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FRESHMEN - SOPHOMORES - JUNIORS - SENIORS

March 2014 Volume 24/ Number 3 • A Monthly Publication by Unite. of Southwest Missouri, Inc •

T R A I N I N G

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MARINE CORPS OFFICER TRAINING

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O F F I C E R

students must be a U.S. citizen, enrolled in a university or college and be willing to accept physical and mental challenges.

H E R E A R E S O M E D E TA I L S A B O U T B E C O M I N G A N O F F I C E R GUARANTEED AVIATION The Marine Corps has its own aviation branch, which flies some of the most sophisticated and technologically advanced aircraft in the world. If you qualify, you’ll be guaranteed aviation training and, once commissioned, attend Flight School in Pensacola, FL. CAREER FIELDS The Marine Corps offers 18 career fields in which you can become a leader. Some of them are Communications, Logistics, Intelligence, Public Affairs, Military Police, Finance and Computer Science. The Marine Corps is an organization that builds leaders. In each of these fields, you’ll be given the authority and responsibility that most college graduates seek but seldom achieve.

GUARANTEED LAW The Marine Corps has a dedicated group of attorneys who are also Marine Officers. The field is open to students who are seniors in college or currently enrolled in law school. Marine Corps Judge Advocates (attorneys) handle their own cases and have a great deal of trial time. They are generally compensated for their law degree and are paid a salary, which is competitive with that of many civilian firms. STAY IN SCHOOL. TRAIN FOR YOUR FUTURE. FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT

Captain Dan Webber 417-862-7774

940 S. National Ave Springfield, MO 65804

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6/13/11 5:54 PM

When Bad Things Happen, by Dr Jennifer Baker on Page 10

Building Empowering Connections In Our Diverse Community

Mayor Bob Stephens addresses tragedy of Hailey Owens’ death

Bridge Springfield: Brother to Brother launch attracts Stake holders, Mentors and Advisors Springfield, MO—More than forty individuals gathered at the Bartley Decatur Neighborhood Center at 918 E. Calhoun in Springfield for the launch of Bridge SpringDr Tyrone Bledsoe field: Brother to Brother. Bridge Springfield – Brother to Brother Male Development Program is designed to provide a system of support for high school and college young men utilizing academic and community resources to empower them to improve eligibility, enrollment and academic retention in high school and in college. ”This program is about continued on page 2

The NAACP Springfield Chapter is now accepting 2014 Scholarship Applications for High School Seniors See story on page 4

daniel.webber@marines.usmc.mil

UNITE.

How To Cope...

Dr. Calvin Allen

Lola Butcher

Bishop David Knox, Jr

Minorities In Business Honors Five At The 2014 Heritage Awards Springield, MO— Five individuals were recognized February 18, 2014 at the 2014 Minorities in Business Heritage Awards. The Achievement Award, the highest honor given at the organization’s annual Awards Ceremony, was given to Bishop David Knox Jr. In addition to his current role as senior pastor of Springfield’s Deliverance Temple Ministries, Knox served as a contract chaplain at the U.S. Medical Center for Federal Prisoners and as a volunteer spiritual leader at several other local charities. “I work simply because that’s what you do when you love people,” he said. Calvin Allen, founder and director of Springfield Community Center, received the organization’s Community Service Award, while Lola Butcher, a founding member of the Greater Springfield Center for Diversity and Reconciliation, received the Advocacy Award. Jennifer and Arthur Turner,

Jennifer & Arthur Turner

owners of Rib Shack restaurant, were given the Small Business of the Year Award. Following the awards, Minorities in Business Executive Director Lyle Foster announced: • a partnership between the Missouri Career Center, Ozarks Technical Community College and JE Dunn Construction to create an local apprenticeship program to teach construction trades and business skills. • a revolving loan program to be used to support start-up businesses and entrepreneurs The organization is also exploring plans to take advantage continued on page 7

Springfield, MO— Mayor Bob Stephens provided words of support and encouragement to the community, following February 18, tragic news of the abduction and death of Hailey Owens, at a news conHailey Owens ference 4 p.m. Monday, Feb. 24. "There are plenty of victims to go around. From Hailey Owens, to her family, to the parents of the person accused of this terrible crime, our thoughts and prayers go out to all of them. However, if we truly want to honor the memory of Hailey Owens, we can do that by helping the young people in our city. As a community, we need to make a commitment to feed them, to teach them, and to protect them. If we make this long-lasting commitment today and moving into the future, then Hailey’s legacy will be one of beauty and love," he said. The video can be viewed at http://new.livestream.com/ SGFCityView/news-conference. Also read: When Bad Things Happen, by Dr Jennifer Baker starts on page 10

Business Assistance Springfield Area Chamber of March Unite Page 11 Commerce www.spfldchamber.com 417.862.5567

March Unite Page 2

Last Chance for the Dance! Give your Voice to the Community Climate Study by Ken Coopwood, Sr., Ph.D. Unite Contributing Writer

worse. It’s an overall snapshot of our readiness for advancement in civil rights, housing In my last column I wrote conditions, human relationships, about two great opportunities to policy development and governget involved in comment oversight. All of munity activity. This these things are importime I’m writing about tant, but none of them one of those activimean much if they don’t ties, the Community represent your interests Climate study, and I and value as a member explain in more depth of the community. why you need to take So, as update, your "Dr Coop" action. chance to participate in Again, “What is a climate the community climate study study?” It’s a review of our comwill soon be gone; which means munity’s history; a fresh look at there will be a final report and (1) who lives around us; (2) how an action agenda to follow by people feel about one another; various agencies. So far, our (3) how people are treated; and community interviewers, Pauline (4) how things can get better or Kayes and Dr. Yvonne Singley

of Diversity Works, Inc. have spent more than 100 hours in direct contact with people from all walks of our community. They most recently visited from Thursday to Saturday, February 13-15, 2014, and spoke with cultural groups, media, the public schools, and others. In addition, they provided a first draft report to the Climate Study Steering Committee, a 24-member group from nearly every industry. The Steering Committee is reviewing the report and waiting for an additional section to be added from the February 13-15 visit. Now, let’s get back to you. The opportunity for your input is here, but not for much longer. If you have missed an opportunity to provide your opinion or idea for improvement, then go to: http://diversity.missouristate. edu/ClimateStudy.htm and click on the Questions? Comments? button. You then indicate that you are a community person and type in your comment. Making your comment will help ensure that voices are heard from every corner of our community and that the final report in June, 2014, will be reflective of us all, not just a select few people. I can also tell you that providing your comment gives you owner-

ship to the report. It will be your document, and you have a team of independent professionals to collect and report on your behalf courtesy of Missouri State University’s Division for Diversity and Inclusion. Don’t let time run out on you. Comments posted on the website will be provided to Diversity Works, Inc. by March 28, 2014. Final thought: I believe it is worth your while to make sure that you have a voice in what happens. If fact, it is our moral and civil obligation to help construct the road to greater prosperity and diversity among those we see every day on the sidewalks, in Wal-Mart, the mall and our places of worship and business. I realize that too many of us still desire better conditions and opportunities to increase our personal happiness. If you are one of those people, let me tell you, “Happiness is not an accident. Nor is it something you simply wish for. Happiness is something you design.” -Rohn, 2002. The community climate study will be our planning board. Ensure your voice is in the design. Let’s integrate, collaborate and elevate... together!

Bridge Springfield

Brotherhood. After introductions and a presentation of the program, attendees were invited to sign-up as Stakeholders, Advisors and mentors. A Leadership Camp, with copresenter, Hezekiah Griggs, III was scheduled at Drury university at the end of February. For more information about up-coming events contact, Francine Pratt at 916-541-1675.

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engaging young men to engage themselves and their community...It's engaging them to be student driven leaders—to be those leader that communities are hungry for,” remarked Dr. Tyrone Bledsoe, founder and current CEO-President of the Student African American

The Library

continued from page 3 author talks about survival in the wild, true dog stories, survival skills lessons, films, book discussions, photo and writing contests, and the popular annual Edible Books Festival. And introducing: The Big Deed. You can help a local animal shelter with our food and supplies drive. Copies of the book are available to read or listen to at the libraries, and it’s available to download free through the website Project Gutenberg. You can learn about all the events at thelibrary.org/bigread. Here are some of the Big Read highlights: Active and military veterans and others interested in the life of Navy SEALs can hear Don Mann at 7 p.m. April 24 at the Springfield Art Museum. His talk is “Call of the Wild: An Evening with Military Survivalist and Adventurer Don Mann." The former Navy SEAL Team Leader played a crucial role in some of America’s most daring military missions for more than 20 years, and trained the SEAL Team Six warriors who killed Osama bin Laden in May 2011. Mann then published the best-seller “Inside Seal Team Six: My Life and Missions with America’s Elite Warriors.” Other April highlights: April 2, 7 p.m. at the Library Center, author/adventurer Pam Flowers will talk about her 2,500mile, solo Arctic expedition with eight sled dogs from Barrow, Alaska, to the hostile wilderness of eastern Canada. April 5, 7 p.m. at the Library Center, Arkansas photographer Tim Ernst will show slides of “Into the Wild – Yellowstone in Winter,” from a 2007 trip to Yellowstone National Park.

April 10 at 7 p.m. in the Library Center features W. Bruce Cameron of “A Dog’s Purpose” and “8 Simple Rules for Dating My Teenage Daughter.” Kathleen O’Dell is community relations director of the Springfield-Greene County Library District. She can be reached at kathleeno@thelibrary.org.

When Bad Things...

continued from page 10

Some of this is helpful; much is not. It's almost as if we think that if we could just understand it enough, if some little tidbit were to be revealed, if new details came to light then ... oh then ...we would understand. And, if we understood, perhaps we could prevent it or somehow turn back the clock. But, of course, that's not really possible. There is good going on in the world. The sun came up and brought warmer temperatures to us all this past week. The stars still twinkled in the dark night sky and the moon was beautiful. I experienced the love of family and friends. I was encouraged by the kind faces of people with whom I work. These things, and many others, bring joy to my everyday life. I don't want to miss these blessings. I don't want to be so focused on evil, that I miss the treasure of today. If I do, then the bad wins out over the good every time. My faith leads me to live with the knowledge that bad things do happen. Evil is present in our universe. At the same time, my faith teaches me that good is more powerful. It is greater than any darkness. This life is sometimes sad and troubled, but in the end, I believe that good will win.

Every First Tuesday of the Month

Minorities In Business monthly networking meeting

What: Guest Speaker, Abram “Abe” McGull, II, Assistant United States Attorney Topic: "Crimes That Are Frequently Perpetrated Against Businesses" When: 5:15 p.m. Where: Q Enoteca • Anyone interested in business is welcome. 318 West Commercial Street For more information call: (417) 861-0760

Small Business Fades Barber Shop Administration (SBA) Specializing in Fades and www.sba.gov other popular styles. 417.864.7670

S. Glenstone Ave Small812 Business Call to schedule Development Center an appointment or come by. www.sbdc.smsu.edu 417.836.5685 Walk-ins are welcome. 417.864.7670 (417)832-8242

Affordable Housing Opportunities There are currently housing vacancies in the City of Springfield’s program for rental or home ownership. These programs include requirements for fair marketing and nondiscrimination. You must be income eligible to qualify. For rental, call Marti Fewell, 417-864-1039 or visit springfieldmo.gov/housing

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March Unite Page 10

A Directory of local and regional health resources AIDS Federal hotline; 24 hours a day, everyday, including holidays. 1-800-590-AIDS (2437) Local office: 417-881-1900 Alzheimer’s Association 417-886-2199 Alzheimer's Dementia Workshop Lynette Adams Springfield, MO Any size class available 417-866-6878 American Stroke Association Learn more about strokes by calling 1-888-4-STROKE Cancer Resource Network 1-800-227-2345 Diabetes Hotline Division of Cox Medical Center North 417-269-3737 Medicare Information Medicare Information Hotline 1-800-494-7355 Mental Health Crisis Hotline Counseling needs & crisis intervention 1-800-494-7355 National Parkinson Foundation Education, announcements, links to related sites 1-800-327-4545 www.parkinson.org OTC Dental Hygiene Clinic Provides low cost dental care for adults and children; performed by students under the supervision of faculty and local dentists. Cleanings, X-rays and exams For adults $50. for children $35. Call 417-447-8835 to make appt. DHSS/ Office Of Minority Health The mission is to eliminate health disparities through assertive leadership, advocacy support, and visible interaction with minority communities in Missouri. Call: 1-800-877-3180

March Unite Page 3

IN THIS ISSUE

Health & Mental Fitness When Bad Things Happen by Dr Jennifer Baker Murney Clinic For any number of reasons, this is a blog I didn't want to write, not the least of which is that I wish the horrible thing that happened in Springfield February 18, had never happened. The abduction and murder of an innocent 10-yearold girl by a man she didn't know is almost too horrible to comprehend. When it was later discovered that this same man was employed at a school within our district for 17 years, we were both shocked and horrified. Our feelings of safety and security were shattered. Many wondered if they would ever allow their young children to play outside again. Added to the feeling of helplessness was the fact that many of us were so aware of the unfolding drama. We heard the Amber alert go off shortly after 7:00 p.m. We watched the news unfold and became aware that the kidnapping had been witnessed by people who tried to intervene. (How often does that happen?) We were familiar with the neighborhoods where the events unfolded. Later that night we learned it wasn't good. The next day, folks all over the city went to work and school with heavy hearts and mixed emotions--sadness, confusion, fear, apprehension and anger. It was a difficult day. In the days to follow I did two different interviews with news media, specifically focused on what we should tell our

children. We don't want to give them nightmares, but how do we keep them safe? What do we do when something so senseless, evil and unpredictable occurs right in our midst? How do we help our kids cope when we are having trouble ourselves? We wonder how can we ever trust anyone again. Sadly, this is not the first tragedy I've helped with. There have been other children and adults I know who have experienced the inexplicable. I've learned some things from my training and those experiences, but I certainly don't know everything. All the same, people I care about have asked that I write something this week that might be helpful. So, in the interest of contributing some small measure of comfort, I offer what I can here. Encourage Compassion. I believe one of the best ways to handle our mixed emotions in a difficult time is to focus on compassion. How can we bring kindness and comfort to others? What small things might we do to ease their distress? I've heard about a number of ways people in our community are doing this and, when age-appropriate, I think it's also an excellent way to refocus our children's attention from the grizzly deed to showing love toward others. This story hits home because it literally happened in our backyard. There are many other dear children, equally precious to their parents, who die every day from gang violence in our cities or starvation and disease

in other parts of the world. Helping children to connect the dots between this loss and the sadness in other parts of the world, helps them live beyond themselves. Perhaps you might also want to make a donation to World Vision or some other agency in remembrance of Hailey Owens. Emphasize Courage. A moderate amount of caution is critical to self-preservation, but too much fear is crippling and disabling. Having worked with worried and anxious people in therapy, I think the last thing we want to do is instill more fear in our children. Do we remind them about "stranger danger?" Of course! Do we review rules of personal safety? Certainly! But teach them to fear everyone they don't know and worry about a predator on every corner . . . absolutely not! Instead, we can help to focus their efforts on working toward making this a safer community for all of us, no matter where we live. You could ask the following: • "What would you do if you saw your friend doing something you thought was not safe?" • "What kinds of things do you think kids should know to be able to handle uncomfortable situations?" • "Who would you talk to if you saw something you thought might be dangerous at school, at home or in the neighborhood?" Refocus Your Attention. There's something about a tragedy that causes many of us to become media-obsessed with every detail associated with the unfolding story. continued on page 11

Gearing Up For The April Big Read, “The Call of the Wild” by Kathleen O’Dell , Springfield-Greene County Library District March and April is the time the library community gears up for the April Big Read, when we invite everyone to read the same book, talk about it with family and attend events at libraries and venues in the community. This year’s selected title is “The Call of the Wild,” Jack London’s story of a dog taken from his comfortable California home and sold as a sled dog for service in the Klondike Gold Rush in Alaska in the 1890s. Fifty events and exhibits are planned in April including

Dr. Ruby Payne Speaks On Poverty

5

The Money Section

8

Lifestyle & Entertainment News

by Gwen Marshall

Managing Editor Samuel G. Knox

Essay: A lesson in racism in a fitting room by Kay Bennett

Movie Review —“Beauty In Truth” by Lyle Foster

10

Volume 24, Number 3 Publisher Unite. of Southwest Missouri, Inc.

Community News

4

UNITE.

Contributing Writers Mark A. Dixon Dr Ken Coopwood Lyle Foster Kim Jones Gwen Marshall Kathleen O'Dell Vera Jane Goodin Schultz

Health & Mental Fitness

Photography David N. Knox John Schultz

When Bad Things Happen by Dr Jennifer Baker

Volunteer Tyra Knox The Unite. publication is a

GORMAN-SCHARPF FUNERAL HOME, INC

The Quality And Care That You Expect In 242 Years Of Combined Experience

continued on page 11 (417) 886-9994 • Fax: (417) 886-9996 1947 E. Seminole Springfield, Missouri 65804

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City Employment Link Chase Card Services More than a Job…a Career. Open positions in our Springfield, MO Center. Join an organization recognized as one of the World’s Most Admired Companies by Fortune Magazine. Now Available: • Customer Service Advisors • Collections • Team Manager & Team Leader Apply today. Visit us online at careers.jpmorganchase.com. Keyword: SpringfieldMO

The City of Springfield offers a variety of municipal career opportunities for individuals interested in public service. Job opportunities are updated each Friday and can be accessed through a number of mediums: Web: http://www. springfieldmo.gov/jobs; or Phone: Jobs Hotline at 417-8641606; or TV: CityView on Medicacom Cable Digital Channel 80; or In Person: visiting our offices at 840 Boonville, Room 324, Springfield, MO 65802. The City is fully committed to a policy of hiring without regard to age, sex, race, religion, national origin, or disability. The City is an equal opportunity/ affirmative action employer.

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CommunitySection

Beauty in Truth continued from page 8

Dr. Ruby Payne Speaks on Poverty in Springfield by Gwen Marshall, Unite Contributing Writer

Pipkin Middle School, says she's learned that understanding the perspective of those in poverty Last month, thirteen organizais vital. â&#x20AC;&#x153;And there are ways to tions brought nationaddress issues that keep ally-renowned poverty the kids that are lagexpert Dr. Ruby Payne ging behind from negato Springfield to distive feelings. There are cuss some anti-poverty ways to bring them up initiatives our city can and still be humane, not undertake. Payne says talking down to them the community must and treating them like look at where they they are lesser than,â&#x20AC;? Gwen Marshall are now, but also must says Morris. build goals for the future One way to make sure to change the poverty outcome. this happens is to allow those Gloria Morris, a counselor who are in poverty to be a part with many years of service at of the conversation. Payne says

Come lend your voice to our University!

Missouri State University is recruiting diverse faculty and staff for a variety of positions. We are committed to inclusive excellence across campus, and we have a unique public affairs mission that encourages cultural competency, community engagement and ethical leadership. We believe diversity is good for our students, our community and our University. Our most important job is to give students an enriching education, complete with the tools for career success. Our faculty and staff must be racially, ethnically, culturally and socioeconomically diverse to help our students understand and appreciate different viewpoints, preparing them to lead the future. We act on our beliefs. Let us welcome you to our campus. Come see for yourself!

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a vitally important voice is often left out of the discussion. "It is very difficult to make accurate interventions if you don't have people from poverty at the table,â&#x20AC;? says Payne. And strides can only be made forward when a plan, a story of how the community wants its future to look is put in place. "Getting more men in the workplace, tracking your stability, growing your critical mass, getting more people in poverty on your boards, getting a larger coalition of linkages moving toward your goal,â&#x20AC;? says Payne, are necessary parts of such a plan. In my opinion, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;communityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; is the key word in this approach to diminishing poverty. In our schools, the number of children qualifying for free and reduced lunches has increased. Other economic factors seem to indicate that matters are getting worse in our community. But at the same time, we see more and more individuals and agencies are becoming involved. The 1,500 people who showed up to hear Dr. Payne are indicators of another kind. They demonstrate

the fact that a broad cross section of our â&#x20AC;&#x153;good communityâ&#x20AC;? is concerned and interested in turning the tables on local poverty. We may be a long way from realizing Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vision of the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Beloved Community,â&#x20AC;? a society based on justice, equal opportunity, and love of one's fellow human beings. But perhaps we can begin to at least create a community where poverty no longer holds so much of our future in its grip. However, the vision needs some legs to become mobile and carry us into that better future. As a community we see the problem but the question is, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Are we willing to be a part of the solution?â&#x20AC;? Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s commit to set some goals for ourselves, our homes, our schools, and our community. And letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s commit to take the action necessary to see those goals realized. Like Gandhi, I believe we are the catalyst for the change that we seek.

NAACP

naacpspringfieldmo.org under the youth and college tab. The deadline to apply is March 22, 2014 and the winners will be announced at the NAACP Freedom Fund Banquet, May 17, 2014 at the Ramada Oasis Hotel.

continued from page 1

Springfield, MOâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;The Springfield Chapter of the NAACP is now accepting 2014 scholarship applications for high school seniors. The chapter will award (2) scholorships; NAACP Springfield Branch Youth Scholarship and the Jacquelin Waugh Foster Scholarship. Application and criteria information is located on the NAACP's website,

(Portions of this article were adapted from the Springfield News-Leader.)

NAACP Freedom Fund Banquet May 17, 2014 Ramada Oasis Hotel

it is one of the films that you will have to look for because it is not going to be at the multiplex but if you see it of can find it please

watch it.... out of respect for yourself and Alice Walker. The film is directed by Pratibha Parmar and had its debut on PBS.... This movie is truly inspirational and a great tribute to an incredible woman!

Opraha Winfry Network 2014

Tyler Perry Show continued from page 8

So, this new show starring Perry himself is also sure to be a huge hit. A record number of viewers is expected for the first episode, as fans are already showing great excitement on social media.

Tyler Perry, who started out doing stage plays for African American audiences, is now a well-renowned filmmaker, television producer, and author. His films have collectively grossed nearly $1 billion worldwide. For more info on their collaborations, visit www.oprah. com/tylerperry/

year 2025, where a new technology called Extraction allows for the removal of sin, in return for a "perfect life".

Freelance Rates

of our business costs such as networking, proposal writing, and continued from page 6 other administration, not forgetting your self-employment tax factors: â&#x20AC;˘ What is the going market rate? obligations and healthcare insurance costs. â&#x20AC;˘ What experience do you have, Once you have built a foundaboth in your line of work and in tion of work and decide that this working with clients? Both are is a client you want to continue to a significant part of your value do business with, you may want â&#x20AC;&#x201C; someone with experience can to negotiate a long-term rate that command higher rates and clients is a little less than your adverwant to know that you are also tised rate. BUT â&#x20AC;&#x201C; only go this self-directed and able to work route if you think your new client well on your own. is able to provide you with a solid â&#x20AC;˘ What rate do you feel comfort- pipeline of future work. For more information and the able with and will sustain your remainder of this article, go to: business? SBA.gov If you are coming out of fullemployment and starting on your own, a good rule of thumb to follow when determining your hourly rate is to: â&#x20AC;˘ Calculate what your annual salary equates to as an hourly rate The most effective ($x divide by 52 (work weeks), choice when you need to reach Springfield's divide by 40 (week work hours). diverse community. â&#x20AC;˘ Then mark it up 25-30%. This piece covers both your value and Call: (417) 864-7444 experience, but also takes care

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LifeStyle&EntertainmentNews Movie Review: “Beauty in Truth” by Lyle Foster Unite Contributing Writer

bittersweet yet so important because it gives the formation for the literary style that Ms. FYI-Movie Review.... Walker comes from. She was This month's review is a bit the daughter of sharecroppers more challenging but very fitand for anyone who has grown ting I think as we have just comup in the South or has any idea pleted African-American History of what that era is like it gives month.... cause to appreciate where Alice I will be looking in has come from. On more detail at the a personal note when movie Alice Walker: Alice who is interBeauty in Truth. The viewed in the film talks film was actually shown about her mother's sacon a complimentary rifice and the heritage basis at the Moxie at of the Walker name..... the end of February.... you get new insight Lyle Foster and there were some into this remarkable empty seats. woman. In one particuMost of us know Alice Walker lar poignant moment she shares for her infamous The Color the struggles of her mother and Purple either as the book or the how she had run out of meaunforgettable movie or the very ger resources to wallpaper the successful play. We also know room that she and Alice's father that she was the first Africanstayed she had to use brown American woman to receive the paper bags. Alice shares that Pulitzer Prize for fiction. But her mother opened the bags many of us may not know the up and ironed them and glued history of Ms. Walker and the them to the walls and we saw myriad books she has written footage of the room as it looked and the significant contributions some years later but clearly with she has made to the world. the bags.... A certain sadness I have known about Alice gripped me as I thought this is Walker and perhaps didn't have America but I knew of the dark a firm opinion about her except days that southern sharecropknowing she had done a lot of pers had..... and for the viewer writing and her work was excepyou knew where this woman tional. found her depth. What the film does is really There are many words to educate us about Alice Walker describe Alice Walker and I and acquaint us with the joys won't attempt to list them all but and sorrows. It is done in the film does attempt to explore more of a documentary style so her role as a feminist, wife, some of what we learn comes mother, partner, historian, scholfrom interviews with other writar, independent thinker. activist ers and important film clips and trailblazer. Sometimes you about the time that Alice grew learn how cathartic her writing up in. The historical piece is is because you learn that after

having an abortion poured out of her and she literally wrote a book of them in three days..... and it brought about a healing. There is a richness to this film so the few things that I share will not give away the complexity of this woman who in some ways has been a lightning rod on all sides of the aisle. From her involvement in the Civil Rights movement to taking a position on international issues..... Alice Walker has evolved into a global citizen and in many Kali Films 2013 ways she has paid a huge price. The film really looks at the enormous amount of criticism she received after her book The Color Purple. Of course it stung but she was soundly criticized for black men in particular were portrayed and

to a lesser extent the black family. It literally took years for the outcry to diminish and for people to acknowledge that this was a facet of the black experience that was now being brought to the light. The title of the film is very fitting because sometimes truth is hard to hear.... because it is not just entertainment and slapstick comedy. Her writings look through the deepest and sometimes the darkest window of our soul. I have said so much because this is a film that is worth a watch and a conversation as well because it makes us think and feel and consider who we are and where we are going. This is a documentary film and continued on page 9

OWN Network To Debut "The Tyler Perry Show" Blacknews.com— Filmmaker Tyler Perry will soon be the star of his own talk show called Tyler, The Tyler Perry Show on Oprah's OWN network. Perry revealed the big news in a Instagram post that he posted saying “Look what I’m working on.” The picture was of himself on the set. He did not reveal how often the talk show will air or for how long, but he did say that it will premiere on Tuesday,

February 25th after an episode of The Haves And The Have Nots on the OWN Network. Perry and Winfrey have already found great success together with their three hit shows Love Thy Neighbor, For Better or Worse, and The Haves and The Have Nots. These shows, which are a combination of sitcoms and dramas, each draw millions of viewers each week. continued on page 9

1920’s Style Meet and Greet Celebration

Christine Peoples, Event planner for the Meet & Greet Celebration

Valerie and Larry Gates (Mr. G & Lady V) at the 1920's Harlem Renaissance Style Meet & Greet Celebration, February 1, 2014

Essay: A lesson in racism in a fitting room Springfield, MO—“Ouch, ohhh . . .” I complained as my mother yanked another dress over my head. My tiny hands felt their way through armholes and down fell the dress onto my shoulders. The clothing store was luxurious; thick, thick carpet underfoot with chandelier lights above. Sounds were muffled and all those fabrics made the huge room feel close and small. It even felt hard to breathe like there wasn’t enough air. Before entering the children’s department, we had passed by women’s dresses and formal evening wear. Those ladies’ gowns were magazine pages come to life, magical attire that little girls dreamed of wearing. My mother had always sewn the clothes my older sister and I wore but my family would soon celebrate a special occasion, one that called for ready made clothing. My grandfather was getting remarried after having divorced before I was born. We were going to a wedding! The year was 1955; I was not yet

five years old. My dad was at work, sister in first grade, and I was shopping with my mother in downtown Springfield, Missouri. We were a long way from our home in rural Christian County. From the dressing room I was led back into the opulence by my mother and the store lady. Staring into a three way mirror, a thing I’d never experienced, I could view my own front, back, and sides by pivoting slightly in either direction. I was fascinated with myself! Also in view was young males’ clothing across the room where stood a small boy about my size. He could have been younger and tall for his age. He, too, was accompanied by his adult, a man whose skin was very dark like the child’s. Both had curly black hair and dark eyes. I knew of dark brown people because I had seen them on previous trips to town. The little kid was standing still while the store man held a cloth measuring tape to the length of his arms. Then the measuring tape was taken

to his waist and legs. The store man measured across his shoulders and so on. The measuring of the little boy’s body continued as I was led back to the dressing room. It was weird. Whoosh! The dress flew up and over my head. “Ow!” was all I got out before another one was hauled on. I raced to the main floor again where standing at the huge mirror I watched more closely the events across the room. Suit jackets for little boys were lifted from the racks and held by the store man for examination by the child and his adult. The garments were also measured with the cloth tape. This activity occurred over and over as the store man and the adult talked with each other. Though the little boy’s face wasn’t holding a smile, he displayed a pleasant calm. This was puzzling. Even more so, it was perturbing because the motionless little boy had not tried on a garment the whole time dresses had been jerked on and off my head.

I knew that little boys were rough and dirty and sometimes they played with stupid things like grasshoppers. I had boy cousins and there were boys in Sunday school, too. Even in my dislike of boys, I knew their adults wouldn’t buy them clothes without having them try the clothes on. Raising both my hands I addressed my mother with an aggravated sigh, “Why doesn’t he just put the clothes on?” In a whisper she answered, “He’s not allowed to try the clothes on.” Huh? Not allowed . . . not allowed . . not allowed. Her words clanged like discordant bells. What did my mother mean? “Why isn’t he allowed to try the clothes on?” I blurted. The store lady’s face was a heat lamp as she glared at my mother. I SAW HER do that. Then the heat from her stare burned in my direction. I knew I had done something wrong but I didn’t know what it was and my stomach churned with apprehension. “Why isn’t he . . .” I tried to whisper to my mother. “Hush!” she hissed at me. “I’ll tell you when we get home.” Those black dots in my mother’s gooseberry eyes swirled in circles and I knew to take my cue. Disobedience to my mother in public would result in real physical pain at home. We exited the store without a purchase as the measuring continued. I wondered about that other little kid for a long time. Who was he? I had no concept of the discrimination I had just witnessed but that little boy knew why he wasn’t allowed to try on those clothes. Who was he? I did not know racial prejudice and discrimination are learned by little kids from their adults. I did not know that almost 60 years later I would seek to preserve in print my memory of that little kid. Who was he? In 1955, I didn’t know the little boy I’d encountered was every Black man in Springfield. Kay Bennett lives in Republic, where she taught school for 25 years.

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A Directory of free or low cost Business Assistance Minorities In Business Monthly Networking Meeting 417.861-0760 Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce www.spfldchamber.com 417.862.5567 Small Business Administration (SBA) www.sba.gov 417.890.8501 Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) www.score.org 417.837.2619 Drury University - Breech Center / Student in Free Enterprise www.drury.edu 417.873.7243 Ozarks Technical Community College www.otc.edu 417.895.7158 The Library Center Business Reference thelibrary.springfield.missouri.org 417.874.8110

Small Business & Technology Development Center

sbtdc.missouristate.edu 417.836.5685 â&#x20AC;˘ Loan assistance â&#x20AC;˘ Financial analysis â&#x20AC;˘ Business planning â&#x20AC;˘ Marketing products â&#x20AC;˘ Trademark searches â&#x20AC;˘ Training seminars (business planning, business valuation, business management, finance, human resources, QuickBooks, marketing and international trade)

The MoneySection

MIB Heritage Awards continued from page 1

of an invitation from Missouri State University to use space in

the Robert W. Plaster Center for Free Enterprise and Business Development, known as the eFactory.

Starting a Business While Maintaining a FullTime Job: The Entry-level Entrepreneur life can you eliminate to reach your goal. After you made your goal, assessed your goalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s level of feaLast year, I was in a project sibility, and re-worked management class all your current projects through George Washin-queue to make your ington University. One goal feasible. You need of the most memoto have defined benchrable quotes that the marks to evaluate your teacher told us was, progress of being an â&#x20AC;&#x153;Life is like a continuentrepreneur. Your deum of projects and you fined benchmarks may have to develop and Vincent H. Lyons entail the following: assign metrics to each 1.) In two weeks, I will obtain a specific project in your life and business license, 2.) In the folhold yourself accountable for lowing three weeks, I will obtain reaching your goals.â&#x20AC;? Like any a business location, etc. If you good project, you should look at notice, all the goals that I listed it from a S.M.A.R.T. perspective. are time bound and measurable. In which, your project needs to If two weeks past and you did be Specific, Measurable, Attainnot get your business license as able, Realistic, and Time bound. you promised yourself. You will In this case, the specific goal have to hold yourself accountthat we want to reach and manable for missing that deadline. age effectively is to â&#x20AC;&#x153;start a new business and maintain a full-time Of course this will push your other projects end-dates further jobâ&#x20AC;?. In doing this, letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s think of back. In missing deadlines, it it as adding on an extra project only delays you from reaching into your life. In every new project one encounters, we need to assess all of the current on-going projects that we have before us and see if we can add another without By Moderator for the lowering the quality or the endSBA Community, SBA.gov date of the other projects we have currently in queue. After Thinking of going it alone? you made your assessment and Becoming a freelancer is an atrealize that you can add on this tractive option for many profesextra project move forward. If sionals, but can you make it you realize that adding on this work for you? extra project will jeopardize the One of the most critical steps quality or the end-dates of other involved in planning and growprojects, you need to access if ing your freelance business is moving forward with being an setting your rates. However, entrepreneur is best for you. If when you are charging for a it is, what other projects in your service, this is easier said than By Vincent Harris Lyons Unite Contributing Writer

your end-goal. From my seat in the ballpark, goals in business are only reached by a systematic and methodological driver. With the right system and the right method, you can obtain the right results. With no system or method, you will obtain no results. The right results come from not just skill and will, but by adding those variables to processes and methods. As one looking, entering, or in a business, I challenge you to be more systematic and methodological in your day-to-day life and running a business will become a mere project of many, not your only project. Work smarter, not harder, develop the system at the start of the project so that the project will not devour you, your time, and your other goals up. Mind Snack: What methodologies or systems are in play in your organization to boost efficiency? Are they measurable?

How to Set and Negotiate your Freelance Business Rates done and getting it wrong (either way) can compromise your worth, your cash-flow and your business. Here are three tips for setting your freelance rates, structuring your pricing, and negotiating with clients. Setting Your Freelance Rate Pricing the service you provide as a freelancer isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t easy and is influenced by several continued on page 9

MIB Board, L to R: Wes Pratt, Lyle Foster, John Oke-Thomas, Shelia Collins, Brenda Ryan, Lola Butcher, Kelley Still, Samuel Knox, Ken Coopwood, Ron Ponds (members not in photograph, Juan Meraz and Kelby Stuckey)

African American Community Organizations Directory Mark A. Dixon Bartley-Decatur Neighborhood Center 918 E. Calhoun Springfield, MO 65802 417-719-4300 www.bartley-decatur.org

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

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

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

Deidra England, President Ladies Civic League Provides scholarships for youth P. O. Box 8296 Springfield, MO 65801 417-887-7440 Robert Looney, Ozarks Golf Club, Inc Spfld. Community Center 618 N. Benton Springfield, MO 65806

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www.mediacomcable.com/careers Mediacom is an equal opportunity employer

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Sherman Avenue Project Committee, Inc. Housing Org. 1228 N. Sherman Springfield, MO 65802 417-865-1203 Anthony Pickens Prince Hall Masons Truth Lodge #151 P.O. Box 8063 Springfield, MO 65801 417-890-5180 Wesley Pratt The Gathering A Community Action Group For more information call 417-987-7809 Shelia Burton, President Lincoln Memorial Cemetery Board, Inc. P.O. Box 9282 Springfield, MO 65801 417-877-0668 Dennis Davis Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Springfield Alumni P.O. Box 6287 Springfield, MO 65801-6287 417-496-7365

Cheryl Clay, President Springfield Branch N.A.A.C.P. P.O. Box 8983 Springfield, MO 65801 Meetings are every third Saturday of the month from 1:30-2:30 p.m. 417-873-6386 Flora (Pat) Looney, President Our Night Out Social & Charitable Org. 417-866-2387 James Pike, President Springfield Reunion Club Organizes the Annual Park Day/ Reunion Weekend 1447 N. Hampton Springfield, MO 65802 417-869-0183 Meeting every first Monday Willie Carter, Director Victory Circle Peer Support Inc 2101 W. Chestnut Expwy Springfield, MO 65802 417-894-0188 Support group for men in recovery Samuel G. Knox Unite of SWMO, Inc. Publishes the Unite Publication; presenters of the Annual Springfield Multicultural Festival 2101 W. Chestnut Expwy. Springfield, MO 65802 Phone: 417-864-7444 unitepublication@yahoo.com www.unitenewsonline.org

If you are a part of a Springfield African American Community Organization, we want to hear from you. Please send the name of your organization, address, phone number and a contact person to Unite., P. O. Box 1745, Springfield, MO 65801