2025 Men of the Year: Samuel Knox

Samuel Knox is in the business of community building.

The co-founder and president of Unite of Southwest Missouri Inc., Knox has been involved with community volunteer efforts over the past three decades, contributing to civic, corporate and nonprofit boards and making his mark on cultural affairs in Springfield.

“I work not only to highlight our community’s diversity, but also to provide resources and education to a demographic within our community that is often marginalized,” Knox says. “The diversity and economic growth I have fostered through my extensive leadership roles and unwavering commitment have helped shape a more inclusive future for southwest Missouri, and I will continue to do so.”

Knox’s nonprofit Unite of Southwest Missouri publishes UniteNews, which provides news and informational resources designed for Black and multiracial families in the community on a monthly basis.

The president and managing editor of UniteNews, Knox and his team this year went live with an updated look and feel for the publication designed to draw more attention to its articles and visuals.

“I’m particularly proud of how we’ve maintained our entrepreneurial spirit throughout the years. In the challenging field of publishing, we’ve adapted and thrived, consistently delivering a family-oriented publication that caters to a diverse readership spanning all generations,” Knox says, noting the publication got its start in 1988. “Perhaps most inspiring is how UniteNews has become a platform for cultivating understanding and showcasing the incredible talents and resources within the African American community. By highlighting narratives that connect and inspire, we’ve played a role in fostering empowerment and unity. This sense of purpose continues to drive our work and fills me with pride every day.”

Knox’s career has included serving 2016-21 as executive director of Minorities in Business, now known as the Multicultural Business Association, and his civic involvement is extensive.

Knox says he’s currently busy with the Drury University Breech Advisory Board, the Silver Springs Park Neighborhood Coalition, the Ozarks Health Equity Collaborative and a health equity committee sponsored by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. He’s served on boards and committees for organizations including the city of Springfield, the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce, City Utilities of Springfield, Missouri State University, the Springfield-Greene County Library District and Springfield Regional Arts Council.

“My leadership roles have been extremely broad-based and varied, and I have provided leadership and expertise that have impacted this community at every level,” Knox says.

Family: I’ve been happily married to my wife, Tyra, for 42 years. She works at the Springfield Art Museum. Together, we have a son, Bradley, who is a marketing strategist at UniteNews magazine. Bradley is married to Amy, a visual merchandising manager at Bass Pro Shops. They have a delightful 9-year-old son, Griffin, who lovingly refers to me as Pop Pop.

Words to live by: “Every adversity carries the seed of an equal or greater benefit.” —Napoleon Hill