Unite Oct 2015

October Unite Page 12

Representatives from Isesaki, visit Springfield’s 20th Annual Japanese Fall Festival The 20th Annual Japanese Fall Festival ran the weekend of September 11. It featured artists from the community and displays of Japanese culture. Upon entering, guests were educated about the culture and exposed to student outreach, like the paper cranes that were folded while pondering the destruction portrayed in the novel Hiroshima.

The path was meticulously prepared with different elements of Japanese influence. Visitors could purchase garments, food and different knick knacks and memorabilia or just mingle in the crowd and watch the displays.

The park had a booth explaining that their butterfly house was a major attraction,

and would be the focus of an upcoming event in October. Visitors were allowed to donate or purchase a membership, which comes with a year of unlimited visits to the gardens, and one guest. Feedback had been very positive, and there was a lot of excitement about the fall and the challenges a changing climate will have on the garden.

“I think the best part was watching the children,” said Maria B. of Springfield. “They got to play with the toys of another culture and touch things that came from another part of the world. They had fun now but they will appreciate his later in life.”

“The food is the best,” was the unanimous vote of nearby teenagers. Some had eaten sushi but others were eating cashew

chicken, a dish that has a distinct ties to the Springfield area.

However, the consensus was that the food was spot on, and the mild weather made sure the outdoor fashion and educational shows went smoothly.

Also present were representatives from Isesaki, Springfield’s

sister city in Japan. The mayor had attended some events in Isesaki and returned just in time for the local festival. In a show of modern times, the mayor shared pictures on his public Facebook feed and gave the people back home an idea of what it is like to travel to Japan.

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Historical Washington Ave. Baptist Church changed its name to Turning Point Church Of Springfield, MO See story on page 5

Building Empowering Connections In Our Diverse Community

Providing access to the courts and legal representation

By Beaunea McNeil Unite Contributing Writer

Photo provided By Bon Tindle

By Bon Tindle Unite Contributing Writer

October 2015 Volume 25/ Number 10 • A Monthly Publication by Unite of Southwest Missouri, Inc •

Springfield, MO—While working, many people are exposed to hazardous conditions in all settings of the work place.

Whether it Antwaun Smith is standing on the top step of a tall ladder or controlling a heavy duty machine, any job can be dangerous, even if the job is set in an ordinary office.

Continued on page 6

Dare To Be Extraordinary: A Collection of Positive Life Lessons from African American Fathers Continued on page 10

New rule will help women-owned businesses get more federal contracts Continued on page 6

Earth Wind & Fire

Legendary band is scheduled to play at JQH Arena

Springfield, MO—Earth, Wind & Fire, America's seventh top-selling musical group of alltime, will be performing at the JQH Arena Friday, October 16, 2015. Equipped with memorable masterpieces like “Shining Star” and “September” in its Continued on page 2

Concert Infomation: October 16, 2015 MSU JQH Arena, 8 PM Tickets $65.

Call Missouri State TIX: 836-7678 • 1-888-476-7849 or go to our direct link at: www.unitenewsonline.org

L to R: Verdine White, Philip Bailey, and Ralph Johnson

6th annual Springfield Jazz Festival featuring Conrad Herwig Springfield, MO—Springfield Jazz Festival grows into its sixth year with a huge headlining act in trombone extraordinaire from New York, Conrad Herwig.

The Springfield Jazz Festival was an idea springing from the FieldGuide 2030, the community’s strategic plan. The vision for the Global Perspectives & Diversity Chapter is for the Springfield region to become a welcoming community that

celebrates our differences by valuing a commitment to service and economic prosperity; through innovation and creativity; with knowledge and leadership; and that improves quality of life for all.

Park Central Square Stage Conrad Herwig & the Latin All-Stars MSU Jazz Symposium Richard Bruton Quintet MSU Jazz Faculty Quintet Park Central East Stage Tom Rastorfer Trio The Haus Quartet Linda Sala Jazz Experience

October Unite Page 11

October Unite Page 2

Earth Wind & Fire continued from page 1

arsenal, Earth Wind and Fire is one group that you won’t want to miss seeing live. The group was born in Chicago in 1969 and is still going strong in its fifth decade, making music that crosses years and decades and now connects the 20th and 21st centuries.

Inducted into both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Vocal Group Hall of Fame, Earth, Wind & Fire has earned eight Grammy Awards and four American Music Awards alongside numerous other accolades including the prestigious Soul

Train Legend Award. EWF has sold more than 90 million albums worldwide and is one of the world's top touring bands.

In 2013, Legacy Recordings announced the release of Now, Then & Forever, the first new studio album from Earth, Wind & Fire since 2005's Grammy-nominated Illuminations.

"The Now, Then & Forever album is really about the legacy of Earth, Wind & Fire," said the group's co-founder Philip Bailey. "The spirit of the band has always been about uplifting the consciousness of humanity.

There's a hope that this Earth, Wind & Fire music will go on forever."

Learning to Measure and Move in 20152016 - Division for Diversity and Inclusion at Missouri State University

By Ken Coopwood

Springfield, MO—In my latest article, I wrote that diversity measurement would be one of our focuses this year and that the DDI would work to ensure that everything we do is results driven and can be measured by quantifiable objectives. Well, looks like we are off to a great

start at all this. Here is what has happened since my last article.

Drs. Ed and Myra Hubbard visited campus on September 14th and 15th to give a trilogy of diversity presentations. Their works brought both substance and sustainability to the concept of diversity as a critical component for academic excellence.

Fall into a Career at CU Fall is right around the corner. If you’re looking for a change then look no further than CU. CU offers jobs in a variety of fields and one may be the right fit for you. For more information about job opportunities and the benefits offered by CU, log on to cityutilities.net.

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

vide a year-round education series called “Shattering the SiThemes central to their three lences?” Because behavioral dipresentations were about prepaversity is best impacted through ration as a student for workactive education and exposure place success after graduation, to difference in the face of one’s aligning diversity measures with own identity. When people are public messages from the Uniconsistently exposed to differversity and partnering with the ences and allowed to community in response respond without fear, to its needs for diversichances are they will ty research, education learn more quickly to and leadership. behave in more comThe impact of the Hubmunal and positive bard’s visit should be ways when difference felt for some time and is present – which is all we expect that diverthe time. sity work throughout Ken Coopwood By the way, our Shatterthe community will be ing the Silences presentations, marked by snippets of insight, part of our Difficult Dialogues wisdom and analytics that drive Series, will begin on September home rationale for diversity 30, 2015 at 3:30PM in Temple ingenuity. The question that gets Hall Room 0001. You are encourmost people out of the starting aged to get exposed to the many block is a simple one: “What important and critical issues that is the concept that drives your affect us all. And of course, we diversity effort? In other words, will seek to measure the impact “Why are you doing this?” When this program has on your life you think about this intently and behaviors. enough you will find core values It’s going to be a great year-long and/or biases embedded in ride for measuring and moveyour expectations for structural, ment. Get on board by attendbehavioral and business and ing any DDI event and by using workforce diversity. Moving our website for research, comfrom the answer to this question munication and educational tools may be simple or complicated or just to find out where the next depending upon factors such diversity conference will be held. as the demographic makeup of And, expect to complete an evaldecision-makers or where finanuation for us, so we know how to cial resources are distributed move in your direction. or skewed. Whatever the case, Let’s integrate, collaborate and many of us will need to rethink elevate… together! the “why” about diversity in our Dr. Coop respective companies.

DDI will move forward with presenting the “why” to various campus and community constituents. We will seek to measure responses in ways to add to the substance and sustainability that the Hubbard’s provided a vision Only $25. per year for, and that the University and community has expressed it Call: (417) 864-7444 needs. For example, why procontinued from column below

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Library

continued from page 3

service. Hoopla allows patrons to use their valid library card to electronically borrow movies, TV episodes, audiobooks and music albums, and access them from any compatible device. Recently, Hoopla also added 6,500 e-books and 500 comic books accessible through the same site.

You can borrow titles using a home computer, begin watching on a tablet, and resume using a smartphone – anywhere there’s an Internet connection. It’s available for computers using Chrome, Internet Explorer, Safari or FireFox Web browsers; tablets and smartphones (iOS 6 and Android 4.0).

Unlike other streaming audio and video services, patrons do not pay a monthly subscription fee, making Hoopla the first app of its kind. Checkout periods are three days for videos, one week for music and three weeks for audiobooks, and the items disappear when due, making late fees a thing of the past. Checkout limit is 12 titles maximum per month, per person. Content is always available.

• Indieflix: This brings the film festival experience to you.

This free online streaming service offers award-winning shorts, features and documentaries from more than 50 countries. You can enjoy unlimited access to thousands of film-festival hits including the best of Sundance, Cannes and more.

IndieFlix is available on all Internet-enabled computers, tablets (including iPad and Android), and smart phones through the Web browser. It's also available on Roku and Xbox. The first time you use IndieFlix, you must create an account. If done outside the li-

brary, you must enter your valid library card number.

• Zinio for Libraries: Magazine readers can now access more than 120 popular magazines anytime, anywhere, on PCs, Macs and mobile devices with Zinio. There are no holds, no checkout periods and no limits to the number of magazines you can download. The digital magazines are provided through Zinio for Libraries, a product from Recorded Books. Once you click on Zinio from thelibrary. org/digital, you can browse the library’s collection of popular titles including Better Homes & Gardens, Car and Driver, Cosmopolitan, Newsweek and National Geographic.

From the main site, you can set up a free, personal account using your library card number, a chosen login and password.

Those with accounts on IndieFlix through the library must use that same login and password.

Once you create an account and select the magazine you want to read, you can read complete editions of that magazine as well as back issues. You can also download magazines to your mobile device for offline reading.

Mobile apps are available for iPad, iPhone, Kindle Fire and Android.

Every First Tuesday of the Month

Minorities In Business monthly networking meeting

When: 5:15 p.m.

405 N Jefferson Ave, Springfield, MO 65897 Bring a friend or business partner!!

405 N. Jefferson Ave. For more information call: (417) 836-4252

Fatherhood

continued from page 10

birth rate (measured by births per 1000) for black women is it the lowest point that it’s ever documented.

So while a larger number of black women are choosing not to marry, many of those women are also choosing not to bring kids into the world. But there is something else.

As you can see, the drop in the birthrate for unmarried black women is mirrored by an even steeper drop among married black women. Indeed, whereas at one point married black women were having more kids than married white women, they are now having less. I point this out to show that the idea that the idea that, somehow, the black community has fallen into a morass of cultural pathology is convenient nostalgia. There is nothing "immoral" or "pathological" about deciding not to marry.

Men Who Didn't Have Fathers Won't Make Good Fathers There's no disputing the effect fatherlessness has on children's lives. Children in

Skipping Breakfast continued from page 10

the body can use, insulin signals a conversion of glucose into a fat molecule so that the energy is not wasted, but rather stored up for use at a later time," said Stevenson.

The large spike in glucose and insulin levels is followed by an equally dramatic drop in glucose and insulin levels, which signals to the body that it is time to eat again, even though it's just a few hours after a heavy caloric meal was consumed.

father-absent homes are almost four times more likely to be poor, and being raised without a father raises the risk of teen pregnancy, marrying with less than a high school degree, and forming a marriage where both partners have less than a high school degree. However, men who didn't grow up with their fathers are not incapable of being good fathers themselves -- an assumption disproportionately assigned to black men who are more likely to be raised by single mothers.

Black Fathers Are An Anomaly Black fathers do exist, a message that entrepreneur William K. Middlebrooks hopes to spread with his book "Dare To Be Extraordinary: A Collection of Positive Life Lessons from African American Fathers." Part chapter-memoir, part call-toaction and part inspiration, the book recognizes and honors the wisdom and teachings of African-American fathers passed down to sons and daughters.

Among them: Cultural icon and entrepreneur Russell Simmons, NBA veteran Allan Houston, and many others.

"Benefits of eating a well-balanced, healthy breakfast include improved academic or professional performance such as being more alert, having better concentration on the tasks, and being more creative. Research has shown that those who choose to eat healthy breakfasts tend to eat healthy meals and snacks throughout their day," said Stevenson.

For more information on nutrition contact Dr. Pam Duitsman in Greene County at (417) 881-8909.

October 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 (78-7653) 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

October Unite Page 3

IN THIS ISSUE

Health & Mental Fitness Dare To Be Extraordinary: A Collection of Positive Life Lessons from African American Fathers The Huffington Post,

By Danielle Cadet, 06/13/2014 Oftentimes, when we discuss fatherhood we assume that African-American men aren't part of that conversation, largely because a number of studies and reports have repeatedly told us that black fathers are overwhelmingly absent from their children's lives.

However, while these numbers are nothing to ignore, they contribute to a damaging narrative about black men and negate the achievements of the number of black men who play an active role in their children's lives. In honor of Father's Day, here are five lies we should stop telling about black fatherhood.

Black Fathers Aren't Involved In Their Children's Lives Recent data published by the Center for Disease Control reveal that African-American fathers spend more time in their children's day-to-day lives than dads from other racial groups, defying stereotypes about black fatherhood. The Pew Research Center has found similar evidence that black dads don't differ from white dads in any significant way, and that there isn't the expected disparity found in so many other reports.

Although black fathers are more likely to live in separate households, Pew estimates that 67 percent of black dads who don’t live with their kids see them at least once a month, compared to 59 percent of white dads and just 32 percent of Hispanic dads.

The Increasing Number of Community Single-Parent Homes Is According to a 2010 study, Exclusively A Black Problem 72 percent of black children The increase in number of are born to unwed mothers, a single-parent homes has repeatsharp contrast to the 24 percent edly been painted as detailed in the 1965 a problem exclusively Moynihan Report. rooted in the black Some have taken this community. However, number and cited it as that fact couldn't be a contributing factor to further from the truth. a large portion of black The number of sinAmerica's present-day gle-parent American plight. However, many William Middlebrooks households has tripled have taken issue with in number since 1960, and while how this statistic has been an overwhelming majority of used with respect to the black these households are likely community's moral standing. to be led by black or Hispanic In an article for The Atlantic, women, the number of black, Ta-Nehisi Coates broke down single-father households is also the numbers in an effort to give on the rise. a more accurate depiction...

But while the number of The Number Of Unwed unmarried black women has Mothers Is a Statement substantially grown, the actual on Morality In The Black Continued on page 11

Skipping Breakfast Leads to Weight Gain LAMAR, MO— A popular idea among adults and adolescents is to skip breakfast in order to lose weight. However, this act of skipping breakfast usually leads to weight gain according to Lindsey Stevenson, nutrition and health specialist with University of Missouri Extension.

"Breakfast skippers often feel famished or starved before lunch time so they turn to munching on unhealthy snacks like chips or candy, or they overeat throughout the day," said Stevenson. "Limiting oneself to just two meals a day typically leads to consuming way

too many calories in those two sittings, as opposed to spreading one's daily caloric intake over three meals."

Consuming two calorie dense meals leads to large spikes in glucose and insulin levels according to Stevenson.

Large spikes of glucose in response to the foods consumed during a meal causes the pancreas to release large amounts of insulin which helps cells use the glucose for energy, but also promotes fat synthesis of excess glucose.

"When there is more glucose in the bloodstream than what Continued on page 11

Community News

A cheaper way to consume books, audio and entertainment

by Kathleen O’Dell , Springfield-Greene County Library District Books, audiobooks, magazines, comic books and movies are at your fingertips if you have a library card with the Springfield-Greene County Library Kathleen O'Dell District. You never have to leave the comfort of home, and there’s no cost.

The Library offers several ways to access those things online. It’s easy to jump on through thelibrary.org/digital.

From there you can click on any of these services: • OverDrive: Borrow popular e-books, audiobooks and video for children and adults, and stream video of your choice.

The OverDrive site features a “bookshelf” showing you covers of new e-books, new audiobooks, new streaming video and “most popular.” The site includes instructions on how to start borrowing the items.

• Hoopla: Borrow more than 300,000 videos, audiobooks and music albums right from a smartphone, tablet or web browser. It’s free through the revolutionary library lending continued on page 11

4 6 8 10

New Hope International Ministries Host Interfaith Prayer Service Managing the court system can be overwhelming to people

by Beaunea McNeil

Lifestyle & Entertainment News

Movie Review —“The War Room”

by Lyle Foster

Health & Mental Fitness

Dare To Be Extraordinary: A Collection of Positive Life Lessons from African American Fathers

by Danielle Cadet

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 Marquis D. Howell, Jr Heather K. Howell Angela N. Collins (417) 886-9994 • Fax: (417) 886-9996 Harley R. Williams 1947 E. Seminole Clint W. Mease Russ Allen Springfield, Missouri 65804

City Employment Link The City of Springfield offers a variety of municipal career opportunities for individuals interested in public service.

Job opportunities are updated each Friday and can be accessed through a number of mediums: Web: http://www.springfieldmo.gov/jobs; or TV: CityView on Mediacom Cable Digital Channel 80; or In Person: visiting our offices at 840 Boonville, Room 324, Springfield, MO 65802.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, status as a protected veteran, among other things, or status as a qualified individual with disability. Individuals with disabilities should request reasonable accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act prior to testing or appointment. Proof of United States Citizenship/Authorization to Work in The United States as established by the Immigration Reform Act of 1986 is a condition of employment. Pre-employment drug testing required.

UNITE.

Volume 25, Number 10 Publisher Unite. of Southwest Missouri, Inc. Managing Editor Samuel G. Knox Contributing Writers Lyle Foster Bon Tindle Gwen Marshall Kathleen O'Dell Dr Ken Coopwood Beaunea McNeil Photography David N. Knox Volunteer Tyra Knox

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

October Unite Page 9

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CommunitySection

War Room

continued from page 8

Friends of the Library Fall Book Sale Springfield, MO—It’s time for the huge Friends of the Library Fall Book Sale!

The week-long event runs Tuesday-Sunday, Oct. 20-25 at Remington’s, 1655 W. Republic Road. If you want to get a jump on the sales, come to the Friends Night Preview Sale from 5-8 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 19, show your Friends membership card or pay $5 at the door – you can use that to join the Friends that night if you wish.

Sale hours are Tuesday-Saturday, Oct. 20-24, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; and Sunday, Oct. 25, 1-5 p.m.

This is a great time to load up on cookbooks, best-sellers, sci-fi, craft books, biographies, travel, children’s books and more for yourself or for holiday gifts. Everything’s a bargain: $1 or less; better books are $2 and up. CDs, DVDs, audiobooks, vinyl records, board games and puzzles are usually $1 or less.

The Friends’ fall and spring sales are popular with avid readers, young parents, teachers and school librarians building a collection for their children and classes, college students, researchers and treasure hunt-

Native American History: At The Library Center A collection provided by Abraham Clark Through November 2015

ers – you never know what you’ll find there!

The Friends can accept cash or check only. If you have sale questions, call Jim at 417-8725149.

Kathleen O’Dell is community relations director of the Springfield-Greene County Library District. She can be reached at kathleeno@thelibrary.org.

New Hope International Ministries Host Interfaith Prayer Service Springfield, MO—Local churches are invited to attend a prayer service sponsored

by Council of Churches of the Ozarks, Springfield Chapter N.A.A.C.P. and Faith Voices of SW Missouri.

The event will be held at New Hope International Ministries at 901 N. Prospect. The service which is to be held on Saturday, October 3, will focus on prayer for racial healing,

reconciliation, peace and justice for all people. It will begin at 6 p.m.

Guest speakers will include Dr. Jimmy L. Brown, President of the Missionary Baptist State Convention of Missouri, Pastor of St. Luke Memorial Baptist Church in St. Louis, MO and a Colonel of the Board of Police Commissioners for the St. Louis County Police Department.

Annual Church Lot Sale to fund Youth Harvest Celebration Springfield, MO—New Hope International Ministries will be having their annual church lot sale on October 10th. The sale is set to begin at 901 N. Prospect Ave. at 8 a.m.

The sale, whose proceeds are donated to the Youth Harvest Celebration, is sponsored

by the Women’s Missionary Union. Tables will be provided at $25 each for those who want to join in and sell items that are no longer wanted or needed.

For more information, contact Delilah Jackson at 417-6192768.

sleeper hit as it had brought in over $50,000,000 as of this week which is no small change.

Someone can correct me if I am wrong but I didn’t see any A list celebrities in the film which means they are actors but they don’t get the crazy big bucks. The budget for the film was $3,000,000. So I think you can do the math and also take into account it is still showing and it will also go through the DVD cycle too.

There is an interesting back story that I want you to be aware of. The film makers are the Kendrick brothers who I mentioned earlier have done other faith based films and are white. They originally had planned for a predominantly white cast and the main actors as white. One of the brothers felt led as he prayed to change the lead characters to AfricanAmerican which of course was done and also resulted in a different flavor to the film.

Sony Pictures had some reservations as the distributors if that was going to work as the producers are white and the story is mainly black. Again it shows how much Hollywood does not know about main stream America and in this case how the world of faith works. This idea must have come from above as white and

Breakfast Pub

continued from page 8 they make their own corned beef at the pub and it is an 8 hour process. Be aware that in house made corned beef is not like what you are used to at the local grocer. The egg dishes are the strongest thing on the

black audiences are raving over the film and equally find refreshment and inspiration in the film. Faith and God’s love do not have color…..but the news hasn’t reached the big studios yet. But be assured they are very excited about the financial returns. The first weekend that War Room opened it was the second most watched film in the country only to be outpaced by Straight Outta Compton which made two black themed movies no. 1 and no. 2. Hmmmmmmm!

You can take it to the bank that more movies like this will be rolling out but there is not a formula…..for me the fact that the main actors/actresses were not the big names made it more believable so we were not subjected to a lot of phoniness.

Yes, that is my opinion.

It is not a perfect film but it is a really good one and the message may just change you and your circumstances. Alex Kendrick, Priscilla Shirer, T. C. Stallings, Beth Moore and Karen Abercrombie shine and share a fresh version of a timeless story.

Perhaps if we had more War Rooms in this nation we would need a lot less……….well…. you fill in the blank and if you haven’t seen the film yet please try to on the big screen. Miss Clara wants to talk to you.

93 out of 100 menu for me and there are a lot of egg based creations.

Don’t worry there is the breakfast staple for many of biscuits and gravy for those who are on that bandwagon. I got the pancakes which took up the whole plate and were not the thick variety but light, fluffy and tasty. The bacon and sausage

served are very flavorful and I noticed the difference. There are many take offs on traditional breakfast favorites which are too numerous to mention in this column and are definitely worth checking out.

The last group I went with were in the high maintenance customer category and our server was excellent. For those who know me that is the highest compliment that I can give. She worked with us and was prompt and efficient. It added to the positive experience. There is an outdoor seating area but the day we went we gave it a try but my guests soon felt the sun was too direct and we were slowly roasting so we abandoned our tanning and went back inside. It is some-

James Bonds

continued from page 5 those thoughts and ideas.”

Not only does Bonds help people to set and achieve goals, but he incorporates his own spirituality within every detail.

Realizing his duty at a very young age, he has accepted his mission and continues on by living through his own beliefs.

Praying before each meeting, Bonds takes heed to what needs to be said and done by simply listening to what “the spirit” has to say.

“I pray and tell the spirit to make sure that what I’m giving them is not my opinion because my opinion doesn’t count,” Bonds said. “What I want to give to someone who comes to me as a client is what the Lord has for them on that day to receive from me. Nothing is about me. It’s about what the Lord has for them to receive.”

times funny to me the places that offer outdoor seating and there is no landscaping or trees to provide some screening and ambiance. But tis Springpatch.

If you like a good breakfast and want to appreciate and want to check out some good take offs on a lot of breakfast dishes you may want to check out the Early Bird Breakfast Pub. The crowds say it is a hit. Now just a heads up the portions are good but the prices are slightly towards the higher end. So don’t look for breakfast specials and expect to feed two for $10.00. You won’t.

If you go let me know what you think and I certainly hope to go back and enjoy some of the very tasty dishes.

4 ½ forks!!!

Bonds is currently the only John C. Maxwell certified speaker in the Springfield area.

His ultimate goal is to glorify God through the gift that was given to him.

“I was born a Judas,” said Bonds. “Now I understand what my purpose is. That’s the whole key to life. It’s not about money, it’s about what you’re assigned to do because if you do what you’re supposed to do, the money has no choice but to come.”

Bonds can be contacted online at welldrivenlife.com or by phone at 1-866-775-5233.

Subscribe To The Unite Publication Only $25. per year

Call: (417) 864-7444

October Unite Page 8

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Arts&Entertainment News

By Lyle Foster Unite Contributing Writer

Historical Washington Avenue Baptist Church changes its name to Turning Point Church of Springfield, MO

Movie Review: “The War Room ”

young mother Elizabeth meets a gracious senior citizen who Springfield, MO—Faith based is the most dangerous type of movies can run the gamut from person of all. She is a prayer pretty good to what are they warrior. In case some of you thinking? Some of the initial are not familiar with this kind of buzz around the movie War an individual this would be the Room seemed to be very posigrandmother type in the black tive and I know the producers matriarchal family who believes have done pretty good that first and foremost work with such movies for any problem or like Courageous and adversity the first place Fireproof. to go is to have a little The basic premise talk with Jesus and tell is a fairly simple one him all about it. of an African-American Most of you know couple that seemingly that I don’t like to give Lyle Foster has it all. They look away the plot or too amazing, have the beaumuch about the contiful child and live in the big tents of the film but it doesn’t house on the hill. Maybe some take a rocket scientist to figure of you have lives like that as you that “Grandma” has a place to read this review. But as is often go to pray and yes that would the case something is missing be what many of us have either and the thing that is missing is experienced or heard about very important. In the process ….a prayer closet. Except she of listing a home for sale as a calls it her War Room and hence part of her job as a realtor the the name of the movie and the

underlying theme of the film.

Grandma’s name in the film is Miss Clara and is played filled with spirit by Karen Abercombrie. Miss Clara discerns that there are some needs in Elizabeth’s life and teaches her how to reclaim her faith and family and seek God in a new way through prayer.

Along the way there is joy and sorrow and some refreshing humor. The film also has a pretty good sound track with a combination of black gospel music and TriStar Pictures 2015 contemporary Christian.

The film is a Christian based one and makes no apologies for it. Unlike some faith films

it seems to have a budget that at least seems to pay for good production and quality. A few scenes are somewhat exaggerated and the film works hard to display African-American culture with a good blend of white cast members too. Some may think that Tony the husband’s role is too weak and under developed and I tend think it plays somewhat to the “bad” black man but I will take the fifth in the interest of conveying the message.

You can see for yourself and develop your own opinion.

Now to the business…the film is considered a surprising continued on page 9

Restaurant Review: “ Early Bird Breakfast Pub”

By Lyle Foster Unite Contributing Writer

Springfield, MO—If you follow the bread crumbs you will find a big plate of food. That certainly seems to be the mantra for the food scene in our fair town of late. New places are opening and food concepts are stressing farm to table and there seems to be an interesting local food scene developing.

Those of you who have been reading my column for awhile know that breakfast is my favorite meal and I tend to track

down a good breakfast place. I have been hearing about a new place on south Glenstone for a few months that people have been saying is really delicious but just hadn’t had a chance to get there.

Well, I have been there twice now and that place is the Early Bird Breakfast Pub located at 1717 E. Cherokee Street just off of the corner at Glenstone. For long term residents it is across the street from Aunt Martha’s.

It is located in a typical Springfield strip shopping

center and is at the end. The restaurant has developed a loyal following and is very busy on weekends to the point that you will wait 20 to 30 minutes if you come at prime time.

The interior is attractive and seating is the fairly typical for a breakfast venue. They have done some interior work that makes the place more attractive than many places like this.

There is a full service bar to the left when you walk in which seems to be very well populated and you can check out the

latest sports event on the TV that decorates the wall as well.

Many patrons seem to enjoy a bloody mary or mimosa with your meal. But there are many more breakfast craft cocktail creations as well.

The menu has a very good assortment of breakfast and some lunch dishes. The restaurant closes mid afternoon. The patrons that attended with me helped me to see a variety of dishes that were available. I am not a big corned beef fan but continued on page 9

Springfield, MO—Washington Avenue Baptist Church began in 1868 as Second Baptist Church and after 18 years, the church experienced a split. Following this split, both groups came together in 1885 agreeing to come back together upon renaming the church Washington Avenue Baptist Church which began in 1886, according to church records.

The church was located on Washington Avenue until 2000, when a three way deal was agreed upon between Drury College, Washington Avenue and Boulevard Baptist Church.

Boulevard Baptist Church re-

located to the east side of Highway 65 and Washington Avenue moved to Boulevard Church’s previous location at 1722 N. National Ave. After parting with the church’s former pastor, and after 18 months of searching for a new pastor, the church voted to elect Dr. E.L. Alexander of North Little Rock, Ark. as its 22nd pastor. Under Dr. Alexander’s leadership, many accomplishments have been made.

In 2014, after reviewing the history of Washington Avenue both good and bad, the stigma, 21 pastors all serving a short period; after several months discussing the problems that had

Life Coach aims to encourage and instill accountability in each client cept thoughts of negativity and doubt to help everyone fulfill Springfield, MO— Springfield, their “God-given potential.” a city of dreams. Not necessari“I think that people are hurtly the dreams of movie stars or ing so bad in all levels musicians, but those of life,” Bonds said. looking for a way to “Not just homeless make some kind of people, but business difference, whether it’s professionals and exin their own commuecutives as well. They nities, or the world in have no one to turn to.” general.

Bonds strives to James Bonds is one help as many people as of those people.

James Bonds he can without the aid New to Springfield, of drugs.

Bonds has rejuvenated the “Doctors are going to preminds of many people through scribe anti-depressants,” said life coaching, a fairly new caBonds. “Some people might reer that aids clients in decision need chemical balancing but a making and goal setting. majority of people do not. They “It’s between being a best need an accountability coach. friend and a psychiatrist,” Someone who will push them, Bonds said. “Some people that will help them express refer to me as an accountability their thoughts. Someone who coach.” will help them to implement The job? To speak and encontinued on page 9 courage. The reason? To interBy Beaunea McNeil

confronted the church over the years that called into question the character and integrity of the church, the congregation agreed under the leadership of Dr. Alexander to change the name to

Turning Point Church of Springfield MO. We are so grateful for where God has brought us from, but we are even more grateful for where He’s leading us.

Old Washington Avenue Church

Turning Point Church of Springfield, MO

October Unite Page 6

October Unite Page 7

The BusinessSection

Antwaun Smith continued from page 6

...Managing the court system can be overwhelming to people Continued from page 1

Though the office can be a place of danger, injury is not limited to four walls. Car accidents happen as well as wet floors and faulty carpets.

In the case that someone is hurt or injured by any of these objects, attorney Antwaun Smith helps victims in the process of receiving compensation for injuries.

Raised in St. Joseph, Missouri, Smith aims to help his community by providing access to the courts, something that he says many don’t have.

“I think that I originally just wanted to do something that could really help the community that I lived in,” said Smith. “Just growing up and seeing what a difference having access to the courts and legal representation can make, that was where it really started with me wanting to help make a difference in my

community.”

Smith aims to be a source and reference to the community, African Americans in particular, after noticing the lack of representation for plaintiffs who are black.

“Even though my focus is on injury law, I want to be there for any questions that people may have related to legal stuff as well,” Smith said. “I don’t handle criminal cases, but if there is a question that I can answer or a resource that I can give out, I will do that.”

As a child, Smith watched as the neighborhood he grew up in stayed the same, even after the Civil Rights Era. The “other side of the tracks” was no different than before. Even though it was the 70s, Smith’s mother and father still struggled as they dealt with issues of racism due to their interracial marriage.

“My parents were probably the first interracial couple to

get married there,” Smith said.

“There was a lot of resistance, Smith Law Co., is located at 221 but the good thing about it was S. Avenue in downtown Springthat there was a hopeful side to field. the story. Eventually He can also be contactpeople came around. ed at (816) 398-8861.

Even though there was a lot of racism, I also If you have been saw that people can injured or hurt, here change.” are a few tips to follow Since then, it has been before consulting a Smith’s goal to make lawyer: people feel good by Document your injuAntwaun Smith helping them in times of ries. need.

• Take pictures.

“The courts, whether it’s • Write down what happened. criminal or civil, can be over• See if there were any witnesswhelming to people, so when es that might help to support you feel like you’ve made a your case. difference and helped someone • Seek medical attention immeget through that, it makes a big diately. difference,” Smith said. “I think • Create a medical file. it’s just the feeling that even • Keep a file of all medical bills though you haven’t completely for future reference. This may transformed someone’s life, help to ensure compensation there is that satisfaction that if the defendant is found to be you’ve made somebody’s bad negligent. continued from page 7 situation better.”

• Continue documenting injuries.

• Keep track of injuries that may be a result of initial injury.

This includes mental trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder, and pain and suffering.

How Seln, the Language App, is disrupting a $120 billion industry Nationwide — With over 100,000 customers worldwide, Seln is starting to complete its mission of connecting the world through languages.

Seln (pronounced Celine) is the new mobile app, designed to make you fluent in a new language in one year; launches in the US, Latin America, and Turkey. This Houston, based start-up has a proprietary algorithm that uses audio-visual content and combines it with a global social network community where fluency is possible for anyone.

As you progress, Seln acquires your learning styles and habits then starts to create a customized learning experi-

ence based on your preference.

Seln’s method enables you to start speaking and understanding a new language after the first day.

African-American, Founder and CEO, Leonardo Hudson, is tri-lingual and can relate to the average consumer’s challenges when attempting to learn new languages. He stated the following, “We are beyond being satisfied with only learning a few words and phrases, now we want to have real conversations with confidence.”

“Seln’s immersive environment has everything you need to be fluent in a new language within one year. We’re excited to address this global problem

with such a simple solution,” said Leonardo Hudson Customers can download the Seln app for free, create their social profile, and then for $125.99, they can purchase the full version of Seln which comes with a money back guarantee. Customers can also get a discount on using the language by sending an invite to join Seln to their friends. Seln already has 100,000 customers and is generating significant revenue in an industry that has a valuation of $120 billion.

“I reminded our team, to

stay focused on providing the best experience possible for our customers and continue to share our vision of connecting the world through languages,” Leonardo said.

Seln is currently available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

continued in next column above

New rule will help women-owned businesses get more federal contracts Kent Hoover Washington Bureau Chief

a contract with a single woman-owned small business without putting the work out for bid, Washington, DC— provided there is only Federal contracting one woman-owned busiofficials now have ness that can perform the power to award the work. Plus, the console-source contracts tract must be below $4 to women-owned million (or $6.5 million businesses, a tool that for manufacturers.) The should help the governrule implements a law ment finally achieve its passed by Congress in goal of awarding five December. It becomes Maria Sweet percent of its procureeffective Oct. 14. ment dollars to women.

Contracting officials previousUnder a rule published Monday ly have been able to award by the Small Business Adminissole-source contracts to small tration, agencies can negotiate businesses owned by minori-

ties, service-disabled veterans, or small companies located in low-income areas known as “hubzones.” The new rule puts the government’s contracting set-aside program for women, which was passed by Congress in 2000 but not implemented until 2011, on par with these other procurement programs.

“This parity means women entrepreneurs face fewer barriers when entering the federal market,” said Kristie Arslan, executive director of Women Impacting Public Policy.

SBA Administrator Maria Contreras-Sweet called the new rule

“a major step forward in leveling the playing field.”

“Women-owned businesses are growing three times faster than their counterparts, yet the federal government has not achieved its goal of awarding five percent of federal contracts to women” Contreras-Sweet said. “If we want a more diverse supply chain, Uncle Sam needs to lead by example.”

Last year, the federal government awarded 4.7 percent of its contracting dollars to women-owned businesses, up from 4.3 percent in 2013.

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.

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

Call: (417) 864-7444

October Unite Page 6

October Unite Page 7

The BusinessSection

Antwaun Smith continued from page 6

...Managing the court system can be overwhelming to people Continued from page 1

Though the office can be a place of danger, injury is not limited to four walls. Car accidents happen as well as wet floors and faulty carpets.

In the case that someone is hurt or injured by any of these objects, attorney Antwaun Smith helps victims in the process of receiving compensation for injuries.

Raised in St. Joseph, Missouri, Smith aims to help his community by providing access to the courts, something that he says many don’t have.

“I think that I originally just wanted to do something that could really help the community that I lived in,” said Smith. “Just growing up and seeing what a difference having access to the courts and legal representation can make, that was where it really started with me wanting to help make a difference in my

community.”

Smith aims to be a source and reference to the community, African Americans in particular, after noticing the lack of representation for plaintiffs who are black.

“Even though my focus is on injury law, I want to be there for any questions that people may have related to legal stuff as well,” Smith said. “I don’t handle criminal cases, but if there is a question that I can answer or a resource that I can give out, I will do that.”

As a child, Smith watched as the neighborhood he grew up in stayed the same, even after the Civil Rights Era. The “other side of the tracks” was no different than before. Even though it was the 70s, Smith’s mother and father still struggled as they dealt with issues of racism due to their interracial marriage.

“My parents were probably the first interracial couple to

get married there,” Smith said.

“There was a lot of resistance, Smith Law Co., is located at 221 but the good thing about it was S. Avenue in downtown Springthat there was a hopeful side to field. the story. Eventually He can also be contactpeople came around. ed at (816) 398-8861.

Even though there was a lot of racism, I also If you have been saw that people can injured or hurt, here change.” are a few tips to follow Since then, it has been before consulting a Smith’s goal to make lawyer: people feel good by Document your injuAntwaun Smith helping them in times of ries. need.

• Take pictures.

“The courts, whether it’s • Write down what happened. criminal or civil, can be over• See if there were any witnesswhelming to people, so when es that might help to support you feel like you’ve made a your case. difference and helped someone • Seek medical attention immeget through that, it makes a big diately. difference,” Smith said. “I think • Create a medical file. it’s just the feeling that even • Keep a file of all medical bills though you haven’t completely for future reference. This may transformed someone’s life, help to ensure compensation there is that satisfaction that if the defendant is found to be you’ve made somebody’s bad negligent. continued from page 7 situation better.”

• Continue documenting injuries.

• Keep track of injuries that may be a result of initial injury.

This includes mental trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder, and pain and suffering.

How Seln, the Language App, is disrupting a $120 billion industry Nationwide — With over 100,000 customers worldwide, Seln is starting to complete its mission of connecting the world through languages.

Seln (pronounced Celine) is the new mobile app, designed to make you fluent in a new language in one year; launches in the US, Latin America, and Turkey. This Houston, based start-up has a proprietary algorithm that uses audio-visual content and combines it with a global social network community where fluency is possible for anyone.

As you progress, Seln acquires your learning styles and habits then starts to create a customized learning experi-

ence based on your preference.

Seln’s method enables you to start speaking and understanding a new language after the first day.

African-American, Founder and CEO, Leonardo Hudson, is tri-lingual and can relate to the average consumer’s challenges when attempting to learn new languages. He stated the following, “We are beyond being satisfied with only learning a few words and phrases, now we want to have real conversations with confidence.”

“Seln’s immersive environment has everything you need to be fluent in a new language within one year. We’re excited to address this global problem

with such a simple solution,” said Leonardo Hudson Customers can download the Seln app for free, create their social profile, and then for $125.99, they can purchase the full version of Seln which comes with a money back guarantee. Customers can also get a discount on using the language by sending an invite to join Seln to their friends. Seln already has 100,000 customers and is generating significant revenue in an industry that has a valuation of $120 billion.

“I reminded our team, to

stay focused on providing the best experience possible for our customers and continue to share our vision of connecting the world through languages,” Leonardo said.

Seln is currently available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

continued in next column above

New rule will help women-owned businesses get more federal contracts Kent Hoover Washington Bureau Chief

a contract with a single woman-owned small business without putting the work out for bid, Washington, DC— provided there is only Federal contracting one woman-owned busiofficials now have ness that can perform the power to award the work. Plus, the console-source contracts tract must be below $4 to women-owned million (or $6.5 million businesses, a tool that for manufacturers.) The should help the governrule implements a law ment finally achieve its passed by Congress in goal of awarding five December. It becomes Maria Sweet percent of its procureeffective Oct. 14. ment dollars to women.

Contracting officials previousUnder a rule published Monday ly have been able to award by the Small Business Adminissole-source contracts to small tration, agencies can negotiate businesses owned by minori-

ties, service-disabled veterans, or small companies located in low-income areas known as “hubzones.” The new rule puts the government’s contracting set-aside program for women, which was passed by Congress in 2000 but not implemented until 2011, on par with these other procurement programs.

“This parity means women entrepreneurs face fewer barriers when entering the federal market,” said Kristie Arslan, executive director of Women Impacting Public Policy.

SBA Administrator Maria Contreras-Sweet called the new rule

“a major step forward in leveling the playing field.”

“Women-owned businesses are growing three times faster than their counterparts, yet the federal government has not achieved its goal of awarding five percent of federal contracts to women” Contreras-Sweet said. “If we want a more diverse supply chain, Uncle Sam needs to lead by example.”

Last year, the federal government awarded 4.7 percent of its contracting dollars to women-owned businesses, up from 4.3 percent in 2013.

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.

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

Call: (417) 864-7444

October Unite Page 8

October Unite Page 5

Arts&Entertainment News

By Lyle Foster Unite Contributing Writer

Historical Washington Avenue Baptist Church changes its name to Turning Point Church of Springfield, MO

Movie Review: “The War Room ”

young mother Elizabeth meets a gracious senior citizen who Springfield, MO—Faith based is the most dangerous type of movies can run the gamut from person of all. She is a prayer pretty good to what are they warrior. In case some of you thinking? Some of the initial are not familiar with this kind of buzz around the movie War an individual this would be the Room seemed to be very posigrandmother type in the black tive and I know the producers matriarchal family who believes have done pretty good that first and foremost work with such movies for any problem or like Courageous and adversity the first place Fireproof. to go is to have a little The basic premise talk with Jesus and tell is a fairly simple one him all about it. of an African-American Most of you know couple that seemingly that I don’t like to give Lyle Foster has it all. They look away the plot or too amazing, have the beaumuch about the contiful child and live in the big tents of the film but it doesn’t house on the hill. Maybe some take a rocket scientist to figure of you have lives like that as you that “Grandma” has a place to read this review. But as is often go to pray and yes that would the case something is missing be what many of us have either and the thing that is missing is experienced or heard about very important. In the process ….a prayer closet. Except she of listing a home for sale as a calls it her War Room and hence part of her job as a realtor the the name of the movie and the

underlying theme of the film.

Grandma’s name in the film is Miss Clara and is played filled with spirit by Karen Abercombrie. Miss Clara discerns that there are some needs in Elizabeth’s life and teaches her how to reclaim her faith and family and seek God in a new way through prayer.

Along the way there is joy and sorrow and some refreshing humor. The film also has a pretty good sound track with a combination of black gospel music and TriStar Pictures 2015 contemporary Christian.

The film is a Christian based one and makes no apologies for it. Unlike some faith films

it seems to have a budget that at least seems to pay for good production and quality. A few scenes are somewhat exaggerated and the film works hard to display African-American culture with a good blend of white cast members too. Some may think that Tony the husband’s role is too weak and under developed and I tend think it plays somewhat to the “bad” black man but I will take the fifth in the interest of conveying the message.

You can see for yourself and develop your own opinion.

Now to the business…the film is considered a surprising continued on page 9

Restaurant Review: “ Early Bird Breakfast Pub”

By Lyle Foster Unite Contributing Writer

Springfield, MO—If you follow the bread crumbs you will find a big plate of food. That certainly seems to be the mantra for the food scene in our fair town of late. New places are opening and food concepts are stressing farm to table and there seems to be an interesting local food scene developing.

Those of you who have been reading my column for awhile know that breakfast is my favorite meal and I tend to track

down a good breakfast place. I have been hearing about a new place on south Glenstone for a few months that people have been saying is really delicious but just hadn’t had a chance to get there.

Well, I have been there twice now and that place is the Early Bird Breakfast Pub located at 1717 E. Cherokee Street just off of the corner at Glenstone. For long term residents it is across the street from Aunt Martha’s.

It is located in a typical Springfield strip shopping

center and is at the end. The restaurant has developed a loyal following and is very busy on weekends to the point that you will wait 20 to 30 minutes if you come at prime time.

The interior is attractive and seating is the fairly typical for a breakfast venue. They have done some interior work that makes the place more attractive than many places like this.

There is a full service bar to the left when you walk in which seems to be very well populated and you can check out the

latest sports event on the TV that decorates the wall as well.

Many patrons seem to enjoy a bloody mary or mimosa with your meal. But there are many more breakfast craft cocktail creations as well.

The menu has a very good assortment of breakfast and some lunch dishes. The restaurant closes mid afternoon. The patrons that attended with me helped me to see a variety of dishes that were available. I am not a big corned beef fan but continued on page 9

Springfield, MO—Washington Avenue Baptist Church began in 1868 as Second Baptist Church and after 18 years, the church experienced a split. Following this split, both groups came together in 1885 agreeing to come back together upon renaming the church Washington Avenue Baptist Church which began in 1886, according to church records.

The church was located on Washington Avenue until 2000, when a three way deal was agreed upon between Drury College, Washington Avenue and Boulevard Baptist Church.

Boulevard Baptist Church re-

located to the east side of Highway 65 and Washington Avenue moved to Boulevard Church’s previous location at 1722 N. National Ave. After parting with the church’s former pastor, and after 18 months of searching for a new pastor, the church voted to elect Dr. E.L. Alexander of North Little Rock, Ark. as its 22nd pastor. Under Dr. Alexander’s leadership, many accomplishments have been made.

In 2014, after reviewing the history of Washington Avenue both good and bad, the stigma, 21 pastors all serving a short period; after several months discussing the problems that had

Life Coach aims to encourage and instill accountability in each client cept thoughts of negativity and doubt to help everyone fulfill Springfield, MO— Springfield, their “God-given potential.” a city of dreams. Not necessari“I think that people are hurtly the dreams of movie stars or ing so bad in all levels musicians, but those of life,” Bonds said. looking for a way to “Not just homeless make some kind of people, but business difference, whether it’s professionals and exin their own commuecutives as well. They nities, or the world in have no one to turn to.” general.

Bonds strives to James Bonds is one help as many people as of those people.

James Bonds he can without the aid New to Springfield, of drugs.

Bonds has rejuvenated the “Doctors are going to preminds of many people through scribe anti-depressants,” said life coaching, a fairly new caBonds. “Some people might reer that aids clients in decision need chemical balancing but a making and goal setting. majority of people do not. They “It’s between being a best need an accountability coach. friend and a psychiatrist,” Someone who will push them, Bonds said. “Some people that will help them express refer to me as an accountability their thoughts. Someone who coach.” will help them to implement The job? To speak and encontinued on page 9 courage. The reason? To interBy Beaunea McNeil

confronted the church over the years that called into question the character and integrity of the church, the congregation agreed under the leadership of Dr. Alexander to change the name to

Turning Point Church of Springfield MO. We are so grateful for where God has brought us from, but we are even more grateful for where He’s leading us.

Old Washington Avenue Church

Turning Point Church of Springfield, MO

October Unite Page 9

October Unite Page 4

CommunitySection

War Room

continued from page 8

Friends of the Library Fall Book Sale Springfield, MO—It’s time for the huge Friends of the Library Fall Book Sale!

The week-long event runs Tuesday-Sunday, Oct. 20-25 at Remington’s, 1655 W. Republic Road. If you want to get a jump on the sales, come to the Friends Night Preview Sale from 5-8 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 19, show your Friends membership card or pay $5 at the door – you can use that to join the Friends that night if you wish.

Sale hours are Tuesday-Saturday, Oct. 20-24, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; and Sunday, Oct. 25, 1-5 p.m.

This is a great time to load up on cookbooks, best-sellers, sci-fi, craft books, biographies, travel, children’s books and more for yourself or for holiday gifts. Everything’s a bargain: $1 or less; better books are $2 and up. CDs, DVDs, audiobooks, vinyl records, board games and puzzles are usually $1 or less.

The Friends’ fall and spring sales are popular with avid readers, young parents, teachers and school librarians building a collection for their children and classes, college students, researchers and treasure hunt-

Native American History: At The Library Center A collection provided by Abraham Clark Through November 2015

ers – you never know what you’ll find there!

The Friends can accept cash or check only. If you have sale questions, call Jim at 417-8725149.

Kathleen O’Dell is community relations director of the Springfield-Greene County Library District. She can be reached at kathleeno@thelibrary.org.

New Hope International Ministries Host Interfaith Prayer Service Springfield, MO—Local churches are invited to attend a prayer service sponsored

by Council of Churches of the Ozarks, Springfield Chapter N.A.A.C.P. and Faith Voices of SW Missouri.

The event will be held at New Hope International Ministries at 901 N. Prospect. The service which is to be held on Saturday, October 3, will focus on prayer for racial healing,

reconciliation, peace and justice for all people. It will begin at 6 p.m.

Guest speakers will include Dr. Jimmy L. Brown, President of the Missionary Baptist State Convention of Missouri, Pastor of St. Luke Memorial Baptist Church in St. Louis, MO and a Colonel of the Board of Police Commissioners for the St. Louis County Police Department.

Annual Church Lot Sale to fund Youth Harvest Celebration Springfield, MO—New Hope International Ministries will be having their annual church lot sale on October 10th. The sale is set to begin at 901 N. Prospect Ave. at 8 a.m.

The sale, whose proceeds are donated to the Youth Harvest Celebration, is sponsored

by the Women’s Missionary Union. Tables will be provided at $25 each for those who want to join in and sell items that are no longer wanted or needed.

For more information, contact Delilah Jackson at 417-6192768.

sleeper hit as it had brought in over $50,000,000 as of this week which is no small change.

Someone can correct me if I am wrong but I didn’t see any A list celebrities in the film which means they are actors but they don’t get the crazy big bucks. The budget for the film was $3,000,000. So I think you can do the math and also take into account it is still showing and it will also go through the DVD cycle too.

There is an interesting back story that I want you to be aware of. The film makers are the Kendrick brothers who I mentioned earlier have done other faith based films and are white. They originally had planned for a predominantly white cast and the main actors as white. One of the brothers felt led as he prayed to change the lead characters to AfricanAmerican which of course was done and also resulted in a different flavor to the film.

Sony Pictures had some reservations as the distributors if that was going to work as the producers are white and the story is mainly black. Again it shows how much Hollywood does not know about main stream America and in this case how the world of faith works. This idea must have come from above as white and

Breakfast Pub

continued from page 8 they make their own corned beef at the pub and it is an 8 hour process. Be aware that in house made corned beef is not like what you are used to at the local grocer. The egg dishes are the strongest thing on the

black audiences are raving over the film and equally find refreshment and inspiration in the film. Faith and God’s love do not have color…..but the news hasn’t reached the big studios yet. But be assured they are very excited about the financial returns. The first weekend that War Room opened it was the second most watched film in the country only to be outpaced by Straight Outta Compton which made two black themed movies no. 1 and no. 2. Hmmmmmmm!

You can take it to the bank that more movies like this will be rolling out but there is not a formula…..for me the fact that the main actors/actresses were not the big names made it more believable so we were not subjected to a lot of phoniness.

Yes, that is my opinion.

It is not a perfect film but it is a really good one and the message may just change you and your circumstances. Alex Kendrick, Priscilla Shirer, T. C. Stallings, Beth Moore and Karen Abercrombie shine and share a fresh version of a timeless story.

Perhaps if we had more War Rooms in this nation we would need a lot less……….well…. you fill in the blank and if you haven’t seen the film yet please try to on the big screen. Miss Clara wants to talk to you.

93 out of 100 menu for me and there are a lot of egg based creations.

Don’t worry there is the breakfast staple for many of biscuits and gravy for those who are on that bandwagon. I got the pancakes which took up the whole plate and were not the thick variety but light, fluffy and tasty. The bacon and sausage

served are very flavorful and I noticed the difference. There are many take offs on traditional breakfast favorites which are too numerous to mention in this column and are definitely worth checking out.

The last group I went with were in the high maintenance customer category and our server was excellent. For those who know me that is the highest compliment that I can give. She worked with us and was prompt and efficient. It added to the positive experience. There is an outdoor seating area but the day we went we gave it a try but my guests soon felt the sun was too direct and we were slowly roasting so we abandoned our tanning and went back inside. It is some-

James Bonds

continued from page 5 those thoughts and ideas.”

Not only does Bonds help people to set and achieve goals, but he incorporates his own spirituality within every detail.

Realizing his duty at a very young age, he has accepted his mission and continues on by living through his own beliefs.

Praying before each meeting, Bonds takes heed to what needs to be said and done by simply listening to what “the spirit” has to say.

“I pray and tell the spirit to make sure that what I’m giving them is not my opinion because my opinion doesn’t count,” Bonds said. “What I want to give to someone who comes to me as a client is what the Lord has for them on that day to receive from me. Nothing is about me. It’s about what the Lord has for them to receive.”

times funny to me the places that offer outdoor seating and there is no landscaping or trees to provide some screening and ambiance. But tis Springpatch.

If you like a good breakfast and want to appreciate and want to check out some good take offs on a lot of breakfast dishes you may want to check out the Early Bird Breakfast Pub. The crowds say it is a hit. Now just a heads up the portions are good but the prices are slightly towards the higher end. So don’t look for breakfast specials and expect to feed two for $10.00. You won’t.

If you go let me know what you think and I certainly hope to go back and enjoy some of the very tasty dishes.

4 ½ forks!!!

Bonds is currently the only John C. Maxwell certified speaker in the Springfield area.

His ultimate goal is to glorify God through the gift that was given to him.

“I was born a Judas,” said Bonds. “Now I understand what my purpose is. That’s the whole key to life. It’s not about money, it’s about what you’re assigned to do because if you do what you’re supposed to do, the money has no choice but to come.”

Bonds can be contacted online at welldrivenlife.com or by phone at 1-866-775-5233.

Subscribe To The Unite Publication Only $25. per year

Call: (417) 864-7444

October 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 (78-7653) 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

October Unite Page 3

IN THIS ISSUE

Health & Mental Fitness Dare To Be Extraordinary: A Collection of Positive Life Lessons from African American Fathers The Huffington Post,

By Danielle Cadet, 06/13/2014 Oftentimes, when we discuss fatherhood we assume that African-American men aren't part of that conversation, largely because a number of studies and reports have repeatedly told us that black fathers are overwhelmingly absent from their children's lives.

However, while these numbers are nothing to ignore, they contribute to a damaging narrative about black men and negate the achievements of the number of black men who play an active role in their children's lives. In honor of Father's Day, here are five lies we should stop telling about black fatherhood.

Black Fathers Aren't Involved In Their Children's Lives Recent data published by the Center for Disease Control reveal that African-American fathers spend more time in their children's day-to-day lives than dads from other racial groups, defying stereotypes about black fatherhood. The Pew Research Center has found similar evidence that black dads don't differ from white dads in any significant way, and that there isn't the expected disparity found in so many other reports.

Although black fathers are more likely to live in separate households, Pew estimates that 67 percent of black dads who don’t live with their kids see them at least once a month, compared to 59 percent of white dads and just 32 percent of Hispanic dads.

The Increasing Number of Community Single-Parent Homes Is According to a 2010 study, Exclusively A Black Problem 72 percent of black children The increase in number of are born to unwed mothers, a single-parent homes has repeatsharp contrast to the 24 percent edly been painted as detailed in the 1965 a problem exclusively Moynihan Report. rooted in the black Some have taken this community. However, number and cited it as that fact couldn't be a contributing factor to further from the truth. a large portion of black The number of sinAmerica's present-day gle-parent American plight. However, many William Middlebrooks households has tripled have taken issue with in number since 1960, and while how this statistic has been an overwhelming majority of used with respect to the black these households are likely community's moral standing. to be led by black or Hispanic In an article for The Atlantic, women, the number of black, Ta-Nehisi Coates broke down single-father households is also the numbers in an effort to give on the rise. a more accurate depiction...

But while the number of The Number Of Unwed unmarried black women has Mothers Is a Statement substantially grown, the actual on Morality In The Black Continued on page 11

Skipping Breakfast Leads to Weight Gain LAMAR, MO— A popular idea among adults and adolescents is to skip breakfast in order to lose weight. However, this act of skipping breakfast usually leads to weight gain according to Lindsey Stevenson, nutrition and health specialist with University of Missouri Extension.

"Breakfast skippers often feel famished or starved before lunch time so they turn to munching on unhealthy snacks like chips or candy, or they overeat throughout the day," said Stevenson. "Limiting oneself to just two meals a day typically leads to consuming way

too many calories in those two sittings, as opposed to spreading one's daily caloric intake over three meals."

Consuming two calorie dense meals leads to large spikes in glucose and insulin levels according to Stevenson.

Large spikes of glucose in response to the foods consumed during a meal causes the pancreas to release large amounts of insulin which helps cells use the glucose for energy, but also promotes fat synthesis of excess glucose.

"When there is more glucose in the bloodstream than what Continued on page 11

Community News

A cheaper way to consume books, audio and entertainment

by Kathleen O’Dell , Springfield-Greene County Library District Books, audiobooks, magazines, comic books and movies are at your fingertips if you have a library card with the Springfield-Greene County Library Kathleen O'Dell District. You never have to leave the comfort of home, and there’s no cost.

The Library offers several ways to access those things online. It’s easy to jump on through thelibrary.org/digital.

From there you can click on any of these services: • OverDrive: Borrow popular e-books, audiobooks and video for children and adults, and stream video of your choice.

The OverDrive site features a “bookshelf” showing you covers of new e-books, new audiobooks, new streaming video and “most popular.” The site includes instructions on how to start borrowing the items.

• Hoopla: Borrow more than 300,000 videos, audiobooks and music albums right from a smartphone, tablet or web browser. It’s free through the revolutionary library lending continued on page 11

4 6 8 10

New Hope International Ministries Host Interfaith Prayer Service Managing the court system can be overwhelming to people

by Beaunea McNeil

Lifestyle & Entertainment News

Movie Review —“The War Room”

by Lyle Foster

Health & Mental Fitness

Dare To Be Extraordinary: A Collection of Positive Life Lessons from African American Fathers

by Danielle Cadet

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 Marquis D. Howell, Jr Heather K. Howell Angela N. Collins (417) 886-9994 • Fax: (417) 886-9996 Harley R. Williams 1947 E. Seminole Clint W. Mease Russ Allen Springfield, Missouri 65804

City Employment Link The City of Springfield offers a variety of municipal career opportunities for individuals interested in public service.

Job opportunities are updated each Friday and can be accessed through a number of mediums: Web: http://www.springfieldmo.gov/jobs; or TV: CityView on Mediacom Cable Digital Channel 80; or In Person: visiting our offices at 840 Boonville, Room 324, Springfield, MO 65802.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, status as a protected veteran, among other things, or status as a qualified individual with disability. Individuals with disabilities should request reasonable accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act prior to testing or appointment. Proof of United States Citizenship/Authorization to Work in The United States as established by the Immigration Reform Act of 1986 is a condition of employment. Pre-employment drug testing required.

UNITE.

Volume 25, Number 10 Publisher Unite. of Southwest Missouri, Inc. Managing Editor Samuel G. Knox Contributing Writers Lyle Foster Bon Tindle Gwen Marshall Kathleen O'Dell Dr Ken Coopwood Beaunea McNeil Photography David N. Knox Volunteer Tyra Knox

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

October Unite Page 11

October Unite Page 2

Earth Wind & Fire continued from page 1

arsenal, Earth Wind and Fire is one group that you won’t want to miss seeing live. The group was born in Chicago in 1969 and is still going strong in its fifth decade, making music that crosses years and decades and now connects the 20th and 21st centuries.

Inducted into both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Vocal Group Hall of Fame, Earth, Wind & Fire has earned eight Grammy Awards and four American Music Awards alongside numerous other accolades including the prestigious Soul

Train Legend Award. EWF has sold more than 90 million albums worldwide and is one of the world's top touring bands.

In 2013, Legacy Recordings announced the release of Now, Then & Forever, the first new studio album from Earth, Wind & Fire since 2005's Grammy-nominated Illuminations.

"The Now, Then & Forever album is really about the legacy of Earth, Wind & Fire," said the group's co-founder Philip Bailey. "The spirit of the band has always been about uplifting the consciousness of humanity.

There's a hope that this Earth, Wind & Fire music will go on forever."

Learning to Measure and Move in 20152016 - Division for Diversity and Inclusion at Missouri State University

By Ken Coopwood

Springfield, MO—In my latest article, I wrote that diversity measurement would be one of our focuses this year and that the DDI would work to ensure that everything we do is results driven and can be measured by quantifiable objectives. Well, looks like we are off to a great

start at all this. Here is what has happened since my last article.

Drs. Ed and Myra Hubbard visited campus on September 14th and 15th to give a trilogy of diversity presentations. Their works brought both substance and sustainability to the concept of diversity as a critical component for academic excellence.

Fall into a Career at CU Fall is right around the corner. If you’re looking for a change then look no further than CU. CU offers jobs in a variety of fields and one may be the right fit for you. For more information about job opportunities and the benefits offered by CU, log on to cityutilities.net.

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

vide a year-round education series called “Shattering the SiThemes central to their three lences?” Because behavioral dipresentations were about prepaversity is best impacted through ration as a student for workactive education and exposure place success after graduation, to difference in the face of one’s aligning diversity measures with own identity. When people are public messages from the Uniconsistently exposed to differversity and partnering with the ences and allowed to community in response respond without fear, to its needs for diversichances are they will ty research, education learn more quickly to and leadership. behave in more comThe impact of the Hubmunal and positive bard’s visit should be ways when difference felt for some time and is present – which is all we expect that diverthe time. sity work throughout Ken Coopwood By the way, our Shatterthe community will be ing the Silences presentations, marked by snippets of insight, part of our Difficult Dialogues wisdom and analytics that drive Series, will begin on September home rationale for diversity 30, 2015 at 3:30PM in Temple ingenuity. The question that gets Hall Room 0001. You are encourmost people out of the starting aged to get exposed to the many block is a simple one: “What important and critical issues that is the concept that drives your affect us all. And of course, we diversity effort? In other words, will seek to measure the impact “Why are you doing this?” When this program has on your life you think about this intently and behaviors. enough you will find core values It’s going to be a great year-long and/or biases embedded in ride for measuring and moveyour expectations for structural, ment. Get on board by attendbehavioral and business and ing any DDI event and by using workforce diversity. Moving our website for research, comfrom the answer to this question munication and educational tools may be simple or complicated or just to find out where the next depending upon factors such diversity conference will be held. as the demographic makeup of And, expect to complete an evaldecision-makers or where finanuation for us, so we know how to cial resources are distributed move in your direction. or skewed. Whatever the case, Let’s integrate, collaborate and many of us will need to rethink elevate… together! the “why” about diversity in our Dr. Coop respective companies.

DDI will move forward with presenting the “why” to various campus and community constituents. We will seek to measure responses in ways to add to the substance and sustainability that the Hubbard’s provided a vision Only $25. per year for, and that the University and community has expressed it Call: (417) 864-7444 needs. For example, why procontinued from column below

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Library

continued from page 3

service. Hoopla allows patrons to use their valid library card to electronically borrow movies, TV episodes, audiobooks and music albums, and access them from any compatible device. Recently, Hoopla also added 6,500 e-books and 500 comic books accessible through the same site.

You can borrow titles using a home computer, begin watching on a tablet, and resume using a smartphone – anywhere there’s an Internet connection. It’s available for computers using Chrome, Internet Explorer, Safari or FireFox Web browsers; tablets and smartphones (iOS 6 and Android 4.0).

Unlike other streaming audio and video services, patrons do not pay a monthly subscription fee, making Hoopla the first app of its kind. Checkout periods are three days for videos, one week for music and three weeks for audiobooks, and the items disappear when due, making late fees a thing of the past. Checkout limit is 12 titles maximum per month, per person. Content is always available.

• Indieflix: This brings the film festival experience to you.

This free online streaming service offers award-winning shorts, features and documentaries from more than 50 countries. You can enjoy unlimited access to thousands of film-festival hits including the best of Sundance, Cannes and more.

IndieFlix is available on all Internet-enabled computers, tablets (including iPad and Android), and smart phones through the Web browser. It's also available on Roku and Xbox. The first time you use IndieFlix, you must create an account. If done outside the li-

brary, you must enter your valid library card number.

• Zinio for Libraries: Magazine readers can now access more than 120 popular magazines anytime, anywhere, on PCs, Macs and mobile devices with Zinio. There are no holds, no checkout periods and no limits to the number of magazines you can download. The digital magazines are provided through Zinio for Libraries, a product from Recorded Books. Once you click on Zinio from thelibrary. org/digital, you can browse the library’s collection of popular titles including Better Homes & Gardens, Car and Driver, Cosmopolitan, Newsweek and National Geographic.

From the main site, you can set up a free, personal account using your library card number, a chosen login and password.

Those with accounts on IndieFlix through the library must use that same login and password.

Once you create an account and select the magazine you want to read, you can read complete editions of that magazine as well as back issues. You can also download magazines to your mobile device for offline reading.

Mobile apps are available for iPad, iPhone, Kindle Fire and Android.

Every First Tuesday of the Month

Minorities In Business monthly networking meeting

When: 5:15 p.m.

405 N Jefferson Ave, Springfield, MO 65897 Bring a friend or business partner!!

405 N. Jefferson Ave. For more information call: (417) 836-4252

Fatherhood

continued from page 10

birth rate (measured by births per 1000) for black women is it the lowest point that it’s ever documented.

So while a larger number of black women are choosing not to marry, many of those women are also choosing not to bring kids into the world. But there is something else.

As you can see, the drop in the birthrate for unmarried black women is mirrored by an even steeper drop among married black women. Indeed, whereas at one point married black women were having more kids than married white women, they are now having less. I point this out to show that the idea that the idea that, somehow, the black community has fallen into a morass of cultural pathology is convenient nostalgia. There is nothing "immoral" or "pathological" about deciding not to marry.

Men Who Didn't Have Fathers Won't Make Good Fathers There's no disputing the effect fatherlessness has on children's lives. Children in

Skipping Breakfast continued from page 10

the body can use, insulin signals a conversion of glucose into a fat molecule so that the energy is not wasted, but rather stored up for use at a later time," said Stevenson.

The large spike in glucose and insulin levels is followed by an equally dramatic drop in glucose and insulin levels, which signals to the body that it is time to eat again, even though it's just a few hours after a heavy caloric meal was consumed.

father-absent homes are almost four times more likely to be poor, and being raised without a father raises the risk of teen pregnancy, marrying with less than a high school degree, and forming a marriage where both partners have less than a high school degree. However, men who didn't grow up with their fathers are not incapable of being good fathers themselves -- an assumption disproportionately assigned to black men who are more likely to be raised by single mothers.

Black Fathers Are An Anomaly Black fathers do exist, a message that entrepreneur William K. Middlebrooks hopes to spread with his book "Dare To Be Extraordinary: A Collection of Positive Life Lessons from African American Fathers." Part chapter-memoir, part call-toaction and part inspiration, the book recognizes and honors the wisdom and teachings of African-American fathers passed down to sons and daughters.

Among them: Cultural icon and entrepreneur Russell Simmons, NBA veteran Allan Houston, and many others.

"Benefits of eating a well-balanced, healthy breakfast include improved academic or professional performance such as being more alert, having better concentration on the tasks, and being more creative. Research has shown that those who choose to eat healthy breakfasts tend to eat healthy meals and snacks throughout their day," said Stevenson.

For more information on nutrition contact Dr. Pam Duitsman in Greene County at (417) 881-8909.

October Unite Page 12

Representatives from Isesaki, visit Springfield’s 20th Annual Japanese Fall Festival The 20th Annual Japanese Fall Festival ran the weekend of September 11. It featured artists from the community and displays of Japanese culture. Upon entering, guests were educated about the culture and exposed to student outreach, like the paper cranes that were folded while pondering the destruction portrayed in the novel Hiroshima.

The path was meticulously prepared with different elements of Japanese influence. Visitors could purchase garments, food and different knick knacks and memorabilia or just mingle in the crowd and watch the displays.

The park had a booth explaining that their butterfly house was a major attraction,

and would be the focus of an upcoming event in October. Visitors were allowed to donate or purchase a membership, which comes with a year of unlimited visits to the gardens, and one guest. Feedback had been very positive, and there was a lot of excitement about the fall and the challenges a changing climate will have on the garden.

“I think the best part was watching the children,” said Maria B. of Springfield. “They got to play with the toys of another culture and touch things that came from another part of the world. They had fun now but they will appreciate his later in life.”

“The food is the best,” was the unanimous vote of nearby teenagers. Some had eaten sushi but others were eating cashew

chicken, a dish that has a distinct ties to the Springfield area.

However, the consensus was that the food was spot on, and the mild weather made sure the outdoor fashion and educational shows went smoothly.

Also present were representatives from Isesaki, Springfield’s

sister city in Japan. The mayor had attended some events in Isesaki and returned just in time for the local festival. In a show of modern times, the mayor shared pictures on his public Facebook feed and gave the people back home an idea of what it is like to travel to Japan.

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Historical Washington Ave. Baptist Church changed its name to Turning Point Church Of Springfield, MO See story on page 5

Building Empowering Connections In Our Diverse Community

Providing access to the courts and legal representation

By Beaunea McNeil Unite Contributing Writer

Photo provided By Bon Tindle

By Bon Tindle Unite Contributing Writer

October 2015 Volume 25/ Number 10 • A Monthly Publication by Unite of Southwest Missouri, Inc •

Springfield, MO—While working, many people are exposed to hazardous conditions in all settings of the work place.

Whether it Antwaun Smith is standing on the top step of a tall ladder or controlling a heavy duty machine, any job can be dangerous, even if the job is set in an ordinary office.

Continued on page 6

Dare To Be Extraordinary: A Collection of Positive Life Lessons from African American Fathers Continued on page 10

New rule will help women-owned businesses get more federal contracts Continued on page 6

Earth Wind & Fire

Legendary band is scheduled to play at JQH Arena

Springfield, MO—Earth, Wind & Fire, America's seventh top-selling musical group of alltime, will be performing at the JQH Arena Friday, October 16, 2015. Equipped with memorable masterpieces like “Shining Star” and “September” in its Continued on page 2

Concert Infomation: October 16, 2015 MSU JQH Arena, 8 PM Tickets $65.

Call Missouri State TIX: 836-7678 • 1-888-476-7849 or go to our direct link at: www.unitenewsonline.org

L to R: Verdine White, Philip Bailey, and Ralph Johnson

6th annual Springfield Jazz Festival featuring Conrad Herwig Springfield, MO—Springfield Jazz Festival grows into its sixth year with a huge headlining act in trombone extraordinaire from New York, Conrad Herwig.

The Springfield Jazz Festival was an idea springing from the FieldGuide 2030, the community’s strategic plan. The vision for the Global Perspectives & Diversity Chapter is for the Springfield region to become a welcoming community that

celebrates our differences by valuing a commitment to service and economic prosperity; through innovation and creativity; with knowledge and leadership; and that improves quality of life for all.

Park Central Square Stage Conrad Herwig & the Latin All-Stars MSU Jazz Symposium Richard Bruton Quintet MSU Jazz Faculty Quintet Park Central East Stage Tom Rastorfer Trio The Haus Quartet Linda Sala Jazz Experience