Vol. 83 - No. 5 by The Omaha Star

75 CENTS

Omaha Star

The

Proudly Serving Our Community for Over 80 Years

Dedicated to the Service of the People that NO Good Cause Shall Lack a Champion and that Evil Shall Not Go Unopposed

Nebraska’s Only Black Owned Newspaper Vol. 83 - No. 5 Omaha, Nebraska

Friday, March 5, 2021

75 cents

Community advocates honored

Retirement

Peggy J. Hunter As I close an important chapter of my life and prepare to write a new one, the Old Testament offers relevant guidance: “To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under the heaven.” It is with a heavy heart to tell you that I am retiring from the Omaha Housing Authority, 1823 Harney Street on February 27, 202l. I consider myself privileged to have been an employee at O.H.A. since December 16, 1971. As a Receptionist, my job wasn’t only about greeting and smiling, but it included having dignity, respect, and compassion toward everyone that I met. Yes, my time has been marked by both challenges and triumphs, but I will cherish the many friendships I have made along the way that will endure forever. I hope, in my own small way, I have touched you on your life’s journey. I will always be grateful for the opportunity I had to work at O.H.A., and the Omaha Community. It is my hope that our paths will cross again in the future, and “To God be the glory for the things He have done.” Peggy J. Hunter

2021 Virtual Black College Tour

This is the first time in over thirty years that we will not be able to take a bus load of high school students on the Black College Tour. Due to the pandemic, we will be doing a Virtual Black College Tour. College tours can give you first-hand experience of what it’s like to be a student on campus and help connect you with valuable resources. During this experience, you’ll see why historic black colleges and universities are so widely regarded for their ability to

support and elevate minority students. On March 9th from 1:00pm – 3:00pm will be Morehouse College and March 11th from 1:00pm-4:00pm will be Grambling State University, Lincoln University, and Alabama State University. Please call Rachelle Tucker at 402-2101568 or email her at rachelletucker0327@ gmail.com or call Kathy J. Trotter at 402658-1259 for registration information You do not won’t to miss this opportunity. Space is limited and it is FREE to attend. Prizes and Raffles will be included!

Sherie Thomas Honored

Sherie Thomas, a lieutenant with the Omaha Police Department, took center stage during last year’s protests and civil unrest. She received a special honor for helping bring the community together. Her speech included an emotional statement telling those on hand that police are listening and willing to work with the community to improve things. In January 2021 Kim Bell Balark Sherie Thomas was named Omaha’s ‘Living the Dream’ winner at the city county’s Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration. This award honors the vision of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and recognizes the achievements of community leaders. Lieutenant Sherie Thomas is a member of the Omaha Graduate Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Next Issue: March 19, 2021 Information due March 12, 2021

The Omaha (NE) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated hosted its 6th Annual Red Dress® luncheon virtually via Zoom Webinar. The event is held annually by the Chapter to punctuate the message from the American Heart Association’s Go Red For Women national campaign and bring awareness that heart disease is the #1 killer of women. “It was a pleasure presenting this year’s event virtually to safely reach so many in our community,” said Mamie Bryan, President of the Omaha (NE) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated. During the event, more than 60 African American women attendees learned that approximately 80% of Ira Combs cardiac events can be prevented through education on how to prepare and maintain a healthy diet, lifestyle changes and signs to look out for. This year’s event featured keynote speaker, Dr. Kimbra Bell Balark, a board-certified internal medicine physician on staff with Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago, Ill. Balark also serves as Central Area Health and Human Services Chair for The Links, Incorporated. Her message, “Why Eat Healthy Especially During A Pandemic?” was delivered in homage to David Letterman’s ‘Top Ten’ style, also incorporating interactive audience engagement. As an alternative for the signature healthy lunch typically served at the event, Guest Chef Dr. Laura Ferguson Mimms, put on a live cooking demonstration, leaning on Jo Giles her fun-loving charisma. She prepared a Salmon Po’ Boy recipe with Remoulade sauce. Prior to the event finale, Mistress of Ceremonies Jo Giles presented three awards to recognize champions in the community who are working to fight heart disease by sharing their personal journey, through advocacy and through education. The Women’s Health Advocate Award was presented to Dr. Bell Balark for her significant outreach in health and human services. A second award, the Community Health Advocate Award, was presented to Ira Combs, founder of North Omaha Area Health (NOAH), an organization making a difference in the lives of underserved and underrepresented groups. The final Kim Bell Balark program honoree, Ramona Ash-Saulter, a heart failure survivor, received the Heart Health Ambassador Award. The award is given to a survivor who has promoted awareness about heart disease by sharing a personal story of triumph and healing throughout the community. The centerpiece of the Go Red for Women campaign is the Red Dress®, which stands as the national symbol for women and heart disease awareness. The Red Dress® serves as a “red alert,” giving women the message, “Heart Disease Doesn’t Care What You Wear—It’s the #1 Killer of Women.” This year, the Omaha (NE) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated is celebrating 70 years of friendship and service.

Publisher’s Pen

By Terri D. Sanders

March is Women’s History Month. This celebration began as a day, a week and now a month (sound familiar?). FACTS: In 1980, President Jimmy Carter designated the first official National Women’s David Turnbo Photography History Week, beginning on March 8 of that year. Schools, universities and local governments came to realize that this period of time allowed them to not only celebrate the achievements of women, but look critically at equality and opportunities for women, and educate people on women’s history. It was only a matter of time before the week became a month. According to the National Women’s History Alliance, states began declaring the whole month of March as Women’s History Month all the way up until 1986, when a more national push finally made headway. The following year, Congress declared March 1987 as the first official Women’s History Month. Besides International Women’s Day, March holds a few more important milestones for women’s history: • Title IX, which prohibits sex discrimination in all federally funded education programs, was passed by the Senate on March 1, 1972. It became law later that year. In fact, the educators who formed the first Women’s History

Daylight Savings Time Turn clocks forward one hour Sunday, March 14, 2021

Week a few years later did so to help schools comply with Title IX. Title IX as the legislature that advanced women athletes’ rights in high schools and colleges. • The Equal Rights Amendment, a constitutional amendment which guarantees rights regardless of sex past those assured by the 19th Amendment, passed the Senate on March 22, 1972. • Earlier in the 20th century, two significant women’s suffrage events took place in March. The first major suffragist parade took over Washington, DC, on March 3, 1913, and the National Woman’s Party, a political group dedicated to women’s suffrage, was officially formed in March 1917. NOTE: Women did not receive the right to vote until the 19th Amendment (1920). ON ANOTHER NOTE: COVID-19 is still with us (March 2020 we acknowledged its existence) and changing its form. Yes, vaccinations are available. The spread seems to be lessening. It is still important to wash your hands (did we not learn that in kindergarten). On a personal note, do not get close- remain socially distant and WEAR A MASK. Did you know the state of IOWA has dropped the mask mandate? The race is not over until we cross the finish line, seeing the finish line does not declare you the winner, you have to cross the line. Do what is right for YOU. Remember when your mother told you: Everyone else is playing on the freeway are you going into the traffic too? Think about that! Wash your hands, social distance, and wear a mask. The staff of the Omaha Star Newspaper works diligently to provide you with news and information that is relevant. Follow us on social media for updates and certainly we thank ALL our readers and subscribers for your support.

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Page Two

LOCAL NEWS

THE OMAHA STAR

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Women’s History Month discussion focuses on women in media

Omaha Area Fish Fry Events

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2423 Grant St. 402-348-0631 March 5, 12,19,26 Fried and baked fish available. Call in order for carry out. 11am-6pm

Mt. Calvary Community Church

5112 Ames Ave, 402-457-4216 Every Friday beginning Now to April 2, 2021 Whole or Catfish Fillets. Carryout ONLY. 4pm-8pm

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

Barbara Reeves: 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 402346-4041.

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Metropolitan Community College will host “Media Mavens: Women in media past and present” on Thursday, March 18 from 2:30-3:45 p.m. as part of Women’s History Month. The Omaha Star’s Terri Sanders will lead a virtual discussion that focuses on how women have served major roles in communications and David Turnbo Photography the media. The discussion will also look at the current status of these professional women, the changes in presentations and why. The educational discussion is free and open to the public. To attend, visit zoom.us/j/99894386393 at the start time. Call 531-MCC-2253 for more information or email interculturaled@mccneb.edu.

Omaha Table Talk: Reparations

Phyllis Hicks: Publisher/Managing Editor, 2016 - 2019 Terri D. Sanders, Publisher

March 5, 2021

The zoom room was at capacity for the latest Omaha Table Talk. The topic for the night’s discussion, Reparations. The panel featured A’Jamal Byndon – Board Chair of MORE and Adjunct Professor in Black Studies, Colette Yellow Robe – Retention Specialist at University of Nebraska Lincoln, and Paul Feilmann – Mental Health Therapist MSW LHMP (retired). Barry Thomas, an Inclusive Communities LeadDIVERSITY Advocate and Director of Equity and Diversity for Omaha Public Schools, moderated the discussion. This was also a special Omaha Table Talk since Byndon is a founding member of this series and Inclusive Communities was honored by his participation. As per the custom for the event, it started with a land acknowledgement. This time, that also served to launch the discussion of what paths of atonement for past injustices can be taken. “Land acknowledgements,” Colette Yellow Robe noted, “recognize the pre-history. The arrival of Columbus marked not only the conquering of lands, but also of Native American bodies, and particularly female bodies. Land

acknowledgments demonstrate an understanding that there was a history before that arrival and conquering.” Discussion focused what reparations could look like for both the Black and Native American communities in the United States. Barry Thomas explained that many of today’s institutions and systems were built and strengthened around slavery, and Paul Feilmann highlighted how he has seen that carried forward into modern day. His experience in mental health counselling showed that there was a pattern to generational poverty that was rooted in slavery and land capture. His belief is that reparations need to take the form of helping people achieve equal financial footing. Yellow Robe likewise highlighted that as a society we need to think about reparations in ways that are “clever and create tangible investments for generational wealth.” Panelists highlighted examples of reparations that have been applied in other moments of history such as land redistribution in Zimbabwe, reparations to Jewish people after the Holocaust, and reparations given to

Japanese individuals after internment in the United States. They further noted that reparations do not always take the shape of direct payments, but can be tuition relief, guaranteed admissions, investments in healthcare and poverty reduction strategies. A’Jamal Byndon most pivotally expressed the need to continue this discussion and invite more people to join. He asked, “how do we demystify the language so that people don’t check out?” In acknowledgment of the need for further discussion on reparations in our local community, he noted that “Omaha is a perfect microcosm of a diverse society but we still live in a segregated reality.” The primary step forward panelists agreed, would be to ensure that the discussion of reparations kept moving forward in a way that moves us to action. The next event is Queer Table Talk in partnership with OutNebraska on March 30, 2021 at 6 p.m. (CST). The topic will be Transgender Day of Visibility, which is observed on March 31. Interested parties may use the following link to register:https:// bit.ly/QTTMar30.

AKA Omaha Graduate Chapter and the Bobby Byars Foundation, Inc Partner for Crystal Clear Vision setting, and vision. The Omaha Graduate Chapter continues to exemplify excellence as they focus on Arts and other initiatives. For more information on the Alpha Kappa Alpha Omaha Graduate Chapter, go to deoakaomaha.org.

By Pat Toole Ivy Leaf Reporter

The AKA Omaha Graduate Chapter partnered with the Bobby Byars Foundation to host a virtual vision board event for members and supporters of both organizations. Coach Dianne Tribble of At the Table Consulting , LLC. provided motivation to the group by reflecting on the importance of having a vision and give tips on how to stay focused. Additionally, the event provided an opportunity for participants to design creative images to display and use visualization to focus on goals and attract what make them happy and fulfilled. “Doing my first vision board in 2018 changed my life and I’ve been preparing a vision board since then.” said Terrill Maxwell, sorority member and Arts committee chairperson. The Omaha Graduate chapter used creativity by providing a way to safely Terrill Maxwell and Sheila bond with chapter members and the Fields of AKA Omaha Graduate public virtually. The two-hour event Latricia Harris shows off her Chapter and Bobby Byars give-a-ways related to focus, goal vision board. Foundation and chapter gifts

Omaha Star Publishing Dates 2021 Month

Info due

Pub Date

Theme

Focus

MARCH 2/26/21 3/5/21 Women’s History Salute to Women of Omaha 3/12/21 3/19/21 APRIL 3/26/21 4/2/21 Personal Finance Who is Your Financial Consultant 4/9/21 4/16/21 MAY 5/7/21 5/14/21 Writers / Authors Nebraska Authors 5/21/21 5/28/21 JUNE 6/4/21 6/11/21 Graduates High School / College Graduate / Professionals 6/18/21 6/25/21 JULY 7/2/21 7/9/21 Stem Code Like a Queen / King 7/18/21 7/23/21 AUGUST 7/30/21 8/6/21 Native Omahan’s Welcome Home 8/13/21 8/20/21 SEPTEMBER 8/27/21 9/3/21 Education Back to School 9/10/21 9/17/21 OCTOBER 9/23/21 10/1/21 Harvest Time Canning and Freezing 10/8/21 10/15/21 10/22/21 10/29/21 NOVEMBER 11/5/21 11/12/21 Gratitude Being Thankful 11/19/21 11/26/21 DECEMBER 12/3/21 12/10/21 Self Care Caring For You 12/15/21 12/24/21 www.theomahastar.com 402-346-4041 PO Box 3393 Omaha, NE 68103 publisher@omahastarinc.com

March 5, 2021

COMMUNITY/HEALTH/COMMENTARY

The Union for Contemporary Art Celebrates 10th Anniversary and Welcomes Back 5 Artists to Fellowship Program

THE OMAHA STAR

Page Three

Created to Serve

Members of Greater St Paul COGIC

L:R Luevenia Barfield, Shani Dozier, Tenesha Gray, Sean McNeil, Stephanie Mann, Romona Scott-Bragg, Tiffanie McCowin Members of the Greater St Paul Church of God in Christ were living the mission with a food and clothing give away at the Sienna Francis House, near 17th & Izard Streets, on a sunny Saturday afternoon. Included in the mission event distribution was snack foods, personal care items, clothes and shoes.

By: Patrick Mainelli 2021 marks the 10th anniversary of the founding of North Omaha’s Union for Contemporary Art. To celebrate the occasion, The Union is planning a year of exhibitions, community engagement, and surprises curated around the theme of Joy. Founded in 2011, The Union for Contemporary Art has pursued its mission of “strengthening the cultural and social landscape of our community” from modest beginnings in the former St. Martin de Porres food pantry at 24th and Burdette to becoming a flagship for culture and conversation in the historic Blue Lion building. “I started The Union as a means to help uplift and celebrate the beauty and resilience of my North Omaha community – that was the dream,” notes Union Founder and Executive Director Brigitte McQueen. “It’s been such an honor to watch that dream become actualized in such incredible ways through the support of so many people.” To kick off the anniversary year, The Union is unveiling its first exhibited artwork of 2021, Reflection by Omaha painter and former Union Fellow, Patty Talbert. The work, which spans nearly 300 feet, fills a majority of the front of The Union building on North 24th and Lake Streets, (painted in its west-facing windows for safe, distanced viewing). In her artist statement Talbert notes: “Our reflections can empower our community, reminding us we are powerful reflections of a whole.” As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to disproportionately impact North Omaha and other communities of color, the Union building will remain closed to the public until the threat to public health has diminished. Despite this uncertain future, The Union is determined to make space for Joy to shine through in 2021. As part of the anniversary commemoration, The Union is excited to welcome back a cohort of five Black, women artists from the Omaha area to its Inside/ Outside Fellowship program. To mark the special year, each of these women is a returning Fellow, having previously participated in the artist residency program in an earlier year. The artists – Celeste Butler, Pamela Conyers-Hinson, Demetria Geralds, Mariah Person, and Zedeka Poindexter – are returning to The Union to pursue their creative work and receive ongoing support and professional/creative development. Fiber artist and “Quilterpreneur” Celeste Butler says of the Fellowship: “This program is a critical factor and has laid the groundwork which impacts artists sustainable income, education and professional growth, development, and opportunities that ensures our work will be recognized on a major scale.” The artists – whose creative practices include poetry, dance, fiber arts, and sculpture – will spend their Fellowship year making art that engages directly with the North Omaha community. Each will explore what this engagement means uniquely to them and their practice, centering the living history and vitality of the community in their outreach. Butler adds a bit of wisdom on the importance of putting talents to good use: “Live, love, and create juicy stories so when it’s your turn to sit amongst the ancestors they will feel honored that the gifts entrusted to you were used well and not one drop went to waste.”

Great Eats

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

In the last ten years, the Inside/Outside Fellowship program has supported the creative and professional development of over 50 local artists, many of whom cite the program as being a pivotal point in the growth of their craft and career. In this same time, The Union has hosted 37 gallery exhibitions, featuring the work of both emerging local talents and internationally-renowned artists working to push the aesthetic and social impacts of their practice. The Union’s Performing Arts program has brought live theatre back to North Omaha, regularly presenting plays, musicals, and stage readings that explore authentic and thought-provoking narratives about experiences within the African diaspora. A Youth Engagement program – initially born from the interest of neighborhood children knocking on the Union door, curious about art classes – has now served over 200 North Omaha children and their families through the years. Beyond this, The Union’s artist Co-Op Studios provide creative space and education, offering resources and equipment that are rarely accessible to non-professional artists. The community Abundance Garden yields hundreds of pounds of free and fresh produce annually, while offering an inviting community gathering space in the summer. And finally, a Neighborhood Arts program brings artists and community members together to develop meaningful public art and mural projects in North Omaha neighborhoods. In 2021, the ongoing Undesign the Redline exhibit, which has brought together thousands of visitors (both virtually and in person) since its opening in 2019, will continue to be the source of rich conversations on the impact and legacy of housing discrimination in Omaha and beyond. In 2021, the conversations will continue to deepen, framing contemporary local issues within the context of Redlining’s difficult history. As The Union prepares to move into its second decade of life, a number of things remain unchanged. Foremost among these, a belief in the power of art to provoke serious inquiry and concrete change in the ways we live and create community. It’s this intersection – the reflection and creation of our world – that puts people, relationships, and shared experience at the heart of all The Union does. “I believe that 2021 marks a pivotal moment, not just for The Union, but for our community, for our country… a shift is happening, change is coming,” says McQueen. “I am looking forward to shining a light on all that’s on the horizon through our work at The Union and amplifying the collective conversation about all that’s possible through the lens of the arts.”

Who is Edward Poindexter?

Ed Poindexter

Just who is Edward Alan Poindexter? You’ve heard he’s 76, has been in prison for 50 years for a crime he did not commit, and now he’s in poor health and needs our help and letters to obtain a commutation of sentence so he can be paroled. What else

is Ed Poindexter about? Mr. Poindexter was born in 1944 in Omaha, went to grammar school at St. Benedict’s, and graduated from North High School in 1962. After high school, he enlisted in the military and was stationed in Georgia, Germany and Vietnam. He was not in the infantry. He worked as a medical aide and practiced shoe repair. After he was honorably discharged, he worked for the U.S. Postal Service in Atlanta and Omaha. He did volunteer work in Omaha with the Near North Omaha Drug Association, served on the board of the YMCA, and was elected as a delegate to the Douglas County Democratic Party convention in 1970. On the day that Ed arrived in prison on April 17,

1971, he was evaluated by a counselor who wrote, “He is actually an interesting conversationalist and appears to have the capabilities of becoming a fairly responsible individual. By his own indication as well as his mother’s, he seems to have a genuine concern for his fellow man.” Soon, he became a leader in the Harambee Association, initially formed within prison with a mission to combat alcoholism and to encourage a healthy mindset. He earned an associates degree from Southeast Community College. He also participated in bands and drama clubs. In 1979, Mr. Poindexter transferred to the prison system of Minnesota to complete a college degree—successfully earning a bachelor’s in Human Services from Metro State University of St. Paul. He completed coursework toward a master’s in Management of Instructional Systems (MIS) from Goddard Graduate School in Montpellier, Vermont. In Minnesota, Ed taught non-credit selfimprovement material to youth, and chaired and directed self-help groups within the prison. He ran a juvenile detention hotline. He became a member of Toastmasters International out of his love for public speaking. He wrote several screenplays, most notably, a sci-fi thriller named “Talons.” Poindexter continued on page 4

4 servings 1 pound of potatoes (red new potatoes/ yellow potatoes) 2 large cloves of garlic Skim milk (richer recipe half and half cream) 1/2 t white pepper Butter to taste (3-4 tablespoons)

Roasting Garlic: Place whole garlic cloves in a square of foil, drizzle with olive oil. Close foil and place in 425 degree oven. Cook for about 30-45 minutes. Garlic will be soft and will be slightly brown. Potatoes: Cut potatoes into chunks (with skin on). Place in boiling water, cover and cook until tender (fork can easily pierce the potatoes). Remove from heat. Drain. Using an electric mixer or hand potatoe masher: add butter squares and squeeze roasted garlic from the bulb of garlic into the potaotes (toss out garlic skins after squeezing out garlic “meat”) mash potatoes and garlic mixture, add milk/cream to make smooth. Add pepper. Serve with your favorite meat and ENJOY

UNMC College of Nursing offers new programs to address Nebraska’s nursing shortage College offers a new master’s degree, a certificate program for internationally educated nurses, 8-week accelerated RN to BSN As part of its continuing effort to address Nebraska’s nursing shortage, the University of Nebraska Medical Center will offer two new programs: a new master’s degree program, and a certificate program for internationally educated nurses. In addition, an accelerated option will be offered in the registered nurse to bachelor’s degree in nursing program (RN to BSN). Applications are being accepted now. “There is a critical nursing shortage facing the U.S.,” said Juliann Sebastian, PhD, dean of the UNMC College of Nursing. “Nebraska is projected to have a shortage of 4,000 nurses over the next few years. This tremendous need requires creative approaches for expanding educational opportunities for nurses.” According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for nurses is expected to grow by 15%, which is much faster than average. The new Advanced Nurse Generalist Master’s Degree in Nursing, which begins in the fall, is a new specialty track is for nurses looking to advance their skills and knowledge but are not seeking nurse practitioner certification. The 39-credit hour program, which will be offered primarily online, will include a clinical practicum in the students’ specialty clinical area with a preceptor. Short immersion experiences will be scheduled throughout on College of Nursing campuses. Curriculum includes health care economics and policy, care coordination and organizational improvement. “This master’s program is ideal for nurses, particularly those in hospital or other direct patient care settings, who want to solve problems to enhance patient outcomes or seek leadership opportunities,” said Missy Ofe Fleck, PhD, director of the program. The second new program offered is “Nursing in the U.S. Context,” an undergraduate certificate beginning this May. The goal of the program is to better prepare internationally educated nurses for practice in the U.S. and for exams necessary to make them eligible for RN licensure. An active RN license in the U.S. also is a prerequisite for applying to post-licensure programs such as the RN to BSN and master’s and doctoral programs. The program consists of a minimum of 12 undergraduate credit hours of coursework, clinical simulation and some hours in a clinical setting completed over two semesters. The curriculum provides an understanding of nursing and health care in the U.S., professionalism, communication roles and responsibilities, as well as practicing medical English. The college also will offer an eight-week option for the online RN to BSN program in addition to its current 16-week RN to BSN online program. The new option was added to increase flexibility for nurses who would prefer shorter courses. The program, which is for registered nurses with an associate’s degree in nursing or a diploma in nursing, is offered by the University of Nebraska through NU Online. More information about the programs can be found online at www.unmc.edu/nursing/educational-programs/new-programs.html or by contacting Stef Boardman at stef.boardman@unmc.edu or call (402) 559-4113.

Page Four THE OMAHA STAR

PRAISE, WORSHIP, DEVOTION, OBITUARIES & INSPIRATION

I Choose Love USA

“I Choose Love USA” is a national effort to embrace and heal while seeking justice and social equality. The effort is led by Les ”Pee Wee” Harrison, and includes seasoned thinkers, professionals, and athletes all working together to organize and reach out to civic leaders across the USA. This campaign seeks to restore confidence and build trust between government and their constituents, nationwide and will visit all 50 state capitols, ending at the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C. “Our goals and objectives are to bring communities together to heal in an environment where everyone chooses to love,” said Harrison. “I Choose Love USA” was birthed in Portland, Oregon as a response to protests and violence in the streets. Harrison began inspiring others to join him in his efforts to take this message of love across the nation. Omaha, Nebraska was chosen as the first state to initiate a Governor’s challenge. Harrison was raised in Omaha along with his ten siblings and attended school at Sacred Heart School in north Omaha. “The Midwest, the heartland of America, is the perfect place to launch this effort of healing,”

March 5, 2021

A Certain Woman By Velma J. Sanders

said Harrison. This virtual event was hosted by the Omaha Police Department on Valentine’s Day. Governor Pete Ricketts, Omaha Police Department Chief Todd Schmaderer and Omaha Fire Department, Chief Dan Olsen signed the “I Choose Love” creed. Governor Ricketts announced his challenge to Governor Doug Ducey, to coordinate Arizona government leaders to sign the “I Choose Love USA” creed. The “I Choose Love”, Omaha event included keynote speaker Ellis Ray Leary, Fr. Dave Korth of Sacred Heart, and the “The Brown Sisters”, of Portland, Oregon. The song, “I Choose Love”, written and performed by “The Brown Sisters” will be performed stateto-state as an inspiration of power and healing.

Our future is being decided today

It is within the hostile environment of Luke 11:14-54, that we have the cameo appearance of a certain woman. In verse 27, she makes her single entrance into the spotlight of history; abruptly stepping onto the stage, and then, just as rapidly stepping out, never to be seen or heard of again. With lifted voice, she says to Jesus, “Blessed is the womb that bore thee, and the paps which thou hast sucked.” Crouched within her one sentence is an impure utterance of praise. At first glance she seems innocent, but with careful inspection we see her words are not as innocent and pure as they may first appear. It is not always that the enemy comes with apparent weapons in hand. His movements are far often more subtle and cloaked, than obvious and open. He who comes as a roaring lion can also come as an angel of light, and such was the case as he works through this certain woman. We are not told her proximity to Christ, but wherever she was located, she lifted her voice. She was loud, bold and disruptive; seeking to mingle her words with His; seeking to hinder and even, if possible, to stop the proclamation of the Word of God. She said, “Blessed is the womb that bore thee, and the paps which thou hast sucked.” Turning from a casual glance, to a discerning look, we notice that her praise, instead of glorifying Jesus Christ, glorified another. She praised “the womb that bore thee.” It is with untiring determination that Satan seeks to minimize, distract from, remove and replace the Christ with something or someone else. To her words, Jesus has no need to recoil or retreat. He replied to her one sentence declaration with one sentence of His own, saying, “Yea, rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God and keep it.” He acknowledged that her words were indeed true. Howbeit, the gracious Redeemer tells every listening ear that a blessing is available to anyone and everyone who will hear the Word of God and keep it. Through His word of truth, Jesus gave instruction to and provided a way of escape even for a certain woman. After this short encounter and exchange of words, in perfect uninterrupted peace, the Christ continues on in ministry; fulfilling His Divine mission; perfect in wisdom and powerful in Spirit. So masterful is the Lord in battle that it was not obvious to the ordinary eye that a battle had even been fought and won! Vsanders875@centurylink.net

Kids Talk About God Why Did Religious Leaders Want To Kill Jesus?

By Billy Holland

By Carey Kinsolving and Friends

The greatest life-changing story ever told is that Jesus died for you which proves he loved you more than anything in the world. He knows your every thought and intention, listens to every word, and sees every act and deed. He has never taken His eyes from you, nor has he ever been distracted or too busy to listen to your concerns. More than anything he wants us to stop living for ourselves and begin to live for him so that he can renew our mind and revitalize our life for his glory. Nothing is impossible with Jesus and the most wonderful revelation that can be realized is that he desires to live inside of us and guide us in all our decisions. What dream or imagination could be higher than to know that God has opened the door for us to live with him now and forever? God uses clay to describe the human conscience and explains how important it is for us to be pliable as the potter cannot mold a vessel that is hard, dry, and stubborn. Our Creator’s solution is to break the vessel, crush it to powder, add water, and make it soft so that it can be re-shaped and transformed into what he has envisioned us to be. There is much symbolism in the miracle of being born-again, but to make a long story short, the Bible says in II Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” Within this process of spiritual transformation is the opportunity to refuse or to embrace honesty and obedience. Meekness is not pity but rather comprehending that a power much higher than our own desires to change us into His image. Yielding our will sounds simple, yet it is the most difficult path we will ever follow. No matter the challenges you are facing today, God is with you every step of the way. Dale Carnegie is quoted as saying, “Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all.” In the times of doubt and fear you can know that God has never forsaken you and never will. As you walk through trials which are a part of this temporary existence, you can trust without a doubt that His loving presence is surrounding you. In fact, He promises that He is watching over us and wants to comfort us with His mercy which endures forever. Deuteronomy 31:8 declares, “And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.” If we have allowed Christ to purify our heart, our eyes are opened to see His truth and this is the power that sets us free from sin and the dark negative influences which try to defeat us. Learning to have confidence in the Lord and embracing the endless commitment of His love is a revelation of His unfailing covenant to be with us even to the end of the world. Check out our free CD offer at billyhollandministries

“So the story is that the religious leaders were planning to kill Jesus, but when the day came, nobody could find Jesus,” says Eli 10. If you look at the Gospels as a game of hide-and-seek, Jesus always wins. He mastered the art of hiding from religious and political leaders, but revealing himself to seekers until the day and hour of his crucifixion. It started with Jesus’ parents fleeing Bethlehem just before King Herod commanded his troops to kill all the children two years and younger. King Herod didn’t want any competition. Sometimes Jesus revealed himself as Israel’s Messiah. At other times, he tells those whom he healed not to tell anyone. Jesus travels to Jerusalem in secret during a national festival and then teaches openly in the temple. Just when Jerusalem’s religious leaders are about to arrest Jesus, he heads for a small town in the desert or to Galilee. Why all this zigzagging? Timing is everything! Jesus had a mission. It needed time to develop. When Jesus asked a woman at a well in Samaria for a drink of water, he provoked her curiosity by offering her living water. When she talked about the Messiah, Jesus said, “I who speak to you am he” (John 4:26). To this Samaritan woman, Jesus embraced his messianic role and title openly. But to Jerusalem’s religious leaders and lawyers, Jesus was cunning. He acted like a winning chess player planning his next three moves. At times he answered a question with a question (Mark 11:27-33). On other occasions, his subtlety flipped into outright confrontation. Jesus drove money changers out of the temple with a whip (John 2:13-16). Have you ever seen a picture of this in a children’s storybook Bible? Probably not. It might be too scary for kids.

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How about calling religious leaders whitewashed tombstones, beautiful on the outside but full of dead men’s bones on the inside (Matthew 23:27)? Unless you’ve got chutzpah on steroids, you’ve probably never done this. Jesus did. “Jesus was getting all the fame, and the religious leaders were upset,” says Matthew, 9. “They did not want the Romans to destroy the city.” Of jealousy, Mark Twain wrote: Among human beings jealousy ranks distinctly as a weakness; a trademark of small minds; a property of all small minds, yet a property which even the smallest is ashamed of; and when accused of its possession will lyingly deny it and resent the accusation as an insult.” After Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, many who saw the miracle “believed in him” (John 11:45). But religious leaders considered the miracle a threat to the nation’s religious system and the control they exercised through the Roman government. Here’s their response to the miracle: “What shall we do? For this man works many signs. If we let him alone like this, everyone will believe in him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and nation” (John 11:47-48). Think about this: Religion as a self-salvation project will always persecute those who promote God’s free grace as offered in Jesus Christ to all who believe in him. Jesus kept God’s law perfectly so that all lawbreakers, which is everyone, can enjoy life forever with him in his kingdom by simply believing in him. Memorize this truth: “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). Ask this question: Are you trusting in a religious system or in Jesus Christ alone for your future in his eternal kingdom?

Letter from a Friend

The following will be a series of letters from the publisher of the Jewish Press to the Omaha Star. On April 13, 2021, there will be a zoom meeting for a community discussion. This is the first letter with questions from the Jewish community’s viewpoint. Dear Terri, My first question for you is this: since our paper, the Jewish Press, mostly focuses on local, Jewish news—how can we open the eyes of our readers about the Black community? It’s all well and good to watch what is happening nationwide, empathize when yet another black human is murdered, or post an inspiring quote to social media on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, it is something else entirely to open our eyes to how we can more effectively Annette van De Kamp

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battle racism in our own city. What should we pay more attention to, what are the ways we can help each other during a time when both racism and anti-Semitism are on the increase? Do we, as a Jewish community, know the right questions to ask? After a recent incident of anti-Semitism in Omaha made the news, I first heard about it from a Non-Jewish, Black acquaintance. The fact that the story triggered her enough to reach out meant a lot. She correctly interpreted the fatigue we as Jews feel, each time someone expresses hate or misunderstanding. I imagine that fatigue sounds familiar to every Black person in America. In your January 22 edition, I read the poem “What If,” submitted by Todd Hunter. I’d like to add a thought. What if you talked, and I listened? What if you taught me how to be better, and I paid attention? What if together we could make the world actually better, because I took action the way you’d want me to? Best, Annette

Poindexter continued from page 3

He worked in the prison audiovisual department and recorded and produced motivational rap songs under the name, “The Jammer from the Slammer,” which you will soon be able to hear online. He participated in a Turn Off the Violence Campaign, and wrote two books, “The Youth SURVIVAL Guide… for the 90s,” and “The Youth SURVIVAL Guide… Part 2.” Ed was given permission to establish a publishing company called St. Ives Publishing to sell the books. His other written works include “EsteemQuest: A Holistic Guide to Building SelfEsteem in Inmates,” and “Building

Self-Esteem: For Convicts, Juvenile Delinquents and Criminal Offenders.” When Ed returned to Nebraska in 2006, he rejoined Harambee’s leadership serving as the education chairman for a time. Even within prison walls, Ed Poindexter has lived a remarkable life. Send emails advocating for his commutation to attorney Brad Thomson at brad@peopleslawoffice. com and to the Nebraska Pardons Board at ne.pardonsboard@nebraska. gov. More information is available at FreePoindexter.com

PRAISE & WORSHIP DIRECTORY

March 5, 2021

THE OMAHA STAR

ALLEN CHAPEL A.M.E.

SACRED HEART CATHOLIC CHURCH

Rev. Willie Morris, Pastor 2842 Monroe Street Omaha, NE 68107 Off: (402) 5734-3399 Email: admin@allenchapelomaha.org

Rev. Willie Morris

Sunday School...........................9:00 a.m. Sunday Praise & Worship.....10:00 a.m. Thursday Bible Study..............8:00 p.m. via teleconference, dial-in number 563-999-2090 and access code 576989

Fr. Dave Korth

2207 Wirt Street Omaha, NE 68110 Phone: 402-451-5755

MORNING STAR BAPTIST CHURCH 2019 Burdette Street Omaha, NE 68110 Ph: 402-342-0018

Fr. Dave Korth

Worship Service .............10:00 a.m. Sunday School .................8:45 a.m. Excluding First Sunday Tuesday Evening Service.........7:00 p.m.

“Where Life is for Everyone”

Page Five

Live Streaming Sunday Service-10:00am on Morning Star Baptist Church-Omaha Facebook Page

SUNDAYS 10:00 AM

Mass Schedule: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday - 8:00 am in Rectory (2218 Binney) Thursday - School Mass 8:10 am in Church Saturday - 5:00 pm Sunday - 8:15 am and 10:30 am

SALEM BAPTIST CHURCH

awcchurch.org 402-341-1866 5417 N. 103rd St. Omaha, NE

MOUNT CALVARY COMMUNITY CHURCH

Drs. Martin & Lynnell Williams Founders & Lead Pastors

“Jesus is the Light of the World” Bishop Kevin Chambers, Senior Pastor www.m3comaha.org 5112 Ames Avenue Omaha, NE 68104 (402) 457-4216 Church Phone (402) 453-4084 Pastor’s Office

BETHEL MISSIONARAY BAPTIST CHURCH Rev. Dr. Lorenzo S.L. Fincher Senior Pastor 5318 South 30th Street Omaha, NE 68107 Phone: (402) 731-1840

Bishop Kevin Chambers

Dr. Ralph B. Lassiter, Pastor 2602 N. 24th St. Off: (402) 451-8800 Fax: (402) 451-8522 mtmoriahomaha.net pastorlassiter@gmail.com

Rev. Ralph Lassiter, Sr.

Wednesday Bible-Prayer Service 11:30 a.m. & 6:30 p.m

Rev. Portia A. Cavitt, Pastor

Sunday School………………………8:45 a.m. Sunday Worship Experience………...10:00 a.m. Wednesday Bible Study….…….…….6:00 p.m.

MT. NEBO MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH “The Church Where Fellowship is Real”

Pastor Terry L. Arvie 5501 N. 50th Street Ph: 402-451-4245 Fx: 402-451-2130 office@mtneboomaha.org www.mtneboomaha.org

Services on Sundays at 8:30 am & 10:50 am 7020 Cass Street, Omaha, NE 68132 402.556.6262 www.fumcomaha.org First United Methodist Church is a welcoming and inclusive community, inspired to grow with and in God.

8:30 am Early Sunday Morning Worship 9:30 - 10:15 am Sunday Morning Breakfast 10:15 - 11:15 am Sunday School 11:30 am Sunday Morning Worship 6:30 pm Wednesday Bible Study 8:00 pm Friday Night Service Noon day prayer Thursday - Saturday

Pastor Kenneth A. Allen

Sunday Morning Worship ...................................9:00 a.m. Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting .....................7:00 p.m. Wednesday Night Church School ......................7:30 p.m. Youth/Children Ministry Focus (Wed.) ............7:30 p.m.

Rev. Kent H. Little, Lead Pastor

Pastor Barbara Mitchell

2215 Grant Street Omaha, NE 68110 Ph: 402-346-1502 Fax: 402-344-2720

Pastor Terry L. Arvie

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

Pastor Barbara Mitchell 2404 Fort Street, Omaha, NE 68111 402-455-1800 Church 402-455-3390 Fax

ZION BAPTIST CHURCH Rev. Kenneth A. Allen, Pastor

“Come Get Your Hilltop Experience” Rev. Portia A. Cavitt, Pastor 5544 Ames Avenue, Omaha, NE 68104 Telephone: 402-451-8322 • Website: www.cmumc.net Email: clairumc@cumc.omhcoxmail.com

Weekly Services Sunday Morning Worship Service .....................8:30 a.m. & 11:30 a.m. Children’s Church (2nd & 4th Sunday) ................8:30 a.m. & 11:30 a.m. Life Development (Sunday School) .........................................10:15 a.m. Wednesday Word and Worship (WWW) ................................ 6:30 p.m.

MT. MORIAH MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH

Sunday School .............................................. 9:30 a.m. Sunday Worship ..........................................10:45 a.m. Overcomers in Christ......................Sunday 7:00 p.m.

CLAIR MEMORIAL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

SUNDAY Sunday Morning Worship……………10:00 A.M. Sunday School……………………….. 9:00 A.M. WEDNESDAY 11:00 A.M. ~ Hour of Power Bible Study Wednesday is Family Night! 6:00 P.M. ~ Prayer & Praise Service 6:30 P.M. ~ Feast & Fellowship (Light Meal) 7:15 P.M. ~ Discipleship Academy (Classes for ages 5 & up)

PLEASANT GREEN BAPTIST CHURCH

Rev. Michael Chamberlain

THE WORSHIP CENTER

“Where CHRIST is Preeminent and the Word Prevails!”

North 24th Street Church of God “Presenting the Never-Changing GOD to an ever-changing World!”

Pastor Brian Page 5555 Larimore Avenue Church: 402-346-8427 www.pleasantgreenomaha.org

Dr. Stan Rone - Senior Pastor 2021 N. 24th Street • Omaha, NE 68110 (402) 341-4297

Pastor Brian Page

Wednesday: Prayer Power Hour ......................................12:00 p.m Thursday: Youth For Christ ............................................6:00 p.m Prayer & Bible Study ....................................6:30 p.m Sunday: Sunday School.................................................9:00 a.m. Morning Worship..........................................10:15 a.m. Charles Galloway - President, Rev John Deang - Pastor, Dr John Beasley - Elder

HOPE LUTHERAN CHURCH

Televised Broadcast Sunday @ 10pm on KPAO Cox Communication channel 22 & Century Link channel 89

Missouri Synod 2721 N. 30th Street 402-453-1583 Sunday School................................10:00 a.m. Church Service...............................11:00 a.m. YOU ARE ALWAYS WELCOME

ST. BENEDICT THE MOOR CATHOLIC CHURCH 2423 Grant St. Omaha, NE 68111 Ph: 402-348-0631 • Fax 402-342-4451 Sunday Mass: 9:00 a.m. Reconciliation: Sunday after Mass or by appointment

JOY OF LIFE MINISTRIES COGIC

Pastors Eric and Cynthia Butler

Rev. Vitalis Anyanike

6401 N. 56th Street Omaha, NE 68104 Ph: 402-399-9628 E-Mail: Jolpastor@aol.com Sunday School..........................9:30 a.m. Sunday Worship......................10:30 a.m. Sunday Evening Worship.......6:00 p.m. Wednesday Night ....................7:00 p.m. Bible Study and Youth Ministries

HOLY NAME CATHOLIC CHURCH

Pastor Eric Butler and Co-Pastor Cynthia Butler

Rev. Dr. Selwyn Q. Bachus

TABERNACLE OF FAITH CHURCH

Sunday School .............................................. 9:30 a.m. Worship Services .............................................. 10:45 a.m. Wednesday Prayer Services ..........................................6:30 p.m. Wednesday Bible Study.....................7:00 - 8:00 p.m. Biblically Based, Family Oriented, Dynamic Fellowship

3131 Lake Street Omaha, NE 68111 402-455-1000 www.salembc.org

Services: Sunday School .................................................... 9:30 a.m. Sunday Morning Worship Experience ......... 11:00 a.m. Word On Wednesday (WOW) ........................ 7:00 p.m.

“Large enough to serve you, Small enough to know you”

Rev. Dr. Lorenzo S.L. Fincher Senior Pastor

Serving God and One Another in the Spirit of Excellence Rev. Dr. Selwyn Q. Bachus Senior Pastor

2901 Fontenelle Blvd. 68104 Ph: 402-451-6622 • Fax 402-457-6901 Mass Schedule: Mon. - Fri. 8:30 a.m., Sat. 8:30 a.m. & 5:00 p.m. Sun. 8:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m. & Noon (Spanish) Reconciliation: Sat. 4:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. or by appointment Pastor: Rev. Vitalis Anyanike

Dr. Stan Rone Senior Pastor

Sunday Kingdom Academy 9:00 a.m. Worship Celebration 10:15 a.m. Tuesday Prayer Hour 7:00 a.m. & 12:00 noon Wednesday Power Hour (Prayer/Bible Study) 6:30 p.m. Youth and Children 6:30 p.m. www.theworshipcenter24cog.org

Page Six

THE OMAHA STAR

LIFE & STYLE/HEALTH & WELLNESS Never Quit on A Bad Day

By Sheila Fields, MBA CPLC “Every day I quit my job, then I go to work.” This is one of the funnier phrases that I have seen posted on social media. The meme really spoke to me because it reminded me of all the times that I considered quitting at something meaningful. I believe bad days can really affect how you think which may guide you toward decisions that you may regret later. Even if the bad day is not necessarily tied to employment, there are often circumstances that make us all want to quit, let go, throw in the towel. Here is a small piece of advice – do not do it! Never ever quit on a bad day. Let me explain. A bad day is considered a day when everything is going wrong or not as expected. The day can lead to feelings of failure or defeat. When your perspective is pointing you in a direction of defeat or inadequacy, please remember that it is only a perspective. The term ‘bad day’ is relative and /

or subjective by definition, so manage decisions related to that day accordingly. When we make decisions based on a bad day, we could be operating on emotions, opinions, or skewed point of view. We might simply be ‘in our feelings’. A bad day is probably not the best time to make a major decision that could impact your life such as quitting your job, marriage, or some other major commitment. Take the time to look at things objectively. For example, consider all of the facts and how your decision to quit will impact your life. Things to remember about a ‘Bad Day’: • Everyone experiences a bad day. It is only a day, so give tomorrow a chance. • Remember to keep everything in perspective. Feelings should never be the sole basis for major decisions. • Make sure you consider your mental and physical health as well as any life events at play. Sometimes rest or exercise can clear your thinking. • Focus on your ‘Why’ and the big picture.

March 5, 2021

quitting. • Ask for constructive feedback from friends and mentor relationships. • Look at the bad day as an opportunity to grow, learn, or develop a new skill. • Find a win in every day. When all else fails, remember bad days are going to come and go. By taking a complete inventory of the day and staying objective, you can anticipate the good days ahead and avoid decisions that bring regret later. Challenge yourself to turn a bad day to good, then decide your next move on a great day.

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How to neutralize the ‘Bad Day’: • Focus on gratitude as well as all the positives in your life. • Call a friend or family member that inspires you. • Journal or make a list of the pros/cons as you consider

MOVING?

Creighton CPHHE COVID-19 Take the Vaccine Program Racial and ethical approaches to community health (REACH) is a periodic column focused on reducing health disparities in the African American community. It includes topics submitted by Creighton University Health Sciences Multicultural and Community Affairs (HS-MACA) department and is supported by the COVID -19 agreement with Douglas County Health Department (DCHD). REACH By Dr. Richard Brown Ph.D., FACHE In mid- February, $250,000 was awarded to Creighton University’s Center for Promoting Health and Health Equity (CPHHE) to help stem the spread of the COVID-19 virus among minority communities through a phase 2 vaccine education project. These funds from DCHD will support further training of Community Health Advocates to promote vaccinations among the African American, Latinx, Omaha Housing Authority resident, Maya, and Urban Indian communities. Sade Kosoko-Lasaki, MD, MSPH, MBA, associate vice provost and co-founder and co-executive director of CPHHE, also directs Health Sciences—Multicultural and Community Affairs, the parent organization of the 12 year-old, Center. She notes that CPHHE is a trusted resource for Omaha’s underserved populations. “CPHHE, through its community and academic partners and staff, is a trusted member of the community and is equipped to continue working with our trained community advocates and ambassadors to enhance their communication effectiveness regarding COVID-19 prevention, control, and vaccine education” she says. The Killing Pandemic Then and Now In the spring, March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared that global coronavirus infections and spread were a pandemic. People got sick and were hospitalized at alarming rates in the US. Shelter in place and quarantine rules were encouraged. Although thousands began wearing face masks under local government mandates, many others unfortunately did not—citing “freedom” and “liberty” as reasons. Infection and death rates unnecessarily climbed. Businesses and schools were forced to close. Jobs were lost. Life as we knew it dramatically changed. Nearly one year later in February of 2021, we have come some way toward recovery. But progress is fragile and we face a long journey. Scientists and pharmaceutical companies have developed vaccines to inoculate the population against the deadly disease’s spread. Although many have been vaccinated in Omaha, conspiracy theorists encourage people not to take the vaccine. And our African American and Latinx community members are being vaccinated at lower percentages than others. Our new program aims to reduce this vaccination disparity. Educating Community Health Ambassadors We will address the next immediate challenge of educating the community through providing messaging that explains the vaccine’s value of the vaccine in preventing COVID-19 infection. A major focus will be to reduce vaccine hesitancy and encourage all who are eligible to take the vaccine when available. DCHD funding will support educating our Creighton University certified Community Health Ambassadors (CHAs) (60) from Black churches, Omaha Housing Authority Towers, and Latinx, Maya and the Urban Indian Communities. Through this longstanding and trusted partnership, CPHHE will manage training these CHAs to promote vaccination benefits to other minority individuals in both North and South Omaha and in the Urban Indian Communities. CPHHE will also enhance CHA training in cultural competency while improving proficiency in interacting with Omaha’s diverse minority populations. CHAs will also gain knowledge about how to help residents navigate local health systems, provide other guidance, and assist with social support. Vaccine Access The first batch of long, awaited coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccines have arrived in Nebraska and massive distribution efforts are underway. First doses went to healthcare professionals, first line responders, and residents of long- term care facilities. National health officials alerted the public that most Americans won’t have access to a coronavirus vaccine until late spring 2021, at earliest. This means public health guidelines like wearing a mask, social distancing, and avoiding large gatherings would still be imperative for the coming months to curb the coronavirus’s spread. After vaccination, a mask is still recommended because it takes weeks for the body’s immune system to build protective antibodies against the virus. Partners: John Stone, MD PhD (Physician, Ethicist, Co-founder and Co-Executive Director CPHHE, Urban League of Nebraska, Doris Lassiter LLC, Lee Brown Associates LLC, Omaha Housing Authority, One World Community Center, Maya Community, Urban Indian Community center For more information contact: Richard L. Brown, Ph.D., FACHE, Executive Director, REACH Program HS-MACA, Hixon Lied Rm G 13, 2500 California Plaza, Omaha, NE 68178. RichardBrown@Creighton.edu. Cell (402) 3067158

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BUSINESS BITES/CLASSIFIEDS

March 5, 2021

Holy Name Housing Corporation names Executive Director

Holy Name Housing Corporation has named Matthew Cavanaugh as Executive Director. Cavanaugh, born and raised in Omaha with deep ties to the community, spent many years in Illinois working in local government and homeless prevention. He obtained a master’s degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago, College of Urban Planning and Public Affairs. Cavanaugh’s previous position was Executive Director of the Nebraska Housing Developers Association where he received and administered development, technical assistance, and housing assistance grants from the Nebraska Departments of Economic Development and Health and Human Services as well as Federal Home Loan Bank of Topeka and numerous private and philanthropic donors. HNHC was established in 1983 by neighborhood residents who wanted to reverse the housing deterioration threatening the community. In HNHC’s thirty-nine-year history the organization has constructed 500+ homes for rent/

sale; rehabbed 171 homes for rent/sale; rehabbed a historic building into 37 apartments for low-income seniors; constructed 74 cottages for seniors; enabled reinvestment in neighborhoods - assisting 350+ families to purchase homes. HNHC currently manages 343 housing units predominantly located in northeast Omaha. “I am excited to have an opportunity at Holy Name Housing Corporation to use my talents and experience to partner with a committed board of directors, support an experienced staff, and further such an important mission,” said Cavanaugh. “Investing in our neighborhoods and providing quality affordable housing is essential to creating safe, healthy and equitable communities and no organization does a better job of that than Holy Name Housing.” An active supporter of the affordable housing and nonprofit communities, Cavanaugh also serves on the boards of Midwest Housing Development Fund, Housing in Omaha, and the Nebraska Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence.

Adams Painting is based on the vision that the company has the needs of the customer as the utmost importance. The painting team is committed to meeting those needs. The proof of this concept is the high percentage of the business is from repeat customers and referrals. Gale Adams began as a union painter. When he was laid off from, he took his training and industry knowledge and started his own company, an entrepreneur emerged. Hem demonstrated to general contractors that he could provide the product needed and he was able to bid jobs based on his integrity and that he was “all in” for every job. At Adams Painting Company, the vision is to be the first choice in residential and commercial painting. We will achieve this by: • Developing a strong relationship with all our

Gale Adams

customers. • Listening carefully and striving hard to understand the needs of all our customers and paying close attention to every details of a project from start to finish, sparing no effort in meeting and exceeding the expectations of our customers. • Our mission is to provide paint services to homes and businesses for new as well as remodeling projects by: • Combining the artistic dreams of our customers and our professional expertise to deliver exceptionally pleasing and top quality paint jobs always. • Utilizing innovative painting techniques to achieve design and esthetic objectives, while being time conscious, efficient and competitive. Gale Adams is proud of the journey of his company and gives back to the community that has served him well.

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See our current openings and apply at habitatomaha.org/about-us/careers. Habitat for Humanity of Omaha is an equal opportunity employer and seeks to employ and assign the best qualified people for all of our positions. We are committed to inclusion across race, gender, age, religion, identity and experience.

us on Instagram @omahastarnewspaper

To advertise your business, please contact The Omaha Star. Call 402-346-4041 or email publisher@omahastarinc.com

Arborist

Attorney Timothy Ashford

B & E Tree Service

Attorney at Law

Tree Trimming, Tree Removal, Stump Removal and Haul Away

1603 Farnam Street Omaha, NE 68102

Eric Neal

Licensed Arborist Fully insured and bonded @betreeservice on Facebook

402-753-5891 ericneal18@cox.net

Candle Boutique

Smells So Good! Owners: Theresa White Chantelle Green

Our Signature candles are all natural and made with soy wax. These candles are sure to light up any room with pure joy!

telleandresa@gmail.com www.telleandresa.com

Fitness Training

(402) 660-5544 attorneytimothyashford@gmail.com

Carry Out Food

Hours

Wednesday 11AM - 6PM Thursday 11AM - 6PM Friday 11AM - 6PM Saturday 11AM - 6PM

UBER EATS available

Call to Carry out

Barber Shop A CUT ABOVE DOWN NORTH Meet your new barber: ~ For over 8 years Polo has been an elite barber in the Omaha metropolitan area. ~ 2x Barber of the Year nominee for UNLYP ~ Cuts have been featured on ESPN, MTV, CNN, Nickelodeon, and various news outlets.

For an appointment www.polobland.com

Clinic

In the community, for the community Offering screenings for STDs, HIV, High Blood Pressure and Diabetes Limited Care for Chronic Illnesses Services are Free but donations accepted

5620 Ames Ave • Omaha NE 68104

Phone: 402-933-0737 www.noahclinic.org

Home Improvement Housing 55 & older

Coach Percy Keith Performance Training

pkcement@yahoo.com 504-609-1491 Hours 6am-10pm 7 days a week MONTHLY ONE ON ONE TRAINING AVAILABLE CALL FOR PACKAGE PRICING

2 and 2 Contracting

COMMITTED TO YOUR SUCCESS TO REACH YOUR FITNESS GOALS

Insured & Bonded Professional

Insurance

ALLY INSURANCE BROKERS OF OMAHA Your Ally for affordable Insurance

Jason Roberts

(402) 359-3296

3932 N 90th Street Omaha, Nebraska 68134

New York Life Insurance Company One Valmont Plaza, Suite 100 Omaha, NE 68154 Bus. 402.496.6429 Cell 402.510.4186 Fax 402.496.6458 jlord@ft.nyl.com Authorized to Offer

SR-22, Auto, Home, Life, Health, Commercial, Annuities

Insurance

Life Insurance and Annuity Program fromNew York Life

Real Estate

Sherman P. Willis, Agent 4915 N 120th St Ste 107 Omaha, NE 68164 Bus: 402-493-1000 sherman@shermanpwillis.com Mon-Fri 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Evenings and Sat by appt. 24/7 Good Neighbor Service

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ǁǁǁ͘ĞǀĞƌŐƌĞĞŶĐĂƉŝƚĂůŽŵĂŚĂ͘ĐŽŵ ZĞŐŝƐƚĞƌĞĚ /ŶǀĞƐƚŵĞŶƚ ĚǀŝƐŽƌ ;ϳͬϮϬϮϬͿ

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND

We are offering very LOW Rates! Auto • Home • Life • Health • Dental • Vision ALSO AVAILABLE Commercial Insurance

Kim Robinson, M.B.A. 1913 Military Avenue Omaha, NE 68104 402-999-8357 (office) 402-502-0253 (fax) robinsoninsurance@omhcoxmail.com

Real Estate 100% Female Owned Company Residential and Commercial Real Estate Agents

blairfreeman.com 402-819-6200 minfro@blairfreeman.com

zŽƵΖǀĞ ǁŽƌŬĞĚ ŚĂƌĚ ĨŽƌ ǇŽƵƌ ŵŽŶĞǇ͕ DĂŬĞ ŝƚ ǁŽƌŬ ĨŽƌ ǇŽƵ͘

Insurance

Construction

State Farm, Bloomington, IL

Retirement Planning

3439 State Street Omaha, Nebraska 68112 402.451.4477 www.sevenoaksnd.org

Development and Project Owners Representation

1211999

Independent Seniors 55 & Over Call Seven Oaks at Notre Dame HOME! Call for a Tour Today!

ATTENTION ATTENTION ATTENTION

John Lord, LUTCF, RHU® Agent

Shoes

Truck Drivers

Tenna Shu (shoe)

WANTED Truck Drivers CDL DRIVERS 48 STATES C & N TRANS

PALACE

Where you’re treated like royalty!

Tyrone Hayes (Owner)

We’re looking for people who... • Have a passion for helping others • Enjoy building genuine connections • Want to be part of a mission-focused environment

Business Connection

Metropolitan Utilities District ERP TECHNICAL / FUNCTIONAL ANALYST II

Page Seven

Reach Contractor Of The Month Adams Painting/ Gale Adams

THE OMAHA STAR

1822 N. 33rd St. Omaha, NE 68111

402.215.3822

Tyrone@Tennashupalace.com

Mike 239-292-6647

Andrew: 239-994-0319

candntrans41@yahoo.com

Have you heard about the Business Connection?

To advertise your business, please contact Terri Sanders. Call 402-346-4041 or email publisher@omahastarinc.com

YOUTH/EDUCATION NEWS Jesuit Academy Winter Fun at Mandela Keeps

Page Eight THE OMAHA STAR

Scholars Active, Healthy, and Happy

Nelson Mandela once said, “A good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination.” At Nelson Mandela Elementary, both hearts and minds are shaped by recess, and it is essential for social, emotional, and physical development. At Mandela, recess occurs three times a day, every 90 minutes. Additionally, scholars continue to play outside in all seasons. Recent changes in temperature have allowed Mandela scholars to enjoy the snow. Featured in this article are fourth graders participating in a snow creations contest. Due to COVID-19 limiting many social interactions, recess is more important than ever. Mandela team members have excelled in their creative ideas for scholars to safely continue in this activity. The benefits are numerous, with scholars getting time to socialize and exercise, both of which are paramount to the well-being of scholars both mentally and physically. Nelson Mandela likely was not referring to recess when he spoke of the importance of having a good head and heart, but the team at Nelson Mandela Elementary have taken inspiration from his words to shape the youth at Nelson Mandela who are, as Nelson Mandela said, “the leaders of tomorrow.”

Submit events at least 2 weeks in advance.

Dr. LeDonna Griffin

March 5, 2021

gun but when you see any other hands you get a moment of relief. You take a breather. It is ridiculous I am not saying don’t enforce the law but the way you do it to one race, do it the same to every other race. There should be no color in America. What is it you see, am I scary to you because I’m not like your kind or does racism still exist till this day? I am black I am strong, am I right or am I wrong we shouldn’t have to fight for our life, we should be able to put our fists up without being arrested or shot. May black lives not be harmed. You say white lives matter when really all lives matter. May my life, my family’s life and the school’s life not be harmed. May we live on forever. I have a dream for this country.

The annual 40 days of Lent Season in the Catholic Religion is recognized as a time of reflection and preparation before the celebration of Easter. Lent is traditionally described in the Catholic Religion as commemoration of the 40 days Jesus spent fasting in the desert, according to the Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke, before beginning his public ministry. On Wednesday, the 6th grade class led the all school prayer service. Mr. Bonasiewicz, a Jesuit in training, who works with the students at Jesuit Academy led a heartfelt prayer service sharing his thoughts and reflections of how Black Lives Matter. A 6th grade student was asked by his teacher to recite his poem that he wrote as a class assignment. Please see below his reflections out loud and a copy of his poem, titled...This is My Voice. THIS IS MY VOICE I’m black; my hands are up. Are you going to yell at me? I am black; I ask you a question. Are you going to get angry at me? My hands are in my pockets are you going to shoot me? I reach for a cell phone are you going to shoot me and say, “Shots fired, shots fired!”, when you fired the shots at me. Do you slow down to think Caring for someone with about the things you have done to Alzheimer’s isn’t easy. me, or are you worried about the hate you will get or the fact that Reaching us is. you might lose your job when I’m lying down dying slowly? What if I was the cop behind the gun? Could I shoot you and not go to jail? All I ask is for justice: Why is it when you see African American hands you pull out a

NAVIGATING HEALTH INSURANCE IS HARD ENOUGH WITHOUT A PANDEMIC.

LET US HELP.

If you care for someone with Alzheimer’s disease, memory loss or dementia, you are not alone. We’re here day or night — whenever you need us — offering reliable information and support. Free 24/7 Helpline: 800.272.3900 Alzheimer’s and Dementia Caregiver Center: alz.org/care

(402) 457-1207