TheOmaha STar

Terri D. Sanders

FAMILY OF THE WEEK: The Wells Family

The Wells family all graduates of Omaha South High School currently consists of Sherman Kachelle and Shamyla Wells. (not pictured is their sons Carl Dajhaun and Marquez Wells) since 2004 the Wells family has been in their community serving the public in various locations, however It wasn’t until they gained access to the historical Bryant Youth Center (thanks to Minister Benedict Sundiata Menelik) that they were able to implement another one of their ideas, the 20wks of summer engagement. The reason behind the UNTAMED movement is simple. UNITY and the The Wells family has found a formula that works for them naturally and that’s the ability to gather people. Hosting free community events like The Power wheels Car Show, Family Movie night every Friday in collaboration with local business owner Shawnie Hernandez of Island Chill, Bike Ride and repair, Hood races which is an event where the community can call out opponents to have a foot race.

During those engagement events they put a focus on gang prevention by stopping the kids from ever wanting to join a gang. The guest speakers every week gives the children a look into a career that they may find interesting. They host a variety of speakers from lawyers like prosecuting attorney Makayla Danner; Technology specialist Tiffany Gamble; financial guru Nicka Johnson; even Politicians like Senator Terrill Mckinney; and City Council Woman Juanita Johnson. This family believes that unity is the only way we survive and they are leading by example by unifying North Omaha consistently week after week. •

11 African American Artists to Showcase Work at College of Saint Mary

Talbert selected the artists for the show and encouraged them to create what they desired. “I want everyone to experiment and do whatever they want,” she said. “I wanted them to create from their own space.”

Eleven local and regional African American artists will showcase their work in an exhibit called “This is Us!” at College of Saint Mary’s Hillmer Art Gallery. The exhibit will include paintings as well as mixed media pieces. Artwork will be on display Jan. 26 through March 3, with a reception planned from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 26.

The biennial show was organized by Jeff Spencer, CSM associate professor of art and director of Hillmer Art Gallery, and his former student, Omaha artist Patty Talbert. Spencer said the show celebrates the uniqueness of African American culture and how the artists make their work. “It’s a great opportunity for our community to see some artists who are probably less visible in the city but are making as big of a contribution to the mixture of the art community. They really add to the diversity,” he said. “I think that’s important for us. It’s our opportunity to give them a venue to expose people to their vision.”

Artists who will show their work include Ang Bennett, Rowena Bennett, Anthony Deon Brown, Celeste Butler, Mars Black, Anthony Peña, Talbert, Brittney Thompson, Aaryon “Bird” Williams, Jevon Woods, and Zaleski.

The exhibit is open to the public. “I hope they feel a sense of community. I hope they feel a sense of belonging. I hope they’re inspired,” Talbert said of show attendees.

Dear Community,

Yep, COVID is still with us, I keep repeating that, but it is true. Wash your hands, cover with a mask and hopefully it won’t come to you and yours.

This month has been about community economics. In case you have not heard, the list of organizations and companies that are being considered for the LB1024 monies is out! I am pleased to say that the Mildred D. Brown Memorial Study Center (MDBMSC) made the list and the plan will be to convert the 2216 N. 24th Street offices into a museum dedicated to Mildred D. Brown (founder of the Omaha Star Newspaper) and the Black Press. If you did not know, Mrs. Brown lived in the Omaha Star building and her living accommodations remain as they were when she was alive. She was quite fancy and her living quarters show it. I think that the county needs to see all that the Omaha Star represents. Now you know this kind of undertaking takes MONEY. While LB1024 is some money it is not 100% of the cost to erect this kind of jewel in our community.

LB 1024 is like a shot of adrenalin for our community and everyone needs to be ready! Projects and plans are underway with a deadline for when the money has to be spent. While checks have not been distributed, there is another step to the process. It is a time of solidarity for the community to stand together…do not let outside influences try to divide us about the proposed projects and who got what and how much. Remember what grandma said what is said in this house stays in this house. We cannot allow division in our community at this critical time and giving people the side-eye based on the opinions and summary of others. Enough said?

The MDBMSC is a 501(c)3 organization (non-profit) and all donations to our organization are tax deductible. 2023 is the 85th year that the Omaha Star has been in circulation. To date in 85years we have NEVER missed a publication date. Stay tuned to find out how you can become a member of the 1938 Club and the perks that that are related to membership. We will have some special events that we have planned for the community and we want YOU to be a part of the events.

This is the year for Native Omaha Days, scheduled for July 24-31, 2023. Star planning your family events, get your party clothes ready, and prepare to stroll down memory lane with your friends. As the committee rolls out their plans, we will keep you informed.

Signed Much Love for North Omaha, Your Publisher and Life-Long Community Member

Nebraska educators can now apply for 50th anniversary grants from Humanities Nebraska

Humanities Nebraska (HN) has announced a special grant opportunity for Nebraska educators to help celebrate HN’s 50th anniversary in 2023 and to spark the next 50 years of humanities learning, programming, and exchange of ideas.

“Humanities Nebraska is pleased to to serve Nebraska educators with this grant opportunity,” said Chris Sommerich, HN executive director. “All of us are excited to see how educators will use the humanities to help students connect with history, culture, and each other.”

Fifty $1,000 grants will be awarded to Nebraska educators around the state to support innovative humanities education during the 2023-24 school year. Grants will be available to all full-time educators and can be used for expenses including, but not limited to, tools and materials for humanities projects, professional development opportunities in the humanities, speaker fees, and field trips. No matching funds are required. Educators may apply through any Nebraska organization that educates students within the Pre-K through grade 12 age range, with a maximum of one application per organization. To ensure statewide distribution, awards will be balanced among the following regions: Lincoln Metro, Omaha Metro, Eastern Nebraska outside of Lincoln/Omaha, Central Nebraska, and Western Nebraska. Priority will be given to underserved schools based on economic conditions, ethnic background, and disability.

For complete details and access to the grant application, visit humanitiesnebraska.org/edugrant.

Humanities Nebraska is celebrating 50 years of what connects us and makes us human. Let your curiosity get the best of you and discover events throughout 2023 and during Humanities Week in October. HN is a private nonprofit with a mission to help people explore what connects us and makes us human. HN is funded in part by the NEH, an appropriation from the Nebraska Legislature, private donations, and the Nebraska Cultural Endowment, a public-private partnership with state dollars matching private dollars to benefit the arts and humanities in Nebraska. •

THE OMAHA STAR, INC.

THE VOICE OF THE BLACK COMMUNITY

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E-MAIL ADDRESS: Terri D. Sanders - publisher@omahastarinc.com

Business Hours: Monday – Friday: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Member of the National Newspaper Publishers Association

Mildred D. Brown: Founder, July 9, 1938

Dr. Marguerita L. Washington: Publisher, 1989 - 2016

Phyllis Hicks: Publisher/Managing Editor, 2016 - 2019 Terri D. Sanders, Publisher Beryl Barnes: Administrator Calvin Lacy: Retail Distributor

THE OMAHA STAR believes that America can best lead the world away from racial and national antagonism when it accords every man, regardless of race, color or creed, his human and legal rights. Hating no man, fearing no man in the firm belief that all are hurt as long as one is held back.

Disclaimer

The United States provides opportunities for free expression of ideas. The Omaha Star has its views, but others may differ. Therefore the Omaha Star ownership reserves the right to publish views and opinions by syndicated and local columnists, professional writers and other writers whose opinions are solely their own. Those views do not necessarily reflect the policies and position of the staff and management of the Omaha Star newspaper.

Readers are encouraged to email letters to the editor commenting on current events as well as what they would like to see included in the paper. Those emails should be sent to: publisher@omahastarinc.com and must include the writer’s name, address, email address and telephone number. The ownership has editorial rights and does not guarantee that all submissions will be published.

Please be advised that the Omaha Star ownership does not employ staff writers who charge for preparing and submitting articles for the general public. Should you encounter such, please advise Terri D. Sanders at 402-346-4041.

Local AKA Chapter Launches Scholarship Applications

As a way to cultivate scholastic achievements the Delta Epsilon Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated has launched their 2023 scholarship application for female students in high school, pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees. Please visit deoakaomaha.org for more information.

Audition Alerts:

Announcing auditions for RESPECT!

Directed by Kathy Tyree | Music Director: Ananias Montague

Audition information:

• Saturday, Jan. 28 | 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. at OCP

• Sunday, Jan. 29 | 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. at OCP

Callbacks:

• Monday, Jan. 30 | 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. at OCP

Please complete the audition form to schedule your audition time here: https://bit.ly/OCPUpcomingAuditions

We hope to see you there! Good Luck!

Announcing auditions for IN THE HEIGHTS!

• Music and Lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda | Book by Quiara Alegría Hudes

• Director/Choreographer: Rebecca Kritzer | Music Director: Boston Reid

Audition information:

• Saturday, Feb. 11 | 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. at Latino Center of the Midlands*

Those interested in Principal and Ensemble singing roles.

• Sunday, Feb. 12 | 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. at OCP

Those interested in Ensemble DANCE roles, (please still be prepared to sing).

Please Note: Latino Center of the Midlands has TWO buildings. Auditions will take place at the SOUTH building 4937 S. 24th St.

Callbacks:

• Monday, Feb. 13 | 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. at OCP

• IN THE HEIGHTS show dates: Wed - Sun June 9-June 25, 2023

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance

The Omaha Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Coalition advances financial empowerment, asset development and community prosperity for low to moderate income families through quality volunteer tax return preparation, community partnerships, and strategies to improve savings. Volunteers have been trained and certified in tax law, tax preparation software and customer service. This year, there are new opportunities for families to take advantage of at the free tax preparation sites:

• 7 VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) sites around the metro area with expanded service hours and an online, remote filing system called Tax360 Secure Drop.

• Free debit cards for those who would like to take advantage of direct deposit and faster refunds but do not have bank accounts.

• Free tax preparation and quality services to claim important tax credits for working families like EITC, Child Tax Credit, Dependent Care Credits, and the Retirement Savings Credit among others.

• Partner agencies like United Health Care, Legal Aid of Nebraska and others to assist taxpayers with health care, legal issues, and credit counseling.

The United Way of the Midlands continues to offer the 2-1-1 service for families to call for an appointment at the free tax preparation sites near their home or people can set their own appointment through the Coalition’s website: www.omahaeitc.org

The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) provides a tax credit of Social Security and Medicare taxes for lowwage workers. The amount for which people are eligible varies by household income and family size. This is a once a year opportunity for working families to claim what they’ve worked so hard to earn. •