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Nebraska’s Only Black Owned Newspaper Vol. 83 - No. 26 Omaha, Nebraska

Friday, December 24, 2021

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Family of the Month

Daisy Sudderth, Miss Nebraska Teen USA, Makes History at the 2021 Miss Teen USA Pageant By Sheila Fields MBA CPLC

December is a month of gifting and thankfulness. The Omaha Economic Development Corporation through the Carver Bank has sold the Omaha Star Building properties (2216-18 North 24th Street and Strolling Park) to The Mildred D Brown Memorial Study Center. Pictured are Michael Maroney and Terri Sanders, leaders of both organizations executing an agreement for the purchase. Two organizations deeply rooted in the North Omaha Community working together for progress.

Payday Lending Remains a Consumer Preference in the Credit Landscape Frances Hunter Urban Financial Services Coalition Omaha Chapter, Secretary Even though, payday lenders have been the center of attention for bad lending practices, excessively high interest rates and unlawful collection methods, people with less than favorable credit still turn to payday borrowing in a crisis. Bad credit is stressful! Denials from traditional lenders like banks and credit unions may make you want to consider a payday loan. Payday loans do not require

a credit check, but they are expensive and tends to crash your budget. If you cannot pay them back right away, you will find yourself refinancing the same debit over and over again and paying more interest than the original amount you actually borrowed. Payday loans have high fees and difficult repayment terms. Taking out this type of loan today can make it even harder to get out of debt down the road and it can cause more damage to your credit. Before you commit to a payday loan, look hard at the repayment terms and the possible consequence for not repaying as agreed. In a financial crisis, consider alternatives to payday borrowing like local charities, family or safer loan programs instead of a payday loan.

Publisher’s Pen

By Terri D. Sanders

COVID 19, Delta and Omicron are all on the loose in the United States. Be wise as you gather for family memories. Masks are always in order. The weather is moving us indoors and into closer quarters. We want to see you in 2022, so be careful. Dotcom Studios Consult a trusted source if you question the validity of getting a vaccination. The Omaha Star Building is back in our hands and we are excited for the future! We have a gallery of collages derived from our newspaper over the years. Thank you Mr. James (Jimmy) Glass for being the creative artist that he is and sharing his gifts with the newspaper. Come in and check out our walls (see Community Photos). We have a collection so the collages will be rotated on a monthly basis. Have you used the services of the Omaha Star Printing Center? We are open Monday-Saturday. We welcome your personal printing needs and commercial business printing needs. You can send us your printing via email: printing@omahastarinc.com. The newspaper is owned by The Mildred D Brown

Next Issue:

January 7, 2022 Information submission by December 31, 2021

Daisy Sudderth made Nebraska proud as a participant in the 70th Anniversary Miss Teen USA pageant, held in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Daisy was a semi-finalist as well as named Miss Congeniality at this year’s pageant. Daisy, a graduate of Papillion-Lavista South High School, is an 18-year-old freshman at the University of Houston where she is studying journalism, and later plans to also study political science. Daisy is service minded which is reflected in her numerous organizations and activities in the community: Founder/CEO of “Girls Changing the Daisy Sudderth World”, a non-profit organization to empower and encourage girls; Key Speaker at Omaha Women’s March 2020; Speaker for Inclusive Communities & Speaking of Happy; Recruitment Chair, Papillion Youth Council; Member of Police Athletics for Community Engagement (P.A.C.E.) Omaha; Member of Omaha Youth Salute; and Volunteer with Autism Puzzle Walk. Daisy’s platform is tied to her passion for inclusion. She is an advocate for people who the majority may see as different because of how they look, walk, and talk, who they love, how they identify, and how and who they worship. Daisy’s passion for diversity grew out of her sister’s transition to life as a transgender woman, which is a life that is sometimes threatened. Daisy said, “Equality is EQUALITY, whether or not you agree with people’s life choices.” She believes that all people should feel included and accepted. When asked what the greatest benefits of pageant participation, Ms. Sudderth expressed the beauty of being surrounded by women who are equally ambitious visionaries. “It has been super empowering.” said Daisy. “This experience has helped to solidify my own dreams.” She is grateful to have the opportunity to present her platform on a national stage. Daisy made her mark in history in this year’s pageant. She is the first black Miss Nebraska to place as a semifinalist in the top 16 as well winning Miss congeniality. She is also the first Miss Nebraska pageant member to have diversity as her platform. Daisy Sudderth’s advice to anyone interested in pageants is to establish your platform, gather support from family, friends, and the community, and most of all to remain true to yourself. She invites you to follow her @Daisysudderth on Instagram and twitter.

Memorial Study Center (MDBMSC) a 501(c)(3) organization. Programs of MDBMSC include: Omaha Star Newspaper, Archiving Project, Junior Journalism, and scholarship for higher education. Please consider a donation to MDBMSC: www.theomahastar.com. Your tax deductible donation to our organization will assist our programming to reach generations in the community. Be on the lookout for calendars, themed stationery, t-shirts and more representing our brand. We have the following signed copies of books for sale in our office: • No You Shut Up, Symone Sanders • Trust No Shadows After Dark, Walter Vincent Brooks • Black Print with a White Carnation, Amy Helene Forss • Newspapers & Butter Pecan Ice Cream (children’s book), Amy Helene Forss All are limited editions. 2022 promises a bright future for the newspaper and MDBMSC. We will have a “new” publication for circulation. We will delve into podcasting, with both local and national interviews. We will continue our social media presence. Each month we will have a theme and focus for the newspaper. Check out page 2 for the themes and information due dates as well as publishing dates. From our office, Staff and Board of Directors, we wish you a HAPPY NEW YEAR…

2022 Native Omahans in Las Vegas

Native Omahans are invited to gather in Las Vegas April 28-May 1, 2022. Host hotel is the Orleans Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas. The theme is the celebration is “Straight Outta Omaha and Our Roots Are Strong.” Events include: Bid Whist and Game Night, Meet and Greet with reunion SWAG bags, Daytime Tshirt Saturday, Red Carpet Gala Dance with awards, and Farewell Brunch and Gospel Hour. Contacts: Phyllis Hicks (Las Vegas) 402-689-1975; Phillip Tinnin (Culver City, CA). 310-337-9220; Terri Goodwin-Miller (Dallas, TX) 214-773-2214; Barbara Wiggins 702-325-0471. For registration contact: wigginsrecruitingassociates@gmail.com. Remember what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas!

“Hate is too great a burden to bear. It injures the hater more than it injures the hated.”~ Coretta Scott King

Page Two

THE OMAHA STAR

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Terri D. Sanders - publisher@omahastarinc.com Business Hours: Monday – Thursday: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 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, Publisher Beryl Barnes: 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.

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The United States provides opportunities for free expression of ideas. The Omaha Star has its views, but others may differ. Therefore the Omaha Star ownership reserves the right to publish views and opinions by syndicated and local columnists, professional writers and other writers whose opinions are solely their own. Those views do not necessarily reflect the policies and position of the staff and management of the Omaha Star newspaper. Readers are encouraged to email letters to the editor commenting on current events as well as what they would like to see included in the paper. Those emails should be sent to: publisher@omahastarinc.com and must include the writer’s name, address, email address and telephone number. The ownership has editorial rights and does not guarantee that all submissions will be published. Please be advised that the Omaha Star ownership does not employ staff writers who charge for preparing and submitting articles for the general public. Should you encounter such, please advise Terri D. Sanders at 402346-4041.

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LOCAL NEWS December 24, 2021 Omaha Table Talk ends the year with an Interfaith and Atheism dialogue

Inclusive Communities hosted an Interfaith and Atheism dialogue as its final Omaha Table Talk for 2021 on Tuesday evening. The discussion was moderated by Urban Abbey’s Reverend Debra McKnight and featured panelists Amy Ellefson and Jeremy Fricke. Ms. Ellefson identifies herself as a Humanist Atheist while Mr. Fricke expressed that he does not identify with a particular religion or position and usually chooses “none” when filling forms with that field. Rev. McKnight explained that she practices her religion in a way that is inclusive in that she welcomes and uplifts all identities. Ms. Ellefson shared that despite growing up attending numerous churches, she found that what resonated with her was being in community with people rather than the framework of a religious belief system. As an adult she was able to question that feeling on a deeper level and fully understand her Atheist identity. While she does not follow a belief system that is rooted in a higher power, Ms. Ellefson firmly believes that we have a responsibility to our fellow humans in our finite lifetime. She teaches this sense of morality to her children, encouraging them to be kind and engage in acts of service to others. These she identified are tenets also present in many religions, but she chooses not to teach them through that lens. The conversation explored various concepts that are

associated with a religious framework such as death, morality, and identity. Rev. McKnight emphasized that regardless of religious belief, such conversations were important and essential for living a good life. Mr. Fricke explained the importance of holding space for interfaith dialogues and moving away from the understanding of such dialogues as occurring only among religious heads. He noted the importance of including an Atheist or non-believing perspective in such dialogues to build a true understanding about where harm, exclusion, and assumptions on the basis of faith might occur. Panelists recognized that not everyone is represented equally in interfaith discussions and there is a tendency to overlook the fact that religion can have a negative impact on some individuals. Attendees were encouraged to engage in interfaith discussions with empathy and an intention to understand what attracts a person to their particular belief system or lack thereof. Rev. McKnight expressed the enormous value in building understanding that is free from the need to agree or convert. Inclusive Communities will resume its Table Talk series on January 25th, 2022 at 6pm CST via Zoom with an AAPI Table Talk on the Need to Acknowledge the “PI” Folks. Anyone interested in attending is invited to register.

New Episode, Digital Components Available for ‘What If…’ When knowledge, curiosity, guesswork and original questions clash, sometimes the result is a good idea. A new episode of the television series “What If…” premieres at 7:30 p.m. CT, Thursday, Jan. 6 on Nebraska Public Media. “What If…” is an exploration of innovation, creativity, entrepreneurship and discovery. Producer and host Mike Tobias tells stories about clever concepts and diverse characters, while pulling back the curtain on the television production process. This new 30-minute episode features four new stories: -- Scientists identifying missing service members in a lab at Offutt Air Force Base near Bellevue. -- A Central Community College student who “grew”

a canoe from mycelium, the vegetative body of a fungus that forms mushrooms. -- An Omaha entrepreneur using sensors to collect shopper data for some of the world’s biggest companies. -- An Aurora-based company whose Grain Weevil robots could keep farmers safe from grain bin dangers. An online educational component, “Innovator Insights,” is available in the PBS LearningMedia library at nebraskapublicmedia.pbslearningmedia.org. These short videos are designed for high school and college students to drive the next generation of young innovators, big thinkers and risk takers. The collection of 25 videos are available in English and Spanish subtitles, along with resources for teachers. “What If…” also showcases original music submitted for use in the project by a wide range of Nebraska composers.

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Omaha Star Publishing Dates 2022 Month

Info due

Pub Date

Theme

Focus

JANUARY 12/31/22 1/7/22 Economic Development Support Black Businesses 1/14/22 1/21/22 FEBRUARY 1/25/22 2/4/22 Black History Month Black History Facts 2/11/22 2/18/22 MARCH 2/25/22 3/4/22 Women’s History Salute to Women of Omaha 3/11/22 3/18/22 APRIL 3/25/22 4/1/22 Personal Finance Who is Your Financial Consultant 4/8/22 4/15/22 4/22/22 4/29/22 MAY 5/6/22 5/13/22 Writers / Authors Nebraska Authors 5/20/22 5/27/22 JUNE 6/3/22 6/10/22 Graduates High School / College Graduate / Professionals 6/17/22 6/24/22 JULY 7/1/22 7/8/22 Stem Code Like a Queen / King 7/15/22 7/22/22 AUGUST 7/29/22 8/5/22 Native Omahan’s Welcome Home 8/12/22 8/19/22 SEPTEMBER 8/26/22 9/2/22 Education Back to School 9/9/22 9/16/22 OCTOBER 9/23/22 9/30/22 Harvest Time Canning and Freezing 10/7/22 10/14/22 10/21/22 10/28/22 NOVEMBER 11/4/22 11/11/22 Gratitude Being Thankful 11/18/22 11/25/22 DECEMBER 12/2/22 12/9/22 Self Care Caring For You 12/16/22 12/23/22 12/30/22 1/6/23 www.theomahastar.com 402-346-4041 PO Box 3393 Omaha, NE 68103 publisher@omahastarinc.com

LOCAL NEWS

December 24, 2021

THE OMAHA STAR

Page Three

The Union for Contemporary Art Announces 2022 Performing Arts Fellowship By Harrison Martin Applications are now open for The Union for Contemporary Art’s Inside/Outside artist Fellowship program. The Union’s Fellowship program has supported the development of over 55 Omaha-area artists over the last ten years. The 2022 Fellowship program will be unique, with a special focus on supporting the creative and professional development of theatre artists of multiple disciplines. Since 2017, The Union for Contemporary Art’s Performing Arts program has produced 17 works for the stage, many exploring untold histories of North Omaha. For years, the driving creative energy behind these productions has been the Performing Arts Collective, The Union’s Black theatre ensemble dedicated to exploring contemporary theatre. As an extension of The Union’s larger mission, the Performing Arts program and the Collective are committed to these ensemble members’ creative growth and provide a home for them to develop their craft. The special 2022 artist Fellowship embodies this collaborative spirit. The program seeks to hold a space for new, emerging, and established talents to create and grow together. A total of five artists (or artist duos) will be selected for this 9-month program. Artists of various mediums in service to the work

of theatre-making are encouraged to apply. This includes: actors; writers; directors; costume, stage, and lighting designers; sound engineers; and more. This interdisciplinary Fellowship is also an opportunity for theatre artists to collaborate and create within a multitrack creative experience, designed to grow the practices of individual artists, culminating in the production of a theatrical work rooted in community storytelling. All Fellows will be primary co-creators in the development of a new work for the stage, telling the story of musician Wynonie Harris (1915-1969). Harris, a North Omaha The cast of The native, is credited as being one of the founding fathers of rock and roll. During the Great Depression, Harris performed regularly throughout North Omaha at venues including the Blue Room bar, located in what is now the Union for Contemporary Art building at North 24th and Lake Street. The Union’s Inside/Outside Fellowship program provides studio space, resources, professional development, and financial support to five Omaha-area artists each year. Artists selected to be a part of the 2022 Performing

Charles Drew Enrollment Event

Charles Drew Health Center, Inc. (CDHC) will host a Holiday Enrollment Celebration and Giveaway, Tuesday, December 21, 2021. CDHC Enabling Support professionals will be on site to help consumers seeking health insurance coverage and SNAP during the enrollment fair from 1:00am-5:00pm. United Healthcare (UHC) will be onsite to provide education and enrollment in the Dual Benefits plan for individuals receiving both Medicaid and SNAP. Attendees who apply for health insurance, SNAP or enroll in the UHC dual benefits plan will receive a holiday gift. Everyone in attendance will be entered into a raffle to take home a turkey. Beginning October 1, 2021, all Medicaid expansion enrollees have access to all Nebraska Medicaid benefits, including dental, vision, and over-the-counter drug coverage. Individuals with incomes up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (or up to $1,481/month for a household of 1 and $2,525/month for a household of 3) may be eligible. As of December 1, 2021 over 55,000 Nebraskans have enrolled in expanded Medicaid. With over 90,000

Nebraskans newly eligible, CDHC is striving to assist with providing health coverage to those eligible but currently not enrolled. “Medicaid expansion is an opportunity for the community to gain access to healthcare. I encourage all those eligible to enroll as health insurance coverage is critical to maintaining health and preventing illness, creating a healthier community”, says Maurtice Ivy Community Partnerships and Initiatives Director. The event is open to the public. Applicants should bring a photo ID or driver’s license, birth certificate, or green card and paycheck stubs for the last 30 days. Appointments are encouraged but not necessary. Depending on family size applications take on average 20mins to complete. For questions or to schedule an appointment, call 402-451-3553. What: Holiday Enrollment Celebration and Giveaway Who: NE residents ages 19-64 When: Tuesday, December 21, 2021 1-5pm Where: The Venue at Highlander, 2120 N. 30th St Omaha, NE 68111

Union’s 2018 stage reading of “Spunk” on stage. Arts Inside/Outside Fellowship Program will receive: A $2,000 program stipend; 24/7 access to a 400 sq. ft. private studio at The Union for Contemporary Art from March–December 2022; Bi-monthly workshops and studio sessions; A mentor in the performing arts; and Union staff support. Applications are now open and are due January 2, 2022 (11:59PM CST). Artists can learn more and apply at: www.u-ca.org/fellowship.

Howard Kennedy STEAM Project

On Thursday, December 16th, students from Mrs. O’Rourke and Mrs. Mellinger’s 3rd grade classes at Howard Kennedy Elementary rolled out the red carpet to showcase their Omaha landmark virtual museum at Highlander. The virtual museum was curated by the students’ hand drawn laser cut landmarks along with digital interactive presentations. Using the innovative tools and hands on learning of STEAM, classes had kicked off this project with the help of many guest speakers, and members from the community to help students develop a better understanding of the city of Omaha. The proud students became tour guides to help explain or guide visitors from the community to their landmarks’ information and displays. Everyone who attended the museum had a great time. Students from Tigernation would like to thank the following: • Seventy Five North • Great Plains Black History Museum • The Omaha Star

• AIM Institute’s Brain Exchange • Apple Professional Learning • OPS Library Services • Howard Kennedy Faculty and Staff Scannable codes for the virtual interactive museum:

Page Four THE OMAHA STAR

PRAISE, WORSHIP, DEVOTION, OBITUARIES & INSPIRATION

Evangelical Shepherds

Ossie Lee Lewis (Sargent)

Ossie Lee Lewis (Sargent) Mother, Grandmother, GreatGrandmother, Sister, Friend, Church Mother, passed away peacefully November 2nd, 2021 in the home of her daughter Veronica Galloway. Ossie was born August 13th 1927, the second of eleven children of the late Johnny Orange Sargent and Valrie Wiley Sargent in Ellis County, TX. With the help of her later sister, Reannie and Thomas Scott, Ossie moved to Omaha, NE in 1962 with her three children; Veronica Galloway, the late Julius E. Lewis and Royal D. Lewis to chart a new path as an Omaha home owner and US Postal employee. Ossie was deeply committed to her church St. John A.M.E. serving as church secretary, 20th Century Club member and alto in many choirs. Ossie was also dedicated to her community serving as a poll worker for many years, in addition to donating to various charitable causes. As her final act of giving, Ossie donated her body to science. Blessed and Highly Favored, when called home Ossie walked into the waiting arms of her parents, two sons and a host of equally blessed family members in addition to her dearest friend Thomas Upcher. In addition to her daughter Veronica, those who are also blessed to cherish her memory include sisters Louise Jones (Roy), Dallas, TX; Barbara McClanahan, Dallas, TX; brothers Rev. John Henry Sargent (Bessie), Dallas, TX; Pastor, Temple of Truth, Lancaster, TX; Joshua Sargent (Ann) Woodbridge, VA; Rev. M.E. Sargent (Cynthia), Dallas, TX: Pastor, True Love Baptist Church, Dallas, TX; and Rev. Nathan C. Sargent (Toy). Ossie is also survived by a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nephews, nieces, cousins, friends, St. John A.M.E. and Hope Lutheran Church families.

St. John’s Celebrates 156 Years of Service

On November 28th, the Historic St. John’s African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church celebrated 156 years of service to the Omaha community with the theme, “Giving Thanks to Our God”, Psalm 100:3-5. The church was established even before Nebraska became an official state. Located at 2402 North 22nd Street, the current location is the fifth site of the church since its inception. The Reverend Keith Cornelius is pastor. The Reverend T. Michael Williams was the guest preacher for the morning worship service. Rev. Williams is the co-pastor of Mt. Moriah Baptist Church and the newly elected president of the Omaha NAACP. Two St. John’s members were recognized for their leadership in the AME Conference Branch and the 5th District. Mrs. Phyillis Brown who received Life Time membership in the Women’s Missionary Society in 2006, was one of five women honored for over 20 years of service by the Midwest Conference. Her actual service spans over 40 years. Master Braylan Mosley, 15 years old, who currently serves as St. John’s YPD president was recognized as YPDer of the 5th District, an area covering 15 states. During its 156-year history in sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ, St. John’s has been led by 40 pastors, the current leader being the Rev. Keith Cornelius has served the congregation for three years. Ministry and service have been the life of St. John’s AME church and the ministries have varied with the ever-changing needs of the North Omaha community. Ministries include but are not limited to the following: Worship Without Walls, after school tutoring programs, satellite Sunday School for the youth of Hilltop and Spencer Street projects, Boy Schouts, food pantry, Dream Keepers Award, community advocacy, Get Out the Vote, health fairs, and a bone marrow drive. More recently, the church has and is promoting COVID vaccinations to its members and community to address the pandemic. Also, St. John’s has provided harvest baskets and holiday baskets to families attending the Jesuit Middle and Conestoga Elementary schools, collected personal care items and food supplies for local pantries and homeless shelters, and baby items for teen moms. The Historic St. John’s unique building recognized is as one of the architectural pillars of the North Omaha community. The building was designed by Frederic Stott, a Black architect who studied under Frank Lloyd Wright and built the only prairie-style building of its kind in Nebraska. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as well as the Nebraska Historical Society.

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December 24, 2021

By Velma J. Sanders A lot of movement and action had been happening lately. Caesar Augustus had decreed that a census be taken. Therefore, everyone had to be registered in their city of birth. With Mary being pregnant, we can be sure that neither Joseph nor she had any thought of making a ninety-mile grueling road trip from their hometown Nazareth to Bethlehem. But things can change so rapidly in life. Even today, some of us have experienced having to relocate unexpectedly. This is the situation that Joseph and Mary found themselves in. They probably had taken no more than the bare necessities with them on the trip. But while they were out of town, in Bethlehem, it was time for the Baby to be born. On the outskirts of town, there were shepherds who lived in the fields. Things were mundane and ordinary that evening with them; just keeping watch over their flock as they had done many times before. But suddenly things changed in their lives as well and before the night was over movement was required of them, too; not to be registered, in the city where they were born. But movement instead to behold the newborn baby – Jesus

Christ the Lord. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 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 clothes, lying in a manger.” This unexpected angelic visitor announced the birth and told exactly who the Baby was: a Savior, Christ the Lord. They were told where to find Him: in the city of David, Bethlehem. And, that He would be wrapped in swaddling clothing and lying in a manger. “And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” The shepherds believed what they had heard, and they were obedient in making no delay as they journeyed. “And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds.” (Luke 2:1-20)

Juanita Hanger Johnson Leaves Legacy as Trailblazing Community Advocate, Educator and Deacon IN MEMORIAM:

Juanita Hanger Johnson 1929-2021

Career educator and pioneering Episcopal Church deacon Juanita Hanger Johnson, 92, died Dec. 4 in her northwest Omaha home after a long illness. She was preceded in death by her husband George Warren Johnson and her daughter Joslen Johnson Shaw. Johnson came from a family of high achievers and went on to make her own mark. Her mother Ione Hanger was an Omaha Public Schools teacher, a missionary and a community volunteer. She also taught at Creighton University. Her father Saybert Hanger was among the area’s first Black attorneys and federal meat inspectors and the Nebraska Urban League’s first Black president. A “cradle to the grave Episcopalian,” Juanita grew up in St. Philip Church. In 1986 she helped broker the merger of all-Black St. Philip with all-white St. John to form the racially blended Church of the Resurrection (COR). She was church school superintendent, vacation bible schools supervisor and St Teresa’s Guild secretary. In 2004 she was ordained the first Black deacon in the Episcopal Diocese of Nebraska, which recognized her service with the Bishop’s Cross in 2019. In a statement, diocese bishop Rt. Rev. J. Scott Barker, said: “Juanita was a quintessential deacon of the church. As an educator and advocate for civil rights, it was her passion and purpose to serve those on the margins, and to lead her fellow Episcopalians in ministries of justice that sewed healing and hope. She will be long remembered for her keen intellect, gentle kindness and faithful determination … It would be impossible to overstate the profound impact she had in our Episcopal Diocese of Nebraska.” In an email. Rev. Jason Emerson, a past rector at COR, said this “trailblazer was one of the holiest people I’ve ever had the honor to minister alongside,” adding, “She always had a still-waters-run-deep strength of presence about her.” “She did not like the limelight. I only got her to preach

once but, unsurprisingly, she blew the doors off the joint.” Long before becoming a deacon, Johnson broke barriers. At Omaha Central High School she was the only Black student on the year book and newspaper staffs. After studies at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, she earned a bachelor’s degree at Fisk University and a physical therapy degree at Cleveland Clinic. She later earned a master’s at Creighton. She also completed studies at Drake University and then-Omaha University, She married Korean War veteran George Warren Johnson, a Marshalltown, Iowa native, in 1958. He made history integrating Wayne State (Neb.) College as an undergraduate. He became an Omaha Benson High School art teacher. Juanita went from being a physical therapist to an OPS math teacher and guidance counselor. She ended her career at Omaha North High School in 1997. The Johnsons encountered red lining barriers when seeking to move outside the then-prescribed African American community. In 1969 they built a home in the metro’s first intentionally mixed race subdivision, New Horizons, formed by veterinarian Dr. A.B. Pittman, architect Golden Joseph Zenon and architect-civil engineer J.Z. Jizba. The deceased was active in the Black sorority Alpha Kappa Alpha and the Omaha chapter of The Links. Following her OPS retirement, she served as a hotline counselor for the YWCA’s Women Against Violence Program. “She worked to get women out of domestic violence and trafficking situations long before the broader Episcopal Church would even talk about it,” Emerson said. “In church tradition we say that icons see us as we look upon them. Juanita was an icon. She saw us, truly and deeply. By seeing us she called us into a deeper relationship with God and to greater service of our neighbors.” She is survived by her son Marty Johnson (Laura) of Eagan, Minn., grandchildren Zach Shaw (Katie), Alyssa Phillips (Jess) and GT, and great-grandchildren Zachary, Ethan, Christopher and Aubrey. A service was held on December 11, 2021, at Church of the Resurrection, 3004 Belvedere Blvd. Memorials can be made to the church.

Kids Talk About God:

What Gifts Would You Bring to Jesus? By Carey Kinsolving and Friends Wise men from the East brought baby Jesus gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. What gifts would you have brought? “I would give Jesus a lot of money, a big sheep and a balloon that reads, ‘It’s a boy!’” says Perry, age 11. Perry, I don’t know about balloons, but I suspect there were more than a few trumpets blown in heaven when Jesus was born. At least one angel couldn’t contain his joy. “I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people,” the angel announced to some shepherds. “If I had been one of the wise men, I would have brought a pillow and blanket because Jesus might have been cold,” says Jordan, 6. The wonder of Christmas lies in the humility of the savior’s birth. An unsanitary barn would not be the first choice of any mother bringing her child into the world. Jesus, the Lord of the universe, had to stoop very low to enter our world through this door. Is God telling us something more than the fact that there was no room for Joseph and Mary in the inn? God goes where he is wanted. “You will see it all through Scripture,” writes Pastor Joe McKeever. “‘When you enter a city,’ Jesus told his disciples, ‘whoever does not receive you or heed your words, shake the dust off your feet.’ They were not to give God’s truth to the hostile or disrespectful. “Tell me if this is not the most amazing picture in the Bible — Jesus Christ, the son of God, humbly asking us to receive him. He does not force himself on anyone but goes into homes and hearts where he is made welcome.” “I would bring him a friend because friends are fun to play with,” says Laurie, 7. Jesus loved friends. He often ate with people whom the religious leaders shunned. He became known as the

“friend of sinners.” “I would have brought a dog to Jesus because he needed protection,” says Hunter, 6. Baby Jesus did need protection. King Herod wanted to be sure that any rival kings were dead (even baby ones). So he told the wise men to tell him where they found Jesus. In a dream, God warned the wise men, and they secretly went home without telling Herod. When Herod discovered he had been tricked, he went ballistic. In his frustration, he ordered all the children in Bethlehem who were 2 years or younger to be killed. An angel, however, warned Joseph and Mary to flee to Egypt with baby Jesus. “I would bring Jesus a lamb because it is a special kind of animal,” says Matthew, 7. “It is a picture of Jesus. He is the shepherd, and he loves sheep.” Matthew, you’re probably aware that thousands of lambs were sacrificed during the Passover feast. During the original Passover in Egypt, the angel of death passed over each Jewish home that had lamb’s blood on its door frames. John the Baptist called Jesus “the lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” “If I could give Jesus a present, I would give him as much gold as I could find, but I can’t give him anything to pay him for dying for me,” says Kevin, 10. In the ancient East, you always brought a gift when approaching a superior. Gold has long been the precious metal of royalty. Frankincense was one of the spices in the mixture of incense burned daily in Israel’s temple. And myrrh was used to anoint the body of Jesus for burial. Many have seen the royalty, deity and death of Jesus in the wise men’s gifts. “I would bring him a gold crown because I love him, and he is the king,” says Chelsea, 8. What gift would you bring to the King of kings?

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December 24, 2021

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Year in Review

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As we say goodbye to 2021 and hello to a new year, we thank our faithful subscribers and encourage you to continue your support. Please remember to patronize our advertisers. Their ads appear on our pages because they want your business. Let’s all resolve to be a little better than we were in 2021 as we enter 2022 with a renewed, clear vision.

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December 24, 2021

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National Register updated to reflect social history of Douglas County Courthouse The Douglas County Courthouse served as the backdrop to one of the most heinous incidents in Omaha’s history – the 1919 lynching of Will Brown. Until recently, this fact was missing from the official record of the building’s historical significance. The Omaha Community Council for Racial Justice and Reconciliation, which led the effort to install a historical marker at the site in 2021 to memorialize Brown, helped organize a team to correct this oversight and injustice. The Douglas County Historical Society and Cynthia Robinson, PhD, of the University of NebraskaOmaha Black Studies Department conducted primary source research that made this effort possible. Council representative Charise Alexander Adams of Creighton University coordinated with University of NebraskaLincoln College of Architecture lecturer Frank Ordia, graduate student Anna Headlee, and History Nebraska to research and provide additional documentation about the 1919 race riots to update the listing. Erected in 1912, the courthouse was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. The original nomination for the property only detailed its architectural significance, and did not note the racial violence of 1919. During the Great Migration, many Black workers moved north from the Jim Crow South. Black communities soon became targets for violence and lynching due to increased animosity and proximity. In Omaha, on Sept. 28, 1919, a vicious mob extracted Will Brown from a jail cell inside the county courthouse, before he could stand trial for the dubious charges on which he was arrested. They

subsequently hanged him from a pole at nearby 18th and Harney Streets, before his body was mutilated, dragged through the streets, and burned beyond recognition. In their quest for blood, the mob set fire to and opened fire on the courthouse building. This necessitated renovations, mentioned obliquely in the original nomination, but much of the courthouse from 1919 is still intact. Bullet marks still mar the marble surface of the third-floor balcony. The

additional documentation includes a photo of the damage, serving as a reminder of the refrain mentioned often in contemporary discussion of lynching: never again. After initial approval by the Nebraska Historic Preservation Board in October, the National Parks Service approved this update to the original nomination in the National Register of Historic Places on November 18, 2021.

Photos by Megan Patent-Nygren

Bullet damage from the riot on the balcony of the third floor. Photographed from the third floor, bullet inflection points can be seen on the southeast-facing portion of the balcony.

Archival photo of mob gathered around body of Will Brown (Omaha, Sept. 28, 1919). Photographer unknown.

NATIONAL NEWS December 24, 2021 Make it the most safe and connected President Biden’s Nomination holiday season with these technology tips of LaWanda Toney

Page Eight THE OMAHA STAR

U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona issued the following statement today on President Biden’s intent to nominate LaWanda Toney for assistant secretary for communications and outreach at the U.S. Department of Education: “I am heartened that the President has nominated LaWanda Toney as assistant secretary for communications and outreach at the U.S. Department of Education. LaWanda brings years of strategic messaging experience to this role, as well as a deep dedication to LaWanda Toney excellence and equity in education. LaWanda’s strong connections to our parent communities also will help to ensure that the Department’s communications and engagement continue to be informed by the lived experiences of parents and families across the country, who – particularly amid the pandemic – have raised their voices and demonstrated incredible advocacy for the education that their children need and deserve in order to thrive. I look forward to LaWanda’s swift confirmation and to welcoming her to the team at the Department.” About LaWanda Toney LaWanda Toney is the director of strategic communications at the National Parent Teacher Association (National PTA), whose mission is to empower families and communities to advocate for all children, and she has been a part of the association for over 12 years. She manages the National PTA’s communications team in the areas of web, social media, editorial, creative development, and media relations. Her work has received several awards from the Association of Media and Publishing and the Power of “A” Awards with the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE). LaWanda is also the co-host of National PTA’s podcast, Notes from the Backpack. Prior to working at National PTA, LaWanda managed marketing programs, planned special events and created communications campaigns for major retailers, nonprofits, publishing, and advertising companies. LaWanda holds a bachelor of arts degree in broadcast journalism from Howard University and a master of arts in strategic communication with an emphasis in public relations from Trinity University. She also is a member of ASAE and ColorComm, an organization for women of color in all areas of communications.

Crystal Pichon Chief Executive Officer at The Safety Place

The holiday season brings along more time indoors escaping the winter weather, extra time spent with loved ones, and many, many hours utilizing Crystal Pichon technology. Whether you want to stream your favorite holiday movie or keep your kids off of social media during family game night, sometimes it’s technology that can actually be the key to staying connected. But, there are important things to remember to make sure you and your family are safe and protected. Know Your Security Detail. A lot of us don’t take time to even know what protection is already available to us. With Cox Panoramic Wifi, there are Advanced Security features that are included and take less than a minute to get set up. Together, the Cox Advanced Security and Panoramic Wifi can deliver a smarter, more personalized security solution for customers home network. For example, when connected to your home network, activity on devices like phones, laptops, game consoles and cameras can be easily monitored. You can even block suspicious activity from your device in real time. Your network is scanned for threats 24/7, and you’ll receive an alert if any suspicious activity or danger is detected on your device.

Use technology to disconnect. While screen time typically increases as the weather gets colder and kids spend more time inside, you can help draw your kids away from their devices with a click of a button. The same technology that allows us to stay connected, can also help us disconnect — especially during much needed holiday family time. The Cox Panoramic Wifi smartphone app lets you turn on parental controls and block unsafe websites. You can also control when your kids have access to internet connection and when they don’t. If you want an unplugged meal, simply turn off the device internet access during dinner time. Talk about it. Technology can be an amazing resource, but it can also be very dangerous when not used properly. It is important to talk about it with your kids and ensure that they know the dos and don’ts. While you can use technology for socializing and entertainment, you can also use it for grade school, applying for jobs, college, scholarships and propelling into a career. Take time to recognize the positive uses of technology instead of only talking about the dangers and negatives. Another reason it’s important to keep an open dialogue with your kids about technology is so they know they can talk to you if they see something inappropriate online. If your kids know it’s a safe space, they can come to you and receive no judgement or criticism. There is so much good that comes from technology, and it’s important to be aware of what features are available to make sure our loved ones are protected. Thanks to Cox, we can stay connected in the safest way possible this holiday season.

Free Ed Poindexter Information

Write/email: Nebraska Pardons Board, PO Box 95007, Lincoln, NE 68509 ne.pardonsboard@nebraska.gov Call: Governor Pete Ricketts 402-471-2244 Attorney General Doug Peterson 402-471-2683 Secretary of State Robert Evnen 402-471-2554

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December 24, 2021

ALLEN CHAPEL A.M.E.

KING SOLOMON MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH

Rev. Jacqueline Ford, Pastor 2842 Monroe Street Omaha, NE 68107 Off: (402) 734-3399 Email: admin@allenchapelomaha.org

Rev. Jacqueline Ford

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

“Where Life is for Everyone”

THE OMAHA STAR

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

3202 Evans Street Omaha, NE 68111 Ph: 402-455-0358 Fax: 402-455-0801

Pastor Albert Jonathan Wagstaff

kingsolomonbaptist@yahoo.com kingsolomonomaha.org

Sunday School......8:45 a.m. Sunday Morning......10:00 a.m. Bible Study, Tuesdays......6:00 - 7:30 p.m. Prayer Service, Wednesdays......12 noon Journey to Tomorrow, Out Next Step Judges 18:4-6

Page Nine

Rev. Michael Voithofer

ABLAZE HOUSE OF PRAYER

11501 Fairview Road, Springfield, NE 68059 Ph: 402-451-6622 • Fax 402-457-6901 Contact Ablaze: email: ablazeworshipministry@gmail.com Pastor: Rev. Michael Voithofer

SUNDAYS 10:00 AM

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

SACRED HEART CATHOLIC CHURCH Fr. Dave Korth

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

Drs. Martin & Lynnell Williams Founders & Lead Pastors

MORNING STAR BAPTIST CHURCH Fr. Dave Korth

2019 Burdette Street Omaha, NE 68110 Ph: 402-342-0018

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

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

Saturday - 5:00 pm Sunday - 8:15 am and 10:30 am

SALEM BAPTIST CHURCH

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

MOUNT CALVARY COMMUNITY 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.

“Jesus is the Light of the World” Bishop Kevin Chambers, Senior Pastor www.m3comaha.org

Biblically Based, Family Oriented, Dynamic Fellowship

5112 Ames Avenue Omaha, NE 68104 (402) 457-4216 Church Phone (402) 453-4084 Pastor’s Office

CLAIR MEMORIAL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

Thursday - School Mass 8:10 am in Church

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

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

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

Mass Schedule: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday - 8:00 am in Rectory (2218 Binney)

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

Bishop Kevin Chambers

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

Rev. Dr. Selwyn Q. Bachus

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.

“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

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

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.

Pastor Barbara Mitchell Rev. T. Michael Williams

Dr. Ralph B. Lassiter

Elder Howard Dixon

MT. MORIAH MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH

“Transformed People Everywhere” 2602 N. 24th St. - PO Box 11593 www.mtmoriahomaha.net Off: (402) 451-8800 Sunday Worship ..........................................10:45 a.m. Live Stream: Facebook.com/mtmoriahomaha

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

Rev. Morita Truman, Lead Pastor Services on Sundays at 8:30 am & 10:50 am

Please call for Prayer and Transformation Group Bible Study Schedule

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

ZION BAPTIST CHURCH Rev. Kenneth A. Allen, Pastor 2215 Grant Street Omaha, NE 68110 Ph: 402-346-1502 Fax: 402-344-2720

Rev. Morita Truman

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

Pastor Kenneth A. Allen

Pastor Terry L. Arvie

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. Charles Galloway - President, Rev John Deang - Pastor, Dr John Beasley - Elder

HOPE LUTHERAN CHURCH

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

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

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 Pastor Brian Page

JOY OF LIFE MINISTRIES COGIC

Wednesday: Prayer Power Hour ......................................12:00 p.m

Pastors Eric and Cynthia Butler

Thursday: Youth For Christ ............................................6:00 p.m Prayer & Bible Study ....................................6:30 p.m

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

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

Sunday: Sunday School.................................................9:00 a.m. Morning Worship..........................................10:15 a.m. Pastor Eric Butler and Co-Pastor Cynthia Butler

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

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

THE OMAHA STAR

Merry Christmas and Happy Vaccination Season

LIFE & STYLE

December 24, 2021

By Dr. Richard Brown Ph.D., FACHE REACH* Racial and ethical approaches to community health (REACH) is a periodic column focused on reducing health disparities in the African American community. It will include topics submitted by Creighton University Health Sciences Multicultural and Community Affairs (HS-MACA) department. This Christmas season is a good time to gift yourself. I am hopeful that Thanksgiving was all that you wanted it to be for you and your family. I hope that before you took that nap after that turkey dinner, that you went outside for a walk around the block. Perhaps you did a few push- ups or jumping jacks at half time while watching one of the 3 football games. Perhaps you got a vigorous walking work out during “Black Friday’s” shopping event. Perhaps you got a good work out at the “Christmas in the Village” event, while shopping at the various black owned businesses at 24th and Lake St. The Christmas season is a great time to be thankful for family, friends and your health. As you enjoy the festivities and celebrations, don’t forget that you must stay healthy, for it is the greatest gift that you can give yourself. Another great gift this year is to get vaccinated and get the booster shot if you have not done so. Priority this Christmas season should be protecting yourself and family during this ongoing pandemic. We should be rid of this pandemic by now, since we’ve had a vaccine against the virus for an entire year. However, one year later, not only is the Corona virus still here, but now we have the Delta, and the Omicron virus mutation. Mask mandates have been relaxed or ignored. Anti-vaxxers are alive and well. Well, at least for now! This Christmas could be the worse since the pandemic began in March 2020, considering that we are now entering the flu season. The CDC estimates that an average of 36,000 people die of influenza each year over the past decade in the U.S. The Coronavirus has killed more than that many in one year. (803,652) “Even if omicron does cause less severe disease, the sheer number of cases could once again overwhelm unprepared health systems,” Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, PhD, World Health Organization directorgeneral, said during a Dec. 14 news conference.” “Omicron will likely outpace Delta and become the dominant strain at some point in January, Anthony Fauci, MD, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said during a Dec. 16, event held by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation”. It is predicted that because so many people are unvaccinated, that the virus can mutate again during 2022. So, as you continue to enjoy the holidays, don’t miss an opportunity to participate in physical activity and practice safety against the virus. Walking is one of the easiest ways to work up a sweat and reduce your chance of chronic heart disease. Getting vaccinated is also the easiest way to prevent illness and possible death during this pandemic. Enjoy, but know that “the Virus is Real, its Only Mission is to kill.” “Get Active, Vaccinated, Healthy and Happy.”

Photo credit Abiola Kosoko

Hip Hop Nutcracker Curtain Warmer, Aaron Gregory teaches dance

Aaron Derell Gregory: A man of extreme talent and grace

By Dara Hogan Omaha Performing Arts

Something about Aaron Derell Gregory’s passion for dance makes him stand out. When he animatedly talks about the art form, he beams. When he discusses his desire to serve the community, you understand he’s wholeheartedly committed. The first time I saw Gregory dance and direct a rehearsal at AP’s Dance Legacy Studio, located off 72nd and Maple, I was floored, not only by the way he moved with AP’s Dance Legacy Studio, Aaron Gregory pictured on the right incredible finesse, but also told a story. One piece called “I am” is based on positive self-image and the perception of Black men in America. The other creative piece called “STuCK” retells the story of Gregory’s childhood, how he grew up without a father and navigated through life, both as an adolescent and an adult in a social media driven society. His graceful jumps and turns make his performances delightful to watch, while life’s highs and lows make his story relatable and profound. “I used to feel invisible. I grew up feeling that I was overlooked. I felt like an underdog, but dance gives me a reason to shine my light just a little bit more. I just feel alive, like this is what I’m supposed to be doing,” Gregory says. Gregory was born and raised in Omaha and graduated from Omaha Central High School in 2007. He’s been dancing since he was 16 years old and recalls a defining moment in his life when he knew dance would be his career. “I performed at a talent show at Upward Bound by myself, and I danced to “Breathe In, Breathe Out” by Ali featuring The St. Lunatics. I was on the stage for almost four minutes and a lot of people didn’t know that I could dance,” Gregory remembers. His talent blew everyone away, even his mother, who responded with, “where did that come from?” The breakthrough led him to college where he pursued and earned his bachelor’s degree in sociology from Morehouse College and a master’s in dance education from NYU Steinhardt. G r e g o r y ’s talent and experiences have landed him opportunities around the world dancing, This event is $10 for members Woods teaching and and $20 for non-members. Members January, 28, 7 - 9:00 p.m. mentoring aspiring Neale Woods, 14323 Edith Marie must sign in to receive discount. professional dancers. Register here: 8913. Ave, Omaha. He’s performed at blackbaudhosting.com/8913/Full- Can you find Canis Major in the Ailey CitiGroup the night sky? What about Orion? Moon-Hike--Wolf-Moon Theater and Radio Taurus? Gemini? Forget the Big City Music Hall with Dipper, and head out to Neale Woods • Land Stewardship Volunteer his colleagues in New on January 28th to enjoy some Work Day York. He’s taught January 15, 8:00 a.m. -12:00 noon winter constellations during a night for Alvin Ailey’s The volunteer Land Stewardship of stargazing! This chilly evening Photo credit Emily Gilbert Arts and Education crew meets on select Saturday will feature a brief night hike to start Aaron Gregory program and for mornings to work on various (if conditions are safe), then learning various inner-city projects. Anyone is welcome to join, constellations and stargazing! schools throughout New York City and Atlanta, Georgia. even if it’s just one time. Bring the This event will run from 7 - 9:00 “Teaching is where my heart is, I love being able family and get some hard work done p.m., so dress warm for the weather! to guide youth and adults. I have ‘dance children’ all over Please bring a folding chair to sit on with us. who want to be professional dancers, so I am using my Projects, start time, and location while stargazing, and be ready to experiences to prepare them” Gregory says. will be announced via email blast 10 hike a short distance on potentially He currently teaches at AP’s Dance Legacy Studio snowy trails with your chair to our days prior to the workday. and is the founder and owner of Love to Groove Movement Please see the updated information constellation viewing area. School, LLC, a community-based dance program that below and changes due to COVID- $5 for members; $15 for provides classes and workshops in artistry, wellness and nonmembers. Registration required. 19: fitness for all ages. We will ask that you sign a Maximum of 15 registrants. As a choreographer, dancer, educator and business COVID waiver/statement. We Members must log in to receive owner, Gregory brings a wealth of knowledge to the arts will be splitting up into separate discount. Register here: 8913. as a performer and arts administrator. meet-up points in groups of NO blackbaudhosting.com/8913/Winter He started working at Omaha Performing Arts MORE THAN 10 volunteers, plus Stargazing-at-Neale-Woods (O-pa) in 2019 as a teaching artist for the Disney Musicals a staff member. We also will not in Schools program. In May 2021, he began a new role be providing food. We ask that • Winter Bird Walk at Fontenelle as Community Engagement Specialist, overseeing O-pa’s you bring your own gloves, eye Forest community partnerships. protection, mask (for group settings January 29, 9 - 11:00 a.m. “O-pa has a reputation, especially in underserved and potential encounters with hikers/ Ever wondered what birds communities, as a big space that only the fancy can go to brighten up the Forest when there’s guests), and water bottle. and that’s simply not it, that’s not our mission,” Gregory If you are interested in snow on the ground? Join us this says. He wants to change this perception and help bridge volunteering, please register for the on a chilly January morning to the gap. specific time/location for which you learn about the birds that brave the He’s an advocate for the arts in general, and winters at Fontenelle Forest! Bring want to volunteer. especially for O-pa’s work to make the arts accessible Details and registration links will your binoculars (or borrow a pair to everyone. “What I love about my role is being able to be sent to you 10 days prior to the from us) and learn about some of the go out into the field and work and speak with different workday. Because we are limiting Forest’s 7 species of woodpeckers. individuals, meet new people, and connect with them. That group size, if you’re not on the list Search for splashes of color from means a lot. I am not a desk person. I was literally born to cardinals or nuthatches! If you’ve we can’t let you participate. move.” Register here: https:// ever been curious about what birds In his role, Gregory manages Voices AMPLIFIED!, fontenelleforest.us7.list-manage. stick around Nebraska in the winter, an arts and social justice series at O-pa which focuses on com/subscribe?u=5cec26f82a09c91 come learn from one of our expert elevating artists in diverse cultures and connecting the birding volunteers, Clem Klaphake! c9f63aa46f&id=9561ecabe3 community through panel discussions, workshops, music, This hike will largely stick to the dance, poetry and theater. • Raptors Live at Fontenelle Forest boardwalk and focus on identifying He oversees O-pa’s curtain warmer experiences, birds that hang out in the Forest January 16, 1 -2:00 p.m. where patrons can enjoy an engaging preshow activity in Stop by and spend some time in the winter. Binoculars will be the lobby one hour before the show begins. His position is with our amazing birds of prey and available to borrow. Recommended unique because he occasionally performs at O-pa events. learn more about them. You can see for children ages 12 or older. “I managed the Hip Hop Nutcracker preshow and photograph them up close and $5 for members; $15 for curtain warmer performance in November, which personal with their handlers right nonmembers. Registration required. was myself (he laughs).” Gregory also performed his Maximum of 15 registrants. here in the Nature Center! original pieces “I am” and “STuCK” at the 2020 Voices Free for members or with daily Members must log in to receive AMPLIFIED! Season Finale. admission. No registration required. discount. Register here: 8913. “If I can say anything about my role, I truly cherish blackbaudhosting.com/8913/WinterBird-Walk-29Jan2022 • Winter Stargazing at Neale Gregory continued on page 11

Events Calendar – January Events

• Mudpies: January 11th & January 13th, January 18th & January 20th, January 25th & January 27th, 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Looking for a unique setting in which to have fun with your child while learning about the natural world? Mudpies is a structured program for children ages 3-5 that encourages exploration of nature and interaction between a child and their caregiver. Each week, a natural science theme is explored through crafts, outdoor exploration, songs, stories, hikes and more! Each session will feature a different craft or activity, along with story time and a guided hike. Come discover the joy of sharing nature with your child! This program is for children ages 3-5 accompanied by a caregiver. One adult is required for every two children. Where: Fontenelle Forest Nature Center, Habitat Hollow, Mudpies Education Room (Lower Level) Member price: $5 per child. Members must sign in to receive discount. Non-member price: $5 per child + daily admission for each accompanying adult(s). Pre-registration is required. Class size is limited to 15 students. Registration is available by individual session – OR – you can also sign up for a full month of Mudpies at a time (a new feature this year)! Register for January Mudpies here: 8913.blackbaudhosting.com/8913/ January-Mudpies-Package • Full Moon Hike: Wolf Moon at Fontenelle Forest January, 14, 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Have you ever hiked under a full moon? Or wondered what forest life comes out after dark? Come find out on our guided full moon hike! The hike will begin between 5:306:00 p.m. and include an educational discussion of the nocturnal animals around the Forest and a brief talk into the lore of full moons. This event will include a bonfire and s’mores. Maximum of 35 people. Preregistration is required.

December 24, 2021

LIFE & STYLE/BUSINESS BITES

Gregory continued from page 10

that I’m in a space where my voice matters. I give enough valuable input not just because I’m in the position but because I have lived in and walked the steps of our people in our city” Gregory says. Working as a full-time community engagement specialist at O-pa, running a business, teaching and performing is no easy feat, but Gregory manages to juggle it all by focusing on what he was born to do. “Beautiful movement patterns look like curtain warmers, Voices AMPLIFIED! or whatever other programs we are doing, so that is my choreography here every day.” Gregory looks forward to expanding dance opportunities in his new position at O-pa. “Because I am a dance educator, I want to make sure kids learn dance just as much as they’re learning musical theatre, jazz or voice, so I’m excited about that and what it could look like in the future.” As Gregory continues to thrive, he acknowledges the support he’s received from loved ones and mentors who have paved the way for his success. “I thank God, my family, friends and community for believing in me and supporting my journey thus far.”

THE OMAHA STAR

Page Eleven

Building Early Math Skills through Play Parents, did you know that objects found in your home can be utilized to provide a learning opportunity for Math. For example, water play is a fun way to build counting skills. During bath time, count the number of bubbles, rubber ducks or scoops of water in a bathtub. Instead of going on a Bear Hunt, you and your child can go on a Door and Window hunt. Children can practice counting skills by counting the number of windows and doors in your home. A daily activity such as snack time can include counting. Ask your child to count out ten goldfish

crackers (or any small snack item) as you place them next to one another in a line. As your child continues eating, spread them out. Put a larger space between each one and make the line longer. Ask, “How many goldfish crackers are there now?” Watch to see if your child understands that the number of goldfish crackers has stayed the same. Together count the items to show that there are still ten goldfish crackers. Build your child’s math skills by trying one of these activities.

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YOUTH/EDUCATION NEWS

PoSITivity In the Face of Challenges

December 24, 2021

Free Ed Poindexter Information Write/email: Nebraska Pardons Board PO Box 95007 Lincoln, NE 68509 ne.pardonsboard@nebraska.gov

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Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s isn’t easy. Reaching us is.

The Omaha (NE) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated understands the importance of cultivating circles of support and networks to curb bullying, build inclusive school cultures, deal with isolation, and promote positivity in various settings. Nelson Mandela Elementary School’s mission of providing quality instruction demonstrates that all students can learn and develop academically, emotionally, socially and physically align with this Central Area Community Service Initiative. The PoSITivity Bench provides a way for students who are experiencing loneliness, despair, and lacking support with an opportunity to meet new friends, talk with caring adults, read together, relax and perhaps even spend some time in meditation. Many have experienced the strain from the two pandemics we all faced: health crisis of COVID-19 and the social justice pandemic, including police brutality. The PoSITivity Bench serves many purposes and aligns with

Health and Human Services, National Trends and Services and Services to Youth Facets. It offers support those who may be experiencing bullying, domestic violence, women’s issues, friendship challenges. It is a place to foster mentoring opportunities and encourage reading, self-care and meditation. The location of the bench offers a place to celebrate friendships and uplift and promote positivity around our schools and neighborhoods. The PoSITivity Bench addresses issues that affect our communities and serves as a beacon of light. The Omaha (NE) Chapter of The Links Incorporated is a chapter of the National organization of professional women with chapters throughout the United States, The Bahamas and England. The organization is dedicated to service in their local communities. The organization is celebrating 75 years of service and the local chapter is one of the first eleven chapters chartered in the organization.

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

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