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OMAHA STAR
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Women’s History Month:
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Nebraska’s Only Black Owned Newspaper Vol. 82 - No. 5 Omaha, Nebraska
Friday, March 6, 2020
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Nebraska Arts Council Announces 2020 Individual Artist Fellowships The Individual Artist Fellowship program recognizes exemplary work by Nebraska artists and provides support through public recognition and monetary awards of $1,000- $5,000. Professional, out-of-state jurors adjudicate work according to the merit of the artists’ work. The program rotates annually, highlighting different artistic disciplines each year. Those Performing Arts Recipients from our community includes: Denise Chapman,Theater /Playwright; Lite Pole, Music/Sound; and Beaufield Berry, Theater/ Playwright. Denise Chapman graduated from Creighton University with a BA in theatre. She went on to receive her MFA from the Theatre Conservatory at the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University. After graduation, she performed with Qwest Educational Programs touring elementary and middle schools in the greater Chicago land area and worked as a Solo performing artist. She returned to Omaha in 2006 and worked with Blue Barn’s Witching hour for three years as Co-Artistic director/ensemble member and at the Omaha Community Playhouse as the director of education and outreach. Currently she is the Producing Artistic Director of Theatre at The Union for Contemporary Art and an adjunct professor at Metro Community College and the University of Nebraska Omaha. Denise began writing plays as a part of her theatre practice after her time at Creighton University. Later, inspired by her graduate schoolteacher Bruce Kirle who said, “Don’t leave your narrative in the hands of people on the outside looking in.” She deepened
Denise Chapman
Lite Pole (LP)
this practice with solo performance work and eventually worked with the Great Plains Theatre Conference and Metro Community Theatre to create new work for Playfest, a new work festival that uses theatre as a catalyst for dialogue within our community, using stories that bridge our human experiences. https://www. dechapman.com/ Lite Pole (LP) is an aspiring artist from Omaha, Ne. His articulate rhyme scheme and use of whimsical metaphors define him as one of the most distinguished and unorthodox lyricist on the music scene. Always having a natural inkling for art since a child; LP found his passion for music in 7th Grade after being exposed to his peers free-styling during their daily lunch periods. Since then LP has been developing himself into a fine lyricist and an established producer, creating instrumentals under the alias “2 Stomachs”. In 2011, LP began UnPlugged Connection™ (UPC) under which he operates his music and clothing line. His goal is to spread peace and consciousness to his listeners and breathe life back into the “Art” of storytelling. LP’s work explores the underbelly of society that is often neglected. With influences such as Amir Suilaman and Maya Angelou to 2pac and Kurt Cobain, he grasps the emotional spectrum of the “average man” and gives it wings through descriptive story telling. Even as a child, he appointed himself as “the
Beaufield Berry-Fisher
Women’s History Month: Celebrate The Women Who have Influenced You
people’s voice.” In that role, he recognizes the wrong in the world and hurt within the downtrodden as he strives to be the herald of the “streets” and exploit the less glamorous side of the coin. His motto is “one must ruffle feathers to remind birds they can still fly.” Beaufield Berry-Fisher is an Omaha-based playwright, novelist and arts education professional. Her work has been performed across the country and in multiple conferences, including the Great Plains Theater Conference, Philadelphia Sparkfest, Manhattan Rep and Colorado New Play Summit. She served as a guest artist with Inge Fest in Independence, Kansas, on several panels and boards. Berry was the Vice President of the Omaha Entertainment and Arts awards and as an educator with Omaha Performing Arts. Beaufield is currently the Performing Arts Editor at the Reader and Resident playwright at Creighton University. Her play, In the Upper Room (Oneill 2018 Finalist) will be produced by Great Plains in May of 2020. Her latest play Red Summer, held a successful run at Omaha’s Bluebarn Theater in 2019. $5,000: • Denise Chapman, Theater/ Playwright (Omaha) • Seth Shafer, Music/Sound (Omaha) $2,500: • Lite Pole, Music/Sound (Omaha) • Sydney Shead, Filmmaking/ Screenwriting (Omaha) $1,000: • Katherine Fackler, Choreography (Omaha) • Ellen Struve, Theater/ Playwright (Omaha) • Beaufield Berry, Theater/ Playwright (Omaha) • Stacey Barelos, Music/ Sound (Omaha) • Darcy Lueking Bahensky (Holdrege)
OPS Launches Strategic Plan of Action for 2020-2025
A world-class city needs a thriving public school system to match – one that meets and exceeds the needs of students, families and staff at every school within the district. On Feb. 3, the Omaha Public Schools Board of Education approved a new 5-year Strategic Plan of Action in a 9-0 vote, giving positive momentum to a comprehensive plan for an even stronger school district. “We need to believe that we have the opportunity to make Omaha Public Schools the best urban school district in the country,” said Dr. Cheryl Logan, Superintendent of Omaha Public Schools. “It’s important for us to understand what we have to do to make it happen, and that’s what this plan is all about.” Omaha Public Schools leadership used a process called “Strategic Foresight” in developing the Strategic Plan of Action. The forward-looking approach allows the district to anticipate and respond to global and local trends that affect OPS students, teachers, families and the community as a whole. “These trends fall into five categories: Society, Technology, Environment, Economy and Politics,” said Logan. “Some examples of trends we aim to address include teacher shortages, rising poverty, an increase in racial and ethnic diversity, and growing funding challenges.” Identifying Shared Values Over the course of more than a year, the OPS executive leadership team worked with staff, parents and community members to establish a set of organizational values, norms and attitudes that unite everyone in the OPS community. These shared values – Equity, Results, Leadership, Accountability and Joy – guided every element of the plan’s creation. “One of the things that was really fundamental to planning was understanding what we value. As we were working together, we realized how crucial shared values are to having a plan that reflects the entire organization,” said Logan. “Going forward, programming within Omaha Public Schools should embody these values in order to represent what our families want and our children need.” The planning process included more than 680 hours of stakeholder input, seven comprehensive reviews of data and results, and the guidance and insight of third-party organizations that provided a financial audit and budget projection, a comprehensive review of literacy, and an audit of the programs OPS currently offers. Setting Goals for Graduation
Next Issue: March 20, 2020 Submissions to paper by March 12, 2020
The resulting plan features a “Portrait of an Omaha Public Schools Graduate,” which defines what every OPS graduate should know and be able to do by the time they graduate. In the plan’s example, the OPS graduate is defined as a Resilient Achiever, Collaborator, Communicator, Critical Thinker, Innovator, and a Civic and Global Contributor. “Our plan is to reference this graduate portrait from Pre-K through high school graduation as a means of ensuring each student has the skills they need to succeed after they move on from OPS,” said Logan. The plan also identifies four Strategic Priorities, or indicators of success for the coming years. They are, in order, Academics, Staff, Financial Accountability, and an Ethic of Care – how the OPS community cares for its students, one another, and even the earth. “Academics are our number-one priority, of course,” said Logan. “We’ve identified key areas where we want to see every single one of our schools succeed.” One example is that by June of 2025, each school in the district will aim to increase the percentage of ninth through twelfth-grade students identified as on-track for graduation by five percent. Measuring Success Going forward, OPS will monitor progress toward the Strategic Plan’s measurable goals through internal monitoring, with reports provided to the Board of Education and the community twice a year. Reaching these goals will require collaboration between OPS leadership, staff, families, the Board of Education and the community. “We all have to do our part,” said Marque Snow, Board of Education President. “On behalf of the Board of Education, we’re going to align resources so that Dr. Logan and her staff can meet their objectives. We’ll equip students and teachers with the best technology and the best support so we can hit our goals.” Logan has confidence that the shared values presented in the plan will help to keep all parties involved on task. “If our community adopts these values, then I have confidence that progress will be made,” she said. “By setting goals for our students and providing the resources they need to succeed, making sure our staff feels valued and appreciated, remaining fiscally responsible, and showing care and compassion for everyone in our community, we can make improve individual schools and strengthen our entire school district.”
How many Women do you know in the Word Cloud?
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LOCAL NEWS
THE OMAHA STAR
March 6, 2020
THE OMAHA STAR, INC. THE VOICE OF THE BLACK COMMUNITY
Alpha Kappa Alpha: Pink Goes Red for Heart Health
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Support Those Who Support You
AKA Omaha Graduate Chapter and friends
The AKA Omaha Graduate Chapter traded pink for red to raise awareness against heart disease. Pink Goes Red is a community impact day in partnership with the American Heart Association. The day is designed to improve the health of all women. Pink Goes Red event included a Mixxed Fit session at the Muscle House workout center where members of the sorority worked out with participants from the Omaha community. “We wanted to do an event that got our heart rates up and was fun at the same time!” said Troyia Anderson, sorority member and event planner.
The Omaha Graduate chapter was able to bond with chapter members and the public. The onehour workout included the learning of the latest dance moves and raffles of blood pressure machines, healthy heart cookbooks and other items that promoted heart health. As the Omaha Graduate Chapter focuses on Women’s Health and Wellness, here are a few facts about Heart Disease: • Cardiovascular diseases kill nearly 50,000 African-American women annually. • Forty-nine percent of AfricanAmerican women 20 years of age and older have heart disease.
At the Star we look at ourselves as the documentarians of African-American news in Omaha. We strive to make our readers and our advertisers proud they support a publication that portrays the AfricanAmerican as a multidimensional person capable of excelling in areas other than sports, entertainment and politics.
Submissions to Express Yourself must include the writer’s first and last names as well as the writer’s address and telephone number. (Addresses and phone numbers are not published.) Submissions written anonymously will not be printed. Submissions may be edited at the publisher’s discretion. Submissions to Express Yourself or the commentary page may also appear on the Omaha Star Facebook page. Email submissions must be typed in a Word document and sent to the publisher at: publisher@mdbmsc.org.
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• Only one in five AfricanAmerican women believes she is personally at risk. • Only 52 percent of AfricanAmerican women are aware of the signs and symptoms of a heart attack. • Only 36 percent of AfricanAmerican women know that heart disease is their greatest health risk. The Omaha Graduate Chapter continues to exemplify excellence as they focus on women’s health and wellness. For more information on the Alpha Kappa Alpha Omaha Graduate Chapter, go to deoakaomaha.org.
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PRAISE & WORSHIP DIRECTORY
March 6, 2020
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
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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
PRAISE, WORSHIP, DEVOTION, OBITUARIES & INSPIRATION March 6, 2020 Keep Your Face to the Sun Missionary Baptist
Page Four THE OMAHA STAR
Paradise to Host Women’s Conference The Women’s Ministry at Paradise Missionary Baptist Church will host The 2020 Annual Women’s Conference March 21. The Conference will be held at the church, 2124 Lothrop St., from 9 a.m. - 1p.m. The theme: Women of God … STAND UP!- Joshua 1:9. The speakers are first ladies from churches in Omaha: Being a Woman of God in the HOME (Sonya Hawkins); Being a Woman of God in the CHURCH (Pamela Arvie) and Being a
Woman of God in the COMMUNITY (Danielle Thompson). This conference is for every woman that wants to STAND UP for God in every aspect of her life. You will leave the conference better equipped, empowered and enabled to STAND UP FOR GOD! There will also be a health segment with Dr. Linda Smith. Pre-registration is encouraged! Please call Shonda Ingram, Chairperson, at 402639-5783 for more information.
Pastor Smart
Sister Velma Sanders
Sister Arvie
Sister Hawkins
7th Annual Bible Conference
Sister Thompson
Family Of The Week The Jordans
The Jordans are Native Omahans. Doriette (Chapman) Jordan is employed by the Nebraska Early Childhood Collaborative. Eric Jordan Sr. is employed by Onxy Automotive. Harrison is 13 years old and is in his second year at Lewis and Clark Middle School. His studies include Honors English. His favorite pastime is gaming. He aspires to become a financial manager. Eric II is 17 years old and is a Senior at North High School. He enjoys socializing and gaming. His future includes attending Metropolitan Community College and the University of Nebraska Omaha as a business major. The Jordan family is active in theater productions at the Union for Contemporary Art. The Jordans are active in the Ambassadors Worship Center and participate in the music ministry.
GOD’S WORD, ALIVE! Ministries, with Velma Jean Sanders, is pleased to announce its 7th Annual Bible Conference. The theme will be: “Seeking 20/20 Spiritual Vision.” Along with Ms. Sanders, Rev. Smart Smartt, Retired Pastor of Prince of Peace Baptist Church, will be a presenter. The Conference is March 21 from 8:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the UNO Thompson Center, 6705 Dodge St. Registration for the conference, which includes a continental breakfast, is $20 per person. Preregistration is required by March 12. You can register at WWW. GODSWORDALIVE. NET or by mail: God’s Word, Alive; P.O. Box 34215, Omaha, NE 68134. Questions regarding this conference can be directed to Velma Jean Sanders at 402-453-3712.
MCC Announces Women’s History Month Programming Metropolitan Community College will celebrate Women’s History Month throughout March and April by hosting six educational programs. This year’s theme is “Valiant Women of the Vote,” which will be reflected in all programs. All events are free and open to the public. The month kicks off with “2020: A Centennial Celebration of ‘SOME’ Women’s Right to Vote,” on Tuesday, 6:30-8 p.m. at the Fort Omaha Campus, 30th and Fort streets. Led by ABA Consulting founder Adjoa B. Asamoah, this presentation will delve into the history of the women’s suffrage movement where Black suffragettes were instrumental, but not afforded the rights they sought to secure. Bernice Ende will chronicle her journey on horseback during “Riding Into the Unknown – What I Learned from 30,000 Miles of Equestrian Travel,” on March 17
from 12:30-1:45 p.m. at Elkhorn Valley Campus, 829 N. 204th St. In 2005, at 50 years old, Ende decided to ride horseback from Montana to New Mexico with only the clothes on her back. Women’s History Month finishes on April 15 with Deidre Cooper Owens, Ph.D., from University of NebraskaLincoln, discussing genealogy and slavery at “What Genealogies Reveal: Slavery, Race and the Making of American Gynecology.” Cooper Owens will shed light on the history of reproduction medicine and medical racism. The presentation will be at the Fort Omaha Campus, Building 10, room 110, from 6:30-8 p.m. To see all the events and descriptions for MCC Women’s History Month, visit mccneb.edu/womenshistory or email bvelazquez@mccneb.edu.
THOMAS FUNERAL HOME & Cremation Services
THE BLACK PRESS
TRADITION • RESPECT • DIGNITY
A Tradition of Caring Since 1939 3920 North 24th St. Omaha, NE 68110 402-453-7111 www.omahathomasfh.com
AND THE BLACK CHURCH: Both Born Out of Necessity For Self-Expression And Both Black - Owned. Together, The Press And the Pulpit Can Give Us Full Citizenship Immediately
Become a Jesuit Academy Student! Advancing the Hearts and Minds of Young Men Since 1996
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We all have problems occasionally and there are times when we feel like we’ve been punched in the gut. I felt like this a couple of months ago when one morning I went into my office to start the day and my computer would not wake up. I realize that hard drive failures are not the worst things that could happen, but for someone who writes several hours a day, it’s discouraging to say the least, but in the big picture of crisis issues, this is actually pretty far down the list. As I grow older, I want to be more grateful for my blessings and this includes the hope of good health. My good friend who is being treated for lung cancer is still sending out his morning updates and always closes with a series of positive affirmations such as, “Attitude for gratitude” and “Live within the light.” I know that he is being shown precious wisdom as he travels through his journey and he’s quick to testify about his appreciation for each day. I’m not sure who said it, but it’s so true to consider, “When some things go wrong, take a moment to be thankful for the many things that are going right.” Within our observations, we realize that in comparison with others who are dealing with serious problems many of our troubles and disappointments are small. Even more amazing, there are a few individuals that have not only been able to adapt to devastating situations but have went on to excel and achieve astounding accomplishments. One of these special cases is Helen Keller (1880-1968), who was blind and deaf yet she grew up to become a world famous inspirational author, political activist, and relentless crusader for the rights of the disabled. She was a highly sensitive truth seeker who took great delight in sharing her passion for knowledge and spirituality. Helen was born in Tuscumbia, Alabama; and for her first year and a half, she was just like any other child, however, at the age of nineteen months, she became ill with what many suspect was scarlet fever or perhaps meningitis. The Keller’s family doctor did not believe she would survive; but after several days, her fever subsided and everyone was relieved. Unfortunately, as little Helen recuperated, they were saddened to discover that she had been left totally blind and deaf as a result of the illness. Medical tests confirmed that she could not see any light or objects, and her ears could not conduct sound at all. To have a small glimpse of the world in which she lived, close your eyes and put your fingers in your ears. It is truly difficult to imagine living with no sight or sound. For those who have seen the movie “The Miracle Worker,” we remember how her tutor Anne Sullivan poured water over Helen’s hand while spelling the word on her other palm. Helen is quoted, “It was as if I had come back to life after being dead! I understood what my teacher was saying, that the cold liquid that was rushing over my hand was water, and that it was possible for me to communicate with other people by these hand signs. It was a wonderful day, never to be forgotten.” Another important person in her life was a man named John Hitz whom Helen respectfully called, “The foster father of her soul.” He introduced her to the religious teachings of Emanuel Swedenborg and this ignited her spiritual hunger to know more about God and the Bible. Helen Keller was the first deaf and blind person to earn a college degree, from Radcliffe, no less, from which she graduated cum laude in 1904 with a bachelor of arts degree. She was also nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize in 1953. In 1999 her name appeared on Time magazine’s list of the 100 most important figures of the 20th century, alongside such iconic figures as Albert Einstein, Mother Teresa, Martin Luther King and the Wright brothers. One of her many famous quotes is, “Keep your face to the sun and you will never see the shadows.” So how did Helen become such a strong force of optimism and positive energy? She learned to accept her limitations with grace and even joy, because within her heart she knew they had a purpose and that, in fact, her life could be made all the richer not despite them but because of them. William F. Holland Jr., DD., C.ED.D. Minister/Chaplain/Author Website: billyhollandministries.com
UNMC Conducting Study of Children’s Behavior and Mood Disorders
Researchers at the University of Nebraska Medical Center are seeking children and adolescents for a study on the impact of oxytocin on irritability/emotional dysregulation in children and adolescents with disruptive behavior and mood disorders. Researchers plan to enroll 104 participants. Irritability is one of the most common reasons children and adolescents are referred for behavioral health care. The study uses a combination of brain imaging (functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Magneto Encephalography) and oxytocin or placebo nasal spray to look for signals in brain areas that are responsible for irritability. The goal is to improve mood and behavior as well as study changes in the brain. Soonjo Hwang, M.D., a child and adolescent psychiatrist conducting the study, specializes in research using brain imaging in children and teenagers. The imaging tools allow researchers to see changes in brain activity and how they relate to changes in mood and behavior. The study is seeking children and adolescents, ages 10-18, who: • Have high levels of irritability; • Have no metal in or on the body; • Have had no medication changes in the past six weeks; • Are willing to use a nasal spray; and • Are not pregnant. Participants are expected to: • Complete four to five visits over a five-week period (two of the visits will be at Boys Town National Research Hospital); • Use the nasal spray medication as directed; • Complete questionnaires about mood and behavior symptoms; • Complete two MEG scans, two fMRI scans, an IQ test and a psychiatric interview; and • Provide an optional cheek swab for genetic testing. Parents/legal guardians will complete questionnaires on their child’s mood and behavior symptoms. For more information, contact Arica Lerdahl at 402-5526101 or arica.lerdahl@unmc.edu.
LOCAL NEWS
March 6, 2020
THE OMAHA STAR
Page Five
Omaha Police Department Accepting Applications Have you ever considered becoming a Police Officer or know someone who would like to be one? The Omaha Police Department is taking applications for Police Officer. Applications for Police Officer will be taken until Thursday, March 19, 2020. Information about the career and the hiring process can be found at www.joinopd.com. You can also follow the recruitment page on Facebook and Twitter at JoinOPD. Diversity on the department is important to Chief Todd Schmaderer. A police department should be reflective of the community it serves. We encourage people interested in law enforcement to join our team. Here are a few testimonials from African American Omaha Police Officers: Officer Brittany Taylor joined the Omaha Police Department in October 2018. Officer Taylor became interested in Criminal Justice and Policing at an early age because her father was a law enforcement officer. Officer Taylor said being on the department has been pretty amazing becoming a part of a family outside of her blood relatives. Sergeant Antwone Finch has been in law enforcement since 1995. Sergeant Finch was born and raised in Omaha. He grew up 42nd and Bedford Avenue. He takes pride in still living in North Omaha and making himself available to those in need. Sergeant Finch believes that being a police officer provides him a great opportunity to give back to his community. Sergeant Felicia Merritt believes her role as Black, female police officer is to strike change. She believes young African American girls and all young girls need to interact face to face with role models. Sergeant Merritt mentored young people while working in the Omaha Public Schools for 10 years as a School Resource Officer. She found true joy was creating relationships with each child I encountered. Lieutenant Sherie Thomas became a police officer because she wanted to make a difference in her community. Lieutenant Thomas has served on the department over 21 years. Lieutenant Thomas believes it’s important for people in law enforcement to C.A.R.E. (Community minded, Advocate, Relationships, Educate). Establishing connections in the community and building relationships is very important in law enforcement. This career can put a person in a position to affect someone else’s life for the better.
North Omaha Leader Announces Run for Nebraska Unicameral Fred Conley has announced his campaign for Nebraska State Legislature - District 11. Conley and his wife have lived in the district for over 40 years. He has a history of service in North Omaha: Vice-Chair of the Papio NRD Board, President of the North Omaha Foundation and a member of the Charles Drew Health Center Board. Conley has served on the boards of the Family Housing Services Inc., Omaha Housing Authority, Omaha Small Business Network, the Butler-Gast YMCA and the Metro Community College Board. He was a founding member of the 100 Black Men of Omaha. While Conley served on the Omaha City Council, he was elected President of the City Council and was appointed interim mayor in 1988. He was born in Omaha and returned after serving as a Sergeant in the United States Air force. Conley said “I want to continue to be of service for my community in the 11th Legislative District as well as the people
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Page Six THE OMAHA STAR
LOCAL NEWS
March 6, 2020
Nebraska’s Second Woman of Color to Run for U.S. Senate Files Democratic Candidate Alisha Shelton has filed to run for the United States Senate in the State of Nebraska, becoming only the second black woman in its history to run. This comes during Black History Month where Shelton is ready to make history as the first black woman to run in a little over 40 years. In 1976, Lenore Etchison was the first black woman and first woman of color to run for U.S. Senate in the State of Nebraska. Etchison ran again in 1978. As a resident of Omaha, Shelton saw a need for Nebraska’s senators to reflect the population they
represent and its Nebraskan values. Shelton’s platform includes values for all Nebraskans: reducing gun violence, access to quality healthcare, strengthening trade and agriculture, and mitigating climate change. Furthermore, Shelton’s historic run for U.S. Senate inspires those from marginalized backgrounds. When responding to a post on Shelton’s Facebook page regarding being the only ethnic minority candidate in the senate race, RaDaniel Arvie, an African-American student at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, said “Your courage & transparency is inspiring.�
Shelton will be running against current Republican Senator Ben Sasse, and has coined the phrase “Drain the Gas out of Sasse� as her tagline to remove him from office. Shelton is a licensed independent mental health practitioner who has worked out of Winnebago, Nebraska for nearly four years. To learn more about Alisha Shelton and her historic campaign for U.S. Senate, visit www.sheltonforsenate. com, or contact press@sheltonforsenate.com, 402-2813914. Committee to Elect Alisha Shelton, P.O. Box 641026, Omaha, NE 68164.
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March 6, 2020
THE OMAHA STAR
Page Seven
Down for the Cause Not Down for the Count Development & Gentrification in North Omaha
Young Omahans Who Choose to Stay Intro by Lynn Sanchez Photos by Abiola Kosoko Talented, educated young people often have a choice about where they want to settle to begin their lives as independent adults. Yes, a city’s “cool” factor is nice, but realities like affordable housing, professional opportunity, low crime, diversity and a positive net migration (growing rather than shrinking) also factor into the decision. Many of today’s generation of entrepreneurs and artists look for cities with transportation options, natural beauty, a healthy environment and a like-minded cohort that they can socialize with. It’s no secret Nebraska has struggled with losing its most promising young people to other cities for years. Between 2011 and 2015, some 2,300 people aged 25 and older with bachelor’s and advanced degrees opted to move to greener pastures. However, there are young, talented Black men and women who have consciously chosen to stay and invest their gifts right here in their hometown. We asked a few of them to tell us why. LUPER AKOUGH In 2015, my fiancé and I put a five year plan together to move out of Omaha. We wanted to save enough money for me to buy a business in Charlotte, NC, and also be able to put 20 percent down payment on a house. It was an aggressive goal, but at that time Omaha was not for us long term. Over the course of that first year, we met a lot of dope people through Urban League Young Professionals and decided to give Omaha a second shot. Friends and those connections are what stopped us from leaving. However, our business is what roots us deep in the Omaha community. We have learned that Omaha is a fantastic place to start a business as a Black. Rent and other operational items are also cheaper here compared to other parts of the U.S. Since we are here, we decided to give back as well. We want to empower more Black men, Black woman & collectively Black Families to not just exist, but to thrive unapologetically while reaching back and pulling someone up because it takes a village. NADIA SPURLOCK I am currently a freshman at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln pursuing a Criminal Justice degree with a minor in African American studies. I chose to stay in Omaha to continue my educational career because throughout my childhood, I built a very strong support system full of many influential community members. Although this community helped me greatly prior to starting college, I believe that as I get older and more involved within the community, I will be able to take full advantage of and continue to build on the connections I have made. I know that these individuals, along with my friends and family, are completely invested in my success and are just a phone call away with anything I may need. After completing my first semester of college, I am grateful that I chose to stay here. If I had basic questions about the college experience, needed volunteer opportunities, or just needed life fed into me in times of stress, they were all just a call or an hour’s drive away. It has also been an amazing experience to be able to stay connected with those still in high school or within the community who have questions about UNL or about college. I love directly giving back to the future generations of the Omaha community, similar to what I received growing up from the Boys and Girls Club, Girls Inc., and the Urban League. It truly has been beautiful to be able to live out the full experience of the tight community Omaha has to offer. Not many other places can offer the same. RACQUEL HENDERSON I am an Omaha native, born and raised in the heart of the “Ghetto.” I grew up in a house on 24th & Binney and I lived there my entire life. My maternal grandfather built the home from the ground up at a time when the neighborhood was predominantly White. My Mom told me that when people of color started to buy land there and build, that the White people moved further out. My mother took pride in her home, in owning it and living in North Omaha. Growing up, I had a love/hate relationship with it. My childhood was amazing because of it, but along the way I lost a lot of people. You see, I remember walking to the neighborhood stores, playing outside until the street lights came on, and actually connecting with people. Omaha is what built me, what made me. When I think about why I stay here, why I chose to buy my home here, and raise my kids here; it all comes down to two things - strength and resilience. Omaha made me strong and through the struggle, I became resilient. I love the culture, the cost of living, the intimacy that comes from living in a smaller city. I love the education system, the variety of weather, and being in the Midwest all together. I used to think of moving to other places, but I could not leave the city that made and shaped me, or the personal connections that I have here. Omaha developed my morals and values. It shaped my culture and always poured into my Blackness. I want that for my children. I want them to love and value where they are from and like myself, I want them to pour back into their community and have an impact and effect change in our community. I often wonder why amazing people from Omaha leave to do amazing things elsewhere instead of making a difference right here. I would feel horrible enacting change all over the world and forgetting my own people. It is our
duty to uplift, empower, and encourage, and I intend to do that right here in my city, Omaha … North Omaha to be exact. JUDY KIAGIRI I moved to Omaha in the summer of 2010. I had a short stint away for almost 2 years working and living in Portland, Oregon, but when the choice to make a change came, I chose to return to Omaha instead of moving to the East coast where I could be with family and great professional opportunities. Why? A couple of things: Having lived on both the East and West coasts, the cost of living and the quality of life in Omaha was much cheaper and more manageable. My son had a speech delay and had gotten amazing support when we previously lived in Omaha, and that turned out not to be the case when I moved to Oregon. I had to pay out of pocket for similar services that I had received in Omaha, and had assumed would be part and parcel of the support services of the school district. While Omaha was not as diverse as I would have liked, there was more to offer in terms of the community, the restaurants, the grocery stores, than say, in Springfield Missouri where I had landed when I first arrived in America. This has increased tremendously since I first moved here - we see community movements and collective groups creating space for themselves and taking ownership of their stories and livelihoods. Yes, there is still room for exponential improvement, but I appreciate the progress made. The quality of school and education is sometimes better than in some of the school districts I’d encountered when I lived in Maryland or California. Yes, you still have to be an advocate for your children, but that is a requirement no matter where you live. There is low unemployment, and many jobs are available, though it’s also a bit of a double edged sword because there are a lot of under-employed individuals. I was one of them and had to take a pay cut, but fortunately, I was able to get back into the international development industry and work remotely. Point #1 made it an easy choice to make to stay in Omaha. I have since made a conscious choice to stay and live in Omaha as we co-parent our children, and as I also have the privilege of co-leading an amazing organization, AFROMAHA, created by Africans living in Nebraska, that is working to connect and bring people together, foster creativity, and inspire the African diaspora to be involved in the community! Are there days I long for moving away from Omaha? Certainly! See six month winter weather season!! But for the foreseeable future, I’ll be hibernating during the winter season and come out to play in the wonderful April-September, every weekend, activity-filled city that I love! DENISE CHAPMAN When I moved back to Omaha in the fall of 2006, I thought it was a pit stop. A year or two to save some money, head back to Chicago, or maybe head up to Minneapolis. I didn’t see a way for me to stay. I was struggling to find ways to do the work I wanted to do as a theatre artist and was convinced that I wouldn’t be able to “make it” here. I was talking with a buddy from grad school after I had been here about two years and they reminded me of something I had told them about their struggles in LA. “As soon as you realize you don’t have to be in some big city to do the work, you will find ways to make the work happen wherever you are.” Nothing like being smacked in the head with your own advice right? I think at the core of my staying in Omaha was this awakening that I could create what I didn’t see for myself. I didn’t have to climb a ladder; I could help build a table. There wasn’t a ready-made professional theatre infrastructure for me to plug myself into but what I found was a community of like-minded artists, some resources and opportunities that could have only happened in a city this size. There was support from a community of folks who remember the little girl from the Miller Park area who supported the work I do in oh so many ways. This is why I stay, the work means so much more when it’s not just about climbing. ALISA PARMER I have been asked often by many “Why I have chosen to stay in Omaha and make a difference, versus leaving?” It was not always my choice to stay in Nebraska. If you would have asked me this question ten years ago during my ‘20s to ‘30s, my answer would have been I did not choose to stay anywhere. I would tell others to get out, there is nothing here. I thought of leaving often and traveled through many states to find myself right back here. During the ‘90s and early 2000s the support just was not here for me. I became a young single mother of one who could barely afford to care for my daughter, pay for childcare and keep a roof over our heads. I was not educated on credit, building my wealth, or investing in my community. This contributed to my struggle as a single mother at that time and making some poor choices. My original choice to stay in Nebraska was strictly by default. I had been incarcerated in Nebraska and had to stay. After incarceration I was mandated by the Federal Government to return to Omaha. This is when the things I had valued all my life came into play with my stay in Nebraska. Though I had bumps in the road I always valued my faith, my family, and my community. My Faith – My family has belonged to and been a part of several strong Church homes that have been in the community for decades, starting with Pilgrim Baptist Church, Greater New
Hope Baptist Church, Morning Star Baptist and King Solomon Baptist Church. These church families have been with our family over the years through my parents, aunts, uncles, and great relatives. These church families prayed with us, for us, and over us when we got tired and gave up often, they came on through, loved on us and supported us. They wrote me letters and cared for my family when I got in trouble. My Family – My parents were transplants to Nebraska in the ‘70s as we had senior family members that had come from the South to Nebraska and became property owners and built careers. My mother, Annetta Cole was a transplant to Nebraska from Texas. She was one of few Black women barbers at Offutt Air Force Base in the ‘70s and then became a business owner in the North Omaha community of her own shops, “New Look Barber Shop” at 24th & Ames and later “3’s Company” (with two other women of color) on 30th & Bedford. My father, Joe Cole, was a transplant from Oklahoma. He was an instructor and worked at the historic Omaha Opportunities Industrialization Center (OOIC) on 24th and Lake. I got married after the rocks in the road and we have 4 beautiful children. My mother is still located in Nebraska and my father comes in for three or four months out of the year when weather permits. In addition to my family, my husband has blessed us with an extended family here and they are a blessing and great asset. We all live within 5-20 minutes from each other. My Community – I was born and raised in North Omaha, Miller Park area, with neighbors and community members that still pour into me and support me to this day! They poured into me and became a village to my family. The neighbors on my block and in the hood, the Greshams, Taylors, Whitfields, Devers, and McCants. I was a latch key kid, and everybody watched over me while my parents worked. When I had children and moved into the same house on the same block, these families watched over my children too. I attended Lothrop Elementary, Miller Park Elementary, Sherman Elementary, McMillan Jr High, Central High and later Flanagan High School. Mr. Gene Haynes was in Leadership at McMillian Jr High, and told me “hit the bricks.” Ms. Mary Wilson, the Flanagan drama teacher always encouraged me to use my voice. Mr. Robert Faulkner was my last principal who came and got me from parties when I skipped school and made sure I graduated. They supported me with my first job through Omaha Economic Development Corporation in North Omaha, which is now Step-Up Omaha. I worked at the Boys Club (now the Hope Center), worked at Time Out Chicken in North Omaha, and then Bakers on 50th & Ames. I learned what it was to work hard in my community and never give up. Even when I had the rocks in the road and came back home it was my North Omaha community that gave me a job at Nova Therapeutic Community. I stay because I want to be of service to the North Omaha community that is part of my values, my foundation and supported me and that is me. I hope I can make a difference to other people of color who face barriers of race, sex, education, religion and economic disparities, and prevent them from making the same poor choices I made as the product of the still-struggling red lines. Therefore, I stay in Omaha, Nebraska to be of service, give back, and love on my faith, family, and community. DAWAUNE LAMONT HAYES My name is Dawaune Lamont Hayes, born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska on July 2, 1994, which makes me 25. I graduated from Central High in 2012 and Creighton University in 2016. I chose to stay in Omaha because it is a place of incredible potential. I like to say this city will amplify whatever kind of energy you put into it. If you’re pouring positive energy out, you’re bound to receive it tenfold. We only have one degree of separation which means there are plenty of people in a tight-knit community to make this city special. A heartfelt place in the Heartland at the confluence of the Missouri River, Interstate 80, and Union Pacific railways, Omaha is quite literally at the center of life and commerce in the United States. Our “big little town” has people from all over the globe, speaking languages and bringing culture that make us an international hub. A heart pumps energy to the body, it moves oxygen to enliven muscles, heal skin, and release toxins. Without the heart, the body doesn’t have the rhythm to live. For many, Omaha can feel like a stagnant place, stuck in traffic, bland box buildings, endless miles of concrete, and plenty of roadside garbage. This resonates with me, I too wanted to escape, until I realized the place I was looking for is right here. Amidst the stone-poured labyrinth bubble the sounds of soulful music and merrymaking, vibrant eye-popping art, and a delicious diverse food array. Our creative community is growing and showing all colors and sizes, subjects and sanctuaries. Omaha’s imagination, when in sync with the people, will elevate the community to new heights. I just think we need to realize our power and ability and can lead. We must demonstrate how people and their love for a place can transform how we exist on this planet. We shouldn’t think any less of ourselves. Omaha has the chance to embrace the enlightening energy embedded in our bones and raise up to meet the challenges of the future with heads high and hearts open. There is no thing “too hard” to accomplish, we just have to say Yes.
LUPER AKOUGH
NADIA SPURLOCK
RACQUEL HENDERSON
JUDY KIAGIRI
DENISE CHAPMAN
ALISA PARMER
DAWAUNE LAMONT HAYES
Page Eight
LIFE & STYLE
THE OMAHA STAR
Financial Tips from Veridian Spring Clean Your Finances, Too As temperatures climb, it’ll soon be the season to sweep all the cobwebs out of your house during spring cleaning. This year, take some time to do some spring cleaning on your finances as well. Here’s a list of good places to start: • Review your spending plan from last year and adjust it for the rest of 2020 – or if you don’t have one, make one. • Consider your subscriptions and other automatic payments. Are you paying for things you don’t use, like a Netflix subscription or gym membership? • Take another look at your insurance policies to make sure you’re getting the best rates and discounts. • Where possible, switch to electronic statements and communications to remove
paper clutter from your home. Having your documents available online reduces the filing you have to do and allows you to access them from anywhere. • Ask about loyalty discounts and special promotions. There may be new offers from merchants or providers you use regularly. • Talk to a financial advisor. A professional can offer guidance on your spending plan and help you meet your financial goals. If you could use some financial advice, Veridian is here to help. We’re a not-forprofit credit union with branches in Council Bluffs, Omaha and Papillion. Simply stop by a Veridian branch or call (800) 2353228 and ask to speak to Alex to schedule a one-on-one consultation today.
Fabric Hoarder No More! or are made fun of when on their menstrual cycle they stain their clothes. It’s embarrassing and causes shame for the female youngsters and women who simply can’t afford the sanitary products. Maisha commented about a young girl dying of toxic shock syndrome because she left a tampon in place for four days. Another committed suicide because of the stain in her clothes during school. This needs not to be so. We can make a difference! We can contribute fabric and supplies to women in Africa, Camaroon and other impoverished regions in the world. We can make feminine hygiene products and/ or pay for shipment to Africa. For example, extra baggage fee is $200 for someone already traveling to Africa. Monetary donations are welcomed as well. Please make a difference and touch the lives of those in need. Your help would be greatly appreciated. Send fabric donations to: Sankofa Artisans Guild, C/O Maisha Sullivan, 6082 Drexel Rd. Philadelphia PA 19131 Email: Maisha11@verizon.net Fabrics needed: cottons, flannel, fleece Notions: 10” zippers and fabric scissors
By Tara Evans
On Ash Wednesday, I began observing the Lenten season. I am a protestant of the Baptist faith, yet this year I prayed to God to make a difference in the lives of others. I looked around my home and decided to give at least half of all the fabric I had collected over the years to someone really in need. I am an avid quilter. Fabric is quite an essential necessity of quilt making. So, I made a declaration in my Facebook quilt group, Black Girls Quilt, to gift fabric to those who would actually use it. I didn’t want to be one of those quilters who had passed away and had mounds of fabric to be thrown away or dry rotting and of no use. Within minutes, my Facebook post lit up with potential recipients of my fabric! One organization, The Sankofa Artisans Guild, contact person, Maisha Sullivan Ongoza, said they would use the fabric to make sanitary napkins for poor women in Africa. I am so excited to be a supporter of this very needed endeavor. There are many times that young girls cannot attend school
March 6, 2020
New Orleans Jazz Fest 2020
Now’s a great time to get your tickets to attend the 51st New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival set for April 23 - May 3. You may have been to other jazz festivals, but the New Orleans Jazz Fest – as it’s affectionately called – is uniquely different! It’s truly a musical and gastronomic experience like no other! Most jazz festivals feature only jazz, but one entry ticket to Jazz Fest gets you jazz, as well as blues, gospel, Cajun, blue grass, zydeco, rock, country, reggae, and more. Most jazz festivals offer typical “festival” food like popcorn and funnel cakes, but Jazz Fest offers dishes from many of New Orleans’ best restaurants, like Lil’ Dizzy’s redfish baquet, Vuchinovich’s Café’s spinach & oyster salad, Prejean’s Restaurant’s quail & andouille gumbo, Café Du Monde’s world-famous beignets, along with Loretta’s sweet (chocolate) and savory (crab) stuffed praline beignets. More than 70 food and drink vendors offer a veritable smorgasbord of multiple-choice menus – like crawfish Monica, chocolate bread pudding, and shrimp etouffé, as well as international cuisine like couscous with yogurt sauce (Gambia), Colombo de Poulet (Martinican Chicken Curry), Pão de queijo (Brazilian cheese bread), and flavorful, colorful “Bunny” chow (South African veggie curry). Why so much about Jazz Fest food? Because when Jazz Fest fans meet up, they rave about the music they heard as much as they rave about their favorite Jazz Fest foods. Finally, while most jazz festivals offer jazz and food, the Jazz & Heritage Festival throws in Louisiana’s varied cultural and musical heritage, from American Indian demonstrations to Mardi Gras Indian parades to social and pleasure clubs’ colorful second-lines and parades. Hence the word “heritage” in the festival’s title. What began as a celebration of jazz and Louisiana’s rich regional music heritage has ballooned into an 8-day, 2-weekend celebration of all kinds of music, succulent foods, and arts and crafts. Last year nearly half a million people crossed the entry gates at the Fairgrounds Race Track in the Gentilly Neighborhood in New Orleans where Jazz Fest is held. A short list of this year’s headliners include the following: Chick Corea, Aaron Neville, The Who, The Beach Boys, Jimmy Cliff, Lionel Ritchie, Stevie Nicks, Fred Hammond, Kool & the Gang, Maze featuring Frankie Beverly, The Legendary Count Basie Orchestra, and David Sanborn. Also featured are New Orleans’ own Terrence Blanchard, Jon Batiste, The Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Trombone Shorty, Irma Thomas, Kermit Ruffins, Rebirth and The Dirty Dozen Brass Bands, Tank & the Bangas, Big Freedia, Kermit Ruffins, Jason Marsalis, and Big Chief Boudreax and the Golden Eagles Mardi Gras Indians, along with Lenny Kravitz, Norah Jones, Elvis Costello, and Erykah Badu. The official Jazz Fest website is www.nojazzfest.com.
Author of ‘The Underground Railroad’ and ‘The Nickel Boys’ to speak at Creighton The Pulitzer Prize-winning author of “The Underground Railroad,” Colson Whitehead, will be speaking at Creighton University at 7 p.m. March 30 in the Harper Center auditorium. His most recent book, New York Times bestseller “The Nickel Boys,” was one of TIME Magazine’s 10 best fiction books of the decade, winner of the Kirkus Prize and long listed for the National Book Award. The event is free and open to the public, however registration is requested as space is limited. A book signing will be held after the talk and books will be available for purchase. Whitehead’s reviews, essays, and fiction have appeared in
a number of publications, such as the New York Times, The New Yorker, New York Magazine, Harper’s and Granta. He has received a MacArthur Fellowship, a Guggenheim Fellowship, a Whiting Writers Award, the Dos Passos Prize, a fellowship at the Cullman Center for Scholars and Writers, and was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for “John Henry Days.” He has taught at the University of Houston, Columbia University, Brooklyn College, Hunter College, New York University, Princeton University, Wesleyan University, and been a Writer-in-Residence at Vassar College, the University of Richmond, and the University of Wyoming. He lives in New York City.
Colson Whitehead
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
Luther King Day
Black Owned Newspa per
★OS THE
MAHA TAR
Cause of the People that NO Good Dedicated to the Service that Evil Shall Not Go Unopposed Shall Lack a Champion and
Newspaper Nebraska’s Only Black Owned
KS Science Fair
Thursday, July 8, 2010
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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
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ship Fair
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Children’s Film
On Monday, January 11 on NET1 and NET-HD, Sam Cooke and Marvin Gaye See page 2 for details
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Special Thanks
MILDRED D. BROWN 9, 1938
homes as you are hardly can continue to repair and buy I of the people that no good money and invest it now doing, save your “Dedicated to the service 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 She Publishing Co., and [sic] FREE transportation anytime we needed a platform. sure that the Omaha Star In order to qualify in the Omaha metro area (please seems like yesterday journalistic available ministry. She believed that call for a listing). organization of energetic, well trained a paid program for this special service all Club 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 from 3-8 p.m. the Omaha Star dedicates Jan. 4 - May community, submitted by For more Club 7. Our to have you know that and ask for Mr. in the churches in the have been suppublic you general the information call Dave Felici, Unit serving 342-2300 existence to the task of 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 Star is especially fascinating her readers to procan 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 Plains Black museum. This paper is about us. come prepared in when we as a group must military success. Lunch Nebraska, and the Great with a resume and issues. Where else test the segregation of the public. The time is at hand was will be provided. information call submit their story, events Congratulation the Martin Bomber plant During the time during which it was active, she Omaha Star a firm founda557-4470. To RSVP or for s to...the King Since the recent recession, begin to build. Give the them to apply for jobs that She 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 support their own facility. a mouthpiece and a emony. Pictured coaster at times but we civil rights, as a reporter of Excellence club ran out of funds to and presented their projects in the annual to contact us concerning are the Awards bered for his work for prise worthy of consideration, winners and the executive the 7th & 8th grade working in the commua display board Alec Williams; I encourage the public 25 first place Whitney Young, who was for the people of Omaha. She spent countless hours Luke Armitage; of Excellence winners (l or even if you want to to columnist. force at commuwinners least eventufifty mouthpiece and recommendations a before two to r): with hundred Emily Beck; complaints, the Star as Urban League and Katie Cramer. Nick Schultz; Ian Brummel; a Breakfast of Champions judges. The nity, receiving over one are certainly appreciIn addition to offering 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, the ally becoming the executive for the African-American in behalf of the community Martha Winterer; by the NAACP, one of the community to realize ated. The staff is working League, contributed editorials. Award” for service awarded Gilberts also encouraged a better and more enlighten honored 16,000 African- Urban boycotts to call attention only thirty-five people in the country to be and trying to always have supported The country’s effect the buying power outstanding an paper is positive The and the was small, cater often 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. East Germany to investigate and Live Action. We have a large religious treated the community goodwill ambassador to Film Streams African-Americans and More than ten when tries are In English. Australia; Edward for the support of the churches following the conpaper, thanks, the presents the Best of sincere violations issue coun- Recommended rights express second represented, alleged human 95 min. Specifically, in the of the New York International including works clergy leaders. ages: 9 to adult. She also worked to improve Australia, members of the North Omaha in the community and the from Children’s Film our struction of the Berlin Gilbert pointed out that (NYICFF). From least, I want to thank Festival Germany, Denmark, Finland, France, an ice cream shop carriers and her office Last but certainly not Jan. 9 to March Latvia, Sweden, the lives of the newspaper black community were patronizing which would be Feb. 6-7, 11, 13-14, there would not be Streams’ Ruth 18, Film U.K. that someone did not have Switzerland, the Ice Cream, advertisers. Without advertising, 18 — Sokolof Theater, and workers. If she learned of at 24th and Lake, Reed’s published. Advertisements nonprofit cinema, Omaha’s within the U.S. Tickets for all screenings Azur & Asmar Directed hiring practices over she would buy them bags an Omaha Star Newspaper enough food at home, will screen five Best targeted for their discriminatory an by Michel Ocelot. the printing of the publicabest programs larded The newspaper carriof the for seniors, of NYICFF are $9 general, Porres Club. Gilbert spent and retail sales pay for from groceries to supply their a decade later by the De $7 advertisers have stuck with students, teachers A dazzling animated Christmas or Easter party series continues the 2009 NYICFF. The dren, shop and counted at least tions. Many of our older us. ers often received a special and chilhour outside the ice cream Film Streams’ feature about and $4.50 Newer ones have joined approving of their work, when they might Young family two Forever Members. for Film Streams boys raised as brothers, us throughout the years. adverin gratitude for their hard one hundred African-Americans and children’s who set off on that they don’t have to dangerous quest were given all year. their purchasing power. which is made program, Streams’ All screenings will occur a Others have the feeling them receive the only gifts they through faraway hiring practices through possible in part at Film find Americans we will give Ruth Sokolof in 1989, the Omaha Star divorced in 1943, and lands to and free the port from Lincoln with tise because as African Theater, located At the time of her death Mildred and Edward Gilbert in Fairy of the Star readers look at the Financial Group. sup- the corner of 14th a circulation of 30,685 at Animation. her maiden name, Brown. our business anyway. Omaha and Mike Fahey Founded in 1997, and had a staff of twenty, and In English. France; Djinns. Mildred resumed using merly Webster) Brown wrote, for those who support us Star, the longest Mildred (forNYICFF paper 1969, Omaha the In the in of Recommended states. 99 Streets, is dedicated advertising to promoting min. thirty-nine As the publisher one block south 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 f a more online can be found Flix shop to ask those merchants lost, and tomorrow’s Negro by calling attention to ilm experience at www.f ilmstreams.or our readers when they his emancipation will be served an important function A kaleidoscopic Juried by such for kids. www.gkids.tv/ of the powerful forces, they don’t? If they continue people in the black commucollection of well-known filmmakers g or animated that do not advertise Why youth will be at the mercy our the accomplishments of the best John Turturro, man the ramparts of bigshort films the Omaha Star, I urge values. The newspaper as contact Casey tour. For questions, please Susan Sarandon, from around North and South that still to refuse to advertise in nity and emphasizing positive Brown got world, featuring Remember $$ Logan at 933-0259 Schamus, Matthew the James email who received awards, or and discrimination.” Mildred buying their products. stop traditional to individuals prejudice x11 otry, readers at recognized Modine From or casey@filmstr animation, CGI, collage, and Gus Sant, the festival compelled to do so. had previously been closed eams.org. and stop-motion. persisted because she felt The schedule: speak. new jobs in industries that has been described Van civic In English. she had established 65 min. Recommended 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. good ages: 3 to 8. 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. not Jan. 9-10, 14, of that may be found March 6-7, 11, the continued existence eras of the Civil Rights cause shall lack a champion and that evil shall 16-17, 21 — week in order to continue Academy Awards at the Razzle through the tumultuous 13-14, 18 — who lend support to making neighborhood family per staff were but not at the Dazzle Directed On the occasion per to the demonstrations Your help is greatly appreciMildred Brown and her local multiplex.” by Darren Ashton. NYICFF Party Mix in to foster a sense of community. Ms. Brown again Movement, from segregation the Omaha Star possible. for late go unopposed.” A mockumentary of their community, Brown to the racial unrest of the bright and continued future An all-animated skewering the Best of NYICFF of the 1950s and 1960s, of the Star’s ninth anniversary, ated. I look forward to a the certainly champions outspoken voice in the wilderprogram featuring absurdi- ious, features one live-action ties of competition community, congratulated The Omaha Star reported hilarcomedy and particular. She was an 1960s and early 1970s. pledged her support to the not the Star in the Omaha community.. youth dance troupe between kids on the vokingvisually stunning, and thought-profour animated of its businesses and that occurred both locally ness that the tortuous gains of their emancipation programs, involved circuit – and the triumphs and the tragedies North Omaha on the growth shorts, specifically end. up this advice for her Mildred Brown was not are lost, and she worked tirelessly toward that hyper- older parents who intended for and throughout the nation. fast development, and offered audiences. In live through get any further a Seniors Alexis English them. titles. in letting discrimination Page and Ayomide neighbors. 75 min. Recommendedor English subto urge that you interested and queen at Adekunle were Star on its anniversary wishes Central High ages: 9 to 16. The crowned Homecoming on Sept. 12, 2009. king
Development Project Community Meeting is scheduled for January 28th Details on
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Festival Self-Empowerment St. Paul Baptist Church July 13th, 2010
event
Omaha City Councilman Ben Gray will commemorative 2 Omaha, Nebraska deliver a address on the Monday, Jan. UNMC campus Thursday, January 18, to on 7, 2010 Rev. Martin Luther honor slain civil rights leader, 50 cents King Jr. Gray’s speech, which is sponsored The Nebraska Medical Center, by UNMC and Truhlsen Campus will be in the Events Center Center. in the Sorrell “We are pleased The Partnership to bring a city For community volunteer leader and tireless non-profit organization Our Kids, a Schools.” to campus,” Newland, M.D., that provides disadvantaged director of UNMC’s said Myrna “The Partnership The mission of students For Our Kids Staples Foundation and coordinator of Equity Office academic enrichment with positive works to for Learning Inc. the Martin Luther provide Commemoratio is to teach, train King Day received a $10,000 experiences, has mentary school disadvantaged ele- inspire. n Committee. and Founded grant from Staples “I believe our students with positive in 2002, the founda- can look forward Foundation for campus to an inspiring Learning, a private academic enrichment experiences,” tion has contributed speech.” and relevant foundation created said Briana Curran, million to national more than $17 manager, Staples The and Funding from SFFL by Staples Inc. Foundation that provide educationallocal charities best annual address is regularly for Learning. will support the one of the city’s attended events “Staples and opportunities Winners Circle Foundation on Martin Luther job skills for all program, which for Learning supports King Jr. Day. people, with a This year, the event starts pro- Winners vides underserved the special Circle program, at noon, is free which cre- youth. emphasis on disadvantaged to the public. Guests and open dents with access elementary stu- ates an environment can park in Lot to rigorous math, Staples Foundation the visitor parking where youth are 15V, which is reading and citizenship recognized for for area located on Learning has also their achievements the south side developed lasting the Student Life Center increase their academic activities to teachers, peers, by relationships of at the corner of parents and the achievement. 40th & Jones com- of America, with Boys & Girls Clubs Streets. “The Winners munity.” Circle program Earth Force, Hispanic Gray is a first-time ensures disadvantaged Winners Circle elected city council students have and All Our Kids Heritage Foundation, and the Initiative for the 2nd District. the resources and member joined forces in for a Competitive support needed 2007 to form Prior to his election, Inner City. In addiOmaha City Councilman to Partnership develop an enthusiasm The tion, Staples Nebraska Gray had a 30-year For Our Kids, to Ben Gray Foundation for a television for learning,” Vol. 72 - No. 28 Omaha, help dis- supports said Beth Smith, career as nered Learning photojournalis Executive Director, advantaged students. The Partnership Ashoka, an with the emergency “Kaleidoscope” t Winners Circle on Omaha’s ABC’s and host of Nebraska develops and supportsorganization that KETV department at Program of The creates a community of caring Medical Center affiliate station, NewsWatch social entreprePartnership For dents from pre-kindergarten for stu- neurs around to use intervention The Our Kids. “With the world, in nine discussions about 7. The show featured passionate gies to decrease youth stratesup- high school through tries: port from Staples violence, such a variety of Argentina, Belgium, coun- Gray has to help Foundation for as immediate community issues. engagement after violent won multiple Learning we can taged youth graduate more disadvan- Canada, Brazil, 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 and dedicates host. and his wife, youth throughout the productive citizens United much of his time States. For more Freddie, began ing with the African-Americ Omaha Public lives of severely who give back information about workto foundation their community. at-risk youth and to improving the to close the an Achievement or how to apply gang members. the achievement Council for a grant, is the emergency team He Omaha gaps of children visit www. staplesfoundation Community Connection, director for Impact Public School in the .org. (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
Best of the New
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Our office will be closed Janu ary 18 th, in observan ce of Martin Luther King holiday
OMAHA STAR Ben Gray to speak at Martin
THE
Vol. 72 - No.
F.Y.I.
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ip 2010 Awards
City of Omaha 's Annual MLK, Jr. celebra tion will be at the Holland Perform ing Arts Center See ad on page 10 for more information
Women of Color in Leadersh
and Engage, Business Success “Power to Lead: Leverage, for the Perpetual stewardship. the theme Adopt & Deliver” was Winters advised the in Leadership steps to 3rd Annual Women of Color Awards group of eight Summit & legacy of Leadership at the Inclusion on their per25, 2010 jourLuncheon held on June Center. sonal diversity Holiday Inn Central Conventionluncheon neys; the Over 200 people attended 1. Know self first – was Marywhere the keynote speaker am I? What do I of CEO’s Who Who Quaites-Ferris, Dr. Marguerita Frances Winters, Author for? What makes (L-R) Tanya Cook, Vicki from the Heart stand Get It; Diversity Leadership Leadership Award Recipients: of the Winters me “me”? Crowder and Soul and President Washington, Annette 2. Value self – What can become? enhance who I am and gifts? Group. How are other ences Inclusion are my unique 5. Learn about others – What can learn from differences? circle to Ms Winters spoke on Women’s 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
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OMAHA STAR
THE
HEALTH & WELLNESS
March 6, 2020
Can You See Where You Going?
By Mark Darby, RN APRN, FNP-C Director of North Omaha Academy of Healthy Living Health care has an attention deficit. Society gets distracted from long term problems by fresh problems which shine like a new dime. At the time of this publication there are two news stories that caught my eye. The coronavirus has been found in Korea, Italy and Iran raising fears that we might be facing a pandemic. Such a headline certainly gets our attention. Millions of dollars are being spent to contain this virus and to “protect” the public. Society will even imprison people (sorry we use the word quarantine) to make sure we are safe. There was also a story that caught my eye which was more boring. It was about two bills in the Nebraska legislature that would cap out of pocket payments for insulin. The bills would not limit how much could be charged to insurance companies, only the portion paid directly by patients. The Nebraska Chamber of Commerce came out against the bill. If these stories, follow the trajectory I expect there will be a great deal of attention paid to the coronavirus. The virus will be used as justification for continued investment in high tech bio containment units and other expensive new technologies which may or may not save lives. Insulin cost will be ignored. Long after coronavirus fades from the newspapers and we go on to the next
pandemic threat, people will still not be able to afford insulin. People will die because they cannot afford insulin, a drug which has proven effectiveness and has been around for decades. I don’t know if I will ever be affected by the coronavirus, but I know people who cannot afford insulin. There are over 7 million people in the country with diabetes. As I have said in previous column, insulin may cost (if paying cash) over $500 per month. Along with other supplies, the yearly cost of caring for diabetes can approach $10,000. If you are person working a $15 an hour job and have no insurance, over a third of your paycheck goes to buy lifesaving medication. If I was threatened by the coronavirus, I would want all the resources society had to offer to save my life, yet the exact same thing is true with diabetes. If I had that illness, I would want to afford insulin. The same can be said for other boring illnesses such as asthma, high blood pressure, and heart disease where proven medications are becoming increasingly expensive. So what can be done? I think the answer lies in increasing our attention span. When new things threaten our health and safety, we can not afford to forget the old problems that still plague us. While we follow the coronavirus, don’t be afraid to call your state senator and voice support for LB 949 and LB 970 which address the cost of insulin. While you’re making that call, you can still call the Governor’s office (402) 471-2244) and voice support for expanded Medicaid which provide needed insurance to the working poor of Nebraska.
Douglas County Health Department COVID-19 Virus Update
22nd Annual Black Family Health and Wellness Fair Announced
2019 event
Black Family Health and Wellness Association Inc (BFHWA) started in 1998 to provide all families access to health information, education, and screenings. BFHWA collaborates with other community-based organizations to offer free health services to many North Omaha, low-income families. For more than 20 years, BFHWA has provided services to more than 10,000 people in the Greater Omaha area. The 22nd Annual BFHWA FREE Community
Page Nine
Health and Spirituality What Has Our Health Attention?
By Sheila Fields MBA, CPLC
To arrive at a destination, it always helps to have an address and reliable directions. Likewise, to know where you’re going in life, it helps to be able to visualize or plan each stage. Developing a vision statement provides a way to think about next steps and plan your future with wisdom. Your vision statement should inspire you and help you realize your goals. A vision statement benefits you because: • It keeps you focused on activities that matter most. • It reduces the chance of becoming distracted from your goals. • It provides a constant reminder of what your specific objective is. Things to consider as you develop your vision statement: • What do you want to have accomplished in the future? • Does it challenge and inspire you to do better? • Will you commit to your own vision? • Does it relate to your life? • Is this something that you’re motivated to achieve? Many businesses use vision statements as a basis for establishing initiatives and strategic goals. I recommend that you develop a personal as well as a family vision statement with your loved ones. A vision is like having a life compass that you can always reference; it provides a reminder of what direction you’re headed. This will always help you to adjust goals as needed when pursuing your dreams.
THE OMAHA STAR
Health fair will be held at Omaha North High School March 28, 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. Screenings include Blood Pressure, Hearing, Dental, Cholesterol, Glucose, Asthma, Vision, STD Testing, Flu shots, Dental Exams and more. For more information, contact Wayne Houston, President at 402.714.1793. Follow us on Facebook @BFHWAOMAHA Visit our website at http://bfhwa.com/
COVID-19 spreads from person-to-person and in the United States has occurred only among a few close contacts and has not spread any further to date. Dr. Adi M. Pour, Director of the Douglas County Health Department, stated there are no reported cases of the COVID-19 virus in Douglas County other than those people transported and quarantined under the jurisdiction of the Center for Disease Control. Dr. Pour stated the department is ready and prepared to handle documented cases of the virus through its Emergency Management Team and communications are established across city, state and federal agencies. It is very important for citizens to not be afraid. Instead, be smart, prepared and stay informed. Know your family’s circumstances surrounding food, drinking water and medicines on hand. Protect and educate family members on the importance of handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes, especially in public places. Avoid touching your mouth, nose, and eyes. Also, stay at home when you are ill. Consult the DCHD website for up-to-date information www.douglascountyhealth.com.
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Addressing Social Isolation Among Older Adults
(Juliann Sebastian, Ph.D., dean of the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Nursing, is part of a committee of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine that released a national report and presented their findings on how social isolation and loneliness impacts health outcomes in older adults aged 50 and older, particularly among low income, underserved, and vulnerable populations.)
Older adults who are experiencing social isolation or loneliness may face a higher risk of mortality, heart disease, and depression, according to a new report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. Despite the profound health consequences – and the associated costs – the health care system remains an underused partner in preventing, identifying, and intervening for social isolation and loneliness among adults over age 50. For individuals who are homebound, have no family, or do not belong to community or faith groups, a medical appointment or home health visit may be one of the few social interactions they have, according to the report released today. The report outlines five goals that the health care system should adopt to help address the health impacts of social isolation and loneliness. It also offers recommendations for strengthening health workforce education and training, leveraging digital health and health technology, improving community partnerships, and funding research in understudied
areas. “This is a big issue,” said Juliann Sebastian, Ph.D., dean of the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Nursing, a member of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine committee that did the study and released the report. “It was stunning to become more and more aware of all of the research that shows associations between social isolation and loneliness and health problems and even mortality. “One of our key conclusions was that we need to make people are more aware of this problem. Social isolation and loneliness don’t fit in neatly within our typical health care environment. We also want to be certain that all health professionals know that we should assess and identify people who have problems with social isolation and loneliness.” Whereas social isolation is defined as an objective lack of social relationships, loneliness is a subjective perception. Not all older adults are isolated or lonely, but they are more likely to face predisposing factors such as living alone and the loss of loved ones, the report says. The issue may be compounded for LGBT, minority, and immigrant older adults, who already face barriers to care, stigma, and discrimination. Social isolation and loneliness may also directly stem from chronic illness, hearing or vision loss, or mobility issues. In these cases, health care providers might be able to help prevent or reduce social isolation and loneliness by directly addressing the underlying health-related causes.
“Loneliness and social isolation aren’t just social issues – they can also affect a person’s physical and mental health, and the fabric of communities,” said Dan Blazer, J.P. Gibbons Professor of Psychiatry Emeritus and professor of community and family medicine at Duke University, and chair of the committee that wrote the report. “Addressing social isolation and loneliness is often the entry point for meeting seniors’ other social needs – like food, housing and transportation.” The recommendations in the report represent a vision for how the health care system can identify people at risk of social isolation and loneliness, intervene and engage other community partners. Improving Clinical Care Delivery Conduct assessments to identify at-risk individuals: Using validated tools, health care providers should perform periodic assessments, particularly after life events that may elevate one’s risk (such as a geographic move or the loss of a spouse). Include social isolation in electronic health records (EHRs): If a patient is at risk for or already experiencing social isolation, providers should include assessment data in clear locations in the EHR or medical record. Connect patients with social care or community programs: Several state Medicaid programs and private insurers have launched programs that target the social determinants of health. These programs can be more intentionally designed to address social isolation and loneliness, the report says. For example, health
care organizations could partner with ride-sharing programs to enable older adults to travel to medical appointments and community events. As more evidence becomes available, roles that health care providers are already performing – such as discharge planning, case management and transitional care planning – can be modified to directly address social isolation and loneliness in older adults. Other interventions that the health care system might consider include mindfulness training, cognitive behavioral therapy, and referring patients to peer support groups focused on volunteerism, fitness, or common experiences such as bereavement or widowhood. Strengthening Health Professional Education and Training Schools of health professions and training programs for direct care workers (home health aides, nurse aides, and personal care aides) should incorporate social isolation and loneliness in their curricula, the report says. Health professionals need to learn core content in areas such as the health impacts of social isolation and loneliness, assessment strategies and referral options and processes. Ethical Implications of Health Technology Technologies that are designed to help seniors – including smart home sensors, robots and handheld devices – might exacerbate loneliness and social isolation if they are not easy to use or attempt to substitute for human contact.
Moreover, the report found that 67 percent of the current assistive technologies in dementia care were designed without considering their ethical implications. Developers of technology should properly assess and test new innovations, taking into account privacy, autonomy and the rural-urban digital divide.
Research and Evidence Gaps Funders of research should support studies on the effectiveness of interventions in clinical settings; measures to identify at-risk individuals; and trends among younger adults as they age (such as use of technology and economic trends) that may inform how the health care system should target social isolation and loneliness in the future. More research also is needed on approaches and interventions that best meet the needs of LGBT and ethnic minority populations, the report says.
The study – undertaken by the Committee on the Health and Medical Dimensions of Social Isolation and Loneliness in Older Adults [nationalacademies.org] – was sponsored by the AARP Foundation. The National Academies are private, nonprofit institutions that provide independent, objective analysis and advice to the nation to solve complex problems and inform public policy decisions related to science, technology and medicine. They operate under an 1863 congressional charter to the National Academy of Sciences, signed by President Lincoln.
Page Ten THE OMAHA STAR
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PUBLIC NOTICE Habitat for Humanity of Omaha is accepting bids for excavation and backfill, concrete foundations, moisture protection, concrete flatwork, and tree removal for several single-family residences. This project is partially funded with federal funds. Please contact Tammie Dodge at 402-306-5722 or tdodge@habitatomaha.org for bidding information. Bids are due March 16, 2020.
March 6, 2020
Lynching Now a Federal Crime Rep. Bacon Votes Yes on Legislation Washington, D.C. – For over 100 years, African-Americans have waited for the federal government to recognize lynching as a hate crime and acknowledge that these racial terrorist actions did occur. On Wednesday, February 26, 2020, Congress did just that by passing H.R. 35 The Emmitt Till Anti-Lynching Act. The legislation includes the language from Congressman Don Bacon’s (NE02) bill, H.R. 3536, the Justice for Victims of Lynching Act and California Sen. Kamala Harris’s bill S. 488. It passed 410-4. H.R. 35 was introduced by Rep. Bobby Rush (IL-01) in January 2019. The amended Emmitt Till AntiLynching Act amends the United States Code to criminalize lynching and provide for enhanced sentencing under existing federal hate crime statutes. It specifies that a lynching offense is a deprivation of civil rights and frames the act as a conspiracy crime. It also goes beyond the penalties already in existence under federal hate crime
statutes. “Despite our nation’s ugly history of lynching, including Omaha’s own gruesome past with the sadistic murders of George Smith and Will Brown, “I was shocked to learn that there was no law making lynching a federal hate crime,” said Rep. Bacon. “We cannot simply wash away the past, but in order for our Nation to heal from past racial injustice, Congress must specify criminal penalties for the crime of lynching, or any attempt or conspiracy to commit lynching.” Last year, Rep. Bacon was approached by local leaders to support legislation that would make lynching a federal crime. After reviewing all legislative options, Rep. Bacon felt that the language of S. 488, introduced by Sen. Harris in the Senate and passed with bipartisan support on February 14, 2019, was the right one to support. This week, the Judiciary Committee brought to the floor an amended version of H.R. 35, the Emmett Till Antilynching Act,
introduced by Rep. Bobby Rush (IL-01-D) in January of 2019. The amended version mirrors the language in both Sen. Harris and Rep. Bacon’s bills. Vickie R. Young, President of the NAACP Omaha Branch also commented on the passage. “We are pleased that the emotional healing process for our community and this great nation has taken another step forward with the passage of the Anti-lynching legislation supported by Congressman Bacon,” said Young. “This important legislation comes after our commemoration of the 100th Anniversary of the lynching of Will Brown in Omaha.” “I applaud Senator Harris and Rep. Bobby Rush who have been championing this for years and I thank the House for passing this rightful redress of those barbaric lynchings so we can reflect the words written on Will Brown’s tombstone, ‘Lest We Forget’,” added Rep. Bacon.
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NOTICE OF INFORMATION SESSIONS METRO TRANSIT Metro Transit will host three Information Sessions during the second week of March to explain ORBT’s replacement of Route 2 and answer questions. All locations are ADA accessible. The meetings will be conducted in an Open House format with the same information provided at each session. Attendees will have the opportunity to view maps of the existing and future stops, learn about how the transition will impact their travel, and talk directly with Metro staff about how to navigate the change. Attendees will also receive a free bus pass. For a small portion of riders, their nearest stop could shift by four to seven blocks. The added distance may become a barrier, so we’ve identified solutions to help fill those gaps.” These solutions include a Route 4 extension to serve Whole Foods and the Regency Shopping Center, as well as a pair of ORBT stops at 77th & Dodge that will function as a connection to the Keystone Trail. By including changes like these, 9 out of 10 riders will have the distance to their nearest station change by 3 blocks or less.
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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 Medical Center, by UNMC and Truhlsen Campus will be in the Events Center Center. in the Sorrell “We are pleased The Partnership to bring a city For community volunteer leader and tireless non-profit organization Our Kids, a Schools.” to campus,” Newland, M.D., that provides disadvantaged director of UNMC’s said Myrna “The Partnership The mission of students For Our Kids Staples Foundation and coordinator of Equity Office academic enrichment with positive works to for Learning Inc. the Martin Luther provide Commemoration is to teach, train King Day received a $10,000 experiences, has mentary school disadvantaged ele- inspire. Committee. “I and Founded in 2002, grant from Staples students with positive believe our campus Foundation for the founda- can look forward to an Learning, a private academic enrichment experiences,” tion has contributed inspiring and speech.” foundation created relevant said Briana Curran, million to national more than $17 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 with a Day. 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 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 40th parents and the achievement. & Jones com- of America, with Boys & Girls Clubs Streets. “The Winners Circle program munity.” Earth Force, Hispanic Gray is a first-time ensures disadvantaged Winners Circle for the 2nd District. elected city council member students have and All Our Kids Heritage Foundation, and the the resources and Initiative joined forces in for a Competitive support needed 2007 to form Prior to his election, Inner City. In addiOmaha City Councilman to Partnership develop an enthusiasm The tion, Staples Gray had a 30-year For Our Kids, to Ben Gray Foundation for a television for learning,” help 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
ORBT riders will have reduced wait times between buses, e.g., with a bus arriving every 10 minutes from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays. Being able to show up any time and know the next bus is coming soon will give riders a new level of flexibility and convenience.
KS Science Fair
Excellence Winners
North Omaha Boys & Girls Club Welcomes Club Members New and Old for the New Year
On Jan. 4 the North Omaha Boys & Girls new and old Club Club opened members. The its doors to a new year with Club staff looks new Club parents forward to beginning age appropriate and members. programs for We offer a variety kids ages gram areas such of as, Sports, Fitness, 6-18. We offer five core Leadership Development, pro& Recreation, Character & Education & Career Life Skills, and Development, The Health & from certain schools Arts. We are also offering FREE transportation In order to qualify in the Omaha metro area (please a paid program for this special service all Club call for a listing). membership fee members Spring program and a valid membership must have fee is $30.00 card. Our that will be valid Club hours are from 3-8 p.m. Jan. 4 - May For more Club 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!
Career & Scholarshi
p Fair
Persons with disabilities who have special communication or accommodation needs planning to attend a meeting and need auxiliary aids or services such as interpreters for persons who are deaf or hearing impaired, readers, large print or for additional information please contact Metro, 402.341.7560, ex 2300 at least two working days prior to a hearing so appropriate arrangements can be made. Non-English speaking attendees may arrange for foreign language translation by calling 402.341.7560, ex 2300 at least 72 hours prior to the forums.
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
Wednesday, March 11th - UNO Thompson Alumni Center - Centennial Room (6705 Dodge Street) 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. • Bus routes: 2, 92 • Parking: UNO Lot X Saturday, March 14th - Flagship Commons at Westroads Mall (10000 California Street) 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. • Bus routes: 2, 4, 5, 14 • Parking: Westroads Mall parking lot
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 as films contact Susan Sarandon, please world, from Casey Logan Schamus, Matthew featuring traditional around the at 933-0259 x11 James email at casey@filmstreams. or CGI, collage, animation, Sant, the festival Modine and Gus Van and stop-motion. org. The schedule: has been described In English. 65 min. Recommended The New York by Times as being ages: 3 to 8. “devoted to the kind of fare Jan. 9-10, 14, that may be found March 6-7, 11, 16-17, 21 — Academy Awards at the Razzle 13-14, 18 — but not at the Dazzle Directed tiplex.” local mulby Darren Ashton. NYICFF Party Mix A mockumentary An all-animated skewering the Best of NYICFF program featuring absurdi- ious, features one live-action ties of competition hilarcomedy and youth dance troupe between kids on the vokingvisually stunning, and thought-profour animated programs, involved circuit – and the shorts, specifically hyper- older parents who intended for audiences. In live through Seniors Alexis English them. titles. Page and Ayomide 75 min. Recommendedor English suband queen at Adekunle were Central High ages: 9 to 16. crowned king Homecoming on
North Omaha Development Project Community Meeting is scheduled for January 28th Details on
Film Festival
On Monday, January 11 on NET1 and NET-HD, Sam Cooke and Marvin Gaye
page 10
See page 2 for details
★
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 Thursday, July 8, 2010
Nebraska Vol. 72 - No. 28 Omaha,
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
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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 Discussions. the web at www.empoweromaha.com. 502-5153 or visit us on For more information call
50 cents
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 Omaha, Omaha in the in America Many others became supportrole foothold in Omaha than early Black 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 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. Colored People thanks. to sell newspaper ads Black America in general. 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 the Urban League of Star is especially fascinating her readers to prothe support of the general is interested can National Business League, used editorials to encourage ture, we sincerely request also museum. must is about us. Anyone who challenged Black group a she paper as Plains This in when we military and 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 after the paper has also been who is widely remem- allowed it to meet in the Omaha Star building in turn will build an enterhired Charles Washington, we will assure you that we are determined to persevere. and a mouthpiece and a to support their own facility. coaster at times but we civil rights, as a reporter the club ran out of funds to contact us concerning bered for his work for prise worthy of consideration, working in the commuI encourage the public who was the executive She spent countless hours or even if you want to 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 small, and is an outstanding often cater of her death. She was paper. Our staff is very if they would carefully and she and her staff were this award by the time with discrimination, a to Americans could have as working to satisfy you. Lyndon B. Johnson 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 conissue of the paper, Edward express sincere thanks, alleged human rights violations worked to improve Specifically, in the second clergy leaders. She also 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 not have did advertising, someone Without that Cream, Ice advertisers. workers. If she learned of at 24th and Lake, Reed’s published. Advertisements hiring practices over she would buy them bags an Omaha Star Newspaper enough food at home, targeted for their discriminatory an the printing of the publicalarded The newspaper carriPorres Club. Gilbert spent and retail sales pay for groceries to supply their a decade later by the De advertisers have stuck with Christmas or Easter party shop and counted at least 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. in gratitude for their hard to adverone hundred African-Americans were given all year. feeling that they don’t have they the their purchasing power. gifts have only through Others the them practices receive hiring Americans we will give in 1989, the Omaha Star divorced in 1943, and tise because as African At the time of her death Mildred and Edward Gilbert in Star readers look at the a circulation of 30,685 her maiden name, Brown. our business anyway. Omaha and had a staff of twenty, and Mildred resumed using for those who support us Mildred Brown wrote, Omaha Star, the longest advertising in the paper thirty-nine states. In 1969, As the publisher of the from those advertisers. persist? The answer newspaper run by a woman, we encourage them to purchase or think our readers “Why then do Negro publishers of his press, all of operating black-owned refuse deprived neighborhood news and For those advertisers, who is clear. If the Negro is Mildred Brown provided to market to, we encourage through the years since than fifty years. The paper are not important enough the tortuous gains achieved commentary for more shop to ask those merchants lost, and tomorrow’s Negro by calling attention to our readers when they his emancipation will be served an important function of the powerful forces, they don’t? If they continue people in the black commuthat do not advertise Why youth will be at the mercy our the accomplishments of man the ramparts of bigthe Omaha Star, I urge 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 been closed compelled previously felt had she that persisted because speak. new jobs in industries 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 On the occasion per Brown and her staff were to the demonstrations Your help is greatly apprecigo unopposed.” Mildred in to foster a sense of community. Ms. Brown again Movement, from segregation the Omaha Star possible. for unrest of the late of their community, Brown a bright and continued future to champions and 1960s, to the racial forward 1950s certainly look I the of the Star’s ninth anniversary, of ated. the voice in the wildercommunity, congratulated The Omaha Star reported particular. She was an outspoken 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. get any further a interested in letting discrimination neighbors. wishes to urge that you The Star on its anniversary
Women of Color in Leadership
2010 Awards
and Engage, Business Success “Power to Lead: Leverage, for the Perpetual stewardship. the theme Adopt & Deliver” was Winters advised the in Leadership steps to 3rd Annual Women of Color Awards group of eight Summit & legacy of Leadership at the Inclusion on their per25, 2010 jourLuncheon held on June Center. sonal diversity Holiday Inn Central Conventionluncheon neys; the Over 200 people attended 1. Know self first – was Marywhere the keynote speaker am I? What do I of CEO’s Who Who Quaites-Ferris, Dr. Marguerita Frances Winters, Author for? What makes (L-R) Tanya Cook, Vicki from the Heart stand Get It; Diversity Leadership Leadership Award Recipients: of the Winters me “me”? Crowder and Soul and President Washington, Annette 2. Value self – What can become? enhance who I am and gifts? Group. How are other ences Inclusion are my unique 5. Learn about others – What can learn from differences? circle to Ms Winters spoke on Women’s is my best self? your different from me? How today. She gave Who 4 . individuals/groups 7. Include others – Expand in the business world 3. Acknowledge your Tawanna Black and Dr. Winters continued on page 2 to sustained sucmy are they the same? examples of eight steps How do differ- See Leadership to change – What are prejudices – In what 6. Value differences – contribute to Open yourself be my best self? cess: Motivation, Passion/commitment, do I exclude? How do I opportunities to grow? To Magnitude of the ways What are my blind spots? In-depth Inquiry, and and transforming, intolerance? gap, Resolve, Learning
★
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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ate 50 Years of
“You can’t rain Stepping Saints, on our parade,” said one of lining up for the as the drill team gathered to the Salem The NAACP has pray before 21st named Derrick Members laughed biennial Native Omahans their board of directors, Johnson, Day parade. as they recalled soaked uniforms the organization’s vice chairman of performing in The unanimous interim president. raindecision was the Saints have over the years, 50 to be exact. committee of For 50 years thrilled crowds the board of directorsmade by the executive stepping and with their precision during the that Association’s stories and much always-on-beat rhythm section. high 108th annual convention Many in Baltimore. The the parade when laughter were shared the NAACP is the night before close to 100 largest team staffers rights organization and oldest civil gathered for their former members and drill celebration. 50th anniversary executive committeein the U.S. The reunion of the board is Saturday morning comprised of 14 during the parade, people. wore name tags the alumni members On May 19, with their dates their participation of service. They announced that the NAACP board consider ministry of Salemservice because they were Cornell William the contract of an outreach Baptist Church. Brooks, the outgoing team co-founder president, would According Salem’s pastor, Phyllis Hicks, it was in August to drill Brooks’ contract not be renewed. the Rev. J.C. ended on June holding a parade Wade Sr., had 1966 that Brooks began 30. the idea of his Wanting to shineto celebrate Salem’s annual President in May tenure as NAACP Derrick Johnson youth a spotlight on of 2014. (NAACP) of the church, all of the youth month. “I am thrilled a quickly began drill team was formed. The Derrick Johnson to announce that my friend girls choreographing and colleague has been appointed while the boys marching routines, CEO. I could interim president developed beats not think of a routines. Many to accompany more qualified better, more battle-testedand the of the young individual to guide people found 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 Although page 2 current and alumni illness members as Jeanpierre and keeps Hicks on the sideline, they filled the Jeffrey co-directors Synceree street. as they carry on the Riggs look to her for guidance legacy. and leadership
Omaha Section Salutes 2017 Award , NCNW, Recipients
The Omaha Section - National Council Negro Women of Inc. recognizes individuals community for outstanding achievement. in the year individuals Each are recognized in medicine, education, for excellence involvement, embodimentleadership, community of the Mary 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 Award; Supporter Cannon, Bethune Briana Concept Book Award Wasmoen, Bethune Award; Lara Concept Book Denise Lee, Award; Mary McLeod Bethune Legacy Award; Aariona Hagler, Youth Award in Excellence For more information or to obtain contact Perlie tickets, Whitley at 402-320-0375. tickets on-line, For go 2017 Mary McLeodto Eventbrite.com and enter under Search Events Bethune Awards Luncheon or Category. Please like them on Facebook: Section-NCNW, Omaha @OmahaNCNW Inc., follow them on Twitter: and visit their omahasectionncnw.w website: http:// eebly.com/ Denise Lee Mary McLeod Bethune Legacy Award
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“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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On Saturday, March 28, 2020, from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM the Planning Department will conduct a Public Hearing at The Venue at Highlander, 2120 N 30th St, Omaha, Nebraska. The purpose of this hearing is to obtain the views of citizens, public agencies, and other interested parties on the 2020 Action Plan, which is part of the 2019-2023 Consolidated Plan, the 2019 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER), revisions to the Community Development Division Citizen Participation Plan, and the Critical Community Improvements for the North 30th Street Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant (CNI CCI). This meeting will consist of a short presentation about each topic at the beginning of the meeting followed by a discussion to receive feedback. The 2020 Action Plan provides a concise summary of the actions, activities, and the specific federal and non-federal resources that will be used each year to address the priority needs and specific goals identified by the 2019-2023 Consolidated Plan. The plan outlines what projects federal funds will be spent on in the 2020 Program Year. The Citizen Participation Plan describes how the City of Omaha provides opportunities for citizens, especially low and moderate income citizens of the community, to participate in an advisory role in the planning, implementation, and assessment of the programs and projects. The new document updates the previous version. The 2019 CAPER details the Community Development Divisions accomplishments and progress towards the goal of the 2019-2023 Consolidated Plan during Program Year 2019. Of the $25 million awarded for the North 30th Street Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant, $3.75 million is reserved for “Critical Community Improvements” (CCI). CCI funds must be used for physical community and economic development projects that enhance and accelerate the transformation of the neighborhood and the target housing being redeveloped. HUD must approve how CCI funds are spent, and the proposal is due in May. Currently, CCI funds are programmed for North 30th Street streetscaping / placemaking, a playground, an exterior rehabilitation program, and economic development support. Before this proposal is submitted to HUD, additional public feedback is wanted to either confirm or change the currently programmed use of funds. Individuals requiring physical or sensory accommodations, including interpreter service, Braille, large print, or recorded materials, please contact Nicole Engels at the City of Omaha Planning Department, 1819 Farnam Street, Suite 1111, Omaha, Nebraska, 68183, 402-444-5150 ext. 2024, no later than February 13, 2020. The 2020 Action Plan, 2019 CAPER, the Citizen Participation Plan, and information on the CNI CCI can be viewed in person at the City of Omaha Planning Department at the Omaha/Douglas County Civic Center, 1819 Farnam Street, Suite 1111 during business hours or on the Community Development Division’s website https://planninghcd.cityofomaha.org. The Omaha Planning Department will receive comments about the 2020 Action Plan from March 6, 2020 until April 6, 2020. Comments will be accepted on the 2019 CAPER between March 6, 2020 and March 30, 2020. Comments should be sent to: hcdcomments@cityofomaha.org or by mail: City of Omaha Planning Department Omaha/Douglas Civic Center 1819 Farnam Street, Room 1111 Omaha, Nebraska 68183
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on July 9, 1938 History was made
CITY OF OMAHA NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING and PUBLIC COMMENT 2020 ACTION PLAN REVISIONS TO THE CITIZEN PARTICIPATION PLAN 2019 CONSOLDIATED ANNUAL PERFORMANCE EVALUATION REPORT (CAPER) CNI CRITICAL COMMUNITY IMPROVMENTS
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Information Sessions Tuesday, March 10th - Omaha State Office Building (1313 Farnam Street, Room 227) 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. • Bus routes: 4, 13, 15, 18, 3 • Parking: On-street
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Copyright Notice: All rights reserved re common law copyright of trade name/trademark, ERICK ROGER RIDLEY as well as any and all derivatives and variations in the spelling of said trade name/trademark Common Law Copyright © 1987 by Erick Roger Ridley®. Said common law trade name/trademark, ERICK ROGER RIDLEY®, may neither be used, nor reproduced, neither in whole nor in part, nor in any manner whatsoever, without the prior, express, written consent and acknowledgement of Erick Roger Ridley® as signified by the red ink signature of Erick Roger Ridley®, hereinafter “Secured Party.” With the intent of being contractually bound, any juristic person, as well as the agent of said juristic person, consents and agrees by this Copyright Notice that neither said juristic person, nor the agent of said juristic person, shall display, nor otherwise use in any manner, the common law trade name/trademark ERICK ROGER RIDLEY®, nor the common law copyright described herein, nor any derivative of, nor any variation in the spelling of ERICK ROGER RIDLEY® without the prior, express, written consent and acknowledgment of Secured Party, as signified by Secured Party’s signature in red ink. Secured Party neither grants, nor implies, nor otherwise gives consent for any unauthorized use of ERICK ROGER RIDLEY®, and all such unauthorized use is strictly prohibited. Secured Party is not now, nor has Secured Party ever been, an accommodation party, nor a surety, for the purported debtor, i.e. “ERICK ROGER RIDLEY,” nor for any derivative of, nor for any variation in the spelling of, said name, nor for any other juristic person, and is so indemnified and held harmless by Debtor, i.e. “ERICK ROGER RIDLEY,” in Hold harmless and Indemnity Agreement No. ERR-040687-HHIA dated the Sixth Day of the Fourth Month in the Year of Our Lord One Thousand Nine Hundred Eighty-Seven against any and all claims, legal actions, orders, warrants, judgments, demands, liabilities, losses, depositions, summonses, lawsuits, costs, fines, liens, levies, penalties, damages, interests, and expenses whatsoever, both absolute and contingent, as are due and as might become due, now existing and as might hereafter arise, and as might be suffered by, imposed on, and incurred by Debtor for any and every reason, purpose, and cause whatsoever. Self-executing Contract/Security Agreement in Event of Unauthorized Use: By this Copyright Notice, both the juristic person and the agent of said juristic person, hereinafter jointly and severally “User,” consent and agree that any use of ERICK ROGER RIDLEY® other than authorized use as set forth above constitutes unauthorized use, counterfeiting, of Secured Party’s common law copyrighted property, contractually binds User, renders this Copyright Notice a Security Agreement wherein User is debtor and Erick Roger Ridley® is Secured Party, and signifies that User: (1) grants Secured Party a security interest in all of User’s assets, land, and personal property, and all of User’s interest in assets, land, and personal property, in the sum certain amount of $500,000.00 per each occurrence of use of the common law copyrighted trade name/trademark ERICK ROGER RIDLEY®, as well as for each and every occurrence of use of any and all derivatives of, and variations in the spelling of, ERICK ROGER RIDLEY®, plus costs, plus triple damages; (2) authenticates this Security Agreement wherein User is debtor and Erick Roger Ridley® is Secured Party, and wherein User pledges all of User’s assets, land, consumer goods, farm products, inventory, equipment, money, investment property, commercial tort claims, letters of credit, letter of credit rights, chattel paper, instruments, deposit accounts, accounts, documents, and general intangibles, and all User’s interest in all such foregoing property, now owned and hereafter acquired, now existing and hereafter arising, and wherever located, as collateral for securing User’s contractual obligation in favor of Secured Party for User’s unauthorized use of Secured Party’s common law copyrighted property; (3) consents and agrees with Secured Party’s filing of a UCC Financing Statement in the UCC filing office, as well as in any county recorder’s office, wherein User is debtor and Erick Roger Ridley® is Secured Party; (4) consents and agrees that said UCC Financing Statement described above in paragraph “(3)’’ is a continuing financing statement, and further consents and agrees with Secured Party’s filing of any continuation statement necessary for maintaining Secured Party’s perfected security interest in all of User’s property and interest in property, pledged as collateral in this Security Agreement and described above in paragraph “(2),” until User’s contractual obligation theretofore incurred has been fully satisfied; (5) consents and agrees with Secured Party’s filing of any UCC Financing Statement, as described above in paragraphs “(3)” and “(4),” as well as the filing of any Security Agreement, as described above in paragraph “(2),’’ in the UCC filing office, as well as in any county recorder’s office; (6) consents and agrees that any and all such filings described in paragraphs “(4)” and “(5)” above are not, and may not be considered, bogus, and that User will not claim that any such filing is bogus; (7) waives all defenses; and (8) appoints Secured Party as Authorized Representative for User, effective upon User’s default re User’s contractual obligations in favor of Secured Party as set forth below under “Payment Terms” and “Default Terms,” granting Secured Party full authorization and power for engaging in any and all actions on behalf of User including, but not limited by, authentication of a record on behalf of User, as Secured Party, in Secured Party’s sole discretion, deems appropriate, and User further consents and agrees that this appointment of Secured Party as Authorized Representative for User, effective upon User’s default, is irrevocable and coupled with a security interest. User further consents and agrees with all of the following additional terms of Self-executing Contract/Security Agreement in Event of Unauthorized Use: Payment Terms: In accordance with fees for unauthorized use of ERICK ROGER RIDLEY® as set forth above, User hereby consents and agrees that User shall pay Secured Party all unauthorized use fees in full within ten (10) days of the date User is sent Secured Party’s invoice, hereinafter “Invoice,” itemizing said fees. Default Terms: In event of non-payment in full of all unauthorized use fees by User within ten (10) days of date Invoice is sent, User shall be deemed in default and: (a) all of User’s property and property pledged as collateral by User, as set forth in above in paragraph “(2),” immediately becomes, i.e. is, property of Secured Party; (b) Secured Party is appointed User’s Authorized Representative as set forth above in paragraph “(8)”; and (c) User consents and agrees that Secured Party may take possession of, as well as otherwise dispose of in any manner that Secured Party, in Secured Party’s sole discretion, deems appropriate, including, but not limited by, sale at auction, at any time following User’s default, and without further notice, any and all of User’s property and interest, described above in paragraph “(2),” formerly pledged as collateral by User, now property of Secured Party, in respect of this “Self-executing Contract/Security Agreement in Event of Unauthorized Use,” that Secured Party, again in Secured Party’s sole discretion, deems appropriate. Terms for Curing Default: Upon event of default, as set forth above under “Default Terms,” irrespective of any and all of User’s former property and interest in property, described above in paragraph “(2),” in the possession of, as well as disposed of by, Secured Party, as authorized above under “Default Terms,” User may cure User’s default only re the remainder of User’s said former property and interest property, formerly pledged as collateral that is neither in the possession of, nor otherwise disposed of by, Secured Party within twenty (20) days of date of User’s default only by payment in full. Terms of Strict Foreclosure: User’s non-payment in full of all unauthorized use fees itemized in Invoice within said twenty (20) day period for curing default as set forth above under “Terms for Curing Default” authorizes Secured Party’s immediate non-judicial strict foreclosure on any and all remaining former property and interest in property, formerly pledged as collateral by User, now property of Secured Party, which is not in the possession of, nor otherwise disposed of by, Secured Party upon expiration of said twenty (20) day default curing period. Ownership subject to common law copyright and UCC Financing Statement and Security Agreement filed with the UCC filing office. Record Owner: Erick Roger Ridley®, Autograph Common Law Copyright © 1987. Unauthorized use of “Erick Roger Ridley” incurs same unauthorized use fees as those associated with ERICK ROGER RIDLEY®, as set forth above in paragraph “(1)” under “Self-executing Contract/Security Agreement in Event of Unauthorized Use.”
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March 6, 2020
THE OMAHA STAR
Page Eleven
In The Village! Things to do, people to see, places to go. MARCH 14 – Violence, Justice and Reform Summit. Omaha North High School, 8:45am-11:30am MARCH 19 – Training for Churches to end Human Trafficking, Village Empowerment Center, 5190 Sprague Plaza, Omaha Home for Boys MARCH 20 – Unstoppable: Conference 2020 10 years of creating change Women on a mission for change. Bellevue University, Administration Building, 812 Brun. womenonamissionomaha@gmail. com MARCH 21 – I AM CONFERENCE 7-12 grade young ladies, College of St
Business Connection
Working Studio
‘Brace Yourself: Tenacious Karma’ Opens in Benson The Little Gallery is pleased to host “Brace Yourself: Tenacious Karma” by John Stillmunks during March. The opening reception is today (Friday) from 6-9 p.m. at 5901 Maple St. in conjunction with Benson First Friday. Born and raised in North Omaha, Stillmunks studied at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Metropolitan State University in Denver before graduating from Iowa State University with a BFA in painting. After college, he and his wife opened the Independent Thought Gallery and Studio in Des Moines, where he shared his work and promoted local artists for 15 years. His art has been featured in shows across the country, from Phoenix to Miami. Stillmunks recently returned to Omaha and established his studio at Bench. He describes the show as “17 new paintings examining life’s influences, variables, options, and choices – which often lead to resulting events arriving just as God begins to laugh heartily.” Below is the artist in his own words. “My work always has a nod to schadenfreude – also I have been gravitating back to my roots in blue collar North Omaha in terms of color,
texture, grit, humor, tenacity, variation, improvisation, perspective and resilience gained from growing up there. Ironically, I have spent my whole life trying to get away from what I am now embracing in middle age. “I use multiple perspectives and patterned movement to convey energy and emotion. Colors and patterns come directly from Midwestern African American folk art. Textures and imagery are without a doubt influenced by urban Midwestern architecture, graffiti, Catholic church symbolism and graphics and the “edge” acquired from urban environments in the upper Midwest such as Omaha, Minneapolis, KC, and Chicago.” View his work at: john-stillmunks.square.site www.facebook.com/munksie www.twitter.com/johnstillmunks www.instagram.com/johnstillmunksart The Little Gallery is powered by Polecat Communications in downtown Benson. Winter hours are Tuesday through Friday from 3 to 5 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and by appointment. For more information, call 402.681.1901 or email info@polecatcommunications.com.
To advertise your business, please contact Tanya Cooper. Call 402-346-4041 Ext. 5 or email tcooper@omahastarinc.com
Arborist
Ingredients: 15-20 Fresh Roma Tomatoes 2 tsp Dried Basil 3 garlic cloves, minced Drizzles of Olive Oil/Extra Virgin Line a cookie sheet with foil sprayed with oil. Cut tomatoes lengthwise, scope out seeds, discard, and place tomato halves on foil-lined pan spayed with oil or drizzle with oil. Drizzle tomatoes with olive oil. Bake for approximately 35 minutes. Remove pan from oven and sprinkle minced garlic and basil over tomatoes. Flip tomatoes, basil/garlic are now under tomato halves. Place back in the oven and roast 20 additional minutes. Tomatoes are now tender. Allow to cool before removing the tomatoes from the pan. Place in food processor or blender and whirl together with dashes of low sodium vegetable broth blending for either a soup with more texture or blend until smooth. Vegans do need to make sure they’re getting enough of and properly replacing the nutrients found in animal-sourced foods. Since tomatoes are the major dietary source of the antioxidant lycopene, which has been linked to many health benefits, including reduced risk of heart disease and cancer. Consider 3-4 cup servings per week. They are also a great source of vitamin C, potassium, folate, and vitamin K. One thing to remember: iron from plant sources isn’t easily absorbed. Combining them with vitamin C-rich foods helps increase absorption. Squeeze fresh lemon juice in foods like on your spinach or follow your rice and beans plate with a fresh, fruit salad. Cooking with castiron pots can also increase iron consumption, but limit that to once a week because iron is potentially toxic.
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To subscribe contact: Omaha Star Inc. - 2216 North 24th St. - Omaha, NE 68110 • 402-346-4041 Op 5
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Page Twelve THE OMAHA STAR
YOUTH/EDUCATION NEWS
March 6, 2020
‘Lion King Kids’ at Nelson Mandela Elementary
Deltas Award Laptops, Printers The Omaha Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. recently awarded eight laptops and eight wireless printers to members of their Delta G.E.M.S Youth Program who participated in the chapter’s First Annual Black History Essay Contest. This was the first time an educational impact of this magnitude was done by the chapter under their Educational FivePoint Programmatic Thrust. The idea was the brainchild of G.E.M.S. Chair, Tracey Newby who noticed that several of their G.E.M.S. members were turning in homework assignments handwritten when the expectation or requirement was that they be completed electronically. A survey of the group of 75 indicated 66% of the G.E.M.S. group did not personally own a desktop or laptop computer and 93% did not have a workable printer in the home. While 100% of the group admitted having computer access at school, they were not however, utilizing those computers services for various reasons. Realizing these G.E.M.S. were not able to fully maximize their educational potential, due to the seemingly widening digital gap within the group, Ms. Newby immediately turned to her Delta sorority members to help fund, sponsor and support her idea of a Black History Essay Contest for the G.E.M.S. Ms. Newby felt this would allow the G.E.M.S. an opportunity to win a laptop and printer and practice their writing skills, while allowing the chapter to work toward closing the digital gap within their G.E.M.S. group to start. Immediately 21 members of the chapter signed up to either sponsor a laptop fully or donate toward the total cost of the eight laptops and printers. Inaugural chapter donors were: Tracey Newby, Benita Evans, Carma Gunter, Cassaundra Marisett-Banks, Chandra Wrightsell, Dr. Cynthia Gooch-Grayson, Emma Lathan, Dr. Idalene Williams, Josephine Jordan, Kamina Lemons, Kathy J. Trotter, Kaynette McNair, Kisha Neal, Lisa Medley, Ruby Davis, Sandra
McGee, Shiri Rideaux, Tasha Tyson, Tracy Swait-Walker, Tynisha Northcutt, and Vanessa Warren. Tasha Tyson, a G.E.M.S. Committee Member and donor said: “I could not pass up the opportunity to help impact the future educational endeavors of these young women.� Kathy J. Trotter, a former OPS Principal stated: “Having access to technology can make a difference between success and failure for minority students. Many minority families have to focus on other basic daily needs, therefore minority families are rarely able to purchase computers and printers for their children.� Delta G.E.M.S members entering the Essay Contest were asked to complete a 4-page, 1,000 words or less essay with very specific instructions and guidelines on a famous African-American female from a specific list of subjects. Fortyseven G.E.M.S. turned in essays for the competition resulting in 8 Winners. Congratulations to: Adriann Cotton – 12th Grade, Promise Lloyd – 12th Grade, Rileigh Hunt – 11th Grade, Tezjanae Clark – 11th Grade, Arryonna Simpson – 10th Grade, Lillian Nero – 10th Grade, Dejana Bryson – 8th Grade (9th Grade Division), and Krysteena Foster Smith 8th Grade (9th Grade Division). Each winner also received a ream of paper and a printer cable to get them started. The Omaha Alumnae Chapter hopes to be able to sponsor another Black History Essay Contest next year with the intent to more than double the number of laptops and printers awarded to at least 22. Tracey said she would someday like to see the chapter be able to extend this opportunity to African-American males in the Omaha metropolitan area as well. If you would like to donate toward “Closing the Digital Gap for Our AfricanAmerican Youth� Movement, please don’t hesitate to contact G.E.M.S. Chair, Tracey Newby via email at Omahadstgems@ gmail.com or via cell phone at 402-3019161 for more information on how to do so.
Scholars at Nelson Mandela Elementary wrapped up their production of “The Lion King Kids� through the program Disney Musicals in Schools on Feb. 27 at the North High School Auditorium. Disney Musicals in Schools, a free program developed in partnership with The Walt Disney Company, brings musical productions to urban elementary schools across the United States by providing free performance materials and in-school support. In the Omaha, Lincoln, and Council Bluffs area, Nelson Mandela and 20 other schools were able to participate in the program this year. In addition to their final performance, each school participated in a Student Share Celebration at the Holland Center on February 24th; each school shared one musical number with other schools, family, and the community. Support from Disney Musicals in Schools established the beginning of a musical theater transition at Nelson Mandela. Scholars at Mandela are already asking, “when is the next one?� Staff at
Mandela recognize the importance of supporting this endeavor. Musical theatre is a multidisciplinary art form, which brings together different talents and encourages teamwork-values supported at Nelson Mandela. The production was in rehearsal for 17 weeks, and the Mandela team had wonderful support from their faculty and parents to make the production possible. The show was produced by after-school program director Shilene Meeks and directed by faculty Brandon Williams and Heidi Wilhelm. Other team members include Jaylan Ashley (music), Shiree Bonner, Aaron Gregory, Shilene Meeks, and Bajah Pittman (choreography), Ryan Margheim (set design), KaSheena Maxwell and Ryan Margheim (costumes), and Jessica Davis (masks). Nelson Mandela Elementary is proud of its Meerkat Family! Follow Nelson Mandela Elementary on Facebook for pictures and videos from the performance.
CUASA’s Annual Soul Food Dinner By Candide Villard
clothing designs. This event was hosted to bring the local and Creighton Community together for a fun and educational night commemorating Black History. Attendees included students, alumni, faculty and staff, families, residents of Omaha, and visitors. An award was also presented to honor a faculty member who the club feels has made a tremendous impact on the members and community. This year’s Legacy award was given to Krystal Boose, the director for TRiO’s Student Support Services department at Creighton University. The annual Soul Food Dinner is one of the most anticipated CUASA contributions to the community and aids in their mission of promoting awareness, representation, and interracial relations on and around the Creighton University campus.
The Creighton University African American Student Association (CUASA) recently hosted their annual Soul food dinner in the Skutt Student Center of Creighton University, to celebrate Black History Month. The theme of this year’s event was titled “Fashion Through Our Eyesâ€?. This dinner featured an array of soul food, music, and tributes the Black community’s influence on fashion as we know it. To show this impact, CUASA members put on a fashion show depicting styles from the 1950s to 2000s. The fashion show featured over 50 outfits modeled by both male and female members of CUASA. The theme of “Fashion Through Our Eyesâ€? was a tribute from the club to acknowledge some of the transformational and impactful contributions that African American people have had on the clothing fashions of the world, which the club feels credit is not always given. All of the outfits modeled were accompanied by the music of the time and a summary of the history of the era that the outfits came from. The outfits ranged from allblack clothing influenced Caring for someone with by the Black Panthers to more modern trends in Alzheimer’s isn’t easy. streetwear like bright colors and oversized clothing. Reaching us is. The keynote speaker of the event was Demetria Geralds, a local designer who has been working in fashion for the past four years and sewing all of her life. Gerald’s talked about her connection to fashion growing up, being taught to sew by her grandmother, and how Black people have paved the way for many of the still existing fashion choices of today. Geralds also spoke about fashion in 2020 as If you care for someone with Alzheimer’s disease, memory loss or dementia, you are not alone. We’re here day or night — whenever you need us — oering reliable information and support. “the attack of the repeat Free 24/7 Helpline: 800.272.3900 repeatâ€? saying “what’s Alzheimer’s and Dementia Caregiver Center: alz.org/care happening is that what’s old again is new.â€? This was echoed through the fashion show by students showing how past trends still are influences on newer
2020: A Centennial Celebration of “SOMEâ€? Women’s Right to Vote Tuesday, March 10 • 6:30-8 p.m. Fort Omaha Campus
Riding into the Unknown–What I Learned from 30,000 Miles of Equestrian Travel Tuesday, March 17 • 12:30-1:45 p.m. Elkhorn Valley Campus VIDEO & DISCUSSION:
"After Auschwitz"
Wednesday, March 25 • 10:10-11:45 a.m. South Omaha Campus, ITC Building, room 120 VIDEO & DISCUSSION: "Fannie
Lou Hamer’s America"
Friday, March 27 • 6-8 p.m. Fort Omaha Campus, Building 10, room 110 PERFORMANCE:
Amending America: How Women Won the Vote Tuesday, March 31 • 10:30-11:45 a.m. South Omaha Campus, ITC Building, room 120
What Genealogies Reveal: Slavery, Race, and the Making of American Gynecology Wednesday, April 15 • 6:30-8 p.m. Fort Omaha Campus, Building 10, room 110
www.mccneb.edu/womenshistory CONTACT: bvelazquez@mccneb.edu
or 531-MCC-2253 for more information. Film materials and licensing support provided by Metropolitan Community College Libraries.