Vol. 81 - No.21

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OMAHA STAR

THE

Proudly Serving Our Community for Over 80 Years Dedicated to the Service of the People that NO Good Cause Shall Lack a Champion and that Evil Shall Not Go Unopposed

Nebraska’s Only Black Owned Newspaper Vol. 81 - No. 21 Omaha, Nebraska

Friday, October 18, 2019

It’s not your secret to keep.

Don’t suffer in silence.

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Stacey Abrams to Be Featured Speaker at 2019 Lunch for the Girls Stacey Abrams, author, entrepreneur, nonprofit CEO and political leader, will be the featured speaker at Girls Inc.’s 19th annual Lunch for the Girls. The luncheon will be held Dec. 16 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the CHI Health Center Omaha, 455 N. 10th St. Stacey Abrams served eleven years in the Georgia House of Representatives, seven as Minority Leader, before becoming the 2018 Democratic nominee for Governor of Georgia. She was the first black woman to become the gubernatorial nominee for a major party in the United States and won more votes than any other Democrat in the state’s history. Following the election, she launched Fair Fight to “make sure every eligible American who should cast a vote will be able to.”

Over the course of her career, Abrams has founded multiple organizations devoted to voting rights, training and hiring young people of color, and tackling social issues at both state and national levels. She is a lifetime member of the Council on Foreign Relations, the 2012 recipient of the John F. Kennedy New Frontier Award, and a current member of the Board of Directors for the Center for American Progress. Abrams is also

the author of Lead from the Outside, a guidebook on making real change.

“We are delighted to bring this strong woman who has broken many color and gender barriers in her professional and political life to the Omaha community,” said Girls Inc. Executive Director Roberta Wilhelm.

“In preparation for her visit, our girls will learn more about voters’ rights, election security, the importance of being counted in the census, social justice, women’s Abrams health, and more.

But they will also be excited to learn that Stacey’s leadership and bold style started young. In her, they will see opportunities and pathways for themselves to take part in our democracy. They, like those in our audience, will find her inspiring.”

Girls Inc. is honored to welcome Stacey Abrams to its signature fundraising event. Past Lunch for the Girls speakers

Union for Contemporary Art Makes a Home for Community and Conversation in North Omaha

have included Malala Yousafzai, Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Madeleine Albright, Barbara and Jenna Bush, Nicholas Kristof, Donna Brazile and Warren Buffett.

Reservations for Lunch for the Girls are now available. Regular seating and Patron seating tickets are available, a portion of which is tax deductible.

Reservations can be made online through the Girls Inc. of Omaha website (https:// girlsincomaha. org/events/lunch-for-the-girls), by phoning Girls Inc. at 402-457-4676, or by submitting a downloadable form (available on the Girls Inc. website) by mail or fax.

ABOUT GIRLS INC All proceeds from Lunch for the Girls support the educational, cultural and

recreational opportunities for girls ages 5 to 18 at Girls Incorporated of Omaha, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to inspiring all girls to be “Strong, Smart and Bold.” Girls Inc. opened its first center in 1975, and currently operates two locations in north and south Omaha. Serving over 2,000 girls through its centers and outreach programs, Girls Inc. provides transportation from more than 50 schools in the Omaha area.

Girls Inc.’s programs cultivate learning and skill development in the areas of academic support and enrichment; career and life planning; self-reliance and life skills; health and wellness; leadership and community action; and culture and heritage. Curriculum and activities are chosen to be intrinsically appealing to girls and to engender interest and enthusiasm.

Athletic and enrichment activities are carefully chosen to complement our academic offerings as well as to develop physical health and fitness and to promote teamwork.

In 2016, Girls Inc. collaborated with Nebraska Medicine to open an on-site health clinic, striving to improve the health outcomes of Girls Inc. girls, and reduce barriers to preventative care.

Camille Metoyer Moten Makes History as President of Omaha Downtown Rotary

Camille Metoyer Moten recently became the first African American female elected as president of the Omaha Downtown Rotary. Camille has been a member of the Downtown Rotary for 8 years. She has served in a variety of capacities including secretary, committee chair, board member, and she has offered her assistance at various Rotary events. So it was only fitting that she would become the club president someday.

The Downtown Rotary has approximately 127 active members who gather on a weekly basis to network and fellowship, learn more about what is happening in Omaha and surrounding areas, and to follow the Rotary mission of service above self.

The club also helps with special projects in the community, hosts its annual Honor Roll Luncheon, and provides scholarships and grants to Camille Metoyer Moten The Union for Contemporary Art in the historic Blue Lion building at the inter- a variety of community organizations. section of 24th and Lake.

The Downtown Rotary is a part of Rotary International, an international service organization for Black small business and are actively whose stated purpose is to bring together business and professional leaders in order to provide

By Patrick Mainelli engaged in conversations concerning the humanitarian service and to advance goodwill and peace around the world.

The Union for Contemporary Art support of entrepreneurs and economic (2423 N. 24th St.) has been working development in our community.”

Work at The Union expresses their to foster meaningful dialogue in North Omaha Performing Arts Omaha since its founding in 2011. mission in seven distinct programs, presents Ailey II on Nov. 15 at the The organization’s dual missions of including: a gallery exhibition space, Orpheum Theater, 409 S. 16th St. promoting equitable social change and a free youth art education program, The show begins at 7:30 p.m. supporting the arts as a vehicle for a performing arts theater, a free-pick Tickets are available at that change put them squarely at the community garden, five fully-equipped TicketOmaha.com, in person at studios for local artists to develop the Ticket Omaha Box Office intersection of community and culture.

“The work of our organization is their craft, an artist fellowship, and a inside the Holland Performing deeply rooted in a desire to help create neighborhood arts mural program.

Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St., In all this work, The Union is or by phoning 402-345-0606. lasting change in North Omaha,” notes The Union’s founder and Executive guided by a belief in the power of This performance is sponsored by Director Brigitte McQueen Shew. In its art to spark introspection and change. the Nebraska Arts Council and eight years of operation, The Union has Public programming is regularly built Nebraska Cultural Endowment.

Ailey II – Alvin Ailey American brought thousands of artists, thinkers, around community dialogue and an activists, and community members back open, accessible engagement with Dance Theater’s second company to the cultural heart of North Omaha to the arts. McQueen Shew explains: – is universally renowned for merging the spirit and energy of the country’s best young engage with the arts and find fellowship “Communication and connection with dance talent with the passion and creative vision of today’s most outstanding emerging our community drives everything we choreographers. Ailey II features 12 on-their-way-to-the-top dancers. The group will perform there.

“The renovation of the Blue Lion do at The Union. While we are always new works and classics including Revelations. Revelations was choreographed by Alvin Ailey was a huge part of our commitment to looking for ways to use the arts as in 1960 and has been seen by more people worldwide than any other modern dance work.

Founded in 1974 as a bridge between The Ailey School and the professional dance our community, to ensure that this part a means to educate and inspire our of our shared history will stand for at neighbors, we are also always listening, world, Ailey II embodies Alvin Ailey’s pioneering mission to establish an extended cultural least another 100 years,” says McQueen asking for their input – for their stories community that provides dance performances, training, and community programs for all people.

Shew. “We are working closely with and insights.”

Ailey II flourished into one of the most popular dance companies in the country under the This fall at The Union, two programs our community partners and neighbors leadership of Sylvia Waters from 1974-2012, combining a rigorous touring schedule with to beautify the 24th Street Corridor in particular reflect this dual commitment extensive community outreach programs. With Artistic Director Troy Powell at the helm, through public art initiatives and to sharing stories and inspiring new Ailey II continues to thrive as he brings a fresh dimension to this beloved company. neighborhood clean ups. We advocate See Union continued on page 3

Ailey II Takes the Stage at Orpheum Theater

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Violence Helpline Break the Cycle!

1-800-799-7233

Page Two

LOCAL NEWS

THE OMAHA STAR

Jo Giles Announces Run for Douglas County Commission

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

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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 Frankie Jean Williams: Interim Publisher/Editor Tanya Cooper: Advertising Director/Business Manager

October 18, 2019

Jo Giles, a former television journalist, vice president of strategic communications and now public policy professional, has announced her candidacy for the Douglas County Commission seat District 7. Giles said the district, which spans from Elkhorn to the River, needs new leadership.

“I’m deeply concerned about the lack of strategic vision for the county. The juvenile detention center is just one example of a project in dire need of leadership to bridge county and community views and deliver a better option for youth,” Giles said.

Mental health also is a critical issue for the county – due to a lack of access which impacts both juvenile and adult populations, she said.

“Without any long-term treatment beds at the county hospital, many individuals end up in the Douglas County jail, which can lead to overcrowding. We need to address mental health care and services countywide with a focus on systematic change,” Giles said.

A dedicated community volunteer, Giles currently serves on the board of directors for Fontenelle Forest and will be the incoming board president of the Omaha Public Library Foundation. She is a member of the Leadership

Jo Giles

Omaha Class 37 and a 2012 recipient of the Midlands Business Journal 40 under 40 award.

Her bachelor’s degree is from Washington University in St. Louis; her master’s degree is from the University of Missouri-Columbia and she has a certificate in public health from the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

Learn more about her campaign at www.VoteJoGiles. com.

Debra Shaw: Social Media Administrator

Discover the Authentic YOU

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

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

Readers are encouraged to email letters to the editor commenting on current events as well as what they would like to see included in the paper. Those emails should be sent to: fwilliams@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 Frankie Jean Williams at 402.346.4041, option 3.

ATTENTION

Church on Purpose, in partnership with New Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church, is hosting the 1st annual Winning Women and Teens “Purposeful Me” Gala and Conference Nov. 1-2.

“Purposeful Me” will focus on encouraging and uplifting women and teens with the intent of guiding participants to understand and uncover their purpose. This conference will empower attendees to discover the authentic YOU! The conference weekend will offer two separate events for women and female students, ages 12 and up. Unsung community heroes will be honored during a formal gala on Nov. 1. The conference will continue with spiritual empowerment and intense breakout sessions on Nov. 2.

Free resources from local partners and opportunities to network and fellowship will be included.

The gala will be held at Goodwill, 4805 N. 72nd St., from 6:30-8:30 p.m. The conference sessions will be held at Village Empowerment Center (Omaha Home for Boys), 4343 N. 52nd St., from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Anyone interested in getting involved as a sponsor or volunteer should contact Jene Chapman at jenemchapman@ gmail.com.

For more information, visit www.winningwomenomaha. com.

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The United Methodist Women of Trinity United Methodist Church will serve their annual Election Day Soup and Pie Meal on Nov. 5 from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. The meal will be served in the Johnson Community Center at Trinity United Methodist Church, 8009 ‘Q’ St., in Ralston.

Tickets for adults and children 10 years and under will be sold at the door. The price of the ticket includes either a bowl of homemade chili or freshly-made chicken noodle soup with homemade noodles, crackers, raw veggies, a piece of pie, and a beverage.

Proceeds will go toward supporting the UMW mission projects which include Epworth Village, Ronald McDonald House, Habitat for Humanity and other projects.

For more information, phone the church office at 402-331-4054 or check the Website, www. trinityralston.com.

Retirement Transition Workshops to be Offered at Omaha Public Library

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

The Omaha Star business office hours are Monday Thursday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Annual Soup and Pie Meal Scheduled for Nov. 5

Are you retired, thinking about retiring soon, or simply ready to start planning for life after work? Join Omaha Public Library for a series of retirement transition workshops that will guide you in making the most of your retirement, financially. Experts will be available to discuss Medicare options, Social Security, taxefficiencies and more. All programs are free, but space is limited. Register to attend any of these programs online at omahalibrary.org or by calling the hosting location.

Medicare Community Meeting: Laura Weiler from Compass Benefits will provide information and tools

Rd., 402-444-4852 Tax-Efficient Retirement: Joe Elsasser from Sequent Planning will present how to coordinate IRA withdrawals, savings and Social Security to make your retirement money last longer.

• Nov. 19, 6:30 p.m., at Benson Branch • Nov. 21, 6:30 p.m., at W. Clarke Swanson Branch

helpful in making informed decisions about Medicare options and coverage.

• Oct. 23, noon, at A.V. Sorensen Branch, 4808 Cass St., 402-444-5274 • Nov. 7, noon, at Millard Branch, 13214 Westwood Ln., 402-444-4848 Social Security Strategies: Financial Advisor Lauren DeGroot from Sequent Planning will share how to make the most of your Social Security decision and integrate it with other retirement income sources.

• Nov. 5, 6:30 p.m., at Benson Branch, 6015 Binney St., 402-4444846 • Nov. 7, 6:30 p.m., at W. Clarke Swanson Branch, 9101 W. Dodge

Submissions to Express Yourself must include the writer’s first and last names as well as the writer’s address and telephone number. (Addresses and phone numbers are not published.) Submissions written anonymously will not be printed. Submissions may be edited at the publisher’s discretion. Submissions to Express Yourself or the commentary page may also appear on the Omaha Star Facebook page.

Email submissions must be typed in a Word document and sent to the publisher at: fwilliams@omahastarinc.com

Visit omahalibrary.org for more information on these and additional events and resources at Omaha Public Library’s 12 locations.

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LOCAL NEWS

October 18, 2019

Picotages on Display “Paul Anthony Smith,” a Riley Contemporary Artists Project Gallery exhibition, will be shown at the Joslyn Art Museum through Jan. 19.

Drawing on the art historical traditions of Pointillism and Geometric Abstraction, Paul Anthony Smith creates “picotages,” named for a pattern printing technique that entails pressing textured blocks onto fabric. Trained in ceramics, Smith uses sharp, wooden tools to stipple the surfaces of photographs that examine the African and Caribbean Diasporas. Having immigrated to the United States from his native Jamaica, Smith has long been curious about the pursuit of identity and self-determination that can accompany migration. In exploring this topic, Smith seeks guidance in the writings of Caribbean philosopher Frantz Fanon, who studied the cultural confusions that stem from colonialism, as well as in American scholar and activist W.E.B. Du Bois’ theory of “double consciousness,” which suggests that social identity is multifaceted and therefore difficult to define.

Smith’s work interrogates the concept of hybrid identity – often experienced acutely by those who have migrated across borders – while mining the intersections of place, memory, and dislocation. By incising his images, Smith references cultural traditions including African tribal masking and scarification, a practice in which the skin is cut, leaving indelible patterns on the body.

Just as these customs alter appearances,

Smith’s interventions complicate the surfaces of his photographs and, at times, even completely obscure portions of the images, calling into question their authority as representations of “the truth.” Smith further emphasizes the barrier between the viewer and the scenes unfolding in the photographs by employing visual motifs that recall walls and fences, potent symbols associated with immigration and international borders. Despite the narrative and physical tensions that play out across Smith’s work, the artist also maintains his belief in the power of community. Many of his images depict parades and other jovial gatherings of peers, a reminder of the Jamaican coat of arms, which reads: “Out of many, one people.”

The Paul Anthony Smith exhibition is included in free general museum admission. Riley Contemporary Artists Projects Gallery exhibitions are supported

by Douglas County, Catherine & Terry Ferguson, Sara Foxley, and Polina & Bob Schlott.

Bemis Unveils Music Venue with Deerhoof Concert and Construction Team), worked in close collaboration with artist and carpenter Sean Ward, musicians, sound engineers, mechanical experts, and Bemis staff to envision Low End, along with new facilities for rehearsing and recording new work in sound and music. The unique artist-designed space includes custom seating, theatrical lighting, an anamorphic perspective stage, and industrial-grade sound equipment.

Deerhoof ’s (Satomi Matsuzaki, Greg Saunier, John Dieterich, and Ed Rodriguez) style has been described as indie rock, noise pop, punk rock, and “experimental pop mired in a pure punk sense of adventure.” They are oftencited as musical influences on other artists, such as Radiohead, Questlove, Foo Fighters, Stereolab, TuneYards, and Dirty Projectors, among others. Their last concert in Omaha was in 2016.

Beginning in November, Bemis will offer free live shows at Low End by local, national, and international sound artists, composers, and experimental musicians.

Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts is thrilled to present a soldout concert with indierock band Deerhoof in partnership with Maha on Oct. 25. This is the first live concert at Low End (724 S. 12th St.), Bemis Center’s new music venue located in its 25,000 square foot basement level. This is the third collaboration between the two Omaha nonprofits presenting nationally-known bands as part of Bemis Center’s annual Benefit Art Auction + Concert which brings together the organization’s community of art patrons to support artists and raise critical resources for Bemis Center programs.

Low End is an integral part of Bemis Center’s new Sound Art + Experimental Music Program, which launched in May 2019 with generous support from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. Under the guidance of professor and architect Jeff Day of Actual Architecture Company, graduate architecture students participating in the University of N e b r a s k a - L i n c o l n ’s design-build program, FACT (Fabrication

These performances aim to not only build greater appreciation and new audiences for experimental forms of music but also to liberate the artists on stage to take risks and present truly avant-garde work.

The first free performance is with Laura Ortman on November 14 at 7:00 p.m.

Ortman (White Mountain Apache) is a Brooklyn, NY composer, musician and artist. She plays violin, Apache violin, piano, electric guitar, keyboards, pedal steel guitar, sings through a megaphone and makes field recordings.

Ortman’s music is known for compositions that alternate lyrical intimacy with layered improvisation, often experimenting with four-track tapes and remixing her own audio catalog in an evolving dialogue with herself.

Additional performances at Low End to be announced soon.

Tickets to Deerhoof are sold out. Limited tickets are available for the Benefit Art Auction at bemiscenter. org/benefit.

To learn more about Laura Ortman visit bemiscenter.org.

Annual Transportation Forum Nov. 2 Public Transportation in Omaha will be the subject of a Forum Nov. 2. Sponsored

by First United Methodist Church and Clair Memorial United Methodist Church, this sixth annual forum addresses systemic poverty issues in the Omaha community.

The forum will be hosted at First United Methodist Church, 7020 Cass St. Featured speakers include Sen. Justin Wayne, leaders from the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce, Metropolitan Area Planning Agency, and Metro Area Transit. A consumer panel of public transportation users will also be featured.

The forum begins at 8 a.m. and concludes at 12:30 p.m. It is a gift from the two churches to anyone who would like to become better informed.

Pre-registration is appreciated. Register at: www.fumcomaha.com/events. Walkins are welcome. For more information, contact Deborah D. Mabry-Strong at mabrystrong3@outlook.com or phone 402-215-5271.

OMAHA STAR

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

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THE OMAHA STAR

Page Three

Union continued from page 1 paths forward.

The Undesign the Redline exhibit offers a deeply researched exploration of the history of housing discrimination in Omaha and across the country. The exhibit guides viewers through the origins of New Deal-era “Redlining” practices – explicitly racist federal guidelines rooted in dividing and segregating entire cities based on race and national origin. The exhibit illuminates the wide-reaching effects of the practice, including the systematic isolation of neighborhoods and broad disinvestment in nonwhite communities over the course of generations.

While the lived realties of Redlining may be all-too-familiar to those living in North Omaha, seeing the history laid out in full provides a clear understanding of Omaha’s place within a nation-wide legacy of institutionalized racism. The exhibit’s opening reception in July drew more than 250 people from across Omaha to 24th and Lake for a standing-room-only tour of the space, sparking conversations about how longengrained histories of inequality might be overcome.

Another Union program inspiring conversation this fall is artist Vanessa German’s gallery exhibition, sometimes.we.cannot.be.with.our.bodies. As viewers take in German’s ornate installation of life-size human figures, they can consider her emotional artist statement: “this work is a dimensional living reckoning. the living reckoning is bold, eruptive, disruptive work against systems & pathologies that oppress & subvert overt & covert violence onto & into the lives & humanity of marginalized people on this land.”

On Sept. 14, the exhibition’s opening reception included a powerful “ritual reckoning” performance, in which German and seven North Omaha-area performers walked from The Union to the steps of the Douglas County Courthouse, consecrating the ground along which Will Brown was lynched 100 years ago.

As dozens of community members joined the performers in their walk, what emerged was a moment of profound poignancy. Over the course of 2.5 miles, the power of artistic expression was made even more potent by the investment of a community sharing the vivid reality of grief and healing.

“We are fortunate to be surrounded by generations of people who have called North Omaha home,” says McQueen Shew “The impact of our work would not be nearly as powerful without the voices of our neighbors, friends and family on the block.”

[The Undesign the Redline exhibit is open Tuesday-Thursday (2-8 p.m.); Saturday (12-5 p.m.). For more information visit: u-ca.org/redline.

Vanessa German’s sometimes.we.cannot.be.with.our.bodies is on view through Nov. 30. Gallery hours are: Tuesday (2-6 p.m.); Wednesday-Friday (12-6 p.m.); Saturday (10 a.m. - 5 p.m.). For more information visit u-ca.org.]

Enjoy The Omaha Star Newspaper Digitally Now your top news stories and favorite columns are available online and on your mobile devices.

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Help the Omaha Star Find Its Missing Issues Complete the Nebraska State Historical Society Archives On June 2 representatives of the Nebraska State Historical Society took bound copies of some of the Omaha Star’s earliest issues with them to Lincoln.

The five bound books will complete issues missing from the state archives for the past sixty years, ranging from September 17, 1938 through October 26, 1951.

The Mildred D. Brown Memorial Study Center (MDBMSC) Board is working with the Nebraska Historical Society to create a complete Library Archive of the past and current issues of the Omaha Star. Although many years of newspapers have been microfilmed by the Omaha Public Library and the Nebraska Historical Society, many issues are missing. We are asking readers, who may have copies of the issues that are listed, to please bring them to the Omaha Star to be microfilmed. The issues will be returned to you.

The MDBMSC was formed to continue the legacy of Mildred Brown the founder and publisher of the Omaha Star. The purpose of the Study Center is to provide area students with scholarship support and opportunities to envision career possibilities in journalism and communications through educational programs, field trips, tutoring and mentoring. They are also provided access to resources and inspirational archive materials.

The Omaha Star and its affiliated foundation, the Mildred D. Brown Memorial Study Center, are seeking any copies of the following issues: July 8, 1939 to Mar. 15, 1940 May 3, 1940 July 4, 1952 June 29, 1962 Feb. 14, 1964 Apr. 29, 1967 Feb. 29, 1968 Mar. 21, 1968 to Mar. 28, 1968 May 2, 1968 May 23, 1968 July 18, 1968 Aug. 8, 1968 to Aug. 15, 1968 Nov. 14, 1968 May 29, 1969

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Omaha City Councilman Ben Gray will commemorative deliver a address on the Monday, Jan. UNMC campus 18, to on Rev. Martin Luther honor slain civil rights leader, King Jr. Gray’s speech, which is sponsored The Nebraska Medical Center, by UNMC and Truhlsen Campus will be in the Events Center Center. in the Sorrell “We are pleased The Partnership to bring a city For community volunteer leader and tireless non-profit organization Our Kids, a Schools.” to campus,” Newland, M.D., that provides disadvantaged director of UNMC’s said Myrna “The Partnership The mission of students For Our Kids Staples Foundation and coordinator of Equity Office academic enrichment with positive works to for Learning Inc. the Martin Luther provide Commemoratio is to teach, King Day received a $10,000 experiences, has mentary school disadvantaged ele- inspire. n Committee.

Founded in 2002, train and can look grant from Staples “I believe our students with positive Foundation for forward to an the foundacampus Learning, a private academic enrichment experiences,” tion has contributed inspiring and speech.” foundation created relevant said Briana Curran, million to national more than $17 by Staples manager, The and local charities annual address Inc. Foundation Staples that Funding from SFFL is regularly one provide educational for Learning. will support the of the city’s “Staples and opportunities best attended events on Winners Circle Foundation for Martin Luther job skills for all program, which Learning supports King Jr. Day. people, with a This year, the event starts pro- Winners vides underserved the special Circle program, at noon, is free which cre- youth. emphasis on disadvantaged to the public. Guests and open dents with access elementary stu- ates an environment can park in Lot to rigorous math, Staples Foundation the visitor parking where youth are 15V, which is reading and citizenship recognized for for area located on Learning has also their achievements the south side developed lasting the Student Life Center increase their academic activities to teachers, peers, by relationships of at the corner of parents and the achievement.

40th & Jones com- of America, with Boys & Girls Clubs Streets.

“The Winners munity.”

Circle program Earth Force, Hispanic Gray is a first-time ensures disadvantaged Winners Circle elected city council students have and All Our Kids Heritage Foundation, and the Initiative for the 2nd District. the resources and member joined forces in for a Competitive support needed 2007 to form Prior to his election, Inner City. In addiOmaha City Councilman to Partnership develop an enthusiasm The tion, Staples Nebraska Gray had a 30-year For Our Kids, to Ben Gray Foundation for a television for learning,” Vol. 72 - No. 28 Omaha, help dis- supports said Beth Smith, career as nered Learning photojournalis Executive Director, advantaged students. The Partnership Ashoka, an with the emergency “Kaleidoscope” t Winners Circle on Omaha’s ABC’s and host of Nebraska develops and supportsorganization that KETV department at Program of The creates a community of caring Medical Center affiliate station, NewsWatch social entreprePartnership For dents from pre-kindergarten for stu- neurs around to use intervention The Our Kids. “With the world, in nine discussions about 7. The show featured passionate gies to decrease youth stratesup- high school through port from Staples violence, such a variety of to help more disadvan- tries: Argentina, Belgium, coun- Gray has Foundation for as immediate community issues. engagement after violent won multiple Learning we can Brazil, incidents to reduce Canada, France, local, tion attempts. continue to increase taged youth graduate and pursue regional and retaliaGermany, the awards as a reporter, grades and standardized national higher education to photojournalist In 1998, Gray become employable Netherlands, Spain and the test scores for Gray dedicates and his wife, youth throughout productive citizens United much of his time and host.

States. For more Freddie, began ing with the African-Americ Omaha Public lives of severely who give back information about workto foundation their community. at-risk youth and to improving the to close the an Achievement or how to apply is the emergency gang members. the achievement Council for a grant, He team director gaps of children visit www. staplesfoundation Omaha Public Community Connection, for Impact in the School (OPS) .org.

District.

Inc. — a non-profit, One A sought lence prevention vio- his Martin after motivational speaker, organization.

Its members Gray titled Luther King Jr. part- Love,” Day speech, “Strength after one of Dr. to King’s most read books.

Vol. 72 - No.

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

★OS

50 cents

THE

MAHA TAR

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

Newspaper Nebraska’s Only Black Owned

KS Science Fair

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Details on page 4

Empowerment Network

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This Saturday’s Empowerment Breakfast and networking High School - Viking Center. be held Aug. 14 at North meeting will begin at 9:30.

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50 cents

ates Omaha Star Celebr 72nd Anniversary

Excellence Winn

ers

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

Special Thanks

MILDRED D. BROWN 9, 1938

Dr. Marguerita L. Washington,

Founded Omaha Star July

Publisher

homes as you are hardly can continue to repair and buy I On Jan. 4 the of the people that no good money and invest it North Omaha now doing, save your “Dedicated to the service Boys & Girls new and old Club believe that the that evil shall not go bonds that you Club opened members. The its doors tocause shall lack a champion and wisely. Buy more Savings a new year with Omaha Star has Club staff looks new Club parents if and when things forward to beginning unopposed.” may be comfortable age appropriate been in existence for and members. programs for We offer a variety change. kids ages gram areas such seventy-two years of a former pastor of to the newspaper, Mildred as, Sports, Fitness, 6-18. We offer five core Reverend Joseph Forbes, Leadership Development, pro- In an introduction and I have been the & Recreation, said, “Mildred was Character & Gilbert wrote: Education & Career St. John A. M. E. Church Life Skills, and publisher for the It is with profound pleaDevelopment, she made her paper The Health & To the Citizens of Omaha: a friend of the pastors ... from certain schools Arts. We are also offering last twenty years. It a platform. She Publishing Co., and [sic] FREE transportation sure that the Omaha Star available anytime we needed In order to qualify in the Omaha metro area (please seems like yesterday well trained journalistic ministry. She believed that a paid program for this special service all Club call for a listing). organization of energetic, by saw her work as a that I started after my One entire page membership fee members this day a paper of the people, God had given her a calling.

Spring program and a valid membership must have minds, give to you aunt Mildred Brown the work of We here and now wish fee is $30.00 edition was devoted to of per card. Our the people and for the people. was that will be valid Some Club hours are its expired. from 3-8 p.m. the Omaha Star dedicates Jan. 4 - May community, submitted by For more Club 7. Our to have you know that and ask for Mr. in the churches in the you have been supinformation call Dave serving the general public 342-2300 existence to the task of the pastors.

Happy New Year Felici, Unit Director. porters almost from It shall be our policy the struggle for and we hope to Among her concerns was every way humanly possible.

Others of see you at the the start.

Brown’s primary path of duty in the behalf Club! racial equality. Mildred to move in an unerring became supporters it already had. She worked bringing to you the local Star was in selling Many others became supportfoothold in Omaha than early role in the Omaha Black America in Omaha, for equalas the years went by. sincere it, as well as the national an excellent salespermany organizations to work you I want to give my news of the city as we find of ads. She was not only of tirelessly with the National The African American ers recently. To all of backing for the welfare could use the ads as a tool She was a member of highlights, promoting and son; she found that she to ity and peace.

Career and Scholarship Achievement Council Colored People thanks. to sell newspaper ads Black America in general. will have its 4th for the Advancement of is fascinating. The Omaha Fair on Saturday her activism. She refused the the citizens of Omaha and She Association Annual High Magnet Working at a newspaper from 9 A.M. to Publishers Association, sea of journalistic advenemploy black workers.

School, 4410 because this is our paper.

(NAACP), the Black 3 P.M. at North As we launch out into the companies that did not N. 36th St. Those seeking the Urban League of Star is especially fascinating her readers to procan the support of the general employment should National Business League, used editorials to encourage Anyone who is interested ture, we sincerely request museum. and dressed for This paper is about us. we as a group must also come prepared in of the military and she challenged Nebraska, and the Great Plains Black success. Lunch segregation The time is at hand when with the and issues. Where else test public. was a she plant resume will information active, be provided. To submit their story, events Congratulation the Martin Bomber Omaha Star a firm foundacall 557-4470. time during which it was RSVP or for more s to...the King Since the recent recession, begin to build. Give the them to apply for jobs that She During the Science & Technology De Porres Club, and also Science Fair. this State can this happen? and reading support and in Bellevue, Nebraska. rollerthe spokeswoman for the Students at Offutt Air Force Base tion by way of subscribing an emotional, financial after Magnet students school congratulated wrote detailed reports, the paper has also been who is widely remem- allowed it to meet in the Omaha Star building in turn will build an enterwho won awards hired Charles Washington, we will assure you that we are determined to persevere. conducted experiments and the eight Award for a mouthpiece and a emony. Pictured to support their own facility. coaster at times but we civil rights, as a reporter of Excellence and presented their projects in the annual the club ran out of funds to contact us concerning are the Awards bered for his work for prise worthy of consideration, winners and 7th & 8th grade working in the commua display board Alec Williams; I encourage the public who was the executive 25 first place She spent countless hours Luke Armitage; of Excellence winners (l or even if you want to to at least two columnist. Whitney Young, force for the people of Omaha. commuwinners with to r): Emily Beck; complaints, recommendations are certainly apprecithe Star as a mouthpiece Urban League before eventu- nity, receiving over one hundred and fifty and Katie Cramer. Nick Schultz; Ian Brummel; a Breakfast of Champions judges. The In addition to offering secretary of the Omaha the National the “Unsung Heroine awards cerMadeleine Dangerfield; compliment us. Your comments community in Omaha, the the executive director of nity service awards, including the NAACP, one of for the African-American in behalf of the community working to realize ally becoming is Martha Winterer; staff by The community editorials. the awarded ated.

Award” for service Urban League, contributed Gilberts also encouraged a better and more enlighten honored power 16,000 Africanboycotts to call attention only thirty-five people in the country to be and trying to always have The country’s The paper supported the positive effect the buying was small, and is an outstanding cater often largest film time of her death. She paper. Our staff is very if they would carefully and she and her staff were festival for children and with this award by the Americans could have working to satisfy you. employed to discrimination, including traditional, teens will be Lyndon B. Johnson as a team and they are always only to businesses that making a tour I wish to appointed by President and stop in Omaha purchases also base their CGI, support investigate well. to collage and stop-motion styles. beginning in January East Germany We have a large religious treated the community Live Action. In goodwill ambassador to Film Streams African-Americans and More than ten when tries are for the support of the churches English. Australia; following the conpresents the Best issue of the paper, Edward coun- Recommended express sincere thanks, represented, including alleged human rights violations worked to improve 95 min.

Specifically, in the second of the New York International clergy leaders. ages: 9 to adult. works from She also Australia, members of the North Omaha in the community and the Children’s Film our struction of the Berlin Gilbert pointed out that (NYICFF). From least, I want to thank Festival Germany, Denmark, Finland, France, an ice cream shop carriers and her office Last but certainly not Jan. 9 to March Latvia, Sweden, the lives of the newspaper black community were patronizing which would be Feb. 6-7, 11, 13-14, there would not be Streams’ Ruth 18, Film U.K. that someone did not have Switzerland, the Ice Cream, advertisers. Without advertising, 18 — Sokolof Theater, and workers. If she learned of at 24th and Lake, Reed’s published. Advertisements nonprofit cinema, Omaha’s within the U.S. Tickets for all screenings Azur & Asmar Directed hiring practices over she would buy them bags an Omaha Star Newspaper enough food at home, will screen five Best targeted for their discriminatory an

by Michel Ocelot. the printing of the publicabest programs larded The newspaper carriof the for seniors, of NYICFF are $9 general, Porres Club. Gilbert spent and retail sales pay for from groceries to supply their a decade later by the De $7 advertisers have stuck with students, teachers A dazzling animated Christmas or Easter party series continues the 2009 NYICFF. The dren, shop and counted at least tions. Many of our older us. ers often received a special and chilhour outside the ice cream Film Streams’ feature about and $4.50 Newer ones have joined approving of their work, when they might Young family two Forever Members. for Film Streams boys raised as brothers, us throughout the years. adverin gratitude for their hard one hundred African-Americans and children’s who set off on that they don’t have to dangerous quest were given all year. their purchasing power. which is made program, Streams’ All screenings will occur a Others have the feeling them receive the only gifts they through faraway hiring practices through possible in part at Film find Americans we will give Ruth Sokolof in 1989, the Omaha Star divorced in 1943, and lands to and free the port from Lincoln with tise because as African Theater, located At the time of her death Mildred and Edward Gilbert in Fairy of the Star readers look at the Financial Group. sup- the corner of 14th a circulation of 30,685 at Animation. her maiden name, Brown. our business anyway. Omaha and Mike Fahey Founded in 1997, and had a staff of twenty, and In English. France; Djinns.

Mildred resumed using for those who support us Mildred Brown wrote, (for- Recommended NYICFF is dedicated merly Webster) Streets, Omaha Star, the longest advertising in the paper to promoting thirty-nine states. In 1969, As the publisher of the one block south ages: 6 to adult. 99 min. from those advertisers.

Cuming Street. persist? The answer intelligent, of newspaper run by a woman, we encourage them to purchase or think our readers passionate, “Why then do Negro publishers of his press, all of provocative cinematic operating black-owned More information who refuse is deprived neighborhood news and Negro advertisers, works provided the If those Feb. Brown For clear. is for 20-21, 25, 27-28, Mildred ages 3-18 and audiences within on all to market to, we encourage through the years since helping to define than fifty years. The paper March 4 — Best of NYICFF five programs NYICFF are not important enough the tortuous gains achieved commentary for more compelling f a more online Kids Flix can be found shop to ask those merchants lost, and tomorrow’s Negro by calling attention to ilm experience at www.f ilmstreams.or our readers when they his emancipation will be served an important function A kaleidoscopic Juried by such for kids. www.gkids.tv/ of the powerful forces, they don’t? If they continue people in the black commucollection of well-known filmmakers g or animated that do not advertise Why youth will be at the mercy our the accomplishments of the best John Turturro, man the ramparts of bigshort films the Omaha Star, I urge values. The newspaper as contact Casey tour. For questions, please Susan Sarandon, from around North and South that still to refuse to advertise in $$ nity and emphasizing positive got world, featuring Logan at Mildred Brown Schamus, Matthew the James email their products. Remember who received awards, or traditional animation, otry, prejudice and discrimination.” to do so. From readers to stop buying at casey@filmstr 933-0259 x11 or CGI, collage, recognized individuals Sant, the festival Modine and Gus Van compelled had previously been closed eams.org. and stop-motion. persisted because she felt The schedule: speak. new jobs in industries that has been described civic supporters, merIn English. she had established 65 min. Recommended The New York It announced acts of by again to my staff, readers, the first edition of her newspaper, Thanks African-Americans.

Times as being to good ages: others no one all newspa“that and the 3 to 8. writers They highlighted and her staff, She guided “devoted to the kind of fare a challenge to herself chants advertisers, contributing labeled “troublemakers.” pride and community charity. not Jan. 9-10, 14, of that may be found March 6-7, 11, the continued existence eras of the Civil Rights cause shall lack a champion and that evil shall 16-17, 21 — week in order to continue Academy Awards at the Razzle through the tumultuous 13-14, 18 — who lend support to making neighborhood family per staff were but not at the Dazzle Directed On the occasion per to the demonstrations Your help is greatly appreciMildred Brown and her local multiplex.”

by Darren Ashton. NYICFF Party Mix in to foster a sense of community. Ms. Brown again Movement, from segregation the Omaha Star possible. for late go unopposed.”

A mockumentary of their community, Brown to the racial unrest of the bright and continued future An all-animated skewering the Best of NYICFF of the 1950s and 1960s, of the Star’s ninth anniversary, ated. I look forward to a the certainly champions outspoken voice in the wilderprogram featuring absurdi- ious, features one live-action ties of competition community, congratulated The Omaha Star reported hilarcomedy and particular. She was an 1960s and early 1970s. pledged her support to the not the Star in the Omaha community.. youth dance troupe between kids on the vokingvisually stunning, and thought-profour animated of its businesses and that occurred both locally ness that the tortuous gains of their emancipation programs, involved circuit – and the triumphs and the tragedies North Omaha on the growth shorts, specifically end. up this advice for her Mildred Brown was not are lost, and she worked tirelessly toward that hyper- older parents who intended and throughout the nation. fast development, and offered audiences. In live through any further a get Seniors Alexis English or English for discrimination them. titles.

Page and Ayomide neighbors. interested in letting 75 min. Recommended suband queen at wishes to urge that you Adekunle were Central High ages: 9 to 16.

The Star on its anniversary crowned Homecoming on Sept. 12, 2009. king

Career & Scholar

ship Fair

Best of the New

York International

Children’s Film

Festival

North Omaha

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

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

ip 2010 Awards

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

Women of Color in Leadersh

and Engage, Business Success “Power to Lead: Leverage, for the Perpetual stewardship. the theme Adopt & Deliver” was Winters advised the in Leadership steps to 3rd Annual Women of Color Awards group of eight Summit & legacy of Leadership at the Inclusion on their per25, 2010 jourLuncheon held on June Center. sonal diversity Holiday Inn Central Conventionluncheon neys; the Over 200 people attended 1. Know self first – was Marywhere the keynote speaker am I? What do I of CEO’s Who Who Quaites-Ferris, Dr. Marguerita Frances Winters, Author for? What makes (L-R) Tanya Cook, Vicki from the Heart stand Get It; Diversity Leadership Leadership Award Recipients: of the Winters me “me”?

Crowder and Soul and President Washington, Annette 2. Value self – What can become? enhance who I am and gifts?

Group.

How are other ences Inclusion are my unique 5. Learn about others – What can learn from differences? circle to Ms Winters spoke on Women’s best self? your different from me? How She gave Who is my today.

4 . individuals/groups 7. Include others – Expand world business in the 3. Acknowledge your Tawanna Black and Dr. Winters continued on page 2 to sustained sucmy are they the same? examples of eight steps How do differ- See Leadership to change – What are prejudices – In what 6. Value differences – contribute to Open yourself be my best self? cess: Motivation, Passion/commitment, do I exclude? How do I opportunities to grow? To Magnitude of the ways What are my blind spots?

In-depth Inquiry, and and transforming, intolerance? gap, Resolve, Learning

on July 9, 1938 History was made

Please contact the Omaha Star at 402.346.4041 or by email at fwilliams@omahastarinc.com if you have complete issues, or any portion, of these missing issues.

Subscribe to the Omaha Star

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PRAISE, WORSHIP, DEVOTION, OBITUARIES & INSPIRATION

Page Four THE OMAHA STAR

Dr. Bobbie Ada Davis

Deaths & Funerals

May 30, 1936 – Oct. 6, 2019 Bobbie Ada Nicholson was born May 30, 1936 in Omaha to Rev. David and Ada Nicholson.

In 1958, she married Herbert L. Davis Sr., and this union was blessed with three sons, Herbert Jr., Steven and Terence.

She was a graduate of Central High School and attended Prairie View A&M University where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Psychology. She also earned a Master of Science in Counseling from the University of Nebraska at Omaha and a Doctorate in Counseling Psychology from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln while raising a family and working.

Throughout her life, Dr. Davis set an example of the importance of community service and education and she believed it was important to aid those in need.

She was involved with several service-minded organizations including a lifelong member of Salem Baptist Church, member of the Eastern Star Ruth #9 (OES) (PHA), founding member and president of Black Women Unlimited, Omaha, and board member and former president of the Battalion Chief Herbert L. Davis Foundation. She recently served as president and later, as Interim Executive Director of Omaha Opportunities Industrialization Center (OOIC). Dr. Davis continued her community service into her professional life as the Center Director at the YWCA, Social worker/ Counselor at the Women’s Job Corp, Social Work Supervisor at the Parent-Child Center, and various roles including instructor at University of Nebraska, Omaha and former Director of Counseling and Career Development at Metropolitan Community College.

She was also past president of the Metropolitan Community College Education Association. In gratitude and recognition of her service, Dr. Davis received awards from dozens of professional, local and regional organizations.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, four sisters, Mary Rose Hall, Desiree Jones, Maxine Nicholson, and Mable Jackson; and one brother, David Nicholson Jr. She is survived by three sons, Herbert L. Davis Jr. and his wife Carla of Ashburn, VA; Steven C. Davis and his fiancé, Jewelean Jackson of Minneapolis, MN; and Terence R. Davis of Omaha; stepdaughter, Renee Carter of San Bernardino, CA; three grandchildren, Justin, Allison, and Matthew Davis of Ashburn, VA.; and a host of nieces and nephews. Services were held at Salem Baptist Church on Monday, October 14. Arrangements were entrusted to Thomas Funeral Home.

Mable Devers Mrs. Mable Devers, age 81, passed away Friday, Sept. 20, at her residence.

Survived by sons: Jerry Chaney, Mark (Annie) Devers; daughters: Essie Miller, Barbara Chaney, Eunitta (Roy) Devers, Paige (Melvia) DeversClark, Toni Devers, Omaha; sisters: Gertrude McDowell, CA, Pearlie Hill, Omaha; 17 grandchildren, greatgrand, nieces, nephews, other relatives.

Funeral Services were held 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 5, at Mt. Calvary Community Church, Bishop Kevin Chambers, officiated.

Arrangements by Thomas Funeral Home. *** Jean N. Glover Ms. Jean N. Glover, age 42, passed away Friday, Sept. 20, at her residence.

Cremation.

Arrangement by Thomas Funeral Home. *** Marva J. Johnson Mrs. Marva J. Johnson, age 83, passed away Wednesday, Sept. 18, at her residence.

Survived by sons: Kevin, Sheldon, and Vincent Johnson; siblings; Lois Saunders, Norma Hunter, Debra Campbell, CA, Scott Jr., and a host of grandchildren, great-grand, nieces, nephews, other relatives.

Memorial Services were held 4 p.m., Saturday Sept. 21, at Adams Park Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses.

Arrangements by Thomas Funeral Home.

*** Ruth Kidd Mrs. Ruth Kidd, age 87, passed away Thursday, Oct. 10, at a local nursing home.

Cremation Arrangements by Thomas Funeral Home. *** Mary L. Lewis Mrs. Mary L. Lewis, age 83, passed away Sunday, Oct. 29, at a local care center.

Survived by son: Robert Lewis, Houston, TX; sister in law: Ella Boozer.

Cremation Arrangements by Thomas Funeral Home. *** Martha J. Melton Mrs. Martha J Melton, age 97, passed away Saturday, Oct. 5.

Survived by son: Charles “Butch” (Sharon) Brice, Roseville, MN; 11 grandchildren, great-grand, great-great-grand, nieces, nephews, other relatives.

Funeral Services were held 1 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 17, at Clair Memorial United Methodist Church.

Interment: Forest Lawn Cemetery Arrangements by Thomas Funeral Home. *** Robert R. Nared Mr. Robert R. Nared, age 81, passed away Thursday, Oct. 3, at his residence.

Survived by son: Derek Nared; daughters: Debra Nared-Hollingsworth; Dina Nared; brother: William (Bernice) Nared; in-laws: William (Sylvia) Kirtley, Yvonne Martin (Willie B. Jones) Omaha, Virginia Beasley, Phoenix, AZ; 3 grandchildren; Brandie

Kids Talk About God

Why Didn’t Jesus Trust People?

By Carey Kinsolving And Friends “Because Jesus knew some people were mean,” says Torie, 7.

If you’ve ever watched any old western movies, you know that some people enjoy being mean. They wouldn’t have it any other way.

Early in his ministry, Jesus performed miracles in Jerusalem. The Bible says, “Many believed in his name when they saw the signs which he did. But Jesus did not commit himself to them, because he knew all men, and had no need that anyone should testify of man, for he knew what was in man” (John 2:23b-25).

Some people try to parse the word “believe” in this text to mean the people didn’t really believe at all. It was some kind of head belief and not a true heart belief. The Gospel of John knows nothing of this kind of nonsense.

People either believe in Jesus or don’t believe in him.

This kind of parsing usually comes from the naïve notion that the moment one believes in Jesus as savior, all of life is instantly transformed. Jesus should be able to trust those who believe in him, right?

Wrong.

“Even if people believe in Jesus, their mind, will and emotions still might not be changed until they renew their minds with the Bible,” says Katherine, 9.

It’s true that life’s biggest problem instantly disappears at the moment of conversion. All Christians will be raised from the dead to share in Christ’s victory over death. But the remainder of life is waiting for renewingof-mind transformation.

The Bible is God’s handbook for renewing minds. It presents a worldview where God replaces us as the center of the universe. That takes some rethinking of how we view ourselves, people and the world in which we live.

The Apostle Paul wrote this: “And do not be conformed

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to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (Romans 12:2).

A seminary student once approached the academic dean with a philosophical conundrum. He said that the library at the secular university he attended had a tight security system to prevent students from stealing books.

Yet, most professors taught that people were basically good. The seminary library had no security system, yet the seminary doctrinal statement taught that people were created in God’s image but fallen in the sense that they inherited Adam’s original sin.

The security system at the secular university tells the real story of how school administrators viewed their students. Policy makers didn’t trust them. They knew that books would disappear without a security system. I suppose seminary administrators hoped that ministerial students had been transformed enough in their walk with Christ to resist the temptation to steal library books.

“Jesus was afraid that if people knew about the miracles he did, some people would get angry and kill him before God’s timing,” says Emma, 10.

Jesus knew the difference between new believers and seasoned disciples. He wasn’t about to trust new believers with things that could interrupt God’s timetable for him.

Think about this: Before Jesus left this world, he commissioned his disciples to take the gospel to the uttermost parts of the world. He promised to send the Holy Spirit to empower them for this worldwide task.

Memorize this truth: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct your paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Ask this question: Can God trust you to spread the good news?

THE BLACK PRESS AND THE BLACK CHURCH: Both Born Out of Necessity For Self-Expression And Both Black - Owned.

Together, The Press And the Pulpit Can Give Us Full Citizenship Immediately

Hollingsworth, Dwain Jr., & De’Andre Nared, Houston, TX; 3 great-grand, nieces, nephews, other relatives.

Funeral Services were held 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 11, at Mt. Moriah Baptist

Church, Rev. Ralph Lassiter, officiated.

Interment: Forest Lawn Family Plot Arrangements by Thomas Funeral Home.

Richard Leon Bryant Jr. June 2, 1944 - Oct. 2, 2019 Richard Leon Bryant Jr. departed this life in Hallandale Beach, Fla., after a sudden brief illness.

Richard was born in Omaha and attended North High School before joining the Marine Corps. A life-long learner, avid reader and writer his whole life, Richard authored two books and was completing a third at the time of his death. He had a passion for life that showed in his great sense of humor, and love of people, nature and animals. Richard never met a stranger and was a life-long friend to many. He was deeply loved and will be eternally missed by his family and friends.

Richard was cremated in Florida. His family will hold a memorial service with military honors in Omaha next spring. He is preceded in death by his father, Richard Leon Bryant Sr.; mother, Myrtle Bryant (Harrington); brothers, Henry and Jackie Harrington. He is survived by daughter, Mercedes Bryant-Williams (Tyrone) of Fayetteville, NC; and sons, William “Billy” Frazier of Omaha, NE and Saladin Bryant of Fayetteville, NC; grandchildren, Billy Kellogg, Adrian Copeland and Nadia Williams; cousins, Barbara Blair-Laster of Dallas, TX and Brenda Blair- Ruffin (John Jr) of Omaha, NE. In lieu of flowers the family request memorials be made to the Eastern Nebraska Veteran’s Home.

Simply Because I Don’t Want To

By Dr. William Holland

Many will read this title and attach it to an unlimited array of personal issues and the problems that are associated with them. I remember a few years ago while talking with a friend about temptation and the constant struggles within the Christian life, he shared about how often he wilts under the power of negative influences and like most of us, he usually ends up being disappointed with his choices.

After going back and forth confessing our weaknesses and failures, out of frustration he asked me a pointed question: “why do we continue avoiding our responsibility to do what is right?” Hmmm … I tried to find an intelligent response or some spiritual way to justify our disobedience, but all I could come up with is the sobering fact that we just do not want to. Attached to this embarrassing explanation is that we will never change this rebellious cycle of defeat until we allow Christ to renew our mind and help us develop self-discipline. It’s true, we can live as close to God as we desire.

We realize this is a strong statement and one that we would rather not think about, but the Bible also never promised the Christian life would be easy. George Orwell is quoted as saying, “The further a society drifts from truth, the more it will hate those who speak it” nonetheless, I would rather be known as someone who confronts our problems than ignores them. I remember watching Flip Wilson back in the early seventies and one of his more popular comedy routines was called, “the devil made me do it.” Everyone laughed and thought it was funny and many could relate to the clever idea of accusing the darkside for our bad decisions. We understand how easy it is to blame someone else for our mistakes, but as most of us know, this is just hiding behind more excuses. Anytime we intentionally deny the truth, we are heading down a dangerous road and will eventually pay a great price whether it be in this life or the next. The reality is that the devil can attack us within the parameters of God’s approval, but he mostly plays the role of a tempter and persuader. Our own carnality is also a strong influence and might suggest a second piece of chocolate pie, but no one is making us eat it.

I’m not saying I know more or trying to tell anyone about what God wants to change in them, I’m only presenting some things to consider so that we can all think a little more clearly about what is really important. We know there are many different levels of seriousness with our spiritual lives especially when it comes to knowing why we are here and what are we called to do. In order to follow God’s purpose, it’s wise to develop discernment to recognize the voice of the shepherd from the voices of distraction. When we agree that knowing and obeying our creator is the meaning of life, only then can we begin to climb the real stairway to Heaven.

A couple of the first steps include being sincerely prepared to submit our will to God and giving Him complete control over our decisions. You see, there is a throne in the heart of every person and there can only be one king who rules upon this throne. If God is not sitting upon the throne of our life, someone else is. For Christ to be our Lord, this means that we literally become possessed

by Him. This may sound rather extreme, but He cannot lead us if we are always making our own plans. Most of us love the idea of going to Heaven but are not really interested in all the details of taking a holy vow and coming into covenant with God. Romans chapter six reminds us that we are “Servants to whom we obey,” and since our actions reveal our intentions, it would be good to examine our hearts and make sure Jesus is occupying our throne.

You see, where we spend our time and what we think about, reveals our allegiance to our true master. The core of the gospel is that Jesus came to rescue us, but He did not save us so that we can do whatever we desire, He saved us so that He could accomplish His desires through us.

PRAISE & WORSHIP DIRECTORY

October 18, 2019

ALLEN CHAPEL A.M.E.

Rev. Benjamin R. Finnell

Rev. Benjamin R. Finnell, Presiding Elder and Pastor Tammi Tate, Public Relations Chairperson 2842 Monroe St. Ph: (402) 502-8003 Fx: 934-8581 Sunday School...........................9:00 a.m.

Sunday Worship......................10:00 a.m.

Thursday Bible Study..............8:00 p.m. via teleconference, dial-in number 563-999-2090 and access code 576989

MOUNT CALVARY COMMUNITY CHURCH

Page Five

ST. MARK BAPTIST CHURCH

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

THE OMAHA STAR

Pastor Jarrod S. Parker 3616 Spaulding Street, Omaha, NE 68111 Phone: 402-451-0307 Email: smbcsecretary@ stmarkbaptist.org Bishop Kevin Chambers

Pastor Jarrod S. Parker

Sunday School – Sunday 9:00 a.m.

Services: Sunday School .................................................... 9:30 a.m.

Sunday Morning Worship Experience ......... 11:00 a.m.

Word On Wednesday (WOW) ........................ 7:00 p.m.

Worship Service – Sunday 10:15 a.m.

Children’s Church (except 2nd Sunday) Holy Communion every 1st Sunday Prayer and Bible Doctrine Study Midday - 12:00 noon; Evening – 7:00 p.m.

MT. MORIAH MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH

“Where Life is for Everyone”

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

Drs. Mar n & Lynnell Williams Founders & Lead Pastors SUNDAYS Prayer 9:00 AM Worship 10:00 AM

WEDNESDAYS Prayer 6:00 PM Worship 7:00 PM

www.ambassadorswc.com 402-341-1866 5417 N 103rd St. Omaha, NE 68134

Televised Broadcast – Sundays at 6:00 p.m., KPAO Cox Channel 22 & CenturyLink Channel 89 Our Mission: “To exalt the Savior, edify saints, evangelize sinners and elevate society.”

SACRED HEART CATHOLIC CHURCH

Rev. Ralph Lassiter, Sr.

Fr. Dave Korth

Sunday School .............................................. 9:30 a.m.

Sunday Worship ..........................................10:45 a.m.

Overcomers in Christ......................Sunday 7:00 p.m.

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

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

CLAIR MEMORIAL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH “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 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.

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

MT. NEBO MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH

Thursday - School Mass 8:10 am in Church

“The Church Where Fellowship is Real”

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

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

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

SALEM BAPTIST CHURCH Serving God and One Another in the Spirit of Excellence Rev. Dr. Selwyn Q. Bachus Senior Pastor 3131 Lake Street Omaha, NE 68111 402-455-1000 www.salembc.org

Rev. Dr. Selwyn Q. Bachus

Rev. Kent H. Little, Lead Pastor Services on Sundays at 8:30 am & 10:50 am

PLEASANT GREEN BAPTIST CHURCH

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.

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.

“Where CHRIST is Preeminent and the Word Prevails!”

Rev. Kent H. Little

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

TABERNACLE OF FAITH CHURCH

Pastor Brian Page

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

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.

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

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

Pastor Barbara Mitchell

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

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

Rev. Vitalis Anyanike

ST. BENEDICT THE MOOR CATHOLIC CHURCH

ZION BAPTIST 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

Rev. Kenneth A. Allen, Pastor

&

JOY OF LIFE MINISTRIES COGIC

HOLY NAME CATHOLIC CHURCH

Pastors Eric and Cynthia Butler

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

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

Pastor: Rev. Vitalis Anyanike

Pastor Eric Butler and Co-Pastor Cynthia Butler

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

Pastor Kenneth A. Allen

SUNDAY Sunday Morning Worship……………9:00 A.M. Sunday School……………………...11:15 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)

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

MORNING STAR BAPTIST CHURCH

“Where Christ Jesus Is the Center of Attention” Rev. Dr. Leroy E. Adams, Jr. Senior Pastor 2019 Burdette Street Omaha, NE 68110 Ph: 402-342-0018 Fx: 402-346-9300 Rev. Dr. Leroy E. Adams, Jr.

Radio Broadcast: 101.3 fm 9:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. each Sunday Worship Service .............10:00 a.m.

Sunday School .................8:45 a.m.

Excluding First Sunday Tuesday Evening Service.........7:00 p.m.

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

COMMENTARY October 18, 2019 Senate Education Chair Blocks Public Executions of Black People Bill to Extend HBCU Funding are Showing No Signs of Ending

Page Six THE OMAHA STAR

By Bruce C.T. Wright In the past six months, America has witnessed – or turned a blind eye to – multiple public executions of unarmed Black people as the troubling trend shows no signs of ending. The most recent instance came early Saturday morning when a police officer in Texas responded to a welfare check request for a Black woman resident by shooting into her window outside her home and killing her.

Atatiana Jefferson, who was only guilty of living her life, was pronounced dead on the scene in her Fort Worth home in what appeared to be all but a repeat of the Amber Guyger shooting when the former Dallas police officer killed Botham Jean in his own home last year. And while Guyger was recently convicted of murder and sentenced to a very lenient 10 years in prison, it would appear that the Fort Worth cop – a white male who was enjoying the privilege of remaining anonymous – was not paying any attention to the murder trial in Dallas.

In each of those cases, the victim was shot within seconds.

In other words, police killing innocent people in their own homes is seemingly becoming the rule and not an exception to it.

Those two police shootings bore similar hallmarks to another one in Texas that took place in May when Pamela Turner, a grandmother, was shot five times at very close range in an apartment complex parking lot in suburban Houston. She, too, was shot in seconds after screaming out, “I’m pregnant!”

The Baytown Police Department responded in kind by seeming to blame Turner for her own death, alleging she was grabbing the officer’s Taser, which, even if true, should obviously not have called for lethal force to be used by someone who has, in theory, been trained to de-escalate such situations without using a gun.

Earlier that day, the NYPD officer who used an illegal and banned chokehold to kill Eric Garner in a death recorded on video was finally beginning his administrative trial to determine if he should be fired. It took place nearly five years after Daniel Pantaleo killed Garner. Despite video evidence, a grand jury declined to indict Pantaleo, who has enjoyed job security as well as a significant salary raise since he killed Garner. The NYPD also recently determined Garner did not die from being choked, although the entire world saw the video of Pantaleo choking Garner.

Rewind just six days earlier and a white woman in Georgia who witnessed a driver commit a hit and run decided to chase the culprit, block him with her own car and shoot him to death.

Kenneth Herring was 62 when he was executed by Hannah Payne, a 21-yearold vigilante who was ultimately charged with murder. According to her lawyer, she was simply trying to be a Good Samaritan by following and confronting Herring about something the Clayton

County Police Department described as a minor fender bender.

While those two examples were not related, they were linked to what seems to be an increasingly brazen attitude of superiority by non-Black people toward Black folks. Perhaps even more troubling was how even when charged with a crime, many of the accused folks who appeared to take the law into their own hands end up being found not guilty.

That was also true this past week again when it was revealed that law enforcement had concealed critical evidence surrounding two major deaths in police custody. A report from the 2009 Oscar Grant police shooting was released last weekend and showed that the officer involved lied about the series of events that led to the killing. It was also revealed last week that cell phone footage filmed

by Sandra Bland during her violent arrest in 2015 for a simple traffic violation contradicted that officer’s claims that he feared for his life.

In other words, the people who are killing or contributing to the deaths of Black people are seemingly emboldened by the good chance they won’t have to pay for their deadly actions.

That was true in Pittsburgh earlier this year, when former officer Michael Rosfeld was acquitted for shooting 13-year-old Antwon Rose in the back.

Video footage showed Rosfeld shooting as Rose fled, showing the officer was not facing any imminent threat of danger when he discharged his service weapon.

Still, a jury agreed that he feared for his life.

But in Minneapolis, where former officer Mohamed Noor, a Black Somali American, was recently found guilty for killing a white woman in a similar manner, those same rules that Rosefeld enjoyed were not applied.

Meanwhile, the public executions of Black people keep happening. We’ve seen it in Charlotte as well as in Louisiana, with both happening in April. We saw it in Dallas this past September. The list of fatal police shootings of Black people, most of the time unarmed, continues to grow without any indication that would ease up anytime soon.

The trend isn’t a coincidence, either, according to a report from the Washington Post last year. ‘[U]nlike President Barack Obama, Trump isn’t interested in police reform.

The Obama administration oversaw a significant reduction in federal incarceration, scaled back federal drug prosecutions and went further than any other modern White House in its efforts to reform local police departments,” Wesley Lowery wrote at the time. “Trump, by contrast, has encouraged officers to rough up ‘thugs’ they take into custody, telling an audience of officers [in 2017], ‘Don’t be too nice.’”

If this past week was any indication, it would appear that police and citizens alike have heeded the president’s calls, and then some.

By Charlene Crowell Each year as families beam with pride at seeing a son, daughter or another relative graduate from college, that achievement is nearly always the result of a family’s commitment to higher education. And when these institutions are among the more than 100 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU), that pride is magnified by the history of how our forefathers overcame what once seemed to be insurmountable challenges.

According to the National Museum of African American History and Culture, between 1861 and 1900 more than 90 HBCU were founded. From the first university, Pennsylvania’s Cheney University, established in 1837, ensuing years led to even more educational opportunities that today include institutions spread across 19 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

So when federal legislation is blocked that would extend and preserve funding for HBCU, such actions are not only an affront to today’s college students, but also to a history that has led to only 3% of the nation’s colleges and universities educating nearly 20% of all Black graduates. The success of HBCU graduates is even more noteworthy considering that 70% of students come from low-income families.

On Sept. 26, the damaging action taken

by Tennessee’s Senator Lamar Alexander, chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee blocked HBCU funding. Even worse, Senator Alexander made this move just days before funding was set to expire on Sept. 30.

The bill sponsored and introduced on May 2, by Alabama Senator Doug Jones and co-sponsored by South Carolina Senator Tim Scott, was named the FUTURE Act, an acronym for Fostering Undergraduate Talent by Unlocking Resources Act. It began with bipartisan and bicameral support to extend critical HBCU and other minority-serving institutions (MSIs) funding through 2021 for science, technology, engineering and mathematics education.

“Alabama is home to 14 outstanding HBCUs that serve as a gateway to the middle class for many first-generation, low-income, and minority Americans,” stated Sen. Jones. The FUTURE Act will help ensure these historic schools and all minority-serving institutions continue to provide excellent education opportunities for their students.”

Senator Scott agreed, adding “We all have a role to play in making the dream of college a reality for those who wish to pursue their education. The eight HBCU in South Carolina have made a significant impact in our communities, creating thousands of jobs which translates to over $5 billion in lifetime earnings for their graduates.”

By Sept. 18, a total of 15 Senators signed on as co-sponsors, including eight Republicans representing the additional states of Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Dakota, and West Virginia. Other Democratic Senators

signing on represented Arizona, California, Connecticut, Minnesota, Montana, Virginia and West Virginia.

On the House side, two North Carolina Representatives, Rep. Alma Adams and her colleague Mark Walker introduced that chamber’s version that quickly passed in just two days before Alexander’s actions on the Senate floor.

So why would the HELP Committee Chair oppose a bill that had such balanced support – in both chambers as well as geographically and by party?

“Congress has the time to do this,” said Sen. Alexander on the floor of the Senate. “While the legislation expires at the end of September, the U.S. Department of Education has sent a letter assuring Congress that there is enough funding for the program to continue through the next fiscal year.”

Alexander concluded his comments by using his remarks to push for a limited set of policy proposals that would amend the Higher Education Act piece by piece.

His comments prompt a more basic question: Why is it that Congress has failed to reauthorize the Higher Education Act (HEA) for so many years?

Competing HEA legislative proposals with different notions have been bandied about since 2014. Most of these ideas were variations of promises for improved access, affordability, and accountability, simplified financial aid applications and appropriate levels of federal support.

Yet for families faced with a financial tug of war between rising costs of college and stagnant incomes, Congress’ failure to act on higher education translates into more student loans, and longer years of repayment.

The same day as Senator Alexander’s block of the bill, Wil Del Pilar, vice president of higher education at The Education Trust, a national nonprofit that works to close opportunity gaps that disproportionately affect students of color and students from low-income families, reacted with a statement.

“The reauthorization of the Higher Education Act (HEA) is of vital importance to millions of students who currently struggle to afford college, lack adequate supports while enrolled, and are underserved by a system that perpetuates racial inequity,” said Pilar. “Students need a federal policy overhaul that addresses these issues and acts to close racial and socioeconomic equity gaps, and they can’t afford to wait any longer.”

Ashley Harrington, a Senior Policy Counsel with the Center for Responsible Lending agreed adding “College is only getting more expensive every year, student borrowers are struggling to make payments, and servicers and for-profit colleges are getting free rein to mistreat their customers and students. As this crisis exacerbates the racial wealth gap and constrains an entire generation of taxpayers, we need a real plan to address these important issues. We hope Senator Alexander reconsiders his position of holding hostage funding for HBCU, Minority Serving Institutions and the students of color that they serve.”

Senator Alexander, here’s hoping you are listening.

Could Trump be Impeached and Convicted – but also Reelected?

By Austin Sarat Professor of Jurisprudence and Political Science Amherst College The launching of an “official impeachment inquiry” into President Donald Trump’s conduct has sailed America into largely uncharted waters.

While there have been demands for the impeachment of many presidents, just three previous ones – Andrew Johnson, Richard Nixon and Bill Clinton – have faced formal impeachment inquiries, and the Senate convicted none of them. None of those three sought reelection.

After Johnson’s acquittal, he was denied his party’s presidential nomination. Nixon and Clinton were in their second terms already and could not run for reelection.

Trump, however, is already doing so.

As a scholar of American legal and political history, I have studied the precedents for dealing with this strange conundrum. A little-known wrinkle in the Constitution might allow Trump to be reelected president in 2020 even if he is removed from office through the impeachment process.

The constitutional framework At the time the Constitution was ratified in 1788, many of its authors regarded impeachment as an improvement over the violent methods often used in Europe to get rid of corrupt rulers. Nonetheless, they recognized the dangers that impeachment would always present.

As if commenting on the current moment, Alexander Hamilton noted in 1788, that it will “agitate the passions of the whole community, and … divide it into parties more or less friendly or inimical to the accused. In many cases, it will connect itself with preexisting factions and will enlist all their animosities, partialities, influence, and interest on one side or the other.”

The Founders were careful about defining and regulating this dangerous power. They gave the House of Representatives “the sole Power of Impeachment,” and specified that the Senate “shall have the sole Power to try all Impeachments,” with a two-thirds majority required

for conviction. They specifically prevented the president’s pardon power from reversing impeachments.

They also limited the possible punishments that the Senate may impose to “removal from Office, and disqualification to hold and enjoy any Office of honor, Trust or Profit under the United States.” But they only required that an impeached and convicted official “be removed from office” – but did not mandate that the person also be disqualified from holding a future office.

Nowhere does the Constitution define the standards for disqualification. Moreover, the Senate has declined to establish a standard.

But, as Ohio State University law professor William Foley points out, Senate procedures require separate votes to convict someone of an impeachable offense and to impose a disqualification penalty.

So even if President Trump were impeached and convicted, there is the possibility that he could be reelected to the same office from which he had been removed.

Impeachment and disqualification Of the 17 historic impeachment proceedings brought against judges and other officials who rank lower than president, 14 went to trial in the Senate and eight resulted in a guilty verdict.

In only three of those cases did the Senate bar – or “disqualify” – those who were convicted from holding office in the future.

First was West H. Humphreys, a federal district judge from Tennessee at the start of the Civil War, who refused to hold court and announced his support for the Confederacy.

He was impeached and disqualified on charges of neglecting his judicial duties and waging war against the government of the United States.

In 1913, Robert W. Archbald, an associate judge of the United States Commerce Court, was convicted of the more prosaic offense of doing business with litigants before his court, and forever barred from holding office. The Senate found that he “willfully, unlawfully, and corruptly took advantage of his official position.”

The third instance of removal and disqualification occurred in 2010. In that case, Congressman Adam Schiff,

now one of the key players in the Trump impeachment hearings, took the lead in prosecuting Judge G. Thomas Porteous Jr. of Louisiana. Porteous was found guilty of receiving cash from lawyers who had dealings in his court, of fraudulent dealings with creditors and of misleading the Senate during his confirmation proceedings.

History also reveals one curious instance of impeachment without disqualification, in which the person convicted ran for and won another office. Federal district judge Alcee Hastings of Florida was removed from office in 1989 for perjury and conspiring to solicit a bribe. Since 1993, he has been representing a Florida district in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Other people charged with perjury and bribery, as well as crimes like tax evasion, also have been convicted but not disqualified. In the end, it’s hard to say what distinguishes those cases from the others.

What the Senate might decide Professor Foley writes that if President Trump is impeached and convicted, the Senate should follow the Hastings precedent and not prevent him from running again for office. In Foley’s view, the American electorate should “decide whether Trump, despite his attempt to subvert the system, should have another chance.”

Given the timing of an impeachment vote in the House and a Senate trial, a verdict could be rendered with the 2020 general election campaign in full swing, or even between Election Day and inauguration. This would create serious doubt and deep division about whether a president removed from office could legitimately take the oath of office again. Such a result might, as the president himself tweeted, “cause a Civil War like fracture in this Nation from which our Country will never heal.”

To avoid a severe split, uphold the Founders’ view of impeachment and minimize the perils of division that they feared, the Senate should, if the president is convicted, heed Alexander Hamilton’s advice and disqualify him too, ensuring that impeachment and removal from office results in “a perpetual ostracism from the esteem and confidence and honors and emoluments of … (this) country.”

LIFE & STYLE/HEALTH & WELLNESS THE OMAHA STAR Page Seven Inspiration and Hope for Me Too – A Movement, Not a Moment

October 18, 2019

Cambridge, MA – Tarana Burke, civil rights activist and founder of the global “me too” movement for survivors of sexual assault, has been chosen as this year’s recipient of Harvard Kennedy School’s Center for Public Leadership Gleitsman Award. The annual award honors Burke for her leadership of the global fight for survivor justice and her decadeslong campaign to heal individuals and communities affected by sexual violence.

“Tarana’s work is visceral and fearless. In bringing attention to systemic failings and individual acts of courage and organizational support, Tarana has created a groundbreaking campaign that’s shaped our media and policy worlds in a truly profound way,” said Amb. Wendy R. Sherman, professor of the practice of public leadership and director of the Center for Public Leadership at Harvard Kennedy School. “She reminds us that there is indeed a lot of work to be done in our own communities, including Harvard. But with ‘me too.’ she has fundamentally changed the conversation at institutions and in households around the world.”

The Gleitsman Award and $125,000 prize are given annually by the Center for Public Leadership to an individual or team whose leadership in social Tarana Burke action has improved the quality of life in the United States and across the globe.

Previous Gleitsman recipients include Malala Yousafzai, U.S. Representative John Lewis, Nelson Mandela, and Gloria Steinem.

The award will be presented to Burke at a public event at Harvard Kennedy School on Friday, December 6. In addition to the public award ceremony, Boston community organizations and Harvard students and faculty will come together for a day of resource-sharing.

“Accepting the 2019 Gleitsman Citizen Activist Award fills me with so much gratitude and humility,” said Burke. “It is an absolute honor to be in the company of such monumental changemakers who would be doing the work of justice, regardless of recognition and acclaim. I speak for all sexual assault survivor leaders when I say that we share that same fire. I dedicate this award to them, and I thank those who nominated and selected me for this esteemed recognition.”

A three-time survivor of sexual assault, Burke spent her teenage years committed to raising awareness and support for young black women and other women of

color from low-wealth communities who survived sexual assault. She launched ‘me too.’ in 2006, more than 10 years before the movement had its catalytic moment in 2017. Building on her early activism work with girls in Alabama and her organization Just Be, ‘me too.’ has amassed a community of advocates at the forefront of creating solutions to interrupt sexual violence. At the cornerstone of the movement’s empowerment-through-empathy approach is a steadfast commitment to putting survivors at the front of its healing and advocacy work.

Formerly the senior director of Girls for Gender Equity, Burke continues to travel internationally, linking people and communities with organizing resources and research that will shape the next phase of ‘me too.’

Burke was awarded TIME’s Person of the Year in 2017 and in 2018 delivered her TED Talk “Me Too is a Movement, Not a Moment.” Burke contributes regularly to national media on current events and her memoir is scheduled for release in summer 2020.

About the Center for Public Leadership The Center for Public Leadership at Harvard Kennedy School develops principled, effective public leaders. A global hub for leadership learning, we integrate academic preparation with practice to build knowledge and character required to make positive change in the world.

About Alan Gleitsman Alan Gleitsman was a television executive who founded the Gleitsman Foundation in 1989 following the sale of his extensive feature film and television library. A graduate of Cornell University and a U.S. Air Force veteran, Gleitsman’s longtime commitment to social justice was aligned with his philosophy that even a single person with heart and determination can bring about meaningful solutions to challenging societal problems. In 2007, Gleitsman’s Estate endowed the Gleitsman Program in Leadership for Social Change at Harvard Kennedy School, which supports both the awarding of the Gleitsman Citizen and International Activist Awards, and the Alan L. Gleitsman Professor of Social Change at Harvard Kennedy School.

Why the Flu Shot Cannot Give You the Flu

By Libby Richards Purdue University Flu vaccination prevents millions of flurelated illnesses and deaths annually, but vaccination rates are low for many reasons.

During the 2018-2019 flu season, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that about 45% of U.S. adults received the flu vaccine. While this is an increase of 8% from 2017-2018, it falls way below the national goal of 70% of American adults receiving a flu shot.

One of the common myths that leads people to avoid the flu shot is that they think the shot will give them the flu. But that is simply not true. The virus in the vaccine is not active, and an inactive virus cannot transmit disease.

What is true is that you may feel the effects of your body mounting an immune response, but that does not mean you have the flu.

I am a nursing professor with experience in public health promotion, and I hear this and other myths often. Here are the facts and the explanations behind them.

Inactive virus Influenza, or the flu, is a common but serious infectious respiratory disease that can result in hospitalization or even death. The CDC estimates that during a “good” flu season, approximately 8% of the U.S. population could get the flu. That is roughly 26 million people.

Each year the flu season is different, and the flu virus also affects people differently.

One dangerous complication of the flu is pneumonia, which can result when your body is working hard to fight the flu. This is particularly dangerous in older adults, young children, and those whose immune systems aren’t working well, such as those receiving chemotherapy or transplant recipients.

Historically millions of Americans get the flu each year, hundreds of thousands are hospitalized and tens of thousands of people die from flu-related complications. During the 1918 flu pandemic, one-third of the world’s population, or about 500 million people, were infected with the flu. Since that time, vaccine science has dramatically changed the impact of infectious diseases.

The cornerstone of flu prevention is vaccination. The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months of age and older who does not have contraindications to the vaccine, receive the flu shot.

And just as the polio vaccine won’t give a child polio, the flu vaccine will not cause the flu. That’s because the flu vaccine is made with inactive strains of the flu virus, which are not capable of causing the flu.

That said, some people may feel sick after they receive the flu shot which can lead to thinking they got sick from the shot.

However, feeling under the weather after a flu shot is actually a positive. It can be a sign that your body’s immune response is working.

What happens is this: When you receive the flu shot, your body recognizes the inactive flu virus as a foreign invader. This is not dangerous; it causes your immune system to develop antibodies to attack the flu virus when exposed in the future. This natural immune response may cause some people to develop a low-grade fever, headache or overall muscle aches. These side effects can be mistaken for the flu but in reality are likely the body’s normal response to vaccination.

And the good news is these natural symptoms are short-term side effects compared to the flu, which can last much longer and is more severe. It is estimated that less than 2% of people who get a flu shot will develop a fever.

Also, people often confuse being sick with a bad cold or stomach flu with having influenza.

Influenza symptoms can include a fever, chills, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, fatigue and headaches. Cold symptoms can be similar to the flu but are typically milder.

The stomach flu, or gastroenteritis, can be caused by several different bacteria or viruses.

Symptoms of gastroenteritis involve nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

Pre-shot exposures and mismatches Some people do get the flu after they have received a flu shot, but that is not from the shot. It can happen for a couple of reasons.

First, they could have been exposed to the flu before they had the shot. It can take up to two weeks after receiving the flu shot to develop full immunity. Therefore, if you do get the flu within this period, it is likely that you were exposed to the flu either prior to being vaccinated or before your full immunity developed.

Second, depending on the strain of the flu virus that you are exposed to, you could still get the flu even if you received the vaccine.

Every year, the flu vaccine is created to best match the strain of the flu virus circulating.

Therefore, the effectiveness of the flu vaccine depends on the similarity between the virus circulating in the community and the killed viruses used to make the vaccine.

If there is a close match between the two, then the effectiveness of the flu vaccine will be high. However, if there is not a close match, vaccine effectiveness could be reduced. Still, it is imperative to note that even when there is not a close match between the circulating virus and the virus used to make the vaccine, the vaccine will still lessen the severity of flu symptoms and also help prevent flu-related complications.

Bottom line: You cannot get influenza from getting the flu vaccine. As someone who has treated many people who do get the flu, I strongly urge you to get the shot.

Breast Cancer Survivors Breast cancer is about more than the color pink. Whether invasive or non-invasive, breast cancer affects more than 12% of the United States population. Each year, nearly 300,000 new cases are diagnosed.

Author Denise Turney (http://www.chistell.com) had her first breast cancer scare in her 20s. Like many women, Denise struggled to find an outlet for the myriad of emotions, fear chief among them, which she faced. Her search led her to write “Portia.”

When asked why she penned “Portia,” an inspirational novel about a Chicago defense attorney dealing with breast cancer, Turney says, “After I had two breast cancer scares while I was in the Navy, I started writing letters to my family. Expressions of thankfulness, sorrow and letting go were rich in the letters, and understandably so. I didn’t think that I would celebrate my 24th birthday.”

Turney continues, “Fortunately, I did see 24. Years later, I took those personal letters and turned them into “Portia.” Little did I know how deeply “Portia” would impact women, their spouses and children.” It has offered some women the encouragement to continue to live.

“Portia” offers its readers encouragement by realistically examining certain aspects of perseverance and love among family members as well as the tenderness and affection which only occurs between soul mates. From a young African American woman coming of age during the Civil Rights Movement to a Chicago based defense attorney glimpsing her own mortality while confronting breast cancer and an uncertain future, “Portia” tugs on the reader’s heart strings all along the way.

Denise aims to connect “Portia” to its readers, to women and their family members who are facing breast cancer. Her goal is to leave the readers with enough inspiration, hope and encouragement to continue their journey.

Denise Turney and her work have appeared in magazines and newspapers such as Parade, Sisters In Style, Emerge, Madame Noire, Today’s Black Woman, The Network Journal, The Bucks County Courier Times, The Trenton State College Literary Review and We The People. In addition to “Portia,” Turney has authored the books Love Pour Over Me, Love Has Many Faces, Spiral, Long Walk Up and Rosetta’s Great Hope. Turney is also the founder of The Book Lover’s Haven and host of the literary radio show, Off The Shelf Books Talk Radio.

“Portia” is available in print and e-book format at bookstores, libraries and major retailers Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble and Ingram. Readers can order “Portia” directly from the publisher at http://www.chistell.com.

Good Books Café

Charles Drew Center Receives $300,000 Grant to Increase Oral Health Access

Charles Drew Health Center Inc. (CDHC) is one of three community health centers in Nebraska to receive funding from the U.S Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to expand its oral health service capacity through new infrastructure enhancements.

These investments are the first by HRSA to solely focus on oral health infrastructure and will allow HRSA-funded health centers to provide new, or enhance existing, oral health services. 298 health centers nationwide received a total of $85 million in funding.

Funding will allow CDHC to increase dental capacity by converting office space at its main location at 2915 Grant St., into three additional dental operatories, serving an estimated 750 additional patients each year. “Access to high quality, integrated oral health care is essential to healthy living,” said CDHC CEO Kenny McMorris, MPA, FACHE, CHCEF. “This $300,000 investment will allow Charles Drew Health Center to continue expanding much needed oral health care in Douglas County while making meaningful and lasting change in the lives of our families and the community for years to come.”

To see a list of award recipients, visit: https://bphc.hrsa.gov/program-opportunities/ funding-opportunities/oral-health/fy19awards

Health and Spirituality There’s One in Every Family

By Mark Darby, RN APRN, FNP-C Director of North Omaha Academy of Healthy Living You’ve heard the statistics. 1 in 5 Americans have a mental illness. Over 41, 000 people kill themselves each year. It’s enough to drive you crazy.

It gets worse when we talk about addiction. Over 21 million people have some form of an addiction but only 10% receive treatment. Do you have a mother or father, sister or brother with a mental illness? When it hits you this close, it affects you more deeply. No wonder it’s enough to drive you crazy.

That is not the whole story. For some, all this drives them to sanity.

You know who I mean. There is one in every family. I’m talking about the person who has risen above all of these problems. It is the person who you can count on an emergency. The person you can talk to or ask for help when needed.

That person has what we call resilience. They have experienced trouble in life and have risen above it.

These people seem to have a magical quality about them. How come nothing seems to faze them? If we figure that out, maybe we can become resilient.

So what did they do?

Primarily, they never gave up. Day by day, seeing the next thing in front of them, they kept doing what needed to be done. They looked for a job when unemployed, went to school for more

skills or worked at jobs that were not their choice.

Secondly, at some point in their lives, they asked for help. They’ve seen a counselor or psychiatrist, nurse practitioner, drug and alcohol counselor, sought the help from their pastor or gone to a support group. In other words, they have sought mental health treatment. October is Mental Health Awareness Month, and the message is simple: if you have a problem do not try to deal with it alone.

Just as you would get a lawyer to help you with a legal problem, sometimes you need an outside opinion. Mental health professionals can offer you a different point of view.

That’s absolutely essential.

Thirdly, ease up on the throttle a bit.

One of my friends recently told me to do this. My mind was racing to a conclusion. What he was telling me was slow down take a deep breath.

Don’t create problems that don’t exist.

“You can always overreact later on.”

Fourthly, don’t forget to take care yourself. Exercise, pray, meditate, go to worship service. Do something.

Most problems do not get better by eating a quart of ice cream while binge watching Netflix. That just deadens the pain.

Lastly, I repeat myself. If you need help, call someone. Don’t be proud and miserable. Be healthy and happy.

Region 6 Mental Health Line is a good place to start, phone 402.444.6573.

Become a resilient person. Every family has one.

Page Eight

EVENTS/CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING

THE OMAHA STAR

Audition Notice: ‘A Raisin in the Sun’ The Omaha Community Playhouse (OCP) is holding auditions for the upcoming production of A Raisin in the Sun on Oct. 26 at 11 a.m. and Oct. 27 at 6:30 p.m. at OCP. Production: A Raisin in the Sun Show Dates: Jan. 17 – Feb. 9 Theatre: Hawks Mainstage Theatre, Omaha Community Playhouse Rehearsals: Begin Dec. 1.

Description: Winner of five Tony Awards, A Raisin in the Sun confronts life in South Side Chicago through the eyes of the Younger family. After years of battling poverty and racism, the Youngers hope an unexpected insurance check will be their ticket to a better life. With the looming fear that this may be their only chance, the family is torn apart as they struggle to agree on the most effective way to use the money.

Director: Tyrone Beasley Auditions: Oct. 26 at 11 a.m. and Oct. 27 at 6:30 p.m., Omaha Community Playhouse, 6915 Cass St. Those auditioning should enter through the main lobby entrance and proceed to the check-in table.

Roles: 11 African American; 1 Caucasian

Male • Lena Younger (Mama): Ages 55 to 65 • Walter Lee Younger: Ages 35 to 45 • Beneatha Younger: Ages 18 to 28 • Ruth Younger: Ages 30 to 40 • Travis Younger: Ages 8 to 14 • Joseph Asagai: Ages 18 to 28 • George Murchison: Ages 18 to 28 • Bobo: Ages 28 to 40 • Karl Lindner: Ages 45 to 60 • Moving Men: Ages 18 to 55 Notes: Actors only need to attend one of the audition dates to be considered for a role.

Those auditioning will be asked to read from the script provided at auditions.

If special accommodations are needed, please contact OCP prior to auditions.

Please Bring: All contact information, personal schedules and a list of rehearsal conflicts to fill out an audition form.

To expedite the check-in process, please bring a physical copy of a headshot or recent photo of yourself. Please note, photos will not be returned.

For more information, contact Tiffany Nigro, tnigro@omahaplayhouse.com, at 402-553-4890.

LG and Shirley Harrison Scholarship Fundraiser The second annual pancake breakfast fundraiser for the LG and Shirley Harrison Scholarship will be held Sunday at Sacred Heart School.

Since its establishment in 2017, 14 families have received tuition assistance at Sacred Heart School.

The breakfast will be held in the school gym and will be prepared by Big Mama’s Kitchen. Serving will begin at 8:30 a.m. and conclude at 12:30 p.m.

For more information, phone the school at 402-455-5858.

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In The Village!

Things to do, people to see, places to go.

Exhibits Happening Now: The Union for Contemporary Art, 2423 N. 24th St., is hosting “sometimes. we.cannot.be.with.our.bodies.” by Vanessa German. The artist says in her own words, “This work is a dimensional reckoning.” The exhibit runs through Nov. 30. For times or more info, phone 402933-3161 or visit info@u-ca.org The Great Plains Black History Museum, 2221 N. 24th St., hosts the Will Brown and Lynchings throughout the Great Plains of America Exhibit.

This Exhibit commemorates the 100th anniversary of the lynching of Will Brown and will map out all Terror Lynchings throughout the Great Plains. The exhibit is on display from 1-5 p.m., ThursdaysSaturday through Dec. 31.

Race: Are We So Different? We all know people look different. Throughout history, those differences have been a source of strength, community and personal identity. They have also been the basis for discrimination and oppression.

And while those differences are socially and culturally real, contemporary scientific understanding of race and human variation is complex and may challenge how we think about it. RACE: Are We So Different? helps visitors understand what race is and what it is not. It gives them the tools to recognize racial ideas and practices in contemporary American life.

The exhibit runs through Jan. 5, 2020 at the Durham Museum. For more info, visit www.durhammuseum.org Oct. 22 – Johnny Rodgers Scholarship Luncheon will honor Johnny Rodgers Career and Technical Education Scholarship recipients. This event is hosted

by Metropolitan Community College at the Fort Omaha Campus, Building 22, Swanson Conference Center, Room 201A/201B from 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

For more info, email events@mccneb. edu.

Oct. 22 – Educational Seminar: Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia hosted by Notre Dame Housing, Inc., 3439 State St. from 1:302:30 p.m. Learn about detection, causes, risk factors, stages and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. To register for this free educational course, phone Brianna Lock at 800-272-3900 or visit https:// www.communityresourcefinder.org/ ResourceView/Index?id=1631522 Oct. 22 – Creighton UniversityPresidential Lecture Series presents An Evening with Former Senator Bob Kerry in the Mike & Josie Harper Center, Hixon-Lied Auditorium, 602 N. 20th St., from 7:30-8:30 p.m. This event is free and open to the community. For more info, phone 402-280-3850.

Oct. 23 – Florence Branch Library, 2920 Bonderson St., is hosting Halloween Spooktacular. The event will feature scary stories, activities, and snacks from 6:30-7:30 p.m. For more info, contact Rebecca Agler, ragler@omahalibrary.org or phone 402-444-5299.

Oct. 24 – The Greater Omaha Chamber of Young Professionals will host the State of Our City at the Highlander, 2120 N. 30th St. from 5-9 p.m. Participates will have an opportunity to discuss transit, development projects, entrepreneurship, arts, and cultural attractions. Register online at www.omahachamber.org. For more info, contact Kasey Ostronic at kostronic@omahachamber.org.

Oct. 24 – Clearing The Way For Black Children & Families To Flourish, Community Mobilization Town-Hall, from 6:30-9:00 p.m. at Malcolm X Memorial Foundation, 3448 Evans St. What we can and must do is free ourselves and our children from the lie that Blacks are inferior--which is the reason why we are so often seen and treated as less than human. For more info, phone Black Men United, 402-707-3115.

Oct. 25 – The Empowerment Network will host their 8th Annual African

American Leadership Conference & Revive! Black Business Expo at the CHI Health Center, 455 No.10th St., from 7 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. This conference will focus on creating a culture of excellence.

For more info, contact Yolanda Barney at ybarney@reviveomaha.com or register online at Eventbrite.com. Registration deadline is Oct. 20.

Oct. 26 – Women of Color Nebraska Caucus Fannie Lou Hamer Legacy Luncheon features guest speaker, Jacqueline Hamer Flakes, daughter of Fannie Lou Hamer. Several community leaders will be honored including Ruth Jackson and Jean Bell (posthumously) and Precious McKesson. The 11 a.m. event will be held at Double Tree Hotel, 1616 Dodge St., in the Winnebago room.

Tickets are available on Eventbrite. For more info, email womenofcolorne@ gmail.com.

Oct. 26 – Benson Branch Library, 6015 Binney St., will host Halloween Benson Boo Bash complete with scary stories and spooky crafts from 10:30 a.m. 1:00 p.m. The children can enjoy trick or treating at area businesses and in the neighborhood. For more info, contact Trina Rivera, trivera@omahalibrary.org or 402-444-4846.

Oct. 26 – North Omaha Area Health (NOAH), 5620 Ames Ave, is hosting their 4th Annual Boo (Blocking Out Obstacles) Festival from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

This is a free family friendly event. Get health screenings and enjoy food, raffles, games and a trunk or treat. For more info, email noahclinic@cox.net or phone 402933-0737.

Oct. 27 – First United Methodist Church, 7020 Cass St., will host Trunk or Treat for the community from 5-7 p.m. Activities will include games and costume Karaoke. For more info on this fun-filled event email Bogart Nomad, BogartNomad@fumcomaha.org or phone 402-556-6262.

Oct. 29 – 500,000 Census Jobs!

Have you considered working for the U.S. Census? Make a difference to your community while earning a little money.

AARP will host Census Facebook Live from 8-8:30 p.m. For more info, visit the AARP Facebook page.

Oct. 31 – UNO Community Engagement Center (CEC) & Inclusive Communities are hosting Omaha Table Talk – One Person - No Voice: Voter Suppression 2020 in the Barbara Weitz CEC Room 201, 6001 Dodge St, from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. This free forum will allow open dialogue about race, ethnicity and other forms of differences. Register on Eventbrite.com. For more info, email Katherine@inclusivecommunities.org Nov. 1 – Smart Women Smart Money will host a Personal Financial Conference for women at Embassy Suites, 12520 Westport Pkwy in Lavista, from 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. For more information email LeAnn Sullivan, lean@ smartwomensmartmoney.com. This event is free, register at www.swsmnebraska. com Oct. 28 – Career in Tech Boot Camp, hosted by Urban League of Nebraska, Heartland Workforce and AIM Code School. If you are interested in a career in technology, this boot camp is for you. Registration is required and can be completed online at urbanleagueneb.com.

You must be over 17 and have a high school diploma or GED. For more info, phone the Urban League at 402-453-9730.

The camp runs through December 27.

Oct. 30 – Adams Park Community Center, 3230 John Creighton Blvd, hosts Trunk-Or-Treat from 6-8 p.m. Enjoy FUN activities, crafts and games for the whole family including a Gaga pit, bounce house, hot dogs, popcorn, raffles and musical performances by Enjoli & Timeless and others. This event is free and open to the community.

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Have You Heard About The Business Connection?

To advertise your business, please contact Tanya Cooper.

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Call 402-346-4041 Ext. 5 or email tcooper@omahastarinc.com

Metropolitan Utilities District The Metropolitan Utilities District is seeking qualified and motivated individuals for current job openings. The District offers an excellent and comprehensive benefits package in addition to engaging opportunities.

Visit www.mudomaha.com, under the careers tab, to fill out an application. Applications will be accepted until the close date of the position. Resumes will not be accepted in place of applications.

Employment Contingent Upon Results of a Drug Screen and a Background Check.

An Equal Opportunity Employer “Minority/Female/Disabled/ Veteran/Gender Identity/Sexual Orientation”

In order to be included in The Omaha Star, all articles and event calendar announcements must be typed in a Word document, using Times New Roman font, 10 pt, and must be received no later than two weeks in advance of the event.

Articles must be e-mailed to: fwilliams@omahastarinc.com by 3:00 p.m. on Monday. Any submissions that are received the same week as the current publication will not be included in the current week’s edition. The distribution day for The Omaha Star are Fridays on a bi-weekly schedule.

The Omaha Star is not responsible for unsolicited pictures or articles submitted for publication.

LOCAL NEWS

October 18, 2019

THE OMAHA STAR

Page Nine

Development & Gentrification in North Omaha More Market Rate Homes, City Buy-in Let’s Would Help Uplift North O Talk Numbers

By Lynn Sanchez Special Projects Editor

• 38th: Position of Omaha, Nebraska out of the top 100 most segregated metropolitan areas in the United States (2010 Census).

• 21.4: The percentage of Black Omahans who live in high poverty neighborhoods. By comparison, 6.9% of Whites and 14.3% of Hispanics live in such neighborhoods. (2010 Census) • 1936: The year redlining maps were commissioned and created, officially ghettoizing North Omaha. This action was not imposed on unwilling White residents by an overbearing outside entity; local actions had concentrated the population of poor immigrant and Black citizens here since the city was founded.

• 23 out of 100: The number of low income housing units available versus the number who qualify for them (FHEA).

• Virtually Zero: Amount of affordable housing available outside of Northeast and Southeast Omaha • Virtually Zero: The percentage of affordable housing currently required to be included in new developments.

• $63,062 Median income of Omaha’s overall population in 2017.* • $20,754 Median income for residents of North Omaha, 68111. ** • $108,927 Median real estate price for homes located in 68111, which is less expensive than 75.3% of Nebraska neighborhoods and 81.7% of all U.S. neighborhoods.

• $43,000 The average property value in zip code 68111 • $161,000 The average property value in midtown 68106 • $285,500 The average is property value near Glenn Cunningham Lake 68118 (Zillow.com) *https://www.forbes.com/places/ ne/omaha/ **http://www.city-data.com/ income/income-OmahaNebraska.html

Between them, Al Goodwin and Michael Maroney have been at the helm of the Omaha Economic Development Corporation (OEDC) for over 40 years. Their commercial and residential ventures have made an undeniable impact on the physical, social and economic landscape of North Omaha. Drive through the neighborhood for a few minutes and you will see them: Kellom Heights, Ville de Sante, the historic Jewell Building, The Learning Community Center, Fair Deal Village Marketplace, to name a few.

And if you think it’s easy, they will tell you straight up, “It ain’t easy.”

They are numbers guys, hard-nosed businessmen. But they haven’t forgotten why they got into the business – commitment to the community, desire to uplift it, and belief in the ingenuity and resilience of its people.

Like many, Goodwin’s family migrated to Omaha from Mississippi and Louisiana to escape “prejudice,” as he calls it. He became a loan officer for the Small Business Administration and worked for Omaha mayor Eugene Leahy. He later joined Wesley House which ran numerous programs and social services. Under Rodney Wead, Wesley House had created the “Overall Economic Development Plan” for North Omaha in the late 70s. Out of the need for a dedicated organization to implement grant money, OEDC emerged. Goodwin was its first president in 1977.

In 1969, a young Maroney worked in the offices of Union Pacific. He had joined in an Open Occupancy protest at City Hall as a high schooler and wanted to do more. He heard about an upcoming celebration of Malcolm X Day hosted by the Black Panthers and other groups in a local park. The groups were encouraging the community to stay home from work or school in honor of the slain civil rights leader. Maroney asked for the day off work at UP. “Next thing I know, I’m called up to a much higher floor.” Again, he was asked why he wanted the day off. “I told the truth.” His request was refused. “I understood why. And so I quit. I went to the celebration.”

Leaving UP eventually led him to a position with Wesley House. Maroney, about 10 years Goodwin’s junior, worked with him off and on, finally succeeding him as president in 2005.

As the two discuss North Omaha development, several themes emerge: transportation, jobs and housing, all issues deeply entangled with racial discrimination in Omaha.

As well-paid packing house and railroad jobs dwindled in the early century, North Omaha residents were often stranded far from gainful employment. OEDC attempted to provide a van service to transport them, but was unable to maintain it. “As jobs left, people of higher income left,” Goodwin says. “A lot of the larger houses were subdivided into apartments and you had people with less income coming in. It was just a spiral effect.”

Property values had no chance to rise as Government money is helpful, but it comes housing aged and became overcrowded. with many restrictions. He tells entrepreneurs When outside businesses that might provide that they must be savvy and able to “get value much-needed jobs assessed North Omaha as out of what you do. You cannot depend on a location, most found it lacking. “When the government or anyone else to give you shopping centers and major retailers look at something.”

Maroney and Goodwin identify several areas, they look at the rooftops, the value of the houses, the income levels, the transportation, keys to healthy North Omaha development: the workforce,” Goodwin says. “They see entrepreneurship with an equity position, political will, and a depressed area, it corporate investment. just doesn’t meet their Considering the area’s profile. So they won’t cultural significance, locate here.” This they caution that unfortunate reality is community members a nationwide problem, must remain active in he emphasizes, not just the decision-making Omaha. process to preserve and “McMansions” or protect their history market rate housing and as property values that flourishes in West rise, avoid pricing Omaha is scarce in long-time residents out North Omaha because of the area. again, from a strictly The two say they business perspective, have not seen city it is a poor risk for government gaining developers.

North traction in bringing Omaha housing is depressed areas up some of the oldest in to par with the rest the city. of the city. Goodwin Maroney explains notes that Omaha the conundrum. “To policymakers could build a $200,000 house require a percentage of costs you $200,000. Mike Maroney and Al Goodwin You’ve got to be able to sell it for that,” he minority contractors be hired for government says. To build such a house in a neighborhood contracts based on the population statistics. with depressed property values, “You might “There’s nothing wrong with set-asides,” he get $130,000 to $140,000 appraised value, if says. “They’re not giving away anything; that much. The bank will lend you 80 percent they’re going to go in and they’re going to of that. Then you’ve got to come up with work. But that’s what you have to do in order $100,000 (down payment.)” Once again, the to get them to hire people.” Look around at numbers mean home buyers and developers the current public works projects, he says. probably won’t invest in an area where they “I guarantee you aren’t going to see many aren’t able to build equity and make money African Americans with a pick, a shovel, a tractor or anything else.” when the house is sold.

Maroney adds, “Corporations could do a For this reason, OEDC has adjusted its approach to real estate development, and is now much more deliberate job in searching out focused on bringing more market rate housing minority businesses to work with. Because if to the area. “We came to the realization that if we don’t have businesses that are growing and all you do in a low income community is low becoming stronger, diminishing that wealth income housing, all you’re doing is recycling gap is much less likely to happen and we’re not going to have the impact we all talk about poverty,” Maroney said.

But again, it “ain’t easy.” Maroney points to wanting to have. The way things are going, it the concerted effort it took to create one small will take African Americans 400 years to close development of market rate homes, Miami the wealth gap. And that is unacceptable.”

Goodwin notes that as North Omaha Heights. The City helped assemble a small area consisting of 33 lots with 19 different owners, becomes more desirable to developers, those 12 of whom did not live in Omaha. They who care about it must remain vigilant and had a willing, progressive banking partner, politically active. “You look at North Omaha neighbors who were on board with the changes now, and you can see the location is helping and qualified buyers who could afford loans the city. It’s close to downtown, it’s close to for $300,000 homes. Part of the reason the the airport, you can get a whole lot of different neighbors agreed to the project is that Maroney places in 10 minutes,” he says. “It’s attractive grew up around 30th and Miami, and the to young people. Go downtown, look at the residents trusted him. None of this happened buildings that are being occupied now by the overnight, the deal took several years to play young people and empty nesters. People are out. “It takes the right players, the right kind of coming back. And as they come back they vision, and willingness to bend a little bit and want to expand out and as they do, they start it will make things happen,” says Maroney. to take stuff away. If we’re not careful, we’re Big picture, Goodwin says, the community going to lose our area and our identification needs to be “economically uplifted.” here.”

Reluctance to Revisit our Racial Past - The Historical Backdrop

By Terri L. Crawford, JD “The straitjackets of race, prejudice and discrimination do not wear only southern labels.”

Martin Luther King Jr. – ‘Why We Can’t Wait’

By the time The Star goes to press, we will be looking in the rearview mirror at the 100th anniversary of Will Brown’s lynching at the Douglas County Courthouse.

With that in mind, we look forward to the monumental task of creating an open, honest and candid conversation about the racial history of our fair city.

In 2019, it appears we have begun the necessary work to have a collective, political discussion about righting race-based historical “wrongs.” This necessitates pulling back the curtain to confront an ugly past. The discussion of Omaha, Nebraska begins here. The truth is that race and racism have dominated Omaha’s history since the founding of the city. They defined its patterns of growth as well as the fight for civil rights for its Black citizens and other minority residents.

The Kansas-Nebraska Act was an 1854 bill that mandated “popular sovereignty” which gave settlers of the territory the right to decide whether slavery would be allowed within a new state’s borders. The bill was in direct conflict with and overturned the Missouri Compromise’s use of latitude as the boundary between slave and free territory. The clashes that arose between pro-slavery and anti-slavery settlers in the aftermath of the act’s passage led to the period of violence known as “Bleeding Kansas” which helped pave the way for the American Civil War (1861-65). The Nebraska Territory was created in 1854 by the U.S. Congress with a legal caveat that it remain free of slavery. Although there was an agreement to do so, that rule was often broken.

The proposed Nebraska State Constitution had a clause limiting voting rights in the state to “free white males,” preventing the territory from becoming a state for almost a year. A proposal was raised to the Omaha City Council to abolish slavery within city limits five years after the city’s founding. The proposal failed.

According to census records, the African American population of Omaha doubled between 1910-1920, with Blacks accounting for only about one percent of the population of Nebraska. Economic opportunity in the

meatpacking industry greatly increased Black migration to Omaha. South Omaha’s Armour meatpacking plant was one of the nation’s largest employers, promising wages and work for those leaving the South. Omaha was home to the “big four” meatpackers, Armour, Cudahy, Swift and Wilson. By 1910, Omaha’s Black population was the third largest among the western destination cities following Reconstruction and the Great Migration. It did not go unnoticed that the rising numbers of Black workers and their families caused “alarm” for Omaha’s White citizens.

In 1918, thousands of soldiers returned home from Europe ready to forget the trauma of war, but found themselves in a country wrestling with serious social and political problems. Particularly for Black soldiers, the return home was not so welcoming.

Many states including Nebraska experienced the problems of “peacetime readjustment.” Prior to the war, racial tensions were serious but most prominent in the Southern states. During the war, Black citizens began the Great Migration to the North, occupying jobs once held by soldiers. Although Omaha had seen racial clashes in the past, few were sensationalized in media accounts.

During this same period, the Southern Poverty Law Center notes an increase in white supremacist ideology and membership in radical right and hate groups. After the war, the Ku Klux Klan launched major membership drives across the Midwest, founding the first Nebraska Klavern in Omaha in 1921. By year’s end there were around 24 chapters statewide with an estimated membership of 1,100. By 1923 the KKK claimed 45,000 members in Georgia, home of the group’s Atlanta headquarters. The Lincoln Star reported that the Klan was “active in Lincoln, Omaha, Fremont, York, Grand Island, Hastings, North Platte and Scottsbluff.” Black population migrated to northern cities.

In exploring the racist, dark past of Omaha, we would be remiss if we did not discuss the influence of “notable names” in Omaha’s structural White wealth apparatus.

These pioneer powerhouse names are still seen today on the streets and buildings of Omaha, including Brown, Creighton, Kountze, Poppleton, Hanscom, Eppley and Joslyn. Generally speaking, these were not locals, but well- established families who traveled from outside the Nebraska Territory and staked their claims. The generational, structural White wealth they built has direct links to historic economic inequity and the legacy of American slavery.

Specifically, the Reconstruction period that followed the Civil War perpetrated economic terror and wealthstripping that has left Black people a lasting economic disadvantage. White Americans have on average seven times the wealth of Black Americans. The Economic Policy Institute traced this legacy to its inception, the rescinding of “Field Order No. 15,” perhaps commonly remembered as “40 Acres and a Mule.” This was a postCivil War promise made by General William Techumsah Sherman to Freed people that they would be given plots of land to work and control independently. It was designed to right a historical wrong against generations of Black citizens, forced to provide the free labor that built an American wealth base without benefit or rewards to the enslaved. Lincoln’s successor, president Andrew Johnson explicitly reversed Special Field Order No. 15 and almost all land allocated during the war was restored to its prewar White owners.

Although Black people make up nearly 13 percent of the U.S. population, they hold less than 3 percent of the nation’s total wealth. The median family wealth for White people is $171,000, compared with just $17,600 for Black people, and it becomes worse on the margins. According to the Economic Policy Institute, 19 percent of Black households have zero or negative net worth, while just 9 percent of White families live at that level of poverty.

Omaha at its founding was typical of many American cities, rife with racial resentment and discourse.

Segregation, racial covenants, redlining, evictions, exclusion, subjugation and race-baiting sowed the seeds of racism and disdain for anyone who did not fit a vision of what Omaha should be. Hatred and distrust were used to build empires, and the perpetrators continue to reap the economic benefits to this day.

With that history stated, the true purpose of this series is to provide a conversational safe space to do the inner work of moving beyond personal limits of denial, guilt, shame, and blame. We must commit fully to self-evaluation, honest reflection and recognition of the historical effects of structural White wealth and systemic racism in cities across America, including Omaha, our home.

(Dr. Terri L. Crawford, B.A., M.A, J.D ; University of Nebraska Omaha, Department of Black Studies - Adjunct Professor; Political Awareness and Involvement Chair, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (OAC ); Policy Director League of Women Voter Greater Omaha)

Page Ten THE OMAHA STAR

YOUTH/EDUCATION NEWS

Community Business Sponsors ‘Unity Stars’ Over 40 Years

Circa 1980, Kenny O’Neal was working with the Urban League to develop a youth football team known as the Running Rebels. O’Neal was building the program to provide opportunities for North Omaha youth and he recognized the team needed a boost.

Kenny approached Phil Morrison, owner of Phil’s Foodway, which was located at 24th and Fort Streets at the time, asking if Phil would be interested in supporting the team. That was the beginning of what has become a partnership lasting 40 years.

The Running Rebels grew over the years and added youth basketball teams. They moved to North High School, and when they needed more space, they moved to Benson High School in 2005, where they remain today and are known as Unity Stars Youth Basketball.

Phil’s Foodway has also grown over the years.

The grocery store moved to its current location at 30th & Ames Ave, and is known today as Phil’s Cash Saver. Phil’s has supported the youth basketball program, providing team uniforms, travel expenses, and other needs. “The community benefits from this program� said Phil Morrison. “I’ve seen the impact Unity Stars has had on kids over the years and it’s the reason I continue to support the program.�

Coach O’Neal has been fortunate to have the support of many coaches over the years, teaching and mentoring thousands of kids that have participated in the Unity Stars program. Many kids have gone on to see successful careers in sports including Bernard Jackson, Andre Woolrich, Eric Strickland, Curtis Marshall, Terrance Badger and others.

But the youth aren’t just learning to be good athletes.

The program is teaching respect, responsibility, and accountability. All participants are held to strict academic accountability standards and the club strives to instill the importance of integrity, good morals, values and character traits.

The program provides basketball teams for youth grades 4-8. Learn more about Unity Stars at https:// unitystars.blogspot.com.

AKA Sorority to Award Eight Scholarships Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. supports higher education by offering annual scholarships to deserving young African American women planning to pursue a bachelor’s degree.

This year, Alpha Kappa Alpha’s Omaha Graduate Chapter will award eight $1,000 scholarships for the 2020-2021 school year.

The sorority’s scholarship program applicants must be African American females, current full-time college students who graduated from a Nebraska high school, or 2020 Nebraska high school graduating seniors.

The primary consideration for the scholarship is academic excellence. Applicants must have a cumulative GPA of 2.50 (C+ or better) on a 4.0 scale. Scholarship awards are made payable to both the recipient and her designated college.

All applications must be submitted between Jan. 1 and March 14.

For more information and to download the application, go to www.deoakaomaha. org. If you are interested in learning more about Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority - Omaha Graduate Chapter visit the following sites: www.deoakaomaha.org or https://www. facebook.com/AKAOmahaGraduateChapter/.

October 18, 2019

MCC Partners with Facebook to Deliver New Online Digital Marketing Program Metropolitan Community College and Facebook have partnered to offer an online digital marketing program, set to begin in January. The nine-month certificate program is fully online with instructors that will provide guidance, grading and feedback. “MCC’s partnership with Facebook will enhance and build the skills of digital marketers throughout the region,� said Victoria Novak, MCC Workforce Innovation Division director of Workforce and IT Innovation - Corporate Training. “We are proud to offer this robust program.�

The program consists of six modules that build essential skills businesses look for when hiring and promoting digital marketers, including content marketing strategy, analytics and performance optimization, social media and email marketing and search and display advertising. Upon completion, each student will receive

a digital badge (a verifiable learning credential) and materials to create an e-portfolio that prospective and current employers can review. “The need for social media and digital marketing career professionals is growing rapidly alongside the new tools that are developing daily.

This program provides the latest education available to all skill levels.

The online program model allows students to learn from anywhere, any time,� said Kim Whiteside, MCC Workforce Innovation Division director of Workforce and IT Innovation—Corporate Online. “In addition to benefitting individuals, it can also elevate digital marketing for employers through enrollment of team members.�

For more information about the program, as well as scholarship and funding availability, visit mccneb. edu/wid, email corporatetraining@ mccneb.edu or call 531-MCC-2418.

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