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October 2016 Volume 26/ Number 10 • A Monthly Publication by Unite of Southwest Missouri, Inc •

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Smithsonian Museum of African American History The Pointer Sisters In Concert

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NewsOnline

Building Empowering Connections In Our Diverse Community

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Springfield, MO—The Pointer Sisters will be performing for Missouri State Homecoming Friday, October 14, 2016, 8 p.m. at the Juanita K Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts. Tickets: Orchestra Pit, $50. all other seating $40(plus handling fees) For information on how to get your tickets, go to HammonHall.com or by calling 417-836-7678.

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OCTOBER 14 • FRIDAY 8 PM

JUANITA K. HAMMONS HALL

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Building Empowering Connections In Our Diverse Community

Unite enriches lives and connects you with diverse news about your community you can trust and count on. Unite is now available online at unitenewsonline.org Have the Unite Publication delivered to your home or office for only $25. per year. Call: (417) 864-7444

UNITE.

Minorities In Business Hires New Executive Director

The Pointer Sisters, a pop and R&B group who ﬁrst hit the charts in the early 1970s, is the vocal force behind hits such as "Jump (For My Love)", "I'm So Excited", "Slow Hand", "Neutron Dance" and many more!

The Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

A new museum on the National Mall looks at US history & culture through the lens of Black Americans

WASHINGTON — Centuries of struggles and strife, decades of planning and pain, and years of hoping for a place that African-American history can call home will culminate as President Barack Obama officially opens the Smithsonian National

Museum of African American History and Culture. A shining bronze beacon on the National Mall, only steps away from a monument dedicated to a slaveholder president, the new Smithsonian will chronicle the complex relationship between the United States and a people it once enslaved, and tell the story of those who worked to make the necessary changes to bring the country to where it is today. “It doesn’t gauze up some bygone era or avoid uncomfortable truths,” Obama said in his weekly radio and internet talk. “Rather, it embraces the patriotic recognition that America is a constant work in progress, that each successive generation can look upon our imperfections and decide that it is within our collective Continued on page 2

TICKETS AVAILABLE AT HAMMONSHALL.COM OR BY CALLING 417-836-7678 Samuel Knox, MIB Executive Director See stor y on page 6

A DOCUMENTARY FILM

A behind-the-scenes look LinManuel Miranda's Broadway musical Hamilton coming to Great Performances as part of the 2016 PBS Arts Fall Festival.

A scene from the theatrical performance of Hamilton's America

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National Museum continued from page 1

power to align this nation with the high ideals of our founding.” Thousands are expected to gather on the National Mall on Saturday morning to watch Obama, the nation’s first black president, cut the ribbon to open the museum. People are flying in from around the country to be some of the first people inside, if they were lucky enough to get the much-coveted opening day tickets. Ground was broken for the new museum in 2012 on a fiveacre tract near the Washington Monument after a decades-long push for an African-American museum on the National Mall. Congressman John Lewis of Georgia, a longtime civil rights icon, worked with then-Sen. Sam Brownback of Kansas to usher legislation through Congress, and President George W. Bush signed into law the bill that allowed the museum to move forward. Construction was completed earlier this year on the 400,000-square-foot museum designed by British-Ghanaian architect David Adjaye. The

museum strikes a unique shape on the Mall with its three-tiered bronze exterior panels inspired by an African wooden column. The patterned bronze colored tiles are inspired by 19th century ironwork created by slaves in the South, and allow sunlight into the museum through patterned openings. Inside, museum officials say they have nearly 3,000 items occupying 85,000 square feet of exhibition space including exhibits like a Tuskegee Airmen training plane and the casket of Emmitt Till, a murdered African-American boy whose death helped rally the civil rights movement. “It’s been 100 years in the making. So many people have dreamed about this fought for this and wanted this to happen,” said U.S. Circuit Judge Robert L. Wilkins, who wrote the book “Long Road to Hard Truth” about the struggle to get the museum open. “It’s going to be a testament to their work and a testament to so many of our ancestors that this museum will open on the Mall.” Millions of donors, both known and unknown, helped fund the museum. But some of the biggest donors’ names adorn

the walls inside, including the Oprah Winfrey Theater; the Michael Jordan Hall: Game Changers; and the newest named addition, Robert F. Smith Explore

Your Family History Center. It is named after the CEO of investment firm Vista Equity Partners after a $20 million gift announced Monday.

Springfield Black History Moment Springfield, MO—With the start of the new school year I thought I would put in a picture of the first African American school in Springfield. This building was constructed in 1871 on the northwest corner of Washington Avenue and Center Street. It opened as one of two tax supported schools for children in Springfield. In 1873 Drury College opened nearby and within a few years the location of the African American school became a highly prized piece of real estate for Drury to add to their campus. They acquired a piece of land on the southeast corner of the same intersection and with the help of the Rosenwald Foundation built a new and larger school. Drury traded the public school system for the new building and it would remain the main school for the African American community until Lincoln was built in 1930. — John Sellars, Springfield History Museum

Photo Above: The Colored School built in 1871. Photo Below: Lincoln School built circa 1886 with the elemtary school on the first floor, high school on the second floor.

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

Provided by

History Museum On The Square

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

Library Events

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the Springfield Art Museum auditorium. Caitlin Doughty, author of “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes: And Other Lessons from the Crematory,” will be at the Library Center at 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15. She’s the star of the YouTube series “Ask a Mortician.” Other guest speakers include cartoonist Roz Chast, author of several books including “Can’t We Talk About Something More Pleasant?” She’ll be at the Art Museum at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 20. Other sessions include endof-life legal issues, talking with children about death and grief, and an advance directives workshop. For a full schedule, see a copy of Bookends magazine, or visit thelibrary.org/death. ••• The sale you’ve been waiting for is near! The Friends of the Library Fall Book Sale kicks off Oct. 26-30 in the E*Plex at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds, 3001 N. Grant Ave. This is the second sale in the “new” location, with lots of free parking, more space and easy checkout. Remember – cash or checks, only. The Friends Night Preview Sale is 5-8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 25. Friends members get in free; or pay $5 at the door to shop, and it buys a Friends membership that night. Formal sale is 10 a.m.- 8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 26, through Saturday, Oct. 29 (also Half-Price Day); and 1-5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 30, Bag Day.

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IN THIS ISSUE

Health & Mental Fitness Most Strokes Are Preventable: Be Informed; Knowledge Is Power! by SreyRam Kuy, MD Surgeon, Researcher and Author Most Strokes Are Preventable: Be Informed, Knowledge is Power! Awareness about risk factors and preventions of stroke should be yearlong. One messages doctors have for our patients is the importance of knowledge. The fact is 80% of strokes are preventable. It’s vital that patients learn the risks, know the signs and take an active role in prevention. Knowledge is power. Patients need to know that 80% of strokes are preventable. Risk Factors for Stroke: • Age matters: Stroke risk increases with age, but can

occur at any age • Family history matters: If your parent had an ischemic stroke before age 65, you have three times the risk of stroke • Race matters: African Americans have nearly twice the risk for a first time stroke than Caucasians • Blood pressure matters: High blood pressure is the biggest risk factor for stroke, with 3 out of 4 people who have a first stroke also having high blood pressure. However, 1 in 3 women with high blood pressure doesn’t know she has it. Know the signs of a stroke, FAST: F = Face drooping A = Arm weakness S = Speech Difficulty

T = Time to call 911 Five Things to Know About Stroke (American Heart Association & American Stroke Association) Preventing Stroke: Reduce Your Risk Factors! • High Blood Pressure: High blood pressure is the number one cause of stroke. Control your blood pressure through health eating habits such as the DASH diet (a flexible and balanced eating plan that encourages vegetables, fruits, whole grains and limits foods high in saturated fats and sugar sweetened beverages). Physical activity, quitting smoking, controlling diabetes, losing weight and medications as prescribed by your doctor are also important for reducing blood pressure. • High Cholesterol: High cholesterol can cause blockage of blood vessels in the brain, leading to a stroke. Your total cholesterol level should be under 200. Reduce your cholesterol level through Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes (TLC), which includes a healthy diet, physical activity, and weight manage-

ment. Quitting smoking and medications managed by your doctor can also help to lower your cholesterol. • Diabetes: Diabetics have four times the risk of stroke, compared with non-diabetics. Control your diabetes through weight loss, exercise, healthy diet, and medications. Take the Diabetes Risk Test, and talk with your primary care doctor. Even small steps such as choosing healthy alternatives and being active 30 minutes a day can make a difference. • Irregular Heartbeat: Atrial fibrillation, a type of irregular heartbeat, can cause the formation of blood clots that travel to the brain and result in a stroke. Work with your doctor to have it treated appropriately. You can reduce your risk of complications by getting regular physical activity, eating a heart-healthy diet low in saturated fats, trans fats and cholesterol, and managing your blood pressure. • Carotid Arter y Stenosis: Narrowing of the carotid arteries in your neck can lead to ischemic strokes. Patients often have no symptoms or may have transient mini-strokes. Treatment of carotid disease can include medical management and surgery. However, the key is prevention. Similar to other risk factors for stroke, you can reduce your risk of carotid disease by quitting smoking, being physically active, maintaining a healthy weight, and eating a heart healthy diet.

Community News

A Conversation On The Topic Of Death And Dying At The Library by Kathleen O’Dell, Springfield-Greene County Library District

We’re talking about something a little unexpected in a library during October and November – Death & Dying. The focus is a series of Kathleen O'Dell quality programs and conversations about endof-life matters. Taboo? For some. Important? Definitely. The series is funded with a generous grant from the Hospice Foundation of the Ozarks, with additional support from The Library Foundation. We’re also joined by a dozen other community partners that believe, as we do, that honest discussions like these can help alleviate our fears, make educated decisions and, ultimately, remind us to live life to the fullest. Nationally known speakers include Dr. Angelo Volandes, author of “The Conversation, a Revolutionary Plan for End-of-Life Care,” at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 13, at continued on page 11

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Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month by Gwen Marshall

Volume 26, Number 10 PUBLISHER Unite. of Southwest Missouri, Inc. MANAGING EDITOR Samuel G. Knox

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Business News

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Lifestyle & Entertainment News

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UNITE.

Minorities In Business Hires New Executive Director Movie Review “Ben-Hur” by Lyle Foster

Health & Mental Fitness

Most Strokes Are Preventable by SreyRam Kuy, MD

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Lyle Foster Bon Tindle Gwen Marshall Kathleen O'Dell Tyler Hatten PHOTOGRAPHY Tondaleigha Jones VOLUNTEERS Tyra Knox

GORMAN-SCHARPF FUNERAL HOME, INC

The Quality And Care That You Expect In 242 Years Of Combined Experience W. Bruce Howell Robert J. Lohmeyer Don R. Lohmeyer Heather K. Howell Angela N. Collins Harley R. Williams 886-9996 Clint W. Mease Russ Allen

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

City Employment Link The City of Springfield offers a variety of municipal career opportunities for individuals interested in public service. Job opportunities are updated each Friday and can be accessed through a number of mediums: Web: http://www.springfieldmo.gov/jobs; or TV: CityView on Mediacom Cable Digital Channel 80; or In Person: visiting our offices at 840 Boonville, Room 324, Springfield, MO 65802. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, status as a protected veteran, among other things, or status as a qualified individual with disability. Individuals with disabilities should request reasonable accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act prior to testing or appointment. Proof of United States Citizenship/Authorization to Work in The United States as established by the Immigration Reform Act of 1986 is a condition of employment. Pre-employment drug testing required.

The Unite. publication is a monthly newspaper published by Unite of Southwest Missouri, Inc. a 501(c)(3) non-profit community organization. Distribution of Unite. is by free circulation at various locations. However, request for home delivery by mail may be directed to Unite. P. O. Box 1745, Springfield, Missouri 65801 and accompanied by $25. for one year’s postage and handling. Those wishing to make a contribution or become a monthly sponsor should direct correspondence to the same address. Readers comments and questions are welcomed. The opinions expressed in these pages do not necessarily reflect the views of Unite. of Southwest Missouri, Inc. “The Unite Publication in accepting advertising in this publication, makes no independent investigation concerning the services of products advertised and neither endorses nor recommends the same and assumes no liability therefore.” For further information, you can contact us at (417) 864-7444. Email: unitepublication@yahoo. com

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CommunityNews

Ben-Hur

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month by Gwen Marshall and Mike Halterman

Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September Each year, Americans 18, respectively. ( About observe National Hispanic National Hispanic Heritage Heritage Month from Month. N.p., n.d. Web. September 15 to 06 Sept. 2016.) October 15 by celeReading provides an brating the histories, excellent way to celecultures and contribrate Hispanic Heritage butions of American Month and spend some citizens whose ancesquality time with your Gwen Marshall tors came from Spain, family. It is important Mexico, the Caribbean that books reflect the and Central and South America. diversity that exists in society The observation started today. A book that includes in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage people of different ethnicities Week under President Lyndon presents a more realistic picture Johnson and was expanded by of the world, helps children President Ronald Reagan in develop empathy towards oth1988 to cover a 30-day period ers and allows them to develop beginning on September 15 and meaningful relationships with ending on October 15. their peers. I would like to recSeptember 15th holds sigommend a few books for your nificance because it is the anniyoung reader. These books are versary of independence for available at your school or pubLatin American countries Costa lic library. Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, •My Diary from Here to There Honduras, and Nicaragua. Also, by Amada Iran Perez, Grades

K-5 •Dear Primo by Duncan Tonatiuh, Grades K-3 •Separate is Not Equal by Duncan Tonatiuh, Grades 1-5 •Cesar Chavez by Kathleen Krull, Grades 3-6 • In My Family/En Mi Familia by Carmen Lomas Garza, Grades 1-4 • Hairs/Pelitos by Sandra Cisneros, Grades K-1 As we continue our celebration, we would like to give a special thank you to Yolanda Lorge and Grupo Latinoamericano. Grupo Latinoamericano ia a nonprofit, nondenominational organization that has served Southwest Missouri since 1989. Its mission is to bring together Hispanic, Latin, and North American individuals and families for mutual support and friendship, to sponsor and promote cross-cultural social activities, and to serve as a resource to the community. We salute you and all you do to make Springfield, Missouri a more culturally informed community. Let’s celebrate! Diversity is the one true

thing we all have in common. Celebrate it every day. – Anonymous Dates to Remember: October 7, 2016 Youth Empowerment Summit Missouri State University, The NAACP, Springfield Chapter, and Springfield Public Schools are proud to host The Youth Empowerment Conference. The goal of the conference is to make a difference in the lives African-American High School students and give them information regarding higher education, financial aid, and career options. For more information contact: 417-873-6386, info@naacpspringfieldmo.org October 17, 2016 End Of Quarter Work Day (Students Out All Day) GED Classes are currently offered at Jarrett Middle School through a partnership between ALAS and SPS. Contact Yeni Vasquez for more information: gf.mo.alas@gmail.com

ACT Test Dates & Deadlines

VOTE DEMOCRATIC ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 8! JOIN US on the second Tuesday of each month

at the Library Center,4653 S.Campbell Ave.: 12:30 PM - Political Roundtable discussion group 2:00 PM - Informative programs on timely political topics with special guest speakers For more information,call 417-886-7199. This Ad was paid for by members of the Senior Democrats of the Qzarks

the talking heads will figure that AFRI- out. But what does it mean for us? The critics have blasted it and Well I tend to like the underdog that has basically sunk it which and I believe in miracles. There many people turn to. Sometimes is still the DVD market and the the critics have it right and second run movie houses to sometimes not but there dismal keep the film alive for awhile but review of this flick has tanked it. it sure missed the opening salvo And for some reason the original by a long shot. It is still out at versions of the film have got a the theatres and I prefer the big lot of folks mesmerized and they screen. After all that I have said point to it as the comparison. about the film I want to withhold The British actor Jack Huston my judgement but if you can it who plays the lead is considered is worth going to see. A lot of it an unknown is cited as another still works and I find the update reason. Well not to be a hater in some ways to be a welcome but if you gonna drop a $100 milone. lion you might find someone to There were some mistakes carry the banner. It is also said made I think in the timing and that the audience wasn’t clear marketing strategy but in the and that it was largely marketed true spirit of forgiveness and through Christian television and miracles there may still be a hope for word of mouth. There chance for this powerful story to may have been some missed be told once again!!! marketing here and I am sure continued from page 8

The Big Slice

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the try. And yes they do have the basics that we all love when it come to pizza from Classic cheese to sausage, pepperoni and ham and bacon. Did I mention that the 18 inch pizza and box are so big that it is actually difficult to get into your car. See for yourself!!! Fall is the perfect season for getting back on the pizza band wagon and we can walk on the many trails amidst the fall colors to trim back the calories that we put on. Now just in case you are wondering this a pizza place so you will not have a romantic dinner here but you will enjoy your pizza. The ambiance is nothing to be overly excited by and can be described as what you might expect. But let me say the pizza selection and quality is more than you will expect and that is

what matters. And oh yes I forgot you can get a slice! They do have gluten and dairy free pizza as well (sausage) which is a really important option for those with dietary restrictions. Please be sure to ask about Sicilian thick crust pizza…….I could tell you how they fix it but you may want to find out for yourself but its awesome. This place is a winner and you heard it here…..so still get the pizza but try a new spot and get a new flavor. You will be glad that you did! Four Forks!!!

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

Call: (417) 864-7444

African American Community Organizations Directory Mark A. Dixon Bartley-Decatur Neighborhood Center 918 E. Calhoun Springfield, MO 65802 417-987-9939 www.bartley-decatur.org

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

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

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

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

Cheryl Clay, President Springfield Branch N.A.A.C.P. P.O. Box 8983 Springfield, MO 65801 Meetings are every third Saturday of the month from 1:30-2:30 p.m. 417-873-6386

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

Nora England, President Springfield Reunion Club Organizes the Annual Park Day/ Reunion Weekend 1447 N. Hampton Springfield, MO 65802 417-869-0183 Meeting every first Monday

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

Willie Carter, Director Victory Circle Peer Support Inc 2101 W. Chestnut Expwy Springfield, MO 65802 417-894-0188 Support group for men in recovery

Samuel G. Knox Unite of SWMO, Inc. Publishes the Unite Publication; presenters of the Annual Springfield Unite Festival 2101 W. Chestnut Expwy. Springfield, MO 65802 Phone: 417-864-7444 unitepublication@yahoo.com www.unitenewsonline.org Dorothy L. McClendon, Esq. (President) Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Cultured Pearls of Springfield P.O. Box 8361 Springfield, Missouri 65801 (816) 721-8946

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

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Exterior renovations continue at Timmons Temple

Arts&Entertainment News Movie Review: “Ben-Hur”

the biggest names in Christian films thought otherwise and decided Ben-Hur was due to Well there maybe a moral to come off of the shelf. I feel bad this story…..and that might be in a way because Roma Downey the lesson in all of this. Ben(Touched by an Angel) is one Hur is probably known by most of the most sincere voices in readers and has always been the film industry and has had one of those Biblical era movies a number of successes so far. that was the standard But the critics have bearer for a run away slammed the new Benscreen success. It Hur so badly that is won 11 oscars and the now considered the name Charleton Heston failure of the year in became a household terms of movies. The word. It only stands to film cost over $100 reason in some respect million to make and Lyle Foster that filmmakers and the brought in a paltry idea people would think $11 milliion in its first that it was time for another redo weekend which is not going to of this film classic. And that put it on target to even cover may be the first problem. There the cost of the film itself. And maybe some films that we may that is not good at all! With the need to accept that they have most recent weekend results it been done and made more than is now up to $20 million. anyone could ever imagine and How does this happen you that is enough. Well the good might ask? Well the truth is folks in Hollywood and some of the film industry is concerned By Lyle Foster Unite Contributing Writer

new sneakers. about one thing and you know I may have been distracted but what that is…..the thing that is I honestly don’t recall seeing green. With the recent success too many ads for it but all of of many faith based movies the a sudden there it was an ad prevailing thought was to get for Ben-Hur going across the out as many of them as possible screen. One criticism has been and the evangelicals would line the lead actor is up to come to the from the United box office and Kingdom and not pay to see them. known to many Chariots, slaves US audiences. and forgiveness This is going to was seen as a sound a bit ingesure fire recipe nious but with for success. all of the political Well, hold on ads on our telemaybe not. I am visions many are not in a position tuned to NetFlix to analyze what and nothing else went wrong. to escape them Like some of all. But Suicide you I think of Squad and the Ben-Hur with the Paramount Pictures 2016 Dory sequel and Easter Season the movie about a hot dog have and maybe not when the kids all found themselves sizable are going back to school and audiences so what happened? parents are down to their last continued on page 9 dime with trying to buy those

Restaurant Review: “The Big Slice” By Lyle Foster Unite Contributing Writer

Frequently, some of us have made the statement …”Go Big or Go Home!” Well, the temps have changed and its time to go for the comfort food..and the place I want to tell you about is all about this theme. Now before I say anything else I want to acknowledge that the farm to table movement is kicking in Springfield and there are some crazy cool dinners that have been taking place this summer and there are still some taking place this fall. It doesn’t get

much better than that….straight from the garden/farm to out mouths! What is going on? We are going back to our roots! And it’s so good! A buddy of mine told me about this eatery on Sunshine just east of Fremont. For many that love some good pizza it is pizza heaven. And if you are a pizza aficionado you know that the pizza choices are ever expanding. Those of you that know my background realize that when you come from Chicago it is a challenge to find a pizza that you really enjoy after having the finest pizza on

the planet. But occasionally I break down and actually mean that I enjoy another form of pizza. The pizza scene is on fire in the Queen city and there seem to be no places opening up all of the time…..some are the real thing and some are …..well…..we will be nice. But we are going to tell you about the ones that you will want to go and get your pizza fix. Before we go into the particulars of The Big Slice let me mention that if you like some of those cool extras that restaurants sometimes have I will let you in on a secret. They have

cinnamon (with icing) and garlic knots which are essentially bread bites dipped and rolled in the aforementioned flavors. Go Big or Go Home! Some good snacking there. But let’s get into the pizza options that are rocking Springfield……they have some really cool options….for example, the Burt Reynolds, creamy spinach, chicken bacon ranch, mongo and yea the Supreme Ruler. I don’t have the column space to explain all of the toppings on each of those pizzas but they are solid and worth continued on page 9

Springfield, MO—New front steps, a ramp and a sidewalk are being installed this week at historic Timmons Temple, the first major exterior renovation since the 83-year-old building received a new roof last fall. Fair Grove-based Hall Concrete began digging footings outside Timmons Temple Wednesday, Sept. 21, in Silver Springs Park, 1100 N. Hampton Ave. (Building address is 1055 W. Webster St.) Work continues Thursday, Sept. 22, with a concrete pour scheduled at about noon. The exterior work follows extensive interior improvements made earlier this year at Timmons Temple, including electric work, plumbing, framing and installation of new restrooms. Much of that work was donated through the Building and Construction Trade Council of Springfield and Vicinity, which coordinated work through its apprenticeship program. The Council also provided connection to water, sanitary sewer and electric service in December. Great Southern Bank provided funds to replace the roof. Timmons Temple Church of God in Christ served Springfield’s African-American

community for more than 80 years before it was sold and slated for demolition in 2014. Nonprofit group Save Timmons Temple raised private donations to preserve the church and move it about 600 feet into Silver Springs Park in spring 2015. The church was preserved because of its historic significance as well as its unique stone exterior, including ornate rock sunburst patterns also found in retaining walls in Silver Springs Park. The Timmons Temple renovation is financed entirely by donations and in-kind labor to Save Timmons Temple, with the fund managed by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks. When renovations are complete, the building will serve as an event center managed by the Springfield-Greene County Park Board. Fundraising efforts continue for the building’s infill and renovation, including doors, windows, tuck-pointing and more. Nearly $70,000 more is needed to complete the $250,000 project. To make a donation, visit SaveTimmonsTemple.org. For media inquiries, contact Paula Ringer, co-chair of Save Timmons Temple, at 417-8181339; or contact

Community Conversations

Timmons Temple Building located in Silver Springs Park

Jenny Fillmer Edwards, Public Information Administrator for the Springfield-Greene County

Park Board, at 417-874-2943 (office) or 417-224-5510 (mobile) or email Jenny Edwards.

For over 150 years, Commerce Bank has been committed to being an employer of choice and the bank of choice in our communities. At Commerce Bank, we believe diversity encompasses the entire human experience and we are dedicated to creating an environment that values our colleagues’ diverse talents and perspectives. Learn more about Commerce Bank’s Culture of Inclusion at: commercebank.com/about/careers

417.869.5411 | commercebank.com

Springfield, MO—The issues that have taken center stage on the national arena have many people wondering if things have gotten better or worse and is there anything we can do? A series of Community Conversations will take place at Big Momma’s Coffee and Espresso Bar, 217 E. Commercial Street on Thursday evenings through October 27. The sessions will begin at 7:00 p.m. and continue until 8:15 p.m. Each week a specific topic will be the evening focus but the overall theme will be Race in our nation and in our community. Some of the specific topics will be Racism, Colorblind, What is Diversity and Better or Worse. The public is welcome but due to the content of the discussions the sessions are advised for ages 12 and over. For further information you are welcome to contact 865-9911. J19427 OUT Human Resources HR Unite 10-16 Ad.indd 1

9/6/2016 2:01:29 PM

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The BusinessSection Minorities In Business Hires New Executive Director Springfield, MO— The Minorities in Business (MIB) Board of Directors are pleased to announce that Samuel Knox has been named Executive Director of MIB. Knox, who is the managing editor for the Unite News Publication and event planner for the annual Springfield Multicultural Festival, has served as the MIB treasurer since its founding. Minorities in Business’ mission is to promote economic development and business opportunities through advocacy, networking, and capacity-building for minority businesses and entrepreneurs. By hiring Knox, MIB hopes to raise the awareness of the organization; increase the number of minority business

Minorities In Business Monthly Networking Event/ Reception for New Director Join MIB for networking & announcements about local business opportunities 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, October 4 at Q Enoteca, 308 W Commercial St For more Information call: 417-837-2631

Samuel Knox in front of the Plaster Free Enterprise Center where the MIB office is located

owners that are certified, and cultivate and grow the number of local public and private business relationships to assist minority firms in

obtaining large scale procurement, contracts and financing awards. “Our strategy is to form continued on page 7

Billionaire who made a $20 Million Donation to the African American Smithsonian Museum So who is he? Robert F. Smith is the 53Back in 2013, when year old founder of the founders of the Vista Equity Partners, Smithsonian’s Nationa leading private eqal Museum of African uity firm focused on American History and investing in software Culture were seeking and technology-endonors, they were abled businesses. encouraged to reach With office locations Robert F. Smith out to a man named in Austin, Chicago, Robert F. Smith. And that Oakland and San Francisco, turned out to be a great idea his company manages equity because he later gave a $20 capital commitments of over million donation to the proj$14 billion and oversees a ect, making him the museportfolio of over 30 software um’s second-biggest private companies that employ a donor. Oprah Winfrey was combined approximately the biggest private donor with 30,000 employees worldwide. her $21 million donation. His company has been so sucBy BlackNews.com

cessful that he has secretly built a fortune worth around $2.5 billion dollars. According to Forbes, Robert is one of the country's wealthiest men. So why haven't we heard of him before? Until now, Robert has always kept his work and philanthropy relatively quiet. Even until now, his profile is on the company's web site, but there is no picture of him. He says that he wanted his investors and executives to know him first by his abilities. He feared that if they saw the color of his skin, he might lose out on opportunities. continued on page 7

MIB Director

continued from page 6 alliances with our local business stakeholders to explore comprehensive strategies to do more business with the broadest spectrum of diverse business owners in our area. I believe minority business owners are more than their economic impact. Their presence in our community has a multiplier affect by creating jobs that stabilizes families, they provide leadership and a road map to success in the communities where they operate,” said Knox. Minorities In Business History: MIB was organized in 2009 to promote economic

Billionaire

continued from page 6

How did he get started? In high school, Robert became interested in computers and went to complete an internship at Bell Labs (now AT&T). During the summers and Christmas breaks, he spent his free time trying to figure out and better understand how computers worked. He told The Washington Post, “I got hooked on technology. The excitement of figuring a complex problem out creates a eureka moment. It’s one of the best moments in life.” After high school, he went on to study chemical engineering at Cornell University and earned his MBA from Columbia University. After graduate school, he was pursued a career in investment banking at Goldman Sachs where he was an advisor on billion-dol-

development and business opportunities for minority businesses and entrepreneurs in the Springfield metro area. MIB has presented the annual MIB Heritage Awards event, workshops, guest speakers, and meets regularly with local public entities and business organizations to promote its mission of increasing business opportunities and promoting entrepreneurship for historically excluded groups. MIB Monthly Networking events are open to anyone who is interested in cultivating relationships with local minority business owners, connecting with educational resources or seeking business opportunities in the City of Springfield, Missouri.

lar mergers and acquisitions for technology companies such as Microsoft, Apple and Texas Instruments. In the year 2000, Robert left his job to start his own company, Vista Equity Partners, and focused on buying and selling small software companies. By the time he was 35 year old, he became a millionaire. And within about 15 more years, he became a billionaire. What he learned about giving back Robert says that he grew up as the son of two high school principals in a predominately black neighborhood in Denver, Colorado. As a child, he recalls his parents teaching him and his older brother the importance of philanthropy. He remembers watching his mother send off a $25 check to the United Negro College Fund each month. continued in next column

For more details about Robert F. Smith's company, visit www.vistaequitypartners.

com or visit his personal web site at www.robertfsmith.org

Community Marketing Opportunity for local businesses at the Celebrate Life & Unity in Our Community Event Springfield, MO—“Celebrate Life & Unity in Our Community” is an exciting event that will take place on Saturday, October 29th. You do not want to miss this very important, fun day. Come and reconnect with friends and family, as well as, welcome new residents in the African American Community. It will be a day of Faith, Fellowship, Food, Fun, History and Hope! We will remember the past, celebrate the present, and plan for the future. We are inviting everyone to be involved. 1. If you are a business owner make a donation for a door prize or to help with food or supplies. 2. If you are a Church or you to showcase your organization, past & predisplay table with memorabilia, information, and upcoming events. 3. If you are an Artist and

would be interested in displaying some of your art, we welcome you. 4. If you are a Musician, showcase your talent. So if you are in any of the four categories listed this wonderful event, or would like to volunteer to help Patricia Burton @417894-2795 or Mark Dixon @ 417 All are welcome to attend this so save the date, Saturday, Northview Center (at Doling Park, fun-filled owner, we are inviting you to become a sponsor or Civic group, Club or Organization, we welcome present, by setting up a, Singer, Actor or Poet, we welcome you tour and would like to be a part of help, please contact 417-987-9939. FREE day of Food, Fun, Music, and Fellowship October 29, 2016 from 11:00 am until 3:00 301 E. Talmage).

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.