My Ozarks Documentary Film Series

My Ozarks is a collection of short, intimate portraits of real people, places and experiences in The Ozarks.

Season Two: Reparative History

Honoring the Past to heal the present and dream the future

This season of My Ozarks features the histories of The Ozarks that are lesser known, less visible, and most in danger of being forgotten or erased. Our aim is to bring communities closer together through respectful recognition of our shared past, acknowledging both the proud and shameful pasts that we inherit. We believe this work of metabolizing the past can strengthen the social fabric, build bridges of trust, cooperation, and healing across differences, and help to unify, nourish, and sustain community wellbeing.

Episode 12: Ms. Peoples

This episode introduces Ms. Christine Peoples, an educator and community leader dedicated to preserving the overlooked stories of resilience, social mobility, and achievement within the Black community of Springfield, Missouri. As the Education Coordinator of Timmons Hall, she bridges generations through storytelling, preservation, and mentorship, highlighting how history shapes the past, present, and future.

The Film

A film directed by Dr. Zachary Scott Clark. Director of Photography Quinsonta Boyd. Filmed on location in Springfield, Missouri. Presented by Ozark Vitality. Major funding provided by Missouri Humanities. Produced by Meigan Alicia. Executive Producer Tami Hale.

The Backstory: Christine Peoples, Springfield, Missouri

By Meigan Alicia

Roots of Strength and Confidence

Spend just a few moments with Christine Peoples, and you’ll likely hear about the woman who shaped her most—her mother. A source of unwavering love, faith, and confidence, her mother instilled in her the belief that she didn’t need external validation. “I didn’t need outsiders to believe in me,” Ms. Peoples recalls. “My mom and all the other women in my family did.”

Ms. Peoples’ early years were spent in Kansas City, Kansas, surrounded by a close-knit family. She admired her aunts—elegant, self-assured women who moved with purpose. Their style, their presence, their unapologetic confidence—it was the embodiment of womanhood in Ms. Peoples’ eyes. Inspired by them, she attended the Josette School of Modeling as a teenager. But modeling was just one of her many talents. She could sing, she could lead, and most of all, she had a heart for helping others.

“I always knew I wanted to use everything within me to serve my community,” she says. Even as a child, she was a natural connector. Watching her mother, a nurse, care for others, Ms. Peoples recognized that kindness and respect were often extensions of her mother’s influence. “People treated me well because of my mom,” she recalls. Inspired by her mother’s impact, Ms. Peoples sought to build bridges—linking those in need with those who could help.

At school, she was a fierce advocate for others. “I stood up for people who were being picked on,” she says. “I never had to fight physically—I convinced them with my confidence.”

Her confidence was matched by ambition. At Oak Grove Christian Academy, she excelled, graduating early at just 15 years old. That summer, a performance at a Juneteenth celebration unexpectedly launched her into the spotlight—she was scouted by RCA Records to join the girl group Klymaxx and sought out by other people her mother believed would exploit her gifts and talents. But Ms. Peoples never knew. As a minor, all communications went through her mother, who shielded her from the entertainment industry’s pitfalls.

Shortly afterward, Ms. Peoples’ life took an unexpected turn—her mother moved her to Springfield, Missouri. It wasn’t until years later that Ms. Peoples learned of the opportunities she had unknowingly left behind. Though she believes she could have risen to the challenge, she ultimately respected her mother’s decision—a decision that set her on the path to fulfilling her true purpose.

A New Chapter in Springfield

Arriving in Springfield in 1981, 15-year-old Ms. Peoples felt like an outsider. She had left behind everything she knew—her community, her familiar comforts, even the lifestyle she had taken for granted. She found herself living in a furnished bedroom of a church on Old Bolivar Road, adjusting to a different pace of life.

It didn’t take long for Ms. Peoples to start carving out a space for herself. She quickly found a job and, more importantly, a sanctuary in the Springfield Public Library. She spent hours there, lost in books, finding solace in knowledge. She was there so often that people assumed she worked there. “The library was my happy place,” she says.

Ms. Peoples’ passion for people led her into roles that allowed her to serve—she became a Certified Nursing Assistant at Maranatha Nursing Home, a Therapist Assistant at Cox South Hospital, and later, the Hispanic Outreach Coordinator for Girl Scouts of the Heartland. She also served as Director of the Springfield Community Center and Internship Director for African American Studies 101 at Missouri State University.

Her deep commitment to education and community engagement led her to create the Library Meet and Greet Celebration, a program designed to foster connections through literacy and shared learning. Ms. Peoples credits Springfield-Greene County Library’s Associate Director, Jim Schmidt, for his encouragement and support in bringing this vision to life. She also acknowledges the invaluable backing of Friends of the Springfield-Greene County Library District, whose funding made this impactful program possible.

Her faith remained a guiding force—she is an Associate Minister at Freedom Baptist Church and is deeply involved with multiple church communities throughout Springfield.

Each experience has been a stepping stone, preparing her for the role she would eventually take on—Education Coordinator of Timmons Hall.

Timmons Hall: Preserving a Community’s Legacy

Historically, Black churches have been more than just places of worship—they have served as centers of education, refuge, and activism. This was especially true in Springfield, Missouri, where spaces for the Black community were few and far between. Ms. Peoples recalls a time when children would come to church, not for a sermon, but for a meal, reflecting the deep-rooted role these institutions played in community life.

Timmons Hall, formerly known as Timmons Temple Church of God in Christ, is one such place. Built in 1932 at the intersection of Webster Street and Texas Avenue, this historic Black church was at risk of demolition in 2014. The community refused to let it be erased.

Led by the nonprofit Friends of Timmons Temple, a passionate grassroots effort raised the funds needed to save and relocate the church. By 2015, the historic structure had been moved to Silver Springs Park, a site deeply significant to Springfield’s Black community—it was the only park where African Americans were allowed during segregation. Over the next few years, the building underwent careful restoration and, in 2019, reopened to the public as Timmons Hall.

Christine Peoples stepped into her role that same year, helping transform Timmons Hall into an educational and cultural hub. She sees herself not as the savior of this history, but as a steward of a collective legacy. “The move wouldn’t have happened if the community didn’t see the value in it,” she emphasizes. “The building was saved because people recognized its beauty, its history, and its significance.”

Today, Timmons Hall stands as a monument to resilience, memory, and community strength—a place where the past is honored, the present is enriched, and the future is shaped. Through storytelling, mentorship, and preservation, Christine Peoples continues the work that generations before her began—ensuring that Springfield’s Black community histories are not forgotten.

A Legacy of Connection

Ms. Peoples’ journey—from the vibrant streets of Kansas City to the historic halls of Springfield—has always been about one thing: connection. Connecting people to their past, to their community, and to each other.

Her work at Timmons Hall isn’t just about history—it’s about belonging, empowerment, and the stories that shape us all.

And in the heart of Springfield, thanks to Ms. Peoples and the community that came before her, those stories are still being told.

The Place

Springfield, Missouri

37.217912, 93.289057

Walking Through History: Springfield’s African American Heritage Trail

The Springfield-Greene County African American Heritage Trail is a significant initiative that honors the rich history and contributions of African Americans in Springfield, Missouri. The trail features 20 designated sites throughout the city's Midtown and Downtown neighborhoods, each marked with descriptive plaques that highlight stories of faith, friendship, perseverance, music, and community.

The trail's mission is to research and share previously undocumented histories, engaging the Springfield community in recognizing and celebrating the impactful roles played by people of color. Key sites along the trail include the former Lincoln High School (now Lincoln Hall at Ozarks Technical Community College), the Historic Church Quadrangle, and Silver Springs Park, among others.

The journey begins at Timmons Hall, located within Silver Springs Park. Originally built in 1932 as Timmons Temple Church of God in Christ, this historic structure served Springfield's African American community for over 80 years. In 2015, to prevent its demolition, the church was relocated approximately 600 feet to its current location in Silver Springs Park. After four years of meticulous restoration, it reopened in 2019 as Timmons Hall, now functioning as an event facility offering historical, cultural, and educational opportunities.

Visitors to Timmons Hall can appreciate its unique stone exterior, including distinctive sunburst patterns that mirror those found in the park's retaining walls. Inside, the hall features restored 1932-style paint and fixtures, as well as original heartwood oak floors, preserving its historical charm. Today, Timmons Hall stands as a testament to the resilience and dedication of the community, serving as a vibrant center for events and a starting point for those wishing to explore the African American Heritage Trail.

Springfield, Missouri, has a rich African American history, celebrated through initiatives like the Springfield-Greene County African American Heritage Trail. However, the city's Black population has experienced significant changes over time. In the early 1900s, following tragic events such as the 1906 lynchings, many African Americans left the area, leading to a notable decline in the Black population. By 1910, the Black population had decreased to less than 6%. As of 2020, the African American population in Springfield was less than 5%.

Despite these demographic challenges, Springfield’s African American Heritage Trail stands as a testament to the resilience and dedication of the community. With limited numbers, preserving and honoring Black history in Springfield requires concerted efforts from both the Black community and allies committed to recognizing this vital part of the city's heritage.

The Filmmakers

Dr. Zachary Scott Clark, Director. Dr. Clark is a St. Louis-based actor, director, producer, and coach with an award-winning 13-year career in narrative and documentary film. Notable works include Honorable (2023 SLIFF selection), where he co-directed and portrayed Muhammad Ali, earning a Best Actor award, and Pieces of Forever, a documentary on education, music, and film presented by the St. Louis Symphony and Centene Center for the Arts. Find him on Instagram @ZachClarkAct and Facebook @ZacharyScottClark

Quinsonta Boyd, Director of Photography. Quinsonta is a visionary Director of Photography and independent artist based in St. Louis, Missouri. A board member of Continuity St. Louis, he’s spent the past decade bringing bold, dynamic visuals to life for organizations like St. Louis ArtWorks, Nine Network, and the St. Louis Science Center. His striking cinematography shines in My Ozarks Episodes 2, 3, 4, 7, and 10, where his creative lens elevates every frame. Find him on Instagram @boydmediastl and Facebook @BoydMediaSTL

Meigan Alicia, Producer. Meigan is a dynamic storyteller whose passion for Ozark Vitality’s mission shines through her work with us over the past two years, including Directing My Ozarks Episode 10. With a versatile background spanning directing, casting, production assistance, post-production supervision, and voice acting, Meigan brings both creative vision and technical expertise to every project. She is committed to advancing equity in the film and media industry, using her skills to amplify underrepresented voices and stories that matter. Find her on Instagram @MeiganAlicia and Facebook @MeiganAlicia

Behind the Scenes Photography

Photos by Lesley Woods and Sasha Daucus

Lesley Woods is a St. Louis native who developed her passion for candid photography as a child when her mother gave her her first disposable camera. Later, she attended Memphis College of Art where she studied fine arts and photography. Lesley has been working with her camera for over twenty years. Find her on Instagram: @LesleyWoodsPhotography

Sasha Daucus is an expert in bioregional herbalism, teaching apprentices while embracing her own role as a lifelong learner. Her passion for plants sparked a hidden talent for photography, which she’s honed over the past six years by contributing behind-the-scenes images to the My Ozarks mini-documentary series. Sasha’s journey blends mastery and curiosity, pairing her deep-rooted herbal knowledge with creative exploration in visual storytelling. Find her on Facebook: @thegoldenlightcenter

Interested in more Ozark stories?

EPISODES now streaming at MYOZARKS.ORG