September Unite Page 12
Coopwood
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and fair grading. Our Shattering the Silences presentations will continue with more emphasis on social justice and empowerment of underrepresented, disabled and people identifying with various orientations. Making things more personal, we will also launch Coffee with the VP. This move will bring difficult dialogues up front and personal for those who want to learn more about race relations, cultural competences, national issues, or whatever else is on their minds. These intimate conversations will be set in the comfort of the DDI suite with refreshments and gifts for participation! Coffee with Dr. Coop is sure to touch lives and build coalitions for diversity throughout the campus and community.
Greater Springfield Race and Faith Collaborative – Next Level Campaign Last but not least, the DDI will partner with the Greater Springfield Race and Faith Collaborative to start up a robust series of educational and revealing information about specific populations in the greater Springfield community. Our effort is expected to create partnerships between the university, non- profit agencies, government, corporate and faith based organizations. Look for opportunities to engage in the future of our community and expect to learn critical facts about social justice and efforts to ensure equity for all citizens. As stated in my last article…. Let’s HUSTLE into a bold and exciting year for diversity and inclusion. And, as always, let’s integrate, collaborate and elevate… together! — Dr. Coop
Emancipating the Past: Kara Walker's Tales of Slavery and Power opens at the Springfield Art Museum this September Springfield, MO—The Springfield Art Museum presents Emancipating the Past: Kara Walker's Tales of Slavery and Power on view from September 12, 2015 to January 3, 2016. The exhibition brings together 60 works from the collection of Jordan D Schnitzer and his family foundation in a variety of mediums, from large-scale printmaking to metal sculpture, shadow puppertry, and film. The exhibition opens with a free public reception on Friday, September 11, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. This exhibition is intended for an adult audience.
On Two Fronts: Latinos and Vietnam on PBS 9 p.m. Tuesday, September 22
Examine the Latino experience during a war that placed its heaviest burden on working-class youth and their communities. Framing the documentary are memoirs of two siblings, Everett and Delia Alvarez, who stood on opposite sides of the Vietnam War, one as a POW and the other protesting at home.
OCTOBER 16 8:00 PM Tickets available at the JQH Arena Box Office or charge by phone at 417-836-7678 online at MissouriStateTix.com
September 2015 Volume 25/ Number 9 • A Monthly Publication by Unite of Southwest Missouri, Inc •
www.unitenewsonline.org
UNITE.
Natural or Relaxed: A local conversation about the Natural Hair Movement See Page 10
Building Empowering Connections In Our Diverse Community
Clark is the new family physician at Mercy Clinic
Weekend Of Festivals
by Beaunea McNeil Unite Contributing Writer Springfield, MO— When children are very young, most have Dr. Justin Clark dreams for their future. Whether it is to become a football player or to work in their communities as a police officer, the decision has to be made to begin the process of making that dream come true. Thirty year-old Justin Clark is no stranger to that very decision that would change his life forever. Recently graduating from the University of Florida School of Medicine, Clark has become the newest family physician at Mercy Clinic Family Medicine. Clark, not a local student or resident of Missouri, moved to Springfield only a month ago. “The people here are really nice,” Clark said. “Everybody is very cordial and excited about having us here. We are still getting Continued on page 4
Japanese Fall Festival September 11-13
The 20th Annual Japanese Fall Festival takes place in the Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden at Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park, 2400 S. Scenic Ave., Springfield. This year’s festival includes a delegation of artists and performers from Springfield’s sister city of Isesaki, Japan, a Lion Dancer and Japanese Continued on page 2
Ozarks Celebration Festival September 11-13
The Ozarks Celebration Festival held on the MSU campus is a free entertaining and educational look at the region's culture and heritage. This year's festival will feature dozens of traditional artists and craftspeople with three entertainment stages featuring music (which will include traditional, bluegrass, and gospel music), Continued on page 2
Greek Festival September 11-13
The Greek Festival will be held at St. Thomas the Apostle Orthodox Church, 4200 S. Holiday Ave. Festival goers are invited to join in the native dances of Greece and enjoy the mesmerizing rhythms of traditional music from the mainland and the islands. “It’s our way of inviting the community to share our enjoyContinued on page 2
2015 Greater Ozarks Blues Festival Springfield, MO—The Blues Society of the Ozarks (BSO) and the American Legion Vietnam War Memorial Post 639 present the Greater Ozarks Blues Festival Friday, September 11 and Saturday, September 12, 2015. The nine-band (including Continued on page 5
DIva's On Fire, Saturday Headliner at the 2015 Blues Festival