Vol. 81 - No. 24

75 CENTS

OMAHA STAR

THE

Let’s enter this holiday season with joy in our hearts.

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Nebraska’s Only Black Owned Newspaper Vol. 81 - No. 24 Omaha, Nebraska

Friday, November 29, 2019

75 cents

The Controversy at the Union For Contemporary Art (Building Blocks or Blocks to Building)

By Preston Love Jr. This article will attempt to open up a responsible dialogue regarding the recent issues in and around the controversial art piece at the Union for Contemporary Art.

Vanessa German is a Pittsburgh-based African American visual and performance artist. Her multimedia installation titled “sometimes.we.cannot.be.with.our.bodies.” opened at the Union for Contemporary Art on September 14. It was the gallery’s 2019 Wanda Ewing Commission, which each year supports the production and presentation of new work by a woman artist of the African diaspora. While visiting Omaha, German also created a performance art piece “in honor of Will Brown and other people of color whose lives have been lost

to violence.”

German’s work has been featured in Essence and O Magazine and exhibited in many prominent museums and galleries across the U.S. The Union exhibit is described by the artist in three parts: “1.

Kaledescopic installation with sound in an immersive sculptural world. 2. An antechamber of silence, grief, and reflection 3. Two windows of text.”

The text in the windows, written by German and other artists, was intended to inspire dialogue about the overall exhibit.

Visible in the front windows of the gallery, it included a racial slur which created anger and controversy within the community. The offending quote was initially attributed to Toni Morrison, but was written by Ms. German based on a personal experience.

For context, the prose in question described a real-life event where a White person approached German in a public setting wearing a T-shirt that read “N*** Lover.” The wearer attempted to engage her in conversation.

After several members of the community noticed the text, a large number objected to the display and demanded the controversial phrase be removed. The Union has decided to keep the show up through its original end date of November 30.

Union Founder and Executive Director Brigitte McQueen Shew, independent curator of the show Nicole J. Caruth, several of its paid employees, and resident artists are all African American. For the past two weeks, the Union offered a wonderful play “Tell Martha Not to Moan” written

by Clinnesha D. Sibley, African American.

It was directed by Kathy Tyree, featuring leads D. Kevin Williams and Camille Metoyer Moten, all African Americans. By

the time you are reading the article, the play will have closed after two weeks of sold out performances before racially integrated audiences.

The Black community is angry, in poverty, remembering Will Brown, being subjected to Donald Trump, beat down economically, all-around misunderstood and less likely today to be challenged by a provocative piece of art.

It seems to be a common and strongly-held perception in much of the North Omaha’s Black community that the Union is a “White thing” in the middle of our neighborhood. It has been mentioned in several community forums that the Union is an example of a deliberate take-over by Whites in the Black community. Some members of the Black arts community believe that Black artists are devalued, in almost every way, in most of the artistic venues in Omaha. There is also some negativity towards the Union because it is one of the few non-profits in North Omaha with money to develop programming and to keep the doors open.

It doesn’t matter what the facts are, the Union cannot escape these perceptions.

The Union is making some great strides.

Their mistake was failing to include the community’s input in the pre-display dialogue. The artist’s objective was to be provocative and to stimulate dialogue.

However, she stepped over the line by using that racial slur. That is where the Union became too provocative, leaving themselves not building bricks for growth, but getting bricks thrown. It was divisive, and maybe a step backwards for everybody involved.

The perceptions need to be understood and brought into the operational dialogue of the whole arts community, including the Union.

The brick that broke the window at the

Secretary of State Releases 2020 Election Calendar

LINCOLN – Secretary of State Robert B. Evnen has announced that the 2020 election calendar has been published on the Secretary of State website.

“Being able to vote or run for an office is of critical importance to Nebraska citizens,” Secretary Evnen said.

“My office works very hard to ensure every Nebraska citizen has an opportunity to participate in elections either as a candidate, a voter or both. The 2020 election calendar has been reviewed and approved by the Attorney General, according to law, and is ready for public viewing.”

Dec. 2 is the first day for candidates to submit their filing documents for federal, state, or other multi-county district offices. Any forms filed prior to Dec. 2 will not be accepted and will be returned. Secretary Evnen advises anyone thinking about candidacy to check with Accountability and Disclosure Commission about forms

that need to be filed with that agency and the disclosure and financial accountability rules that should be followed.

Important dates to note: Dec. 2 – First day for candidates to submit their filing documents as noted above.

Feb. 18 – Last day for incumbents (any current office holder) to file for office on the primary election ballot.

March 2 – Last day for non-incumbents (new filers) to file for office for the primary election.

May 12 – Nebraska’s Primary Election Nov. 3 – Nebraska’s General Election The official 2020 elections calendar has been made public on the Secretary of State website. For more information visit sos.nebraska.gov and click on the “Elections” tab or call the Elections Division at 402-4712555.

Local Pitch Event Invests $8,000 in Black Women and Girl Owned Businesses In partnership with Bank of the West, I Be Black Girl (IBBG) is investing $8,000 in two Black woman- and girl-owned businesses. The winners, OhhMyCreations and Creative Counseling Studio, were recently announced during IBBG’s Business Pitch Event and will each receive investments of $4,000.

“Black women are the fastest growing segment of entrepreneurs and they add economic value through business creation,” said IBBG Founder Ashlei

Youth Winners: Jennile Payton and Ania Bailey

Spivey. “The biggest barrier to success is capital. This was an opportunity for us to provide more capital and show our commitment to empowerment through entrepreneurship.”

During the IBBG Business Pitch Event, each contestant had five minutes to pitch their business, followed by five minutes of questions from the judges.

The youth winners, OhhMyCreations, is led by Jennile Payton and Ania Bailey. Photos by: Abiola Kosoko Their business encourages Adult Winner: Yasmin Tucker growth using various art modalities, customers to be creative by bringing custom designs to life. The providing clients with an alternative to investment will allow the co-founders traditional mental health and substance to purchase necessary equipment to abuse treatments. The investment will expand their business beyond custom allow Creative Counseling Studio to t-shirts and into stationary, drinkware open their doors in January 2020.

This event is a part of the larger work and more.

Creative Counseling Studio, owned IBBG is doing through their Grow by the only registered art therapist of platform, which focuses on economic color in Nebraska, Yasmin Tucker, empowerment and entrepreneurship.

More information about IBBG can was this year’s adult winner. Tucker provides a unique space for healing and be found at www.ibbgomaha.com.

Union was assumedly thrown by someone from the community. But, most people who are protesting this artwork abhor the fact that someone threw the brick.

There are so many issues we are facing and dealing with in this community. It is very difficult to get people to rise up and fight the battles. The racial divisions in this country have increased exponentially since 2016. There are at least three immediate things that need to happen: The White community, especially those who are striving to be supportive and progressive, must understand perceptions and their effects.

The Black community must go beyond knee-jerk reactions and get involved with the solutions. For example, get out and vote, go to our town hall meetings, join those who go to Lincoln to fight for legislation that effects our community. Lay down your Facebook pen and raise up your activist pen.

Try to reach out and find workable solutions with the rest of the community.

This is not about just Black and White anymore – it’s about Asian, Sudanese, Somalian, Mexican, etc. We have to stand up because our community is on the move and too many of us are unnecessarily picking at and criticizing ourselves and our leadership.

Finally, there is great potential in North Omaha, but so much oppression outside our community. We need to come together and maximize and unify our assets. We can use this Union controversy to bridge and improve communication. Our leadership needs to focus on what can make the community better.

State Senator Justin Wayne Announces Re-election Campaign State Senator Justin T. Wayne has announced he is seeking to continue representing Legislative District 13 in the Nebraska State Legislature.

“It has been an honor to represent North Omaha and Northeast Douglas County,” Wayne said. “Four years ago, I promised my community that I would fight to build safe and secure neighborhoods, create job opportunities and economic development, and improve the quality of our education system. I have delivered on that Wayne promise. If District 13 sends me back, I will continue to grow our state, and move Nebraska from Good to Great.”

As a freshman senator, Wayne was elected to serve as Chair of the Legislature’s Urban Affairs Committee. Under Wayne’s leadership, the committee has modernized statutes governing municipalities and local economic development tools, passed the first significant updates to Nebraska’s housing authority statutes since their passage in 1999, and enacted a comprehensive re-write of Nebraska’s tax-increment financing (TIF) statutes. During the most recent legislative session, Wayne successfully shepherded several major pieces of legislation through the legislative process, most notably the Nebraska Hemp Farming Act and the Regional Metropolitan Transit Authority Act. Justin Wayne was born and raised in District 13. His father, Fred Wayne, retired from Omaha Public Schools. His mother Judy, retired from Lozier Corporation. His parents still live in the district.

Justin is married to Katie (Knapp) Wayne of Omaha and they have two children, Mya and Thomas Wayne. As a concerned community member, attorney, mentor, and business man, Justin is uniquely qualified to address the issues and bring the results our children deserve. Whether it’s coaching youth volleyball and basketball, having a legal background, raising money for St. Jude’s Hospital, or being a member of Kiwanis Club of Florence, Justin has taken our community’s demanding goals for excellence and translated them into real programs and real results.

For more information about his campaign, contact Wayne at 402-933-6603, or justin@justintwayne.com.

Couples Christmas in the Village Christmas – our holiday tradition – Soiree – Dec. 5.

Dec. 7 – Noon – 5 p.m.

See In the Village for details.

Make a Joyful Noise – Dec. 7/8.

See In the Village for details.

LOCAL NEWS November 29, 2019 THE OMAHA STAR, INC. Creighton Economist Forecasts Slower Retail THE VOICE OF THE BLACK COMMUNITY Growth over Holiday Season

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

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With unemployment at a 50-year low, Creighton University economics professor Ernie Goss, Ph.D., expects overall retail sales to grow by 3-4% this holiday shopping season.

Additionally, the e-commerce sector of the retail industry will remain at the top of Santa’s nice list, with Goss forecasting sales to be approximately 14% higher over last year.

Goss, an economist at the Creighton Heider College of Business, conducts two monthly economic surveys across Midwest states that provide leading indicators on the strength of certain sectors of the U.S. economy.

While Goss predicts overall sales to grow this holiday season, he says consumers should take precaution as the outlook is not as jolly as years’ past for a few reasons: A slowing economy – The GDP growth rate, which measures the pace of economic growth, is at 1.9%. Goss says this is down from last year, signaling slower economic growth.

Consumers need to prepare for slower

economic growth and somewhat higher unemployment levels in the weeks and months ahead.

Hiring headaches ‒ While unemployment is currently extremely low, it could grow in future months.

Retailers looking to ramp up hiring to keep up with the holiday rush could have a harder time getting fully staffed, Goss says. Finding and hiring qualified workers is currently the number one economic issue Goss sees in his data. The hiring crunch has a reverse effect for consumers.

Wages are growing slightly, and employers are offering more referral incentives and bonuses to employees for recruitment. This infusion of additional money into the economy will translate to growth in retail sales, Goss adds.

Debt loads – According to the National Retail Federation, holiday shoppers between the ages of 35 and 44 plan to spend the most this year at $1,158.63. While short-term and mortgage interest rates are good,

‘Stories of the Redline’ Project Documents Legacy of Housing Discrimination in Omaha

By Patrick Mainelli There is liberation in speaking hidden truths. The Undesign the Redline exhibit at The Union for Contemporary Art seeks to create a space where truth-telling can flourish. The exhibit draws from a wealth of archival materials and traces a clear line of institutionalized housing discrimination from the 1930s through today. Beginning with the New Deal-era practice of “Redlining,” which bluntly identified non-white communities as “hazardous” and unfit for investment, the exhibit clearly outlines a legacy of systemic racism in Omaha and hundreds of other communities across the country.

To date, the exhibit has brought more than 600 individuals to the corner of 24th and Lake to learn and engage in dialogue about how these racist histories might be undone. A new phase of that work is about to begin as The Union and conversationalist Stuart Chittenden invite community members to share their testimony on how the legacy of Redlining has impacted their personal lived experiences. Omaha residents may be most familiar with Chittenden’s “Lives” radio talk show which has aired weekly on KXNB Mind & Soul since January 2017, featuring interviews with numerous prominent community members engaging in awarenessraising dialogue.

The new project, “Stories from the Redline,” begins this December, with the mission of further deepening community connection and bringing long-hidden truths to light with the hope of inspiring change.

Chittenden observes: “I’ve learned that everyone has a deep need to be heard; to be really seen and appreciated as a person. Everyone has a story. Everyone matters. People

Opening of “Undesign the Redline” exhibit in July

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people’s experiences, and to begin the process of dismantling the barriers – social, economic, and geographic – erected between us.”

An archive of the recorded interviews will be held publicly online, serving as an extension of the Undesign the Redline exhibit.

Selections of testimony will also be integrated into the exhibit itself, allowing visitors to situate national patterns of discrimination within the personal lived experiences of Omaha residents. Most importantly, though, the “Stories from the Redline” project seeks to contribute to a community-wide conversation about race, racism, and systemic inequity while outlining steps toward building a better future.

As Chittenden says: “We affirm the dignity of our neighbors by listening and sharing.”

To learn more about the “Stories from the Redline” project, visit u-ca.org/redline. To schedule a time to share your personal Redline testimony, Stuart Chittenden can be reached directly at stuart@u-ca.org.

The Undesign the Redline exhibit is open Tuesdays-Thursdays, 2-8 p.m., and Saturdays, noon - 5 p.m., at The Union for Contemporary Art, 2423 N. 24th St.

just need a space in which they can share something of themselves with someone who is there with one purpose: to listen.”

Brigitte McQueen Shew, founder and Executive Director of The Union, notes that Chittenden’s skills as an interviewer include an uncanny ability to help individuals speak their truth directly. “There’s something about Stuart’s genuine curiosity and his openness that makes people immediately comfortable. He has this great ability for getting to deep truths just by being his authentic, receptive self.”

Community members are invited to join Chittenden in creating a recorded testimony of their personal experience. Individuals of all generations who have been impacted by Redlining and other forms of institutionalized racism or who have visited the exhibition and been touched by its emotional and moral resonance are invited to participate.

Chittenden notes: “The practice of Redlining was inherently damaging to communities and our sense of being connected to each other. Sharing stories enables us to perceive the impact of this on people’s lives, to bear witness to

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Goss says those low rates do not apply to credit cards, where interest rates are sky-high. Goss recommends consumers not take on more debt and avoid carrying credit card balances this holiday season and beyond.

He says debt loads are high right now and points to student loans and interest rates as some of the main culprits to slower retail sales growth.

Gifting experiences – Gifts of services and experiences such as health club memberships and vacations are an emerging trend that Goss expects to continue, providing competition to traditional gifts like new pajamas and scented candles.

Tariffs and trade tensions – Goss says clothing sales are weakened by ongoing trade tensions and tariffs.

The North American Free Trade Agreement passing among the U.S., Mexico and Canada, and a trade deal with the U.S. and China could help the retail clothing industry.

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LOCAL NEWS Downtown Rotary Club Awards Grants to Community Organizations

November 29, 2019

The Omaha Downtown Rotary Club Foundation is a non-profit organization with the purpose of carrying out community service projects for the Rotary Club of Omaha.

The Club Foundation is focused on community grants emphasizing educational opportunities, veteran services and senior citizens.

Community Grants are made in the Omaha/Council Bluffs area (Douglas County and immediately adjacent counties in Nebraska and Iowa). Grant requests must be at least $500.

Priority is given to specific projects.

Community Grants The object of Rotary is to encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise.

To that end, members of the Rotary Club of Omaha have generously donated funds to the Omaha Downtown Rotary Club Foundation as a means to award grants to eligible organizations.

Applicants must be organizations described in Section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code and have a written ruling (determination letter) from the IRS that they also qualify under Section 509(a) (1), (2), or (3) of the Code (publicly supported organizations and their affiliates).

There is one grant cycle each year beginning Feb. 1. The deadline for applications is midnight on March 31 of the grant year. Applicant organizations can expect to learn the outcome of their request by mid-July and a representative of the organization is expected to attend a Rotary Club of

Omaha weekly meeting for the awarding of their grant, normally sometime in August. In addition, for grant recipients, attendance at a subsequent club meeting and a brief report detailing how funds were used is encouraged and welcomed. Applications should be submitted electronically as indicated on the application form. https://clubrunner. blob.core.windows.net/00000005609/en-us/files/homepage/ foundation-community-grant-application/Community-GrantApplication-2018.pdf If you have questions, please email them to grants@ omaharotary.org The Grant Awardees this grant cycle included: Rotary Club of Omaha - $9,000 Assistance League of Omaha - $1,000 Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Midlands - $1,000 Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands - $1,000 Mid-America Council, BSA - $1,500 Javelan Inc. - $3,000 Merrymakers Association - $2,500 NE Methodist College - $1,000 Methodist Hospital Foundation - $1,000 O!Language - $1,000 Omaha Children’s Museum - $500 Partnership 4 Kids - $1,000 Project Houseworks - $3,500 PromiseShip - $1,500 Urban League of Nebraska - $1,000

Red Cross Seeks Nominations for Heroes in the Heartland

The American Red Cross Serving the Omaha-Council Bluffs Metro urges citizens in the metro area to nominate people who have performed extraordinary acts for the 2020 “Heroes in the Heartland� luncheon in Omaha. Every day, ordinary people make extraordinary contributions by putting their needs aside to help others in our community. The American Red Cross is honored to salute these unsung heroes. A hero might be a lifeguard who saved a drowning child, an ordinary citizen who performed CPR when a stranger collapsed at a shopping mall, or someone who saved a neighbor’s beloved pets from a fire. “We’ve seen a lot of heroic acts in the last year in the metro area and this is a great opportunity to truly thank someone for the difference they’ve made,� said Jill Orton, Executive Director for the American Red Cross Omaha Council Bluffs Metro Area Chapter. “I am always amazed at the nominations for this event, and I look forward to hearing the stories of heroism in our community.�

Nominations are open through December 10. People are encouraged to visit http://www.redcross.org/local/

nebraska/heroes-nomination to share stories and nominate those who they feel are deserving of the honor.

Local heroes will be recognized at a luncheon on March 3, 2020 at the Hilton Omaha. At that event, the heroes and their guests will be honored by an audience of community leaders and supporters.

Those nominated are eligible for one of seven Hero categories: Lifetime Hero – presented to an individual who inspires others by their example. This individual has overcome hardship, risen above challenges, or dedicated their life to serving others.

Gift of Life – presented to an individual, couple, group or organization that supports the lifesaving mission through personal blood or platelet donations or inspiring others to give blood or platelets.

Good Samaritan – presented to an individual who is considered a hero because of their unselfish devotion and concern for the welfare of others.

Call to Action – presented to an individual who by circumstances beyond their control found themselves in a challenging situation and demonstrated extraordinary courage.

Commitment to Community – presented to an individual, couple, group or organization that has made a tremendous impact on the community through their volunteerism, philanthropy, or service to others.

Disaster Relief – presented to an individual or organization who has served an important role in disaster relief in our community.

Public Servant Hero – presented to an individual who, in the line of duty (police, fire, military, medical, etc.), performed above and beyond the call.

Residents in the following counties are eligible for the Award: • In Nebraska: Douglas, Sarpy, Cass, Saunders, Dodge, Washington, Burt, Thurston • In Iowa: Pottawattamie, Harrison, Mills To submit a nomination, visit http:// www.redcross.org/local/nebraska/ heroes-nomination to nominate online, or download a nomination form and email it to: danielle.jurgens@redcross. org; or mail to: American Red Cross, ATTN: Dani Jurgens, 2912 S 80th Ave., Omaha, NE, 68124.

Self-nominations are not permitted.

THE OMAHA STAR

Omaha Beef Release 2020 Season Schedule Ralston − The Omaha Beef has announced the release of the 2020 Champions Indoor Football (CIF) schedule, just in time for fans to secure season tickets for the upcoming holiday season. The 2020 season will kick off in March and culminate with the Champions Bowl in July. The 21st season of Omaha Beef Football brings with it a new kickoff time for all Saturday Night home games: 6:30 p.m., with doors to the Slaughterhouse opening at 5:30 p.m. for the general public, and 5 p.m. for season ticket holders.

Highlights of the 2020 season include familiar rivals and new faces, including a pair of teams making their first ever visit to the Slaughterhouse at Ralston Arena. Catch the first action of the year with a Preseason home game to open up the schedule on March 7, followed by a road trip for the next two weeks to open up the regular season. First, the Beef travel to the newest CIF rival in West Texas (3/14), and the oldest rival in Sioux City (3/21). The Beef then return for their season home opener on Saturday, March 28 against the Wichita Force. The Beef went 2-0 last season against the Force, and will matchup with their Kansas foe an additional two times thru the 2020 season in Omaha (5/9) and Wichita (6/13). After a bye week on April 4, the lone matchup against the Oklahoma Flying Aces will take place in Enid, OK on April 11. Last season saw the Beef ground the Flying Aces in all three matchups.

The lone Sunday matchup (4/19) will surely be one of the hottest games of the season with a 3:05 p.m. kickoff! 2019 Northern Conference Champion Salina Liberty will visit the Slaughterhouse in a game against the Beef’s arch nemesis from last season. Salina stopped Omaha on a game-ending 2-point conversion attempt that sent the Liberty to the CIF Championship over the Beef last June. The Slaughterhouse is sure to be rocking loud with cowbells in this matchup of two of the top CIF teams. The Beef will visit Salina on June 6.

On Saturday May 2, the Amarillo Venom will make their first trip to Omaha, one of two teams that will be brand new to the Slaughterhouse this season. The Beef will make the return trip to the Texas panhandle a few weeks later on May 16. Memorial Day weekend brings with it the return of the Beef’s annual Heroes Night, a tradition dating back to 2009, as they welcome in I-29 rival Sioux City on May 23. The annual Heroes Night, honoring Military, First Responders and Veterans, has become a Beef tradition with grand reception by the Omaha community. Last season featured multiple city mayors, councilmen, military and veteran honorees, and a specialty jersey night auction that raised money for local charities. Rounding out the regular season home schedule will wrap up with a visit from the newest CIF team, West Texas on June 20.

For the 2020 CIF Playoffs, the top 4 teams will qualify, with the top 2 teams hosting the 3rd and 4th seeds. First round of the playoffs will take place on the weekend of June 27, and the CIF Champions Bowl will wrap up the 2020 season in early July.

Thank you, Nebraska.

If you missed our in-person workshops in libraries across

at .

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Page Three

Page Four THE OMAHA STAR

PRAISE, WORSHIP, DEVOTION, OBITUARIES & INSPIRATION

The Mystery and Beauty of Worship

Live Peacefully

By Dr. William Holland I realize it’s awkward to worship someone we cannot see, but that is the point of living by faith. The Christian life is all about having a passionate desire to be with Jesus in the secret place of our hearts, and as we draw nearer to Him, He will open the eyes of our spirits so that we can see and know Him more personally. These lines and precepts of spiritual levels expose the vast difference between living a default religious existence and becoming a remnant disciple of our Lord and Savior.

God is calling us today to spend more time with Him and fall in love with Him so deeply that nothing in this world can interfere with this bond of holy intimacy. Is this what you want today? Do you long to be loved with the most fervent affection in heaven and earth? If this is what you are seeking, then you have found the meaning of life as God can supply your every need! However, there is one thing that can prevent you from becoming what Jesus died for you to be – your will. Love is a choice and is measured by our thoughts and actions. “You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water. I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory. Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands. I will be fully satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you” (Psalm 63:1-5).

Worship is a unique and widely misunderstood term that humans seem to avoid thinking about, yet it’s actually something we practice constantly. Our fallen nature shrinks away from thinking about or openly praising God but boldly exalts the other idols in our life. It’s amazing how many people focus their attention on a special interest but would never consider worship as the simple act of personal adoration. There is an old saying “Everybody serves somebody” and I believe we can conclude that whatever has captured our imagination receives our highest praise.

As we enter this holiday season, let’s remember it is a time to rejoice and celebrate with family and friends. It’s a great time to extend courtesies to your neighbors and strangers alike.

It’s not about who gives the biggest gift, but rather who has the biggest heart.

As we pray for peace on earth, let’s remember to enjoy God’s perfect peace.

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

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2 Omaha, Nebraska

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

7, 2010

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

tin

event

Omaha City Councilman Ben Gray will commemorativ deliver e address on the UNMC campus a Monday, Jan. 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 with positive and For Staples Foundation coordinator of Equity Office Our Kids for academic enrichment works to provide the Martin Luther Learning Inc. is Commemoratio 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 more than $17 speech.” foundation created relevant said Briana Curran, million to national and manager, Staples The Funding from SFFL by Staples Inc. Foundation that provide educationallocal charities best annual address is regularly for Learning. will support the one attended events “Staples and opportunities Winners Circle Foundation for on Martin Luther of the city’s job skills for all program, which Learning supports King Jr. Day. people, with a This year, the event starts pro- Winners vides underserved the special Circle program, at noon, is free which cre- youth. emphasis on disadvantaged to the public. Guests and open dents with access elementary stu- ates an environment to rigorous math, Staples Foundation the visitor parking can park in Lot 15V, which where youth are reading and citizenship recognized for is 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 students have and All Our Kids Heritage Foundation, and the Initiative for the 2nd District. elected city council member the resources and 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 and host Winners Circle ” on Omaha’s of Nebraska develops and supportsorganization that KETV department at Program of The creates a community of caring ABC’s affiliate Medical Center NewsWatch social entreprePartnership For station, dents from pre-kindergarten for stu- neurs around to use intervention The Our Kids. “With discussions about 7. The show featured passionate gies to decrease youth the world, in nine stratesup- high school through tries: port from Staples violence, such couna variety engagement after Argentina, to of community Foundation for help as immediate Belgium, Brazil, Gray has won multiple violent incidents Learning we can issues. tion taged youth graduate more disadvan- Canada, local, regional continue to reduce retaliaattempts.

France, Germany, awards as a reporter, and pursue highand national grades and standardized to increase er education the photojournalis In 1998, Gray to become employable Netherlands, Spain and test scores for Gray dedicates t and his wife, youth throughout the United productive citizens much of his time and host.

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

Connection, Inc. District.

A sought — a non-profit, 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.

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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

meeting canceled

next meeting will has been cancelled. The Network Monthly Meeting will begin at 9 a.m.

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

Displays to help Parents, and the interactive community Development. Tables and Partner.

Education and Youth become a Mentor or Adopt-A-Class The focus will be on Opportunity to sign up to Presentations & Families, Students & Community. to help students succeed PLUS Special Interactive ways Learn more about specific m.

Discussions. the web at www.empoweromaha.co 502-5153 or visit us on For more information call

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 continue to repair and buy I can hardly 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 seems like yesterday (please 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 We here and now wish fee is $30.00 devoted to the work of card. Our the people and for the people. that will be valid Club hours are its was per edition was expired. Some of by from 3-8 p.m. the Omaha Star dedicates Jan. 4 - May in the community, submitted For more Club 7. Our to have you know that and ask for Mr. public in the churches you have been supgeneral the information call Dave Felici, Unit serving of task 342-2300 existence to the the pastors.

Director.

Happy New Year 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 of companies that did not N. 36th St. Those seeking her readers to proStar is especially fascinating can the support of the general League, the Urban League employment should Anyone who is interested also used editorials to encourage and she challenged National Business ture, we sincerely request and dressed for Black museum.

This paper is about us. come prepared in when we as a group must military success. Lunch and the Great Plains with a resume and issues. Where else test the segregation of the public. The time is at hand plant Nebraska, will be provided. information call active, she was submit their story, events Congratulatio Omaha Star a firm foundathat the Martin Bomber time during which it was 557-4470.

To RSVP or for ns to...the King Since the recent recession, begin to build. Give the them to apply for jobs She During the more De Porres Club, and also Science & Technology 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 hours of Omaha.

Young, Excellence of 25 countless first people Whitney spent the She place winners Luke Armitage; or even if you want to to at least two columnist. force for winners (l to commuwith Emily Beck; r): 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 the secretary of the Omaha director of the National nity service awards, including the “Unsung Heroine awards cerMadeleine Dangerfield; compliment us. Your comments community in Omaha, ally becoming the executive for the African-American in behalf of the community Martha Winterer; by the NAACP, one of editorials. the community to realize ated. The staff is working Award” for service awarded Urban League, contributed Gilberts also encouraged better and more enlighten a honored be have Africanattention to call always 16,000 to country to the power boycotts and trying people in The country’s The paper supported the positive effect the buying was small, and is an outstanding cater often only thirty-five largest film time of her death. She paper. Our staff is very she and her staff were if they would carefully festival for children and with this award by the to discrimination, and Americans could have working to satisfy you. including traditional, teens will be Lyndon B. Johnson as a businesses that employed team and they are always to making stop in Omaha also appointed by President their purchases only to CGI, collage support base and I wish well. beginning in January a tour stop-motion styles. to East Germany to investigate and Live Action.

We have a large religious treated the community and ambassador churches the goodwill of Film Streams African-Americans More than ten when tries are for the support following the conpresents the Best issue of the paper, Edward coun- RecommendeIn English. Australia; 95 express sincere thanks, represented, including alleged human rights violations worked to improve Specifically, in the second of the New York International min. clergy leaders. d 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 work, when they might approving of their 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 readers look at the of 30,685 in Fairy of the Star Brown.

Financial Group. sup- the corner of 14th name, circulation Omaha at a and maiden anyway.

Animation. her Djinns. our business and Mike Fahey Founded in 1997, and had a staff of twenty, Mildred resumed using for those who support us Mildred Brown wrote, (for- RecommendeIn English. France; 99 min.

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 d ages: 6 to adult. 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 refuse More information deprived neighborhood news and works for audiences For those advertisers, who is clear. If the Negro is Mildred Brown provided ages 3-18 and on all five programs Feb. 20-21, 25, 27-28, to market to, we encourage through the years since within Best helping to define than fifty years. The paper March 4 — are not important enough NYICFF Kids the tortuous gains achieved of NYICFF commentary for more compelling film a more online can be found Flix shop to ask those merchants lost, and tomorrow’s Negro by calling attention to experience for at our readers when they his emancipation will be served an important function A kaleidoscopic Juried by such kids. www.gkids.tv www.f ilmstreams.o rg of the powerful forces, they don’t? If they continue people in the black commucollection of well-known filmmakers or animated that do not advertise Why youth will be at the mercy the accomplishments of /tour. For questions, the best Star, I urge our John Turturro, the ramparts of bigThe newspaper Omaha man short the values. in still as that positive films advertise contact South Susan Sarandon, please world, from North and to refuse to Casey Logan $$ nity and emphasizing got Mildred Brown Schamus, Matthew featuring traditional around the at James email their products. Remember who received awards, or otry, prejudice and discrimination.” to do so. From readers to stop buying at casey@filmst 933-0259 x11 or CGI, collage, recognized individuals animation, Sant, the festival Modine and Gus Van compelled reams.org. had previously been closed and stop-motion. persisted because she felt The schedule: speak. new jobs in industries that has been described civic In English.

65 min. Recommende she had established readers, supporters, merThe New York It announced acts of by the first edition of her newspaper, Thanks again to my staff, Times as being to African-Americans. d ages: 3 to 8. good writers and all others They highlighted one She guided the newspa- a challenge to herself and her staff, “that no “devoted to the kind of fare chants advertisers, contributing labeled “troublemakers.” pride and community charity.

Jan. 9-10, 14, of that may be found and that evil shall not March 6-7, 11, the continued existence eras of the Civil Rights 16-17, 21 — week in order to continue Academy Awards at the Razzle cause shall lack a champion 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 mockumentar of their community, Brown to the racial unrest of the bright and continued future An all-animated y 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 for and throughout the nation. fast development, and offered audiences. In live through get any further a Seniors Alexis English them. titles.

Page and Ayomide neighbors. interested in letting discrimination 75 min. Recommende or English suband queen at wishes to urge that you Adekunle were d ages: 9 to 16.

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

Career & Scholar

ship Fair

Best of the New

York Internationa

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

l Children’s Film

Festival

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 – Women’s on What can learn from differences? circle to spoke Ms Winters is my best self? your different from me? How today. She gave Who 4 . individuals/groups 7. Include others – Expand in the business world 3. Acknowledge your Tawanna Black and Dr. Winters continued on page 2 to sustained sucmy are they the same? examples of eight steps How do differ- See Leadership to change – What are prejudices – In what 6. Value differences – contribute to Open yourself be my best self? cess: Motivation, Passion/commitment, do I exclude? How do I opportunities to grow? To Magnitude of the ways 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.

THOMAS FUNERAL HOME & Cremation Services

A Tradition of Caring Since 1939 3920 North 24th St. Omaha, NE 68110 402-453-7111 www.omahathomasfh.com

Of course, the human race comes fully equipped with this ability to be infatuated and controlled within the freewill of the conscience and is more than willing to bow down to whatever we love. We deny that many times we have actually crowned ourselves as lord and king, which explains why human nature rarely considers the fact that idolatry has more to do with the one we see in the mirror than an outside influence or temptation. The gospel summarizes the concept of worship as either going through life in the default mode of serving our own desires or making the decision to be spiritually re-born to serve and worship God. In short, we must be willing to change. Let it be said that He will compel, but does not force anyone to worship Him; and according to His spiritual principles, the dark side also abides by the same law. It’s true, you and I are constantly being influenced and choosing whom we will obey.

Together let us take a closer look at the definition of worship: “A homage or reverence paid to a thing or person; the acts, rites, or ceremonies of worship; adoration or devotion comparable to religious homage shown toward a person or principle (like the worship of wealth), honor, respect, veneration, reverence, esteem, exaltation, admiration, to extol, admire, glorify, magnify, and praise” (The Oxford Dictionary – American Edition).

He draws us with His love, and we respond with gratitude and reverential awe.

To know Him is the purpose of living, to love Him is our most precious gift, and to worship Him is our greatest honor and privilege. Wherever you are in your spiritual journey, God desires to fill you with His love and teach you everything you will need to know concerning the divine realities of His abundant life. May you embrace God’s Word as a vital stepping stone in your pathway toward comprehending Him more intimately. Heaven will be filled with the joys of worshiping our Lord and Redeemer and we can begin today. “O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the Lord our maker” (Psalm 95:6).

Kids Talk About God How Do You Entertain An Angel?

By Carey Kinsolving And Friends “Make sure the house is clean and a pot of potatoes is in the oven,” says Alex, 6.

I’m sure Idaho potato farmers will be glad to know that spuds are finally getting the respect they deserve. Alex, you were probably thinking of their white, flaky texture when you selected potatoes as the cuisine of choice for celestial visitors.

The Bible speaks of instances where people entertained strangers who were really angels in human form (Genesis 18, 19 & Hebrews 13:2).

When an angel comes to visit, get out those dancing shoes, says Anissa, 7: “I would dance and dance until I had no more dances to do. Then I would sing the angel’s favorite song.”

King David danced before the ark when it was brought into Jerusalem. His wife was embarrassed, but David didn’t care because he loved the Lord.

“I would let the angel stay the night with me and let him sleep in my bed,” says Erica, 9. “I would sleep on the floor.

I would let him watch whatever show he would like even if I didn’t like it. I would ask him, ‘What is it like in heaven? Is it pretty or fun? What is God like?’“ Once I had the humbling experience of discovering that a couple had given me their beautiful master bedroom while they slept in an unfinished room on the floor.

Their act of love ministered more to me than the talk I gave at their church.

If there were an etiquette book on entertaining angels, Adrienne’s advice would be on page one: “If you treat everybody with kindness and hospitality, you will please God even if it is not an angel.”

Advice from Jennifer, 11, would also make page one: “If someone is in need

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TRADITION • RESPECT • DIGNITY

November 29, 2019

and needs help, we should help them. We need to treat people like angels like the way Jesus did.”

I commend Adrienne and Jennifer for grasping the real meaning of the Bible’s statement, “Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels” (Hebrews 13:2). Entertain in this case means to show hospitality.

I know a Christian couple whose door is always open. Don’t call ahead. Just drop in and see them. Is it any wonder that the Davis family is blessed with many friends? “A man who has friends must himself be friendly,” says Proverbs 18:24.

Although few can be sure if they have ever encountered an angel, we know from the Bible that angels are watching.

Rebecca, 10, is aware of her angelic audience when she says: “I think when you sing and glorify God, the angels like to listen, too. But they love it when you tell people about Jesus.”

Boy, do they love it! The Bible says, “There is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents” (Luke 15:10).

Angels rejoice when people (sinners) change their thinking about the way they relate to God. Don’t depend on your own efforts to earn something for which you can’t pay. Accept God’s free gift of eternal life by believing in his Son. The Apostle Paul calls this “repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ” (Acts 20:21).

Think about this: Every Christian can serve as a hospitality minister.

Memorize this truth: Hebrews 13:2 previously quoted.

Ask this question: How would your world change if you treated everyone like they were messengers from heaven?

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Funeral directors should contact the Omaha Star office to submit notices and/or Obituaries.

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PRAISE & WORSHIP DIRECTORY

November 29, 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……………10:00 A.M. Sunday School……………………….. 9:00 A.M. WEDNESDAY 11:00 A.M. ~ Hour of Power Bible Study Wednesday is Family Night!

6:00 P.M. ~ Prayer & Praise Service 6:30 P.M. ~ Feast & Fellowship (Light Meal) 7:15 P.M. ~ Discipleship Academy (Classes for ages 5 & up)

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

STAR SPECIAL COVERAGE

Page Six THE OMAHA STAR

November 29, 2019

Down for the Cause Not Down for the Count Development & Gentrification in North Omaha

Public Housing as a Race-Based Public Policy – De Facto Segregation or Just the Facts?

By Terri L. Crawford, JD

“There are still forces in America that want to divide us along racial lines, religious lines, sex, class. But we’ve come too far; we’ve made too much progress to stop or to pull back. We must go forward. And I believe we will get there.”

– Congressman John Lewis

Our selective national amnesia ignores the fact that racial segregation policy in housing was not merely a Southern concern, but widespread across the country. Herbert Hoover’s 1930 “President’s Conference on Home Building and Home Ownership” sought to focus attention upon the problems of home ownership and suggest means to combat them. Sounds like a great idea to achieve the “American Dream” right? Well, for America’s White citizens, it was. In his opening address, Hoover stated, “Singlefamily homes were expressions of racial longing” and “Our people should live in their own homes, a sentiment deep in the heart of our race.”

Five years later, the Omaha Housing Authority (OHA) was established, just as the Nebraska Legislature passed the Metropolitan Cities Housing Authorities Law. This was in response to national efforts to revitalize economically depressed communities and finance lowincome housing. Construction of Logan Fontenelle was one of OHA’s earliest projects.

Phase One of Omaha’s first public housing project opened in 1938 on 24th and Paul Streets.

Phase Two followed in 1941 on 20th and Clark. Logan Fontenelle’s 550 units served more than 2,100 low-income residents. The intended beneficiaries were new eastern European immigrants, primarily Czechs, Slovaks, German Jews and others. They had

fled oppressive Nazi regimes and desperately needed places to live.

The government needed workers, forming a “perfect union” in the eyes of both.

Legal segregation initially prevented Black residents from living in public housing. However, as European immigration decreased and income of White residents increased, the demographics of Logan Fontenelle shifted. As more Black families arrived in Omaha with the Great Migration, OHA became less interested in maintaining its grounds and facilities. Also, the segregation that originally banned Black residents was no longer legally enforceable. Within the decade, Logan Fontenelle became synonymous with neglect, racial segregation, isolation, and overpolicing. As the need for public housing increased, more families packed into those few housing units, escalating already tense conditions.

Logan Fontenelle faced many pitfalls on the journey to its demise, including the 1969 police shooting death of Vivian Strong, a 14-year old girl. Four major riots resulted when the White police officer who fatally shot her was found not guilty of murder. The projects were plagued by chronic, systemic racism, a crack cocaine epidemic and lawsuits spotlighting illegal segregation and race-based public policy.

In 1990, HUD, the City of Omaha and OHA were served with a Class Action lawsuit.

It alleged a 50-year history of racial discrimination in the administration of its public housing developments, Section 8 and Scattered Site housing programs. In 1994, Hawkins v.

Cisneros, a case also dealing with race, economic inequity and public housing, served as the death knell for Logan Fontenelle. Plaintiffs also alleged violations resulting in racially segregated housing.

The plaintiffs prevailed, and the defendants entered a consent decree

in 1994. Terms and conditions required demolition and replacement of Logan Fontenelle.

OHA announced a new housing project in 1951. Originally known as the “North Side Projects,” then the “Parker Street Projects,” they ultimately became known as Pleasant View Projects. Located on the east and west corners of North 30th Street and extending from Burdette to Parker streets, the complex was constructed in the historic Highlander neighborhood adjacent to Prospect Hill. Pleasant View occupied 14 acres of land and accommodated 184 units and a 51-unit tower. Due to many of the same neglectful conditions that existed in Logan Fontenelle, Pleasant View also fell prey to violence, crime and systemic racism.

Federal funding allowed Omaha to expand its public housing initiative and in June 1952, the Spencer Street Housing Projects opened on 30th and Spencer Streets. Also positioned in the Highlander neighborhood, Spencer originally offered 165 units, expanding over time to 25 buildings.

Then in 1977, the City of Omaha announced the official plan to direct the North Freeway right through the Spencer Projects.

The first choice had been to direct the freeway through the affluent Dundee-Happy Hollow neighborhood, but the plan was struck down after vehement protest. Despite opposition from

the North Omaha community, the city pushed the plan through. Four years later, in 1981, 57 units were demolished to make room for the North Freeway. It destroyed historic neighborhoods, businesses and decades of homeownership for longtime residents. Housing statistics report 11 buildings at Spencer Homes were demolished, displacing 56 families.

Hilltop Projects was also constructed in 1952, at the corner of 30th and Lake Streets. It was on the former site of Ittner Brothers brickyard, a company instrumental in the early construction of Omaha. Hilltop housed 200 families, with 225 units in 46 two-story buildings.

It was part of a distinct cluster of housing projects in North Omaha true to its redlining roots. Hilltop was located immediately adjacent to Pleasant View and displayed many of the patterns and practices of discrimination identified in the Cisneros case. Hilltop became a civil rights hub, hosting the likes of rights champions Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Fannie Lou Hamer. Dr. King toured the site when in Omaha speaking at the National Baptist Convention in 1958 at Salem Baptist Church, and on his return visit in 1960.

Resistance to the status quo, racist public policy gained momentum in the ‘60s. Those efforts were spearheaded by North Omaha State Senator Edward Danner who introduced the Nebraska Equal Housing Bill in 1963. It enacted a state policy of equal housing, citing the fact that “fewer than 50 of the 10,000 new homes in Omaha were available to Blacks.” As the lone Black legislator, Senator Danner received little support from his colleagues who saw no utility in the introduction of the bill, and it was not passed.

Negotiations with OHA, the city and Salem Baptist Church allowed for a new vision on the

All That Glitters, Part 2 45 Years of Block Grants As Omaha waded into the Community Development Block Grant waters in the late ‘70s and early ‘80s, three major plans for North Omaha took shape: Kellom Heights, the Conestoga Place subdivision, and redevelopment of 24th and Lake Streets.

“Kellom Heights was an area that was arguably the most disinvested part of North Omaha in terms of vacant ground,” says Marty Shukert, who served as Planning Director for Omaha in 1983. The developer for Kellom was the newly-formed Omaha Economic Development Corporation (OEDC), a spinoff of Wesley House.

Kellom was OEDC’s first project, says former president Al Goodwin. Their group had undergone a year-long process of laying the groundwork for economic development in North Omaha. This included competing for grants from the U.S. Health and Human Services department, developing a plan and creating a board for OEDC. “We looked at the area we wanted to work with, from Cumings over to Ames, from 16th to 30th Street,” says Goodwin. “The plan was to draw upon the expanding economic development to the east and south and transport that over to the north by jobs and housing and community development. (Kellom) was 132 units of multifamily housing, which was about a $6,000,000 project.”

The second plan was for a residential subdivision called Conestoga Place Neighborhoods, located south of the Conestoga School. That project was done by a housing development corporation called the Greater Omaha Community Development

and Housing Corporation, spun off from the Omaha Chamber of Commerce, Shukert says. The development was built in the ‘90s on the site of Logan Fontenelle housing project.

The third initiative was 24th and Lake Streets. During the planning stages, Shukert says, “(North Omaha activist and historian) Bertha Calloway did a little seminar for the people in the city about a project in Sioux City.” In contrast to the mass demolition going on to create Omaha’s new mall, Calloway explained how Sioux City had “reused one of the old buildings in the stockyards area for a new kind of neighborhood based commercial property,” he says. “And I thought that seemed like a good idea.”

Calloway’s presentation was the catalyst for eventually redeveloping the Lion Products building into the Blue Lion Center. The name was “a contraction of McGill’s Blue Room at 24th and Lake and Lion Products, which was the building south of it. Both buildings were tremendously deteriorated,” says Shukert.

That project was eventually owned and administered by North Omaha Community Development (NOCD), an umbrella group of neighborhood associations. The intent was to run a shopping center in the building.

With benefit of hindsight, Shukert say this falls into the category of good ideas that got off to a rough start. “The concept of Blue Lion Center, namely a neighborhood-run commercial project, didn’t work. On the other hand, the fact that those buildings were preserved began to establish some kind of

an economy. It eventually paved the way for something else, which was the Union (for Contemporary Art), which is terrific.”

By this time, the city had also realized the limitations of housing rehabilitation.

“Rehabilitation is fine,” Shukert says, “but unless you start filling those vacant lots with something it’s a lost cause, because you have nothing that’s sustaining rehabilitation … The typical single family rehabilitation program got more and more expensive, and strategically less effective. We thought it was important to try to produce new housing in North Omaha.”

Shukert and another member of the planning department, Bob Peters, put together Block Grant and private loan funds to create affordable housing packages for owner/ occupants. “Ultimately the goal was to buy or clear land, largely through community development corporations like OEDC or Holy Name Housing Corporation, which has always been the way in Omaha, and build the infrastructure and the subdivisions,” he says. “The program that got established in the 1980s was a blended program of CDBG funds or HOME funds and private funds that were tailored to be affordable to the individual family,” Shukert says. “All the single family housing in North Omaha built during that period and then into the ‘90s and even into the century involved an expansion of that kind of a program.”

(Look for Part Three in the Dec. 13 issue of The Omaha Star.)

hill. In 1999 a new church was constructed just west of 30th and Lake Streets, occupying the site of the former Hilltop Housing Project. Salem was also responsible for the development of Walgreens at the intersection.

There continue to be gallant efforts to “revitalize” North Omaha, or “North Downtown.”

Many are excited about the possibilities of what’s to come.

Word to the wise, gentrification should not be confused with urbanization.

In 2015, the Fair Housing Equity Assessment (FHEA) compared demographic information for zip codes in North and Northeast Omaha, coming to some notso-surprising conclusions.

North Omaha was identified as the largest cluster for race and poverty, mirroring the redlined area on the 1936 HOLC Security Map. That’s right, an overlay of the 1936 map onto a 2015 map shows little to no change.

Here’s the takeaway: undoing the detrimental effects of de jure segregation will be difficult, but not impossible. It means investing the same energy, resources, public policy and dollars into building neighborhoods as we did in demolishing them. If the federal government could spend billions creating White suburbs, they could also eliminate systemic obstacles to Black home ownership.

Investment in transportation systems that open access to the “abundant” job opportunities would cause the inequality to die from lack of oxygen. Progress has been made, and there remains much work to be done.

(Terri L. Crawford, 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 Voters of Greater Omaha.)

Wealth Gap and Home Ownership The wealth gap between Whites and Blacks often hinges on home ownership. A 2017 study prepared

by Prosperity Now and the Institute for Policy Studies posits, “Although … disparities are driven by several factors, disparities in homeownership rates account for much of the racial wealth divide. (emphasis added)” Another interesting fact: “In 2015, the federal government spent $51 billion on public housing assistance programs, which was a little less than half of what was spent through the tax code to support homeownership during the same year through the Mortgage Interest Deduction and the Property Tax Deduction ($90 billion). Although both programs support families in their efforts to secure a roof over their heads, families earning $100,000 or more took 90% of the $90 billion available through taxrelated housing assistance, while those earning $50,000 received only about one percent of these benefits. In other words, despite the shared goal of boosting housing opportunities for Americans, wealthbuilding tax programs are designed to help the wealthy become even wealthier.”

COMMENTARY

November 29, 2019

Express Yourself The Real Black Panthers

By Timothy L. Ashford © 2019

The success of Marvel’s 2018 Black Panther movie starring Chadwick Boseman as T’Challa, king of the mythical African Nation called Wakanda, has made blacks forget about the Real Black Panther Party for Self-Defense. The Black Panther movie is about a make-believe Black Panther King, with superhuman powers, who battled evil and injustice but not police brutality or racism.

The Black Panther movie was the second highest grossing film in 2018, it is the third highest grossing film in the U.S. and Canada, and it is the 9th highest grossing film of all time. Blacks are so proud of the all black movie cast that they have forgotten about the thousands of young blacks who were the Black Panther Party for Self Defense in the 1960s.

Marvel created the Black Panther superhero in 1966 and the Black Panther Party for Self-Defense (“Panthers”) was formed in Oakland in 1966 by Bobby Seale and Huey Newton. Their goal was to protect blacks from the injustice, police brutality and racism which is still occurring today. By 1969, the real Panthers had approximately 10,000 armed members who could assemble anywhere in this country within minutes. Although Malcolm X was assassinated in 1964, the Panthers based their organization on his defiant opposition to police brutality, racism and injustice “By Any Means Necessary.”

The Panthers believed in armed resistance to police brutality and expressing their first amendment right to freedom of speech; which sometimes resulted in fiery words such as “kill the pigs” referring to the death of police officers or by “any means necessary.” The Panthers, who were between the ages of 18 and 30, also appeared in force in the black community whenever a tragic event occurred such as the death of a black by a police officer.

The Panthers started the free breakfast program which was continued by the U.S. government and they started neighborhood patrols. The Black Panther, which was the official paper of the Panthers, had a circulation of 250,000 and many who read the paper were young “freedom fighters.”

In 1967, armed Panthers protested a ban on weapons by marching into the California State Capitol in Sacramento armed with legal AK47s; which is shown in a YouTube documentary entitled “Vanguard of the

Revolution – The Real Story of the Black Panther Party.”

A 1960s poll indicated that approximately 25 percent of the black population had a great respect for the Panthers.

To counteract a Panther revolution in the U.S., a clandestine covert government Counter Intelligence Program called Cointelpro was created by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Director J. Edgar Hoover. The goal of Cointelpro was to observe, infiltrate, and harass The Panthers in an effort to kill and destroy the organization. Local police officers planted evidence to falsely accuse the Panthers of crimes they did not commit because of their fear of the 10,000 armed Panthers.

In Omaha, Wopashitwe Mondo Eyen We Langa formerly known as David Rice (hereinafter “Mondo”) and Ed Poindexter emerged as charismatic leaders of the Omaha Chapter of the National Committee to Combat Fascism, which was established by the Black Panther Party Members for Self Defense in 1969.

As a direct result of the F.B.I. Operation Cointelpro, on April 17, 1971, Poindexter and Mondo were wrongfully convicted of the August 1970 bombing death of Omaha Police Officer Larry D. Minard, Sr. The police were lured to a house at 2867 Ohio Street by a man who stated during a 911 call that a woman was screaming inside the house. A booby trapped suitcase filled with dynamite exploded killing Minard inside the house. Poindexter and Mondo, like other Panthers, were convicted of first degree murder after a jury trial in the District Court of Douglas County, Nebraska. Mondo and Poindexter were sentenced to life in prison for first-degree murder. Poindexter and Mondo denied any involvement in the murder.

Poindexter has been in jail since they were wrongfully convicted. During his final appeal, Mondo died in prison in March 2016. Poindexter and approximately 18 former Panther political prisoners are still in jail.

So, when the sequel to the Marvel Black Panther movie comes to a theatre near you, take a moment to think about the real superheroes in the black community. Those who fought injustice, police brutality and racism in the 1960s. Mondo, Poindexter and the Black Panther Party for Self Defense.

(Editor’s Note: The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the policies and position of the staff and management of the Omaha Star newspaper.)

Financial Tips from Veridian Wait for Your Refund to Arrive If you’re expecting a refund at tax time, you likely want that money as fast as you can get it. That’s why it’s a good idea to plan ahead and be ready to file as soon as you have the necessary information.

If you have your refund deposited directly into your bank account, it can come as soon as seven to 10 days after you file. There is an unfortunate exception: If you claim the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), your refund will be held until Feb. 15 by law, which means you likely won’t receive it until the end of the month.

That delay can make you more likely to agree to offers from a commercial tax preparer. If they say you can get your refund now, they’re talking about a refund anticipation loan. And if they say they can deduct the cost of their services from your refund, that’s a refund anticipation check.

Both offers are short-term loans. Once you add in all the fees, you could pay up to 200% in interest. Don’t pay your preparer to get your own money – have patience.

Here are some tips to protect yourself at tax time: • Avoid for-profit tax preparers. If you

make less than $66,000, you may qualify for free filing or free tax preparation assistance. The trained volunteers who work for programs like Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) won’t offer you any sort of refund anticipation loan. Go to https://irs.treasury.gov/freetaxprep to find services near you.

• Avoid “instant refunds” and “quick cash.” According to the National Consumer Law Center, those terms are commonly used to hide the fact that you’re being offered a high-cost refund anticipation loan.

• Be ready for direct deposit. You’ll need your financial institution’s routing number (Veridian’s is 273976369) and your account number.

If you could use some financial advice, Veridian is here to help. We’re a notfor-profit credit union with branches in Council Bluffs, Omaha and Papillion.

Simply stop by a Veridian branch or call (800) 235-3228 and ask to speak to Areli to schedule a one-on-one consultation today.

By Debra L. Shaw Shark Tank Partnership Kid’s Version Written by Grant Rohan, UNO PRSSA, VP of Public Relations, The Gateway, News Editor Mark Cuban and Barbara Corcoran might not be investors in this version of Shark Tank, but the Partnership 4 Kids Shark Tank program will be aided by local business owners in this current educational program. In September, P4K began its Shark Tank Middle School Edition, an educational experience to teach eighth graders in their program about financial vitality, an ethical value promoted through Omaha’s Youth Ethics Alliance. Running from Sept. 20 to Dec. 5, the program allows students to develop an idea for a popcorn-based small business, create a business plan for their idea and compete to be selected as top business model at their middle school.

Four “sharks” attend each school and evaluate the business plan, ask questions, provide feedback and choose the winning plan.

Shukura Huggins, P4K program coordinator and UNO graduate, described how the concept of financial vitality and the eighth-grade curriculum of entrepreneurship opens new lanes for students. “I think it gives them some different options; there may be a student who is looking at different industries and they may want to see what it’s like to work for yourself and use creativity to launch,” Huggins said. “A lot of them also know other people in their families or in the community that are entrepreneurs, so

By Oscar Blayton

As the Titanic was sinking after colliding with an iceberg in 1912, the poor among the passengers, trapped below deck, were drowning as the wealthy made their way to lifeboats.

It is always the disadvantaged who suffer first and suffer the most.

Since America has begun to sink after crashing into the Trump presidency, the disadvantaged in this country have begun to drown in the flood of white supremacy, patriarchy and other forms of hate-

inspired abuse.

But this is just the tip of the iceberg.

The Trump presidency has polluted the federal courts with conservative judges bent on turning back the clock on women’s rights, voting rights and every other civil right won through the hard-fought legal battles of the past 60 years. And with the federal courts being seeded with bigots of every stripe, it will be very difficult to reverse the momentum of this country’s march backward into the moral desert that America is again becoming.

The first waves of the invasion against our humanity have begun. Those Americans deemed “less deserving” are being victimized by bigoted schemes to strip away their voting rights. People of color seeking better lives by immigrating to this country are being denied entry in an obvious plot to keep America as white as possible.

The disgrace of a man who lounges in the White House is the son of a Ku Klux Klan member, so should we expect any different?

America is sinking like the Titanic and what can we do about it? One possible answer is that we become more self-reliant – politically, economically and culturally.

A crude poem found its way into Black culture just after the Titanic sank. It was during the height of the Jim Crow era and African Americans were being severely marginalized in the North and pushed back as close to the condition of slavery as possible in the South.

The poem was “Shine.” Shine was the antithetical “Negro” of the early 20th century. In the ghettos of Chicago and the cotton fields of Mississippi, Shine was known as a “Bad N*****” by people who, in an act of defiance, embraced a painfully derogatory word and made it their own as an act of resistance.

There are many versions of the poem, but in all, Shine is a lowly worker on the luxury liner when it begins to sink. Being denied a seat on a lifeboat, he jumps overboard and begins to swim. The ship’s captain pleads for Shine to save him, but Shine swims on. A rich white woman offers him forbidden sex to save her, but Shine swims on. He overcomes numerous dangers along the way, but by the time news of the Titanic reaches America, Shine is in a bar in Harlem enjoying a drink.

This commentary is too short to cite all the metaphors in the poem illustrating the impediments confronting African Americans, but the takeaway is that we must rely on ourselves.

Many African Americans have dubbed the post civil rights era as the “Second Reconstruction” because of the doors that opened to us in education and employment.

But that era is coming to a close. False friends and ineffectual allies will leave us to fend for ourselves. But we must persevere and continue to move forward with our true friends and allies and our sense of self-reliance.

Difficult days are ahead, but this is not a time for weeping and self-pity. It is time to brace ourselves and throw everything we have into the struggle.

★ SO THE

Our office will be closed Janua th in observance ry 18 ,

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

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

Luther King Day

Only Black Owned Newspaper

event

Omaha City Councilman Vol. 72 - No. Ben Gray will commemorative 2 Omaha, Nebraska deliver a address on the Monday, Jan. UNMC campus Thursday, January 18, to on Rev. Martin Luther honor slain civil rights 7, 2010 leader, 50 cents King Jr. Gray’s speech, which is sponsored The Nebraska

by UNMC and Medical Center, Truhlsen Campus will be in the Events Center Center. in the Sorrell “We are pleased The Partnership to bring a city For community volunteer leader and tireless non-profit organization Our Kids, a Schools.” to campus,” Newland, M.D., that provides disadvantaged director of UNMC’s said Myrna “The Partnership The mission of students For Our Kids Staples Foundation and coordinator of Equity Office academic enrichment with positive works to for Learning Inc. the Martin Luther provide Commemoration is to teach, train King Day received a $10,000 experiences, has mentary school disadvantaged ele- inspire.

Committee. “I and Founded in 2002, grant from Staples students with positive believe our campus Foundation for the founda- can look forward to an Learning, a private academic enrichment experiences,” tion has contributed inspiring and speech.” foundation created relevant said Briana Curran, million to national more than $17

by Staples Inc. manager, Staples The annual address and local charities Funding from SFFL Foundation for is regularly one will support the Learning. “Staples that provide educational opportunities best attended of the city’s Winners Circle events on Martin Foundation for and job skills program, which Learning supports Luther King Jr. This year, the for all people, pro- Winners vides underserved the special event starts at Day. with a Circle program, noon, is free which cre- youth. emphasis on disadvantaged to the public. Guests dents with access elementary stu- ates an environment and open can park in Lot to rigorous math, Staples Foundation the visitor parking where youth are 15V, which is reading and citizenship recognized for for area Learning located their achievements has also developed the Student Life on increase their academic activities to teachers, peers, by relationships lasting Center at the cornerthe south side of parents and the achievement. of 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 for the 2nd District. students have and All Our Kids Heritage Foundation, and the the resources and member Initiative joined forces in for a Competitive support needed 2007 to form Prior to his election, Inner City. In addiOmaha City Councilman to Partnership develop an enthusiasm The tion, Staples Gray had a 30-year For Our Kids, to Ben Gray Foundation for a television for learning,” help dissaid Beth Smith, career as nered Learning photojournalist Executive Director, advantaged students. The Partnership supports Ashoka, an organization with the emergency “Kaleidoscope” Winners Circle on Omaha’s ABC’s and host of Nebraska that develops and supports department at Program of The creates a community of caring Medical affiliate station, social entrepre- KETV NewsWatch 7.

The Partnership For dents from pre-kindergarten for stu- neurs around The show featured gies to decrease Center to use intervention Our Kids. “With discussions about the world, in nine stratesup- high school youth violence, passionate through tries: port from Staples a variety of such as immediate Argentina, Belgium, coun- Gray has to help Foundation for community issues. engagement after violent won multiple Learning we can Brazil, taged youth graduate more disadvan- Canada, incidents to reduce local, regional tion attempts. continue France, Germany, awards as a reporter, and pursue highretaliaand national grades and standardized to increase er education the photojournalist In 1998, Gray to become employable Netherlands, Spain and test scores for Gray dedicates and his wife, youth throughout the United productive citizens much of his time and host.

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

Community Connection, director for Impact Public School in the (OPS) District.

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

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

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

Excellence Winners

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

Career & Scholarship

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

Congratulations to...the King Science & Technology Science Fair.

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

Best of the New

York Internatio

nal Children’s

Fair

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

To RSVP or for more

The country’s largest film festival for children and including traditional, teens will be making stop in Omaha CGI, collage beginning in January a tour stop-motion styles. and Live Action.

Film Streams More than when tries are In presents the Best represented, including ten coun- Recommended English. Australia; 95 min. of the New York International ages: 9 to adult. works from Australia, (NYICFF). From Children’s Film Festival Germany, Denmark, Finland, France, Feb. Jan. 9 to March Latvia, Sweden, 6-7, 11, 13-14, Streams’ Ruth 18, Film U.K. Switzerland, the Sokolof Theater, and Azur & Asmar 18 — nonprofit cinema, Omaha’s within the U.S. Tickets for all screenings Directed by will screen five Best Ocelot.

Michel best programs of the for seniors, of NYICFF are $9 general, from $7 students, teachers A dazzling animated series continues the 2009 NYICFF. The dren, and chilfeature about Film Streams’ and $4.50 Young family two for Film Streams boys raised as brothers, Forever Members. and children’s who set off on dangerous quest which is made program, Streams’ All screenings will occur a through faraway possible in part at Film find Ruth Sokolof lands to and free the port from Lincoln with Theater, located Fairy of the Financial Group. sup- the corner of 14th at Animation. and Mike Fahey Founded in 1997, In English. France; Djinns. (for- Recommended NYICFF is dedicated merly Webster) Streets, to promoting one block south ages: 6 to adult. 99 min.

Cuming Street. intelligent, of passionate, provocative cinematic More information works for audiences ages 3-18 and on all five programs Feb. 20-21, 25, 27-28, within Best helping to define March 4 — NYICFF Kids of NYICFF compelling f a more online can be found Flix ilm experience at www.f ilmstreams.org A kaleidoscopic Juried by such for kids. www.gkids.tv/tour. collection of well-known filmmakers or animated the best John Turturro, For questions, short films as contact Casey Susan Sarandon, please from around world, featuring Logan at 933-0259 Schamus, Matthew the James email traditional x11 or CGI, at casey@filmstreams.o collage, and stop-motion. animation, Sant, the festival Modine and Gus Van rg.

The schedule: has been described In English.

65 min. Recommended The New York by Times as being ages: 3 to 8. “devoted to the kind of fare Jan. 9-10, 14, that may be found March 6-7, 11, 16-17, 21 — Academy Awards at the Razzle 13-14, 18 — but not at the Dazzle NYICFF Directed by Darren tiplex.” local mulParty Mix A mockumentary Ashton.

An all-animated skewering the Best of NYICFF program featuring absurdi- ious, features one live-action ties of competition hilarcomedy and youth dance troupe between kids on the vokingvisually stunning, and thought-profour animated programs, involved circuit – and the shorts, specifically hyper- older parents who intended audiences. In live through Seniors Alexis English or English for them. titles.

Page and Ayomide sub75 min. Recommended and queen at Adekunle were Central High ages: 9 to 16. crowned king Homecoming on

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

Film Festival

On Monday, January 11 on NET1 and NET-HD, Sam Cooke and Marvin Gaye

page 10

See page 2 for details

To subscribe contact: Omaha Star Inc. - 2216 North 24th St. - Omaha, NE 68110 • 402-346-4041 Op 5

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

Benefits of Online Advertising

Act Now: Consumers can immediately click on a link to access more information or make a direct purchase.

Sept. 12, 2009.

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

Digital Ad Deadline: Tuesday of each week Digital Ad Formats: JPEG or PNG Additional Charges: Make Ready Production Fee: $40 Hyperlink: $25

www.theomahastar.com For more information contact: tcooper@omahastarinc.com

Details on page 4

Empowerment Network

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Nebraska Vol. 72 - No. 28 Omaha,

meeting canceled

next meeting will has been cancelled. The Network Monthly Meeting will begin at 9 a.m.

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

Displays to help Parents, and the interactive community Development. Tables and Partner.

Education and Youth become a Mentor or Adopt-A-Class The focus will be on Opportunity to sign up to Presentations & Families, Students & Community. to help students succeed PLUS Special Interactive ways Learn more about specific Discussions. the web at www.empoweromaha.com.

502-5153 or visit us on For more information call

Newspaper Nebraska’s Only Black Owned

50 cents

Omaha Star Celebrates 72nd Anniversary

Rates

Special Thanks

MILDRED D. BROWN July 9, 1938

Dr. Marguerita L. Washington,

Founded Omaha Star

Publisher

homes as you are hardly can continue to repair and buy I of the people that no good money and invest it “Dedicated to the service now doing, save your believe that the bonds that you and that evil shall not go wisely. Buy more Savings cause shall lack a champion Omaha Star has if and when things may be comfortable unopposed.” been in existence for change. seventy-two years a former pastor of the newspaper, Mildred Reverend Joseph Forbes, In an introduction to and I have been the said, “Mildred was Gilbert wrote: St. John A. M. E. Church publisher for the It is with profound pleashe made her paper To the Citizens of Omaha: a friend of the pastors ... last twenty years. It a platform. She Publishing Co., and [sic] available anytime we needed sure that the Omaha Star seems like yesterday well trained journalistic ministry. She believed that organization of energetic, by saw her work as a that I started after my One entire page day a paper of the people, God had given her a calling. minds, give to you this aunt Mildred Brown We here and now wish devoted to the work of the people and for the people. its was per edition was expired. Some of the Omaha Star dedicates community, submitted by to have you know that in the churches in the you have been supserving the general public the pastors. existence to the task of porters almost from It shall be our policy the struggle for Among her concerns was every way humanly possible.

Others of the start.

Brown’s primary path of duty in the behalf to move in an unerring racial equality. Mildred 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, to work for equalas the years went by. sincere it, as well as the national an excellent salespertirelessly with many organizations of the National you I want to give my news of the city as we find of ads. She was not only ers recently. To all of a member use the ads as a tool of backing for the welfare ity and peace. She was she found that she could highlights, promoting and son; People to ads general.

Colored in thanks. to sell newspaper Black America for the Advancement of is fascinating. The Omaha her activism. She refused the the citizens of Omaha and She Association Working at a newspaper Publishers Association, sea of journalistic advenemploy black workers. because this is our paper.

(NAACP), the Black As we launch out into the companies that did not of Star is especially fascinating her readers to procan the support of the general League, the Urban League Anyone who is interested ture, we sincerely request also used editorials to encourage and she challenged National Business Plains Black museum.

This paper is about us. in when we as a group must military Nebraska, and the Great and issues. Where else test the segregation of the public. The time is at hand was submit their story, events the Martin Bomber plant During the time during which it was active, she Omaha Star a firm foundaSince the recent recession, them to apply for jobs that begin to build. Give the She De Porres Club, and also this State can this happen? and reading support and in Bellevue, Nebraska. rollerthe spokeswoman for the tion by way of subscribing at Offutt Air Force Base an emotional, financial building after the paper has also been who is widely rememin turn will build an entermeet in the Omaha Star hired Charles Washington, we will assure you that we are determined to persevere. and allowed it to a mouthpiece and a to support their own facility. coaster at times but we civil rights, as a reporter the club ran out of funds to contact us concerning bered for his work for prise worthy of consideration, working in the commuI encourage the public who was the executive She spent countless hours or even if you want to force for the people of Omaha. columnist. Whitney Young, commucomplaints, recommendations are certainly apprecithe Star as a mouthpiece Urban League before eventu- nity, receiving over one hundred and fifty In addition to offering the secretary of the Omaha the “Unsung Heroine director of the National compliment us. Your comments community in Omaha, nity service awards, including ally becoming the executive for the African-American in behalf of the community by the NAACP, one of editorials. the community to realize ated. The staff is working Award” for service awarded Gilberts also encouraged Urban League, contributed 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 paper supported the positive effect the buying was small, and is an outstanding often cater time of her death. She she and her staff were paper. Our staff is very if they would carefully with this award by the to discrimination, and Americans could have working to satisfy you.

Lyndon B. Johnson as a businesses that employed team and they are always to also appointed by President their purchases only to support base and I wish well.

East Germany to investigate We have a large religious treated the community goodwill ambassador to African-Americans and for the support of the churches following the conpaper, Edward thanks, the of sincere violations issue rights express second the alleged human Specifically, in clergy leaders.

She also worked to improve members of the North Omaha in the community and the our struction of the Berlin Gilbert pointed out that least, I want to thank carriers and her office an ice cream shop Last but certainly not the lives of the newspaper black community were patronizing which would be there would not be that someone did not have Ice Cream, advertisers. Without advertising, workers. If she learned of at 24th and Lake, Reed’s published. Advertisements hiring practices over she would buy them bags an Omaha Star Newspaper enough food at home, targeted for their discriminatory an the printing of the publicalarded The newspaper carriPorres Club. Gilbert spent and retail sales pay for with groceries to supply their stuck a decade later by the De have party least Easter at advertisers Christmas or shop and counted tions. Many of our older us. ers often received a special hour outside the ice cream Newer ones have joined work, when they might approving of their us throughout the years. adverin gratitude for their hard one hundred African-Americans that they don’t have to were given all year. their purchasing power.

Others have the feeling them receive the only gifts they hiring practices through Americans we will give in 1989, the Omaha Star divorced in 1943, and tise because as African At the time of her death Mildred and Edward Gilbert in Star readers look at the a circulation of 30,685 her maiden name, Brown. our business anyway. Omaha and had a staff of twenty, and Mildred resumed using for those who support us Mildred Brown wrote, Omaha Star, the longest advertising in the paper thirty-nine states. In 1969, As the publisher of the from those advertisers. persist? The answer newspaper run by a woman, we encourage them to purchase or think our readers “Why then do Negro publishers of his press, all of operating black-owned refuse deprived neighborhood news and For those advertisers, who is clear. If the Negro is Mildred Brown provided through the years since to market to, we encourage than fifty years. The paper are not important enough the tortuous gains achieved commentary for more shop to ask those merchants lost, and tomorrow’s Negro by calling attention to our readers when they his emancipation will be served an important function don’t? If they continue the powerful forces, people in the black commuwill be at the mercy of do not advertise Why they that youth our the accomplishments of bigof urge I man the ramparts the Omaha Star, values. The newspaper North and South that still to refuse to advertise in $$ nity and emphasizing positive got Mildred Brown their products. Remember who received awards, or otry, prejudice and discrimination.” to do so. From readers to stop buying recognized individuals compelled had previously been closed persisted because she felt speak. new jobs in industries that civic she had established readers, supporters, merIt announced acts of the first edition of her newspaper, Thanks again to my staff, to African-Americans. good writers and all others They highlighted one She guided the newspa- a challenge to herself and her staff, “that no chants advertisers, contributing pride and community charity. labeled “troublemakers.” not of the continued existence eras of the Civil Rights cause shall lack a champion and that evil shall week in order to continue through the tumultuous who lend support to making neighborhood family per staff were On the occasion per to the demonstrations Your help is greatly appreciMildred Brown and her in to foster a sense of community. Ms. Brown again Movement, from segregation the Omaha Star possible. for late go unopposed.” of their community, Brown to the racial unrest of the bright and continued future of the Star’s ninth anniversary, of the 1950s and 1960s, ated. I look forward to a the certainly champions outspoken voice in the wildercommunity, congratulated The Omaha Star reported particular. She was an 1960s and early 1970s. not pledged her support to the the Star in the Omaha community.. of its businesses and that occurred both locally ness that the tortuous gains of their emancipation triumphs and the tragedies North Omaha on the growth end. up this advice for her Mildred Brown was not are lost, and she worked tirelessly toward that fast development, and offered and throughout the nation. a get any further interested in letting discrimination neighbors. wishes to urge that you The Star on its anniversary

2010 Awards

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

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

Group.

How are other ences Inclusion are my unique 5. Learn about others – What can learn from differences? circle to Ms Winters spoke on Women’s is my best self? your different from me? How today. She gave Who 4 . individuals/groups 7. Include others – Expand Winters in the business world 3. Acknowledge your Tawanna Black and Dr. continued on page 2 to sustained sucmy are they the same? examples of eight steps How do differ- See Leadership to change – What are prejudices – In what 6. Value differences – contribute to Open yourself be my best self? cess: Motivation, Passion/commitment, do I exclude? How do I opportunities to grow? To Magnitude of the ways and Inquiry, What are my blind spots?

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

on July 9, 1938 History was made

★

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

Vol. 79 - No.

Only Black Owned Newspaper

16 Omaha, Nebraska

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

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

ate 50 Years of

“You can’t rain Stepping Saints, on our parade,” said one of lining up for the as the drill team gathered to the Salem The NAACP has pray before 21st named Derrick Members laughed biennial Native Omahans their board of directors, Johnson, Day parade. as they recalled soaked uniforms the organization’s vice chairman of performing in The unanimous interim president. raindecision was the Saints have over the years, 50 to be exact. committee of For 50 years thrilled crowds the board of directorsmade by the executive stepping and with their precision during the that Association’s stories and much always-on-beat rhythm section. high 108th annual convention Many in Baltimore. The the parade when laughter were shared the NAACP is the night before close to 100 largest team staffers rights organization and oldest civil gathered for their former members and drill celebration.

50th anniversary executive committeein the U.S. The reunion of the board is Saturday morning comprised of 14 during the parade, people. wore name tags the alumni members On May 19, with their dates their participation of service. They announced that the NAACP board consider ministry of Salemservice because they were Cornell William the contract of an outreach Baptist Church.

Brooks, the outgoing team co-founder president, would According Salem’s pastor, Phyllis Hicks, it was in August to drill Brooks’ contract not be renewed. the Rev. J.C. 1966 that ended on June holding a parade Wade Brooks began 30. to celebrate Salem’s Sr., had the idea of his tenure as NAACP Derrick Wanting Johnson annual youth month.

President in May to shine a spotlight of 2014.

(NAACP) on all of the of the church, “I am thrilled youth a quickly began drill team was formed. The Derrick Johnson to announce that my friend girls choreographing and colleague has been appointed while the boys marching routines, CEO. I could interim president developed beats not think of a routines. Many to accompany more qualified better, more battle-testedand the of the young individual to guide people found transition period,” the NAACP through or their said Leon Russell, niche and after this board of the NAACP. their the chairman of the first performance, “Derrick’s longtime encouraged him to take decisive service with the Association Rev. will allow action to deal Wade to make will also serve with daily challenges. as the primary the drill He spokesman for have every confidence team the NAACP. I in Derrick permanent. new endeavor every step of the and will support him in this As the rain way.”

In a statement came is truly an honor released on July 22, Johnson down said and a privilege Saturday morning, president and to be named the that it CEO of an organization interim aboard Ollie decades. the that he’s served Trolley, for “There’s a lot Hicks of work that needs and several of waste any time the getting to it. We to be done and we won’t original members threats to our are facing unprecedented democracy and marveled at the we will not be sea sidelined while of blue created See NAACP by continued on t-shirts worn by the Carolina blue page 2 current and alumni members as they filled the street.

Omaha Section Salutes 2017 Award , NCNW, Recipients

The Omaha Section - National Council Negro Women of Inc. recognizes individuals community for outstanding achievement. in the year individuals Each are recognized in medicine, education, for excellence involvement, embodimentleadership, community of the Mary McLeod Bethune Legacy and youth in excellence.

Awards will be McLeod Bethune presented at the annual Mary Award Luncheon at 11 a.m. at on Aug. 26 the DC Centre, 11830 Stonegate Dr. The community is invited to important event. attend this The keynote speaker Esq., Human Resources is Shawntal M. Smith, and Talent Development Leader for Omaha Precious Davis Home for Boys. also a social Field of Medicine Smith is justice attorney.

Award “Extraordinary The theme is Rising above Women: Breaking Barriers, Lives.” Omaha Challenges, Transforming Section, NCNW women of African advocates for descent as they families and communities. support their It fulfills its mission through research, community based advocacy and national and health, education, services and programs on Omaha Section, and economic empowerment.

NCNW is a 501c3 organization. non-profit Omaha Section Davis, Field of 2017 Award recipients: Precious Rone, Field of Medicine Award; Beverly A. Education Award; Julia D. Anderson Willa Visionary Award; Midder, Theola M. Cooper Cooper, Community Theola M. Community Supporter Supporter Cannon, Bethune Award; Briana Concept Book Award Wasmoen, Bethune Award; Lara Concept Book Denise Lee, Award; Mary McLeod Bethune Legacy Award; Aariona Hagler, Youth Award in Excellence For more information or to obtain contact Perlie tickets, Whitley at 402-320-0375. tickets on-line, For go 2017 Mary McLeodto Eventbrite.com and enter under Search Events Bethune Awards Luncheon or Category.

Please like them on Facebook: Section-NCNW, Omaha @OmahaNCNW Inc., follow them on Twitter: and visit their omahasectionncnw.w website: http:// eebly.com/ Denise Lee Mary McLeod Bethune Legacy Award

Award

Community Picnic – Aug. 19 See In

Beverly A. Rone Field of Education Award

Marching

Deep Roots – Ties

that Bind

Bryant-Fisher Family 100-Year Celebrat ion

Lara Wasmoen Bethune Concept Book Award

Honorary Chair Teresa Coleman Hunter

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

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

3 Months 10% off

Skyscraper (Rotating) Although illness Jeanpierre and keeps Hicks on the sideline, Jeffrey Riggs look co-directors Synceree as they carry on to her for guidance the legacy. and leadership

By Terri L. Crawford, J.D.

Briana Cannon Bethune Concept Book Award

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NOT PICTURED: Aariona Hagler Youth in Excellence

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SUPPORT THE OMAHA STAR NEWSPAPER BECAUSE: • As a member of NNPA, it keeps you in touch with the Events, People, and News in your Community and across the Nation.

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

OMAHA STAR

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Women of Color in Leadership

Nebraska’s Only Black Owned Newspaper

we wanted to give them some insight on what it takes to run a business.” Huggins, who has been with P4K for six years, has been the glue connecting students and mentors who volunteer with the program at Lewis & Clark Middle School. “The idea of mentoring fits in any part of life for anybody, so I found a good fit as far as working with students and still being able to connect with the community as well,” Huggins said.

Students in the Shark Tank program work closely with business coaches from First National Bank (FNB) who guide them and help design business plans for the competition. These mentors work with groups of four to five students to offer encouragement and support to create a successful business, from the branding and logo to the final budget of the business plan. Business coach Dawson Porter has been involved with P4K’s Shark Tank program for several weeks after hearing about the opportunity to mentor students while at FNB. Porter, an UNO alumnus, said his favorite part is being with the students through the entire creative process. “Giving them the ability to run with things and take charge on their own,” Porter said. “That’s really cool to see.” The winning groups will put their business plan into action the week of Dec. 1 as the schools bring their popcorn companies to locations around Omaha. All proceeds from popcorn sales will go toward funding each group’s service-learning project during spring semester. “Seeing them get excited about what they’ve done and having them see results and be happy with what they did is the biggest thing,” Porter said.

Visit www.p4k.org/mentor to learn more how you can volunteer in the Partnership 4 Kids Shark Tank experience.

Mentoring Matters!

Brace Yourself

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

Jan. 4 - May For more Club and ask for Mr. information call 7. Our Dave 342-2300 Happy New Year Felici, Unit Director. and we hope to see you at the Club!

OMAHA STAR

Page Seven

Mentoring Matters

KS Science Fair

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THE OMAHA STAR

“Family is not an important thing, How important it’s everything.” is always been, very family to us? The answer is, and has important. Indulge moment. After me for a brief the overwhelmed by Civil War, Union military officershistory ex-slaves who were were on the roads, for family members searching Agents of the Bureau from whom they had been separated.

Lands, commonly of Refugees, Freedmen, and Abandoned known as the were hired after Freedmen’s Bureau, the war to provide who and ex-slaves, relief to refugees received hundreds requesting assistance of letters from freedmen wrote to the Bureau in locating lost relatives. One ex-slave from Texas with in locating “my a request for assistance own dearest relatives” list of sisters, and included nieces, nephews, whom he had uncles, and in-lawsa long been from twenty-four years separated when he was sold in Virginia before. Others in local newspapers, took out advertisements lost family members offering rewards for the return of (Wilma A. Dunaway, American Family The Africanin England: Cambridge Slavery and Emancipation (Cambridge, University Press, Reconstruction, 20013), 257. 33 82.)

Foner, The African-American roots of the family Derived from our are spiritual.

African heritage, maintained by shared experiences the Black family has been bond and circumstances, and a common historical despite what would lead you mainstream media to believe, Black remained strong. families triumphed Our spiritual and orientation helped See Deep Roots create a continued on page 3

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LIFE & STYLE/HEALTH & WELLNESS November 29, 2019 Rap on Trial: Race, ‘Queen & Slim’ Review tensions rise – grazes Queen with a bullet. In a powerful,

By Jimi Famurewa Lyrics, and Guilt transgressive twist on how these encounters usually go, “Well, if it isn’t the black Bonnie and Clyde,” says Slim fires back with the dropped weapon, kills the officer in America track-suited pimp Uncle Earl (Bokeem Woodbine) and (prompted by the fact that Turner-Smith’s character

Page Eight

THE OMAHA STAR

midway through Queen & Slim, regarding our two is a criminal defense attorney who knows how slim their fugitive protagonists with more than a little scenery- chances of exoneration are) the two of them hit the road, chomping relish. It is the sort of line that may as ultimately bound for Florida and then, hopefully, Cuba.

It’s an opening that perhaps induces some dramatic well come with a turn to the camera and a wink; an irresistible, snappy marketing proposition that distils whiplash. However, from there, as a viral video of this complex, none-more-2019 project into the sort of the incident casts Queen and Slim as both dangerous arresting pitch that could be scrawled onto a cocktail criminals and vital avenging angels for a brutalized African-American community, the film settles into an napkin.

But scratch the surface and it has a more significant irrepressible groove; visuals, dialogue and performances purring away like the gleaming resonance. Because just as the real Pontiac Catalina that Woodbine’s Bonnie and Clyde have been lost terrific, Louisiana-based relative to the more seductive, romanticized reluctantly loans our heroes.

1930s legend, so too do runaways Waithe peppers her wry, Queen and Slim (respectively, a almost theatrical script with tensionsimilarly electric Jodie Turner-Smith easing comic moments (including and Daniel Kaluuya) find themselves a Tarantino-worthy debate about as the baffled, scared recipients of whether Fat Luther Vandross is wider public mythologizing. In a better than Skinny Luther Vandross) film that ultimately proves to be but also artfully reveals Queen and about how the world chooses to Slim’s divergent character traits view you – and how dangerous or in conversations that feel both powerful that can be – it’s far more fiercely personal and like universal than a throwaway gag. disagreements between opposing Yes, debut feature director Melina sides of the modern black American Matsoukas delivers on the promise Turner-Smith and Kaluuya of a Black Lives Matter spin on Thelma & Louise – psyche. Matsoukas – who brings a painterly eye and replete with stomach-knotting moments of tension, dreamlike cutting from the world of music videos neon-bathed visual razzmatazz and exhilarating musical – maintains a curious, agile camera, taking us from cues. But Queen & Slim always affords time and space flickering juke joints to lush fields that are tended by to intimate, quiet moments that orient themselves around prisoners who may as well be latter-day slaves.

But it’s perhaps the grounded, magnetic lead these issues of race, perception, legacy and the fledgling love between its two central characters. From a certain performances that are most important (especially as the angle, it is merely a movie about the most traumatic, life- third act throws in a few light implausibilities). Kaluuya, changing first date imaginable. And it’s all the better for from the moment we see terror and pride swim across his face during that traffic stop, is extraordinarily affecting it.

Written by Lena Waithe (the actor and screenwriter as god-fearing, slightly gawky Slim. And Turner-Smith perhaps best-known for her Matsoukas-directed, Emmy- (SyFy’s Nightflyers) matches him all the way as Queen: winning episode of Master Of None), it opens with a proud, lonely workaholic who gradually opens herself Kaluuya and Turner-Smith’s largely unnamed Ohio up to the possibility of love and letting go. If that natives in the midst of a decidedly lackluster Tinder date character progression sounds like the stuff of a Netflix at a bright-lit diner (“Did you pick this place because it’s romcom then, in truth, that is sort of the point. Queen & all you could afford?” zings Turner-Smith’s character Slim tackles urgent, difficult subjects with bravery, care before Slim shoots back that, no, it’s because “it’s black- and adrenalized genre cool. But it triumphs because it shows you the personal toll beyond the politics. And how owned”).

Afterwards, in the wintry slush of an abandoned black lives brimming with potential can still turn on one street, they are pulled over by a white cop who – as fateful moment.

Richmond, VA – When Johnny Cash sang about shooting a man in Reno “just to watch him die,” nobody interpreted it as an actual confession. But when hip-hop artists adopt fictional personas to rap about selling Good Books Café drugs or killing rivals, America’s criminal justice system too often takes them literally. In Rap on Trial: Race, Lyrics, and Guilt in America, scholars Erik Nielson and Andrea L. Dennis examine dozens of cases across the country – among the hundreds they have found – in which prosecutors have used the rap lyrics of defendants against them in the courtroom. Whether interpreted as admissions of guilt, evidence of bad character, or threats of future violence, rap has been used in court in ways that would be unthinkable for any other musical genre.

Nielson and Dennis link this disparate treatment to the history of hip-hop, which emerged in the South Bronx in the 1970s as a distinctly African-American art form. Long after achieving mainstream success, hip-hop continues to be perceived negatively by large swaths of American society. In this path-breaking book, which features a foreword

by Grammy-award winning rapper Killer Mike, the authors examine the scope of the problem and lay out an array of solutions, from the use of expert defense witnesses knowledgeable about hip-hop culture to potential state legislation banning the use of rap lyrics in the courtroom – because, in America’s current legal system the authors argue, “rap lyrics aren’t just prejudicial.

They are toxic.”

“Race, Lyrics, and Guilt in America” by Erik Nielson and Andrea L. Dennis with a foreword by Killer Mike is now available at Barnes & Noble and other select bookstores.

Deltas Host ‘Harriet’ Private Showing On Nov. 18, the Omaha Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. hosted a private showing of the movie “Harriet” for its members, Delta G.E.M.S

and Delta Academy Youth participants, friends and family. The movie “Harriett” had been designated as one of Delta Sigma Theta’s “Red Carpet” events by

Deltas with GEMS & Academy members

Senior Loneliness is Shortening Lifespans Loneliness is a serious epidemic which affects one in three aging adults in the U.S. According to a National Poll on Healthy Aging, chronic loneliness can impact one’s memory, physical well-being, mental health and life expectancy.

The symptoms of loneliness are complex, and while its signs can be concealed, they often come during a change of circumstance in a person’s life. Retiring from a career and missing the social contact that came with it, health issues that prevent people from participating in things they’ve always enjoyed or the death of a loved one can lead to isolation.

According to AARP, potential signs of loneliness can include poor eating habits, loss of interest in personal hygiene or appearance and significant clutter in the home, as well as a general lack of interest or withdrawal.

Jennifer Knecht, vice president of marketing and communications at Immanuel Communities, emphasizes the importance of combatting the senior loneliness epidemic. “Loneliness not only lessens seniors’ quality of life; it shortens lifespans. Raising awareness of and fighting against this loneliness epidemic is one of Immanuel Communities’ top priorities.

A sense of community can make a world of difference in seniors’ lives.”

Immanuel Communities, Nebraska’s longtime nonprofit leader in retirement communities and services, is dedicated to providing personalized lifestyle approaches and communities that help seniors connect and thrive.

Immanuel Communities offers the following tips to aging adults and their loved ones to combat loneliness: 1) Get to know the facts. Learn more about the loneliness epidemic and its effects.

2) Take the online loneliness assessment – https://www.immanuel.com/ lonelinessassessment. Find out if you or your senior loved one is at risk.

This assessment has been provided to determine your loneliness quotient.

3) Learn what help is available. Living choices, programs and activities can help lessen feelings of loneliness.

4) Ask for support. A senior living consultant can help guide you.

5) Make the choice. Which solution helps foster feelings of liveliness and connection?

“Finding companionship is particularly important for seniors…” Knecht said. “No matter what an aging adult’s season in life and personal needs are, finding thoughtfully planned living options, inviting wellness programs, engaging social opportunities and spiritual support can help senior loved ones live large and leave loneliness behind.”

its National Headquarters. The sorority periodically designates events to draw awareness, attendance and support for plays and films, written and directed by African Americans, or featuring predominantly African American casts.

“Harriett” showcased the struggle and perseverance of Harriett Tubman, an abolitionist, former slave, scout and spy for the Union Army. She is noted for freeing over 70 slaves in 13 trips to plantations in the South; guided by the North Star and her visions from God. Harriet Tubman was credited with freeing over 750 slaves via the Underground Railroad. Though she was unable to read or write Harriet persevered on her many journeys through her belief in God, and her burning desire to see as many slaves as possible reach freedom.

After the movie, question packets were distributed to the GEMS. Discussion sessions over this highly acclaimed film will be held during upcoming monthly GEMS and Academy meetings. The private showing hosted 174 total attendees: (21 Deltas, 48 GEMS members, 20 Academy members and 85 friends and family members).

Local Health Organizations to Address Mental Health in North Omaha Residents of North Omaha have voiced the need to address mental health in their community. In response, four local health care systems will work with Heartland Family Service (HFS), Douglas County Health Department, and several other local organizations in a first-of-its-kind partnership as part of the BUILD Health Challenge, a unique national program focusing on bold, upstream, integrated, local, and data-driven projects that can improve community health. As Nebraska’s first BUILD Awardee, HFS and its project partners will address social determinants of health contributing to mental health disparities in northeast Omaha’s 68111 zip code.

Why 68111? That area has: • A median household income of $26,284 that’s nearly 50% lower than the citywide median of $56,406, with 54% of children living under the poverty line (American Community Survey 2017) • A perception by 61.9% of residents that the neighborhood is “slightly” or “not at all” safe (Community Health Needs Assessment 2018) • The disturbing distinction of being “the most dangerous place

in the United States to be an African-American,” according to the Violence Policy Center (2014).

Omaha is one of 18 communities across the country to receive funding this year.

The BUILD Health Challenge award is $250,000 over two-anda-half years, with equal match contributions by four local health systems: CHI Health, Children’s Hospital and Medical Center, Methodist Health System, and Nebraska Medicine, adding up to a total award of $500,000.

Additional project partners include: Douglas County Health Department, Live Well Omaha, UNMC College of Public Health, Charles Drew Health Center, and Holy Name Housing Corporation.

Utilizing the Self-Healing Communities Model (SHCM), BUILD partners seek to empower residents through meaningful engagement to offer appropriately matched resources to a more equipped, emboldened community.

Neighborhood grassroots leaders will make the important decisions and control resources about how to best improve their neighborhood to help residents’ mental health.

Resident councils will hold listening sessions and summits with residents to identify areas

of focus and drive the work.

About the BUILD Health Challenge The BUILD Health Challenge award provides funding, capacity building support, and access to a national peer learning network to enhance collaborative partnerships locally to address our community’s most pressing health challenges.

About Heartland Family Service Since 1875, Heartland Family Service has responded to the needs of our area’s most vulnerable children and families. In 2018, the agency connected with over 54,000 individuals and families through direct services, education, and outreach. Each year, their 50 programs serve individuals of all ages – from infants in the Family Works program to seniors in the Generations Community Center. They operate from over 15 locations in east central Nebraska and southwest Iowa.

They provide critical human services to the individuals and families who ultimately shape the future of our community through the following program areas: Child & Family WellBeing, Counseling & Prevention, and Housing, Safety, & Financial Stability.

November 29, 2019

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Happening Now – Enjoy the sounds climate systems come to life on Science of the season during Holiday Under on a Sphere. Meet and greet special Glass, Joslyn Art Museum’s annual guest, Houston Alexander, president of holiday luncheon concert series held in The Houston Alexander Foundation. the Museum’s glass atrium. The series Reservations not required. runs every Wednesday and Friday, from Dec. 7 – Bundle up the family and hurry noon - 12:45 p.m., through December 20. down to the biggest and most exciting The concerts feature holiday favorites and Christmas in the Village yet. Music and classical arrangements performed by area merriment will fill the air as you visit choral and high school groups. Joslyn’s businesses and public spaces along the Café Durham, located in the atrium, will North 24th Street Corridor. The excitement offer a limited lunch menu from 11 a.m. - 2 begins at noon and concludes with the tree p.m. lighting at 5 p.m.

Happening Now – The Great Plains Dec. 7/8 – Joyful Noise: A Gospel Black History Museum, 2221 N. 24th St., Christmas at the Holland returns to the hosts the Will Brown and Lynchings Holland Center with a combination of throughout the Great Plains of America holiday classics and new music. The commemorating the 100th anniversary of Grammy-nominated Salem Baptist Church the lynching of Will Brown and will map choir features the soaring voices of more out all Terror Lynchings throughout the than 70 members! This upbeat celebration Great Plains. The exhibit is on display from includes exciting special guest artists, 1-5 p.m., Thursdays - Saturday through theater and choreography. Tickets are Dec. 31. available at the box office, 402-345-0606.

Happening Now – Race: Are We Dec. 8 – Teela A. Mickles will kick off her So Different? We all know people look campaign for Nebraska Legislative District different. Throughout history, those 11 seat, from 4-6 p.m. at Compassion in differences have been a source of strength, Action Fellowship Hall, 2001 N. 35th St. community and personal identity. They Refreshments and live music by Leland have also been the basis for discrimination Mickles & Company. and oppression. RACE: Are We So Dec. 16 – Stacey Abrams, author, Different? gives visitors tools to recognize entrepreneur, nonprofit CEO, and political racial ideas and practices in contemporary leader, will be the featured speaker at Girls American life. The exhibit runs through Inc.’s 2019 Lunch for the Girls on Monday, Jan. 5, 2020 at the Durham Museum. For December 16, from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. at more info, visit www.durhammuseum.org. CHI Health Center. Tickets are available on Dec. 3 – The North Omaha Writer’s Eventbrite.

Group 1st annual event will host poets as they perform Family Housing Advisory Services is currently and review their books. looking for a dynamic individual to join the team as Caution: there may be some Development Director. As Development Director, adult content expressed in you will create, manage, and implement a private performances. This event fundraising strategy for the agency. Is this you? will be held at the Florence Library, 2920 Bondesson Submit your resume to: St., from noon-4 p.m. For gilbertinen@fh asinc.org. more info, phone Lillian at 402-598-9147.

For more information about FHAS Dec. 4 – Campaign or the position, give us a call at 101 – A workshop to help (402)-934-6615 or visit www.fhasinc.org. your campaign get started, including campaign finance, your field campaign, fundraising first steps, and how to communicate with your voters. The workshop will be held from 6-8 p.m. at UNO’s Community Engagement Center, 6400 University Dr., South, room ACLU of NE seeks experienced Legal Director in Lincoln.

230. For more info, visit Competitive benefits and pay. Salary range $85 - $95k. www.nebraskaunity.org or Full posting and app.

Eventbrite.com. https://www.aclunebraska.org/en/jobs/legal-director Dec. 4/5 – Creighton’s Department of Fine and Performing Arts will host its Empty Bowls fundraiser at the Lied Center, 24th and Cass St. Guests will be invited to purchase handmade ceramic bowls created by Creighton students, faculty, staff and volunteers. Those who purchase pieces will receive a complimentary bowl of The Metropolitan Utilities District is seeking qualified soup. All proceeds will and motivated individuals for current job openings. The benefit the Siena/Francis District offers an excellent and comprehensive benefits House, an emergency package in addition to engaging opportunities. overnight shelter for people experiencing homelessness.

Visit www.mudomaha.com, under the careers tab, to For times and more info, fill out an application. Applications will be accepted contact Amy Nelson at 402until the close date of the position. Resumes will not be 280-2510 or AmyNelson@ accepted in place of applications. creighton.edu.

Dec. 5 – Couples will Employment Contingent Upon Results of a enjoy an evening of dinner Drug Screen and a Background Check. and entertainment when An Equal Opportunity Employer “Minority/Female/Disabled/ the Pleasant Green Baptist Veteran/Gender Identity/Sexual Orientation” Church Marriage Ministry presents their 1st annual Christmas Soiree at the Highlander, 2120 N. 30th St., at 6 p.m. Wear your holiday evening attire.

For tickets and more info, phone 501-425-7624.

Dec. 6 –Urban League of Nebraska will host its Annual Equal Opportunity Award Luncheon at Omaha Capital Marriott, from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. This event recognizes corporations and organizations for their contributions to diversity and inclusion practices.

For more info, contact Rebecca Valdez at 402-4539730 or Rebecca.valdez@ urbanleague.org.

Dec. 7 – Empower your curiosity when MCC North Express, 2112 N. 30th St., hosts an open house from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Tour the facility, learn about new courses at MCC, and watch global weather and

Metropolitan Utilities District

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THE OMAHA STAR

Page Nine

Teens Can Cash In on Creativity at Library Registration is required at omahalibrary. org or by phoning 402.444.4800. Louder Than a Bomb coaches from The Nebraska Writers Collective will serve as judges and emcees for the event.

Parking at Omaha Park One (15th & Douglas streets) will be validated for Teen Poetry Bash attendees. This program is made possible with support from the Friends of Omaha Public Library.

Visit omahalibrary.org for more details and information about additional programs and services offered by Omaha Public Library.

Omaha area teens with a passion for poetry and spoken word are encouraged to participate in Omaha Public Library’s 19th annual Teen Poetry Bash on Dec. 7, 1:30 p.m., at W. Dale Clark Main Library, 215 S. 15th St. Doors will open at 1 p.m. for check-in.

Eighth through twelfth grade students are invited to bring two original poems to perform as slam poetry or read aloud. Top scoring entrants from the first round will compete for the grand prizes in a second round. Cash prizes will be awarded: First place receives $100, second receives $50, and the third place finisher gets $25.

Business Connection To advertise your business, please contact Tanya Cooper.

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

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

Page Ten THE OMAHA STAR

YOUTH/EDUCATION NEWS

Mandela Elementary Builds Libraries, Community

By Amanda Myroniuk

increase awareness and comprehension, and expand horizons.”

This year, the guest readers are of a specific demographic – successful men of color. Mandela has made it a goal to encourage young male scholars to read. The organization 100 Black Men has a motto, “What They See is What They’ll Be,” and Mandela has chosen to follow that model for this school year.

One of the guest readers

and Omaha native, Captain Wayne Hudson of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, is a great example of success.

Captain Hudson holds a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, a master’s degree in Public Administration, and he is a graduate of the FBI National Academy. Captain Hudson is also president of the Metropolitan Chiefs Association, a member of the National Organization

Every month, guest readers are invited to read with scholars at Nelson Mandela. Copies of the books, ordered from Scholastic, are given to the scholars to read along. The reading doesn’t stop there, because each scholar keeps the book to add to their home library. Teachers are also given a copy of the book, so their classroom libraries are filled with familiar titles. Full libraries are essential to a scholar’s education, especially at home. An article published in Social Science Journal by Pacific Standard states, “being surrounded by lots and lots of books where they [scholars] live helps children build vocabulary, Captain Hudson reads with fifth graders

for Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE) and serves as a board member for several organizations including the Black Police Officer’s Association (BPOA). Captain Hudson is highlighted here, but Mandela’s Team is grateful to all their guest readers who help the scholars fill their libraries and potential.

November 29, 2019

CHI Health and OPS Partner to Honor Teachers Across the OPS district CHI Health wants nominations of Omaha Public Schools teachers changing the lives of students. Each month, they’ll surprise a Top Teacher nominee with a treat basket for the teacher’s lounge and a personal gift card. CHI will draw winners on the last Friday of the month. CHI Health will select winners from three different grade levels across the district.

Anyone can nominate a Top Teacher at CHIhealth. com/TopTeachers.

MOVING SOON? Don’t miss an issue of the Omaha Star.

The post office will not forward your newspaper.

Phone Tanya Cooper at 402-346-4041, opt 5.

Give her your new address so she can make sure your Omaha Star subscription is not interrupted.

MOVING? Captain Hudson

Teen Entrepreneur Launches Clothing Line

By NewsOne Staff Gun violence is an ever-growing issue within the United States. According to the organization Everytown for Gun Safety, 100 Americans lose their lives to gun violence daily and hundreds more are shot and injured. A Washington, D.C.-based teenager is on a mission to address the problem through the creation of an apparel brand, Because of Them We Can reported.

RuQuan Brown launched a clothing line called Love1.

Through his brand, he sells shirts, hoodies, wristbands, stickers and other accessories to support communities that have been ravaged by gun violence. A percentage of his sales are donated to the New Jersey-based organization One Gun Gone; a gun violence prevention public art project which buys guns out of communities and transforms them into art pieces. “Our goal has been to take one gun off the street, make artwork from it and then sell that artwork to raise money to buy more guns off the streets with a police sanctioned gun buyback,” read the project’s website.

For Brown, launching Love1 and collaborating with One Gun Gone was personal. His stepfather and teammate were both shot and killed. The tragedies motivated Brown to take action. “My company is called Love1. I started it to honor the lives of my

teammate and stepdad, who were murdered a year apart.

I wanted to beat gun violence to the punch so that our families don’t have to continuously fall victim to tragic losses,” he told Because of Them We Can in an interview.

“We’re eliminating a small fragment of the problem in order to reduce the amount of our loved ones being taken from us.”

Brown is not only leading by example in his local community through his activism, but he’s also making strides academically. He has been accepted into 24 colleges, including seven Ivy League institutions, and has garnered 16 scholarships. He’s also a star athlete and is a part of his school’s track and football teams.

December 7 7:30 PM December 8 4:00 PM

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