Unite Jan 2015

January Unite Page 12

January 2015 Volume 25/ Number 1 • A Monthly Publication by Unite of Southwest Missouri, Inc •

www.unitenewsonline.org

UNITE.

SGF Multicultural Festival, Monday, January 19th 12 Noon - 4 p.m.

See Back Cover

Building Empowering Connections In Our Diverse Community

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Minorities-InBusiness Calls For 2015 Heritage Awards Nominees Springfield, MO—Minorities-In-Business, a nonprofit organization that promotes economic development and business opportunities, has opened nominations for the 2015 MIB Heritage Awards, which recognizes outstanding individuals and organizations

“The Creative World of Synthia Saint James” Springfield, MO—Drury Pool Art Center Gallery presents The Creative World of Synthia Saint James, featuring the work of the renowned artist, author, speaker and educator.

She is most celebrated for designing the first Kwanzaa Stamp for the United States Postal Service in 1997, for which she received a History Maker Award, and for the international cover art for the Terry McMillan's book Waiting to Exhale.

The exhibit will be shown from December 5 to January 30.

For more information contact Greg Booker, Gallery Director Office: (417) 873-7203

Photo Provided by Hamilton.com

Photo Provided by SRAC

SRAC awards Arts and Culture Grants to 11 area nonprofits

For March: Meet at Medicacom Ice Park 9:30 a.m.

For Celebration Event: Meet at Gillioz Theater

Pratt Runs For Seat On Springfield’s Board of Education

Springfield, MO—The Springfield NAACP will hold their annual Martin Luther King Jr. March, January 19, 2015.

The march will begin at Mediacom Ice Park; 635 E. Trafficway Street, Springfield, Mo. at 9:30 a.m. The March route

Photo Provided by Drury

Continued on page 10

Annual Springfield MLK, Jr March & Celebration Event

Francine Pratt

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1929 - 1968

will end at the Gillioz Theater, 325 Park Central Square. This year’s program at the Gillioz will feature a performance by Big Mommas Back Porch Theatre Troupe as well as Missouri State University “Untamed Tongues” a student poetry group. The Springfield Public School NAACP Essay Contest Winners will be announced.

This year’s theme is “A Century of Black Life and Culture” Please come out and join us as we celebrate Martin Luther King Jr’s. Birthday and the legacy he created as we continue to promote Unity in our Community and our Nation.

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Pratt Runs For Seat On Springfield’s Board of Education

by Bon Tilman Unite Contributing Writer

intendent stepping in, this is rector, Pratt knows how exciting "I want to help those decision also an exciting time with many it is to step in and contribute makers and add value to what they’re doing, so we can continopportunities for discussion to a plan for success. It’s going ue to move that needle for our Francine Pratt is a and change. Dr. John to take a great team to execute children," she says when asked woman of many talents Jungmann has been the plan. She wants to be part about her goals. By empowand accomplishments. hired as superintenof that team, and is eager to put ering parents and supporting Currently working at dent, and the board of her name on the ballot. teachers, a diverse board would Missouri State Univereducation will have an Pratt also knows a thing or help continue the successes of sity as the executive important role in evaltwo about the parenting side of the Springfield public school director for the Multiculuating policy changes things. She is a mother of three, system and further improve tural Resource Center and working with and her children attended public whenever possible. In the Francine Pratt and Programs, she has parents and teachers school while she worked. As a end, it’s all about serving the decided to continue her contrito bring about the best results single mother, she understands students and creating the best bution to education and run for for Springfield’s children. how parents can work hard and possible results for them. a seat on Springfield’s Board of “Any time you have a new still struggle. She has met many “They key is finding out Education. superintendent, you have somefamilies where parents are work- what’s the passion of that child, Pratt has worked with chilone who is looking at the overall ing multiple jobs just to scrape that student, and helping them dren for a long time, and is very infrastructure with a new set of by. These are the voices she succeed. That’s what I want to involved with the well-being eyes.” As a former project diplans to make sure are heard. do.” of local youth. She previously worked as the executive director for Isabel’s House, a local crisis family center that helps parents support and contribution of our volunteers Dear Unite Readers, find a secure place for their and donors. children. Through this work, As we start a new year, my hope is that We are in the process of renovating she has firsthand knowledge of each of us can take a moment to imagine and relaunching the Online Unite Publicathe challenges that face families ourselves living our dream in 2015. We tion later this year. This transformation will in Springfield. are blessed to live in the greatest country allow us to serve our readers and adverBefore she moved her in on the planet. However, far too tisers better with more local news cover2007, she worked for the State of many are living life beneath age with weekly updates. These changes California’s Department of Child their potential. Our communiwill require more resources to purchase Support Services. She has exty is resource rich, and those graphic design, web development, writing, tensive experience with conflict resources are available to video, and photography services. Our goal resolution and corporate orgaanyone who is willing to take is to raise $25,000 over the next 30 days. nization. She has spent many the inspired action steps toward This amount is very doable with your help. years working to help families their dreams.

We are asking our Unite readers to improve their lives.

The Unite mission is: buildconsider making a tax deductible donaSamuel Knox She is currently on the Uniting empowering connections tion of the amount of your choice. Please ed Way Board and Council of in our community. We demonstrate this make your donations to, Unite, and mail it mission through the Unite Publication — Churches, and has previously to: P.O. Box 1745, Springfield, MO 65801 highlighting resources, people and organiserved on the Chamber of If you would like to make your donation by zations who are adding value and making credit card, please call our office at (417) Commerce board. Through her positive contributions to the Springfield 864-7444. community outreach and comand Southwest Missouri area.

Please don’t hesitate to contact us if mitment to education, she has Unite Publication is published by Unite you have any questions about this fund also worked with both Drury of Southwest Missouri, Inc, a 501(c)(3) raising campaign or any of the other proand Missouri State University. nonprofit organization.

Our funding is grams we offer. Thank you in advance for Pratt’s qualifications are generated from grants, advertising sales your support! many, but it is her passion to in our publication, the Annual Springfield give back to the community that Multicultural Festival and the generous — Samuel G. Knox, Managing Editor drives her. With a new super-

A Letter From The Editor

Library

continued from page 3

take the driving practice tests based on real Missouri DMV written exams. The service is a partnership with Driving-Tests. org, and was offered as a free service to the library.

The site includes: 10 car practice tests Six motorcycle practice tests One CDL (Commercial Driver's License) practice test Three online handbooks (car, motorcycle, CDL) FAQ section for DMV-related questions The new site includes tools that allow users to hear selections read aloud, make them into MP3s, translate pages into other languages and magnify tests.

See what’s available at sgcl. driving-test.org. You can also find the link at thelibrary.org/ education.

••• Do you know that singing and reading to children beginning at birth gets them ready to learn to read? Every time you sing a nursery rhyme, talk about the pictures in a board book or tell a goodnight story to your infant or toddler, it enhances brain development.

Let’s get them ready to read!

Join the Library’s new early literacy program, First 100 Stories

& Songs, which provides tips for reading and singing to your baby or toddler.

It’s easy to get started. Visit any Library branch to pick up your First 100 Stories & Songs Track One sheet. You’ll find helpful early literacy tips at each level, and soon you will have completed your first 25 songs and stories! Each time you complete another 25 stories and songs, you can track your progress on a “race track” poster displayed at the Library.

When you have finished the program, you’ll receive a beautiful First 100 Stories & Songs certificate, perfect for placing in your baby book.

The program begins in January, so you can get started now!

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

Good News, Great Music & Warm People 2101 W. Chestnut Expwy.

Springfield, MO 65802 (417) 865-4338

Service Times: Sunday 10:30 a.m. & Wednesday 6:30 p.m.

Fades Barber Shop Specializing in Fades and other popular styles.

812 S. Glenstone Ave Call to schedule an appointment or come by.

Walk-ins are welcome.

(417)832-8242

If you want to experience something new —the before and after look of true beauty, come to:

Trena’s Exquisite Hair Salon

Affordable Housing Opportunities There are currently housing vacancies in the City of Springfield’s program for rental or home ownership. These programs include requirements for fair marketing and non-discrimination.

You must be income eligible to qualify.

For rental, call Marti Fewell, 417-864-1039 For home ownership, call LeeAnn Camey, 417-888-2020

Monday - Saturday 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.

1553 N. National Ave.

Call: (417) 849-6611

Subscribe To The Unite Publication Only $25. per year

Call: (417) 864-7444 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!!

RSVP by emailing kayla@oke-thomas.com 405 N. Jefferson Ave. For more information call: (417) 863-6262

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MIB Heritage Awards continued from page 1

for their achievements and contributions to our community.

“It is our great pleasure each year to recognize the valuable leaders that are working to promote and advocate for diversity in our business community,” said John Oke-Thomas, President of Minorities in Business.

“We encourage everyone to consider how fortunate we are to have good leadership and to take a few minutes to nominate worthy individuals and organizations so that they may be publicly acknowledged.”

Nominations for awards in the following categories will be accepted through January 16, 2015.

The Small Business Award, honoring an individual or business for proven success and leadership through community volunteerism and demonstrated customer satisfaction and engagement.

The 2014 Small Business Award went to Rib Shack (Jennifer & Arthur Turner) for outstanding customer service and community engagement.

Nominees for the Small Business of the Year Award will be evaluated on these criteria: • Business must be a viable for-profit small business with proven success in the chosen field.

• Nominee must have been in business for at least three years.

• Nominee must maintain a responsible and rewarding workplace environment.

• Demonstrated leadership through community volunteerism and contributions or in-kind services.

• Demonstrated customer satisfaction and engagement.

The Achievement Award,

honoring an individual for his or her leadership and commitment to making our community a better place to live and work.

The 2014 Achievement Award went to Bishop David Knox, Jr. in honor of his outstanding commitment to improving the Springfield community.

Nominees for this Achievement Award will be evaluated on these criteria: • Nominee serves as an inspiration to others through his or her persistent excellence in professional or business activities.

• Nominee has been recognized locally, regionally or statewide within the last 12 months for business success or community development activities.

• Demonstrated leadership and

commitment to making our community a better place to live work and raise children.

• Fundraising involvement for local causes or projects.

• Assistance to a local community project or organization that had a positive impact on individuals.

The Community Service Award given in recognition of outstanding public service and/or significant charitable or philanthropic contributions that benefit the community.

The 2014 Community Service Award went to Calvin Allen, Springfield Community Center.

Nominees for this Community Service Award will be evaluated on these criteria: • Volunteer work or Board of Director service on behalf of

local nonprofit and community improvement organizations.

• Work to reduce the barriers between the business sector, the volunteer sector and community-based organizations.

• Demonstrated long-term concern for and involvement in enhancing the quality of life for children and their families in the greater Springfield area.

• Evidence of leacdership and commitment to making our community a better place to live, work and raise families.

Letters of nomination should be submitted by January 16, 2015 to MIB President John Oke-Thomas by email to kayla@ oke-thomas.com or by mail to Minorities in Business, P.O. Box 1368, Springfield, MO., 65801.

NAACP Reads Campaign Promotes Early Literacy

by Lola Butcher Unite Guest Writer The Springfield branch of the NAACP is partnering with four local organizations to launch the NAACP Reads campaign to promote early childhood literacy.

Partners include Unite Publication, Springfield Public Schools’ Parents as Teachers, Springfield-Greene County Library District and Every Child Promise.

“We are thrilled that these great organizations share our commitment to our children,” said Cheryl Clay, president of the NAACP Springfield branch.

“Together we can make a difference.”

The goal of NAACP Reads is to make sure that every child is

ready to learn when he or she starts kindergarten.

A 2010 study by the Mayor’s Commission for Children showed one out of every five children in Springfield is not prepared for kindergarten. Being ready to learn means having the skills needed to follow a teacher’s instructions and thrive in a classroom setting.

Fortunately, there are many ways that parents can make sure that their children are well-prepared for kindergarten.

These include: • Participating in Parents as Teachers, a free program that serves families with children prenatal to kindergarten.

Through this program, children receive development screenings and parent-educators can answer parents’ questions,

Reads

share fun ideas for playtime and identify community resources for families with young children.

For more information, call Carla Godfrey at 417-523-1160.

• Reading and singing to their children—and rhyming and counting and playing with them.

The library’s Racing to Read program has tons of fun ideas, and each library branch offers free storytimes, play-and-learn centers, creative, knowledgeable staff and, of course, books. For more information, email racingtoread@thelibrary.org.

• Enrolling children in a high-quality preschool. Dana Carroll, Springfield's Child Advocate for the Every Child Promise, can help parents identify good preschool and child care options, including the neighborhood hub at Washington Avenue Baptist Church. She can be reached at 417-888-2020.

IN THIS ISSUE Community News

The Library Is Source To Prepare For Your Driver’s Exam

by Kathleen O’Dell , Springfield-Greene County Library District Look no further than the Springfield-Greene County Libraries’ website to prepare for your driver’s license exam, whether you’re a teenager, a new resiKathleen O'Dell dent or an older adult taking a renewal test.

The site sgcl.driving-tests. org provides free Division of Motor Vehicles practice tests.

It’s designed to help new drivers study the state manual and continued on page 11

4 6

A Forward Review; Remeber Forget

by Dr Ken Coopwood

The Business Section

Meet Mia Love... Congresswoman

by Justin Moyer

Lifestyle & Entertainment News

8 10

Movie Review —“Top Five -Bottom Ten”

by Lyle Foster

NAACP Reads Campaign Promotes Early Literacy

by Lola Butcher

Open positions in our Springfield, MO Center. Join an organization recognized as one of the World’s Most Admired Companies by Fortune Magazine.

Now Available: • Customer Service Advisors • Collections • Team Manager & Team Leader Apply today. Visit us online at careers.jpmorganchase.com.

Keyword: SpringfieldMO

Volume 25, Number 1 Publisher Unite. of Southwest Missouri, Inc. Managing Editor Samuel G. Knox Contributing Writers Dr Ken Coopwood Lyle Foster Bon TIndle Gwen Marshall Kathleen O'Dell Vera Jane Goodin Schultz Photography David N. Knox John Schultz Volunteer 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 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 Chase Card Services More than a Job…a Career.

UNITE.

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

January Unite Page 9

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CommunitySection all people on campus and in the community. However, over the course of three years, we still Welcome to the New Year! find that real change rests in the It’s early January and many infrastructure of the larger orpeople will resolve to ganization, not on the start something anew. shoulders of any one My caution this year director or person. To comes from an array go forward, we must of articles and events see further by reviewfrom last year that, ing what people are when put together, still saying, what they make a platform upon write about and how Ken Coopwood which we can stand and they continue to be see further into our respective treated. I could fill this entire arfutures. ticle space with citings of socialI believe that the Division for ly-critical articles and warnings Diversity and Inclusion (DDI) about demographic change; let as well as any other service-orialone news of outrageous scanented entity, should resolve to dals, political breakthroughs forward review. Knowing this and outcries from Ferguson. Remay sound like an oxymoron, let gardless of the good or bad from me explain. A great lesson I’ve any situation, we are still in a learned in my career is that all dire need for real change… and progress involves change, but we need to identify what to take not all change is progress. This with us for this achievement and universal truth should caution what to leave behind. us all to look forward to the For the DDI, we will go forchange in our lives and activiward with a university-focused ties, and to do so by reviewing to approach to diversity adminisidentify things that don’t either tration and transformation. This don’t matter or simply masquermeans that more people from all ade as progress towards the walks of the university and comchange we really need. A formunity will have increased opward review is in effect a form portunity to share in the change of measurement on a year, a reprocess and declare what actulationship, a dream or an activity ally is progress. Big ticket items that separates the ripe from the in 2015 such as the campus and spoiled and the genuine from community climate study, the the fake.

Statewide Collaborative DiversiNow that you know what I’m ty Conference, hiring, retaining talking about. Here’s some inter- and training new faculty, and esting thoughts that might help exposing the community to the you to forward review. world into which our students The DDI has been unit-fograduate, will get the lion’s cused in its development since share of resources and experinception. We’ve built functional tise. All these things, and so individual units for service to much more, will only get better

when university infrastructure is aligned with these as a priority.

So it is with you as well. Here are some examples of why we all will need to forward review.

If you remember, a past article I wrote referenced a “Nation of Mutts.” From that article we learned that each year the community becomes more diverse with people intermarrying and intermingling. This real change is unavoidable, but are we making progress in preparing for a new Springfield? And for yourself, what real change do you need to achieve that will make you an advocate for people who don’t look like you? A late article in 2014, “To My White Male Facebook Friends,” was superb

in its call for white men to “take someone else’s reporting of their own, lived experience as accurate.” As mentioned above, I could fill the whole article with this type of stuff, but ranting is not a component of forward review… knowing what change is progress, is.

As always, as DDI grows into a more progressive division, we hope you will join us in our journey to make every opportunity for progress an opportunity for change in social conditions and values.

Visit our website at http://diversity.missouristate.edu/ . See what is going on… join in. Let’s go forward.

Let's Integrate, Collaborate and Elevate...Together!

Hall of Fame Inducts Lester Baker

By Dave Berry, Bolivar, MO News

A Liberator quarterback and a Bearcat running back from the same era were among the inaugural class of Elite 11 at the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame’s NFL Kick-Off Sports Enthusiasts Luncheon Thursday, December 4, 2014.

Shane Davolt, successful in the insurance industry in the Kansas City area, was recognized for his football accomplishments at Bolivar and William Jewell College. He also played professional ball in Europe.

At Bolivar, he was all-everything in 1988 (conference, area, state). Many of his records as a quarterback at William Jew-

Breakfast Foods

word and the bed scene with Cedric the Entertainer and some ladies who are shown in a fairly demeaning way would have been better left out and it goes too long.

You probably are wondering who else is in the movie as I mentioned a long list of buddies…..well…a few of them are Chris Rock, Rosario Dawson, J. B. Smoove, Gabrielle Union, Romany Malco, Hayley Norman, Anders Holm, Kevin Hart, Danny Bolero, Luis Guzman, Charlie Rose, Bruce Bruce, Gabourey Sidibe, Taraji P. Henson, DMX, Adam Sandler, Whoopi Goldberg, Sway, Jerry Seinfeld, Dean Edwards and a lot more.

I am not a fan but others like it so maybe if you laugh enough you will not notice what you are laughing about.

There is also one small controversy simmering concerning how the white male actor who is a boyfriend is portrayed. Oh well!

Let’s all see if we can check out Selma when it comes out in January and don’t forget the made for TV Lifetime movie on the life of Whitney Houston which is the first directorial debut of Angela Bassett airing on January 17. The movie titled Whitney stars Yaya DaCosta who was in the Butler and it covers the glamourous and the not so glamorous sides of the amazing star. The movie has some controversy as Whitney’s mom feels very strongly the story should be on the big screen first. Yes, there is a lot going on and this is just the top of the iceberg!

The best of New Year’s to you!!!

Top Five……68 out of 100

the English here in Springfield.

Now before I mention anymore one word of caution it is not the place to go if you are in a hurry especially on the weekends when you may wait more than 30 minutes in line for a table. I know that is not the norm in our town but maybe take that as a sign that the locals know a good thing when they see it. Service is not the fastest either as it is a pretty laid back vibe and has its own pace. But hey I am not a hater and there are plenty of places you can go for the hurry up and get out of here service.

If you are going solo there is an old school counter you can sit at and watch the magic on the grill...

I tend to go on weekdays when it is slower and seating is more available...

I like the pancakes and some eggs scrambled well...yes I keep it simple. Portions are adequate and once you get a seat service is friendly and available.

For the coffee drinkers people love the coffee and you can even get some coffee while you wait in line which is also a treat if you need the caffeine and you will pay for it on your bill of course. Gailey's also has some healthier items on the menu as well if you want to go granola or healthy pancakes or pumpkin pancakes which at least sounds healthier. But if you want to do the bacon and sausage and lots of gravy they can accommodate that too as we are in the Ozarks and folks are really serious about breakfast and all the fixings here. They do have lunch as well although I have stayed with breakfast when I go.

Gailey's is located at 220 E.

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A Forward Review; Remember, Forget

by Dr. Ken Coopwood, Unite Contributing Writer

Top Five

Lester Baker on the left

ell still stand, including 5,705 yards for passing in a career and 2,400 in 1990 for a season. The official program for the occasion also called attention to his record passing attempts (297) in a season and passing touchdowns (44). Both still stand.

He also still holds the NAIA continued on page 5

continued from page 8

Walnut Street and it is advisable to call for hours as they close in the afternoon.

I sincerely hope that it can

become a breakfast tradition for you and part of the start of an amazing New year for you and your loved ones.

SRAC awards Arts & Culture Grants to 11 area nonprofits

Samuel Knox and Leslie Forrester

Springfield, MO—The Springfield Regional Arts Council (SRAC) awarded $15,000 in Arts & Culture grant funding in a presentation to kick off The Creamery Arts Center’s December First Friday Art Walk (FFAW) exhibition opening on Friday, December 5, 2014.

Eleven area nonprofits received grants to support programs, partnerships, and development.

The grants are generously made possible by donor funds designated to support arts and culture at the Community Foundation of the Ozarks (CFO). The grants are intended to support the goals of the Springfield Cultural Plan and the issues identified in the Community Focus Report for Springfield-Greene County such as audience development, sustainable funding, and capacity building.

The grants were awarded to: • Boys Choir of Springfield: $1,000 for audience development & diversification.

• Springfield Public Schools: $1,500 for second-graders to attend Springfield Ballet performances.

• Drury University: $1,500 to support the 2015 Self-Employment in the Arts Conference.

• Springfield Art Museum: $1,500 to update the Foyer Gallery, an interactive educational space.

• Urban Districts Alliance: $750 for First Night Springfield 2015 audience development.

• SRO Lyric Theatre: $750 to continue “Operazzi,” a monthly open-mic night for opera, jazz, and musical theatre.

• Unite of Southwest Missouri: $1,500 to support the Springfield Multicultural Festival.

• Eminence Area Arts Council: $1,500 to support the Summer Concert Series project.

• Moxie Cinema: $1,500 to help launch “Mondo Moxie,” a monthly late-night movie showcase.

• SRO Lyric Theatre: $2,000 to aid board development training.

• Springfield Little Theatre: $1,500 to establish an annual, collaborative partnership with Jarrett Middle School.

For more information, call 417-862-2787(ARTS) or visit www.SpringfieldArts.org. The next grant cycle will begin in the fall of 2015 with applications due in November.

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LifeStyle&EntertainmentNews

by Lyle Foster, Unite Contributing Writer

Movie Review: “Top Five - Bottom Ten”

ies where a group of the same actors and actresses appear in each other’s movies…..whethThere are times that I actuer it is a small part or slightly ally like Chris Rock and a few more substantial. And The Top weeks ago I felt he made some Five seems to have more than really good comments about normal of the “buddy club” with race relations in the United at least twenty actors helping States and his sharp wit made each other out with a small part some strong and painful maybe to attract a few points. fans. I am being critWell I am glad this ical because some of is in the Unite so I can their roles didn’t even tell you what I really make sense in the plot think. Why does every of the film and seemcelebrity want to make ingly were written in a movie whether they just because.

Lyle Foster can act or not? And Yup, I am from the why do movie fans go old school….please buy tickets whether the movie pretend to give me and the is any good or not? Ok….I know rest of the audience some type because they can make an of plot and a developed story insane amount of money and I line. Okay let me tell you somethink another reason too. Yes thing about the film Chris Rock I know I am being cynical but I plays a comedian Andre Allen need to get it off my chest after who used to make a few films watching the Top Five. You can dressed up in a Bear costume also let me know if you agree known as Hammy the Bear. He on what I call the buddy plan. was very successful in this role Lately, there are so many movbut is attempting to break out

by Lyle Foster, Unite Contributing Writer Blessed New Year to each of you! You may not even want to read about food of any sort after all of the holiday eating. I would love to know what your favorite holiday culinary treat was. Mine were too many to list and as I get older I am trying to eat some of the same things but have a little less of them. We have talked in the past about some of the New Year's traditions of our

be entertained. Andre Allen is as a more serious film star. Just interviewed for a feature article one small problem …all of the by the very lovely who hangs fans prefer the Hammy the Bear out with him for a day and character. So the basic plot learns more about him includinvolves his struggle to be taken ing his upcoming TV wedding more seriously and his challengwith as part of the plot. There es to get there. Well there is are a number of some humor and witty little coma few adventures ments about race along the way and politics and and some crude Tyler Perry and a humor that could number of other have been left on things that Chris the editing floor.

Rock throws in Viewer including a police beware there are arrest that may a few scenes that remind you of if you decide to something else. go you may want If you do go to go get popsee The Top Five corn or bow your you will recoghead because nize eventually it is more for Paramount Pictures 2014 the movie that is shock value and written, directed and starred an attempt to be stupid funny! in by Mr. Rock is a kind of selfIt wasn’t funny to me and the study in his own journey to be few fans in the audience with taken as more than a comedian. me let out a few chuckles but There is loose use of the N I don’t like to lose my IQ a continued on page 9 few points because I choose to

A Breakfast Tradition!

forefathers which are wonderful and I simply love. I do a mean black eyed pea dish at New Year's that I must admit I put my foot in. Those of you who are from the south will know what I mean by that.

I also like the idea of going to a nice breakfast as part of my New Year's hope to eat the most important meal of the day and to balance and do the right thing.

One of the spots that I like to check out when I am downtown is Gailey's which is definitely a

very popular spot. It has a cool vibe which in some respects is a bit of a throwback look as you will notice many of the staff rock the vintage hipster look that is popular in some circles around Springfield. I have shared before that like many people breakfast is like my favorite meal and I can share that at any time. A few days ago I got to check out Gailey's again and take in the downtown scene which incidentally is popping a little bit more with a lot of loft

construction and some new stores. Go Springpatch!!!

There are a few dishes that many people love here at Gailey's such as the banana walnut pancakes and the proverbial biscuits and gravy. The sweet browns are a local favorite as well which are hash browns mixed with sweet potatoes.with some brown sugar on them.

One of my buddies likes the full English breakfast complete with bangers......yes we are rocking continued on page 9

“A Pledge to Save Our Youth”

by Gwen Marshall Unite Contributing Writer

irrational prejudice, you owe no racial debt to history.

The blood of our bodies and A Message from Dr. Maya the prayers of our souls have Angelou bought you a future free from Young women, shame and bright beyoung men of color, yond the telling of it. we add our voices We pledge ourselves to the voices of your and our resources to ancestors who speak to seek for you clean and you over ancient seas well-furnished schools, and across impossible safe and non-threatenmountain tops. ing streets, employment Come up from which makes use of Gwen Marshall the gloom of national your talents, but does neglect, you have already been not degrade your dignity. paid for.

You are the best we have.

Come out of the shadow of You are all we have.

You are what we have become.

We pledge you our whole hearts from this day forward. ­— Dr. Maya Angelou As we prepare to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King’s birthday let’s encourage our children to remember their rich heritage and their need to contribute to their community. I would like to share two principles of Kwanzaa with you.

• Nia (NEE-YAH … Purpose) Purpose encourages us to look within ourselves and to set personal goals that are beneficial to the community.

• Kuumba (KOO-OOM-BAH …

Creativity) Creativity makes use of our creative energies to build and maintain a strong and vibrant community.

Our young people are our future and I pledge as Dr. Maya Angelou has done; I pledge my whole heart. As we go into the New Year let each one of us pledge to reach one young person.

Lester Baker

continued from page 4

national record for most yards gained per completion.

All of that came before the spread offenses and other pass-happy formations of the current era.

At the same time Davolt was engineering winning drives for the Liberators in “The Valley” at what is now the middle school campus, Lester Baker was setting lasting marks a few blocks away at SBU’s facility.

He lettered all four years at SBU, according to the program, and still holds the single game TD record (5), season mark (19) and career (45). He is still the all-time leading rusher for the Bearcats with 3,892 for a career, 1,391 for a season and 238 for a single game.

Baker was All-American in 1987 and 1989 and MIAA Offensive Player of the Year in 1989.

The banquet program noted the looks he got in the NFL, attending camps for the

Running Back, Lester Baker

Cowboys, Chiefs and Oilers.

Today, Baker is a unit manager for Lakeland Behavioral Health, a long-term treatment facility in Springfield.

At the helm of the event, of course, was Bolivar’s Jerald Andrews, president and executive director of the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame. Many others from Bolivar were present, including those who coached or played with Davolt at Bolivar and William Jewell and representatives of Southwest Baptist in support of Baker.

Come lend your voice to our University!

Missouri State University is recruiting diverse faculty and staff for a variety of positions. We are committed to inclusive excellence across campus, and we have a unique public affairs mission that encourages cultural competency, community engagement and ethical leadership.

We believe diversity is good for our students, our community and our University. Our most important job is to give students an enriching education, complete with the tools for career success. Our faculty and staff must be racially, ethnically, culturally and socioeconomically diverse to help our students understand and appreciate different viewpoints, preparing them to lead the future.

We act on our beliefs. Let us welcome you to our campus.

Come see for yourself!

Search our vacancies to learn how you can join us.

www.missouristate.edu/careers Employment will require a criminal background check at University expense Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Institution

January Unite Page 7

January Unite Page 6

Minorities In Business Monthly Networking Meeting 417.861-0760 Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce www.spfldchamber.com 417.862.5567 Small Business Administration (SBA) www.sba.gov 417.890.8501 Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) www.score.org 417.837.2619 Drury University - Breech Center / Student in Free Enterprise www.drury.edu 417.873.7243 The Library Center Business Reference thelibrary.springfield.missouri.org 417.874.8110 Small Business & Technology Development Center sbtdc.missouristate.edu 417.836.5685

On Going Entrepreneurship Opportunies Start Up Drury Think Tank Each Wednesday from 6-8 p.m. in Olin Library 203 If you have an idea come brainstorm it with student, facuty and community mentors.

One Million Cups Each Wednesday morning at 9AM at the eFactory, 405 N. Jefferson, Springfield, MO Free Admission

The BusinessSection Washington Joins Missouri Bar’s Citizen Advisory Task Force Springfield, MO—Johnny Washthe public as requested for the ington has accepted the invitapurpose of providing feedback tion to serve on the Missouri to assist The Missouri Bar in its Bar's Citizen Advisomission to help Misry Task Force. souri lawyers better The Citizens Adviserve the public. sory Task Force is a Appointees to the group of five memtask force include Dr. bers of the public Johnny Washington, that will attend and Professor of Afriobserve the meetcan-American Studies ings of the Board of and Philosophy at Dr Johnny Washington Governors, as well Missouri State Univeras other Missouri Bar sity: Ryan Neal, Assistant meetings/events as invited, and Superintendent of Camdenton will evaluate information proR-3 Schools; Retired Accountant vided by The Missouri Bar to Gordon Brown from St. Louis; Photo Provided by MSU

A Directory of free or low cost Business Assistance

Regional Radio News Director Dan Patterson from Moberly; and Michelle Kratofil, a Social Studies teacher for the Raytown C-2 School District.

The Citizens Advisory Task Force was made up of five non-lawyers appointed by the President. Diversity of geography, profession, gender, and ethnicity were factors taken into consideration when making appointments.

The Missouri Bar includes over 30,000 lawyers and judges.

Meet Mia Love. You’ll be seeing a lot more of the Republicans’ first black congresswoman.

By Justin Moyer Reprinted from Washington Post For at least half a century, the party of Lincoln has battled charges that it is racist, sexist and anti-immigrant.

Today, voters from a conservative state made those arguments a little bit harder to make. In Utah, Mia Love became the first black Republican woman — and first Haitian American — elected to Congress.

For the GOP — a house divided that faces significant demographic hurdles to winning the White House in 2016 even as it celebrates President Obama’s shellacking — this was huge.

A party threatened with electoral extinction among African Americans and immigrants now has someone to brag about in Washington. In a wave election less about fresh Republican ideas than fervid disapproval of

all things presidential, Love’s a duly-elected representative of compelling personal story is the Beehive State. What led to an oasis. She’s not just a black this? face in what’s often described A speech at a national politias a party full of angry old white cal convention about triumphing men. She’s a over adversity — path forward. just like another It’s hard to overfamiliar politician state how unlikefacing long odds. ly Love’s victory At the Demolooked on paper. cratic National Utah is less than Convention in 1 percent black.

2004, Obama Though more spun a tale of unMia Love speaking at the RNC than 60 percent realistic dreams of the state’s people identify as achieved by the power of a “largmembers of the Church of Jesus er American story.”

Christ of Latter-day Saints, the “I owe a debt to all of those church is just 3 percent black. who came before me, and that in Love, 38, is one of these few no other country on Earth is my black Mormons — part of a story even possible,” the future church that, until 1978, didn’t let president said. “Our pride is African Americans participate based on a very simple premise, in all church activities and still summed up in a declaration hasn’t apologized for its racism. made over two hundred years Yet, a woman born in Brooklyn ago: ‘We hold these truths to be to Haitian immigrants is now continued from page 7

Mia Love

continued from page 6 self-evident, that all men are created equal.’”

Eight years later, Love turned her superficially similar biography — child of foreigner makes good — into a parable for gritty, individual wherewithal. This was Horatio Alger by the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway.

Her parents fled Haiti in 1976, one step ahead of the dreaded Tonton Macoutes, the secret police of dictator Francois “Papa Doc” Duvalier. “My parents immigrated to the U.S. with ten dollars in their pocket, believing that the America they had heard about really did exist,” Love told the Republican National Convention, gathered in Tampa in 2012 to nominate Mitt Romney. “When times got tough they didn’t look to Washington, they looked within.”

Indeed, Love — a black woman who married a white man she met on a Mormon mission, left her Catholic Church and lit out to a white enclave by the Great Salt Lake — explicitly challenged what she described as a vision of America mired in demography.

“President Obama’s version of America is a divided one — pitting us against each other based on our income level, gender, and social status,” she said.

“His policies have failed!”

Her father, as she reminds interviewers regularly, worked at several jobs — janitor and factory worker — to get her through college at the University of Hartford in Connecticut.

“I remember taking my dad to college with me on the first day of orientation,” she told Fox News in a 2012 interview, “and he looked at me very seriously,

and he said, ‘Mia, your mother and I have done everything we could to get you here. We’ve worked hard. We’ve never taken a handout. You’re not going to be a burden to society. You will give back.’”

A talented performing artist, she reportedly turned down a Broadway role in “Smokey Joe’s Cafe” because it conflicted with her wedding in 1998 to Jason Love, who, by the way, took her to a firing range on their first date. She became a neighborhood activist in Saratoga Springs, Utah, leading the charge to get a developer to spray the area for flies — “The War of the Midges” it was called — ultimately winning a seat on the city council and then being elected mayor of the small town.

Even when she entered what would turn out to be a losing congressional run in 2012, the GOP knew what it had. Even the future Republican nominee for vice president said so.

“Mia has a great opportunity to extend the message of liberty and economic freedom in ways that a lot of us can’t, and we’re excited about that,” said Rep. Paul Ryan (Wis.) after hosting a fundraiser for Love.

Two years later, Ryan’s enthusiasm was borne out on Twitter after Love’s victory.

She trailed Democrat Doug Owens most of the night as the results came in from Utah’s 4th District, but ultimately triumphed with 50 percent of the vote to Owens’s 47 percent. “Many people said Utah would never elect a black, Republican, LDS woman to Congress. And guess what … we were the first to do it,” she told cheering supporters, the Salt Lake Tribune reported.

Damon Cann, a political science professor at Utah State University, told the paper: “Since the election of Barack Obama, the Republicans have been more serious about trying to showcase the diversity within the Republican Party. And Mia Love is potentially the poster child for diversity in the party.”

Just as Obama’s policies didn’t matter as much as the fact that he existed in 2008, Love’s may not either. Judging by her Web site, she won’t upend conservative orthodoxy. She wants to repeal

Obamacare. She wants to defend the Second Amendment.

She’s pro-life. All-in-all, a typical Republican.

Except: Not at all. Though she may speak out against immigration or D.C. dysfunction, she is not a white-haired, paleskinned Methuselah turning beet-red on Fox News while doing so. She is a black woman under 40.

That’s all that matters.

“This is our story,” she told Tampa. “This is the America we know because we built it.”

Ladies Civic League Issues Save Our Sisters Springfield, MO—The Ladies Civic League is happy to announce a new program. Saving Our Sisters (SOS) is the result of a commitment by the organization to take steps to help ensure that children are given the opportunity to excel in school and to continue their education beyond high school.

SOS is a program designed to celebrate young “girls of color” and targets elementary, middleschool and high school girls. Participants will join

together to learn songs and perform them before an audience. Girls who have a talent and want to perform will have an opportunity to compete with other girls in their age group.

Prizes will be awarded.

Saving Our Sisters will be held at the Northview Center in Doling Park on Saturday, April 18, 2015. The program will start at 6:30. For more details on SOS, please call (417) 833-2690 or e-mail ladiescivicleague@gmail.com

Working Together to Power Springfield Whether you have a material to sell or offer a great service—CU is looking for reputable vendors to help us keep our business up-and-running.

Call 417-831-8363 or log on to cityutilities.net, key search “Purchasing”, to learn about ways for us to work together.

It is the policy of City Utilities to offer equal opportunity to individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, 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

January Unite Page 7

January Unite Page 6

Minorities In Business Monthly Networking Meeting 417.861-0760 Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce www.spfldchamber.com 417.862.5567 Small Business Administration (SBA) www.sba.gov 417.890.8501 Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) www.score.org 417.837.2619 Drury University - Breech Center / Student in Free Enterprise www.drury.edu 417.873.7243 The Library Center Business Reference thelibrary.springfield.missouri.org 417.874.8110 Small Business & Technology Development Center sbtdc.missouristate.edu 417.836.5685

On Going Entrepreneurship Opportunies Start Up Drury Think Tank Each Wednesday from 6-8 p.m. in Olin Library 203 If you have an idea come brainstorm it with student, facuty and community mentors.

One Million Cups Each Wednesday morning at 9AM at the eFactory, 405 N. Jefferson, Springfield, MO Free Admission

The BusinessSection Washington Joins Missouri Bar’s Citizen Advisory Task Force Springfield, MO—Johnny Washthe public as requested for the ington has accepted the invitapurpose of providing feedback tion to serve on the Missouri to assist The Missouri Bar in its Bar's Citizen Advisomission to help Misry Task Force. souri lawyers better The Citizens Adviserve the public. sory Task Force is a Appointees to the group of five memtask force include Dr. bers of the public Johnny Washington, that will attend and Professor of Afriobserve the meetcan-American Studies ings of the Board of and Philosophy at Dr Johnny Washington Governors, as well Missouri State Univeras other Missouri Bar sity: Ryan Neal, Assistant meetings/events as invited, and Superintendent of Camdenton will evaluate information proR-3 Schools; Retired Accountant vided by The Missouri Bar to Gordon Brown from St. Louis; Photo Provided by MSU

A Directory of free or low cost Business Assistance

Regional Radio News Director Dan Patterson from Moberly; and Michelle Kratofil, a Social Studies teacher for the Raytown C-2 School District.

The Citizens Advisory Task Force was made up of five non-lawyers appointed by the President. Diversity of geography, profession, gender, and ethnicity were factors taken into consideration when making appointments.

The Missouri Bar includes over 30,000 lawyers and judges.

Meet Mia Love. You’ll be seeing a lot more of the Republicans’ first black congresswoman.

By Justin Moyer Reprinted from Washington Post For at least half a century, the party of Lincoln has battled charges that it is racist, sexist and anti-immigrant.

Today, voters from a conservative state made those arguments a little bit harder to make. In Utah, Mia Love became the first black Republican woman — and first Haitian American — elected to Congress.

For the GOP — a house divided that faces significant demographic hurdles to winning the White House in 2016 even as it celebrates President Obama’s shellacking — this was huge.

A party threatened with electoral extinction among African Americans and immigrants now has someone to brag about in Washington. In a wave election less about fresh Republican ideas than fervid disapproval of

all things presidential, Love’s a duly-elected representative of compelling personal story is the Beehive State. What led to an oasis. She’s not just a black this? face in what’s often described A speech at a national politias a party full of angry old white cal convention about triumphing men. She’s a over adversity — path forward. just like another It’s hard to overfamiliar politician state how unlikefacing long odds. ly Love’s victory At the Demolooked on paper. cratic National Utah is less than Convention in 1 percent black.

2004, Obama Though more spun a tale of unMia Love speaking at the RNC than 60 percent realistic dreams of the state’s people identify as achieved by the power of a “largmembers of the Church of Jesus er American story.”

Christ of Latter-day Saints, the “I owe a debt to all of those church is just 3 percent black. who came before me, and that in Love, 38, is one of these few no other country on Earth is my black Mormons — part of a story even possible,” the future church that, until 1978, didn’t let president said. “Our pride is African Americans participate based on a very simple premise, in all church activities and still summed up in a declaration hasn’t apologized for its racism. made over two hundred years Yet, a woman born in Brooklyn ago: ‘We hold these truths to be to Haitian immigrants is now continued from page 7

Mia Love

continued from page 6 self-evident, that all men are created equal.’”

Eight years later, Love turned her superficially similar biography — child of foreigner makes good — into a parable for gritty, individual wherewithal. This was Horatio Alger by the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway.

Her parents fled Haiti in 1976, one step ahead of the dreaded Tonton Macoutes, the secret police of dictator Francois “Papa Doc” Duvalier. “My parents immigrated to the U.S. with ten dollars in their pocket, believing that the America they had heard about really did exist,” Love told the Republican National Convention, gathered in Tampa in 2012 to nominate Mitt Romney. “When times got tough they didn’t look to Washington, they looked within.”

Indeed, Love — a black woman who married a white man she met on a Mormon mission, left her Catholic Church and lit out to a white enclave by the Great Salt Lake — explicitly challenged what she described as a vision of America mired in demography.

“President Obama’s version of America is a divided one — pitting us against each other based on our income level, gender, and social status,” she said.

“His policies have failed!”

Her father, as she reminds interviewers regularly, worked at several jobs — janitor and factory worker — to get her through college at the University of Hartford in Connecticut.

“I remember taking my dad to college with me on the first day of orientation,” she told Fox News in a 2012 interview, “and he looked at me very seriously,

and he said, ‘Mia, your mother and I have done everything we could to get you here. We’ve worked hard. We’ve never taken a handout. You’re not going to be a burden to society. You will give back.’”

A talented performing artist, she reportedly turned down a Broadway role in “Smokey Joe’s Cafe” because it conflicted with her wedding in 1998 to Jason Love, who, by the way, took her to a firing range on their first date. She became a neighborhood activist in Saratoga Springs, Utah, leading the charge to get a developer to spray the area for flies — “The War of the Midges” it was called — ultimately winning a seat on the city council and then being elected mayor of the small town.

Even when she entered what would turn out to be a losing congressional run in 2012, the GOP knew what it had. Even the future Republican nominee for vice president said so.

“Mia has a great opportunity to extend the message of liberty and economic freedom in ways that a lot of us can’t, and we’re excited about that,” said Rep. Paul Ryan (Wis.) after hosting a fundraiser for Love.

Two years later, Ryan’s enthusiasm was borne out on Twitter after Love’s victory.

She trailed Democrat Doug Owens most of the night as the results came in from Utah’s 4th District, but ultimately triumphed with 50 percent of the vote to Owens’s 47 percent. “Many people said Utah would never elect a black, Republican, LDS woman to Congress. And guess what … we were the first to do it,” she told cheering supporters, the Salt Lake Tribune reported.

Damon Cann, a political science professor at Utah State University, told the paper: “Since the election of Barack Obama, the Republicans have been more serious about trying to showcase the diversity within the Republican Party. And Mia Love is potentially the poster child for diversity in the party.”

Just as Obama’s policies didn’t matter as much as the fact that he existed in 2008, Love’s may not either. Judging by her Web site, she won’t upend conservative orthodoxy. She wants to repeal

Obamacare. She wants to defend the Second Amendment.

She’s pro-life. All-in-all, a typical Republican.

Except: Not at all. Though she may speak out against immigration or D.C. dysfunction, she is not a white-haired, paleskinned Methuselah turning beet-red on Fox News while doing so. She is a black woman under 40.

That’s all that matters.

“This is our story,” she told Tampa. “This is the America we know because we built it.”

Ladies Civic League Issues Save Our Sisters Springfield, MO—The Ladies Civic League is happy to announce a new program. Saving Our Sisters (SOS) is the result of a commitment by the organization to take steps to help ensure that children are given the opportunity to excel in school and to continue their education beyond high school.

SOS is a program designed to celebrate young “girls of color” and targets elementary, middleschool and high school girls. Participants will join

together to learn songs and perform them before an audience. Girls who have a talent and want to perform will have an opportunity to compete with other girls in their age group.

Prizes will be awarded.

Saving Our Sisters will be held at the Northview Center in Doling Park on Saturday, April 18, 2015. The program will start at 6:30. For more details on SOS, please call (417) 833-2690 or e-mail ladiescivicleague@gmail.com

Working Together to Power Springfield Whether you have a material to sell or offer a great service—CU is looking for reputable vendors to help us keep our business up-and-running.

Call 417-831-8363 or log on to cityutilities.net, key search “Purchasing”, to learn about ways for us to work together.

It is the policy of City Utilities to offer equal opportunity to individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, 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

January Unite Page 8

January Unite Page 5

LifeStyle&EntertainmentNews

by Lyle Foster, Unite Contributing Writer

Movie Review: “Top Five - Bottom Ten”

ies where a group of the same actors and actresses appear in each other’s movies…..whethThere are times that I actuer it is a small part or slightly ally like Chris Rock and a few more substantial. And The Top weeks ago I felt he made some Five seems to have more than really good comments about normal of the “buddy club” with race relations in the United at least twenty actors helping States and his sharp wit made each other out with a small part some strong and painful maybe to attract a few points. fans. I am being critWell I am glad this ical because some of is in the Unite so I can their roles didn’t even tell you what I really make sense in the plot think. Why does every of the film and seemcelebrity want to make ingly were written in a movie whether they just because.

Lyle Foster can act or not? And Yup, I am from the why do movie fans go old school….please buy tickets whether the movie pretend to give me and the is any good or not? Ok….I know rest of the audience some type because they can make an of plot and a developed story insane amount of money and I line. Okay let me tell you somethink another reason too. Yes thing about the film Chris Rock I know I am being cynical but I plays a comedian Andre Allen need to get it off my chest after who used to make a few films watching the Top Five. You can dressed up in a Bear costume also let me know if you agree known as Hammy the Bear. He on what I call the buddy plan. was very successful in this role Lately, there are so many movbut is attempting to break out

by Lyle Foster, Unite Contributing Writer Blessed New Year to each of you! You may not even want to read about food of any sort after all of the holiday eating. I would love to know what your favorite holiday culinary treat was. Mine were too many to list and as I get older I am trying to eat some of the same things but have a little less of them. We have talked in the past about some of the New Year's traditions of our

be entertained. Andre Allen is as a more serious film star. Just interviewed for a feature article one small problem …all of the by the very lovely who hangs fans prefer the Hammy the Bear out with him for a day and character. So the basic plot learns more about him includinvolves his struggle to be taken ing his upcoming TV wedding more seriously and his challengwith as part of the plot. There es to get there. Well there is are a number of some humor and witty little coma few adventures ments about race along the way and politics and and some crude Tyler Perry and a humor that could number of other have been left on things that Chris the editing floor.

Rock throws in Viewer including a police beware there are arrest that may a few scenes that remind you of if you decide to something else. go you may want If you do go to go get popsee The Top Five corn or bow your you will recoghead because nize eventually it is more for Paramount Pictures 2014 the movie that is shock value and written, directed and starred an attempt to be stupid funny! in by Mr. Rock is a kind of selfIt wasn’t funny to me and the study in his own journey to be few fans in the audience with taken as more than a comedian. me let out a few chuckles but There is loose use of the N I don’t like to lose my IQ a continued on page 9 few points because I choose to

A Breakfast Tradition!

forefathers which are wonderful and I simply love. I do a mean black eyed pea dish at New Year's that I must admit I put my foot in. Those of you who are from the south will know what I mean by that.

I also like the idea of going to a nice breakfast as part of my New Year's hope to eat the most important meal of the day and to balance and do the right thing.

One of the spots that I like to check out when I am downtown is Gailey's which is definitely a

very popular spot. It has a cool vibe which in some respects is a bit of a throwback look as you will notice many of the staff rock the vintage hipster look that is popular in some circles around Springfield. I have shared before that like many people breakfast is like my favorite meal and I can share that at any time. A few days ago I got to check out Gailey's again and take in the downtown scene which incidentally is popping a little bit more with a lot of loft

construction and some new stores. Go Springpatch!!!

There are a few dishes that many people love here at Gailey's such as the banana walnut pancakes and the proverbial biscuits and gravy. The sweet browns are a local favorite as well which are hash browns mixed with sweet potatoes.with some brown sugar on them.

One of my buddies likes the full English breakfast complete with bangers......yes we are rocking continued on page 9

“A Pledge to Save Our Youth”

by Gwen Marshall Unite Contributing Writer

irrational prejudice, you owe no racial debt to history.

The blood of our bodies and A Message from Dr. Maya the prayers of our souls have Angelou bought you a future free from Young women, shame and bright beyoung men of color, yond the telling of it. we add our voices We pledge ourselves to the voices of your and our resources to ancestors who speak to seek for you clean and you over ancient seas well-furnished schools, and across impossible safe and non-threatenmountain tops. ing streets, employment Come up from which makes use of Gwen Marshall the gloom of national your talents, but does neglect, you have already been not degrade your dignity. paid for.

You are the best we have.

Come out of the shadow of You are all we have.

You are what we have become.

We pledge you our whole hearts from this day forward. ­— Dr. Maya Angelou As we prepare to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King’s birthday let’s encourage our children to remember their rich heritage and their need to contribute to their community. I would like to share two principles of Kwanzaa with you.

• Nia (NEE-YAH … Purpose) Purpose encourages us to look within ourselves and to set personal goals that are beneficial to the community.

• Kuumba (KOO-OOM-BAH …

Creativity) Creativity makes use of our creative energies to build and maintain a strong and vibrant community.

Our young people are our future and I pledge as Dr. Maya Angelou has done; I pledge my whole heart. As we go into the New Year let each one of us pledge to reach one young person.

Lester Baker

continued from page 4

national record for most yards gained per completion.

All of that came before the spread offenses and other pass-happy formations of the current era.

At the same time Davolt was engineering winning drives for the Liberators in “The Valley” at what is now the middle school campus, Lester Baker was setting lasting marks a few blocks away at SBU’s facility.

He lettered all four years at SBU, according to the program, and still holds the single game TD record (5), season mark (19) and career (45). He is still the all-time leading rusher for the Bearcats with 3,892 for a career, 1,391 for a season and 238 for a single game.

Baker was All-American in 1987 and 1989 and MIAA Offensive Player of the Year in 1989.

The banquet program noted the looks he got in the NFL, attending camps for the

Running Back, Lester Baker

Cowboys, Chiefs and Oilers.

Today, Baker is a unit manager for Lakeland Behavioral Health, a long-term treatment facility in Springfield.

At the helm of the event, of course, was Bolivar’s Jerald Andrews, president and executive director of the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame. Many others from Bolivar were present, including those who coached or played with Davolt at Bolivar and William Jewell and representatives of Southwest Baptist in support of Baker.

Come lend your voice to our University!

Missouri State University is recruiting diverse faculty and staff for a variety of positions. We are committed to inclusive excellence across campus, and we have a unique public affairs mission that encourages cultural competency, community engagement and ethical leadership.

We believe diversity is good for our students, our community and our University. Our most important job is to give students an enriching education, complete with the tools for career success. Our faculty and staff must be racially, ethnically, culturally and socioeconomically diverse to help our students understand and appreciate different viewpoints, preparing them to lead the future.

We act on our beliefs. Let us welcome you to our campus.

Come see for yourself!

Search our vacancies to learn how you can join us.

www.missouristate.edu/careers Employment will require a criminal background check at University expense Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Institution

January Unite Page 9

January Unite Page 4

CommunitySection all people on campus and in the community. However, over the course of three years, we still Welcome to the New Year! find that real change rests in the It’s early January and many infrastructure of the larger orpeople will resolve to ganization, not on the start something anew. shoulders of any one My caution this year director or person. To comes from an array go forward, we must of articles and events see further by reviewfrom last year that, ing what people are when put together, still saying, what they make a platform upon write about and how Ken Coopwood which we can stand and they continue to be see further into our respective treated. I could fill this entire arfutures. ticle space with citings of socialI believe that the Division for ly-critical articles and warnings Diversity and Inclusion (DDI) about demographic change; let as well as any other service-orialone news of outrageous scanented entity, should resolve to dals, political breakthroughs forward review. Knowing this and outcries from Ferguson. Remay sound like an oxymoron, let gardless of the good or bad from me explain. A great lesson I’ve any situation, we are still in a learned in my career is that all dire need for real change… and progress involves change, but we need to identify what to take not all change is progress. This with us for this achievement and universal truth should caution what to leave behind. us all to look forward to the For the DDI, we will go forchange in our lives and activiward with a university-focused ties, and to do so by reviewing to approach to diversity adminisidentify things that don’t either tration and transformation. This don’t matter or simply masquermeans that more people from all ade as progress towards the walks of the university and comchange we really need. A formunity will have increased opward review is in effect a form portunity to share in the change of measurement on a year, a reprocess and declare what actulationship, a dream or an activity ally is progress. Big ticket items that separates the ripe from the in 2015 such as the campus and spoiled and the genuine from community climate study, the the fake.

Statewide Collaborative DiversiNow that you know what I’m ty Conference, hiring, retaining talking about. Here’s some inter- and training new faculty, and esting thoughts that might help exposing the community to the you to forward review. world into which our students The DDI has been unit-fograduate, will get the lion’s cused in its development since share of resources and experinception. We’ve built functional tise. All these things, and so individual units for service to much more, will only get better

when university infrastructure is aligned with these as a priority.

So it is with you as well. Here are some examples of why we all will need to forward review.

If you remember, a past article I wrote referenced a “Nation of Mutts.” From that article we learned that each year the community becomes more diverse with people intermarrying and intermingling. This real change is unavoidable, but are we making progress in preparing for a new Springfield? And for yourself, what real change do you need to achieve that will make you an advocate for people who don’t look like you? A late article in 2014, “To My White Male Facebook Friends,” was superb

in its call for white men to “take someone else’s reporting of their own, lived experience as accurate.” As mentioned above, I could fill the whole article with this type of stuff, but ranting is not a component of forward review… knowing what change is progress, is.

As always, as DDI grows into a more progressive division, we hope you will join us in our journey to make every opportunity for progress an opportunity for change in social conditions and values.

Visit our website at http://diversity.missouristate.edu/ . See what is going on… join in. Let’s go forward.

Let's Integrate, Collaborate and Elevate...Together!

Hall of Fame Inducts Lester Baker

By Dave Berry, Bolivar, MO News

A Liberator quarterback and a Bearcat running back from the same era were among the inaugural class of Elite 11 at the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame’s NFL Kick-Off Sports Enthusiasts Luncheon Thursday, December 4, 2014.

Shane Davolt, successful in the insurance industry in the Kansas City area, was recognized for his football accomplishments at Bolivar and William Jewell College. He also played professional ball in Europe.

At Bolivar, he was all-everything in 1988 (conference, area, state). Many of his records as a quarterback at William Jew-

Breakfast Foods

word and the bed scene with Cedric the Entertainer and some ladies who are shown in a fairly demeaning way would have been better left out and it goes too long.

You probably are wondering who else is in the movie as I mentioned a long list of buddies…..well…a few of them are Chris Rock, Rosario Dawson, J. B. Smoove, Gabrielle Union, Romany Malco, Hayley Norman, Anders Holm, Kevin Hart, Danny Bolero, Luis Guzman, Charlie Rose, Bruce Bruce, Gabourey Sidibe, Taraji P. Henson, DMX, Adam Sandler, Whoopi Goldberg, Sway, Jerry Seinfeld, Dean Edwards and a lot more.

I am not a fan but others like it so maybe if you laugh enough you will not notice what you are laughing about.

There is also one small controversy simmering concerning how the white male actor who is a boyfriend is portrayed. Oh well!

Let’s all see if we can check out Selma when it comes out in January and don’t forget the made for TV Lifetime movie on the life of Whitney Houston which is the first directorial debut of Angela Bassett airing on January 17. The movie titled Whitney stars Yaya DaCosta who was in the Butler and it covers the glamourous and the not so glamorous sides of the amazing star. The movie has some controversy as Whitney’s mom feels very strongly the story should be on the big screen first. Yes, there is a lot going on and this is just the top of the iceberg!

The best of New Year’s to you!!!

Top Five……68 out of 100

the English here in Springfield.

Now before I mention anymore one word of caution it is not the place to go if you are in a hurry especially on the weekends when you may wait more than 30 minutes in line for a table. I know that is not the norm in our town but maybe take that as a sign that the locals know a good thing when they see it. Service is not the fastest either as it is a pretty laid back vibe and has its own pace. But hey I am not a hater and there are plenty of places you can go for the hurry up and get out of here service.

If you are going solo there is an old school counter you can sit at and watch the magic on the grill...

I tend to go on weekdays when it is slower and seating is more available...

I like the pancakes and some eggs scrambled well...yes I keep it simple. Portions are adequate and once you get a seat service is friendly and available.

For the coffee drinkers people love the coffee and you can even get some coffee while you wait in line which is also a treat if you need the caffeine and you will pay for it on your bill of course. Gailey's also has some healthier items on the menu as well if you want to go granola or healthy pancakes or pumpkin pancakes which at least sounds healthier. But if you want to do the bacon and sausage and lots of gravy they can accommodate that too as we are in the Ozarks and folks are really serious about breakfast and all the fixings here. They do have lunch as well although I have stayed with breakfast when I go.

Gailey's is located at 220 E.

continued from page 8

A Forward Review; Remember, Forget

by Dr. Ken Coopwood, Unite Contributing Writer

Top Five

Lester Baker on the left

ell still stand, including 5,705 yards for passing in a career and 2,400 in 1990 for a season. The official program for the occasion also called attention to his record passing attempts (297) in a season and passing touchdowns (44). Both still stand.

He also still holds the NAIA continued on page 5

continued from page 8

Walnut Street and it is advisable to call for hours as they close in the afternoon.

I sincerely hope that it can

become a breakfast tradition for you and part of the start of an amazing New year for you and your loved ones.

SRAC awards Arts & Culture Grants to 11 area nonprofits

Samuel Knox and Leslie Forrester

Springfield, MO—The Springfield Regional Arts Council (SRAC) awarded $15,000 in Arts & Culture grant funding in a presentation to kick off The Creamery Arts Center’s December First Friday Art Walk (FFAW) exhibition opening on Friday, December 5, 2014.

Eleven area nonprofits received grants to support programs, partnerships, and development.

The grants are generously made possible by donor funds designated to support arts and culture at the Community Foundation of the Ozarks (CFO). The grants are intended to support the goals of the Springfield Cultural Plan and the issues identified in the Community Focus Report for Springfield-Greene County such as audience development, sustainable funding, and capacity building.

The grants were awarded to: • Boys Choir of Springfield: $1,000 for audience development & diversification.

• Springfield Public Schools: $1,500 for second-graders to attend Springfield Ballet performances.

• Drury University: $1,500 to support the 2015 Self-Employment in the Arts Conference.

• Springfield Art Museum: $1,500 to update the Foyer Gallery, an interactive educational space.

• Urban Districts Alliance: $750 for First Night Springfield 2015 audience development.

• SRO Lyric Theatre: $750 to continue “Operazzi,” a monthly open-mic night for opera, jazz, and musical theatre.

• Unite of Southwest Missouri: $1,500 to support the Springfield Multicultural Festival.

• Eminence Area Arts Council: $1,500 to support the Summer Concert Series project.

• Moxie Cinema: $1,500 to help launch “Mondo Moxie,” a monthly late-night movie showcase.

• SRO Lyric Theatre: $2,000 to aid board development training.

• Springfield Little Theatre: $1,500 to establish an annual, collaborative partnership with Jarrett Middle School.

For more information, call 417-862-2787(ARTS) or visit www.SpringfieldArts.org. The next grant cycle will begin in the fall of 2015 with applications due in November.

January Unite Page 3

January Unite Page 10

MIB Heritage Awards continued from page 1

for their achievements and contributions to our community.

“It is our great pleasure each year to recognize the valuable leaders that are working to promote and advocate for diversity in our business community,” said John Oke-Thomas, President of Minorities in Business.

“We encourage everyone to consider how fortunate we are to have good leadership and to take a few minutes to nominate worthy individuals and organizations so that they may be publicly acknowledged.”

Nominations for awards in the following categories will be accepted through January 16, 2015.

The Small Business Award, honoring an individual or business for proven success and leadership through community volunteerism and demonstrated customer satisfaction and engagement.

The 2014 Small Business Award went to Rib Shack (Jennifer & Arthur Turner) for outstanding customer service and community engagement.

Nominees for the Small Business of the Year Award will be evaluated on these criteria: • Business must be a viable for-profit small business with proven success in the chosen field.

• Nominee must have been in business for at least three years.

• Nominee must maintain a responsible and rewarding workplace environment.

• Demonstrated leadership through community volunteerism and contributions or in-kind services.

• Demonstrated customer satisfaction and engagement.

The Achievement Award,

honoring an individual for his or her leadership and commitment to making our community a better place to live and work.

The 2014 Achievement Award went to Bishop David Knox, Jr. in honor of his outstanding commitment to improving the Springfield community.

Nominees for this Achievement Award will be evaluated on these criteria: • Nominee serves as an inspiration to others through his or her persistent excellence in professional or business activities.

• Nominee has been recognized locally, regionally or statewide within the last 12 months for business success or community development activities.

• Demonstrated leadership and

commitment to making our community a better place to live work and raise children.

• Fundraising involvement for local causes or projects.

• Assistance to a local community project or organization that had a positive impact on individuals.

The Community Service Award given in recognition of outstanding public service and/or significant charitable or philanthropic contributions that benefit the community.

The 2014 Community Service Award went to Calvin Allen, Springfield Community Center.

Nominees for this Community Service Award will be evaluated on these criteria: • Volunteer work or Board of Director service on behalf of

local nonprofit and community improvement organizations.

• Work to reduce the barriers between the business sector, the volunteer sector and community-based organizations.

• Demonstrated long-term concern for and involvement in enhancing the quality of life for children and their families in the greater Springfield area.

• Evidence of leacdership and commitment to making our community a better place to live, work and raise families.

Letters of nomination should be submitted by January 16, 2015 to MIB President John Oke-Thomas by email to kayla@ oke-thomas.com or by mail to Minorities in Business, P.O. Box 1368, Springfield, MO., 65801.

NAACP Reads Campaign Promotes Early Literacy

by Lola Butcher Unite Guest Writer The Springfield branch of the NAACP is partnering with four local organizations to launch the NAACP Reads campaign to promote early childhood literacy.

Partners include Unite Publication, Springfield Public Schools’ Parents as Teachers, Springfield-Greene County Library District and Every Child Promise.

“We are thrilled that these great organizations share our commitment to our children,” said Cheryl Clay, president of the NAACP Springfield branch.

“Together we can make a difference.”

The goal of NAACP Reads is to make sure that every child is

ready to learn when he or she starts kindergarten.

A 2010 study by the Mayor’s Commission for Children showed one out of every five children in Springfield is not prepared for kindergarten. Being ready to learn means having the skills needed to follow a teacher’s instructions and thrive in a classroom setting.

Fortunately, there are many ways that parents can make sure that their children are well-prepared for kindergarten.

These include: • Participating in Parents as Teachers, a free program that serves families with children prenatal to kindergarten.

Through this program, children receive development screenings and parent-educators can answer parents’ questions,

Reads

share fun ideas for playtime and identify community resources for families with young children.

For more information, call Carla Godfrey at 417-523-1160.

• Reading and singing to their children—and rhyming and counting and playing with them.

The library’s Racing to Read program has tons of fun ideas, and each library branch offers free storytimes, play-and-learn centers, creative, knowledgeable staff and, of course, books. For more information, email racingtoread@thelibrary.org.

• Enrolling children in a high-quality preschool. Dana Carroll, Springfield's Child Advocate for the Every Child Promise, can help parents identify good preschool and child care options, including the neighborhood hub at Washington Avenue Baptist Church. She can be reached at 417-888-2020.

IN THIS ISSUE Community News

The Library Is Source To Prepare For Your Driver’s Exam

by Kathleen O’Dell , Springfield-Greene County Library District Look no further than the Springfield-Greene County Libraries’ website to prepare for your driver’s license exam, whether you’re a teenager, a new resiKathleen O'Dell dent or an older adult taking a renewal test.

The site sgcl.driving-tests. org provides free Division of Motor Vehicles practice tests.

It’s designed to help new drivers study the state manual and continued on page 11

4 6

A Forward Review; Remeber Forget

by Dr Ken Coopwood

The Business Section

Meet Mia Love... Congresswoman

by Justin Moyer

Lifestyle & Entertainment News

8 10

Movie Review —“Top Five -Bottom Ten”

by Lyle Foster

NAACP Reads Campaign Promotes Early Literacy

by Lola Butcher

Open positions in our Springfield, MO Center. Join an organization recognized as one of the World’s Most Admired Companies by Fortune Magazine.

Now Available: • Customer Service Advisors • Collections • Team Manager & Team Leader Apply today. Visit us online at careers.jpmorganchase.com.

Keyword: SpringfieldMO

Volume 25, Number 1 Publisher Unite. of Southwest Missouri, Inc. Managing Editor Samuel G. Knox Contributing Writers Dr Ken Coopwood Lyle Foster Bon TIndle Gwen Marshall Kathleen O'Dell Vera Jane Goodin Schultz Photography David N. Knox John Schultz Volunteer 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 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 Chase Card Services More than a Job…a Career.

UNITE.

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

January Unite Page 11

January Unite Page 2

Pratt Runs For Seat On Springfield’s Board of Education

by Bon Tilman Unite Contributing Writer

intendent stepping in, this is rector, Pratt knows how exciting "I want to help those decision also an exciting time with many it is to step in and contribute makers and add value to what they’re doing, so we can continopportunities for discussion to a plan for success. It’s going ue to move that needle for our Francine Pratt is a and change. Dr. John to take a great team to execute children," she says when asked woman of many talents Jungmann has been the plan. She wants to be part about her goals. By empowand accomplishments. hired as superintenof that team, and is eager to put ering parents and supporting Currently working at dent, and the board of her name on the ballot. teachers, a diverse board would Missouri State Univereducation will have an Pratt also knows a thing or help continue the successes of sity as the executive important role in evaltwo about the parenting side of the Springfield public school director for the Multiculuating policy changes things. She is a mother of three, system and further improve tural Resource Center and working with and her children attended public whenever possible. In the Francine Pratt and Programs, she has parents and teachers school while she worked. As a end, it’s all about serving the decided to continue her contrito bring about the best results single mother, she understands students and creating the best bution to education and run for for Springfield’s children. how parents can work hard and possible results for them. a seat on Springfield’s Board of “Any time you have a new still struggle. She has met many “They key is finding out Education. superintendent, you have somefamilies where parents are work- what’s the passion of that child, Pratt has worked with chilone who is looking at the overall ing multiple jobs just to scrape that student, and helping them dren for a long time, and is very infrastructure with a new set of by. These are the voices she succeed. That’s what I want to involved with the well-being eyes.” As a former project diplans to make sure are heard. do.” of local youth. She previously worked as the executive director for Isabel’s House, a local crisis family center that helps parents support and contribution of our volunteers Dear Unite Readers, find a secure place for their and donors. children. Through this work, As we start a new year, my hope is that We are in the process of renovating she has firsthand knowledge of each of us can take a moment to imagine and relaunching the Online Unite Publicathe challenges that face families ourselves living our dream in 2015. We tion later this year. This transformation will in Springfield. are blessed to live in the greatest country allow us to serve our readers and adverBefore she moved her in on the planet. However, far too tisers better with more local news cover2007, she worked for the State of many are living life beneath age with weekly updates. These changes California’s Department of Child their potential. Our communiwill require more resources to purchase Support Services. She has exty is resource rich, and those graphic design, web development, writing, tensive experience with conflict resources are available to video, and photography services. Our goal resolution and corporate orgaanyone who is willing to take is to raise $25,000 over the next 30 days. nization. She has spent many the inspired action steps toward This amount is very doable with your help. years working to help families their dreams.

We are asking our Unite readers to improve their lives.

The Unite mission is: buildconsider making a tax deductible donaSamuel Knox She is currently on the Uniting empowering connections tion of the amount of your choice. Please ed Way Board and Council of in our community. We demonstrate this make your donations to, Unite, and mail it mission through the Unite Publication — Churches, and has previously to: P.O. Box 1745, Springfield, MO 65801 highlighting resources, people and organiserved on the Chamber of If you would like to make your donation by zations who are adding value and making credit card, please call our office at (417) Commerce board. Through her positive contributions to the Springfield 864-7444. community outreach and comand Southwest Missouri area.

Please don’t hesitate to contact us if mitment to education, she has Unite Publication is published by Unite you have any questions about this fund also worked with both Drury of Southwest Missouri, Inc, a 501(c)(3) raising campaign or any of the other proand Missouri State University. nonprofit organization.

Our funding is grams we offer. Thank you in advance for Pratt’s qualifications are generated from grants, advertising sales your support! many, but it is her passion to in our publication, the Annual Springfield give back to the community that Multicultural Festival and the generous — Samuel G. Knox, Managing Editor drives her. With a new super-

A Letter From The Editor

Library

continued from page 3

take the driving practice tests based on real Missouri DMV written exams. The service is a partnership with Driving-Tests. org, and was offered as a free service to the library.

The site includes: 10 car practice tests Six motorcycle practice tests One CDL (Commercial Driver's License) practice test Three online handbooks (car, motorcycle, CDL) FAQ section for DMV-related questions The new site includes tools that allow users to hear selections read aloud, make them into MP3s, translate pages into other languages and magnify tests.

See what’s available at sgcl. driving-test.org. You can also find the link at thelibrary.org/ education.

••• Do you know that singing and reading to children beginning at birth gets them ready to learn to read? Every time you sing a nursery rhyme, talk about the pictures in a board book or tell a goodnight story to your infant or toddler, it enhances brain development.

Let’s get them ready to read!

Join the Library’s new early literacy program, First 100 Stories

& Songs, which provides tips for reading and singing to your baby or toddler.

It’s easy to get started. Visit any Library branch to pick up your First 100 Stories & Songs Track One sheet. You’ll find helpful early literacy tips at each level, and soon you will have completed your first 25 songs and stories! Each time you complete another 25 stories and songs, you can track your progress on a “race track” poster displayed at the Library.

When you have finished the program, you’ll receive a beautiful First 100 Stories & Songs certificate, perfect for placing in your baby book.

The program begins in January, so you can get started now!

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

Good News, Great Music & Warm People 2101 W. Chestnut Expwy.

Springfield, MO 65802 (417) 865-4338

Service Times: Sunday 10:30 a.m. & Wednesday 6:30 p.m.

Fades Barber Shop Specializing in Fades and other popular styles.

812 S. Glenstone Ave Call to schedule an appointment or come by.

Walk-ins are welcome.

(417)832-8242

If you want to experience something new —the before and after look of true beauty, come to:

Trena’s Exquisite Hair Salon

Affordable Housing Opportunities There are currently housing vacancies in the City of Springfield’s program for rental or home ownership. These programs include requirements for fair marketing and non-discrimination.

You must be income eligible to qualify.

For rental, call Marti Fewell, 417-864-1039 For home ownership, call LeeAnn Camey, 417-888-2020

Monday - Saturday 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.

1553 N. National Ave.

Call: (417) 849-6611

Subscribe To The Unite Publication Only $25. per year

Call: (417) 864-7444 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!!

RSVP by emailing kayla@oke-thomas.com 405 N. Jefferson Ave. For more information call: (417) 863-6262

January Unite Page 12

January 2015 Volume 25/ Number 1 • A Monthly Publication by Unite of Southwest Missouri, Inc •

www.unitenewsonline.org

UNITE.

SGF Multicultural Festival, Monday, January 19th 12 Noon - 4 p.m.

See Back Cover

Building Empowering Connections In Our Diverse Community

Stor y on page 9

Minorities-InBusiness Calls For 2015 Heritage Awards Nominees Springfield, MO—Minorities-In-Business, a nonprofit organization that promotes economic development and business opportunities, has opened nominations for the 2015 MIB Heritage Awards, which recognizes outstanding individuals and organizations

“The Creative World of Synthia Saint James” Springfield, MO—Drury Pool Art Center Gallery presents The Creative World of Synthia Saint James, featuring the work of the renowned artist, author, speaker and educator.

She is most celebrated for designing the first Kwanzaa Stamp for the United States Postal Service in 1997, for which she received a History Maker Award, and for the international cover art for the Terry McMillan's book Waiting to Exhale.

The exhibit will be shown from December 5 to January 30.

For more information contact Greg Booker, Gallery Director Office: (417) 873-7203

Photo Provided by Hamilton.com

Photo Provided by SRAC

SRAC awards Arts and Culture Grants to 11 area nonprofits

For March: Meet at Medicacom Ice Park 9:30 a.m.

For Celebration Event: Meet at Gillioz Theater

Pratt Runs For Seat On Springfield’s Board of Education

Springfield, MO—The Springfield NAACP will hold their annual Martin Luther King Jr. March, January 19, 2015.

The march will begin at Mediacom Ice Park; 635 E. Trafficway Street, Springfield, Mo. at 9:30 a.m. The March route

Photo Provided by Drury

Continued on page 10

Annual Springfield MLK, Jr March & Celebration Event

Francine Pratt

Stor y on page 2

1929 - 1968

will end at the Gillioz Theater, 325 Park Central Square. This year’s program at the Gillioz will feature a performance by Big Mommas Back Porch Theatre Troupe as well as Missouri State University “Untamed Tongues” a student poetry group. The Springfield Public School NAACP Essay Contest Winners will be announced.

This year’s theme is “A Century of Black Life and Culture” Please come out and join us as we celebrate Martin Luther King Jr’s. Birthday and the legacy he created as we continue to promote Unity in our Community and our Nation.