Vol. 82 - No. 25 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. 82 - No. 25 Omaha, Nebraska

Friday, December 11, 2020

75 cents

Tori Foster, Author

Family of the Week:

Tori Foster, a 7th grade student at Holy Name School in Omaha, has written her first fantasy book entitled Jana and the Elves: A Magical Adventure. Tori has always had a passion for fantasy books and decided to author her own during the pandemic while school was not in session. The book welcomes its readers to the Magical World of Elf Village, where Jana is the princess and she depends on her friend, Tyler, as well as her pet dragon, Sapphire, to help save her parents kingdom from the evil queen, Morgana and her daughter Zelda. While in school, Tori’s favorite subjects are Math and Religion. Congratulations Tori! The books are available at Divine Nspirations Bookstore, FairDeal Village MarketPlace, and Amazon.com.

Symone Sanders, Omahan in the White House

Tori Foster

Ed Poindexter Statement to Pardons Board By Preston Love Jr

Symone Sanders and Vice President Elect Kamala Harris strategizing Symone D. Sanders is an author and seasoned political strategist who has served as Senior Advisor to the Biden-Harris presidential campaign. A communicator with a passion for juvenile justice, Sanders is the former chair of the Coalition of Juvenile Justice Emerging Leaders Committee and former member of the Federal Advisory Committee on Juvenile Justice, where she worked to raise the profile of young voices in the fight for juvenile justice reform and bring millennial perspectives to policy conversations. Sanders is former CNN political commentator and served in 2018 and 2019 as a resident fellow at Harvard’s Institute of Politics at the Kennedy School and the University of Southern California’s Center for the Political Future respectively. On January 20, 2021, Sanders will join the Biden-Harris Administration as Chief Spokesperson and Senior Advisor to Vice President Kamala Harris. Symone is a product of Sacred Heart Elementary School, Mercy High School and Creighton University. She is an Omaha Girls Inc. alum who is displaying Strong, Smart, and Bold in her daily life. Symone cut her journalist teeth here at the Omaha Star Newspaper and is a Mildred Brown Scholarship recipient. She fondly states on a regular basis that she is a bald black woman from North Omaha Nebraska. Did I mention that she is the daughter of the publisher? Omaha is very proud of Symone.

Midlands African Chamber The Midlands African Chamber Inc. was founded in 2020, out of a desire to enhance the robust African and African American business climate in Nebraska and across the Midwest. We share in the responsibility of helping each other achieve the American Dream, and economic success is an integral part of our pursuit of happiness. The Midlands African Chamber serves as the voice of businesses, and involves the public sector in community leadership to create environments where business aspirations of diverse communities are attainable, as well as the promotion of the social, economic, and cultural advancement of the African and African American community, The Midlands African Chamber strives to create a positive economic impact in the Midwest by providing business opportunities, leadership, education, advocacy, and economic development for our members. For more information on membership: https:// midlandsafricanchamber.com/member-benefits-andplans/

Signed copy of “No You Shut Up” by Symone Sanders $27/book in the Omaha Star office

“It goes without saying that these are trying times for every segment of our complex communities. One of those is the community of incarcerated men and women who are faced, while serving their time, with uncertainty and inflexibility. In spite of the fact that they are incarcerated, we owe them the right to live and not die, and to a large degree they need our love, understanding and compassion. Ed Poindexter is one of those incarcerated, and a special one due to his age and preexisting health conditions. It is becoming increasingly difficult to understand why Nebraska and this Pardons Board would not look beyond protocol and push-backs, but realize that he was never given the death

penalty, or life without parole, and he does not deserve to be executed by COVID-19 when we can intervene. I plead for you to find a way to release Ed Poindexter. If you do, there will be a reconciliation in the minds of so many Nebraskans as well as healing, if that were Poindexter continued on page 2

Publisher’s Pen By Terri D. Sanders The pandemic rages on in our world. Not even COVID-19 can stop progress in our lives. Congratulations to the AIM institute honorees, which includes the Urban League of Nebraska. The Omaha Star is a program of the Mildred David Turnbo Photography D Brown Memorial Study Center (MDBMSC), a 501(c) (3) organization. MDBMSC is accepting donations for all our programs which include junior journalism, the archiving project, and scholarships for higher education. We encourage you to support our organization that was started in 2007 in the name of our FIRST publisher, Mildred D. Brown, to promote the profession of journalism with African American students in high school. Donations (payable to MDBMSC) can be sent to: PO Box 3393, Omaha, NE 68103. Your donations are tax deductible. Be on the lookout for groundbreaking programming in

junior journalism. We will be utilizing the zoom platform to connect with students and explore all of the possibilities that journalism offers. We are going to be part of the shaping of the future of communication. One of our scholars, Asia Rollins has a column in this issue of the paper. We are always looking for writers and stories from our community. We reserve the right to edit and determine what will appear in the Omaha Star. We seek to inform on the good news of our community. Send all information to: publisher@omahastarinc.com. For those who do not know, YES, Symone Sanders is my daughter and I am very proud that she will be the spokesperson for Vice President Elect Kamala Harris. The second question I am asked: NO I will not be attending the inauguration in January 2021. Symone is very adamant about her #MADRE traveling in the pandemic. Thank you to everyone for your well wishes, and I pass those on to her regularly. Next question: I am NOT the hookup to talk to her, I am glad to talk about her, but I cannot connect people to her direct--just wanted to clear that up. I am excited about MDBMSC and the future of the Omaha Star. Our future is so bright you will need shades. Stay tuned…

My Sister’s Keeper offers Pandemic assistance My Sister’s Keeper Breast Cancer Support Group has received a grant to help our community during this pandemic. If you or anyone you may be aware of have been impacted by COVID19, please notify them that we may be able to help with rent/mortgage, utility bills and food. You DO NOT have to be a breast cancer survivor to qualify for this assistance. Please contact MaxCine Jackson@ 402-541-5803.

Final Issue of 2020: NOTARY SERVICES December 24

Information is due December 15, 2020 publisher@omahastarinc.com

Are available at Omaha Star office 10am-2pm Monday-Friday

Page Two

LOCAL NEWS

THE OMAHA STAR

December 11, 2020

THE OMAHA STAR, INC. THE VOICE OF THE BLACK COMMUNITY Editorial and Business Office 2216 North 24th Street Phone: 402.346.4041

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E-MAIL ADDRESS: Terri D. Sanders - publisher@omahastarinc.com Business Hours: Monday – Thursday: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 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: Interim Publisher Ebony Hawkins: Administrator 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.

Pick up your copy of the Omaha Star at these convenient locations: Aframerican Book Store

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7312 N. 30th St.

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Creighton University’s Center for Promoting Health and Health Equity Trains and Educates Health Advocates By Sade Kosoko-Lasaki Creighton University’s Center for Promoting Health and Health Equity (CPHHE) has been a staple in the Omaha community for providing health programming, community training and education for 13 years. Some of these efforts include the annual health disparities seminar, healthy living programs implemented in the housing authority towers and North Omaha churches. Educational opportunities on physical activity were provided in the North Omaha community through the CPHHE-REACH (Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health) program funded by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Thus, when the pandemic of COVID19 hit our communities, CPHHE acted swiftly to serve the community and meet their needs. In April 2020, CPHHE began training their already established Creighton University certified Community Health Advocates (CHAs) on what COVID-19 is, how it spreads, and how to keep communities safe during the pandemic, especially underserved communities and communities of color. These trainings lead to CPHHE understanding the need to provide more information on COVID-19 to the communities, so they decided to search for ways to expand their capacity for outreach. In July 2020, CPHHE was awarded a grant from the Douglas County Health Department to train additional community members on COVID-19 prevention, safety and protocols. With this funding, CPHHE was able to train a total of 53 individuals: 18 CHAs from the Omaha Housing Authority community, 25 faith-based CHAs from various churches across Omaha, 5 CHAs from the Latino and South Omaha community, 3 CHAs from the Maya community, and 2 additional community members. With this training, these CHAs have been able to learn and promote preventative measures for COVID-19, as well as to conduct basic observations to ensure the safety of the communities. The trainings were held consecutively for 10 weeks and later on, once a month. These trainings provide opportunities for community members to ask in-depth questions about COVID-19, voice their perspectives and their communities’ concerns about the pandemic, and

learn new information to keep their communities safe and knowledgeable. The CHAs are expected to disseminate the learned information to their respective communities. CPHHE will continue to work with community members and partners to provide additional training as new information is released on COVID-19. Below is the team for CPHHE that has worked with the community: • Dr. Sade Kosoko-Lasaki – Creighton University: Physician and COVID-19 Project Principal Investigator • Dr. John Stone – Creighton University: Physician and COVID-19 Project Ethicist and Education Director • Dr. Richard Brown – Lee Brown & Associates LLC: COVID-19 Project Communications Director • Dr. Jeffrey Smith – Creighton University: COVID-19 Project Evaluation Specialist • Mrs. Doris Lassiter – Doris Lassiter Consulting LLC: COVID-19 Project Educator and Faith-based Community Director • Mr. Sal Issaka – Omaha Housing Authority: COVID19 Project Public Housing Director • Ms. Rachelle Tucker – Omaha Housing Authority: COVID-19 Project Public Housing Coordinator • Mr. Luis Marcos – Comunidad Maya Pixan Ixim: COVID-19 Project Maya Community Coordinator • Mr. Luis Vazquez – OneWorld Community Health Center: COVID-19 Project Latino Community Coordinator • Mr. Mervin Vasser – Creighton University: COVID-19 Project Communication and Media Liaison • Mr. Errik Ejike – Creighton University: CPHHE COVID-19 Logistics Supervisor • Ms. Vanetta Early – Urban League of Nebraska: COVID-19 Project Coordinator Contact the CPHHE COVID-19 Project at cphhe@ creighton.edu or (402) 280-2389.

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Inclusive Communities Table Talk

Inclusive Communities hosted Queer Table Talk in partnership with OutNebraska on Living Positively with HIV on Tuesday evening which coincided with World AIDS Day. The panel featured Darryl Brown Jr., a pastor, adolescent health educator, and author; Tommy YoungDennis, an LGBTQ+ advocate, HIV activist, and educator; and Luke Peterson, a community expert. Abbi Swatsworth, the Executive Director of OutNebraska, moderated the discussion. Panelists shared their experiences and expertise in the session centered on Living Positively with HIV. Each spoke on how they first learned about HIV. Darryl Brown Jr. mentioned the scare tactics used in the sex education classes he attended in school. Each panelist mentioned these scare tactics being traumatizing. Luke Peterson further mentioned how his religious upbringing shaped his earliest impressions of HIV/AIDS, and how as a child, he heard members of his church community characterize it as “God’s punishment.” Also discussed in depth, was the language used around HIV. Tommy Young-Dennis spoke to the importance of using person-first language, like “person living with HIV.” Peterson raised the issue of using binary terminology such as sick (vs. healthy) or clean (vs. dirty) which would make a person seem less desirable. All panelists

explained that using the term “infected” in relation to HIV was especially problematic and served to perpetuate the stigma surrounding the virus. Panelists helped to build awareness around treatment and particularly that undetectable equals untransmittable (U=U). They each shared that this knowledge was life altering to their psyches and significantly eased some of their anxiety around living with HIV. Brown Jr. explained that as a community it is essential that we are “not leaving the burden on people living with HIV to correct misinformation and the misuse of language.” Following breakout room discussions, panelists provided action steps for participants on how to be allies, like holding themselves to the standards of appropriate language and speaking up about the stigma. Comprehensive sex education advocacy was also highlighted as another important step in creating awareness and reducing stigma. The next Omaha Table Talk will take place on January 12, 2021 at 6 p.m. (CST). The topic for the discussion is Poverty and Living Wage, featuring Nicole Engles with Omaha City Planning; Maria Valadez with Latino Center of the Midlands; and Yogendra Pant with the Refugee Empowerment Center. Wayne Brown with Urban League of Nebraska will moderate. Registration can be found here: https://bit.ly/OTTJan12

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ATTENTION From The Publisher: To be included in the Omaha Star, all articles and announcements must be submitted by e-mail to publisher@omahastarinc.com no later than two weeks in advance of the event. All articles and announcements should be prepared in a word document using Times New Roman, 10 pt. Submissions must be limited to 500 words. Any accompanying photographs should be submitted in a jpeg or pdf file. The deadline for all articles is Monday at 3:00 p.m., two weeks prior to the event date. Articles and announcements will not be accepted at the Omaha Star office. The Omaha Star is now published bi-weekly on Fridays. The Omaha Star business office hours are Monday - Thursday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Poindexter continued from page 1

to happen. While acknowledging the pain of the Minard family and his police fraternity, releasing Ed is the right thing to do. Fifty years is enough.” I am hoping that our community will begin to help push for the release of one of our own. Last week we marched to the Governors home and stood outside and made a direct appeal. Call, write letters, make your voice heard!!!

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LOCAL NEWS

December 11, 2020

ConnectGO Invites Residents to Imagine Their ‘Ideal City’ ConnectGO, a regional collaboration to reimagine and modernize Greater Omaha’s multimodal transportation, today announced a new twist on its metro-wide survey process: A traveling bench designed to invite conversation and fuel survey responses. Dubbed “My Ideal City Is…,” the colorful bench is appearing around the community as an interactive place to gather feedback and ideas. Passersby can rest on the bench while sharing their opinions by either completing a new ConnectGO online survey, or filling out an opinion card. The survey, available in English and Spanish, seeks to reach a wide range of participants. It includes questions about specific aspects of transportation and potential enhancements to different transportation modes, including walking, bicycling, using transit and driving. This survey follows an initial series of public input that provided key information about community priorities, needs and transportation preferences. Results of the earlier input laid the groundwork for ConnectGO working groups to identify short- and long-term transportation solutions as part of an emerging regional transportation strategy. The strategy, which will provide a roadmap to future transportation decisions, will be released in 2021. “We’re at a pivotal moment for our region when it comes to transportation. We need to do everything we can to solidify Greater Omaha’s long-term economic strength by ensuring our transportation system is meeting the needs of everyone. And, there’s no better to way to learn people’s needs than by asking. We’ve made a lot of progress in developing a new regional transportation strategy, and we’re excited to learn what people think of the ideas that are emerging,” said Stephen Osberg, Director of Transportation Development at the Greater Omaha Chamber, who oversees the ConnectGO initiative/ partnership. Currently, the “My Ideal City Is…” bench can be found at Hardy Coffee at Highlander, 2120 North 30th Street. The bench will move to Do Space for the week of December 7 and to the Council Bluffs Public Library the week of December 14. It is scheduled to appear in multiple locations across the metro. To complete the survey, without visiting the bench, go tosurvey.connectGO.org or text “connect” to 512-580-8850.

M.U.D. Board 2021 Rates Approved The Metropolitan Utilities District (M.U.D.) board approved a 2021 budget with an increase to water rates that will result in a 1% annual increase to the average residential bill as compared with 2020 budget assumptions. Due to concern over the financial hardship being experienced by many of our customers resulting from the coronavirus pandemic, the effective date of the water rate increase will be deferred until May 2, 2021. Though there is no increase to natural gas rates, anticipated increases to the underlying cost of natural gas, which is a direct pass-through to our customers, coupled with debt carrying costs associated with a planned bond offering to finance significant enhancements to our Liquefied Natural Gas plant, will result in a 3.6% annual increase to the average residential bill. The water bill for the average residential customer will increase to $383 based on usage of 104 CCF, while the average residential gas bill will increase to $597 based on usage of 781 therms. The District estimates 2021 revenues of $208.6 million for the Gas Department and $140 million for the Water Department. The revenues, combined with the spend-down of cash reserves, will be used to fund the District’s operating expenses, gas purchases and debt service costs. Funding for capital improvements and critical infrastructure replacement will be supplemented by the planned issuance of revenue bonds. “We strive to find a balance between rate design and operational efficiencies while ensuring that we provide safe, reliable and cost-effective service to our customers,” said M.U.D. President Mark Doyle. “It also is critical that the District continues to responsibly invest in infrastructure replacement to ensure the reliability of our gas and water distribution systems.” As compared to 39 other U.S. utilities that participated in the 2020 Memphis Light, Gas and Water Survey, the District ranked fourth lowest in cost for residential gas bills and 18th lowest for residential water bills. Gas and water bill summary: • Gas usage for the average residential customer is budgeted at 781 therms in 2021, the same as in 2020. • An average residential gas customer will see a projected increase of $1.74 a month or about $21 a year. • Water use for the 2021 average residential customer is budgeted at 104 CCF (77,792 gallons), compared to 105 CCF (78,540 gallons) in 2020. • A customer with a 5/8-inch water meter will see a projected water bill increase of about $3.62 a year, with the increase taking effect in May. • An average residential gas and water customer will see a projected increase of about $25 annually, a 2.6% increase to the combined gas and water bill. “In addition, the District has been responsive to the financial hardships faced by some of our customers due to the coronavirus pandemic,” said Chief Financial Officer Joseph Schaffart. “We suspended service disconnections and late payment charges for a period of time, as well as helped customers tap into utility assistance funds through the federal and state CARES Act and the District’s own Home Fund program. The deferral of the water rate increase until May 2 is further evidence of our concern for pandemic-related financial hardships.” More information is available at mudomaha.com/covid19relief.

F.Y.I.

In order to be included in The Omaha Star, all articles and event calendar announcements must be typed in a Word document, using Times New Roman font, 10 pt, and must be received no later than two weeks in advance of the event. Articles must be e-mailed to: publisher@omahastarinc.com by 3:00 p.m. on Monday. Any submissions that are received the same week as the current publication will not be included in the current week’s edition. The distribution day for The Omaha Star are Fridays on a bi-weekly schedule. The Omaha Star is not responsible for unsolicited pictures or articles submitted for publication.

THE OMAHA STAR

Page Three

AIM Tech Awards The role technology has played during the pandemic gave the 2020 AIM Tech Awards special meaning at the AIM Institute’s signature annual event. In a virtual format, the AIM Institute, a nonprofit organization committed to changing lives through technology, celebrated the contributions and dedication of tech leaders, educators, students and businesses to the tech community through the presentation of six awards. Scholarships also were awarded to area college students. AIM promotes diversity, equity and inclusion in the tech sector by making outstanding educational opportunities and career training accessible to all, from elementary school through adulthood. Proceeds from the event support AIM’s mission to grow, connect, and inspire the tech community in Omaha. Presented by Cox Business, the AIM Tech Awards recognized the following individuals for their impact in the Silicon Prairie’s tech sector: Tech Leader of the Year: Kim Whittaker, President FNTS Whittaker is a passionate leader recognized for her continued focus on cloud technology, which is more important than ever as remote working and learning are a necessity due to changes brought on by COVID-19. She leads FNTS’ Women in Technology initiative and events, inspiring youth to consider future careers in technology. Under her leadership, FNTS launched a job shadow program to give students and career-focused professionals opportunities to learn various IT and techadjacent roles. Tech Innovator of the Year: Mike Douglas, Director of Delivery Engineering, Lunavi Douglas has more than 20 years of experience in leading delivery teams and providing mentorship for multiple client engagements. He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in innovation trends and technologies to Lunavi, a provider of IT consulting, managed services and software development. Tech Educator of the Year: Rios ‘Tony’ Gunter, Principal, Kennedy Elementary School Gunter goes above and beyond to provide technology opportunities to his staff and students. He led the implementation of technology upgrades at Kennedy Elementary that included the integration of Promethean boards, iPads and robotics into the classroom. Tech Student of the Year: David Salazar, University of Nebraska-Omaha Salazar is completing a doctoral degree in the department of biomechanics at UNO, where he has developed 3D printed anatomical models for surgical planning. These anatomical models are exact replicas of organs or body segments created from CT scans and the latest in additive manufacturing. Tech Startup of the Year: Retail Aware, accepted by Keith Fix, company founder and CEO Fix and Retail Aware have combined hardware and software to bring data to the grocery shelf in a way that hasn’t been done before. Retail Aware provides real-time shelf analytics through micro sensors to track product engagement, audience and footfall, dwell time, temperature, motion and alerts for product needs. Community Builder of the Year: Urban League of Nebraska In 2019, Urban League of Nebraska began partnering with Heartland Workforce Solutions and the AIM Code School to host the Careers in Tech Bootcamp. Through this class, students gain the specific skills they need to become employable in tech careers. This collaboration is bringing low-income and underrepresented groups into the tech sector. In just under a year, this partnership has helped 11 students graduate with technology skills, and half are now employed in the tech sector. AIM Institute/ Association of Information Technology Professionals Scholarship recipients: Each year AIM and the Omaha chapter of the Association of Information Technology Professionals award scholarships to deserving students. The following recipients received their scholarships in fall 2020 and are excelling in their respective studies: Kaeli Clark, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology Nathan Perkins, University of Nebraska-Omaha Pranav Rajan, University of Nebraska-Lincoln Raikes School of Computer Science Abdulnaser Sheikh, University of Nebraska-Omaha Chad Nourse Memorial Scholarship recipients: The Chad Nourse Memorial Scholarship was established to remember and honor a tech champion in the community. Chad Nourse, who worked for TEAM Software, was a dedicated tech professional with more than 20 years of experience in software development with a passion for developing and recruiting talent at TEAM Software. The 2020 Chad Nourse Memorial Scholarship recipients are: Tessa Brazda, Doane University Travis Munyer, University of Nebraska-Omaha Sabaythip Phongsavath, Northeast Community College “This year’s award winners and scholarship recipients have made a profound impact to strengthen our local tech community and make it more inclusive and accessible for everyone during a challenging year,” said Itzel Lopez, AIM’s Vice President of Advancement and Community Relations. ”AIM Institute is proud to honor and celebrate their achievements and excited to see how these individuals continue to innovate, shape and push the Silicon Prairie tech sector forward.” For more information about the AIM Tech Awards or how you can support programs that impact thousands of students, job seekers, professionals and companies in the Omaha metro area, please visit https://aiminstitute.org/. About AIM Institute The mission of the nonprofit AIM Institute is to grow, connect and inspire the tech talent community through education and career development. AIM removes barriers to tech education and increases access to technology careers. Whether through the code school, youth in tech programs, leadership academies, annual conferences, or the media outlet covering the Silicon Prairie, AIM strives to excite people about technology, inspire them to pursue a tech career, and help them navigate the tech career continuum.

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Page Four THE OMAHA STAR

PRAISE, WORSHIP, DEVOTION, OBITUARIES & INSPIRATION

Rev. James S. Allen Sr., former pastor of Zion Baptist Church The Rev. James S. Allen Sr., 84, retired pastor of Vine Memorial Baptist Church in West Philadelphia and a power in city politics, died Sunday, Nov. 22, from complications of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Rev. Allen, who lived in Wynnefield, arrived from Omaha, Neb., in 1978 to take the pulpit at the West Philadelphia church. He would remain for more than 37 years. He was only the church’s second pastor since its 1932 founding. “Almost immediately, he became involved in the community, and he led a preachers’ protest that helped to break a 50-day teachers’ strike in 1981,” said his son the Rev. Kenneth Allen, now pastor of his father’s former church in Omaha. Out of that protest, Mr. Allen helped form the Black Clergy of Philadelphia and Vicinity, and he was its first president. The powerful organization was crucial to the election of the city’s first Black mayor, W. Wilson Goode, in 1983. Mr. Allen advised former President Bill Clinton, whom he had known in his native Arkansas, and countless other leaders. He served on the Philadelphia Commission for Human Relations for 25 years, including as its chair, and also was on the city’s Fair Housing Commission. He also worked closely with the Rev. Leon H. Sullivan, a giant of the movements for civil rights and Black economic empowerment, and helped Mr. Sullivan develop Opportunities Industrialization Centers in Philadelphia, Little Rock, and Omaha. “He was a committed and dedicated fighter in the overall civil rights and human rights struggle,” said the Rev. Dr. Ralph Blanks, the current pastor at Vine Memorial. Blanks said Mr. Allen had much in common with Martin Luther King Jr. and Sullivan. Though he was a prominent civic leader, Mr. Allen was a down-to-earth pastor involved in the lives of his parishioners. “He was a small-town guy in a big city,” said William Bryant, a deacon and church clerk at Vine Memorial Baptist. Rev. Allen was quick to comfort the ill and the grieving, Bryant said. James Sterling Allen was born in 1936 in Columbia County, Ark., to Georgia Edwards Allen and Walter U. Allen, who were sharecroppers. He was the second of six children and picked cotton as a child. But after graduating from New Hope High School in Mount Holly, Ark., he attended and graduated from Arkansas Baptist College in Little Rock. On a furlough from the Air Force in 1957, he married Dorothy Hunter, a woman from his hometown, and embarked on his career as a preacher, at a church in Little Rock, and then Zion Baptist Church in Omaha “Jesus said, ‘It is by these things, all men will know you are my disciples if you have loved one another,’” the Rev. Kenneth Allen said. “He would say that every Sunday.” Rev. Allen received numerous awards and served in leadership positions with the National Baptist Convention USA Inc. and other religious organizations. His first wife died in 2001. He married his second wife, Henrietta Lemmon Barnes Allen, in 2008. In addition to his wife and son, Mr. Allen is survived by a daughter, Patricia Allen Harmon; sons James Allen Jr. and Calvin Allen; six grandchildren; one sister; one brother; and many other relatives. Story compiled from excerpts from Philadelphia Inquirer

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December 11, 2020

Deaths & Funerals Janice L. Collins-Brooks Mrs. Janice L. Collins-Brooks, age 83, passed away Friday, November 13, at her residence. Preceded in death by husband: Edward Brooks; daughter: Jocelyn Brooks; parents: James & Grace Collins; sister: Judy Collins-Noble. Survived by son: Edwin (Diane) Brooks; 6 grandchildren, 10 greatgrand. Funeral Service: 11 am Saturday, November 21, Bethel Baptist Church. Interment: Westlawn Cemetery Arrangements by Thomas Funeral Home **** Frank E. Dailey Mr. Frank E. Dailey, age 83, passed away Tuesday, December 1, at a local hospital. Funeral Service 11 am Wednesday, December 9, at Greater New Hope Missionary Baptist Church. Interment: Forest Lawn Cemetery Arrangements by Thomas Funeral Home **** Dennis Jackson Mr. Dennis Jackson, age 65, passed away Sunday, November 29, at his

residence. Cremation Arrangements by Thomas Funeral Home **** Aretha Jones Mrs. Aretha Jones, age 85, passed away Monday, November 16, at a local hospital. Survived by son: Clayton Jones; 5 daughters: Carla Jones, Omaha, Roslyn Canaday, Lincoln, NE, Angela Jones, Oak Point, TX, Danielle Jones Starks, Denver, CO, Lisa Jones, Omaha; brother: Gerald Alston, Omaha; 2 sisters: Jacqueline Keller, Sacramento, CA, Marilyn (Raymond) Dorsey, Hoffman Estates, IL; 16 grandchildren, 21 great-grand, 5 great-great-grand, nieces, nephews, other relatives. Graveside Service 11 am Tuesday, November 24, Graceland Cemetery. Arrangements by Thomas Funeral Home **** Sebron L. Kendrick Mr. Sebron L. Kendrick, age 64, passed away Tuesday, November 10, at his residence. Cremation.

Arrangements by Thomas Funeral Home **** Sylvia L. Love Ms. Sylvia L. Love, age 84, passed away Thursday, November 26, at her residence. Funeral Service 11 am Friday, December 4, at Forest Lawn Chapel Entombment: Forest Lawn Mausoleum Arrangements by Thomas Funeral Home **** Daphne Newton Ms. Daphne Newton, age 57, passed away Tuesday, November 24, at a local hospital. Remains forwarded to Keith Biglow Funeral Directors, Tulsa Oklahoma. Arrangements by Thomas Funeral Home **** Joanne Summerlin Mrs. Joanne Summerlin, age 79, passed away Saturday, November 14, at a local care center. Cremation Arrangements by Thomas Funeral Home ****

Kids Talk About God

How Did God The Father Honor Jesus? By Carey Kinsolving and Friends “It is better to deserve honors and not have them than to have them and not deserve them,” wrote Mark Twain. In heaven, Jesus had the deserved honor and glory of myriads of angelic hosts, yet he entered this world in the humblest of circumstances. No trumpets sounded that night in Bethlehem when God the Son took on flesh as a vulnerable baby. Government officials from Jerusalem and Rome remained in their palaces while the King of Kings lay in a manger incognito as a helpless infant. Lowly shepherds attending their flocks in the field received this unexpected announcement from an angel: “For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger,” (Luke 2:11-12). Many people in the modern world have never seen a manger and might not know it’s an open trough from which animals eat. In John 1:10, we learn that the world was made through Jesus, yet he entered it like a camouflaged soldier slipping behind enemy lines under the cover of darkness. The world doesn’t honor weakness. It rolls over it. The world honors power. The idea of an all powerful God humbling himself in birth and death goes against all our ideas for honor, power and success. “God had faith in Jesus,” says Aliana, 9. “He let Jesus come down to the world to save us.” Jesus didn’t come in power,” said Pastor Steven Furtick. “He came in diapers. This is a strange path to saving the world. Jesus came in weakness and died in weakness.” God’s power mode turned the world’s power paradigm on its head, says Angelina, 9: “God is so powerful, but I think that power comes from LOVE!” We see power exercised from greed, envy, anger, pride and insecurity. The idea of exercising power from love is

radical. This revolutionary idea is explained more fully in the Bible’s love chapter (I Corinthians 13). “Heavy” or “weighty” is the root meaning of the word “honor” in the Old Testament. To honor someone means to grant that person weight, respect or even authority in one’s life. Jesus focused on honoring his heavenly Father during his ministry. God the Father was so pleased that he couldn’t contain himself on two occasions. At Jesus’ baptism, God spoke from heaven in a voice was heard on Earth when he said, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased,” (Matthew 3:17). Later in his ministry, Jesus took three of his disciples to a high mountain. There, the veil that concealed Jesus’ glory was removed for a few minutes. “His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light,” wrote the Apostle Matthew (Matt. 17:2). Again, God the Father couldn’t contain his pleasure when he repeated what he said at Jesus’ baptism with the added words, “Hear him.” Evidently the apostles needed to pay closer attention to Jesus’ teaching and instructions. Don’t we all? Think about this: After Jesus suffered the ultimate dishonor of being crucified as a common criminal to pay for our sins, God raised him from the dead. Today, the resurrected Jesus offers eternal life as a free gift to all who believe in him. Memorize this truth: Luke 2:11-12 quoted above. Ask this question: Will you honor Jesus by accepting the greatest Christmas gift, the gift of eternal life by believing in Jesus Christ as your savior? Kids Talk About God is designed for families to study the Bible together. Research shows that parents who study the Bible with their children give their character, faith and spiritual life a powerful boost. To receive Kids Talk About God three times a week in a free, email subscription, visit www.KidsTalkAboutGod.org/email. COPYRIGHT 2020 CAREY KINSOLVING

The Honored Guest - Luke 10:38-42 By Velma J. Sanders It is not everyday that someone special comes to visit you at your home, but when they are invited or inform us that they will be visiting, we usually get busy with activity in preparation for their arrival. There is the house that we want to make sure is in tip-top shape and the special meal that we want to prepare in anticipation of their visit. This was the case for Martha, the sister of Mary and Lazarus. It would not be long and Jesus, the Honored Guest, would be sitting in her home. Jesus, the One called Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father and the Prince of Peace. What a privilege and what an honor that He would visit any of our homes! Martha herself said, “Yes, Lord, I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.” So, when Jesus arrived Martha excitedly welcomed Him, as well as the twelve disciples. However, it was not long after their initial greeting that Martha scurried away. She was distracted with food, dishes and service. Instead of loving and appreciating the Lord; valuing His presence and treasuring His words, her service “for” Him

had taken the place of her devotion “to” Him. It is no surprise that she soon finds herself with a worried, frustrated, resentful and angry spirit. Instead of being in fellowship with Jesus, the disciples and even her own sister, Mary, who were sitting together in the living room (as it were) enjoying a blessed time of fellowship, Martha, in the kitchen, had no time for the company of Jesus; His Word or for others who loved the Lord. In her frustration, she goes to Jesus, fussing and complaining, saying, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore, tell her to help me.” Jesus, who loved Martha, preciously said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.” In conclusion, although it is God who has richly blessed us all with gifts and talents to be used in service to glorify Him and to help others; to build up the Body of Christ and to shine as a light in the midst of a dark and perverse generation, it is probably true that most of us need to be reminded, at times, that our love and devotion to the Lord; sitting in His presence, listening to His Word and worshipping Him should be our top priority. Father, help us to manage our time; make right choices and to keep our priorities straight. During this Christmas season, we thank You for sending your only begotten Son Jesus into the world to restore our fellowship with You. It is in His Name we pray, Amen. Vsanders875@centurylink.net

It Was a Shoofly Pie Moment By Dr. James L. Snyder During holiday seasons, I enjoy indulging in special food. My favorite during this time of year is the Shoofly Pie. Nothing hits the spot quite like this. I don’t remember when I had my first shoofly pie, I only focus on my next piece. When I first brought it into the home, my wife asked me what in the world it was. I told her it was a Shoofly Pie.. Looking at me rather quizzically, she said, “What is a Shoofly Pie??” Not even thinking about it, I smiled and replied, “It is a piece of heaven this side of heaven.”

Then she wanted to know where in the world that name “Shoofly Pie” came from. Not really knowing, I “baked up” a story I thought would please her. The story went something like this. A lady in Pennsylvania was trying to make a special pie for her husband. When presented to her husband, he was dumbfounded and said, “What is that pie?” Before she could answer, a fly seemed to hover over the pie, and she swatted it and said, “shoofly.” The husband looked at her and said, “That is marvelous. Whoever heard of a shoofly pie? You’re a genius.” Snyder continued on page 5

LOCAL NEWS

December 11, 2020

THE OMAHA STAR

Page Five

Christmas in the Village

Snyder continued from page 4

And thus, the Shoofly Pie adventure began. Whether that comes near the story or not, it sounded good to me at the time, and I presented it to my wife. As I was thinking about this shoofly pie mystery, I thought of how this concept would work in other aspects

of life. For example. I would like to develop a Shoo-Politician Pie. Perhaps this would be a great experience for us. Every time we see a politician, we present him with a Shoo-Politician Pie. How much greater our life would be if politicians would not be the center focus of our life. When a politician gives a speech, he or she will be charged one dollar per word. After all, one dollar isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t much and neither is there speech. Of course, this would need to be paid upfront. As soon as the politician reaches the end of his word count, everybody would say, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Shoo Politician.â&#x20AC;? I think this would bring a lot of sanity back to our country today. Then I thought of another pie to develop. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll call this the Shoo-Telemarketer Pie. This is second only to politicians. To date, I have received over 1 million calls that said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is the last call youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll get to renew your car warranty.â&#x20AC;? I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know why they call them telemarketers, but I sure would like to tell them a thing or two. At the Star we look at ourselves as the Thinking about this, my list is getting longer and longer. documentarians of African-American news There are so many things that I would like to Shoo from my life that I probably need to go into the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Shoo Pie in Omaha. We strive to make our readers Baking Business.â&#x20AC;? and our advertisers proud they support a Thinking along this line I remembered a verse in the publication that portrays the AfricanBible. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye American as a multidimensional person separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive youâ&#x20AC;? (2 Corinthians 6:17). capable of excelling in areas other than The older I get the more things I see that I need to â&#x20AC;&#x153;shooâ&#x20AC;? sports, entertainment and politics. from my life. At times, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s difficult, but the end result is what really matters. One last pie would be the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Shoo-Sin Pie.â&#x20AC;? Dr. James L. Snyder is NAVIGATING HEALTH INSURANCE pastor of the Family of IS HARD ENOUGH WITHOUT God Fellowship, Ocala, FL 34472, where he lives A PANDEMIC. with the Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage. Call him at 352-216-3025 or e-mail jamessnyder2@att.net. The church web site is www. whatafellowship.com.

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Get the Family Caregiving Support You Need, When You Need it. Your caregiving journey can be challenging in all kinds of ways. At AARP Family Caregiving, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re here to help you get answers, connect with other family caregivers and find local resources close to home. So you can take care of what matters most. To learn more, visit aarp.org/caregiving.

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LOCAL NEWS

December 11, 2020

PRAISE & WORSHIP DIRECTORY

December 11, 2020

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 Nine

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. Mar n & Lynnell Williams Founders & Lead Pastors

“Jesus is the Light of the World” Bishop Kevin Chambers, Senior Pastor (Elect) 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 Ten

LIFE & STYLE/HEALTH & WELLNESS

THE OMAHA STAR

Omaha Performing Arts schedule update

December 11, 2020

Financial Tips from Veridian Support your community by shopping locally

Omaha Performing Arts announces the following show has been rescheduled. Ticket holders have been notified of the new dates and provided with their options. Previously purchased tickets are valid for the rescheduled shows.

As you prepare for the holidays, make an effort to shop at local businesses. The pandemic has led to fewer customers, so some stores may be forced to close without an increase in sales. Small local businesses are important to any community. When you shop at one, more of the money you spend benefits your neighbors directly as the business pays for workers, supplies and services. According to a study by Michigan State University, 73 cents of each dollar spent at a locally owned business remains in the community, compared to just 43 cents for a business not owned locally. In addition, small local businesses create two out of every three new jobs and employ more than half of the nation’s workers. When they hire, local businesses are more likely to reflect the diversity of the neighborhoods where they operate. That’s also true of the products and services they sell. For instance, it’s easier to get a sweatshirt with the area high school’s mascot at a local store than a national chain.

Joyful Noise: A Gospel Christmas featuring Salem Concert Choir No live performance Broadcast on the following dates and networks: KXVO: Friday, Dec. 25, 2020 | 7:30 AM KMTV: Saturday, Dec. 26, 2020 | 11:00 PM Find the latest performance information at o-pa.org. About O-pa Omaha Performing Arts is a nonprofit organization dedicated to presenting the best of Broadway, jazz, blues, dance, comedy, family and popular entertainment at the Orpheum Theater and Holland Performing Arts Center and beyond. As Nebraska’s largest arts institution, we provide a broad range of Education and Community Engagement programs reaching a wide and diverse audience across the entire region.

Local businesses also give back more to their communities through donations and charity – up to four times as much as national retailers, according to the MSU study. These businesses often have deeper ties to the community because of the relationships they form with their customers, which usually means better service too. Keep gift cards in mind for restaurants and other businesses that you may not want to visit right now. The purchase helps them immediately, while you or whoever gets your gift can enjoy it later. While small businesses always need your support, it’s more important now than ever. If you want your favorite local stores to stay open, make sure you’re helping them do so. If you could use some financial advice, Veridian is here to help. We’re a not-for-profit credit union with branches in Council Bluffs, Omaha and Papillion. Simply stop by a Veridian branch or call (800) 2353228 and ask to speak to Alexandra to schedule a oneon-one consultation today.

Thoughts of a College Girl:

Sevens ways to manage seasonal depression By: Asia Rollins There is no doubt that winter is a tough season. In many areas, the temperature drops drastically, people start worrying about the flu season and it gets dark sooner. Since the winter season causes lots of changes, many people struggle with seasonal affective disorder (SAD) during this time of year. SAD is a category of depression and affects around 6 million adults each year, according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. Those who suffer from SAD experience significant mood changes during new seasons. Luckily, there are things that can be done to lift your spirits so that SAD does not take over your day-to-day routine.

1. A good sleep schedule- Sleep is at the top of the list because lack of sleep is detrimental to one’s health. Pulling too many all nighters to finish work or binge watch shows will eventually catch up with you.Trying your best to eliminate stress, going to bed at a specific time each day and avoiding caffeine four hours before bedtime help with brain function and result in better sleep, according to the American Psychological Association. 2. Move your body- Try to do some form of exercise for 30 minutes each weekday, or shoot for every other day. YouTube has tons of fun videos, you can walk on a trail or visit the gym. 3. Make a good playlist- Nothing beats having your favorite Spotify shuffle playing while on your way to work or when just trying to relax. Good music can also be a confidence booster. 4. Find smells you like- You can wear your favorite scent, light a candle or cook something. Certain scents bring back good memories. It’s nice to be nostalgic and bring out your favorite scents or cook something you

haven’t had the energy to make in awhile. 5. Call your family and friends- The work and school week can be difficult, but you have to take breaks. Burnout is inevitable without taking the time to socialize with those you care about. 6. Delete or limit social media use- Scrolling through feeds of perfectly filtered images and captions gets to be overwhelming. Taking time away from social media allows you to stop comparing yourself to others and focus on your own life journeys. 7. Wear clothes you like- Taking the time to put an outfit together that makes you feel confident will boost your mood. Experiment with color and texture. You don’t have to wear black, shades of gray or nudes every day just because it’s winter. Start by slowly incorporating more of the tips into your daily routine. Everything does not have to be done all at once. Right now, not only are people battling depression but also a deadly pandemic. The simple tips will help your mood and overall health.

Biden-Harris Administration Commits to Ensure Government Spending with Black and Minority-Owned Media Businesses By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent President-Elect Joe Biden’s administration plans to support legislation offered by District of Columbia Democratic Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton that would ensure federal agencies advertise with minority-owned businesses, including the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA). “From the racial equity plan – at the direction of the President-Elect, the Director of Minority Business Development Agency will coordinate all federal offices to reduce barriers to procurement for underrepresented groups, including all types of minority-owned businesses,” a Biden transition spokesperson told Black Press USA. “This is good news for the Black Press of America in 2021,” declared Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr., President and CEO of the NNPA. “The incoming Biden-Harris Administration has gone on the public record to keep their commitments to ensure equitable federal advertising dollars to be spent over the next four years with Black owned newspapers, and other minority owned media companies across the nation.” In 2019, after reviewing a General Accounting Office audit that revealed federal agencies only spend a pittance of its allotted $5 billion advertising budget with Black and minority-owned entities, Norton introduced H.R. 2576. The legislation requires each of the 12 federal Appropriations Committees to adopt language mandating that all agencies include in their annual budget request to Congress the amount of money they spend to advertise

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of Martin MAHA Luther King holida y TAR Ben Gray to speak at Martin

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

Luther King Day event

Only Black Owned Newspaper

Omaha City Councilman Vol. 72 - No. Ben Gray will commemorative 2 Omaha, Nebraska deliver a address on the Monday, Jan. UNMC campus Thursday, January 18, to on Rev. Martin Luther honor slain civil rights leader, 7, 2010 50 cents King Jr. Gray’s speech, which is sponsored The Nebraska Medical Center, by UNMC and Truhlsen Campus will be in the Events Center Center. in the Sorrell “We are pleased The Partnership to bring a city For community volunteer leader and tireless non-profit organization Our Kids, a Schools.” to campus,” Newland, M.D., that provides disadvantaged director of UNMC’s said Myrna “The Partnership The mission of students For Our Kids Staples Foundation and coordinator of Equity Office academic enrichment with positive works to for Learning Inc. the Martin Luther provide Commemoration is to teach, train King Day received a $10,000 experiences, has mentary school disadvantaged ele- inspire. Committee. “I and Founded in 2002, grant from Staples students with positive believe our campus Foundation for the founda- can look forward to an Learning, a private academic enrichment experiences,” tion has contributed inspiring and speech.” foundation created relevant said Briana Curran, million to national more than $17 manager, Staples The and Funding from SFFL by Staples Inc. Foundation that provide educational local charities best annual address is regularly for Learning. will support the one attended events “Staples and opportunities Winners Circle Foundation for on Martin Luther of the city’s job skills for all program, which Learning supports King Jr. Day. people, with a This year, the event starts pro- Winners vides underserved the special Circle program, at noon, is free which cre- youth. emphasis on disadvantaged to the public. Guests dents with access elementary stu- ates an environment and open can park to rigorous math, Staples in Lot 15V, which where youth are Foundation for the visitor parking reading and citizenship recognized for is area located on Learning has also their achievements the south side developed lasting the Student Life Center increase their academic activities to teachers, peers, by relationships of at the corner of parents and the achievement. 40th & Jones com- of America, with Boys & Girls Clubs Streets. “The Winners munity.” Circle program Earth Force, Hispanic Gray is a first-time ensures disadvantaged Winners Circle students have for the 2nd District. elected city council member and All Our Kids Heritage Foundation, and the the resources and Initiative joined forces in for a Competitive support needed 2007 to form Prior to his election, Inner City. In addiOmaha City Councilman to Partnership develop an enthusiasm The tion, Staples Gray had a 30-year For Our Kids, to Ben Gray Foundation for a television for learning,” help dis- supports said Beth Smith, career as Learning photojournalist nered with Executive Director, advantaged students. The Partnership Ashoka, an “Kaleidoscope” the emergency Winners Circle on Omaha’s ABC’s and host of Nebraska develops and supportsorganization that KETV department at Program of The creates a community of caring Medical Center affiliate station, NewsWatch social entreprePartnership For dents from pre-kindergarten for stu- neurs around to use intervention The Our Kids. “With discussions about 7. The show featured passionate gies to decrease youth the world, in nine stratesup- high school through tries: port from Staples violence, such a variety of Argentina, Belgium, coun- Gray has to help Foundation for as immediate community issues. engagement after violent won multiple Learning we can Brazil, taged youth graduate more disadvan- Canada, incidents to reduce local, regional tion attempts. continue France, Germany, awards as a reporter, and pursue highretaliaand national grades and standardized to increase er education the photojournalist In 1998, Gray to become employable Netherlands, Spain and test scores for Gray dedicates and his wife, youth throughout the United productive citizens much of his time and host. States. For more Freddie, began ing with the African-American Omaha Public lives of severely who give back information about workto foundation their community. at-risk youth and to improving the to close the Achievement or how to apply gang members. the achievement Council for a grant, is the emergency team He Omaha gaps of children visit www. staplesfoundation.org. Community Connection, director for Impact Public School in the (OPS) District. Inc. — a non-profit, One A sought lence prevention vio- his Martin after motivational speaker, organization. Its members Gray titled Luther King Jr. part- Love,” Day speech, “Strength after one of Dr. to King’s most read books.

Partnership For $10,000 grant Our Kids receives from Staples

KS Science Fair

Excellence Winners

North Omaha Boys & Girls Club Welcomes Club Members New and Old for the New Year

On Jan. 4 the North Omaha Boys & Girls new and old Club Club opened members. The its doors to a new year with Club staff looks new Club parents forward to beginning age appropriate and members. programs for We offer a variety kids ages gram areas such of as, Sports, Fitness, 6-18. We offer five core Leadership Development, pro& Recreation, Character & Education & Career Life Skills, and Development, The Health & from certain schools Arts. We are also offering FREE transportation In order to qualify in the Omaha metro area (please a paid program for this special service all Club call for a listing). membership fee members Spring program and a valid membership must have fee is $30.00 card. Our that will be valid Club hours are from 3-8 p.m. Jan. 4 - May For more Club 7. Our and ask for Mr. information call Dave 342-2300 Happy New Year Felici, Unit Director. and we hope to see you at the Club!

Career & Scholarshi p Fair

Congratulations to...the King Science & Technology Science Fair. Students Magnet students school congratulated wrote detailed reports, who won awards conducted experiments the eight Award for emony. Pictured of Excellence and presented their projects in the annual are the Awards winners and 7th & 8th grade a display board Alec Williams; 25 first place Luke Armitage; of Excellence winners (l to at least two winners with to r): Emily Beck; and Katie Cramer. Nick Schultz; Ian Brummel; a Breakfast of Champions judges. The awards cerMadeleine Dangerfield; Martha Winterer;

Best of the New

York Internatio nal Children’s

The African American Career and Scholarship Achievement Council will have its 4th Fair on Saturday Annual High Magnet from 9 A.M. to School, 4410 3 P.M. at North N. 36th St. Those seeking employment should and dressed for come prepared success. Lunch with a resume will be provided. information call 557-4470. To RSVP or for more

The country’s largest film festival for children and including traditional, teens will be making stop in Omaha CGI, collage beginning in January a tour stop-motion styles. and Live Action. Film Streams More than when tries are In presents the Best represented, including ten coun- Recommended English. Australia; 95 min. of the New York International ages: 9 to adult. works from Australia, (NYICFF). From Children’s Film Festival Germany, Denmark, Finland, France, Jan. 9 to March Latvia, Sweden, Streams’ Ruth 18, Film U.K. Switzerland, the Feb. 6-7, 11, 13-14, 18 — Sokolof Theater, and nonprofit cinema, Omaha’s within the U.S. Tickets for all screenings Azur & Asmar Directed will screen five Best by Michel Ocelot. best programs of the for seniors, of NYICFF are $9 general, from $7 students, teachers A dazzling animated series continues the 2009 NYICFF. The dren, and chilFilm Streams’ feature about and $4.50 Young family two for Film Streams boys raised as brothers, Forever Members. and children’s who set off on dangerous quest which is made program, Streams’ All screenings will occur a through faraway possible in part at Film find Ruth Sokolof lands to and free the port from Lincoln with Theater, located Fairy of the Financial Group. sup- the corner of 14th at Animation. and Mike Fahey Founded in 1997, In English. France; Djinns. (for- Recommended NYICFF is dedicated merly Webster) Streets, to promoting one block south ages: 6 to adult. 99 min. Cuming Street. intelligent, of passionate, provocative cinematic More information works for audiences ages 3-18 and on all five programs Feb. 20-21, 25, 27-28, within Best helping to define March 4 — NYICFF Kids of NYICFF compelling f a more online can be found Flix ilm experience at www.f ilmstreams.org A kaleidoscopic Juried by such for kids. www.gkids.tv/tour. collection of well-known filmmakers or animated the best John Turturro, For questions, short films as contact Casey Susan Sarandon, from around Logan at 933-0259 please world, featuring Schamus, Matthew the James email traditional x11 or CGI, at casey@filmstreams. collage, and stop-motion. animation, Sant, the festival Modine and Gus Van org. The schedule: has been described In English. 65 min. Recommended The New York by Times as being ages: 3 to 8. “devoted to the kind of fare Jan. 9-10, 14, that may be found March 6-7, 11, 16-17, 21 — Academy Awards at the Razzle 13-14, 18 — but not at the Dazzle Directed tiplex.” local mulby Darren Ashton. NYICFF Party Mix A mockumentary An all-animated skewering the Best of NYICFF program featuring absurdi- ious, features one live-action ties of competition hilarcomedy and youth dance troupe between kids on the vokingvisually stunning, and thought-profour animated programs, involved circuit – and the shorts, specifically hyper- older parents who intended for audiences. In live through Seniors Alexis English them. titles. Page and Ayomide 75 min. Recommendedor English suband queen at Adekunle were Central High ages: 9 to 16. crowned king Homecoming on

North Omaha Development Project Community Meeting is scheduled for January 28th Details on page 10

Film Festival

On Monday, January 11 on NET1 and NET-HD, Sam Cooke and Marvin Gaye See page 2 for details

Advertise your product or services by connecting to Omaha Natives online at theomahastar.com

Benefits of Online Advertising Targeted: You can reach a specific reader based on areas of interest and context of the content. Act Now: Consumers can immediately click on a link to access more information or make a direct purchase.

Sept. 12, 2009.

City of Omaha's Annual MLK, Jr. celebration will Holland Performing be at the Arts Center See ad on page 10 for more information

Festival Self-Empowerment St. Paul Baptist Church July 13th, 2010

★

OMAHA STAR

THE

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

Details on page 4

Empowerment Network

Thursday, July 8, 2010

meeting canceled

next meeting will has been cancelled. The Network Monthly Meeting will begin at 9 a.m. This Saturday’s Empowerment Breakfast and networking High School - Viking Center. be held Aug. 14 at North meeting will begin at 9:30. Displays to help Parents, and the interactive community Development. Tables and Partner. Education and Youth become a Mentor or Adopt-A-Class The focus will be on Opportunity to sign up to Presentations & Families, Students & Community. to help students succeed PLUS Special Interactive ways Learn more about specific Discussions. the web at www.empoweromaha.com. 502-5153 or visit us on For more information call

Newspaper Nebraska’s Only Black Owned

Nebraska Vol. 72 - No. 28 Omaha,

50 cents

Omaha Star Celebrates 72nd Anniversary

Rates

Special Thanks

MILDRED D. BROWN 9, 1938

Dr. Marguerita L. Washington,

Founded Omaha Star July

Publisher

homes as you are hardly can continue to repair and buy I of the people that no good money and invest it now doing, save your “Dedicated to the service believe that the bonds that you and that evil shall not go wisely. Buy more Savings cause shall lack a champion Omaha Star has if and when things may be comfortable unopposed.” been in existence for change. seventy-two years a former pastor of the newspaper, Mildred Reverend Joseph Forbes, In an introduction to and I have been the said, “Mildred was St. John A. M. E. Church Gilbert wrote: publisher for the It is with profound pleashe made her paper To the Citizens of Omaha: a friend of the pastors ... last twenty years. It a platform. She Publishing Co., and [sic] available anytime we needed sure that the Omaha Star seems like yesterday well trained journalistic ministry. She believed that organization of energetic, by saw her work as a that I started after my One entire page day a paper of the people, God had given her a calling. minds, give to you this aunt Mildred Brown We here and now wish devoted to the work of the people and for the people. its was per edition was expired. Some of the Omaha Star dedicates community, submitted by to have you know that in the churches in the you have been supserving the general public the pastors. existence to the task of porters almost from It shall be our policy the struggle for Among her concerns was every way humanly possible. Others of the start. Brown’s primary path of duty in the behalf racial equality. Mildred to move in an unerring became supporters it already had. She worked bringing to you the local Star was in selling Many others became supportfoothold in Omaha than early role in the Omaha Black America in Omaha, for equalas the years went by. sincere it, as well as the national many organizations to work only an excellent salesperyou I want to give my news of the city as we find of tirelessly with of ads. She was not the National ers recently. To all of backing for the welfare could use the ads as a tool She was a member of son; she found that she highlights, promoting and to ity and peace. of Colored People thanks. to sell newspaper ads Black America in general. The Omaha Association for the Advancement Association, the her activism. She refused the citizens of Omaha and She at a newspaper is fascinating. our paper. advenworkers. Working journalistic black of Publishers sea employ because this is (NAACP), the Black As we launch out into the of companies that did not her readers to proStar is especially fascinating can the support of the general League, the Urban League Anyone who is interested also used editorials to encourage and she challenged National Business ture, we sincerely request Plains Black museum. This paper is about us. in when we as a group must military Nebraska, and the Great and issues. Where else test the segregation of the public. The time is at hand was submit their story, events the Martin Bomber plant During the time during which it was active, she Omaha Star a firm foundaSince the recent recession, them to apply for jobs that begin to build. Give the She De Porres Club, and also this State can this happen? and reading support and in Bellevue, Nebraska. rollerthe spokeswoman for the at Offutt Air Force Base tion by way of subscribing an emotional, financial after the paper has also been who is widely remem- allowed it to meet in the Omaha Star building in turn will build an enterhired Charles Washington, we will assure you that we are determined to persevere. and a mouthpiece and a to support their own facility. coaster at times but we civil rights, as a reporter the club ran out of funds to contact us concerning bered for his work for prise worthy of consideration, working in the commuI encourage the public who was the executive She spent countless hours or even if you want to columnist. Whitney Young, force for the people of Omaha. commucomplaints, recommendations are certainly apprecithe Star as a mouthpiece Urban League before eventu- nity, receiving over one hundred and fifty In addition to offering secretary of the Omaha the “Unsung Heroine director of the National compliment us. Your comments community in Omaha, the nity service awards, including the NAACP, one of ally becoming the executive for the African-American in behalf of the community the community to realize ated. The staff is working for service awarded by League, contributed editorials. Award” Urban Gilberts also encouraged a better and more enlighten honored be to Africanattention power 16,000 boycotts to call and trying to always have people in the country The paper supported the positive effect the buying was small, and is an outstanding cater often only thirty-five time of her death. She paper. Our staff is very if they would carefully she and her staff were with this award by the to discrimination, and Americans could have working to satisfy you. Lyndon B. Johnson as a businesses that employed team and they are always to also appointed by President their purchases only to support base and I wish well. East Germany to investigate treated the community We have a large religious goodwill ambassador to African-Americans and for the support of the churches following the conissue of the paper, Edward express sincere thanks, alleged human rights violations worked to improve Specifically, in the second clergy leaders. Omaha the North and the also of She community members the in our struction of the Berlin Gilbert pointed out that least, I want to thank carriers and her office an ice cream shop Last but certainly not the lives of the newspaper black community were patronizing which would be there would not be that someone did not have Ice Cream, advertisers. Without advertising, workers. If she learned of at 24th and Lake, Reed’s published. Advertisements hiring practices over she would buy them bags an Omaha Star Newspaper enough food at home, targeted for their discriminatory an the printing of the publicalarded The newspaper carriPorres Club. Gilbert spent and retail sales pay for groceries to supply their a decade later by the De have stuck with party of our older advertisers shop and counted at least a special Christmas or Easter Many cream ice tions. received the us. often ers outside joined hour Newer ones have work, when they might approving of their us throughout the years. adverin gratitude for their hard one hundred African-Americans that they don’t have to were given all year. their purchasing power. Others have the feeling them receive the only gifts they hiring practices through Americans we will give in 1989, the Omaha Star divorced in 1943, and tise because as African At the time of her death Mildred and Edward Gilbert in Star readers look at the a circulation of 30,685 her maiden name, Brown. our business anyway. Omaha and had a staff of twenty, and Mildred resumed using for those who support us Mildred Brown wrote, Omaha Star, the longest advertising in the paper thirty-nine states. In 1969, As the publisher of the from those advertisers. persist? The answer newspaper run by a woman, we encourage them to purchase or think our readers “Why then do Negro publishers of his press, all of operating black-owned refuse deprived neighborhood news and For those advertisers, who is clear. If the Negro is Mildred Brown provided to market to, we encourage through the years since than fifty years. The paper are not important enough the tortuous gains achieved commentary for more shop to ask those merchants lost, and tomorrow’s Negro by calling attention to our readers when they his emancipation will be served an important function of the powerful forces, they don’t? If they continue people in the black commuthat do not advertise Why youth will be at the mercy the accomplishments of Star, I urge our the ramparts of bigThe newspaper Omaha man the values. in still that positive advertise South to North and to refuse $$ nity and emphasizing got Mildred Brown their products. Remember who received awards, or otry, prejudice and discrimination.” to do so. From readers to stop buying recognized individuals compelled had previously been closed persisted because she felt speak. new jobs in industries that civic she had established readers, supporters, merIt announced acts of the first edition of her newspaper, Thanks again to my staff, to African-Americans. good writers and all others They highlighted one She guided the newspa- a challenge to herself and her staff, “that no chants advertisers, contributing labeled “troublemakers.” pride and community charity. existence of the Civil Rights and that evil shall not week in order to continue to making the continued the tumultuous eras of shall lack a champion support cause lend through who per neighborhood family per were staff On the occasion to the demonstrations Your help is greatly appreciMildred Brown and her in to foster a sense of community. Ms. Brown again Movement, from segregation the Omaha Star possible. for late go unopposed.” of their community, Brown to the racial unrest of the bright and continued future of the 1950s and 1960s, of the Star’s ninth anniversary, ated. I look forward to a the certainly champions outspoken voice in the wildercommunity, congratulated The Omaha Star reported particular. She was an 1960s and early 1970s. pledged her support to the not the Star in the Omaha community.. of its businesses and that occurred both locally ness that the tortuous gains of their emancipation triumphs and the tragedies North Omaha on the growth end. up this advice for her Mildred Brown was not are lost, and she worked tirelessly toward that and throughout the nation. fast development, and offered get any further a interested in letting discrimination neighbors. wishes to urge that you The Star on its anniversary

Women of Color in Leadership

2010 Awards

and Engage, Business Success “Power to Lead: Leverage, for the Perpetual stewardship. the theme Adopt & Deliver” was Winters advised the in Leadership steps to 3rd Annual Women of Color Awards group of eight Summit & legacy of Leadership at the Inclusion on their per25, 2010 jourLuncheon held on June Center. sonal diversity Holiday Inn Central Conventionluncheon neys; the Over 200 people attended 1. Know self first – was Marywhere the keynote speaker am I? What do I of CEO’s Who Who Quaites-Ferris, Dr. Marguerita Frances Winters, Author for? What makes (L-R) Tanya Cook, Vicki from the Heart stand Get It; Diversity Leadership Leadership Award Recipients: of the Winters me “me”? Crowder and Soul and President Washington, Annette 2. Value self – What can become? enhance who I am and gifts? Group. How are other ences Inclusion are my unique 5. Learn about others – What can learn from differences? circle to Ms Winters spoke on Women’s is my best self? your different from me? How today. She gave Who 4 . individuals/groups 7. Include others – Expand in the business world 3. Acknowledge your Tawanna Black and Dr. Winters continued on page 2 to sustained sucmy are they the same? examples of eight steps How do differ- See Leadership to change – What are prejudices – In what 6. Value differences – contribute to Open yourself be my best self? cess: Motivation, Passion/commitment, do I exclude? How do I opportunities to grow? To Magnitude of the ways and Inquiry, What are my blind spots? In-depth and transforming, intolerance? gap, Resolve, Learning

on July 9, 1938 History was made

MAHA TAR

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

Vol. 79 - No.

Only Black Owned Newspaper

16 Omaha, Nebraska

Friday, August 11, 2017 NAACP Names Johnson Interim Derrick President The

75 cents

Congratulatio ns Omahans Club, Native & Empowermen OEDC t Network on a wonde rful Native Omahans Week!

ate 50 Years of

“You can’t rain Stepping Saints, on our parade,” said one of lining up for the as the drill team gathered to the Salem The NAACP has pray before 21st named Derrick Members laughed biennial Native Omahans their board of directors, Johnson, Day parade. as they recalled soaked uniforms the organization’s vice chairman of performing in The unanimous interim president. raindecision was the Saints have over the years, 50 to be exact. committee of For 50 years thrilled crowds the board of directorsmade by the executive stepping and with their precision during the that Association’s stories and much always-on-beat rhythm section. high 108th annual convention Many in Baltimore. The the parade when laughter were shared the NAACP is the night before close to 100 largest team staffers rights organization and oldest civil gathered for their former members and drill celebration. 50th anniversary executive committeein the U.S. The reunion of the board is Saturday morning comprised of 14 during the parade, people. wore name tags the alumni members On May 19, with their dates their participation of service. They announced that the NAACP board consider ministry of Salemservice because they were Cornell William the contract of an outreach Baptist Church. Brooks, the outgoing team co-founder president, would According Salem’s pastor, Phyllis Hicks, it was in August to drill Brooks’ contract not be renewed. the Rev. J.C. ended on June holding a parade Wade Sr., had 1966 that Brooks began 30. the idea of his Wanting to shineto celebrate Salem’s annual President in May tenure as NAACP Derrick Johnson youth a spotlight on of 2014. (NAACP) of the church, all of the youth month. “I am thrilled a quickly began drill team was formed. The Derrick Johnson to announce that my friend girls choreographing and colleague has been appointed while the boys marching routines, CEO. I could interim president developed beats not think of a routines. Many to accompany more qualified better, more battle-testedand the of the young individual to guide people found or transition period,” the their said Leon Russell, NAACP through this niche and after board of the NAACP. their the chairman of the first performance, “Derrick’s longtime encouraged him to take decisive service with the Association Rev. will allow action to deal Wade to make will also serve with daily challenges. as the primary the drill He spokesman for have every confidence team the NAACP. I in Derrick permanent. new endeavor every step of the and will support him in this As the rain way.” In a statement came is truly an honor released on July 22, Johnson down said and a privilege Saturday morning, president and to be named the that it CEO of an organization interim aboard Ollie decades. the that he’s served Trolley, for “There’s a lot Hicks of work that needs and several of waste any time the getting to it. We to be done and we won’t original members threats to our are facing unprecedented democracy and marveled at the we will not be sea sidelined while of blue created See NAACP by continued on t-shirts worn by the Carolina blue Although page 2 current and alumni illness members as Jeanpierre and keeps Hicks on the sideline, they filled the Jeffrey co-directors Synceree street. as they carry on the Riggs look to her for guidance legacy. and leadership

Omaha Section Salutes 2017 Award , NCNW, Recipients

The Omaha Section - National Council Negro Women of Inc. recognizes individuals community for outstanding achievement. in the year individuals Each are recognized in medicine, education, for excellence involvement, embodimentleadership, community of the Mary Bethune Legacy and youth in excellence.McLeod Awards will be McLeod Bethune presented at the annual Mary Award Luncheon at 11 a.m. at on Aug. 26 the DC Centre, 11830 Stonegate Dr. The community is invited to important event. attend this The keynote speaker Esq., Human Resources is Shawntal M. Smith, and Talent Development Leader for Omaha Precious Davis Home for Boys. also a social Field of Medicine Smith is justice attorney. Award “Extraordinary The theme is Rising above Women: Breaking Barriers, Challenges, Lives.” Omaha Section, NCNW Transforming women of African advocates for descent as they families and communities. support their It fulfills its mission through research, community based advocacy and national and health, education, services and programs on Omaha Section, and economic empowerment. NCNW is a 501c3 organization. non-profit Omaha Section Davis, Field of 2017 Award recipients: Precious Rone, Field of Medicine Award; Beverly A. Education Award; Julia D. Anderson Willa Visionary Award; Midder, Theola M. Cooper Cooper, Community Theola M. Community Supporter Award; Supporter Cannon, Bethune Briana Concept Book Award Wasmoen, Bethune Award; Lara Concept Book Denise Lee, Award; Mary McLeod Bethune Legacy Award; Aariona Hagler, Youth Award in Excellence For more information or to obtain contact Perlie tickets, Whitley at 402-320-0375. tickets on-line, For go 2017 Mary McLeodto Eventbrite.com and enter under Search Events Bethune Awards Luncheon or Category. Please like them on Facebook: Section-NCNW, Omaha @OmahaNCNW Inc., follow them on Twitter: and visit their omahasectionncnw.w website: http:// eebly.com/ Denise Lee Mary McLeod Bethune Legacy Award

Award

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Beverly A. Rone Field of Education Award

Marching

Deep Roots – Ties

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Bryant-Fisher Family 100-Year Celebrat ion

Deep Roots - 4th generation

Keynote Speaker Shawntal M. Smith, Esq. Human Resources and Talent Development Leader and Lawyer for Social Justice

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Willa Midder Julia D. Anderson Visionary Award

By Terri L. Crawford, J.D.

Briana Cannon Bethune Concept Book Award

Open Rate $480.00

75 CENTS

Saints Celebr

By Lauren Victoria Burke NNPA Newswire Contributor

Community Picnic – Aug. 19 See In

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★SO THE

NOT PICTURED: Aariona Hagler Youth in Excellence

Online Advertising

Lara Wasmoen Bethune Concept Book Award

Honorary Chair Teresa Coleman Hunter

Special Back School Issue to will be at news outlets August 25!

“Family is not an important thing, How important it’s everything.” is always been, very family to us? The answer is, and has important. Indulge moment. After me for a brief the overwhelmed by Civil War, Union military officershistory ex-slaves who were were on the roads, for family members searching Agents of the Bureau from whom they had been separated. Lands, commonly of Refugees, Freedmen, and Abandoned known as the were hired after Freedmen’s Bureau, the war to provide who and ex-slaves, relief to refugees received hundreds requesting assistance of letters from freedmen wrote to the Bureau in locating lost relatives. One ex-slave from Texas with in locating “my a request for assistance own dearest relatives” list of sisters, and included nieces, nephews, whom he had uncles, and in-lawsa long been from twenty-four years separated when he was sold in Virginia before. Others in local newspapers, took out advertisements lost family members offering rewards for the return of (Wilma A. Dunaway, American Family The Africanin Slavery and Emancipation England: Cambridge (Cambridge, University Press, Reconstruction, 20013), 257. 33 82.) Foner, The African-American roots of the family Derived from our are spiritual. African heritage, maintained by shared experiences the Black family has been bond and circumstances, and a common historical despite what would lead you mainstream media to believe, Black remained strong. families triumphed Our spiritual and orientation helped See Deep Roots create a continued on page 3

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In 2019, after reviewing a General Accounting Office audit that revealed federal agencies only spend a pittance of its allotted $5 billion advertising budget with Black and minority-owned entities, Norton introduced H.R. 2576. with the Black Press, Hispanic Press, and women-owned “Biden’s Lift Every Voice plan largely addresses the publications. President-elect’s plans to address building Black wealth, Norton’s bill, which remains under consideration in the which means investing in Black communities.” House, requires all budgetary requests include a line item The former vice president’s Build Back Better Racial detailing what they are spending with Black and other Economic Equity plan also relays how Biden plans to hold minority-owned businesses, including media companies. federal offices accountable for adequately maintaining “This is important not just for the publications but because their relationships with minority-owned businesses. those publications reach It includes increasing the funding and stature of the minorities and women in Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA). a way that mainstream Latino and Black Americans are roughly 30 percent of the publications may not,” U.S. population, yet they currently own just 7.5 percent of Norton said when small businesses with employees. Digital Ad Deadline: Tuesday of each week introducing the measure. For almost four years, the only federal agency charged with Digital Ad Formats: JPEG or PNG Additional Charges: “We did this because the addressing racial disparities in small business ownership Make Ready Production Fee: $40 federal government is the has been on the Trump administration’s chopping block. Hyperlink: $25 largest advertising agency MBDA provides business consulting services and connects www.theomahastar.com in the United States and this minority-owned businesses with capital and contracting For more information contact: gives it a special obligation opportunities. publisher@omahastarinc.com to make sure that it is using “These services are critical. Instead of trying to reduce advertising dollars fairly or eliminate funding for MBDA, Biden will protect the and to reach all people in agency and call on Congress to increase its funding the United States,” said dramatically,” the transition spokesperson said. Jumbo Leaderboard (Rotating) 728 x 90 Norton, who has served in The plan includes the Biden administration elevating the U.S. House since 1991. the Director of the MBDA to the Assistant Secretary Leaderboard (Rotating) The incoming Biden level and instruct the MBDA to coordinate all federal 470 x 80 administration plans to see offices charged with reducing barriers to procurement for this legislation through. underrepresented groups. Sky scraper “The President-elect is With additional resources and authority, MBDA will (Rotating) 160 x 600 committed to implementing also create new business development grants and other the plans that he laid out programs that will address the economic challenges facing during the campaign that Black and Brown communities, expand small business Rectangle 300 x 250 focuses on building the ownership, and shrink the racial wealth gap. economy back better and Additionally, Biden plans to provide MBDA with $5 creating opportunities for billion in annual lending and investment authority “to minority-owned businesses ensure capital flows directly to minority-owned businesses Footerboard (Rotating) to advance and prosper,” and investments in critical infrastructure in Black, 590 x 90 the transition spokesperson Latino, AAPI, and Native American communities,” the relayed. spokesperson said. Marketplace button 125 x 125

December 11, 2020

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Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve Worked Hard for Your Money, Work to Insure You Live to Enjoy It.

THE OMAHA STAR

Page Eleven

By Michael L. Green Planning your financially secure retirement is important as we all know. Being able to enjoy the things that money can bring is just as important. Staying healthy in retirement, just about everyone agrees is desirable. (Especially in this time of the COVID-19 crisis) Many have chosen to stay home during the last 6-7 months. But there are as many opinions about whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best as there are fitness instructors. There are many ways to exercise and a lot of hype around them all. You donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t necessarily need gym facilities or weights to devise an effective workout routine. A fitness regimen that has been catching on lately has been found to actually reverse some of the effects of aging. High intensity interval training (HIIT) has proven to deliver fitness benefits with surprisingly little time commitment. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re familiar with wind sprints from high school or college, then you know how HIIT works. Short bursts of intense exercise followed by slow low intensity work. Research is showing the benefits of HII|T include building muscle, reducing fat, increased heart health, and regulating insulin. Most interestingly, the older you are the more beneficial its affects are. According to AARP: â&#x20AC;˘ A study of men in their 60s found the including HIIT in their routine increased their testosterone by 17% â&#x20AC;˘ The Mayo Clinic found that people 65 to 85 who included HIIT in their workout made more protein for energy producing mitochondria which slows down ageing at the cellular level. â&#x20AC;˘ Women who were previously sedentary and engaged in twenty minutes of HIIT were able to lose belly fat when compared to a group who engaged in sustained steady exercise. â&#x20AC;˘ Another study of 5,000 people with heart disease found that the benefit of HIIT did more to reduce the possibility of future problems than regular exercise regimen. â&#x20AC;˘ A Japanese study found that of a group of almost 700 people who engaged in HIIT training, 70% of them were still doing it 22 months later, indicating that it keeps you active longer. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re thinking youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re too old to begin an exercise routine, take heart. You can get the benefits cited above by just adding some modest HIIT to what you are doing now or by starting to walk for as little as 10 minutes a day. Financial security in retirement is much more enjoyable if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re able bodied enough to enjoy it.

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YOUTH/EDUCATION NEWS December 11, 2020 Jesuit Academy COVID-19 Can’t Stop

Page Twelve THE OMAHA STAR

It is clearly evident to us all that teaching/learning in a virtual manner has its challenges, yet the students and families at Jesuit Academy continue to thrive in the commitment of being intellectually competent regardless of the mode of learning. The Jesuit Academy leadership team are appreciative of every stakeholder: teachers, parents, students, and the extended family of our students, contributors, benefactors and partners. We acknowledge the adversity that the pandemic has caused, while the Jesuit Academy school community has also not missed the many opportunities that have arisen. Communication between teachers, students and parents are producing great results. Our creative teachers continue to ensure that our students are mastering the content in order to see the continued academic gains. Our families are making many sacrifices to ensure their young man continues to thrive at high levels. Our extended family members of our young

men are doing whatever it takes to make certain that students are engaging with teachers. Our students are pushing forward taking one day at a time, not only tackling challenging academic learning tasks, but also mastering the skill of communication, utilizing it as a tool to self advocate for their individual continued growth. In summary, we here at Jesuit Academy just wanted to pause and take a moment to say: THANK YOU! We understand that it takes a village to educate a child and simply put, we could not do it without the collective support of all of our stakeholders in the Jesuit community! Happy Holidays, Jesuit Academy Administrative Team Mr. Mitchell and Dr. Griffin

Music-Making at Mandela The coronavirus has impacted a lot of activities at Mandela, but like everything else, the team figured out a virtual option. Families were able to enjoy their scholar’s first violin concert of the year by tuning in live on Facebook. The videos are available at: https://www.facebook.com/ NelsonMandelaElementary. The scholars worked extremely hard to prepare for the concerts, and they were so excited to share their music with their families and the community. Scholars at Mandela play violin through the program String Sprouts, offered by the Omaha Conservatory of Music. Created by executive director Ruth Meints in 2013, Violin String Sprouts offers free violin classes to children ages 3-8 in underserved areas

in the Omaha-Council Bluffs metro area. Fifth grade scholars who completed their Sprouts curriculum last year were given the option to participate in orchestra or vocal music this year. The String Sprouts curriculum was created specifically for kids. It uses unique compositions that are meant to keep kids excited to learn while also practicing basic music drills. There are play-along orchestrations, accompaniments, and videos to help with practice as well as variations that were created specifically for practice during the school day. Jessica Davis, an Omaha Conservatory of Music Artist-Faculty member, is the String Sprouts teacher at Nelson Mandela Elementary.

Students Learn About Nature & Well Being in Family Reading Night At Sacred Heart School By Lisa Jackson National Camping Day set the stage for Family Reading Night at Sacred Heart School, which took place in November. Author and Sacred Heart graduate, Vicente Harrison, and illustrator, Chandler Jackson made guest appearances to read and discuss their collaborative book, My Nature Exploration. “The inspiration behind My Nature Exploration is to break through boundaries that prevent marginalized communities from accessing nature and receiving its benefits,” said Harrison. He goes on to insist that the book is intended to help all children, but particularly children of color to develop an appreciation for nature. “Data has proven that People of Color disproportionately access the outdoors and outdoor recreational activities at a much lower rate than other Americans. Studies have also shown that exposure and time in natural environments promote positive mental and physical health.” Vicente Harrison is the first African American to be hired by The Portland Parks and Recreation Division in Portland, Oregon. He started as a seasonal ranger 8 years ago and worked himself up the ranks to become the first African American Healths, Safety and Emergency Manager of a 12,000 acre park system. When asked about coming back to his former elementary school to share his book, his eyes lit up. “I was excited about the opportunity to return the love and support to a community that played a big part in guiding me

into achieving the success I have today. When you understand that concept of reciprocity, it’s a no brainer. It’s all about giving back.” His generous nature is evident as he was awarded over 10 commendations from park visitor and coworkers alike. Illustrator, Chandler Jackson, a recent graduate from TWU in Denton, Texas jumped at the opportunity to collaborate on a project in her field of interest. “When he presented me with the opportunity, I was excited because it was not only giving me a chance to build my portfolio on a sizeable project, but also work on something that would make an impact in the lives of children.” Their goal is not only to inspire young people to develop a love for the outdoors, but also to encourage aspiring writers and illustrators to allow their voices to be heard. Sacred Heart students and staff zoomed in to hear the story read live by Harrison as well

as to ask questions about Harrison’s experiences working at Parks system. Harrison and Jackson are pairing up together to work on Volume II of the My Nature Expiration series, titled My Nature Exploration: Let’s Go Camping! where the main character Harrison takes a camping trip with his neighborhood friends for the first time. “I will continue to champion promoting literacy, diversity, conservation, protection, and exploration while partnering with like minded individuals and agencies for environmental and social change - for the betterment of all people.”

Youth and Education News If you work with a youth focused organization or in education, please share your organization’s news with the Omaha Star. What activities are the organization involved in? Do you have an activity you would like to share the instructions for? What about experiments? Do you have a reading list to share? Do you have a review of places to visit? Can you recount a vacation that you would like to share? Documentary reviews that young people would enjoy? Please submit any information that is youth focused to: publisher@omahastarinc. com

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