a college preparatory private Christian school located in northwest Springfield MO. We operate a full time school with an all-volunteer staff. 100% of all that comes in goes into the education and enrichment of our children. The School opened its doors August 15th 2014 starting with 25 students. We have seen great improvement in many of our students that have continued with us from the start and they exhibit more of a desire and motivation to learn and grow. Our school day starts at 7:30 am each morning and ends each afternoon at 3:30 Monday-Friday. The school year runs from the beginning of August through the end of May with 10 weeks off for summer break. Applications are now being accepted. Fall Classes begin August 14th 2017. New Growth Ministries programs consists of intense reading, math, music, language, civics, science, and proper communication and behavior skills and training.
New Growth Ministries Christian School Helping Children Achieve Success in Life through a Solid Foundation in their Early Beginnings in Moral Instruction and training.
New Growth Ministries Christian School, 1351 N Marion St., Springfield Mo 65802 Currently Looking for Teachers who would like to make a difference in the life of a child. Contact: Director, Barbara Smith, 417-343-4048, Pastor Larry Maddox, 417-380-2252, or Elder Charlotte Warren, 417-827-3216
June Unite Page 7
June Unite Page 6
A Directory of free or low cost Business Assistance Minorities In Business Monthly Networking Meeting June 6, 2017 5:30 p.m. Q Enoteca, 308 W Commercial St Bring a friend or business partner! Everyone is invited! Light Refreshments and beverages available. 417.837-2631 Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce www.spfldchamber.com 417.862.5567 Small Business Administration (SBA) www.sba.gov 417.890.8501 Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) www.score.org 417.837.2619 Drury University - Breech Center / Student in Free Enterprise www.drury.edu 417.873.7243 The Library Center Business Reference thelibrary.springfield.missouri.org 417.874.8110 Small Business & Technology Development Center sbtdc.missouristate.edu 417.836.5685 1Million Cups Every Wednesday Morning 8:30 am -10:00 am SGF Art Museum 1111 E. Brookside
The BusinessSection Company offers the world’s first gift card for stock Leading the consumerization of stock, Stockpile offers investors an easier and more affordable way to start investing. Available online or via smartphone, stock can be purchased in affordable denominations (as low as $1) through offering fractional shares. The company also offers the world’s first gift card for stock, making it easier to gift stock to family or friends, popular for graduations, weddings, baby gifts and the holidays. The gift cards are available at 14,000 grocery and retail locations across the country, including Kroger, Target, Safeway/Albertsons, Wegman’s, Giant Eagle, SuperValu, Hy-Vee, Save Mart, OfficeMax, Office Depot, Kmart, Buehlers and Supervalu. Co-Founder Avi Lele is a dad who came up with the idea when he couldn’t find an easy and affordable way to gift stock to his kids, nieces and nephews a few holiday seasons ago. "Most people have never had an opportunity to own stock in their favorite companies because it's too expensive and complicated to get started," says Avi Lele, founder and CEO of Stockpile. "You can't do anything with $25 at a traditional brokerage. Stockpile removes those barriers by using fractional shares and bringing the stock market to you. For the first time ever, you're able to walk into the supermarket and buy a gift card for, say, $25 of Apple stock right off the rack. Buy it for yourself or as a gift for family and friends.” With a thousand different
Stockpile gift cards for stock
stocks, ETFs, and ADRs to choose from, investors can buy or give the exact dollar amount they want. Stockpile allows customers to give via physical gift card or e-gift, allows users to redeem rewards points for stock, or turn existing gift cards into stock. Once a stock is purchased or redeemed via gift card, the stockholder receives a fractional share of the stock in a real brokerage account that will go up and down with the market.
Stockholders can hold on to the stock and track its progress, buy more of the stock or other stocks, or cash out of the stock by selling it whenever they want. "Stockpile is partnering with companies and nonprofits who care about financial literacy and empowerment and want to make stock and ETFs accessible to everyone," said Dan Schatt, Chief Commercial Officer at Stockpile. "Local credit unions to Fortune 500 companies are leveraging Stockpile's platform -whether it's to offer a brand new set of gifting services, a differentiated loyalty program, or an innovative employee incentives and recognition plan. They also get a new way to communicate more personally with their retail shareholders." Stockpile, which has secured $15 million in funding, is backed by an all-star team of advisors, including Don Kingsborough (founder and former CEO of Blackhawk Network) and Melanie Healey (former President of North America for Procter & Gamble), and notable investors, continued on page 7
Stockpile
15-Year Old Teen Entrepreneur Signs Licensing Deal With the NBA
such as Ashton Kutcher (actor, entrepreneur and tech investor). How Stockpile is revolutionizing access to the stock market: • Buy it by the dollar online. Buy any dollar amount of stock for yourself, or give any amount up to $1000 as an e-gift. • Buy them in stores. Stockpile gift cards are available nationwide in select supermarkets and retail chains (in $25, $50 and $100 denominations). • Get fractional shares of real stock. If you redeem a $50 gift card and Disney is trading at $100 a share, you get half a share. • Purchase in 2 minutes. Use a credit or debit card to purchase Stockpile gift cards at Stockpile. com or download the iPhone app. • Any age. Even kids and teens can own stock with an adult on the account with them. In fact, 60% of Stockpile’s user base is under 30 and 30% are kids and teens (through custodial accounts).
Black Business.Org— Young entrepreneur Moziah “Mo” Bridges was just 12 years old when he appeared on ABC's Shark Tank to promote his Memphis based company, Mo’s Bows, which manufactures handmade bow and neckties. Now 15, this young Black teen just signed a licensing deal with the NBA, giving him the rights to manufacture his products with the logos of NBA clubs. The NBA is excited about the launch of the Mo’s Bows NBA Collection because it increases their merchandise distribution to NBA fans. For Bridges, it means a seven-figure licensing deal and an important step in expanding his business. Mo comments, “Partnerships like this one will help me reach my goals of having a full clothing line by the time I graduate from college." Impressive from the start When Bridges and his mother appeared on Shark Tank in 2014, shark Daymond John immediately invested into Mo’s business. John saw in Bridges "a young man with a great vi-
continued from page 6
Discover the Springfield Art Museum. Exhibits, and pieces on display from our permanent collection, are always changing. So plan your visit, and then plan on coming back.
Young entrepreneur, Moziah “Mo” Bridges
sion and a mother with a strong business sense." His instincts were right. Sales of Mo’s Bows at retailers like Neiman Marcus and Bloomingdales went through the roof. Bridges was named to TIME Magazine’s Most Influential Teen List in 2015. He was even invited to the White House by former President Barack Obama, and ESPN hired Bridges as a fashion correspondent for their NBA Draft telecast. This was quite an impressive start for Moziah Bridges. But he is far from done. In fact, he
is just getting started! “My goal has always been to make Mo’s Bows a household name for kid entrepreneurship and men's accessories,” explains Bridges. Already in motion Mo Bridges has come a long way, but it is very clear that he also has plans to go much, much farther. And he is not wasting time! He is already producing and selling his NBA bowties for the Memphis Grizzlies, the Cleveland Cavaliers, and the Golden State Warriors. For more details visit www. mosbowsmemphis.com
Working Together to Power Springfield 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.
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.
City Utilities of Springfield • 301 East Central, Springfield MO • 417.863.9000 • cityutilities.net
June Unite Page 7
June Unite Page 6
A Directory of free or low cost Business Assistance Minorities In Business Monthly Networking Meeting June 6, 2017 5:30 p.m. Q Enoteca, 308 W Commercial St Bring a friend or business partner! Everyone is invited! Light Refreshments and beverages available. 417.837-2631 Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce www.spfldchamber.com 417.862.5567 Small Business Administration (SBA) www.sba.gov 417.890.8501 Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) www.score.org 417.837.2619 Drury University - Breech Center / Student in Free Enterprise www.drury.edu 417.873.7243 The Library Center Business Reference thelibrary.springfield.missouri.org 417.874.8110 Small Business & Technology Development Center sbtdc.missouristate.edu 417.836.5685 1Million Cups Every Wednesday Morning 8:30 am -10:00 am SGF Art Museum 1111 E. Brookside
The BusinessSection Company offers the world’s first gift card for stock Leading the consumerization of stock, Stockpile offers investors an easier and more affordable way to start investing. Available online or via smartphone, stock can be purchased in affordable denominations (as low as $1) through offering fractional shares. The company also offers the world’s first gift card for stock, making it easier to gift stock to family or friends, popular for graduations, weddings, baby gifts and the holidays. The gift cards are available at 14,000 grocery and retail locations across the country, including Kroger, Target, Safeway/Albertsons, Wegman’s, Giant Eagle, SuperValu, Hy-Vee, Save Mart, OfficeMax, Office Depot, Kmart, Buehlers and Supervalu. Co-Founder Avi Lele is a dad who came up with the idea when he couldn’t find an easy and affordable way to gift stock to his kids, nieces and nephews a few holiday seasons ago. "Most people have never had an opportunity to own stock in their favorite companies because it's too expensive and complicated to get started," says Avi Lele, founder and CEO of Stockpile. "You can't do anything with $25 at a traditional brokerage. Stockpile removes those barriers by using fractional shares and bringing the stock market to you. For the first time ever, you're able to walk into the supermarket and buy a gift card for, say, $25 of Apple stock right off the rack. Buy it for yourself or as a gift for family and friends.” With a thousand different
Stockpile gift cards for stock
stocks, ETFs, and ADRs to choose from, investors can buy or give the exact dollar amount they want. Stockpile allows customers to give via physical gift card or e-gift, allows users to redeem rewards points for stock, or turn existing gift cards into stock. Once a stock is purchased or redeemed via gift card, the stockholder receives a fractional share of the stock in a real brokerage account that will go up and down with the market.
Stockholders can hold on to the stock and track its progress, buy more of the stock or other stocks, or cash out of the stock by selling it whenever they want. "Stockpile is partnering with companies and nonprofits who care about financial literacy and empowerment and want to make stock and ETFs accessible to everyone," said Dan Schatt, Chief Commercial Officer at Stockpile. "Local credit unions to Fortune 500 companies are leveraging Stockpile's platform -whether it's to offer a brand new set of gifting services, a differentiated loyalty program, or an innovative employee incentives and recognition plan. They also get a new way to communicate more personally with their retail shareholders." Stockpile, which has secured $15 million in funding, is backed by an all-star team of advisors, including Don Kingsborough (founder and former CEO of Blackhawk Network) and Melanie Healey (former President of North America for Procter & Gamble), and notable investors, continued on page 7
Stockpile
15-Year Old Teen Entrepreneur Signs Licensing Deal With the NBA
such as Ashton Kutcher (actor, entrepreneur and tech investor). How Stockpile is revolutionizing access to the stock market: • Buy it by the dollar online. Buy any dollar amount of stock for yourself, or give any amount up to $1000 as an e-gift. • Buy them in stores. Stockpile gift cards are available nationwide in select supermarkets and retail chains (in $25, $50 and $100 denominations). • Get fractional shares of real stock. If you redeem a $50 gift card and Disney is trading at $100 a share, you get half a share. • Purchase in 2 minutes. Use a credit or debit card to purchase Stockpile gift cards at Stockpile. com or download the iPhone app. • Any age. Even kids and teens can own stock with an adult on the account with them. In fact, 60% of Stockpile’s user base is under 30 and 30% are kids and teens (through custodial accounts).
Black Business.Org— Young entrepreneur Moziah “Mo” Bridges was just 12 years old when he appeared on ABC's Shark Tank to promote his Memphis based company, Mo’s Bows, which manufactures handmade bow and neckties. Now 15, this young Black teen just signed a licensing deal with the NBA, giving him the rights to manufacture his products with the logos of NBA clubs. The NBA is excited about the launch of the Mo’s Bows NBA Collection because it increases their merchandise distribution to NBA fans. For Bridges, it means a seven-figure licensing deal and an important step in expanding his business. Mo comments, “Partnerships like this one will help me reach my goals of having a full clothing line by the time I graduate from college." Impressive from the start When Bridges and his mother appeared on Shark Tank in 2014, shark Daymond John immediately invested into Mo’s business. John saw in Bridges "a young man with a great vi-
continued from page 6
Discover the Springfield Art Museum. Exhibits, and pieces on display from our permanent collection, are always changing. So plan your visit, and then plan on coming back.
Young entrepreneur, Moziah “Mo” Bridges
sion and a mother with a strong business sense." His instincts were right. Sales of Mo’s Bows at retailers like Neiman Marcus and Bloomingdales went through the roof. Bridges was named to TIME Magazine’s Most Influential Teen List in 2015. He was even invited to the White House by former President Barack Obama, and ESPN hired Bridges as a fashion correspondent for their NBA Draft telecast. This was quite an impressive start for Moziah Bridges. But he is far from done. In fact, he
is just getting started! “My goal has always been to make Mo’s Bows a household name for kid entrepreneurship and men's accessories,” explains Bridges. Already in motion Mo Bridges has come a long way, but it is very clear that he also has plans to go much, much farther. And he is not wasting time! He is already producing and selling his NBA bowties for the Memphis Grizzlies, the Cleveland Cavaliers, and the Golden State Warriors. For more details visit www. mosbowsmemphis.com
Working Together to Power Springfield 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.
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.
City Utilities of Springfield • 301 East Central, Springfield MO • 417.863.9000 • cityutilities.net
June Unite Page 5
June Unite Page 8
Arts&Entertainment News
Eliminate public and private policy that rewards inferiority and irresponsibility
Movie Review: “Get Out or Get In!” Part 2 been stunned how the film tackled such topics as interracial relationships, slave trade, police brutality, suburban racism and The phenomenal almost cult black men dying first in horfollowing that occurred in the ror films. Now for the average wake of the Get Out film which director to take on any of these is believe it or not is still playing topics would be a Herculean in some theaters warrants a feat but to Take them all deeper look. The first on in a single film why review of this film that takes a comedian. could not cover some And that is what Jordan areas as many of you Peele is and his backhad not seen the film ground as a comedian yet. But now that and a willingness to take the film has brought on difficult and crazy topin over $175 million ics as comic do may have dollars it has gained Lyle Foster been one of the secrets to respect across multihis Willingness to address ple platforms. them all in a single film. There are a number of clevAs I indicated in the actual er references to society's top review column the budget for issues and to use the cover of the film was 4.5 million which a semi horror film is brilliant. is fairly minimal and no A list Well that is if the director was celebrity actors and actresses intentionally doing that. If he which means mad profits. I only wasn't then he hit fool's gold. hope that the next installment What we do know is that he either of Get Out or the direcused a novel approach to film tor will use the keep it simple the movie by approaching each approach and not bring in too scene examining how whites many top list celebrities. But and blacks would see the same we can be sure because of the scene. Hmmm maybe this idea incredible profits that there will will catch on for some future be some more from this film films. franchise or the director. Critics and audiences have By Lyle Foster Unite Contributing Writer
The film enjoyed a rare 99% fresh rating on the review site Rotten Tomatoes. I didn't even know that a film can get that kind of rating on any site. So that should tell us something. Audiences also resonated with the idea that the film brought up reminders of precious horror films but not only that but films such as Sidney Potier "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner" and the Stepforf Wives. These films were breakthroughs in their respective times and still strike a chord in Universal Pictures 2017 movie goers. The initial opening scene in the film Get Out when the main character goes to meet the parents of his white girlfriend strikes a familiar chord for all. It doesn't matter whether we have ever been in such a relationship the truth is we have seen it enough and we have our expectations of how such an encounter might go. The fact
that the family is comprised of suburban white Obama loving liberals provides a perfect opportunity to expose the shallowness of such scenes and in some respects the hypocrisy of it all. But if you have seen the film you also know that the film exposes a much more sinister side of the family that is at the center of the movie. Many on social media express that it struck a chord because there is a cynicism of liberalism and audiences love to tell the main character to not do certain things. And in this case it is extremely good advice. This of course is the premise of the film to "Get Out" because your life is at stake. But there is something else in this film that speaks to the deep core of our hypocrisy as a society. Without giving it all away continued on page 9
SCT Opens 23rd Season with “Beehive: The '60’s Musical”
by Rick Dines SCT Artistic Director
Springfield Contemporary Theatre opens their 23rd Season of theatre in downtown Springfield with Beehive: The '60's Musical. Beehive is the ultimate celebration of 1960’s female
empowerment, featuring such timeless classics as “My Boyfriend’s Back,” “Natural Woman,” "Proud Mary," “Son of a Preacher Man,” and “Me and Bobby McGee," Beehive nostalgically recalls the days of miniskirts, transistor radios and flower power. Told from the perspective
of six young women who came of age in this enigmatic decade, these young ladies look back on a host of issues ranging from their first Beehive Dance to the challenges we faced as a nation – all accomplished by a vast array of the most celebrated and memorable songs of the era.
Director Josh Inmon and music director Alex Huff, the creative team behind last season's Jerry's Girls, return with another evening of great music and dynamic female talent. Beehive features Aryn Bohannon, Emily Ogle Howard, Maria Kelley, Ellie Maji, continued on page 9
When some people know that they can have children out of wedlock, drop out of school and refuse employment and suffer As a group, black Americans little consequence, one should have made the greatest gains -over some of the highest hurdles not be surprised to see the growth of such behavior. and in a very short span The poverty rate among of time -- of any racial blacks is about 30 pergroup in mankind's cent. It's seen as polithistory. What's the ically correct to blame evidence? If one totaled today's poverty on racial up the earnings of black discrimination, but that's Americans and considWalter E Williams nonsense. Why? The ered us as a separate poverty rate among black intact nation with our own gross dohusband-and-wife families has mestic product, we would rank been in the single digits for more among the 20 richest nations. than two decades. Does one It was a black American, Gen. want to argue that racists disColin Powell, who once headed criminate against female-headed the world's mightiest military. families but not husband-andBlack Americans are among the wife families? world's most famous personalEducation is one of the ways ities, and a few are among the out of poverty, but stupid politworld's richest people. ical correctness stands in the The significance of these and way for many blacks. For exother achievements is that at ample, a few years ago, a white the end of the Civil War, neither Charleston, South Carolina, a slave nor a slave owner would teacher frequently complained have believed such progress of black students calling her a would be possible in a little over white b----, white m-----f-----, white a century -- if ever. As such, it c--- and white ho. School officials speaks to the intestinal fortitude told her that racially charged of a people. Just as importantly, profanity was simply part of the it speaks to the greatness of a students' culture and that if she nation in which such gains were couldn't handle it, she was in possible. Nowhere else on the the wrong school. The teacher face of the earth would such brought a harassment suit, and progress be possible except in the school district settled out of the United States of America. court for $200,000. The big and thorny issue that To suggest that such disreconfronts our nation is how spectful and violent behavior, these gains can be extended though it's observed in many to the one-third or more of the predominantly black schools, is black population for whom they part of black culture is an insulthave proved elusive. ing lie. Worse than that is the A major part of the solution fact that such destructive behavshould be the elimination of ior and lack of respect for aupublic and private policy that thority is rewarded. We can see rewards inferiority and irresponsome of the results by visiting sibility. Chief among the policies some city public schools where that reward inferiority and irreviolence, disorder and disrespect sponsibility is the welfare state. by Walter E Williams TownHall.com Columnist
is the order of the day. Many whites are ashamed and saddened by our history of slavery, Jim Crow and gross racial discrimination. As a result, they often hold blacks accountable to standards and conduct they would never accept from whites. A recent example is black students at colleges such as NYU, UC Berkeley, UCLA and Oberlin demanding racially segregated housing. Spineless college administrators have caved to their demands. These administrators would never even listen to a group of white students demanding white-only housing accommodations. These administrators and other guilt-ridden whites have one standard of conduct for whites and a lower standard for blacks. Black people can be thank-
ful that racist forms of double standards and public and private policies rewarding inferiority and irresponsibility were not broadly accepted during the 1920s, '30s, '40s and '50s. There would not have been the kind of intellectual excellence and spiritual courage that created the world's most successful civil rights movement.
Subscribe To The Unite News Publication Only $25. per year
Call: (417) 864-7444 Thank You For Your Support!
New Growth Ministries Christian School is a college preparatory private Christian school located in northwest Springfield MO. We operate a full time school with an all-volunteer staff. 100% of all that comes in goes into the education and enrichment of our children. The School opened its doors August 15th 2014 starting with 25 students. We have seen great improvement in many of our students that have continued with us from the start and they exhibit more of a desire and motivation to learn and grow. Our school day starts at 7:30 am each morning and ends each afternoon at 3:30 Monday-Friday. The school year runs from the beginning of August through the end of May with 10 weeks off for summer break. Applications are now being accepted. Fall Classes begin August 14th 2017. New Growth Ministries programs consists of intense reading, math, music, language, civics, science, and proper communication and behavior skills and training.
New Growth Ministries Christian School Helping Children Achieve Success in Life through a Solid Foundation in their Early Beginnings in Moral Instruction and training.
New Growth Ministries Christian School, 1351 N Marion St., Springfield Mo 65802 Currently Looking for Teachers who would like to make a difference in the life of a child. Contact: Director, Barbara Smith, 417-343-4048, Pastor Larry Maddox, 417-380-2252, or Elder Charlotte Warren, 417-827-3216
June Unite Page 9
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CommunityNews
Get Our or Get In continued from page 8
Singing All Together, “School Is Out!” And I'm so glad that school is out I could sing and shout! Summer break is here, and there will be no more teachers for a while. But we Many years ago must not forget all the there was a song by hard work that has Gary U.S. Bonds titled, been put forth to build “School Is Out.” your child’s reading literacy. Now that school No more books and studis out it is a perfect ies, And I can stay out Gwen Marshall time to help your child late with my buddies develop some indepenI can do the things that I dent reading skills. want to do, 'Cause all my exams Did you know that if your are through I can root for the child does not read over the Yankees from the bleachers summer, they are likely to lose And don't have to worry 'bout some of their reading skills? teachers, by Gwen Marshall, Springfield Public Schools Access & Equity Specialist
Summer Youth Jam sponsored by Leisurettes Social Club July 8 Springfield, MO—The Leisurettes, a ladies' social and charitable organization is hosting a party for area youth. It is our Summer Youth Jam! The Summer Youth Jam will be held Saturday, July 8, 2017, 8:00 pm at Jalen's Lounge, 1611
N. Campbell. The targeted age for this event is 13 to 17 years old. Admission is $5. Youth will enjoy an evening of music and dancing in a fun and safe atmosphere. For more information, contact Rochel Johnson at 417890-0838.
Are you a current Missouri Medicaid recipient over 18 with a disability and need assistance with any of the following task? Bathing • Meals Prep • Toileting • Housekeeping Dressing • Grooming • Errands • Transportation to Appointments If the answer is yes, we would love to be a blessing to you. Please give our office a call to see if you qualify to have a friend or Family member paid for assisting you with these as well as many other everyday tasks.
300 E Sunshine St., Suite E, Springfield, MO
As we approach the summer months let’s not forget to encourage our children to read. Dr. Kimberly Tyson has some ideas I would like to share with you about encouraging your child to read during the summer. • Visit your local library – often. • Enroll your child in a summer reading program. • Check out whether your school has library hours over the summer. • Explore online reading sites for young readers. • Read aloud. • Encourage Vocabulary & Word Learning. • Be a good example by reading with your child. • Keep reading materials around the house.
• Check out kids magazines. • Check out online apps and digital tools to support reading and writing. • Join or create a Book Club. The Ujima Summer Literacy Camp is July 10-28 from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. It is also an option for summer reading. The camp will be held at BartleyDecatur Neighborhood Center, 918 E Calhoum in conjunction with Springfield Public Schools Summer program at the Springfield Community Center. K-3 students will receive targeted language and literacy lessons with small group instruction and individualized goals. On behalf of the Office of Equity and Access be safe, have a Great Summer! And don’t forget to read.
New Hope Intl Ministries to Host Southwest District Annual Meeting Springfield, MO—New Hope International Ministries will host the Southwest District Annual Session, Thursday through Saturday, June 29 - July 1, 2017. The community is invited to the opening musical and worship service Thursday evening at 7:00 p.m. and to the evening worship service Friday evening
also at 7:00 p.m. Various workshops will be held on Friday starting at 10:15 a.m. If you are interested in attending and want additional information on the workshops, please call (417) 207-2092. All activities will be held at the church, located at 901 N. Prospect.
Blues & Bar-B-Que Event, June 9th Springfield, MO—The Springfield Reunion Club presents the Blues and Bar-B Que, Friday June 9th 2017 8:00 pm -11:00 pm at Jalens, 1611 N Cambell Ave. Featured artist will be the Norman Jackson Band. Tickets
are $10. All proceeds will go towards supporting the 2017 Springfield Parkday Weekend event. For more information contact Nora England, Reunion Club President (417) 523-9216
the suburban ring in this movie that purchases their fantasies at the expense of people of color is past startling but it also makes people think. In some respects we already witness people purchase what they long for at the expense of others. Well if you can't think of how this works see the film first and then thing about it. Why do you think the plastic surgery industry in our nation is so huge. How many sports fans not only enjoy the game but live out some of their fantasies through the exploits of others ? Why is the black man white woman phenomenon still
Beehive: The '60's... continued from page 8
Haley Rolland and Paris Wheeler and runs May 26 through June 11. Performances are Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are priced $30 Adults, $27 Seniors (55 and over) and Students. Special pricing is available for opening weekend (May 26-28). For tickets or more information, visit SpringfieldContemporaryTheatre.org or call 417-831-8001. Springfield Contemporary Theatre’s 23rd Season of dynamic new work is their most ambitious to date. Reflecting the challenges and empowerment in the world that surrounds us, this season brings remarkable narratives to the stage. From female empowerment tunes of the 1960's to an outrageous political comedy of police corruption, from a war vet's return home to family in madcap crisis to a scrappy Bostonian struggling to survive on next to nothing for a fresh start. The season will bring some of the most memorable characters to stage: an Afri-
so difficult to process in our society ? And I don't want to say anymore than a simple line because if caused me to do some research as well. There are stories out about organ harvesting taking place at the expense of people of color. Yes you read that right. I Invite you to think of the references to real societal issues that the film Get Out so cleverly handles. The truth is films like this succeed not only because they are clever but also because they address the tragic holes that we have in our society and nation on far too many levels. Meanwhile if I run into a situation that seems sketchy I'm gonna Get Out !!! can-American chauffeur and his elderly Jewish female employer, a Hollywood power agent, a grounded female fighter pilot, an inspiring Latvian immigrant, a jaded Macy's elf and a sweet transvestite! The season tackles with humanity, humor and honesty issues of gender identity, race, science denial, immigration, police corruption, poverty, patriotism, religion, water crisis and inequality. Also in the 20172018 Season SCT continues their Songbook Series bringing onenight-only special concert events to the stage.
Jordan Peele, Comedian and Film Director for the movie "Get Out"
Summertime and the grilling is easy... By Lyle Foster Unite Contributing Writer
Summertime and the grilling is easy...The Bar-b-q is tasty... And the Lima beans are fine.
Well those are not the words of course but summertime despite the flooding rains is here. After Memorial Day food life kicks into a different gear and I hope everyone has been able to start thinking about what you never got to do last year that you want to try this year. I want to just grow a few herbs and vegetables to accent the summer kitchen. I am making a resolution to eat as many fresh vegetables and herbs as I can find. No froZen of canned for me. So many articles are touting the amazing benefits of the garden and farm vegetables and the get healthy movement is bigger than ever. A number of local farms allow you to pick your own vegetables and fruits and let me tell you it is worth it. A few daYs ago I had fresh strawberries from a local pick your own farm. It's funny in retrospect they were so red and tasty I thought someone had dyed them and injected sugar. But to the contrary they were organic and all natural just the way nature made them.
The growing and ever evolving farm to table movement in Springfield is a definite opportunity to make sure you are getting the freshest and bed for you when you go out. You don't have to compromise taste or quality because you are eating out. It's not the cheapest in some cases but what is the price of our health and after reading some of the latest news on "fake food" I will have to do without something else. This month I want to give a shout out to the good old farmers markets which are almost everywhere in the Ozarks ! The dates vary and I don't want to take up the space but from C Street to Battlefield Mall to Farmer's Park on Republic Road and many neighboring towns the choices are plentiful. One of the neat features now are that the markets take EBT cards and make it affordable for everyone to have fresh veggies and fruits. Some of the markets are smaller and have just a few local farmers while others are expansive with live music and a whole lot more than veggies. It's a great weekend habit to take the family to the market and plan some weekend and next weeks meal treats incorpocontinued on page 11
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IN THIS ISSUE
Health & Mental Fitness Domestic Violence in Springfield MO by Ettie Berneking Excerpt reprinted from 417 Magazine, Oct 2016, The rise in domestic violence can be traced back to 2012 when the number of reported incidents in Springfield jumped by more than 370 to an alarming 2,583. That averages out to 6 incidents per day. That same year, the Springfield Police Department formed the Family Violence Task Force (now managed by the Community Partnership of the Ozarks under the Violence-Free Families Initiative), but the numbers kept rising. By 2014, the number of domestic violence cases had risen to a record high of 2,701. In 2015, the numbers dipped a little to 2,695, but those on the front lines, including Lieutenant Tad Peters, believe that dip will be short-lived. The statistics are alarming, and no one is immune. Domestic violence doesn’t discriminate based on age, sex or socioeconomic status, and sometimes, the people most in danger of becoming a victim are the ones you never think it could happen to. One such incident stands out in Peters’ mind: In 2013, a domestic violence situation between a local doctor and his wife became lethal when the doctor killed his wife and then took his own life. Peters, who supervised SPD’s domestic violence unit, joined the Family Violence Task Force in 2012 and still serves on the force today. He has learned not every call results in an arrest, but starting in
2013, officers implemented the Lethality Assessment to identify escalating violence in hopes of preventing serious injury or domestic violence–related homicide. They’re not the only ones making this change. Three years ago, Mercy Hospital created a team of Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners who go through special training to identify domestic violence, human trafficking and other forms of abuse. There are currently 18 nurses on the team. “We are looking for bruises in multiple stages of healing and on sensitive areas,” says Chandra Hazen, a clinical manager at Mercy. “These are bruises on the outer arms that show self-defense, intimate areas like the buttocks and breasts and injuries on the outer thighs like someone was curled up in a ball.” Of course, not all domestic abuse shows up as bruises or cuts. That’s part of what makes this epidemic difficult to prevent. There are all types of abuse, including physical, emotional, sexual, economic, religious, isolation, intimidation and threats. As a result, it can be hard to spot domestic violence even if you’re the victim of it, which is why Springfield hospitals, shelters and hotlines and the police department are working to better identify signs of the problem. HOW TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEM As the numbers continue to increase, resources in the area are getting creative with how
Now You Can Join A Virtual Book Group Through The Library by Kathleen O’Dell, Springfield-Greene County Library District
they address domestic violence. Harmony House’s new shelter is now open in Springfield. The 50-bed increase makes Harmony House the largest shelter in the state, and when the shelter’s new permanent housing apartment structure is complete, it will be the first of its kind in Missouri. The Victim Center recently moved one of its victim advocates into the City Clerk’s office when orders of protection began to flow in at high speeds. Between 2014 and 2015 the number of protection orders increased by 200 to a total of 3,555, and 2016 is on track to blow past that number with 2,092 orders already filed through July (that’s an average of 9.9 orders filed per day). It is understood that change is needed to keep up with the new demand, and efforts are in place to help build awareness—in October as part of the shelter’s month-long iCare event, Harmony House will tweet each time a victim is turned away due to lack of space. (You can
follow Harmony House’s Twitter account at @Myharmonyhouse.) Counseling ser vices, including H.I.T. No More (417869-8332, hitnomore.com) are offering therapy for abusers to help them control their anger and hopefully prevent future abuse. The city’s prosecuting attorney has started handling victim’s court cases in a way that doesn’t require the victim to appear in court. And as part of the SPD’s response to the increase in domestic violence, they are now routinely placing those people who are arrested for violating an order of protection on a 24-hour hold so the case can be presented to the Greene County Prosecutor for the immediate filing of charges. HOW TO HELP Harmony House relies heavily on volunteers, if you would like to find out more about how your time can help make a difference in the lives of others, please contact Volunteer Coordinator Felicia Rose at 417-837-7700, or email feliciar@myharmonyhouse.org.
Do you love to talk with others about the books you read but don’t have time to go to a book club? We get that, so the Library has launched a new book group just for you. ReadUps is a virtual book Kathleen O'Dell discussion group through facebook.com/thelibrary.org. Click on “Groups” on the left side column, join ReadUps and learn more. There are no meetings — it takes place entirely on Facebook. Reference Librarian Miranda Eudaly, who monitors the group, explains how it works: Each month the ReadUps page will announce a book and we’ll give you the first half of the month to read it and think about it. The second half of the month, you can join the current title’s “Event” page to discuss the book with others – all on Facebook. (Miranda says beware of spoilers when discussion begins.) “There are lots of people who want to talk about the books they are reading but continued on page 11
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Community News
Singing all together, "School Is Out!" by Gwen Marshall, SPS
Volume 27, Number 6 PUBLISHER Unite. of Southwest Missouri, Inc. MANAGING EDITOR Samuel G. Knox
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Business
8
Lifestyle & Entertainment News
Company offers the world's first gift card for stock Movie Review “Get Out or Get In!” Part 2 by Lyle Foster
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UNITE.
Health & Mental Fitness
Domestic Violence In Springfield MO by Ettie Berneking
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.
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Lyle Foster Gwen Marshall Kathleen O'Dell 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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Advisory Council continued from page 1
all members of the Springfield community are able to measurably improve their education, health, housing and employment/financial security. The Advisory Council will be composed of representatives from each of the sectors identified in the Impacting Poverty Reports as well as community members to reflect the diverse population of the Springfield community. The chair of the Advisory Council shall be the Prosper Springfield Director. The Council shall meet, at a minimum, every other month to start and then move to quarterly meetings. Subcommittees of this Advisory Council may be formed as determined by the chair.
Members must agree to abide by the following membership terms: • Participate in a minimum of four meetings per year. • Prepare for each meeting by reading materials distributed in advance. • Engage in small and large group discussions in a manner that is respectful of divergent perspectives, ideas, and experiences and other requirements not stated in this article. Please contact Francine Pratt at 417.888.2020 if you have questions or need additional information.
Juneteenth
continued from page 1 Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January
Springfield Black History Moment It is June and school is out for the summer. In recognition of all of the graduates of the class of 2017, I thought I would take you back to the turn of the last century and show you a picture of the graduating class of 1900 from Lincoln High School. Enjoy your summer and good luck to all of this year’s graduates.
Lincoln High School, Class of 1900 Provided by
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
1, 1863, he took a huge step toward erasing that stain. But the full force of his proclamation would not be realized until June 19, 1865—Juneteenth, as it was called by slaves in Texas freed that day. The westernmost of the Confederate states, Texas did not get news of Gen. Robert E. Lee’s surrender at Appomatox that April until two months after the fact. But they heard once Union Gen. Gordon Granger, a New Yorker and West Point graduate with a distinguished wartime service record, arrived in Galveston Bay with more than 2,000 Union troops. It was on June 19 that he publicly read General Order No. 3, which began: “The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free.” In amazement and disbelief, the 250,000 former slaves in Texas learned that they had been freed by the Emancipation Proclamation, which could not be enforced until the war was over. (It applied only to the states “in rebellion” at the time it was issued.) Shocked, disoriented, most likely fearful of an uncertain future in which they could do as they pleased, the liberated slaves of Texas celebrated. Their moment of jubilee was spontaneous and ecstatic, and began a tradition of marking freedom on Juneteenth. A grass-roots celebration highlighted by joyous singing, pig roasts, and rodeos, Juneteenth took root in many African-American communities during the late 19th century. But Juneteenth was never accorded official respect or recognition. In the bitterness of the Reconstruction and Jim Crow eras, few states of the former Confederacy
had any interest in celebrating emancipation. And as many African-Americans migrated north, especially in the Depression era, Juneteenth became a largely forgotten vestige of the Civil War era. Over the past few decades, however, there has been a movement to revive this celebration of more complete freedom in America. Today, 39 states and the District of Columbia recognize Juneteenth, although most don’t grant it full “holiday” status. A Congressional resolution also underscores the historical significance of “Juneteenth Independence Day.” And museums (including some of those that make up the Smithsonian Institution), now mark Juneteenth with annual programming. Before emancipation, America’s slaves and anyone else who prized equality, freedom and liberty knew that the Declaration of Independence only meant equality, freedom, and liberty for some. “What, to the American slave, is your 4th of July?” Frederick Douglass, the abolitionist and escaped slave, asked in his Independence Day oration in 1852. “I answer: a day that reveals to him, more than all other days in the year, the gross injustice and cruelty to which he is constant victim.” This year, let’s remember Juneteenth, the holiday that doesn’t mark a document, a battle, a birthday or a national tragedy, but the fundamental promise of America being more completely realized—the day on which Thomas Jefferson’s rousing rhetoric finally rang true throughout America, for all Americans. Kenneth C. Davis is the author of Don’t Know Much About History (Anniversary Edition) and A Nation Rising.
Library Events
Summer Academy
Summertime...
find it difficult to attend book discussions for whatever reason — busy schedules, social anxiety, so we’re giving them an easy way to participate in a discussion without attending an event,” Miranda says. “ReadUps members can give their two cents, even if it’s in the middle of the night.” June’s book is “Arrowood,” the haunting family mystery story by Laura McHugh. A bonus: McHugh will give a talk from 6-8:30 p.m. June 15 in the Schweitzer Brentwood Branch. Fans will recognize McHugh from her first-book blockbuster, “The Weight of Blood.” We will start posting questions on the event start date – it’s June 19 for “Arrowood,” and you are welcome to post your own discussion questions, as well, Miranda says. We’ll moderate the site, so expect some lag time before you see your original post appear on the page, she says. And try to form your post as a question, if possible. “We already have a good fan base on Facebook and people talk about books on social media anyway,” Miranda says, “so this gives them another way to use Facebook and share their thoughts.” Kathleen O’Dell is community relations director of the Springfield-Greene County Library District. She can be reached at kathleeno@thelibrary.org.
Run entirely by volunteers, the classes are educational as well as entertaining. By using the best materials possible, heroes and people of character came alive in the classrooms. Role models and historic moments that changed the course of history will be discussed along with displays of art and reminders of African culture from the past and present. The event had been presented for years in the past, but put on hiatus for a short while. The classes focus is on age appropriate information on history, culture, geography, art and the many accomplishments and contributions of the African American population. From kindergarten through adult, the classes are arranged and taught by volunteers, some of whom share teaching experience and resources. Community volunteers will share their time to help make the event a success. For more info contact Gwen Marshall at 417-693-5753.
incorporating nature's best. Some of us grew up on farms or had fresh gardens in the back yard and we fondly remember going to the watermelon patch and dropping one right there and start to eating it in the field. One of the neat things about the markets is you don't have to do the work just reap the benefits for a small fee of course. Many vendors will let you sample the products right at the stand so you have a good sense of what you are taking with you. Of course you can get fresh eggs and meat vendors are at a few locations which will be great for the grill. And if you have children it's a great opportunity for them to learn about veggies
continued from page 3
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Call: (417) 864-7444
continued from page 1
Minorities In Business Monthly Networking Event Every First Tuesday of the Month at 5:30 pm (For Tuesday,June 6, 2017) Presentation by Alia Stowers, Leadership Consultant & Presenter; Dwayne Fulk, Esq., Lathrop & Gage, LLP Bring a friend or business partner!! For more information call: (417) 837-2631
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and realize they didn't grow in the cooler of the local grocery store. Can I encourage you to support our local markets this year? The local crops are just beginning to start getting harvested but soon the trucks will be up from Arkansas and Mississippi and more local Varieties will be filling in. My personal favorites are the flavorful tomatoes and the slap your pappy sweet succulent cantaloupe!!! Just writing about it has started making me want some!!! Hope to see you at the market but in the meantime. Summertime and the fresh food is tasty, The greens are cooking And the okra is lord have mercy good !!! See you next month !
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.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES 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.
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
June Unite Page 12
June 2017 Volume 27/ Number 6 • A Monthly Publication by Unite of Southwest Missouri, Inc •
www.unitenewsonline.org
UNITE.
SCT Opens 23rd Season with “Beehive: The '60’s Musical” See Story On Page 8
Juneteenth:
Building Empowering Connections In Our Diverse Community
Black History Summer Academy Starts Springfield, MO—The Black History Summer Academy will be held at the Deliverance Gwen Marshall Temple Ministries Campus, 2101 W. Chestnut Expwy., June 12th - 16th. Doors will be open at 5:30 pm. The program will start each evening from 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm. Continued on page 11
Community Agency Seeks Advisory Council Members Springfield, MO—Prosper Springfield is establishing an Advisory Council to advance Francine Pratt the Impacting Poverty Commission’s goal to reduce poverty in the Springfield area by five percent by 2025 and to build an environment in which Continued on Page 2
Place: Deliverance Temple Ministries Campus, 2101 W Chestnut Expwy., Door open each evening at 5:30 pm, Program from 6-8:30 pm
Snacks each night. For more information contact Gwen Marshall at 417- 693-5753 or Register online at: tinyurl.com/BHA2017
Our Other Independence Day
Two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation, American slavery came to an end and a celebration of freedom was born by Kenneth C. Davis smithsonian.com America’s birthday is fast approaching. But let’s not wait for July 4 to light the fireworks. There is another Independence Day on the horizon. Juneteenth falls on June 19 each year. It is a holiday whose history was hidden for much of the last century. But as the nation now observes the 150th anniversary of the Civil War’s onset, it is a holiday worth recognizing. In essence, Juneteenth marks what is arguably the most significant event in American history after independence itself—the eradication of American slavery. For centuries, slavery was the dark stain on America’s soul, the deep contradiction to the nation’s founding ideals of “Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” and “All men are created equal.” When Abraham Continued on page 2
The official Juneteenth Committee in East Woods Park, Austin, Texas on June 19, 1900. (Courtesy Austin History Center, Austin Public Library)
Springfield Juneteenth Celebration Springfield, MO—The Springfield Juneteenth will be held Saturday, June 17 from 11:30 Cheryl Clay to 4:00 at the Bartley-Decatur Neighborhood Center, 918 E Calhoun. “There will be community organizations featuring local non profit information, various community and religious organizations and craft items will be for sale. The event will feature the Greene county Library book mobile,
Springfield Art Museum, Springfield Police department, as well as a Springfield fire department truck. There will be various skits, readings and musical selections featured throughout the day. The bands playing this year will be; Brother Ray and the Sometimes Righteous will take the stage at 1:00 and Shawn Munday will take the stage at 2:00. DJ Hugh Harvey will provide music throughout the afternoon,” says Cheryl Clay, Springfield NAACP President. Call 873-6386 for more info.