Vol. 82 - No. 26 by The Omaha Star

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Omaha Star

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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. 26 Omaha, Nebraska

Friday, December 25, 2020

75 cents

Family of the Week: The Hawthornes

Ashley, AvaJaymes, James, Alaina, Alexis The Hawthrones are natives of Omaha and they are active throughout the city. Mrs. Hawthrone, Ashley, is a counselor at Howard Kennedy Elementary School. She is a member of the local chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated. Mr. Hawthrone, James, is the Director of the Family Trio Program at Metropolitan Community College. He is also a Minister at the Zion Baptist Church. James is a veteran who has been stationed in Georgia and has done two tours in Iraq. He is the current President of the local chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated. Mr. and Mrs. Hawthrone both enjoy spending family time. Alexis is eleven years old and is a fifth grader at Springville Elementary School. Her favorite subject is math. She aspires to attend Spellman College and wants to become a doctor. Alaina is a first grader at Springville Elementary School and is seven years old. One of her favorite activities is playing on the tablet. At school she enjoys science. AvaJaymes is one years old and is the apple of everyone’s eye as the baby of the family. Not pictured is Dexter, the family dog.

Mrs. Mildred Brown, first publisher and Ilana Lewis, GNI Fellow

Jennifer Keys and Ilana Lewis

Pride of North Omaha By Ilana Lewis Mildred D. Brown founded the Omaha Star in 1938. This week I had the pleasure of visiting the historic site of the Omaha Star upon the invitation of Terri Sanders, the current interim publisher. There is no doubt that the Omaha Star’s legacy serves as a source of pride for the North Omaha community. Today, the Omaha Star continues to exhibit the positive contributions that the black community is making to Omaha. I had the opportunity to meet and talk with Robin Mills, an administrator for the Mildred D. Brown Memorial Study Center,

established in Ms. Brown’s name. The Mildred D. Brown Memorial Study Center, (MDBMSC), is dedicated to providing “access to the Omaha Star’s inspirational archive materials and resources; to promote the future of community-based media…” according to its mission statement. In connection with the purpose of the MDBMSC, the Omaha Star is undertaking an archiving project. Project manager Jennifer Keys showed me decades of Ms. Brown’s original publications dating back to 1938. Ms. Keys is archiving and digitizing all articles. Readers will soon be able to access all publications on the Star’s website, providing direct

Next Issue:

January 8, 2021

access to the past. During my visit, Ms. Sanders explained the importance of the Omaha Star to continuing to uphold Ms. Brown’s legacy for the Star as a paper. Ms. Sanders wants to expand the programming of the Star to foster more opportunities for young people to get involved in the community. “We can do it, but it will take the community,” she said, describing her vision to restore historic 24th street. “Dedicated to the service of the people that no good cause shall lack a champion and that evil shall not thrive unopposed,” the Omaha Star is a pillar of the community that continues to serve.

Happy Holidays from The Omaha Star Staff

Publisher’s Pen

By Terri D. Sanders

Happiest Holidays. Yes, COVID-19 is still here. A vaccine has been developed and is being distributed. This does not mean let down your guard, take off your mask, and gather in large groups. We must remain careful: wear a mask, wash your David Turnbo Photography hands and social distance with small gatherings (if you must get together). From the youngest to the oldest, I do not think anyone will forget 2020. We have had more virtual meetings; worked from home; learned from home; cook at home more; spend time with immediate family; and the list goes on. If family is away, those facetime calls happen often. While this is the reality, my question is what does our future look like? Persons have lost jobs. Persons have pivoted careers. The Entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well and flourishing is many communities. If the entrepreneur bug has bitten you, share the bug with your family. What do I mean? Let your children know: how to do business; why you are doing business; the hilltop experiences; the valley experiences; how money is made; and what you do with the money you make. You are not only sharing legacy but you are building character. As we approach the new year, the great news is we are still here…so act like it. Make plans for the future…Look on the bright side…COVID will no doubt still be here, but do not let it get you down, so that you cannot look up. My philosophy is there is always an alternative plan—never just plan A, but you need B, C, D, E, F…If someone tells you that I have only one plan, please know that they did not talk to me. Take some time and make some plans. Write it down and check back periodically to see what you have accomplished. You will be pleasantly surprised. This is not a short race but it is long term race. You WILL win. Do you know what/who is The Mildred D. Brown Memorial Study Center (MDBMSC)? MDBMSC is a 501(c)(3) organization that was created in 2007 to promote the profession of journalism to high school students in our community. In 13 years the organization has expanded its programs to include junior journalism, ownership of The Omaha Star Newspaper, scholarships and archiving of past issues of The Omaha Star. We accept donations, which are tax deductible. In 2021 we will be launching our systematic giving campaign. The campaign will be you committing to an amount that you will donate to MDBMSC each month January-December 2021. If you do not like to transact money on the internet, just let us know and we will mail you (12) postage paid envelopes to mail in your donation. The next question is how much can you donate? We want you to donate whatever you like, but we are requesting a minimum of $10.00 per month. Mail your donation to: PO Box 3393, Omaha, NE 68103. Call us at 402-346-4041and let us know you want to be part of this campaign and if you will need envelopes sent to you. Put us in the rotation of paying your monthly bills. This could be a commitment for 2021. See you in 2021…

NO,YOU SHUT UP is now on sale Symone Sanders’ book is now on sale in the Omaha Star office for $27.00. This is a copy signed by the author. “Symone’s honest and profound reflection on standing up and speaking out is sure to inspire young people across the country to become the change agents the world needs” Congresswoman Maxine Waters “Sanders has created waves in the political arena and opened doors for those coming up behind her, Sanders continued on page 2

Send all articles to: publisher@ omahastarinc.com

LOCAL NEWS December 25, 2020 THE OMAHA STAR, INC. Rashida Jones, President of MSNBC Network THE VOICE OF THE BLACK COMMUNITY

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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.

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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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“Her promotion is bigger than our industry,” NABJ President Dorothy Tucker wrote. “It’s the kind of story Black and Brown children everywhere need to see, so they can know what’s possible.”

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent In a year plagued by a pandemic that has disproportionately affected African Americans, and one rife with racial strife, MSNBC has named Rashida Jones the first Black person and Black woman president of the network. Jones, who easily becomes the most prominent woman in cable news, is scheduled to step into the top role on Feb. 1, Black History Month, replacing Phil Griffin, who had been at the cable news channel for more than 25 years. “Rashida knows and understands MSNBC, in part because it’s where she started when she first joined NBCU seven years ago,” the company reportedly wrote in an email to NBC News employees. “She knows that it is the people who work here that make it great, and she understands its culture. She also appreciates the impact and potential of the brand.” Currently serving as senior vice president for NBC News and MSNBC, Jones oversees MSNBC’s daytime and weekend programming. In the past year, the company noted that Jones has helped guide MSNBC’s coverage of the Covid-19 pandemic, the unrest and social justice protests that broke out over Black Americans’ treatment, and the 2020 election. She also helped with two influential series at the network, “Justice for All” and “Climate in Crisis.” Her promotion is seen as part of a mandate by NBC

Chairwoman of “Starbucks

Finance executive Mellody Hobson has been named Chairwoman of the Board of Starbucks. Hobson, 51, will replace Myron Ullman III, who retired in March after serving on Starbucks’ board from 2003 and 2018 as chairman. Bloomberg notes that the position makes Hobson the first Black woman in the role, and one of the highest-profile directors of color in corporate America. The Chicago native graduated from Princeton University in 1991. Over the years, she has been a vocal champion for corporate diversity. I am thrilled to take on the role of chair, Hobson exclaimed. “I look forward to working with the Board and talented leadership on accelerating our strategy, supporting valued partners, and continuing to create significant value for all our stakeholders.” Hobson is the co-CEO of Ariel Investments, LLC, global value-based asset management firm.

News to ultimately roll out a staff comprised of 50 percent of women and 50 percent of color. According to a news release, Jones was part of the team that helped NBC News White House correspondent Kristen Welker prepare for her role as moderator in the final presidential debate of 2020. Jones did not release a statement, but many of her journalism peers saluted her on social media. “Congratulations to a wonderful person and Broadcast titan,” April Ryan wrote. “Rashida Jones is everything! We will be watching with pride as she becomes President of MSNBC.” Yamiche Alcindor wrote: “Congratulations.” Georgia Dawkins, a producer at the Fox Magazine Show, “Central Ave,” offered a fond memory about Jones. “I got my first job in Atlanta because #RashidaJones spoke my name. Three years later, I finally got the chance to say thank you. Congratulations, Queen,” Dawkins tweeted. A graduate of Hampton University, where she earned induction into the Scripps Howard Journalism Hall of Fame, Jones previously served as news director for an NBC affiliate in Columbia, South Carolina, where she rebuilt and rebranded the news team to focus on in-depth investigative reporting. According to Jones’ biography, the station was number one in the market. Jones also served as director of live programming at The Weather Channel, leading coverage and programming for some of the network’s most historic weather events, including Hurricane Katrina, mass tornado outbreaks and paralyzing snowstorms. She serves as co-chair of Hampton University’s Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications Advisory Board, a board member of the Carole Kneeland Project for Responsible Journalism, and a non-resident senior fellow with the University of Pennsylvania’s Fox Leadership Program. “Her promotion is bigger than our industry,” wrote NABJ President Dorothy Tucker. “It’s the kind of story Black and Brown children everywhere need to see, so they can know what’s possible.” Sanders continued from page 1

much like Donna Brazile and other Black women have done for her…The powerful message of her book can be encapsulated by these three sentences: ‘No one is going to hand you power or open the door for you to voice your opinion or your desires. You have to demand it. And part of the way you dop that is saying out loud, to anyone who will listen, what it is that you want, and then backing those words with actions.” Provocative, galvanizing words that should inspire others to take action against the status quo.” Kirkus Reviews Get your copy today. Omaha Star, 2216 North 24th Street, call 402-346-4041.

What are Jobs for journalism The types of journalism jobs you qualify for depend on your educational qualifications, interests, skills and long-term goals. Here are jobs for journalism majors to consider: Content writer Primary duties: A content writer produces print content, online articles, website copy, product pages, video scripts, advertisement copy, email newsletters, social media posts and more. For this, they may conduct research, help develop a content creation plan, work with brand guidelines and check marketing metrics. They may also take part in creative briefings and content brainstorming sessions with editors, content strategists, designers and other professionals. Staff writer Primary duties: A staff writer produces a variety of compelling content for traditional and online media organizations. They write articles, manuals, guides, overviews, white papers, frequently asked questions and more. They conduct research, perform fact-checking, keep current with trends, pitch content ideas and help shape the brand identity. They often work simultaneously on multiple content projects, and usually in collaboration with editors, content strategists, writers, print designers, web designers and other professionals. News producer Primary duties: A news producer gathers news and selects stories for broadcasting. They conduct interviews, write news copy, approve news scripts and create interactive content for web and social media. They shoot news videos, commission news graphics and edit news audios. Additionally, they assist news anchors and news reporters in timely news delivery. News editor Primary duties: A news editor oversees the entire publishing process for news organizations, media outlets, publishing firms and online media companies. Their work can involve researching and planning content for publication, creating in-house style guides and commissioning writers to produce the content. They can write headlines, check content for style consistency and make any necessary editing decisions. They can prepare and approve the publication layouts for books, journals, manuscripts, manuals and online media. Additionally, they can plan and implement an online and offline communications strategy and draft press releases. Freelance writer Primary duties: A freelance writer works on a contract

basis with companies and organizations across a range of industries. They write a variety of content, including articles, brochures, product data sheets, presentations, social media posts and other deliverables. They can pitch content ideas, write articles and follow brand guidelines. They generally work on their own, manage multiple projects and meet tight content deadlines. Copywriter Primary duties: A copywriter develops creative concepts and strategic ideas to write innovative, persuasive copy that resonates with readers. They write brochures, advertising campaigns, emails and blogs. Aside from ensuring errorfree and attention-grabbing marketing content for print and digital media, they adapt and maintain a cohesive content tone to align with established brand style guides. They often work with a creative team and juggle multiple projects on tight deadlines. Social media planner Primary duties: A social media planner plans, executes and manages an organization’s social media strategy for brand promotion. They execute paid advertising campaigns and build mutually beneficial relationships with clients, vendors, partners and investors. They understand the best practices for content dissemination across various social media platforms. They work in collaboration with different internal teams, plan social media advertising budgets and schedule social media campaigns to meet business goals. Content manager Primary duties: A content manager is responsible for planning content development strategies for various print and online media properties. Collaborating with creative and marketing teams, they create an editorial calendar to produce regular, relevant, engaging and impactful content for brand promotion. For this, they stay current with industry trends and use project management tools. To boost the brand’s market performance, they create test plans, review web analytics and improve production processes. Digital strategist Primary duties: A digital strategist collaborates with content development, marketing and social media management teams to create digital promotional strategies. They keep current with emerging digital trends and identify the target audience for their organization’s products. They then produce and publish informative, appealing and up-to-date marketing content to foster brand and product awareness. Additionally, they increase user engagement with SEO techniques and maintain open communication channels with the organization’s clients.

LOCAL NEWS

December 25, 2020

THE OMAHA STAR

Page Three

Happy Holidays

Fontenelle Forest Wildlife Wednesdays Wildlife Wednesdays is a way for parents to teach their children to love critters from an early age. This Pre-K critter program offers a structured learning environment for children ages 3-5 accompanied by an adult. This program occurs monthly from January to April and September to November. On each program date there is an AM and PM session. Wildlife Wednesday Program information: Teach your children to love critters from an early age during Wildlife Wednesdays – a structured learning environment for children ages 3-5 accompanied by an adult. From our “feathered friends” to the “creepy crawlies,” participants will have an opportunity to meet a critter up close. You never know which type of critter might make an appearance during your program! Each session includes storytime, a craft to take home, the opportunity to meet a critter, and other fun activities. Maximum of 15 registrants per session. Masks are required while inside the Nature Center or whenever participants cannot maintain a six-foot distance from one another.

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Page Four THE OMAHA STAR

PRAISE, WORSHIP, DEVOTION, OBITUARIES & INSPIRATION

Tell Santa I Tried to Be Nice Dr. James L. Snyder It’s that time of the year when the conversation around the dinner table in the Parsonage has to do with naughty or nice. According to my wife, nice has to do with broccoli, and naughty has to do with Apple fritter. I’m afraid I have to disagree with this because as far as I’m concerned, nice has to do with Apple fritter and naughty has to do with broccoli. I’m not sure that you can get any naughtier than broccoli. “So,” my wife began, “do you think you’ve been nice this year?” As a husband for almost half a century, I know a trick question when presented to me. I can’t tell you how many times I have been tricked with one of these questions. “Well,” I stuttered, “how do you think I fared during the year?” Looking very thoughtfully as she usually does when interrogating me, she said, “Well, there was that incident at the beginning of the year about a lizard on my pillow.” It was all I could do to hold back a chuckle. I remember that incident very well in a motel over in St. Augustine. I still can see that lizard staring at my wife. “You have to admit,” I explained, “that lizard was rather a nice little critter.” “If that’s your definition of nice,” she said most adamantly, “then you have failed the test.” I wouldn’t say this out loud so that she could hear me, but that was one test I enjoyed failing. After pausing for a moment or two, she said, “Then there’s the incident about the bug on my leg while I was driving.” Although I tried to withhold any outward expression of laughter, it was beyond my control. “So, you think it was nice for that bug to be on my leg, causing me to bump into the car in front of me?” I had almost forgotten that, but nobody was hurt in the incident. “What does nice have to do with that kind of bug on my leg?” Then, much to my surprise, she broke out laughing as well. As the room quieted down, I finally raised my question. “So,” I began, “do you think you’ve been nice this year?” She stared at me for quite some time and then said, “I think I have been overly nice because I have given you so much material to write about.” Then she glared at me with one of “those glares.” First, I didn’t quite know how to take it. I was afraid that her NICE was turning into her NAUGHTY, and I would not be able to handle that. Following a few silent moments, she then burst out laughing. I was relieved, to say the least. We enjoyed a few moments of shared laughter, which greatly lightened up our day. As I was thinking about it, there was another nice aspect of our relationship. That nice aspect is, my wife is not a writer, or I would be in trouble. Later that day, I thought of the Bible verse. “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin” (1 John 1:7). Our relationship is not based on nice or naughty but rather on the Lord Jesus Christ, our Savior.

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December 25, 2020

Deaths & Funerals Odie Cochran Mrs.Odie Cochran, age 92, passed away Thursday, December 10, in Colorado Springs, CO. Arrangements are pending. Arrangements by Thomas Funeral Home **** Eugene Lindsey Mr. Eugene Lindsey, age 80, passed

away Sunday, December 6, at a local hospital. Preceded in death by parents: George M. & Mattie E. Locke Lindsey and his wife of 58 years, Minnie Pugh Lindsey. Survived by son: Edward Eugene Lindsey, Columbia, MD; daughters: Sherri Ann Lindsey, Omaha, Mary Kay Jones, Macon, MS; siblings: George E. Lindsey,

Monticello, AR, Jimmy, Willie R., & Steven M. Lindsey, Omaha. A host of grandchildren, great-grand children, other relatives. Funeral Service 10 am Wednesday, December 17, Mt. Nebo Baptist Church, Rev. Terry Arvie officiated. Interment: Forest Lawn Cemetery Arrangements by Thomas Funeral Home

He is Our Peace By Velma J. Sanders Now I lay me down to sleep – I pray the Lord my soul to keep – If I should die before I wake – I pray the Lord my soul to take. Amen. This is a prayer that I was taught as a child and still remember to this day. I can recall kneeling, bowing my head, clasping my hands and praying to God. This children’s prayer taught to me by the wisdom of a loving parent who knew of the importance of instilling in me, as a child, prayer to God. The twelve disciples, too, had grown up in an environment and a society where prayer was normal, common, custom and expected. They were used to hearing people pray and perhaps even they themselves were praying men. But we can be sure that as they followed Jesus, looking-listening-learning, they had never heard anyone pray the way that Jesus prayed. Jesus the Christ; the Son of God. If you were to ask someone the question, “How do you picture Jesus?” Some would say that they see Him as a baby born in a manger; others see Him as a miracle worker; a healer and deliverer from various diseases and infirmities; or a teacher, teaching and preaching to the multitudes. However, although we do not often picture

it as such, Jesus was foremost a man of prayer. Luke especially emphasizes this in his gospel account. He tells us that Jesus prayed at His baptism; that He separated Himself from the crowd and went away to pray. He was praying when He was transfigured. We are also told that He continued all night in prayer to God. We read of Jesus praying in the Garden of Gethsemane and then, of course, His prayers while hanging on the cross. One time after He had finished praying one of the disciples, so moved and so impressed by what he had heard, said, “Lord, teach us to pray.” Jesus immediately answered and said, “When you pray say, Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed by Thy Name.” My prayers have matured from that elementary prayer that I learned as a child. I now know to pray in faith; that I can talk to God about anything. I have learned that prayer has the power to move mountains and that I should pray in the name of Jesus. And, there are more things that I have learned about prayer. But I am still like that disciple and I echo his words, even now, “Lord, teach us to pray.” As we draw near to the end of 2020, we know this has been a difficult year filled with various challenges on many levels. Now that we are nearing the close of this year and, by the grace of God, if we should live to see 2021, we choose to continue in prayer, with thanksgiving, knowing that God is faithful and that He hears and answers prayer. He is our peace. www.GodWordAlive.net

Mrs. Wileather Clinkscale Lewis

OBITUARY – Mrs. Wileather Clinkscale Lewis – ‘If I take part in something, I really want to get involved and not just have my name on the roll. I want to do something I enjoy and become part of the growth in the Black community. When we grow, Omaha grows too. My biggest enjoyment is helping Black youth who have been down so long, helping them get a better feeling about themselves and their Wileather Lewis community.’ Mrs. Wileather Clinkscale Lewis (Mrs. Wileather), age 95, passed away November 14, 2020, while living with her daughter Joyce Clinkscale and son, Mr. Dwayne Clinkscale, in Grandview, Missouri. She was born in Holy Springs, Arkansas, to Mr. Mrs. John Criswell, who preceded her death. Mrs. Wileather graduated from Conway County, Arkansas’s historic Menifee High School Gymnasium. While funding was traditionally substandard for Black schools, Menifee High provided quality elementary and secondary education. After high school, Mrs. Lewis attended Pine Bluff, Arkansas University. A brief snapshot of her early life on the family Arkansas homestead meant early rising every day and family old enough, worked the garden, tended the animals, and milked the cows, before eating breakfast, dressing, and walking to school. Hence, answering the question some may have wondered through the years: ‘Why did Mrs. Wileather move so fast?’ Moving to Omaha, Nebraska, in 1950, along with her late husband, Mr. Edward Clinkscale, and their four children, they made the family home at 2519 Emmet Street. As many Southern Blacks migrated North, Omaha’s newest citizens filled positions at various meatpacking companies. Employed by Swift Meatpacking, Mrs. Wileather became the company’s first female butcher. She remained a loyal employee until the meatpacking industries closed in the early 1970s. Loving the Lord was never taken lightly. After arriving in Omaha, the Clinkscale family registered at the Morning Star Baptist Church. Mrs.

Lewis initiated and served as the Morning Star Baptist Church building fund chairperson during the pastorship of the late Pastor Z.W. Williams. Her love for singing and praising the Lord and Bible Study was not an option for the family; it was a requirement. Sunday through Saturday, the Clinkscale children could be found participating in church activities. Later, she and her late husband, Robert Lewis, joined the Salem Baptist Church, where she remained a member until her transition. Denying public access because of the color of your skin was the norm. Hence, social clubs aided in sustaining North Omaha’s African American community. Mrs. Lewis’s organization and civic involvement began shortly after arriving in Omaha. As a charter member of Omaha’s Faberge Club, the first club meeting was held January 1959, and Mrs. Lewis served as chaplain. Their mission targeted youth, the elderly, and the less fortunate by organizing and holding fundraising events. In 1965, Mrs. Wileather received the title ‘Queen of Clubs,’ signifying her pose and community involvement. She was also a member of the Eastern Star and AARP Omaha Chapter 5253, Nebraska’s only African American chapter. In 1978, Mrs. Lewis was elected president of the Board of Directors, Franklin Credit Union. Additionally, she volunteered on the Board for the Mid-City Business and Professional Association. Growing the Omaha Branch NAACP memberships was a priority for Mrs. Lewis. Local branch memberships increased to over 2,000 people. Unabashedly, Mrs. Lewis was likely to interrupt your lunch at the Fair Deal Café in obtaining memberships. Besides Mrs. Wileather having been a card-carrying member of the NAACP, she was an active member of the Urban League Guild. Awarded the Omaha Branch NAACP Freedom Fighter Award, Mrs. Lewis served on many working committees for both organizations. In 2010, she formed the Committee to Save Bryant Center, 24th Grant Street, obtaining 5,000 signatures saving the Center. Mrs. Wileather and her late husband, Robert (Bob) Lewis, were joined in matrimony in 1967. Together, they attended Salem Baptist Church, traveling around the world and enjoying cruising the high seas. Dressed to impress, Mr. Mrs. Lewis enjoyed entertaining at their residence. Mrs. Wileather Lewis is survived by daughter Joyce Clinkscale and son Dwayne Clinkscale, Grandview, Missouri, four grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, godchildren, family, and friends.

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December 25, 2020

COMMENTARY

The Hero of North Omaha

Gregory H Rhodes M.ed., J.D.

When I moved to Omaha in 1972, I had already seen the movie “ A Time For Burning” and I was enamored with an articulate spokesman for the Omaha Black community named Ernie Chambers. I was the Upward Bound director at Creighton and I taught in the Black Studies Department at UNO. I came in contact with Senator Chambers at different occasions in the community and was amazed at his intelligence and energy in the movement. The Senator passed District elections in the Nebraska Senate in the late 70’s and I thought it was a fantastic event. I thought he was the “Hero of North Omaha”. I am a Chicagoan by birth and had lived there for most of my life up to age 24. One of the political situations that disturbed me was the Democratic Party under Mayor Daley the first. He was in control of Black neighborhoods by the Daley machine , which was primarily Irish Catholic from a neighborhood we referred to as “ Back of the Yards”. That neighborhood was the neighborhood surrounding the largest stockyards in the country. It was the source of employment for many of the residents of the neighborhood providing them with union jobs and a decent wage and lifestyle. Black Chicagoans only had access to the lowest of jobs, never attaining management or supervisory positions. Our Black politicians consistently voted for whatever measures the Daley machine offered. When I looked at the situation politically in Omaha, I saw a miniature version of what I had seen in Chicago. Irish politicians from south Omaha controlling the appointments of all black politicians in North Omaha with the exception of Senator Chambers. District elections offered the ability for us to break with tradition and elect our own representatives. We elected Fred Conley and Brenda Council to the city council and school board respectively. We later added members to the Douglas County Board and other elected positions. I believe that in order for us to be successful we must help those who come after us by meaningful mentoring and guidance. I thought that Senator Chambers, who had been mentored

by Terry Carpenter, a powerful State Senator from Scottsbluff, would be ecstatic to nurture and provide assistance to the new wave of blacks in political positions. Much to my chagrin, this never took place. Instead of support, the hero of North Omaha has attacked each and every office holder who is black at some time in their career. He has not mentored a single person. I write this position paper today because he shrunk in my eyes even more lately by running against Chris Rogers for Douglas County Board with the assistance and promotion of one Jim Cavanaugh. Now, so you will understand some Omaha history, Jim Cavanaugh is from one of those old Irish families from South Omaha who dictated to the Black politicians of the bygone days of their dominance of north Omaha. Mr. Cavanaugh is a lobbyist who does not have to disclose his clients their reasons for hiring him. He assisted two candidates to run against Mr. Rogers. Both were unsuccessful. The reason that he reached out to defeat Rogers is because he does not want a Youth Center built to house youthful offenders. Do we know if this is being done to please one of his clients or is he really invested in another avenue to help our youth. I no longer look to the Hero of North Omaha to solve our problems or be our shinning light. We have excused him for maintaining a residence in North Omaha to pick up his mail, while he sleeps in Bellevue. But now I would suggest that he run for office in Sarpy County where he spends the majority of his time. I wish he had the humility to help his brothers and sisters navigate the political system but he has time after time taken the time to admonish them publicly insuring that he remain on the top of the hill. So I say to Mr. Chambers ….ENOUGH…either help the other Black elected officials with good counsel and guidance or continue to assist the old “boss families” of south Omaha in the quest to once again put black folks in their place. I say to Mr. Cavanaugh, you as the mayor of Omaha is a joke. You will not run North Omaha or the city of Omaha. People see you for who you are….not who you think you are!

THE OMAHA STAR

Page Five

Racist and Racism, A Picture Worth A Thousand Words By Todd Hunter

I’m sitting here thinking of the master plan, a 55 year old, intelligent man. I could have been a dangerous young man, but it wasn’t in God’s plan. He waited until I became a man so that I could better understand, that his plan is the reason why I’m now taking a stand. I’m standing up and standing still, rejecting the pill of hate, ignoring the bait that they matriculate. Wait...one minute, they almost pulled us all the way up in it. They hate us so hard that we almost started to hate them in return, cause their hatred for us burns...And we’re beginning to yearn for life to change. To rearrange the violence in their hearts, their hearts have been at the heart of the governments soul, a soul is a soul, so no need to take a poll, racism should be illegal like ending someone’s life... Since racism is the backbone of the strength in which we fought for Civil Rights. We’ve gone to jail, got bombs placed in our mail. Hell...racism killed the Army vet Medger Evers in his drive way in front of his kids and Martin Luther King on a balcony at a Hotel. In fact racism has committed terrible crimes like Hitler did, unleashing total hell-committing heartless crimes like the Devil has them under a spell. Racism, should make everyone lose sleep at night, cause you know being a Racist and Racism with out a doubt, is not right. So prove your commitment to the victims of these heinous crimes by bringing racist and racism to light. Uncovering it’s deep dark secrets tucked away in a shameful place. So shameful there’s no more room in that shameful space. Shameful is exactly why you don’t want to talk about it, I wouldn’t want to talk about it either. Either way, after all you’ve done, now you have the nerve to turn around and walk the other way. Everyone and Everything has a judgement day, racists and racism just happens to be today. Don’t be silent now, now that your actions are being tried. Racist have murdered millions, so Racism must die. Die a slow death, a death we all need to watch-down to taking it’s last breath. Racism must die and racist must pay for perpetuating racism and having the audacity to enjoy living that way. Remember back in the day, kinda down south, in the heart Racist continued on page 8

Forge a new future. Metropolitan Community College scholarships help you take that first step. The Johnny Rodgers Career and Technical Education Scholarship is available to all students entering career and technical programs at MCC. Other requirements include: Financial need Enrollment in a career or technical education program at MCC A cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher Preference for students in Omaha Public Schools Recipients can use the scholarship for tuition, fees and books. Scholarships are generally offered during the spring and fall quarters.

To learn more and apply for MCC scholarships, visit mccneb.edu/scholarships or call 531-MCC-0024.

Metropolitan Community College affirms a policy of equal education, employment opportunities and nondiscrimination in providing services to the public. To read our full policy statement, visit mccneb.edu/nondiscrimination.

Page Six THE OMAHA STAR

OMAHA STAR

December 25, 2020

PRAISE & WORSHIP DIRECTORY THE OMAHA STAR

December 25, 2020

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 Seven

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

SUNDAYS 10:00 AM

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

SALEM BAPTIST CHURCH

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

MOUNT CALVARY COMMUNITY CHURCH

Drs. Martin & Lynnell Williams Founders & Lead Pastors

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

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

Bishop Kevin Chambers

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

Rev. Ralph Lassiter, Sr.

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

Rev. Portia A. Cavitt, Pastor

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

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

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

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

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

Pastor Kenneth A. Allen

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

Rev. Kent H. Little, Lead Pastor

Pastor Barbara Mitchell

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

Pastor Terry L. Arvie

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

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

ZION BAPTIST CHURCH Rev. Kenneth A. Allen, Pastor

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

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

MT. MORIAH MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH

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

CLAIR MEMORIAL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

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

PLEASANT GREEN BAPTIST CHURCH

Rev. Michael Chamberlain

THE WORSHIP CENTER

“Where CHRIST is Preeminent and the Word Prevails!”

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

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

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

Pastor Brian Page

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

HOPE LUTHERAN CHURCH

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

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

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

JOY OF LIFE MINISTRIES COGIC

Pastors Eric and Cynthia Butler

Rev. Vitalis Anyanike

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

HOLY NAME CATHOLIC CHURCH

Pastor Eric Butler and Co-Pastor Cynthia Butler

Rev. Dr. Selwyn Q. Bachus

TABERNACLE OF FAITH CHURCH

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dr. Stan Rone Senior Pastor

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

Page Eight

THE OMAHA STAR

COMMENTARY/HEALTH/YOUTH

Holiday Death Due to COVID 19 - Take The Vaccine By Dr. Richard Brown REACH* The warnings from local and national health officials about travel and gathering in large groups during the Thanksgiving holiday for fear of a surge of the coronavirus, were ignored by many. Two weeks later, on December 9, it is reported that the US had experienced its highest single day of COVID 19 deaths since March at 3,049. In total, more than 302,294 Americans have died from Covid-19 since January, 2020. Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s leading vaccine expert warned that the start of the coronavirus vaccine distribution will not stop the current surge in deaths as the Christmas season could be worse than ever for the pandemic. Dr Fauci told CNN that he held the same concerns about Christmas as he did with the Thanksgiving holiday, “only this may be even more compounded because it’s a longer holiday. Christmas starts several days before the actual day and continue until New Year’s Day.” Vaccine Access The first batch of long, awaited corona vaccines have arrived in Nebraska (15,000 doses). These doses will go to the healthcare professionals, first line responders, those 65 years of age and older, and those living in long term care facilities. Health officials have reminded the public that the vast majority of Americans won’t have access to a coronavirus vaccine until late spring 2021 at earliest. This means public health guidelines like wearing a mask, social distancing, and avoiding large gatherings would still be imperative for the months to come to curb the spread of the coronavirus. After the vaccine is received, a mask is still recommended because it takes a few weeks for the body’s immune system to build antibodies to protect against the virus. Dark Winter We are in a very critical time in this country and in Nebraska right now. The current period of time consists of the flu season, COVID season, holiday season, and a very unusual political season. Some news reporters say we are in for a “Dark Winter.” It has been projected by some that

America may not return to a state of normalcy until the fall of next year. That is if the majority of the population cooperate with standards of pandemic safety established by CDC. There are anti vaccine groups and COVID conspiracy groups that flood the internet that could slow the recovery process. One of the slogans of the Creighton CPHHE COVID 19 Project is: “Listen to the scientists and public health reps. Be smart and follow all safty steps.” Herd Immunity Herd immunity, or community immunity, is when a large part of the population of an area is immune to a specific disease. If enough people are resistant to the cause of a disease or bacteria, it has nowhere to go. In order to achieve what the scientists call herd immunity, 50 to 67% of the population must become resistant to COVID 19 before the infection rate begins to go down. (WEDMD) According to the latest survey from The Associated PressNorc Center for Public Affairs Research, only half of Americans are ready to take the vaccine when it becomes available. All in this Together We are all dependent on each other to get through this pandemic. Unless, there are medical, life threatening reasons or serious religious beliefs, the earth population should consider taking the vaccine, which is certified to be safe. My personal opinion based on experience and public health research, I will take the vaccine and encourage others to do so. As a civilized nation, governed by laws, we do not have a right to falsely yell “FIRE” in a crowded theater. We do not have a right to refuse to stop at a red traffic signal light, because of the consequence of injury and unnecessary death. It does not seem logical, moral or ethical for people to have a right to jeopardize their own lives, the lives of their relatives, friends, neighbors and the population of cities, states and the planet by refusing to take a life- saving vaccine. “The virus is real. Its only mission is to kill.” @TM * Racial and ethical approaches to community health (REACH) is a periodic column featuring articles that focus 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 and is supported by the COVID -19 agreement with Douglas County Health Department.

Racist continued from page 5

of racisms mouth. A Governor spoke, a back was broke, a throat was cut, a nigga was lynched, another nigga was lynched, a group of niggas was lynched, and many more was added to their score. Then the sun went down in the midwest. Have you ever heard of Will Brown? He was lynched then mutilated in Omahas downtown. Yeah the judge gave him to the Lynch Mobb. They hung him, shot at his corps, cut him down, tied him to a car and then dragged him around town. All over the U.S. Racist and Racism were running wild, lurking and searching for another black child. That night, Lord Jesus, that night was accompanied with a cool breeze, you can hear a Black man screaming at the top of his lungs....I’m innocent, I’m innocent, I didn’t commit that crime, while he got beat down to his knees you could hear the crack of his spine. Since it was a little cool that night someone started a huge fire to shed some light. A Lot of proud people gathered around the fire taking in it’s warmth and the flickering flames while enjoying the bludgeoning of another

black man, bleeding from head to toe Bam...Damn! Somebody just hit him in the head with a metal trash can, tied a rope around his neck. Someone gotta keep these niggas in check. Strung, Hung, Shot, tied to a ride, dragged, mutilated, then thrown into the flame. I wish I knew the names of all the people that inflicted this kinda of pain. Their lives would never be the same, they are racist and racism is their game. So if I had my way they would be at the justice center being tried for a Capital offense everyday, until he and people like him, all went a way. Now what about the people who watched him burn? Heartless, and cold hearted psychopaths had smiles on their faces as that black man was burning. How could they smile while human flesh burned? I don’t even want to imagine the smell, imagine the story those folks were able to tell, and can still tell that story till this very day, without fear of having to pay an outrageous fee, for their Psychopathic behavioral community. Everyone in that picture if not dead should be locked away somewhere in

a cage for that kinda of behavior and that kind of rage. Unfortunately it’s not up to me, but it’s something my government can do. They talk about fixing racist and racism all the time in these here United States, but that tree never bares any fruit. And to this very day Racist and Racism is just how the U.S. do, did, still does, still doing, it’s 2020 and racist and racism is still brewing. Who wants to charge their Grandfathers, fathers, uncles and brothers with doing wrong. For them that would be a sad sad song. Nevermind, all the pain, and grotesque things that they have done to us, hate is hate and going unpunished is unjust. We should be suing, for hate crimes against humanity, but we can’t because we would have to be considered human in order for them to have been inhumane towards us. Maybe this is something our government should discuss with us? The first order of business will be written on the first line. It says “ Let’s discuss making Racist pay, by making Racism a Capital Crime.

December 25, 2020

Making History (2020) Dr. Griffin-Jesuit Academy During History class the young men at Jesuit Academy are discussing the current moments in history that they are living through right now. The young men have decided there are a few facts that are certain to be in the history books for future generations. A few examples are Ms. Fox has encouraged her seventh grade students to think critically about the value of voting in the democratic process. For example, Precious McKesson worked really hard and has made history of being the first woman and woman of color in Nebraska to cast an electoral college ballot for a Democratic candidate. Ms. Webster challenged her eighth grade students to share with classmates the facts that we could all see in history books in the future...history that the young men are currently living through. See below what one of the amazing 5th graders learned and shared with the class. Symone Sanders Symone Sanders was born on December 10, 1989. Symone is a political strategist and commentator. Did you know that Symone Sanders is from Omaha, Nebraska. Symone Sanders attended Mercy High School and Creighton University. Did you know she worked on the Bernie Sanders campaign in 2016? Ms. Sanders also worked for CNN and more recently was named the Senior advisor for Vice President Kamala Harris. I love hearing facts about black women and black men that are super successful in life. Symone Sanders is an author too! Her book is called, “No you shut up”. That title shows how strong Symone is and that she isn’t intimidated when she is in an interview. Symone Sanders speaks the TRUTH! Symone Sanders is a role model and if you follow your dreams you can be successful too. Jalen Partridge 5th Grader Jesuit Academy An eighth grader notes an iconic historical figure as well that made history many years ago and created a legacy that made it possible for others. Here is the essay that was written by Maxwell that was focused on what he learned and he communicated with his class about Shirley Chisholm. Shirley Chisholm Shirley Chisholm was the first black woman to be elected to congress. She was born on the 30th of november of 1924. She had two sisters by the names of Odessa, and Muriel. She died January 1, 2005. She was born and raised in New York, New York. She died In Ormond Beach, Florida after having several strokes. She was an inspiration for black women, and many others. Shirley Chisholm met her first husband in the late 1940’s. Then they got married in 1949. Later they got divorced in the year 1977. Then later that same year she got remarried to Arthur Hardwick, Jr., a former New York State Assemblyman whom Chisholm had known when they both served in that body and who was now a Buffalo liquor store owner. Chisholm had no children. Chisholm spent part of her childhood in Barbados with her grandmother. After graduating from Brooklyn College in 1946 Chisholm taught in a nursery school while furthering her education, earning her MA in elementary education from Teachers College of Columbia University in 1952. From 1953 to 1959, she was director of the Friends Day Nursery in Brownsville, Brooklyn, and of the Hamilton-Madison Child Care Center in Lower Manhattan. In 1968 ,she became the first Black woman elected to the United States Congress. She represented New York’s 12th congressional district. She did this for seven terms, from 1969 to 1983. Shirley Chisholm also ran for president in 1972 making her the first African American to run for President of a major party. She was also the first African American (man or woman) ever to run for the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination (U.S. Senator Margaret Chase Smith had previously run under the Republican presidential Ticket) . In conclusion, Shirley Chisom was an inspiration to all of us. Especially black women for she made history for all of them. She will long be remembered as not only a hero to African Americans but an inspiration to all people black or white who fight for equality and equal rights for all. Maxwell Thompson Jesuit Academy 8th Grader

December 25, 2020

BUSINESS BITES/CLASSIFIEDS

Pay off the Mortgage or Pay Yourself

5 Ways Small Businesses Can Grow After Emerging From Disruption The pandemic made 2020 a difficult year for many small businesses, as many closed permanently. But other small companies had success despite the surge in outbreaks and are hoping to build on those achievements in 2021. How can they keep their momentum going, and what can other companies learn from their struggles to navigate the challenges of the new year? â&#x20AC;&#x153;To stay afloat, owners adjusted on the fly and creatively found ways to change their operations,â&#x20AC;? says Chris Buitron, CEO and president of Mosquito AuthorityÂŽ(www. mosquito-authority.com). â&#x20AC;&#x153;Those that survived can use innovations they came up with during the pandemic to generate new opportunities and drive revenue. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But there is a lot of uncertainty still ahead in the business world, and strategy should be a combination of honest reflection and a deep study of where your industry and audience currently are.â&#x20AC;? Buitron has these five tips for small businesses to improve or keep their momentum going in 2021: â&#x20AC;˘ Fine-tune your messaging. Research shows that effective branding is connected with a companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s authenticity, so itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important to coordinate messaging across all channels. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Your branding is your promise to customers,â&#x20AC;? Buitron says, â&#x20AC;&#x153;so you need to make sure all of your messaging is valid, consistent and on point. Every aspect of your branding should align to show iron-clad authenticity.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;˘ Maximize social media marketing through storytelling. Over half of social media users research brands theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not familiar with, and keeping their attention is the key. Buitron says storytelling about the company on social media channels resonates with customers and can create a connection that leads to customer loyalty. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It connects to authenticity and its importance to customers,â&#x20AC;? Buitron says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Use different forms, long and short, of your companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s story â&#x20AC;&#x201C; vignettes and quotes in your social media marketing, a complete version on your website. Humanize; let potential customers see the people behind the brand and the people your company has helped.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;˘ Emphasize customer service. Buitron notes that some companies that did well during the pandemic did so because they went the extra mile for customers. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Now take that lesson another step,â&#x20AC;? Buitron says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;People expect good customer service from a small business, which has more at stake and fewer resources than a large company. Customer service is how you hold onto them. Sometimes the customer service that has the most impact is that which provides an unexpected solution. Train your people to think outside the box and make it goal No. 1 to make customers much happier than they were before presenting you with a problem.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;˘ Focus on building and improving your team. â&#x20AC;&#x153;A successful company is built on the strength of its employees,â&#x20AC;? Buitron says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Leaders need to see their people have passion for their jobs, which is essential to success in small business. If you have a great team, it can always be better, and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important they know that. This is no time to coast. Talk to your team leaders about gaps and opportunities. Invite discussion that promotes growth.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;˘ Keep adapting. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If companies big and small learned anything during the pandemic, it was about how to adapt,â&#x20AC;? Buitron says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;That concept doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t figure to change. Adaptability means being prepared to pivot whether you see big change coming or not. For example, a major switch to online sales by many companies was the only way they could survive. Then they learned how to offer more online services. Building on those changes, and finding creative ways to adjust to new customer demands, will continue to grow companies.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;The pandemic made businesses think about their operations in a very in-depth way,â&#x20AC;? Buitron says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Going forward, more small-business owners will be better positioned for success â&#x20AC;&#x201C; if they really learned from what it took to survive 2020.â&#x20AC;?

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Page Nine

F.Y.I.

By Michael L. Green Over the years, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve talk to many people about various goals and strategies around retiring financially independent. Many times one the big attractive goals are to pay off the mortgage before retirement. Owning your home debt free seems to generate a feeling of financial independence or safety. From a purely financial perspective this seems to be the best road to financial peace in retirement. But just looking at the benefits of paying off the home mortgage alone maybe a little short sighted. What about the bigger picture? There may be other strategies for reaching financial independence in retirement. You should ask some questions of yourself first. How are you going to pay off the mortgage? Refinancing at a lower rate would save a lot of cash in the form reduced interest. Shortening the term of the loan will also get you a lower rate. But if you shell out a lot for closing costs that will offset some of the advantage you were after. The shorter term mortgage will most likely increase your monthly payment depending on how much or the original balance youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re refinancing. But that extra cash put to a house could be used for some other retirement benefit. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re still in the pre retirement window, (10-15 years before retirement) you might want to reconsider. That larger mortgage payment may be put to better use by plowing more into your retirement assets. Instead of just saving interest cost, you could be adding that money to retirement assets that will be growing and compounding over the years. That is very likely to give you a longer-term benefit in the future than mortgage costs saved today. Another consideration is do you plan to live in that house in retirement or is downsizing in the picture? Liquid financial assets give you much more flexibility than hard assets. Only time will tell but your retirement portfolio is likely to grow much faster by compounding returns than your home will by inflation. In the end it is always more informative to take a comprehensive look at your retirement plan than to make isolated decisions. If you need help, see a qualified independent financial advisor. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve worked hard for your money, make it work for you.â&#x20AC;?

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Page Ten THE OMAHA STAR

YOUTH/EDUCATION NEWS

Sacred Heart School Going Green With Recycling & Composting Program The term going green means to adopt knowledge or practices that lead to environmentally healthy lifestyles. This catchphrase has been discussed in the news more now than before. However, at Sacred Heart School, it is not just something that is being talked about, it’s being done. In November, Sacred Heart launch their recycling and composting program with great success. The decision to establish an environmental friendly school and church community was initiated by Principal Mike Jensen and Fr. Dave Korth, the pastor of Sacred Heart Church. “Fr. Dave challenged me to move our school toward composting and eliminating trash last year,” said Jensen. “Each day we were throwing away hundreds of pounds of food and waste after lunch that was ending up in the landfill.” Jensen worked King Chatman Sacred Heart along with Fr.Korth and started the educational School process last year to see what it would take to bring a green and earth friendly program to the school. The process began last year with a visit to Duchesne Academy to see their composting program in action. From there Sacred Heart joined the over 150+ businesses and schools in the Omaha area by partnering with Hillside Solutions, the waste management company leading the charge in community composting. Jensen was impressed by all that Hillside Solutions had to offer and felt it was a good fit for the school community. “Not only does Hillside provide the waste dumpster and containers, but also the curriculum used to educate students about composting.” Hillside Solutions has provided the school with indoor and outdoor containers where students place their trash and food scraps. The school has also done their part by installing touchless drinking fountains and reusable water bottles for student use. “This is a work in progress,” Jensen admits. “But so far we have moved to eliminate Styrofoam trays that have been used at Sacred Heart for more than 20 years. We purchased an energy saving dishwasher and reusable lunch trays once school is back in full session.” “Our Goal is to move towards being a trash free school.”

December 25, 2020

A Virtual Evening of Dancing, Making Memories, and more at Mandela The Mandela team strives to provide an education that helps every scholar succeed academically, emotionally, socially, and physically. A key factor to the success all scholars is their family’s engagement. Families play an integral role in their child’s education; they help with homework, attend conferences, make sure their child gets to school on time, etc. At Mandela, families are also asked to volunteer. They can help in the classrooms, donate snacks/supplies, and attend family events. One of those events, a Mandela favorite, is the Snowball Dance. This year, scholars enjoyed a virtual evening of making snowflakes, dancing, and family fun on December 11, 2020. A group of team members worked hard to create this event, providing a DJ, encouraging families to dress up, and sending home goodie bags with paper to make snowflakes, winterthemed temporary tattoos, candy canes, hot chocolate, and popcorn. Scholars and their families had a great time dancing the night away. Mandela is grateful to their families for their continued engagement, despite the pandemic, and for their team for finding creative ways for families to make incredible memories with their scholars.

Omaha Public Schools Reflects on Unprecedented Year

By Layne Gabriel

As our community, country and world faced challenges not seen in a century, Omaha Public Schools students, families and staff made tremendous efforts to adapt and overcome in 2020. The district kept students at the forefront of each decision. OPS started the year by announcing its Strategic Plan of Action. It focuses work on strategic priorities of

academics, staff, financial accountability and our ethic of care. The district achieves those outcomes with shared values of equity, results, leadership, accountability and joy. This plan provides a foundation for work through 2025. As COVID-19 rates increased around the world, district leaders worked with local health officials and experts to monitor the situation and prepare for a range of possibilities. In March, local health conditions called for a switch to remote learning. Staff went above and beyond to support students in this new learning environment. As the 2019-20 school year wrapped up with virtual graduation celebrations, the district continued to prepare for the upcoming year with health and safety as a top priority. Teachers joined learning sessions to enhance their remote teaching skills. District leadership worked with local, state and national health officials to create the Family 3/2 attendance model. This plan organized students into two groups, to increase social distancing and allow them in-person learning when conditions improved. Nutrition Services partnered with Food Bank for the Heartland and other local

organizations to provide more than 700,000 nutritious meals for children in a drive-up setting. This work continues with the Meals2Go program, providing breakfasts and lunches at no cost to anyone ages 1 to 18 in the Omaha area. Thanks to proactive planning, the district purchased 56,000 iPads with mobile data in the spring of 2020. This 1 to 1 Technology Initiative gave each student a device to connect with classmates and teachers as the school year began remotely. After the first quarter, the district began a phased approach to bring students back into the classroom with the Family 3/2 attendance plan. To accommodate health concerns, families could choose to stay with a fully remote learning program, which will continue into spring 2021. Despite many challenges, the district had plenty of opportunities to celebrate teachers, students and schools for their successes and continued excellence. More exciting developments are on the horizon with two new high schools, a new middle school and two new elementary schools opening in the next five years. After an extended winter break, the district will welcome students back remotely with a phased return to the Family 3/2 attendance plan. As this remarkable calendar year wraps up, Omaha Public Schools’ resolve and commitment to its community is stronger than ever.

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