Vol. 82 - No. 11 by The Omaha Star

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OMAHA STAR

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

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Vol. 82 - No. 11 Omaha, Nebraska

Friday, May 29, 2020

75 cents

North High’s Leadership Transitions Create New Pathways to Success

Family of the Week

By JoAnna LeFlore Principal Gene Haynes retires, leaves a legacy of sharpening students & families Not many educators can say their influence spans five decades of Omaha families like Gene Haynes, who retires this year as Principal of Omaha North High Magnet School. He’s been an educator since 1967 with an easy talent for recalling the names of thousands of students and the family members who preceded them. Before he began his tenure at North High, Haynes’ love of athletics and education led him to become the first African American basketball coach at Omaha Technical High School while teaching there. At first, Haynes didn’t expect his journey would turn into a 50-year career with Omaha Public Schools. “I filled out two applications, one was in Miami, Florida and the other was in Omaha,” Haynes explained. “They sent some recruiters to Rust College to recruit educators. So, I decided that since my parents lived here, I would come [to Omaha] and stay with them for a year to save some money. I’ve been here ever since but I haven’t saved any money!” As a young person, hardships during the civil rights movement and the positive influence of mentors laid a strong foundation for Haynes’ leadership as an educator. He grew up in De Kalb, Mississippi, just a two-hour drive from the Alabama border. Even when segregation was deemed illegal, schools in De Kalb still hosted segregated classrooms within the same building. It was Haynes’ first mentor, his 10th grade biology teacher and football coach, who encouraged him to leave his hometown in pursuit of an education and growth. Mr. Haynes graduated from Rust College with a bachelor’s degree in Social Studies and Economics in 1967 and later earned a Master’s degree in Educational Administration. It was during college that he met his wife, Annie. Mrs. Haynes was an elementary educator who retired in 2010. Mr. Haynes endearingly See North High continued on page 6

From the iPublisher’s Pen

James (Jimmy) Johnson COVID19 in Omaha James (Jimmy) Johnson, 51, decided to stay in the house March 13 to be healthy and safe from the Coronavirus. Jimmy is/was a son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, cousin and a friend to everyone he met. Jimmy lived in the state of Nebraska where the governor NEVER had a shelter in place order but advised everyone to be safe. Daily briefings are given by the governor and the city’s mayor that were televised daily. Jimmy stayed home. He even celebrated his birthday in March at home. On April 28, Jimmy visited a friend’s store and served as security and made delivery runs between stores. He worked until Thursday, May 7, he felt weak and could not stand up comfortably, so he went home. He also had no appetite. He was not hurting, Johnson just did not feel “good.” By Sunday, May 10, after talking to his mother, she urged him to go to the emergency room. He went to the local university’s hospital emergency room, his wife was not allowed to enter with him, so he was in the emergency room, feeling weak, having not eaten since Thursday with no one to be a voice for his weakened state. He was given an IV drip, a pill for nausea, the COVID 19 test and discharged to go home. Monday, May 11, he received a call that the COVID 19 test was positive and he was told to self-quarantine for 14 days. His wife and 10-year-old daughter were also advised to self-quarantine in their home. At this time, he felt no worse and no better, he kept moving around while in the house, walking in the bedroom. Tuesday, May 12, he felt the same.

Wednesday, May 13, he drank tea and sipped soup, his first nourishment in days. He would call his wife via cell phone and she would check on him hourly. When she had not had a call from him, she called him, and he did not answer. She went to the bedroom to check on him and he had no pulse. James (Jimmy) Johnson, succumbed to COVID19 after being discharged from the hospital just 3 days earlier, being notified he was positive and passed away at home with his wife and 10-year-old daughter. He never had an elevated temperature (98-99 degrees). The question that his family has is why he was not admitted to the hospital, he had insurance. Who gets to receive hospital treatment and a chance for survival? What is the standard that is used? Jimmy was not an old person, he was 51 years old, a Black man. Did he not meet the criteria? While these questions are unanswered, the family wants to know answers for the next family. For people across the country who think that the “Heartland” is minimally affected by this pandemic and that it is OK that our government has not closed our state but asks you to stay home, but not required, a son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend is a victim of the 2020 pandemic. We remain to think that his discharge was not RIGHT, but the question unanswered is WHY? Not to question God’s hand, but to question the medical decisions made by the system for this man without the voice of an advocate on his behalf. WHY?

“Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.” ~ Malcolm X

Barry and Sherie Thomas have been married for 15 years and will celebrate their sweet 16 this September. They are the parents of Trinity (24), Brea (14) and Sierra (12). Barry has worked at the Omaha Public School District for the past 18 years and is currently the Director of Equity and Diversity. He is a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. The Thomas Family Barry loves basketball. Prior to the coronavirus pandemic, on the weekend you could find Barry coaching his daughter, Sierra’s basketball team or reffing basketball games. Barry is actively involved voter registration efforts throughout the city. Sherie is a 21 year veteran with the Omaha Police department. She is currently the Lieutenant overseeing the Public Information Office. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated. Sherie enjoys volunteering her time doing community service projects. Trinity is passionate about helping adults with intellectual disabilities and also enjoys investing time with family. Brea recently graduated from R.M. Marrs Magnet Center and will be attending South High School in the fall. Brea enjoys dancing and playing volleyball. Brea is a member of National Junior Honors Society. Sierra attends R.M.Marrs Magnet Center and will be a 7th grader this fall. Sierra is bilingual and speaks fluent Spanish. She enjoys playing basketball and baking. She is launching a Cake Pop business soon. Brea and Sierra are both honor roll students and favorite subject for both girls is Math. Brea aspires to be an attorney and Sierra would like to be a pediatrician. The Thomas family attends Eagles Nest Worship Center and have been actively involved in different ministries.

Covid-19 rages on. The Coronavirus has changed many lives and altered our plans for living. A dear friend Jimmy Johnson lost his life to Covid-19. When you have always known someone and their family, it seems surreal that Covid19 has entered their world and halted their timeline. UNBELIEVABLE. At the last Omaha Days Celebration I saw him and we chatted. His daughter and my daughter have been friends since K at Sacred Heart. His wife, his son and youngest daughter, Mother, Father, Aunts, Uncles, cousins and friends all mourn this loss. Jimmy Johnson you were one of the “real” ones who believed in family and supported everyone with your smile, laughter and positive presence. Covid19 has claimed the celebratory lives of the 2020 Graduation class from preschool to professional school. No family gatherings, no shouting of names as loved ones cross the stage, no stories to share. The brighter side to this memory, photo credit: StableGray President Obama addressed all the graduates on a national level and continued to share his life mantra of HOPE. Locally graduates have been adopted by community members and they have been showered with gifts and established new relationships with people who care and started lifelong friendships, some with total strangers. Caring demonstrated by our community. On a personal note: I celebrated the release of my daughter’s book, No You Shut Up: Speaking Truth to Power and Reclaiming America. Those who know me on social media know that this was a #madremoment. I encourage all to get a copy. She acknowledges that she grew up in Omaha, but more importantly she shines the light on all of her rich experiences growing up in North Omaha. What a coincidence that her book was released on the same day that TimeOut reopened. Side note she worked at TimeOut while in college. Masks, masks, masks … It is very important that we do not relax and go unmasked, forget to wash our hands, hug everyone we meet or shake hands. I want to live a long time and I am not trying to meet my Maker by being careless with my social distancing and hygiene. Feeling a little different? Get tested. The Charles Drew Clinic has drive through testing. Call and make an appointment. Be safe and stay well.

Next edition Salute to “Success doesn’t come to you… 2020 High School and you go get it.” College Graduates June 12, 2020

~ Marva Collins

Page Two

THE OMAHA STAR

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LOCAL NEWS Alpha Kappa Alpha Announces 2020 Scholarship Recipients By Ivy Leaf Reporter Sheila Fields

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The Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. Omaha Graduate has announced the selection of thirteen recipients to be awarded 2020 Academic Scholarships. The AKA Omaha Graduate Chapter is pleased to help each student as they pursue academic careers. The 2020 scholarship recipients are: • Salena Alderson: Salena will be graduating from North High School. She intends to attend Grand Canyon University to major in sports management. • Latija Broadway: Kaelynn will be a North High School graduate with plans to attend Tennessee State University. Her focus will be civil engineering. • Mychyl Brown: Mychyl attends Iowa State University where her major is biology.

• Mya Carter: Mya is currently an undergraduate at Alcorn State; she is majoring in nursing. • Adrian Cotton: Adrian is a graduating Senior at Central High School. She will major in psychology at Arizona State University. • Betty Dessie: Betty is a Central High School senior. Upon graduation, she will attend University of Nebraska Lincoln to major in biology. • Michaela Foster: Michaela is an undergraduate at University of Nebraska at Omaha. Her major is public health and nursing. • Aiyonna Holland-Givens: Aiyonna is a Central High Senior. She will attend Lincoln University. • Dae Johnson: Dae is an undergraduate at University of Nebraska at Omaha. Her major is American sign language interpretation. • Lanae Kent: Lanae is a Central High School Senior. She plans to attend Spelman College. Her major will be pre-health.

May 29, 2020

• Lauren Lewis: Lauren will be graduating from North High School. She intends to attend Nova Southeastern to major in marketing. • Brianna Miller: Brianna is currently an undergraduate at University of Nebraska Lincoln; her major is elementary education. • Shalise Oliver: Shalise is graduating from North High School. She will attend North Carolina A&T to major in civil engineering. Scholarship funds are made possible by funding provided by the sorority’s fundraising efforts. The Omaha Graduate Chapter is delighted to support five students that are attending historically Black college or universities (HBCU); this continues to be a goal of the chapter as it supports Alpha Kappa Alpha’s target of HBCU for Life. For more information about Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Omaha Graduate Chapter, go to deoakaomaha.org.

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

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

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Jesuit Academy Celebrates Graduation Last Friday, Jesuit Academy celebrated fourteen awesome young men as they move forward into the next chapter of their lives. We had a small graduation celebration on May 8th to recognize the Jesuit Academy Class of 2020. Students individually received their diplomas in shifts, to ensure everyone’s safety and to adhere to social distancing guidelines. Our Principal, Mr. Mitchell handed students their diploma. Mr. Masek, our President, then passed the young man a rose to give to a very special person in their life. A tradition at Jesuit Academy is for the graduating 8th grader to give their mother or female guardian a rose, as a sign of thanks for their years of support and love. We then concluded with a short, and socially distant, photoshoot of the young men in their caps and gowns. On the 11th of May, we also hosted a virtual graduation ceremony, complete with a video of students walking across the “stage”. Some students shared graduation

speeches, reflecting on their time at Jesuit Academy. Teachers shared their favorite memories about the 8th grade class. We even heard a recording from our now deceased founder, Fr. Jim Michalski, encouraging the young men to live out the values they learned at Jesuit Academy by being men for and with others. Congratulations to the Class of 2020! We are so proud of them

and the young men they have become. Men who are: religious, loving, committed to justice, open to growth, and who strive for academic excellence. Graduates will be attending high school in the fall at schools including Central, Roncalli, North, Benson, Westside, Creighton Prep, and South. We appreciate all of them for choosing to share their gifts with Jesuit Academy. They truly are Men for Others.

May 29, 2020

LIFE & STYLE/HEALTH & WELLNESS

R.E.A.C.H.

By Richard L. Brown, Ph.D., FACHE On behalf of the Creighton University’s REACH, I wish to encourage everyone to stay focused on your overall individual health. As we continue to stay at home, do not forget about the chronic diseases that have historically pleaqued our community such as diabetes, high blood pressure, cancer, mental illness, and obesity. Lack of physical activity while sheltering in place can bring on weight gain which leads to a number of health issues. Obesity has emerged as a major predictor of severe COVID-19 illness, according to new research. Dr. Steven Kitchen, chief medical officer of Phoebe Memorial Hospital in Albany, Georgia, where dozens of patients have died of COVID-19, maintains that “a disproportionate percentage of our critically ill patients in our ICUs are morbidly obese.’’ The CDC recently reported that among hospitalized COVID-19 patients studied, almost half were obese. At Ochsner Health, a system with 41 hospitals in Louisiana and southern Mississippi, Dr. Leo Seoane, the company’s senior vice president had this to say. “Sixty (60) percent of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 were obese, and that obesity appeared to nearly double their risk of requiring a ventilator.” Other medical conditions are frequently associated with

obesity, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and kidney disease. According to the most recent Douglas County Health Department needs Assessment, 70.7 % of adults in Omaha are obese, compared to 68.5 % at the state level and 67.5 % nationally. In one report, a team of NYU doctors and researchers examined the factors that appeared to predispose 4,103 COVID-19 patients of all ages to hospitalization. The research is preliminary, and not peer reviewed. The study found that being older than 75 was the most potent predictor of hospitalization for COVID-19, followed by being between the ages of 65 and 75. The third-best predictor was having a BMI over 40, a condition doctors call “severe obesity.” In a second study, when all other factors were held equal, COVID-19 patients with severe obesity were more than six times more likely to be hospitalized than were patients who were not obese. Dr. Phil Coule, chief medical officer of Augusta University Health, maintains that obesity alters respiratory physiology, interfering with adequate function of the lungs. And an obese patient is harder to “prone’’ – positioning the individual on the stomach – a technique that is used to improve respiratory mechanics. He also stated that obesity appears to disproportionately worsen COVID-19 outcomes. New findings about obesity risks are bad news for all Americans, but particularly for African-Americans and other people of color, who have higher rates of obesity and are already bearing a disproportionate burden of COVID-19 deaths, the New York Times reported. High rates of obesity are also prevalent among low-income white Americans, who may also be adversely affected, the newspaper reported. Stay active, exercise 3 times a week, till you sweat, eat healthy, rest and play, have fun, listen to music, and dance. Be prepared for when the stay home restriction is lifted.

It’s a Beautiful Thing When a Career and Passion Come Together - Unknown

So much has been said about the health care workers on episodes, to cardiac arrest, equips her to be the best that the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is exciting to she can be. She said, “Immanuel Medical Center Emergency Team have a young person in our community who has also been is the best, everyone works well together. Multiple scopes recognized for her exceptional work. Ramona Paulyne Bartee is the daughter of Jerry and of practice and many different backgrounds makes our Ramona Bartee, retired educational administrators from team diverse and strong. We are family.” She thoroughly enjoys Interdisciplinary Omaha Public Schools. And they have care, which is caring for one patient in every right to be proud of their daughter. the ER. Ramona said, “this involves proRamona received her Bachelor of Science viders, nurses, paramedics, radiology, lab Degree in Nursing from Clarkson College. techs, hospital medicine, and many others. She stayed focus and set high standards for Everyone comes together to care for one herself. Her goal in life has always been to patient.” help others. She is now employed at CHI Ramona knows that compassion and Health Immanuel and has recently been health services can save many a life. She promoted to daytime Supervisor of the wants to be there for people who need Emergency Department. her. She knows that COVID - 19, can be Ramona received a shout out in Immanuel’s extremely dangerous, but she is incredibly newsletter that read, “Congratulations and careful and has a praying family, as well thank you to our two latest Faith over as other relatives and friends who keep her Fear champions, Ramona Bartee - RN-ED lifted in prayer. Supervisor and Mike Bartek, Director of Ramona Bartee Ramona had no idea that her journey Security Services. You are both Rock Stars and thanks for all you do for Immanuel and our patients.” into nursing would involve anything like this COVID-19, For a young girl who grew up in a home where her par- but she did know that whatever she faced she would want ents could provide well for their children, she has a heart to be there to help people, and that is what she does. There is no doubt that Ramona fully embraces these for others. So it is not surprising that she works diligently to cure or save the lives of her patients. It is not surprising famous words by Maya Angelou, “As a nurse, we have an opportunity to heal the heart, mind, soul and body of our that she works overtime when she deems it necessary. In fact, she has a special love for the Emergency patients, their families, and ourselves. They may forget Department where she is the supervisor. Her wide variety your name, but they will never forget how you made them of nursing experience from broken bones, to psychiatric feel.”

Sweet Potato Comfort Pie-Rooted in Tradition In nature, the root is the beginning, imbibed in precious minerals and nutrients from Mother Earth and created by God. Rooted vegetables, mainly the sweet potato, are relational. They need a multitude of other living organisms to keep going, growing, reproducing, and becoming nourishment for consumption. Rose McGee, a Golden Valley, Minnesota resident, realized, in a time of crisis, the age-old, culturally ridden potato from back home, would become her signature Sweet Potato Comfort Pie: A Catalyst for Caring and Building Community. McGee works fulltime as a program officer for the Minnesota Humanities Center in East St. Paul. “One of my responsibilities is to lead story circles, Rose McGee which is how we get to the richness and authenticity of people’s hearts and stories,” said McGee, who is also co-author of the book Story Circle Stories. Rooted in African American cuisine, McGee brought her Sweet Potato Comfort Pies to Omaha in part through her MHC training with Omaha Public School personnel. Although not a ‘project’ in the beginning, that changed in the summer of 2014. McGee was watching the news about the fatal shooting of Michael Brown by a police officer, and the resulting uproar, in Ferguson, Missouri. Deeply troubled, she stood up and found herself standing in her kitchen, overcome by the need to

take action. By God, she needed to do something. But then, in her frustration to “do something” in the wake of troubling events, she connected to a deeper purpose involving the pies, and the idea for the project began to grow. McGee told the Star Tribune, Minnesota’s most-trusted source for news and information, “I call it the sacred dessert of black culture. It’s a delicious way of nurturing and fortifying the human spirit. This pie not only gives us energy but links us to history, soothes our spirits, and renews us for much-needed work.” Since Ferguson, Missouri, McGee’s compass, and the desire to do something are leading her to opportunities all over the country to share her Comfort Sweet Potato Pie. Each pie is hand-delivered with a poem, written by McGee’s daughter, Pastor Roslyn Harmon. Annual, city-wide meetings called the Sweet Potato Comfort Pie: A Catalyst for Caring and Building Community, serve as a catalyst where citizens come together to eat pie and discuss relevant issues. What an excellent way to comingle and talk with city leaders and the community. Thus far, since Ferguson, volunteers have baked over 3,000 pies. In past years, pies have gone to firefighters, health-care workers, teachers, and administrators. Some

Page Three

Keep Mosquitoes Away

Obesity, A Major Factor in Severe COVID-19 (Racial and ethical approaches to community health (REACH) is a periodic column featuring articles that focus on reducing health disparities in the African American community. It will include topics submitted by Creighton University Health Sciences Multicultural and Community Affairs (HS-MACA) department.)

THE OMAHA STAR

youth groups and racial justice organizations have received them, as have St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey. Rose McGee co-author of She’s written a children’s book, Can’t Nobody Make a Sweet Potato Pie Like Our Mama, which will be published in spring 2021 by the Minnesota Historical Society Press. Information is available at www. sweetpotatocomfortpie.org. Pre-heat Oven – 400 Degrees Two, 9” Flour Pie Shells 4 medium or large sweet potatoes with skins 1 tablespoon ground nutmeg 1 cup brown sugar 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon 2 cups granulated sugar 2 tablespoons vanilla extract 2 eggs, lightly beaten 1 cup condensed milk 1/2 cup butter, melted and cooled 2 unbaked pie shells 1 teaspoon ground ginger 1 teaspoon lemon extract Boil: sweet potatoes with skins until tender, peel, cube; Beat: potatoes with brown sugar and granulated sugar in a bowl with an electric mixer; Mix: eggs; Add: melted butter, then add ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon, and vanilla extract, and mix well; Stir in milk; then stir in lemon extract; Pour: filling into pie shells; Place: pie in the oven, immediately reduce heat to 350 degrees and bake 60 minutes or until the center of the pie is firm; Remove: from oven and allow to cool at least 1 hour before eating and at least 2 hours before packaging.

Summer is on its way, which means so are mosquitoes. The flying pests invade neighborhoods like an army, but they aren’t just a backyard nuisance with bites that itch. They also can carry dangerous diseases, including West Nile virus and Zika. Most regions of the U.S. have issues with mosquitoes, but knowing prevention and mitigation measures can stop them from mushrooming into a big problem, says Dr. Craig Stoops (www.mosquito-authority.com), a retired U.S. Navy medical entomologist and chief science officer at Mosquito Authority, a mosquito control company. “People are unfortunately attractive to mosquitoes,” Dr. Stoops says, “but there are numerous ways we can avoid the irritation and the potential danger of a bite. So much has to do with preparing your property and knowing how mosquitoes thrive. “Some people are more susceptible to bites than others. Mosquitoes can be attracted to different chemicals found in human skin. But just because mosquitoes are an inevitable part of summer doesn’t mean you’re defenseless.” Dr. Stoops offers five tips on reducing the appearance of mosquitoes and their bites: • Consider a professional service. Sometimes people prefer to do it themselves when it comes to fixing home issues, but they later find that a persistent problem is often better left to trained professionals. “Companies that specialize in mosquito control can effectively address the problem by implementing an entire program over a period of time, including follow-ups,” Dr. Stoops says. “There is a science and strategy to a program, and it requires considerable knowledge of how to treat different types of yards in different regions of the country. A good company in this industry continually educates its people as well as the consumers on how to effectively stay ahead of the problem.” • Get rid of standing water. Still water is a perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes. Common places of standing water include: clogged drain gutters, corrugated drain pipes, bird baths, pet bowls, planters, trash and recycling bins, children’s toys, and kiddie pools. “It is important to remain vigilant and remove any containers and debris from your yard to lower the habitats available to mosquitoes,” Dr. Stoops says. “A mosquito needs only about a tablespoon of water to lay eggs.” • Use safe repellents. Repellents registered by the Environmental Protection Agency have been reviewed and approved to pose minimal risk when used properly. “Some of the most effective ingredients commonly referred to in a repellent are DEET, Picaridan, and oil of lemon eucalyptus,” Dr. Stoops says. EPA-approved repellents provide up to two hours of protection. • Dress appropriately. “Studies have shown that some mosquitoes are more attracted to dark clothing,” Dr. Stoops says. “Avoid wearing lightweight, thin materials, which mosquitoes can bite right through. Instead, opt for tightly woven materials, like cotton, denim, nylon, or windbreaker-type materials, which are more difficult for the bugs to penetrate. Clothing that provides UV protection is typically tightly woven and often protects against insect bites, too.” • Keep your landscape clean. “Trimmed trees and shrubs improve a property’s air circulation,” Dr. Stoops says. “The increased air flow will physically push mosquitoes out of that area and remove the environment they thrive in. Also, there are some gardening choices that can deter mosquitoes: basil, lavender, and catnip are all plants that mosquitoes don’t like.” “Many people just think of bug spray during mosquito season,” Dr. Stoops says. “The main idea should be to keep them out of your yard as much as possible. From there, considering summer is the time to get away, always prepare for your environment, especially if hiking or camping.”

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PRAISE, WORSHIP, DEVOTION, OBITUARIES & INSPIRATION

Page Four THE OMAHA STAR

May 29, 2020

Charlie Henry Evans III

Deaths & Funerals

Charlie Henry Evans III was born in Saint Louis, Mo., to Sarah and Charlie Evans II. His sisters Gail Walton and Brenda Joyce Evans, and parents preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife, Kayota; his four children: Tomeker Bonds (Wali Rashad) Charlie H. Evans IV (Darlene), Fort Hood, TX; Joshua Shepherd and Leon Gordon; beloved sister, Martha Ann Parker Love ( Preston Love Jr.), Omaha; step-daughter Lisa Hampton; five grandchildren, one great grandchild, and a host of relatives and friends.

James X. Pierce Mr. James X. Pierce, age 91, passed away Tuesday, May 19, at his residence. Survived by children: Christopher D. (Ora Lee), Susan Camille, Tanya L. Pierce, Katherine A. (Alex) Lehning, Morehei K., Naktangi Pierce; siblings, Eugene, Johnny, Arthur Pierce, Mattie D. Leonard, Freddie Pierce; in-laws: Polly Jones, Michael Q., Elroy Williams, Marla WynnPierce, and many grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives. Funeral Services were held 12 pm Tuesday, May 26, at the mortuary, Pas. Kevin Coleman, officiated. Interment: Omaha National Cemetery Arrangements by Thomas Funeral Home. ***

Willie Mae Polite Mrs. Willie Mae Polite, age 87, passed away Friday, May 15, at a local care center. Preceded in death by son: Darnell Polite. Survived by children: Evelyn Myers, Marvell, Deborah A., Anthony Polite; sister: Lillie Mae Morrison; brother: Marvin Saddler; grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives. Cremation Arrangements by Thomas Funeral Home. *** Alton T. Rollerson Mr. Alton T. Rollerson, age 73, passed away Friday, May 8, at his residence. Cremation Arrangements by Thomas Funeral Home. ***

Jesse Sawyer Jr. Mr. Jesse Sawyer Jr., age 84, passed away Sunday, May 17, at a local care center. Preceded in death by: parents Jesse Roye Sr. & Reverend Elida Mae Sawyer, brother, Reverend George Ray Sawyer, sister Maxine Sawyer & daughter Kayla He is survived by his sisters: Wiljaques Cook (Roland) & Tommie Wells, nephews: Von (Catherine) Cook, Count (Judy) Cook, Lindsey (Kina) DeBerry, nieces: Cynthia (Otis) McCullough, Christopher Rich, Toni Rich and Sherlyn Sawyer, and a host of other relatives. Funeral Services were held 1pm Wednesday, May 27, at The Worship Center, Rev. Stan Rone, officiating. Interment: Forest Lawn Cemetery Arrangements by Thomas Funeral Home.

An On-Time God Luke 8:40-56

look on his face and his gait of determination to get to Jesus. Jairus was a man moving with purpose. In the presence now of Jesus, he gives no order or command. He does not say, “Hey, you see who I am.” No, he does not try to gain special privilege or use as a bargaining tool his title. Jairus instead falls down, in humility, at the feet of Jesus and begs Him to come to his house. It is with pain and grief that he says, “My little daughter lies at the point of death. Come and lay Your hands on her, that she may be healed, and she will live.” A dying twelve-year old daughter, his only daughter, has Jairus totally crushed and heartbroken. Nothing but agony is upon his face and a burdensome weight of emotional pain. It is a very sad scene. We can all be sympathetic to this man. Jairus, broken, kneeling at Jesus’ feet. In response, Jesus does not shun or push Jairus away. He goes with him to his house. But, as they move, the crowd follows, pushing and pressing. The crowd is not malicious in any way and they did not protest. But we know that Jairus, out of his desperate need wants the crowd to get out of the way. Jairus wants Jesus to get to his daughter without delay. And then to top it all, Jesus stops to address and converse with a woman in need. What must Jairus have been thinking? What would you have been thinking? But praise be to God, Jesus arrives at Jairus’ house; heals the daughter and heals Jairus’ broken heart! The Lord may not come when we want Him to, but He is always on time. We have an “On-time God!”

By Velma J. Sanders Having been rejected with shouts of “Leave us alone! Go away!” by the people in the surrounding region of the Gadarenes, Jesus and the disciples return to Capernaum. On the seashore, there are crowds of people waiting for Him and anticipating His arrival. Gladly they welcome Jesus as He steps

Arnold L.K. Gunn Sr. 5/28/1933 -12/26/2019 Happy Heavenly Birthday! Our memories of you are forever in our hearts. We love and miss you so much. Thanks for your service in protecting our country. Love, your family

out of the boat. Luke tells us, “And behold, there came a man named Jairus.” A man of prestige and dignity. He has a look of determination and with stamina of purpose he stands out from the crowd as he fixes his gaze upon Jesus. Most of the religious leaders and men of nobility of that day had nothing but contempt for Jesus, but not all of them. There was Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews; Joseph of Arimathea, a member of the Council; the Roman centurion who came to Jesus on behalf of his servant. And now, here comes Jairus, a ruler of the Jews. As he moves and maneuvers through the crowd, you can visualize the people parting to give way and make room for this highly respected man. And then, maybe it was not so much because of his position, but because of the serious

Living on Purpose The Victorious Spiritual Life By Dr. William Holland

If our mind is filled with a world of thoughts that are contrary or even dishonorable to God, how can there be room for us to concentrate on His goodness, peace, and hope? When Mary was about to give birth and there was no room in the Inn, God was also allowing us to see that many people in this world have no room in their life for Jesus. Their heart and mind is filled with carnality, selfishness, arrogance, and negative influences. This is why the enemy of our soul has created many obstacles and diversions for the purpose of redirecting our attention away from our Lord. Secular reading

material, video games, movies, cell phones, and television are only a few distractions that can be snare traps which can replace and redirect our mental and spiritual focus away from Christ. Having a disciplined mind for God is a key to living a victorious spiritual life. When we talk about our love for the Lord, there are plenty of ways to prove we are not just cluttering the air with empty words. The call to take up our cross and follow Christ, has everything to do with our level of devotion to Him. When a person falls in love with someone, this is all they think about. Why? Because whatever captures our heart has also captivated our mind. If Jesus

has been invited to sit on the throne of our heart, we are sitting at His feet intently waiting for Him to speak and always ready to respond and obey His voice. Our desire to please Him is a direct result of our love for Him. Within this personal and intimate relationship is the reverential fear and awe of who He is. This respect of His holiness is the beginning of wisdom and causes us to be humble and grateful for His presence. Until sin convicts and wounds our heart to the point of weeping, we have not understood the full meaning of spiritual transformation. The term lukewarm is mentioned in Revelation chapter three and is

a sobering warning for all who proclaim to be followers of Jesus. The true Christian life is not about fulfilling our own plans and then squeezing Jesus in if we have some extra time. This is referred to as, “broad way thinking” which allows carnality to influence and manage our priorities. In reality, our relationship with God is about abandoning our life, laying down our will, and rising every morning singing, “I surrender all, all to thee my blessed Savior, I surrender all.” Sadly, many have never realized what this means and most have no intention of learning. John the Apostle said in chapter three and verse 30, “He (God) must increase, but I must decrease.” Why did he say

that? He was trying to explain that our old nature is filled with a strong love for pleasure and our heart only has one throne. We cannot be filled with God if we are already filled with everything else. Those who hide behind the mask of denial, have willingly convinced themselves they can have their cake and eat it too. This is a lie from the dark side. We cannot serve God and our carnality at the same time. If we fail to control our thoughts, our thoughts will not hesitate to control us. (Read more at billyholland ministries.com.)

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402-346-4041

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May 29, 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

Page Five

ST. MARK BAPTIST CHURCH

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

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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 WEDNESDAYS Prayer 6:00 PM Worship 7:00 PM

SUNDAYS Prayer 9:00 AM Worship 10:00 AM

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

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.

PLEASANT GREEN BAPTIST CHURCH

7020 Cass Street, Omaha, NE 68132 402.556.6262 www.fumcomaha.org

“Where CHRIST is Preeminent and the Word Prevails!”

First United Methodist Church is a welcoming and inclusive community, inspired to grow with and in God.

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

MORNING STAR BAPTIST CHURCH 2019 Burdette Street Omaha, NE 68110 Ph: 402-342-0018 Worship Service .............10:00 a.m. Sunday School .................8:45 a.m. Excluding First Sunday Tuesday Evening Service.........7:00 p.m. Live Streaming Sunday Service-10:00am on Morning Star Baptist Church-Omaha Facebook Page

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

LOCAL NEWS/NATIONAL NEWS May 29, 2020 North High continued from page 1 ‘No, You Shut Up’ mentions they will celebrate 52 years Page Six THE OMAHA STAR

of marriage in December. From his first years in Omaha, “learning the ins and outs of the district and also knowing the community was a big mission,” Mr. Haynes said. “I got to know the families that resided in Northeast Omaha. It was important for me to get to know everyone early on.” After Omaha Tech High closed in 1984, Haynes transitioned to McMillan Middle School to be the assistant principal and athletic director. He arrived at North High in 1987, under the mentorship of the late Tom Harvey and spent the next 30 years encouraging students and their families to pursue education with a purpose. “I think about people like the late Carl Palmquist, (Omaha Tech High principal, 1950-1971), Dr. Odra Bradley (Omaha Tech Principal, 1971-1984), Dr. Eugene Skinner, Horace Mann Principal (1964-1972), the legendary Z. Clarence Barbee and Tom Harvey were all instrumental for me and my success at Omaha Public Schools,” Haynes mentioned. Recognizing those who influenced his life is extremely important for Haynes. Gratitude for his former principal, his past basketball coach and even the dairy farmer who offered him a job at age 14 inspired his own service to the community. “What’s important is to see the young people moving up the ladder and making a contribution to the society in which we live,” Haynes said. “That’s what means so much to me. To see young people have success in life. It’s important to teach young people the lessons about what they need in life in order to reach that.” While Haynes looks forward to time with his grandkids during retirement, he will remain a strong community supporter. After all, he is the same man who made time to attend student athletic competitions and visit families on the weekends to make sure the school was available to its community. You always knew Mr. Haynes was around as he greeted a student or encouraged them to get to class. Looking forward, Haynes knows North High has great opportunities ahead.

Omaha’s own Symone D. Sanders has written “No, You Shut Up: Speaking Truth to Power and Reclaiming America.” Symone is a graduate of Sacred Heart Elementary School, and Mercy High School. She obtained her college education at Creighton University. This book is a treasure trove of experiences and accounts of how ALL persons can access power. This is a recommended read for Omaha, because she proudly talks about Omaha, but more specifically about North Omaha and how it shaped who she is at her core. The book can be gotten locally or at www.symonedsanders.com/book. The book is also available on Audible. Haynes

Nero

“I know that Dr. [Collette] Nero is going to take North High to new heights and eventually folks will forget about Gene Haynes!” Haynes jokingly shares. “But I’m going to support North High School 110%.”

always perceived my work is to know how to recognize those opportunities as an educator, realizing that it is a partnership with our families.” Dr. Nero loves working with families who are passionate about their children and their education. “Even when a parent may be upset, it shows how much they care enough about their child. Mr. Harvey always used to say that what other people may see as anger, we see as passion. He helped me and Mr. Haynes recognize the importance of working together with families.” Dr. Nero has a unique background within education as a bi-lingual psychologist and educator. She’s spent 18 years in both school psychology and academic leadership roles. While at North, she looks forward to working with staff and families to help take North High to the next level. “I look forward to being visible at major events and being intentional about serving the community. I have an open-door policy with my office,” Dr. Nero shared. “The groundwork has been laid for what is happening at North already and I’m very interested in helping more students cross barriers to experience more success. My focus is on looking at distractions that sometimes pull students away from education and how to help fix those.” Dr. Nero looks forward to celebrating North High’s 100th anniversary in 2024. She wants to help bring national awareness to the school and the educational programs it offers. Dr. Nero’s vision will reflect the needs of future-focused education, particularly around technology and preparing students to excel in college and career.

The Next Chapter of North High Leadership Next in line to lead Omaha North High as Principal is Dr. Collette Nero, who is more than ready to take the charge. She is finishing the 2019-2020 school year as Principal of Field Club Elementary and will officially enter Omaha North in August. After earning her Doctorate in School Psychology from Texas A&M University, a year-long internship brought Dr. Nero to Nebraska. She came to Omaha with her husband and much like Haynes, only thought they would be here for a year. That was 20 years ago. “My husband and I are southern born and raised, but when we got here, Omaha just grew on us,” Dr. Nero said. “When I first came to Omaha for the interview, that’s when I met Tom Harvey. Mr. Haynes and I share him as a mentor.” After Hurricane Katrina, Dr. Nero’s husband, Derrick, had extended family who relocated to Omaha from New Orleans. There were 16 people living in their home at one point, including Derrick’s 16-year-old brother, who enrolled and played football at North High. Supporting students has always been a priority for Dr. Nero. “As a school psychologist, our focus is on helping students be successful by addressing their academic, social, emotional and behavioral needs,” Dr. Nero said. “The way I’ve

The Kirkus Review of her book: A black woman opens up about her journey to the forefront of American politics. Sanders knew from an early age that being black put her at a disadvantage. “Wherever my pinpoint location was exactly,” she writes, “I knew for sure that I was way outside [the] innermost circle.” She also knew she wasn’t going to let the establishment – those with access to the power in this country, i.e., older white men – hold her back. In this snappy narrative, the author chronicles her internships and college studies, which put her on track to becoming a commentator on CNN and then Bernie Sanders’ national press secretary during his 2016 presidential campaign. She has created waves in the political arena and opened doors for those coming up behind her, much like Donna Brazile and other black women have done for her. Currently, the author is a senior adviser for Joe Biden’s 2020 campaign, and she addresses the reasons she moved from one candidate to another during the past four years. Sanders interweaves “pieces of advice” sidebars into her personal narrative – e.g., build as many relationships and networks as possible, since you never know when they may be useful; write down your goals and work toward achieving them; be true to yourself in looks and manners; and so on. The author also includes a solid analysis of the political landscape and does not hold back her views on the Trump administration. The powerful message of her book can be encapsulated by these three sentences: “No one is going to hand you power or open the door for you to voice your opinion or your desires. You have to demand it. And part of the way you do that is saying out loud, to anyone who will listen, what it is that you want, and then backing those words up with actions.” Provocative, galvanizing words that should inspire others to take action against the status quo.

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May 29, 2020

NATIONAL NEWS/CLASSIFIED ADS

NFL Announces Major Steps to Incentivize Teams to Hire Minorities for Top Posts By Stacy M. Brown National Football League teams must now interview at least two minority candidates for head coaching positions under new resolutions that the league hopes will improve diversity among its 32 teams. In an expansion of its Rooney Rule, which had previously called on teams to interview minority candidates, the league said teams must also interview at least one minority candidate for coordinator openings and one external candidate for positions in teams’ front offices. “While we have seen positive strides in our coaching ranks over the years aided by the Rooney Rule, we recognize, after the last two seasons, that we can and must do more,” Commissioner Roger Goodell said during a media conference call. “The policy changes made today are bold and demonstrate the commitment of our ownership to increase diversity in leadership positions throughout the league.” Troy Vincent, the NFL’s executive vice president of football operations and second-in-command to Goodell, said the league is now in a better position to not only hire minorities and women but to retain their services. “What the chairman (Art Rooney II) and the commissioner did today and what the ownership voted on today has been a fight for decades to get mobility that has disproportionately affected people of color,” Vincent stated. “Just the ability to get an interview, you don’t get hired unless you have an interview. The mobility resolution today was significant and historic, because it has been a fight for decades. That’s the foundation. Frankly, we would call that the linchpin of these inequalities. With these initiatives, the enhancement of the Rooney Rule, which is a tool; it just allows us to

have a broader scope of how we look at things.” The new rules include a provision that begins in 2021, which states that teams will no longer restrict staff from interviewing with other clubs for “bona fide” coaching or front office positions. Goodell called the commitment to improving diversity throughout the league is “critical” for future success. “While we have seen positive strides in our coaching ranks over the years aided by the Rooney Rule, we recognize, after the last two seasons, that we can and must do more,” Goodell said. “The policy changes made today are bold and demonstrate the commitment of our ownership to increase diversity in leadership positions throughout the league.” Clubs also will be required to “include minorities and, or, female applicants in the interview processes for senior-level front office positions such as club president and senior executives in communications, finance, human resources, legal, football operations, sales, marketing, sponsorship, information technology, and security positions,” according to the expanded rule. Also, league officials stated that they would use an advisory panel to further strategies aimed at fostering an inclusive culture of opportunity both on and off the field. Goodell also promised to improve the league’s pipeline for minority coaching and player personnel candidates with assistance from its Bill Walsh NFL Diversity Coaching Fellowship. “This fight has been going on for a long time,” said Vincent, who could one day become the league’s first African American commissioner. “The facts are we have a broken system, and we’re looking to implement things to change the direction in where we’re going, and it’s been south. Not a gradual south but a direct south.”

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High School Graduates

NaTalya Willingham Omaha Roncalli

Colin Walker-Hollis Omaha North

Alexan P. Short Omaha North

Truth S. Ross Omaha North

Christopher Coleman Omaha Burke

Miguel W. Trotter & Malik W. Trotter Omaha Burke

Brevon LaMons Cannon Omaha North

Jaden Wrightsell Omaha Northwest

Kimana Janae Bell Omaha North

Anye’ Francisco Omaha Central

March D. Austin Jr. Omaha North

Anngalisia Govain-Nelson Omaha North

Turiko L. Ferguson Jr. Millard West

Jy ion J.C. Berry Omaha Roncalli

Vanisha Evans Omaha North

Elaunda N. Nichols Omaha North

Tayonna T. Thomas Omaha North

Caelon Harkey Bellevue West

Asjanae Harris Omaha Burke

Rickara Watkins Westside High

College Graduates Angela N. Jackson Bachelor of Science with a major in Management of Human Resources Bellevue University

Deadline: June 3, 2020

Aisha Yapp Bachelor in Psychology Loyola Univeristy

Amber A. Franklin Bachelor in Drama Spelman College

Brandon T. Williams Bachelor in Criminal Justice University of NE at Omaha

Alexus Cole Bachelor in Family Studies Ball State University

Lori Fairley Associate Business Administration Kaplan University

De’Ja Kirksey Combs Bachelor in Child Youth and Family Studies University of NE at Lincoln

JaLisa McCain Bachelor in Psychology University of NE at Omaha

Ki-Jana C. Moore Bachelor in Theater Arts DePaul University

Braymond V. Adams III Master in Applied Ecology University of NE at Lincoln

Trisha Graeve Master in Social Work University of NE at Omaha

Karmen Worly Master in Literacy University of Ne at Omaha

Robert L. Ingram IV Associate in Electrical Technology Metropolitan Technical College

Justin A. McNair Bachelor in Marketing and Business Leadership Kansas Wesleyan University

DeLisha Coleman Associate in Surgical Technology Nebraska Methodist College

Xavier Jackson Bachelor in Journalism – Mass Communication University of NE at Lincoln

Neeia Cooperwood Master in Mathematics South Dakota University

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NE Sec of State – Robert B. Evnen Filing Document #: 9000540303 Pages: 1 Corporation Name: KPOSSIBLE SOLUTIONS LLC Filing Date and Time: 04/15/2020 04:08 PM

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION No ce is hereby given that KPOSSIBLE SOLUTIONS LLC (1) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The address of the designated oﬃce of the Company is 8258 Wyoming Street, Omaha, NE 68122 (2). The general nature of the business is to engage in and to do any and all business, other than banking and insurance, for which a Limited Liability Company maybe organized under the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. The Company commenced its existence on April 15th 2020 (3), and its dura on shall be perpetual. The aﬀairs of the Company are to be conducted by the Managing Member and/or Members as authorized by the Company’s Opera ng Agreement. The ini al agent for service of process is USCA, Inc. (4) at 1603 Farnam Street, Omaha, NE 68102 (5).

NE Sec of State - Robert B. Evnen Filing Document #: 9000544059 Pages: 1 Corporation Name: UNBOUND KONNECT Filing Date and Time: 05/18/2020 04:31 PM

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Page Seven

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Kim Robinson, M.B.A. 6311 Ames Avenue Omaha, NE 68104 402-999-8357 (office) 402-502-0253 (fax) robinsoninsurance@omhcoxmail.com

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NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION

No ce is hereby given that UNBOUND KONNECT (1) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The address of the designated oﬃce of the Company is 3004 South 115th Avenue, Omaha, NE 68144 (2). The general nature of the business is Community Resource, Retail and all other business, other than banking and insurance. The Applicant is an INDIVIDUAL The Company commenced its existence on April 25th 2020 (3), and its dura on shall be perpetual. The aﬀairs of the Company are to be conducted by the Managing Member and/or Members as authorized by the Company’s Opera ng Agreement. The ini al agent for service of process is Kiarra Morgan (4) at 3004 South 115th Avenue, Omaha, NE 68144 (5).

CARL M. CHRISTIAN REALTOR® cchristian@npdodge.com Mobile 402.689.9453 Office 402.731.5008 Fax 402.731.2089 3552 Dodge St. • Omaha, NE 68131 CarlChristian.npdodge.com

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PALACE Tyrone Hayes (Owner) 1822 N. 33rd St. Omaha, NE 68111

402.215.3822 Tyrone@Tennashupalace.com

YOUTH/EDUCATION NEWS Fontenelle Forest Dr. Susan Toohey Graduates with Mandela’s First 5th-Grade Class Offering Virtual Friday, May 22, was a momentous day for Nelson Mandela Elementary. It marked the final day fourth term, of Summer Camps school for the fifth graders, and working day as principal for

Page Eight THE OMAHA STAR

Each week in June, Fontenelle Forest is offering a weeklong virtual summer camp experience, featuring a different theme each day. Fontenelle Nature Camp will provide fun and engaging adventures designed to foster the development of great life skills and a life-long love for the natural world. Your camper will participate in two live Zoom sessions each day, where they will interact with camp counselors and other camp participants. Campers will be provided with nature-based activities to keep young naturalists busy and engaged, and encourage interactive, hands-on exploration around your home or in your own greenspace. Each camper receives a camp-on-the-go bag, which includes all the tools and materials necessary to spark your young campers imagination. Bags will be available for pick up from 2-6 p.m. on the Saturday or Sunday the week before your camp begins. Fontenelle Forest Members: Register by May 30 and receive a discount on virtual camp prices! Fontenelle Forest 1111 Bellevue Blvd N Bellevue, NE 68005 Phone: 402-731-3140 FontenelleForest.org

Dr. Susan Toohey. To celebrate, the Mandela Team planned a special parade in Miller Park. Team members from the elementary school and early learning center distanced themselves out in the park, and families were able to drive by, say hello to everyone, and give thanks to Dr. Toohey. Dr. Toohey was instrumental in the creation of Nelson Mandela Elementary and has remained a constant leader since the school first opened in2015. Now, five years later, some of those scholars belong to the first fifth grade class, and they are ready to leave Mandela. Their graduation was originally scheduled for May 22, 2020-the same day as the end of the term. Instead, the parade was part one of the celebration. Part two, the graduation ceremony, has been rescheduled for July. At the conclusion of the parade, the Mandela Team gathered (with proper social distancing) to present Dr. Toohey with a special plaque, dedicating the school’s media center in her name. Dr. Toohey’s passion for education and learning will live on in the name of the library, now called the Susan Toohey Media Center. Dr. Toohey will remain Head of School but work primarily offsite at the Lozier offices. Current assistant principal, Genevieve Core, will take her place as principal, and recent hire from Jesuit Academy, Joe Murray, will step into the role of assistant principal. They will begin their responsibilities as the new leadership team for the school’s 5th term, beginning June 8.

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May 29, 2020

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

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Summer classes begin June 5. Get started today at mccneb.edu or call 531-MCC-2400.

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Summer Reading Program June 1–July 31, 2020 Presented by the Richard Brooke Foundation

All ages can read or listen for 10 hours to receive great prizes! Visit omahalibrary.org to learn more & register.

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

• Book • Coupon sheet • Choice of a clear stadium bag, water bottle, or pencil case

• Storm Chasers voucher (scheduled for an 8/5 or 8/9 game)

• Entry into a drawing for gift cards