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Nebraska’s Only Black Owned Newspaper Vol. 81 - No. 11 Omaha, Nebraska
Friday, May 31, 2019
Young Black & Influential Omaha Announces the 2019 Award Recipients Young Black & Influential Omaha (YBI), a community-based movement that centers black leadership and empowerment, announces its third year of award recipients. YBI was created in the fall of 2016 by Ashlei Spivey because she became frustrated with the Omaha leadership landscape. YBI became a place to challenge dominant narratives around what it look likes and means to be a leader, while also affirming black leadership. Going into its third year, YBI Spivey is building and providing a platform to the next wave of black leadership in Omaha. The 2019 awards event, themed “We Are the Movement,” will be held on June 30 from 2-4 p.m. at the Living Room at Mastercraft, 1111 N. 13th St. Starsky Wilson, CEO of the Deaconess Foundation, St. Louis, MO, will be the keynote speaker. “Three years ago, I had no idea that YBI would grow and evolve to be a true movement and I can’t wait to see what else is in store,” said Spivey. In addition to the awards event, YBI Omaha Wilson hosts numerous leadership development and networking opportunities for black influencers in Omaha. The 2019 award recipients are: Luper Akough, Andrew Aleman, Kelsay Brown, De Chapman, Camron Hairston, Keenan & Cam, Judy Kiagiri, Erica McGruder, TyVonn Merritt, Alisa Parmer, Riaunna Preston, Nadia Spurlock, Folly Teko, and Lindsey Williams For tickets or additional information, contact Ashlei Spivey at 214-608-8819 or connect@ybiomaha.com. More information about YBI can be found at www. ybiomaha.com.
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New Investment on North 30th By Dawaune Lamont Hayes NOISE On May 13, the City of Omaha, with Omaha Housing Authority, received a $25 million dollar Choice Neighborhoods Initiative (CNI) grant from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The money will be used to fund the demolition and rebuilding of Spencer Homes apartments into a mixed-use, mixedincome development that is being called Kennedy Square. An award ceremony took place in the recently constructed Highlander neighborhood located on North 30th Street between Lake and Parker Streets. Mayor Jean Stothert, Congressman Don Bacon, City Councilman Ben Gray, and Othello Meadows, CEO of 75 North Development Corporation, gave remarks. “This is an opportunity for people in our community, who have suffered for a very long time to see some light at the end of the tunnel and it’s not a train coming at them,” said Gray. “Most importantly we want to thank the families in this neighborhood, in this community who have trusted us. Who met with us at Spencer Homes, who meet with us [at Highlander], meet us on the street and trust us to try and build a better neighborhood, a better community for them and their families and that is no small feat given the history of this neighborhood,” said Meadows, “We’ll never take that trust for granted.” This particular award will be leveraged
Photo Credit: City of Omaha
by the city and OHA with philanthropic partners like Sherwood and Scott Family Foundations furthering redevelopment along North 30th Street. New construction is already in progress including the Buffett Early Childhood Center located north of Howard Kennedy Elementary. News of the CNI grant and preliminary plans were met with mixed responses by community members on social media. Some eagerly welcomed the new investment while others immediately used the word “gentrification” in fear of mass displacement of long-time north Omaha residents. NOISE interviewed Steven Abraham, resident commissioner of Omaha Housing Authority, to get his take and response to speculation of gentrification, which by definition means, “the process
Richetta Wilson – Entertainer Extraordinaire – Hall of Fame Inductee By Jennifer S. Keys Omaha’s longstanding songstress Richetta Wilson is among the class of 2019 inductees into Nebraska’s Music Hall of Fame. Formed in 1994 by Nashville musician and songwriter Jim Casey, the Hall honors Nebraskans involved in the music entertainment industry who have made an impact on the Nebraska, Midwest, National and International music scene. It recognizes inductees’ involvement in recordings, live performances, songwriting and all other aspects of the industry. Since the early 1950s, Wilson has wowed audiences far and wide with her blending of musical genres. After starting her career at a young age in Omaha, she carved her path and remained involved in the entertainment industry for many years. Her dedication to her craft has inspired and opened many doors for others. In the following interview, Wilson Wilson reveals a small part of her incalculable experiences in show business. What are some of your earliest memories of the desire to perform? My father said I had the vocals and personality for success. With the backing of my family, I felt equipped to pursue my dreams. Being a native Omahan, what was the music scene like in the early part of your career? Nostalgically speaking, Omaha’s popular hotspots and music venues overflowed with local and out-of-town talent. Since then, the jazz scene in Omaha seemed to diminish. However, I am encouraged; it looks like it is on the upswing.
What genre of music do you consider your body of work? Music characterized as jazz & popular standards were my specialties. However, I performed all types of music. Who are your major vocal influences? I drew vocal influences from Dinah Washington and Sarah Vaughan and in later years, Dakota Staton and Gloria Lynn. At the beginning of your career, what was it like being a beautiful, black female entertainer? Great! I never found difficulty booking gigs. Although it was my career, I found it fun, exciting, and not like work. What were a few names of the venues you performed at in early Omaha? My first job was with Cliff Dudley at The Cave Under the Hill. Other spots were the Colony Club, Offbeat Supper Club, Allen’s Showcase, Angelo’s, Beef Baron at the Hilton – all Mickey’s locations – and too many others to name. On the road, what challenges did you face? Because I was traveling with the band, and I was the only female on the bus, our piano player, Roy Givens, whom was a little older and a family friend, had promised my mom he’d look after me. I remember traveling in the South with the Preston Love Band and because of Jim Crow, we had to sleep on the bus. For our meals, the white band members brought food to us. I realized that touring was not my thing. Who was your stylist? My hairstylists at various times were Rosetta McClain and Ann Young. I assembled my wardrobe and time to time, my daughters would assist. I had a clothing allowance which allowed me the freedom to shop wherever I wanted, thereby developing my style. It seems like the song “Kansas City” became your signature. How did that happen? That happened because I performed in Kansas City for many years, and it became one of my go-to songs.
What advice would you give a young musician today? Go for your dreams. Be open and accepting of constructive criticism. Some days were great and other’s not because all that glitters is not gold. In the long run, it’s been a great career and adventure. Who are a few of the musicians you have worked with through those early years? Respectfully, Cliff Dudley and his Orchestra. He helped me get my start in show business and getting my first gig. Working with Dudley was inspiring. Roy Givens and Buddy Graves, both pianist; Sonny Firmature; Chuck Pennington - Brownsville Jazz Series on the River. I also worked with Pennington singing a variety of jingles for radio and television advertisements. Also, I worked with Sarah Vaughan and Ella Fitzgerald. Omaha’s Colony Club had two stages where Nancy Wilson and I performed. Our professional deportment soon blossomed into a friendship. You have close family ties, and they’ve always been important to you, as well as fellow musicians. Who are a few? Yes, my four daughters, my brothers, international jazz drummer Victor Lewis, my sister, Yvette Woods, my late husband Richard Wilson, and my father Richard (Dick) Lewis, who was also a musician. I acknowledge and appreciate the support of the fans. I treasure the musicians I have worked with through the years. I want to give a special mention to Eileen Dudley, Cliff’s wife. She would hold my little girl, Sharon, during rehearsals. I had many opportunities to move on to national acclaim and fame, but I loved my family and knew my family was most important to me. Other 2019 Nebraska Music Hall of Fame inductees include Beehive, Camille Metoyer Moten, Daybreak, Dereck Higgins, Ev Yates, Jimmy Bochnicek, Johnny Ray Gomez, Jorge Nila, Ron Cooley, Subby Anzaldo, and The Rumbles. The induction, performance and ceremony is June 30 at Ramada Plaza Hotel and Convention Center, 3321 S. 72nd St.
of renovating and improving a house or district so that it conforms to middleclass taste.” “This is not gentrification. I don’t know how I can say it in plainer words. This is not gentrification. This neighborhood choice award that we’ve received has specific guidelines detailed by the federal government, HUD guidelines, that say that once we remodel or demolish a unit, we replace that unit and we put individuals back in that unit that fit under that category. And the people that are there, the people who have been displaced, have first choice on what is taking place with this development so the people that are currently there, they have first choice in this new development,” Abraham added. Prior to the grant announcement, See North 30th cont. on page 3
R-Style Returns to Bridge Beats Summer Concert Series Lineup July 19
R-Style
Omaha Parks and Recreation’s Bridge Beats Summer Concert Series is back for its seventh season at the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge Plaza. This year, the City is bringing six free concerts to the stage. Concerts will be every Friday night beginning July 12 and lasting through Aug. 16 from 6-9 p.m. Showcasing some epic Omaha cover bands, concerts will cover genres and generations of some of music’s most popular hits. This lineup will have you dancing, singing along, and wanting more. Bridge Beats is a family-friendly concert series. Each concert will bring great entertainment and family atmosphere. Bubbles, chalk, giveaways, and activities will be at each concert for the kiddos. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets, and picnic baskets. Attendees are also able to purchase food from food trucks at the concert and adult beverages will be for sale. 2019 Summer Lineup: July 12 - Taxi Driver July 19 – R-Style July 26 - The Personics August 2 - On the Fritz August 9 - Heartland Boogie Band August 16 - Lemon Fresh Day For more information, visit www.bridgebeats.com or call 402-444-4640
What’s Salute to Graduates issue Spend an evening “The Blues of will be published June 28. with Compassion Knowing Why” In Action. Send photos of high school and college grads to See In the Village for details.
fwilliams@omahastarinc.com. Include grad’s name and school.
See In the Village for details.
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THE OMAHA STAR
May 31, 2019
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United Way’s Day of Action Scheduled for June 21 as “reading buddies” for children at a number of UWM’s partner agencies and two corporate locations. Each child will receive a literacy kit, provided by Sojern, which includes three books per child, reading activities and information about summer reading programs. There are still volunteer opportunities available. Companies and other organizations interested in this team- building volunteer event can visit www.unitedwaymidlands.org/dayofaction for more information.
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Those auditioning should enter through the main lobby entrance and proceed to the check-in table. Please bring sheet music with 16 bars ready to sing. An accompanist will be provided. Also bring a recent photo to attach to your audition form. The photos do not need to be professional and will not be returned. You will be asked to fill out an audition form. Please bring all contact information, personal schedules and a list of rehearsal conflicts. There will also be a dance audition, so actors should be dressed to move (no boots, sandals, flip-flops, etc.) Once will include actors playing instruments. If you are interested in this specific musical and have an instrument, please bring the instrument with you and be prepared to play 16 bars of music of your choice. You may also accompany your own singing audition if you prefer. All auditions will be held at Omaha Community Playhouse, 6915 Cass St. Rehearsal dates and times will be determined later. For more information, contact Tiffany Nigroattnigro@omahaplayhouse. com or 402-553-4890.
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The Omaha Community Playhouse (OCP) is holding auditions (16 and older) for all musicals in the 2019/20 season. Adult auditions for those 16 and older will be held June 15 at 11 a.m. and June 16 at 6 p.m. Adult actors who wish to audition need only attend one of the sessions. Youth auditions (under 16) will be held June 22 at 11 a.m. The season’s productions are: Annie, The Rocky Horror Show, A Christmas Carol, Once, Bright Star, and The Color Purple. Visit OmahaPlayhouse.com for show descriptions. Show dates will be:
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On June 21 more than 400 volunteers are partnering with United Way of the Midlands (UWM) during the 4th annual Day of Action to reinforce the importance of summer reading with approximately 575 children in the Omaha-Council Bluffs metro area. When the school year ends, children in high-poverty environments struggle, not only with basic needs like healthy food, but also to continue their learning. They often experience summer learning loss, or “summer slide,” because they may not have age-appropriate books at home or access to out-of-school learning programs. In support of year-long literacy, Day of Action volunteers will act
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North 30th continued from page 1 Omaha City Planning had scheduled public meetings for May 15 and 16 to discuss the city’s 20192023 consolidated plan. The meetings were held at the Venue at Highlander and featured stations with city planners to describe projects and answer questions. The Consolidated Plan is made of two parts, a five year strategic plan and an annual action plan. The plan is a HUD requirement that must be fulfilled in order to receive federal entitlement grant funds. Grant programs guided by the consolidated plan are Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME), and Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG). City planner Pat Evans, who is African-American, welcomed attendees and emphasized the need for community input to make for a more responsive process, “I think together we can be inclusive and make better decisions and I think that is where we are trying to move, to make better decisions that are inclusive and that really do hear you and are responsive to you,� she said. City officials explained that the addition of the $25 million had prompted revisions of the original plan, so the online public comment period will reopen starting May 31 through June 30 with more public meetings slated for mid-June. City Planning hopes to submit the revised plan to the Planning Board and City Council for approval in June and July before final submission to HUD for approval by Aug. 15. The turnaround time for the plan is a matter of months and looking at the number of attendees of both meetings, not many residents of North Omaha had heard about the plans or the process. We spoke to one man who lives near Spencer Homes, Ladarius Smith, who said he heard about the meeting from a coworker but wished there was stronger communication about important events within the Black community. “One thing about the Black community that we’re good at is complaining amongst ourselves,� he said, “If we’re not coming out to the events and actually hearing what they’re talking about, then we can’t complain.� Smith drew a distinction between involvement of white communities in suburban west Omaha and the urban black and brown communities in the east, “In west Omaha they will be on the phone calling 20 times a day until something is fixed. We have to get out of that mindset of complaining amongst ourselves and [begin] complaining to the right people, making our voice be known, not just as an individual but in numbers,� he said. “You gotta open your mindset, you know what I mean? We can’t expect everybody just to think for us,� said Smith. An elder who grew up in the Pleasant View projects where Highlander is now located, recalled what it was like coming up in the area. “I can remember when [the projects] were a nice place to live, they were once, and then the criminal element got in and people just moved,� she said. She described seeing a lot of negativity in Facebook groups she belongs to and said although she could agree with some the statements that were made, once she saw a chance to attend the meeting she decided to go. “I am still skeptical,� she said, “I need to see [more] but they kind of explained certain things and I understand that they are trying to sell it, sell the idea.� “There are still people who are not going to believe it until they see. There are going to be people who are totally against it,� she said, “They’ve explained to me the resettlement program, how they are going to do it, because I know someone who is going to be affected by it.� Ultimately for her, it all comes down to affordable housing. “There is no affordable housing in Omaha. It would be nice, but there isn’t any. What they are saying is that this is going to be a mixed thing of incomes and so forth, kind of like a neighborhood I grew up in. You had some retired people, you had people who were still working, then there was young people and they were working. It was a working middle class neighborhood,� she said. When asked what she would do if she were given the $25 million dollars, she said, “Decent, and the word is decent, affordable housing, not just cracker box. Decent, affordable, livable housing because you can build something that is not livable.� She described duplexes, houses, and housing styles in between. There will be a public meeting on June 4 at 6 p.m., with a discussion on Tax Increment Financing (TIF) and the 2019 Consolidated Plan at (drips) coffee shop, 2205 N 24th St. The consolidated plan and city programs can be found at planninghcd.cityofomaha.org For more coverage on this story and in-depth interviews, visit noiseomaha.com.
Hamilton Star Leslie Odom Jr. Closes Omaha Symphony’s 2018/19 Season
Airman Dial completes Basic Training U.S. Air Force Airman Deshawn D. Dial has graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas. The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills. Airmen who complete basic training also earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force. Dial is the son of Marcella and Howard Dial of Omaha, and is a 2018 graduate of Central High School. Deshawn D. Dial
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Read to receive great prizes and enjoy free, fun activities for every age group all summer long!
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Tony and Grammy Awardwinning performer Leslie Odom Jr., best known as Aaron Burr (“Sir�) in the Broadway smash hit “Hamilton,� will close the Omaha Symphony’s 2018/19 season with two performances June 8, 7:30 p.m., and June 9, 2 p.m., at the Holland Performing Arts Center. Music Director Thomas Wilkins will conduct the performances. The program will feature songs from Odom’s self-titled 2016 jazz album, including “Look for the Silver Lining,� “Autumn Leaves,� “I Know That You Know,� and “The Guilty Ones,� as well as selections from Hamilton, including “Wait for It,� “Forever Young/Dear Theodosia,� and “The Room Where It Happens.� Best known for his breakout role as Aaron Burr in the Broadway musical Hamilton, Odom Jr. won the Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical for his performance of the historical figure best remembered for killing Alexander Hamilton in a duel. He also won a Grammy Award as a principal soloist on the cast recording album. Odom Jr.’s talents extend to Hollywood, where he shared the screen with Johnny Depp and Michelle Pfeiffer in Kenneth Branagh’s adaption of Murder on the Orient Express, and the 2012 film Red Tails. On the small screen, he also starred in the cultclassic musical drama Smash, and had recurring roles on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit and Person of Interest, as well as guest appearances on The Good Wife, Gotham, and House of Lies. Odom Jr.’s December 2017 solo performance at Jazz at Lincoln Center was broadcast as an hourlong PBS special in 2018, and he is the author of Falling Up: How to take Risks, Aim Higher, and Never Stop Learning. Tickets to Leslie Odom Jr. can be purchased by visiting www.omahasymphony.org or by phoning Ticket Omaha at 402.345.0606. Student Rush tickets are available one hour prior to the concert. Any student with a valid student ID may purchase up to two Student Rush tickets.
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PRAISE, WORSHIP, DEVOTION, OBITUARIES & INSPIRATION
Kids Talk About God Can I Know I’m in the Place Where God Wants Me?
Deaths & Funerals Bassie O. Johnson Jr. Bassie O. Johnson Jr., age 86, passed away, Monday, May 20, at a local care center. Retired Omaha Police Officer. Complete notice later.
Arrangement by Thomas Funeral Home. *** Shirley A. Thomas-Claibon Shirley A. Thomas-Claibon, age 84, passed away Monday,
May 27, at her residence. Arrangements are pending. Arrangements by Thomas Funeral Home.
How Would You Answer This Question? By Dr. William Holland We begin this true account in the book of Second Chronicles chapter one, where we read how Solomon sincerely cared about the people of Israel and how he loved God with all of his heart. According to historical accounts, Solomon had great authority and respect among all the governors, captains, and judges of the region. In verse six, we notice that he actually offered 1,000 burnt sacrifices on the brazen altar and before the ark of the tabernacle, which was the same ark that Moses had been instructed to build 500 years earlier. In verse seven, we are presented one of the most amazing questions that God has ever asked a human being: “That night God appeared to Solomon and said to him, ask for whatever you want me to give you.” Can you imagine? How would you respond? I probably would have asked for the Power-ball numbers or the ability to be invisible or something immature that had everything to do with me. However, the response of Solomon was much more spiritual. He said he appreciated God’s mercy on his father, David, and himself and was very humble with being given such a huge responsibility to lead an entire nation. His answer was that he might be given wisdom and understanding in order to be a good judge and to become a king that God would be pleased with. Wow! I believe that even God was impressed with this young man! Now listen to the Lord’s reply: “And God said to Solomon, because this was in your heart, and you have not asked for riches, wealth, honor, nor the life of your enemies, or long
life; but has asked for wisdom and knowledge so that you can rule over my people whom I have made you king: Wisdom and knowledge is granted unto you; and I will also give you riches and wealth and honor such as none of the kings has had before you, or will have after you.” In practical terms, when it came to giving a great answer, Solomon knocked this one out of the park and in return received one of the greatest spiritual and material blessings ever given. Nonetheless, this is not the end. To me, the moral of this story is that if we plead for materialism more than we seek to have the character attributes of Christ, we have allowed deception to influence our heart. Being self-absorbed affects our thinking and personalities, just like a pinch of yeast affects an entire loaf of bread. When our priorities are out of order, unfortunately we become less concerned about others. This is no doubt why God does not always give us the desires of our hearts. James 4:3 gives us a very sobering insight into the realities of wrong motives and a selfish attitude: “Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.” Most if not all sins are associated with self-interest. It’s strange that we strongly criticize this defect in others, but usually cannot recognize it in ourselves. God is merciful and wants us to understand when we are completely focused on Him, His desires become our desires. (An excerpt from the new book, “Convictions and considerations.” Visit: billyhollandministries. com)
May 31, 2019
By Carey Kinsolving And Friends “He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters” (Psalm 23:2). If we follow the Lord beside still waters, “We won’t fall into rushing waters,” says T.J., age 6. Did you know that sheep have died of thirst standing beside rushing waters? They won’t drink unless the water is calm. “I think it means to take some time off and talk to God,” says Marcus, 8. “God loves us, and we drink from him because he is the still water.” Many of us can’t remember the last time we quieted our souls and spirits to drink from God’s still waters. The rushing waters of modern life leave us dry, restless and unsatisfied. “‘He leads me beside still waters’ could mean he brings peace if you put your trust in him,” says Haleigh, 9. Jesus said, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water” (John 7:37b-38). “To drink” in a spiritual sense means “to believe” or “to receive.” Finding water, still or rushing, in the arid Judean hills and valleys was no small task. Water came from dew, springs or streams, and deep wells. Only a skillful shepherd could lead his flock to calm, unpolluted waters in a country where it usually doesn’t rain for nine months of the year. “By following God, we will find our green pastures,” says Colton, 9. “Only God knows what our still waters are. We must obey God to find these places.” Idyllic images of Scotland and New Zealand come to mind when most people read “He makes me to lie down in green pastures.” It’s easy to forget that the Judean hills of which the Psalmist
wrote were rocky and dry. “Green pastures did not happen by chance,” writes author Phillip Keller, whose book on Psalm 23 has sold more than 1 million copies. “Green pastures were the product of tremendous labor, time and skill in land use.” Yet, green pastures are essential, Keller writes, when “lambs are maturing and the ewes need green, succulent feed for a heavy milk flow, there is no substitute for good pasturage.” “Lambs like to lie down in green pastures, not bad, brown pastures,” says Mary, 10. “So that means he takes care of us and wants the best for us.” Hungry sheep are constantly on their feet looking for more food. Their gnawing hunger won’t let them rest. Nothing is so satisfying to a shepherd as to see his flock at rest after their fill of plentiful, green grass and shrubs from a spring pasture. With good pasture and care, lambs can gain 100 pounds within 100 days after birth. God promised Israel’s patriarchs a land flowing with “milk and honey.” To nomadic shepherds, this imagery represented the peak production time of spring and summer. Sheep grazed in luxuriant pastures while bees made honey from wild flowers and goats produced rich milk for their offspring and owners. Television advertisers are always promising us more, but the reality is that “more” is often less fulfilling. Try turning off the TV and meditating upon God’s Word to discover God’s provision of milk and honey. Think about this: God wants you to rest in his provision. Memorize this truth: “He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters” (Psalm 23:2). Ask this question: Are you resting in God’s provision?
Commentary
Biblical Silence About Slavery Leaves Lasting Questions Today By Merdies Hayes “Our Weekly” News Editor The little girl was guilty of nothing more than hunger. When she was denied sustenance, she made the fatal mistake of demonstrating insolence, and for that infraction, her punishment appeared inconceivable. But it happened. The St. Louis Republican newspaper ran an article in the fall of 1844 recounting the flogging and heinous treatment that led to the death of an 8-year-old child: “On Friday last, the coroner held an inquest at the house of Judge Dunica, a few miles south of the city, over the body of a Negro girl, about 8 years of age, belonging to Mr. Cordell. The body exhibited evidence of the most cruel whipping and beating we have ever heard of. The flesh on the back and limbs were beaten to a jelly – one shoulder-bone was laid bare – there were several cuts, apparently from a club, on the head – and around the neck was the indentation of a cord, by which it is supposed she had been confined to a tree. A brutal fate for a child “She had been hired by a man by the by the name of Tanner, residing in the neighborhood, and was sent home in this condition. After coming home, her constant request, until her last breath, was for bread, by which it would seem that she had been starved as well as unmercifully whipped. The jury returned a verdict that she came to her death by the blows inflicted by some persons unknown whilst she was in the employ of Mr. Tanner. Mrs. Tanner (an eyewitness) has been tried and acquitted.” Records reveal that a slave named Cornelia was charged with being an accomplice of Mrs. Tanner in the murder of the little girl. In admitting her participation, Cornelia said she was “compelled to take part” in the murder and said Mrs. Tanner ordered her to restrain the child while she tied the girl to a tree. She was held there for five days and they denied the girl any food or water. The child was whipped each day and forced to lie bloodied and convulsing throughout the night until she was eventually returned to her master and died from her injuries. Many Christians would naturally wonder what Jesus would say about this form of brutality perpetrated against a child. Jesus was a great reformer, and he certainly identified with the poor and downtrodden and has urged his followers for two millennia to do the same. During the time when the Holy Land was occupied by foreign power, Jesus taught his countrymen how to maintain their dignity. For instance, when religious leaders were corrupt, he called them into account. Why was Jesus silent about slavery? But Jesus never spoke a single word against slavery. And although it would take roughly 2,000 years until most of the world would realize how immoral slavery is, Jesus knew then that slave-owners would use the Old Testament to justify the practice. Many people believe that one clear word from Jesus condemning slavery could have prevented the misery of millions of people. So why didn’t he speak out against it? Slavery was brutal, and Jesus knew that full well. Because he never condemned the practice, people might hope that he thought of it in relatively benign forms that are sometimes found in the Old Testament. Not exactly. When Jesus spoke about the relationship between slaves and masters, he relied on the fact that violence and abuse against captives were the order of the day. A typical example of this found in Luke 12:47-48: “The servant who knows the master’s will and does not get ready or does not do what the master wants will be beaten with many blows. But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows.” When Jesus conducted his ministry, it was widely believed that such outcomes would be the result of certain methods to, in other words, “scare people” into submission to God. Like the slave or servant, we would be physically harmed if we’re not good enough. There are several parables like this in the Gospels. Matthew 18:2335 says we will be “jailed and tortured.” Matthew 25:14-30 says we will be “cast into the other darkness where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” The Book of Matthew goes even further in chapter 24, verses 45-51 in that the disobedient servant/slave will
be “cut in pieces.” These excerpts from Scripture may indicate how Jesus pictured masters treating their slaves. Following the ‘Golden Rule’ When Jesus gave the Golden Rule (“love your neighbor as yourself”) or (do to others what you would have them do to you”), most people naturally believe he implied that slavery was wrong. In other words, if we should treat others as we want them to treat us, that means that we shouldn’t enslave them. While this is obvious in the 21st Century – and had even become clear to abolitionists in the 19th Century – this ideal was not obvious to large swaths of those who would abide by America being “founded as a Christian nation.” Jesus did not invent the Golden Rule. Rather, he was quoting from verse 18 of the passage in Leviticus 19:11-18 where the same principle, “love your neighbor as yourself” effectively sums up the other commands in that passage. This is much like how Jesus said that the Golden Rule sums up the “law and the prophets” (Matthew 7:12 and Matthew 22:36-40). At that time, Jesus’ audience would have known that he was quoting from Leviticus, one of the Five Books of Moses (the Torah), which commanded Israel to “invade and enslave distant cities,” and, in particular, Exodus which said that slaves are merely property and may be severely beaten “for just shy of two days” when their behavior would merit such a response. In the minds of Jesus’ audience, it would have been far from obvious that the Golden Rule outlawed slavery because the two concepts had coexisted in the Scriptures – presumably without contradiction – for centuries. At a minimum, modern civilization could say that if Jesus meant the Golden Rule as a command to abolish slavery, then millions of slaves in the next 2,000 years would have wished he had made his intent far more obvious. ‘How to Make A Negro Christian’ By the mid-19th Century, the majority of slaves had been introduced to Christianity, although most still could not read the Bible based on illiteracy and the fact that in several states in the Deep South, the White aristocracy discouraged Black persons from meeting in prayer. In 1832, the Rev. Charles Colcock Jones published the book “How To Make A Negro Christian,” a sort of guide to slave owners on how to introduce the precepts of Jesus while instilling abject servitude upon their property. Jones was popularly referred to as the “Apostle of the Blacks.” In one passage from his book, he explained how the typical slave owner could use Scripture to hold sway over his captives: “And having our plantation, the time and persons of our servants wholly under our control, we can arrange the manner and frequency of our instructions, as we please, and the period of these instructions with as much punctuality, and with as little interruption, as we can arrange the morning and evening devotions of our own fireside. Our very children might become, to some extent, teachers, by reading to
(iStockphoto / NNPA)
them plain portions of the Bible, or plain tracts and things of such sort.” Further, Jones elaborated on why teaching the Gospels to slaves would make them even more obedient and diligent in their daily chores: “Will the authority of the masters be weakened by instructions of this sort? No, it will be strengthened. And we believe that their authority can be strengthened and supported in this way only; for the duty of obedience will never be felt and performed to the extent that we desire it, unless we can bottom it on religious principle. Let them (slave masters) invest a little capital in the minds and hearts of their people (slaves), and it will prove to all concerned, a peace-giving and profitable investment for time and for eternity.” A ‘double-edged sword’ for African Americans Some slave owners, however, did not allow their slaves to attend church and ridiculed the notion of religion for slaves because they refused to believe that Black persons had souls. Others forbade their slaves to attend church because, according to John Brown, an ex-slave from Georgia: “White folks ‘fraid the nig*rs git to thinkin’ they was free, if they had churches ‘n things.” The Christian faith occupies a complicated – and often radicalized – place in the history of African-Americans, namely because it was abused by White colonists and slave traders to subjugate generations of people. Many scholars have since tried to explain the dichotomy between the brutality of slavery and the benevolence of the Gospels. “Christianity was a double-edged sword [for African Americans],” said Dr. Lawrence H. Mamiya, co-author of the 1990 book “The Black Church in the African-American Experience.” He explained that long before colonialism and slavery, Africans were practicing Christianity. “On the one hand, Whites wanted to use Christianity to make slaves docile and obedient. On the other, the Africans adapted Christianity for their survival and liberation.”
AND
THOMAS FUNERAL HOME
THE BLACK CHURCH:
TRADITION • RESPECT • DIGNITY
THE BLACK PRESS
& Cremation Services
And Both Black - Owned.
A Tradition of Caring Since 1939
Together, The Press And the Pulpit Can Give Us Full Citizenship Immediately
3920 North 24th St. Omaha, NE 68110 402-453-7111 www.omahathomasfh.com
Both Born Out of Necessity For Self-Expression
PRAISE & WORSHIP DIRECTORY
May 31, 2019
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
ST. MARK BAPTIST CHURCH
MOUNT CALVARY COMMUNITY CHURCH
ALLEN CHAPEL A.M.E.
THE OMAHA STAR Page Five
“Jesus is the light of the world” mtcalvarycommunitychurch.org
Pastor Jarrod S. Parker 3616 Spaulding Street, Omaha, NE 68111 Phone: 402-451-0307 Email: smbcsecretary@stmarkbaptist.org
5112 Ames Avenue Omaha, NE 68104 Ph: 402-457-4216
Sunday School – Sunday 9:00 a.m.
Sunday School .................................................... 9:30 a.m. Sunday Morning Worship Experience ......... 11:00 a.m. Wednesday Food and Fellowship.................... 6:00 p.m. Wednesday (WOW) Word On Wednesday... 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.
Pastor Jarrod S. Parker
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.”
“Where Life is for Everyone”
MT. MORIAH MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH
Drs. Mar n & Lynnell Williams
Dr. Ralph B. Lassiter, Pastor 2602 N. 24th St. Off: (402) 451-8800 - Fax: (402) 451-8522 mtmoriahomaha.net pastorlassiter@gmail.com
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
Rev. Ralph Lassiter, Sr.
SALEM BAPTIST CHURCH Serving God and One Another in the Spirit of Excellence Rev. Dr. Selwyn Q. Bachus Senior Pastor
Sunday School ...................................... 9:30 a.m. Sunday Worship ..................................10:45 a.m. Overcomers in Christ...............Sunday 7:00 p.m. Wednesday Bible-Prayer Service 11:30 a.m. & 6:30 p.m
3131 Lake Street Omaha, NE 68111 402-455-1000 www.salembc.org
Rev. Dr. Selwyn Q. Bachus
CLAIR MEMORIAL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
MT. NEBO MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH
“Come Get Your Hilltop Experience”
“The Church Where Fellowship is Real” Pastor Terry L. Arvie 5501 N. 50th Street Ph: 402-451-4245 Fx: 402-451-2130 office@mtneboomaha.org www.mtneboomaha.org
Rev. Portia A. Cavitt, Pastor 5544 Ames Avenue, Omaha, NE 68104 Telephone: 402-451-8322 • Website: www.cmumc.net Email: clairumc@cumc.omhcoxmail.com Sunday School………………………8:45 a.m. Sunday Worship Experience………...10:00 a.m. Wednesday Bible Study….…….…….6:00 p.m.
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.
Rev. Portia A. Cavitt, Pastor
TABERNACLE OF FAITH CHURCH
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.
Pastor Barbara Mitchell 2404 Fort Street, Omaha, NE 68111 402-455-1800 Church 402-455-3390 Fax
Pastor Terry L. Arvie
Pastor Barbara Mitchell
FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH Rev. Kent H. Little, Lead Pastor
PLEASANT GREEN BAPTIST CHURCH
Services on Sundays at 8:30 am & 10:50 am
“Where CHRIST is Preeminent and the Word Prevails!”
7020 Cass Street, Omaha, NE 68132 402.556.6262 www.fumcomaha.org First United Methodist Church is a welcoming and inclusive community, inspired to grow with and in God.
8:30 am Early Sunday Morning Worship 9:30 - 10:15 am Sunday Morning Breakfast 10:15 - 11:15 am Sunday School 11:30 am Sunday Morning Worship 6:30 pm Wednesday Bible Study 8:00 pm Friday Night Service Noon day prayer Thursday - Saturday
Rev. Kent H. Little
Pastor Brian Page 5555 Larimore Avenue Church: 402-346-8427 www.pleasantgreenomaha.org
ZION BAPTIST CHURCH Rev. Kenneth A. Allen, Pastor
Wednesday: Prayer Power Hour ......................................12:00 p.m
Pastor Brian Page
Thursday: Youth For Christ ............................................6:00 p.m Prayer & Bible Study ....................................6:30 p.m
Televised Broadcast Sunday @ 10pm on KPAO Cox Communication channel 22 & Century Link channel 89
Sunday: Sunday School.................................................9:00 a.m. Morning Worship..........................................10:15 a.m.
2215 Grant Street Omaha, NE 68110 Ph: 402-346-1502 Fax: 402-344-2720 SUNDAY Sunday Morning Worship……………9:00 A.M. Sunday School……………………...11:15 A.M. WEDNESDAY 11:00 A.M. ~ Hour of Power Bible Study Wednesday is Family Night! 6:00 P.M. ~ Prayer & Praise Service 6:30 P.M. ~ Feast & Fellowship (Light Meal) 7:15 P.M. ~ Discipleship Academy (Classes for ages 5 & up)
Pastor Kenneth A. Allen
Charles Galloway - President, Rev John Deang - Pastor, Dr John Beasley - Elder
HOPE LUTHERAN CHURCH
ST. BENEDICT THE MOOR CATHOLIC 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
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. Vitalis Anyanike
THE WORSHIP CENTER
& HOLY NAME CATHOLIC CHURCH
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
JOY OF LIFE MINISTRIES COGIC Pastors Eric and Cynthia Butler 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
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 Radio Broadcast: 101.3 fm 9:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. each Sunday Worship Service .............10:00 a.m. Rev. Dr. Leroy E. Adams, Jr.
Sunday School .................8:45 a.m. Excluding First Sunday Tuesday Evening Service.........7:00 p.m.
Dr. Stan Rone Senior Pastor
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 Sunday Kingdom Academy 9:00 a.m. Worship Celebration 10:15 a.m. Tuesday Prayer Hour 7:00 a.m. & 12:00 noon Wednesday Power Hour (Prayer/Bible Study) 6:30 p.m. Youth and Children 6:30 p.m. www.theworshipcenter24cog.org
Page Six
COMMENTARY
THE OMAHA STAR
May 31, 2019
Mentoring Matters
Nation’s Racial Wealth Divide Trust Factor a Must for Mentoring Worsens with Federal Tax Cuts A good mentor should possess strong assets. Good mentors have a positive, optimistic outlook on life that infects you like a virus. Good mentors are patient. They understand that the skills and knowledge they are sharing with you will take time to digest. A good mentor is someone you like being around. Good mentors devote time to your development. They hold you accountable. Good mentors always circle back with you and make sure you fulfill your role as a mentee. If they ask you to do something, a good mentor will follow-up to make sure you did what they asked you to do. Good mentors push you outside your comfort zone. They understand that growth occurs outside the comfort zone. They are considerate. Good mentors understand that sometimes life goes wrong and they give you space to deal with life’s problems. They are sympathetic (to a point). Good mentors respond to your needs and provide you with the tools and information to help you develop the skills and knowledge to grow. Good mentors understand your pain. Growth is painful and they get it. Good mentors have their own set of good habits that they are happy to share with you. Good mentors check their egos at the door. Their humility creates a comfortable learning environment. Good mentors can communicate complex concepts in a language you understand and are in constant communication with you. Good mentors have processes that work and can be learned. Good mentors pump you up, motivate you and inspire you to push yourself. http:// richhabits.net/16-qualities-of-a-good-mentor/ Every mentoring relationship must have that ‘trust factor’ as its foundation for goals to be achieved and objectives to be accomplished. These agencies are seeking trustworthy volunteers to mentor students. Visit any of these sites for more details – Partnership4Kids at https://www. p4k.org/or Girls Inc at https://girlsincomaha.org/. Mentoring Matters!
By Debra L. Shaw The more that mentors and mentees trust each other, the more committed they are to the relationship and the more effective the outcomes are in the partnership. This trust develops over a period when mentors and mentees observe certain appropriate behaviors as their commitment to mentoring progress. To become trustable, the following must occur: keep confidences shared between mentors and mentees; spend appropriate time together; follow through on promises; respect boundaries; admit errors and take responsibility for correcting them; and tactfully share thoughts regarding disagreements. It is very important to ensure that each party keeps the element of honesty constant in the mentoring relationship. In order to ensure that the trust factor continues, an effective mentor possesses the following qualities: willingness to share skills, knowledge, and expertise; demonstrates a positive attitude and acts as a positive role model; takes a personal interest in the mentoring relationship; exhibits enthusiasm in the field and values ongoing learning and growth in the field. Both mentors and mentees should utilize these core skills in their mentoring partnerships. These competencies will enhance the trust factor – active listening; encouraging words; developing capabilities, inspiring dreams and opening doors to new opportunities. Finding a mentor in life is the fast track to success. In Rich Habits’ study, 93% of the self-made millionaires who accumulated the most wealth in the shortest amount of time said that they had a mentor who taught them what to do and what not to do. A good mentor takes the “risk” out of success. What qualities should you look for in a mentor?
Financial Tips from Veridian Use These Tips to Pick the Right Credit Card If you’re looking for a credit card, it’s important to choose one that works for you. Sometimes offers that sound really good – say, a 0% interest rate for a year – end up being not so great in the end. Once that promotion is over, will you be stuck with a high rate, an annual fee and other charges? Protect yourself by reviewing what’s called the Schumer Box. This is a standard table of rates, fees, terms and conditions that must be included by law when you receive a credit card offer. Use the Schumer Box to answer these questions as you compare cards: • Is there an annual fee? There are many options available that don’t charge one. If you choose a card that does, make sure the benefits you’re getting outweigh the cost. • What’s the interest rate? Start with the annual percentage rate, or APR, for your purchases. Make sure you check and compare the normal APR in addition to any promotional rate. A lower rate means less interest when you carry a balance
from month to month. • How much do balance transfers cost? There can be a fee associated with balance transfers as well as a separate interest rate. Moving debt from higher-rate cards to lower-rate ones can save you money on interest. • How much do cash advances cost? Unlike your regular purchases, cash advances usually start accruing interest the day the withdrawal is made. There may also be a fee each time. • What are the other fees? Most lenders will charge you extra if you make late payments or go over your credit limit. • Are there surprises? Reading the fine print isn’t particularly fun, but it’s better to know about any other restrictions upfront. If you could use some financial advice, Veridian is here to help. We’re a not-for-profit credit union with branches in Council Bluffs, Omaha and Papillion. Simply stop by a Veridian branch or call (800) 235-3228 and ask to speak to Areli to schedule a one-on-one consultation today.
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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Our office will be closed Jan uar th in observance y 18 , of Martin Luther Kin g holiday
OMAH STAR A Ben Gray to speak at Martin
THE
Dedicated to the Service of the Shall Lack a Champio People that NO Good Cause n and that Evil Shall Not Go Unoppo Nebraska’s Only sed
Festival Self-Empowerment St. Paul Baptist Church July 13th, 2010
Luther King Day event
Black Owned Newsp aper
Omaha City Councilman 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 leader, 7, 2010 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 the Learning provide Martin Luther Inc. is to teach, Commemoration King Day received a $10,000 experiences, has mentary school disadvantaged ele- inspire. train and Committee. “I 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 more than $17 speech.” foundation created relevant said Briana Curran, million to national and manager, Staples The Funding from SFFL by Staples Inc. Foundation that provide educational local charities best annual address is regularly for Learning. will support the one attended events “Staples and opportunities Winners Circle Foundation for on Martin Luther of the city’s job skills for all program, which Learning supports King Jr. Day. people, with a This year, the event starts pro- Winners vides underserved the special Circle program, at noon, is free which cre- youth. emphasis on disadvantaged to the public. Guests 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 parents and the achievement. 40th & Jones com- of America, with Boys & Girls Clubs Streets. “The Winners munity.” Circle program Earth Force, Hispanic Gray is a first-time ensures disadvantaged Winners Circle students have for the 2nd District. elected city council member 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 Nebraska Gray had a 30-year For Our Kids, to Ben Gray Foundation for a television for learning,” Vol. 72 - No. 28 Omaha, help dissaid Beth Smith, career as Learning photojourna list nered with Executive Director, advantaged students. The Partnership supports Ashoka, an organization “Kaleidoscop and host the emergency Winners Circle e” on Omaha’s of Nebraska that develops and supports department at Program of The creates a community of caring ABC’s KETV Medical Center affiliate NewsWatch social entreprefor stu- neurs Partnership For station, dents from pre-kindergart to use intervention The Our Kids. “With around the world, discussions about 7. The show featured passionate gies to decrease youth strateen through sup- high school in nine port from Staples violence, such a variety of to help more disadvan- tries: Argentina, Belgium, coun- Gray has Foundation for as immediate community issues. engagement after violent won multiple Learning we can Brazil, incidents to reduce Canada, France, local, regional tion attempts. continue to increase taged youth graduate and pursue awards retaliaGermany, and as a reporter, photojournal grades and standardized national higher education to the In 1998, Gray become employable Netherlands, Spain and the test scores for ist Gray dedicates and his wife, youth throughout productive citizens United much of his time and host. States. For more Freddie, began ing with the African-Ame Omaha Public lives of severely who give back information about to foundation their community. at-risk youth and to improving the to close rican Achievement workthe or how to apply gang members. the achievement Council for a grant, is the emergency team He Omaha gaps of children visit www. staplesfoundat Community Connection, director for Impact Public School in the ion.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 part- Love,” Jr. Day speech, after one of Dr. “Strength to King’s most read books.
Vol. 72 - No.
Partnership For $10,000 grant Our Kids receives from Staples
★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
Details on page 4
meeting canceled Empowerment Network has been cancelled. The next meeting will
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 a.com. Discussions. the web at www.empoweromah 502-5153 or visit us on For more information call
50 cents
Thursday, July 8, 2010
ates Omaha Star Celebr 72nd Anniversary
Excellence Winn ers
North Omaha Boys & Girls Club Welcomes Club Members New and Old for the New Year
Special Thanks
MILDRED D. BROWN 9, 1938
Dr. Marguerita L. Washington,
Founded Omaha Star July
Publisher
homes as you are hardly can continue to repair and buy I On Jan. 4 the of the people that no good money and invest it North Omaha now doing, save your “Dedicated to the service Boys & Girls new and old Club believe that the that evil shall not go bonds that you Club opened members. The its doors tocause shall lack a champion and wisely. Buy more Savings a new year with Omaha Star has Club staff looks new Club parents if and when things forward to beginning may be comfortable unopposed.” 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 Developmen pro- In an introduction and I have been the & Recreation, said, “Mildred was t, Education & Character & Gilbert wrote: St. John A. M. E. Church Life Skills, and publisher for the Career Developmen It is with profound pleaThe ... she made her paper t, Health To the Citizens of Omaha: from certain schools Arts. We are also offering [sic] a friend of the pastors last twenty years. It a platform. She FREE transportatio& sure that the Omaha Star Publishing Co., and available anytime we needed In order to qualify in the Omaha metro area seems like yesterday n (please well trained journalistic ministry. She believed that a paid program for this special service all Club call for a listing). organization of energetic, by saw her work as a that I started after my One entire page membership fee members this day a paper of the people, had given her a calling. Brown God Spring program and a valid membership must have minds, give to you Mildred wish aunt now of and We here fee is $30.00 devoted to the work card. Our the people and for the people. that will be valid Club hours are its was per edition was expired. Some of submitted by from 3-8 p.m. the Omaha Star dedicates Jan. 4 - May For more Club the churches in the community, 7. Our to have you know that and ask for Mr. you have been supthe general public in information call Dave 342-2300 existence to the task of serving the pastors. Happy New Year Felici, Unit Director. porters almost from It shall be our policy the struggle for and we hope to Among her concerns was every way humanly possible. Others of see you at the the start. Brown’s primary path of duty in the behalf Club! racial equality. Mildred to move in an unerring became supporters it already had. She worked bringing to you the local Star was in selling Many others became supportfoothold in Omaha than early role in the Omaha Black America in Omaha, for equalas the years went by. sincere it, as well as the national an excellent salespermany organizations to work you I want to give my news of the city as we find of tirelessly with of ads. She was not only 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 son; she found that she highlights, promoting and to ity and peace. Career and Scholarship Achievement Council Colored People thanks. to sell newspaper ads Black America in general. The Omaha will have its 4th for the Advancement of Fair on Saturday her activism. She refused the citizens of Omaha and the a newspaper is fascinating. She Association Annual at advenHigh Magnet Association, workers. Working journalistic black from of Publishers sea employ 9 A.M. to 3 P.M. School, 4410 because this is our paper. (NAACP), the Black As we launch out into the of companies that did not N. 36th at North 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 Congratulations the Martin Bomber plant During the time during which it was active, she Omaha Star a firm founda557-4470. To RSVP or for Since the recent recession, to...the King them to apply for jobs that begin to build. Give the and also She more Science & Technology Science Fair. this State can this happen? and reading support and in Bellevue, Nebraska. for the De Porres Club, rollerStudents wrote at Offutt Air Force Base tion by way of subscribing an emotional, financial Magnet students remem- the spokeswoman in the Omaha Star building after school congratulate detailed the paper has also been in turn will build an enterpersevere. Washington, who is widely it to meet who won awards we will assure you that we d the eight Award reports, conducted experiments and a hired Charles but we are determined to their own facility. reporter and allowed times a at for as mouthpiece support emony. Pictured a to their coaster rights, funds civil of projects for out of Excellence and presented the club ran in to contact us concerning are the Awards bered for his work prise worthy of consideration, winners and in the commua display board the annual 7th & 8th grade Alec Williams; I encourage the public who was the executive 25 first place spent countless hours working fifty commuLuke Armitage; of Excellence winners (l or even if you want to to at least two columnist. Whitney Young, force for the people of Omaha. winners with before eventu- She to r): hundred and Emily Beck; complaints, recommendations are certainly apprecithe Star as a mouthpiece of the Omaha Urban League and Katie Cramer. Nick Schultz; Ian Brummel; a Breakfast of Champions judges. The nity, receiving over one In addition to offering us. Your comments in Omaha, the secretary of the National the “Unsung Heroine director awards cerMadeleine Dangerfield including compliment community executive awards, the community nity service ally becoming for the African-American in behalf of the ; Martha Winterer; by the NAACP, one of editorials. the community to realize ated. The staff is working Award” for service awarded Urban League, contributed Gilberts also encouraged a better and more enlighten honored power 16,000 Africanboycotts to call attention only thirty-five people in the country to be and trying to always have The country’s The paper supported and is an outstanding the positive effect the buying was cater largest film Our staff is very small, and her staff were often with this award by the time of her death. She paper. if they would carefully she and have festival for you. could children and to discrimination, Americans working to satisfy 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. treated the community We have a large religious goodwill ambassador to Film Streams African-Americans and More than when tries are for the support of the churches In English. Australia; following the conpresents the Best issue of the paper, Edward express sincere thanks, represented, including ten coun- Recommend alleged human rights violations worked to improve 95 min. Specifically, in the second of the New York Internationa clergy leaders. ed ages: 9 to adult. works from She also Australia, members of the North Omaha l in the community and the our struction of the Berlin Gilbert pointed out that (NYICFF). From Children’s Film Festival Germany, Denmark, Finland, least, I want to thank carriers and her office an ice cream shop Last but certainly not France, Jan. 9 to March the lives of the newspaper Latvia, Sweden, black community were patronizing which would be there would not be Streams’ Ruth 18, Film U.K. that someone did not have Switzerland, the Feb. 6-7, 11, 13-14, 18 — Ice Cream, advertisers. Without advertising, Sokolof Theater, and workers. If she learned of at 24th and Lake, Reed’s published. Advertisements nonprofit cinema, Omaha’s within the U.S. Tickets for all screenings Azur & Asmar Directed hiring practices over she would buy them bags an Omaha Star Newspaper enough food at home, will screen five Best targeted for their discriminatory an by Michel Ocelot. the printing of the publicabest programs larded The newspaper carriof the for seniors, of NYICFF are $9 general, Porres Club. Gilbert spent and retail sales pay for from groceries to supply their a decade later by the De $7 advertisers have stuck with students, teachers A dazzling animated Christmas or Easter party series continues the 2009 NYICFF. The dren, shop and counted at least tions. Many of our older us. ers often received a special and chilhour outside the ice cream Film Streams’ feature about and $4.50 Newer ones have joined work, when they might approving of their Young family two Forever Members. for Film Streams boys raised as brothers, us throughout the years. adverin gratitude for their hard one hundred African-Americans and children’s who set off on that they don’t have to dangerous quest were given all year. their purchasing power. which is made program, Streams’ All screenings will occur a Others have the feeling receive the only gifts they through faraway hiring practices through we will give them and possible in part at Film find Omaha Star Ruth Sokolof lands to Gilbert divorced in 1943, of her death in 1989, the and free the port from Lincoln because as African Americans with sup- the time Edward tise the and Theater, the At at Mildred in look 30,685 located at Animation. Fairy of the Star readers corner of 14th Financial Group. a circulation of her maiden name, Brown. Djinns. our business anyway. Omaha and Mike Fahey Founded in 1997, and had a staff of twenty, and Mildred resumed using for those who support us Mildred Brown wrote, (for- Recommend In English. France; 99 min. NYICFF is dedicated merly Webster) Streets, Omaha Star, the longest advertising in the paper to promoting thirty-nine states. In 1969, As the publisher of the one block south ed 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 and tomorrow’s Negro can Flix shop to ask those merchants by calling attention to ilm experience emancipation will be lost, at www.f ilmstreams.be found our readers when they his served an important function A kaleidoscop continue forces, they Juried by such for kids. www.gkids. If commupowerful of the they don’t? ic collection people in the black well-known filmmakers that do not advertise Why youth will be at the mercy our tv/tour. For questions,org or animated short the accomplishments of of the John Turturro, man the ramparts of bigthe Omaha Star, I urge values. The newspaper as contact Casey films from around best Susan Sarandon, North and South that still to refuse to advertise in $$ nity and emphasizing positive Logan at 933-0259 please world, featuring Mildred Brown awards, or got Schamus, Matthew the James email their products. Remember traditional animation, individuals who received x11 or CGI, otry, prejudice and discrimination.” to do so. From readers to stop buying at recognized Modine casey@film closed been and collage, and stop-motion Sant, the festival compelled Gus streams.org. had previously persisted because she felt The schedule: speak. new jobs in industries that has been described Van civic . In English. 65 min. Recommend she had established readers, supporters, merThe New York It announced acts of by the first edition of her newspaper, Thanks again to my staff, ed ages: 3 to 8. Times as being to African-Americans. good writers and all others They highlighted one She guided the newspa- a challenge to herself and her staff, “that no “devoted to the kind of fare chants advertisers, contributing labeled “troublemakers.” pride and community charity. 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 tiplex.” local mulby 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 mockument of their community, Brown to the racial unrest of the bright and continued future An all-animated ary skewering 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 wilderthe absurdiprogram featuring features one live-action ties of competition community, congratulated The Omaha Star reported ious, 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-pro four 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 further a any get Seniors English them. titles. Alexis Page and interested in letting discrimination neighbors. 75 min. Recommend or English subAyomide Adekunle and queen at wishes to urge that you ed ages: 9 to 16. Central High were crowned The Star on its anniversary Homecoming on Sept. 12, 2009. king
Career & Schola rship Fair
Best of the New
York Internationa l Children’s Film
North Omah a Developme nt Project Community Meeting is scheduled for January 28th Details on page 10
Festival
On Monday, January 11 on NET1 and NET-HD, Sam Cooke and Marvin Gaye See page 2 for details
hip 2010 Awards
City of Omaha 's Annual MLK, Jr. celebration will be at the Holland Perfor ming Arts Cente r See ad on page 10 for more information
Women of Color in Leaders
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: Winters me “me”? the of Crowder President and Soul and 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
Please contact the Omaha Star at 402.346.4041 or by email at Phyllis@omahastarinc.com if you have complete issues, or any portion, of these missing issues.
By Charlene Crowell If you’re like me, every time you hear a news reporter or anchor talk about how great the nation’s economy is, you wonder what world they are living in. Certainly these journalists are not referring to the ongoing struggle to make ends meet that so much of black America faces. For every daily report of Wall Street trading, or rising corporate profits, you’re reminded that somebody else is doing just fine financially. To put it another way, ‘Will I ever get past my payday being an exchange day … when I can finally have the chance to keep a portion of what I earn in my own name and see how much it can grow?’ When new research speaks to those who are forgotten on most nightly news shows, I feel obliged to share that news – especially when conclusions find systemic faults suppress our collective ability to strengthen assets enough to make that key transition from paying bills to building wealth. “Ten Solutions to Close the Racial Wealth Divide” is jointly authored by the Institute for Policy Studies, Ohio State University’s Kirwan Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnicity, and the National Community Reinvestment Coalition. This insightful and scholarly work opens with updates on the nation’s nagging and widening racial wealth divide. It then characterizes solutions offered as one of three approaches: programs, power, and process. According to the authors, programs refer to new government programs that could have a major impact on improving the financial prospects of low-wealth families. Power refers to changes to the federal tax code that could bring a muchneeded balance to the tax burden now borne by middle and low-income workers. Process refers to changes to the government operates in regard to race and wealth. “For far too long we have tolerated the injustice of a violent, extractive and racially exploitive history that generated a wealth divide where the typical black family has only a dime for every dollar held by a typical white family,” said Darrick Hamilton, report co-author and executive director of the Kirwan Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnicity at Ohio State University. From 1983-2016, the median black family saw their wealth drop by more than half after adjusting for inflation, compared to a 33 percent increase for the median white households. Keep in mind that these years include the Great Recession that stole nearly $1 trillion of wealth from black and Latinx families, largely via unnecessary foreclosures and lost property values for those who managed to hold on to their homes. Fast forward to 2018, and the report shares the fact that the median white family had 41 times more wealth than the median black family, and 22
times more wealth than the median Latinx family. Instead of the $147,000 that median white families owned last year, black households had $3,600. When Congress passed tax cut legislation in December 2017, an already skewed racial wealth profile became worse. “White households in the top one percent of earners received $143 a day from the tax cuts while middle-class households (earning between $40,000 and $110,000) received just $2.75 a day,” states the report. “While the media coverage of the tax package and the public statements of the bill’s backers did not explicitly state that it would directly contribute to increasing the racial wealth divide, this was the impact, intended or otherwise.” With the majority of today’s Black households renting instead of owning their homes, escalating rental prices diminish if not remove the ability for many consumers of color to save for a home down payment. As reported by CBS News, earlier this year, the national average monthly cost of fair market rent in 2018 was $1,405. Recent research by the National Low-Income Housing Coalition on housing affordability found that more than 8 million Americans spend half or more of their incomes on housing, including over 30 percent of Blacks, and 28 percent of Hispanics. Homeownership, according to the Center for Responsible Lending, remains a solid building block to gain family wealth. But with an increasing number of households paying more than a third of their income for rent, the ability to save for a home down payment is seriously weakened. CRL’s proposed remedy in March 27 testimony to the Senate Banking Committee is to strengthen affordable housing in both homeownership and rentals. To increase greater access to mortgages, CRL further advocates low-down payment loans. “The nation’s housing finance system must ensure access to safe and affordable mortgage loans for all creditworthy borrowers, including low-to-moderate income families and communities of color,” noted Nikitra Bailey, a CRL EVP. “The lower down payment programs available through FHA and VA, provide an entry into homeownership and wealth-building for many average Americans.” “Government-backed loans cannot be the only sources of credit for low-wealth families; they deserve access to cheaper conventional mortgages,” added Bailey. “Year after year, the annual Home Mortgage Disclosure Act data reveals how consumers of color, including upper-income black and Latinx households are disproportionately dependent on mortgages that come with higher costs. Our nation’s fair lending and housing finance laws require that the private mortgage market provide access for low-wealth families. We need additional resources for rental housing to address the affordability crisis that many working families face.” There’s really no point in continuing to do the same thing while expecting a different result. When the status quo just isn’t working, change must be given a chance.
Op-Ed: Prevent Long Hot Summer of Violence in America By Russell Simmons Exclusive to the NNPA Newswire Across the nation and throughout the world, millions of people are still mourning the tragic and senseless killing of our Brother Nipsey Hustle. We are again reminded of the terrible sickness of violence in communities across the United States. We should not wait for another one of our heroes to be killed before we stand up to take action to prevent this plague of violence from continuing. Nipsey was a great example of what can happen when a young man from our community puts his head down and transcends the traps that are laid by the enemies of our youth in America. Let me be clear: All those who have the capacity and opportunity to do their part to end the senseless spiral of violence but do nothing by their omission are aligned with the forces that are against our communities’ safety, resilience and progress. Complacency with violence directly contributes to its devastating continuance. There are, however, very successful programs in nearly every hot pocket in our inner cities that are alarmingly underfunded. Those effective antiviolence programs are in constant need of volunteers. I have personally witnessed and worked closely with so many extremely productive and amazing programs that in fact prevent violence. Effective programs like Erica Ford’s “Life Camp” in Queens, New York or Captain Dennis Muhammed’s “Peace Keepers” efforts in over 20 cities are in need of additional funding and support from city, state and federal agencies. Of course, in addition, the private sector and local community support systems must also be summoned to help out. Now is the time to act to
prevent future violence. These two programs are shining examples of how much better and effective local interventions are than the police who in many cases are disconnected, not trusted, brutal and too often fatal. But despite the results of current research studies on what works, city budgets in too many states are now being turned over to ineffective police containment strategies because of the undue influence of police unions and other conservative political forces. Violence cannot be contained. It has to be prevented by trusted and effective community-based programs. Are we prepared to sit back this summer and watch more than 50 of our kids get shot and killed every weekend in Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, Houston, Detroit, Miami, or in St. Louis? Because if we don’t act urgently now, that’s what is gonna happen! Where is the national debate or priority about our children’s safety from violence? It appears that the hip-hop community is the only authentic and caring voice that is speaking out effectively and consistently on this important issue and “Taking back responsibility.” Most religious and political figures won’t bring it up publicly or earnestly unless we do it first. I will do my part. Will you? No matter how big or small your impact might be, everyone’s input and support is needed now. Even if you only will just write to your member of the U.S. Congress to urge more funding for community antiviolence programs, that will also be helpful. The clock is ticking. The summer is coming. Are you prepared to lose a love one or a friend to violence in our communities? Or are you going to join me and others to help make a lasting difference? Thank you for your response. With great love, all things are possible. (Editor’s Note: The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the policies and position of the staff and management of the Omaha Star newspaper.)
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LIFE & STYLE/HEALTH & WELLNESS
May 31, 2019
Michelle Obama to Headline 25th Anniversary Essence Festival of Culture
NEW YORK – (BUSINESS WIRE) – Essence Communications, a media, technology and commerce company dedicated to Black women, has announced that former First Lady Michelle Obama will headline its 25th Anniversary Essence Festival of Culture in New Orleans, taking place July 4-7. On the heels of the historic success of her book Becoming, the appearance will mark her first engagement at the festival and will include a sitdown interview on July 6 at the Louisiana Superdome. Obama also appeared on the December 2018 cover of Essence magazine and will contribute the monthly closing article – A Word – to the July/August issue. The 2019 Essence Festival presented by Coca-Cola is a one-of-a-kind epicenter and celebration of global Black culture and continues to reach new heights with a focus on economic inclusion, cultural ownership and community development. The festival now attracts more than 500,000 attendees each weekend and surpasses every national music, entertainment and cultural festival based on average daily attendance. “We are indescribably thrilled
and honored to have ‘Forever First Lady’ Michelle Obama as a part of our 25th Anniversary Essence Festival, which will mark our most exciting and extensive programming to date,” said Michelle Ebanks, CEO of Essence Communications. “As inspiring and aspirational as it is relatable, Obama’s story – told on her own terms – is a remarkable example and celebration of everyday Black women who accomplish extraordinary things, who confront challenges with courage and truth, and who remind us that all things are possible when we support one another. Over 25 years, the festival has done just that – becoming a cultural home for millions of Black women to honor, celebrate and engage each other in service and sisterhood, laughter and love, and empowerment and community.” The 25th Anniversary Essence Festival will have its largest footprint ever, spanning more than 10 venues across New Orleans and encompassing several new and enhanced curated experiences. These include the Global Black Economic Forum; Fashion House; Wellness House; Essence Black Excellence Awards;
Essence Food & Wine Festival; Essence Music Festival; Beauty Carnival; Essence After Dark; Essence Film & TV Festival; Power Stage; E-Suite; Essence Marketplace; and Essence Day of Service/Girls United. In addition to Obama’s appearance, an epic ‘homecoming’ musical lineup of more than 80 performers is slated at the Louisiana Superdome – including Mary J. Blige; Nas; Missy Elliott; H.E.R.; Big Freedia; Davido; Frankie Beverly; Jermaine Dupri; MC Lyte; Pharrell Williams; Ronnie, Bobby, Ricky & Mike (RBRM); Sheila E.; Teddy Riley; Teyana Taylor; Timbaland and more. A 25th anniversary celebration of 1994’s most culturally impactful and transformative albums that redefined pop culture will also be curated and performed by the original artists. These include Mary J. Blige’s My Life, Nas’ Illmatic, Brandy’s Brandy, Method Man’s Tical, Scarface’s Diary, Big Daddy Kane’s Daddy’s Home, Da Brat’s Funkdafied, Slick Rick’s Behind Bars and Brownstone’s From the Bottom Up. Weekend and single-night ticket packages for the evening music festival concert series are on sale now. For the first time ever,
Essence is introducing the 2019 Weekend VIP Power Pass, which provides access to a premium experience at all of the festival’s ticketed events throughout the weekend, including the evening Music Festival, Fashion House, Beauty Carnival, Essence Day in the Park, Wellness House and Power Stage, among other experiences to be announced. For information about ticket sales, accommodations and the latest news about the Essence Festival visit Essence. com/festival. Join the festival community: Follow them on Twitter@essencefest #EssenceFest and become a fan of the festival on Facebook.
THE OMAHA STAR
Page Seven
Tom Joyner Foundation Launches Exciting New Podcast DALLAS, TX – The Tom Joyner Foundation has announced the launch of HBCUbiquity, a new hour-long podcast featuring interviews, discussion and analysis about historically black colleges and universities, hosted by Thomas Joyner, Jr., president and CEO of the 22-year-old Foundation. The podcast, available weekly on the reVolver Podcast Network and downloadable on all platforms (e.g. iTunes, GooglePlay, Spotify) and on its website, HBCUbiquityPodcast.com will engage a wide range of guests, including presidents of HBCUs, faculty, alumni, students, parents and other supporters. “The Foundation has actively hosted panels and discussions over the years on the Fantastic Voyage and at the Tom Joyner Family Reunion,” Joyner Jr. said. “This podcast is our chance to have a year-round conversation about our HBCUs. We want to go beyond the typical rhetoric and have meaningful conversations.” HBCUbiquity, produced by the Tom Joyner Foundation, is a weekly podcast that offers in-depth, honest and straightforward conversations with administrators, faculty, students, celebrities and experts about the future of HBCUs, fundraising, accreditation, student recruitment and enrollment as well as the accomplishments of faculty who are doing interesting research, student scholars about their current accomplishments and alumni who are making a difference in their communities, and topical trends and issues related to the African-American community. The inaugural show features an insightful overview of the foundation’s history, its programs and how HBCUbiquity represents the dawn of a new era for the nonprofit. In future shows, Joyner will get in-depth on the current and future of the CIAA, including interviews with Jacqie McWilliams, the CIAA commissioner, and a special conversation with Dr. Anthony Davis, special consultant to Livingstone College. You won’t want to miss the episode on Bennett College’s fight for survival, featuring a rare interview with its interim college president, Dr. Phyllis Worthy Dawkins who will share some of her strategies on navigating the institution through this difficult period. On that same episode, longtime Talladega College President Dr. Billy C. Hawkins discusses his experiences and successes in getting an HBCU’s accreditation restored. You can follow the show on social media: Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
Morehouse Makes History with New Transgender Policy By NewsOne Staff
Terrance Dixon, Morehouse vice president for enrollment management, said in a statement, “In a rapidly changing world that includes a better understanding of gender identity, we’re proud to expand our admissions policy to consider trans men who want to be part of an institution that has produced some of the greatest leaders in social justice, politics, business, and the arts for more than 150 years. The ratification of this policy affirms the College’s commitment to develop men
with disciplined minds who will lead lives of leadership and service.” The Gender Identity Admissions and Matriculation Policy says, “Morehouse will consider for undergraduate admission those applicants who live and self-identify as men, regardless of the sex assigned to them at birth. Morehouse will not consider for admission women or those assigned male at birth who identify as women.” The policy also reads, “Once admitted, the student is expected to continue to self-identify as a man throughout his matriculation at Morehouse.” Morehouse President David A.
Thomas told ABC News, “I can’t speak for all HBCUs, but we know in the Black church there has largely been silence on this issue. I can imagine there may be people who would say, ‘Why would you even raise this?’ I say to those people we live in an era now where silence on these issues is actually not helpful. For us, as a school for men, it’s important for us to set clear expectations about what that means. That’s what we’re trying to do with this policy.” Thomas also told CNN that the Gender Identity Admissions and Matriculation Policy was officially made into police
Something to Talk About Hold on to What You Know By Ashley Marie Dantzler We live in a world where letting things go is taught to us daily. Letting go is important, it gives us the courage to move on in our lives and the key to understanding human experience. Letting things go is pertinent in our lives but remembering and holding on to what we have learned is just as important. Keeping those anecdotes from our grandparents and remembering the teachings of spiritual leaders are things that we should hold on to and cherish. Remembering always that life is precious. It is precious because we don’t know where we will be, or what we will have to do, from day to day to survive. We know this from the media, whether it be social media, or the ten o’clock news; lives are being taken. And it doesn’t matter where you are on the social totem pole; life can end for any of us within the next minute. If we remember and hold on to the things we were taught or the things that we cherish the most, life can be enjoyable. When you have a mental illness, everyday can seem taxing, but this can also be said for those with physical ailments. The will to live is sometimes hard to find. And at times we find ourselves blaming
others for our predicament. But sometimes in life things just happen. I was born with mental illnesses. My illnesses did not surface right away, but when they did, my life changed dramatically. I found out that I would most likely have to take medication for the rest of my life. My strength came from the Lord, but my illness was not my fault. It was genetic and there was nothing anyone could have done to prevent it. But my life and your life are so much bigger than the illnesses or problems we face. We have an opportunity to light up the sky with our fight and allow our legacy to continue. But we cannot forget or let go of what we learned from the ones that went before us. Even the ones that lost the battle but won the war. They taught us to be brave in the midst of adversity. They taught us that this world is temporal, but that there is a better place if we can hold on. And most of all they taught us to cherish life; every minute of it. The ones who have left us knew that the human experience isn’t about how much money you make, the house you live in, or the car you drive. The human experience is about the responsibility that we have to one another. The responsibility to share our experiences and hopefully teach and encourage the next generation to hold on and never let go. That is how your legacy continues.
Health and Spirituality What do you want in life? By Mark Darby, RN APRN, FNP-C Director of North Omaha Academy of Healthy Living Money. Power. Family. Friends. Love. We all want something, but I think it is most likely that we spend a great deal of time and effort trying to NOT get some things. I am taking a psychology class and some of the psychologists have said that what people want most is acceptance, recognition and a sense of importance. As a corollary to this, they also point out that in order to get these things, we spend the majority of our time trying to avoid being rejected or ignored or treated insignificantly. Take a moment to let this sink in. It is counter cultural. Society tells us that if we want happiness, we should get this new phone or that new video game. These things, once we get them, will bring us acceptance and recognition. Not quite say the psychologists. We don’t buy the new phone to get recognition we get the phone to avoid being rejected. We don’t want to be seen as the person who has a new phone as much as we want to NOT be seen as someone who does not have the new phone. This is a subtle but powerful difference. If possession of things brought happiness, then once we owned something, we would be satisfied. Yet that is not the case. We get the new phone and
we want the next newest thing and the next. All because we are trying to avoid something, not get something. Avoidance of being rejected, ignored, or treated insignificantly is not a conscious process. It is based on early life experiences that teach us to always be on guard. We are constantly aware that just around the next corner is something that may cause us to be rejected. This fact becomes the most important part of our life. It may have been operating so long we don’t even know it is occurring. Jesus once said something like “Was there ever a man who through worry added one cubit to his life span.” He could have also added, “Yet even though this is true, who has been able to stop worrying.” How do you know if this is true? Think of a stressing situation that you have recently experienced. Spend a few moments recalling everything about it. Pay attention to those automatic thoughts that come up when you think of such events. Write down these thoughts. Just let the thoughts come to you and write them down. Then examine the list. How many of these thoughts involve rejection or center on a fear of being ignored? Try this for few situations. It was a real eye opener when I did this exercise. I had no idea I was thinking such thoughts. The important thing to know is that such thoughts, even brief thoughts, cause you to react defensively. No wonder we try to avoid them. In the next column we will talk about what to do to avoid such thoughts.
after a vote, “Today’s vote to reaffirm our dedication to educating and developing men, including trans men, is an important step into one of the new frontiers of social justice — gender identity.” In September 2017, Spelman College announced that they would accept transgender women to enroll. A statement read, “In adopting this admissions policy, Spelman continues its fervent belief in the power of the Spelman Sisterhood. Students who choose Spelman come to our campus prepared to participate in a women’s college that is academically and
intellectually rigorous, and affirms its core mission as the education and development of high-achieving Black women.” Morehouse is the first standalone all-male college to have a transgender policy. There are two other all-male colleges, Hampden-Sydney College in Virginia and Wabash College in Indiana. Minnesota’s St. John’s University enrolls only men but has a co-ed academic program with the College of St. Benedict, which has a transgender policy.
Prostate Screening is a Must By Ricki Fairley The Cincinnati Herald My friend Alan ended his fouryear battle with prostate cancer, and I started my war to engage Black men and make them know the importance of prostate cancer screening. Though Alan and I have been friends for 30 years, when he got cancer, we formed an even more special bond. As a Stage 3A Survivor of Triple Negative Breast Cancer, I know my purpose is to talk about breast health. I am now adding prostate screenings to my stump speech. At age 55, Alan had a prostate cancer screening test, the PSA. It was normal. Two years later, it had inched up to the top of the normal range. Although, he was getting annual physicals, his Caucasian, very well-regarded internist in their very affluent suburban town told him that PSA testing was not reliable (this is not true!), and he didn’t recommend them. Life went on, a very good life, full of love, laughter, dancing, a blossoming family. Alan led an exceptionally physically fit lifestyle. He had been a disciplined runner since he was in his 30’s and engaged in other types of fitness activities such as lifting weights and tennis. Following his 70th birthday celebration, he had a visit from his brother-in-law who was being treated for prostate cancer. When brought to Alan’s attention, he realized that he was having some symptoms (changes in urination). Alan’s wife, Yvonne, then insisted he bypass his internist, and they went to a local urologist who told him his PSA was 149.9, shockingly high. Because of the high number, he sought the best care possible and ended up with the Chief of Urology for a major NY hospital. His PSA just 3 weeks later registered at 180. Stage 3B prostate cancer was the diagnosis, which began a path of treatment. He started with Lupron, 10 weeks of radiation, 5 days a week, driving from his home in Ridgewood to Manhattan and then to his office in Morristown, NJ, to work all day as a Chief Investment Officer, a grueling daily regime. His PSA went down for a short time and then began to increase. Despite intense chemotherapy, immunotherapy, including
participation in 2 clinical trials, the aggressive cancer spread throughout his body. Despite the pain and anguish of debilitating cancer, Alan lived his life to the fullest, welcoming a new grandbaby 9 weeks before he passed and signing his favorite song, “My Way” from his hospice bed. According to the American Cancer Society, Prostate cancer is the Alan enjoying life. second leading cause of had good health insurance and cancer death in American men, doctors with good reputations. Was Alan’s struggle with behind lung cancer. AfricanAmerican men are twice as likely prostate necessary? Could this to develop prostate cancer and have been prevented had he twice as likely to die from it. been screened more frequently? Research indicates that Would there have been a different prostate cancer is not an equal outcome if he had been going to opportunity disease. Black men an African American physician? in the U.S. have substantially We know Alan would have higher prostate cancer incidence taken different actions if he had and mortality rates than the been made aware of the high general population. They are also incidence of prostate cancer more likely to be diagnosed with among Black men and the an aggressive form of the disease benefits of PSA screening. – which is typically treated with African American men do surgery and radiation therapy. and should have different Yet, black men are less likely than screening recommendations white patients to seek treatment, where screening begins at age and when they do, their doctors 40, rather than age 55 for a white are more likely to recommend man without a family history of a watch-and-wait approach over the disease. Heed this warning. surgery or radiation therapy. Don’t let distrust of the healthcare When diagnosed early, prostate system or a Caucasian doctor cancer is treatable! that doesn’t make prostate cancer And note that the disparity screening s priority stand in your in health care happens at all way. Get screened regularly and socioeconomic levels. Alan live your life to the fullest!
SAVE THE DATE Omaha’s Together To End Stroke™ Walk
Saturday, June 1 | 9 a.m. Walk starts at Fontenelle Park Pavilion Community rally to follow at Adams Park Community Center
Registration opens soon! THANKS FOR SUPPORTING THE WALK!
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LOCAL NEWS
THE OMAHA STAR
Ragtime Opens Today at Omaha Community Playhouse The Tony Award-winning musical “Ragtime” will open today (Friday) at the Omaha Community Playhouse (OCP). The show will run in the Hawks Mainstage Theatre through June 30. Performances will be held Wednesdays through Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. A tragic yet hopeful tale, the four-time Tony Award-winning musical explores the pursuit of the American dream and the meaning of family. Set in the melting pot of New York City at the turn of the century, the lives of a wealthy white couple, a determined Jewish immigrant and an African American ragtime musician intertwine, J. Isaiah Smith (Coalhouse Walker) creating a rich tapestry and Dara Hogan (Sarah) of American life. With soaring ballads and a stunning score, these characters are connected by their compassion, belief and resolution that they, too, will find their place in the world. Tickets are on sale now with prices varying by performance and seating zone. Tickets can be purchased at the OCP Box Office, 6915 Cass St., by phone at 402-553-0800 or online at OmahaPlayhouse. com. Community Connections: Pre-Show Panel and Lobby Display The Omaha Community Playhouse in partnership with the Omaha Community Council for Racial Justice and Reconciliation will host a pre-show panel on June 15 at 6:30 p.m. in the OCP Guiou Boardroom to discuss the themes presented in Ragtime and their relationship to Omaha and its history. The panel will be facilitated by the assistant director of Ragtime, Marie Schuett. The run of Ragtime will also feature a lobby display of historical photos, graciously loaned to OCP by the Omaha Jewish Historical Society and the Douglas County Historical Society, that help tell the story of social inequality and immigration in Omaha from the turn of the 20th century and beyond. American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreted Performance OCP will host an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreted performance of Ragtime on June 9 at 2 p.m. To reserve seats in the ASL viewing area or for more information, contact the OCP Box Office at 402-553-0800.
May 31, 2019
Nebraska Deltas Initiate 19 Women into Their Illustrious Sisterhood By Cynthia K. Gooch-Grayson, Ph.D. Nebraska State Coordinator Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. Three of the four Nebraska Delta chapters are pleased to share they welcomed new members into their amazing sisterhood this spring! The Omicron Chapter, chartered at the University of Nebraska in 1922, initiated the following six hardworking women: Natavia Jones, Alese Sanders, Autumn Traylor, Christelle Tshibengabo, Simone Stohlmann-Hekl and Ambi Anuah-Ndumu. The young ladies are all students matriculating at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. Gamma Xi Collegiate Chapter Spring 2019 Initiates Also in Lincoln, six wonderful women were welcomed into the Lincoln Alumnae Chapter. They are: Shirleena Terrell, Virginia Hill, LaQuinte Campbell, Philana Harris-Blakely, Brittney Hodges-Bolkovac and Marcy Hass. The Deltas, a service sorority, look forward to the impact the two initiated chapters will have upon the Lincoln community and the UNL campus. The Gamma Xi Chapter, comprised of students from the University of Nebraska-Omaha and Creighton University welcomed the following seven ladies into Delta: Allana Pommier, Najee Mitchell, Anngalisia Govain-Nelson, Serena Moore, Tynisha Henry, Kiana Sears and Josie Filer. These influential women are eager to serve their respective campuses in a mighty way. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. was founded on Jan. 13, 1913, by 22 collegiate women at Howard University to promote academic excellence and provide assistance Lincoln Alumnae Spring 2019 Initiates to those in need. Delta Sigma Theta is an organization of college educated women committed to the constructive development of its members and to public service with a primary focus on the Black community. A private, not-for-profit organization, the purpose is to provide assistance and support through established programs in local communities throughout the world. Since the sorority’s founding more than 200,000 women have joined the organization. The sorority currently has 1,000 collegiate and alumnae chapters located in the United States, Japan (Tokyo and Okinawa), Germany, the Virgin Islands, Bermuda, the Bahamas, Jamaica and the Republic of Korea. The major programs of the sorority are based upon the organization’s Five-Point Programmatic Thrust. Omicron Collegiate Chapter Spring 2019 Initiates
NOTICE OF OPEN PUBLIC COMMENT FOR THE OMAHACOUNCIL BLUFFS CONSORTIUM 2019-2023 CONSOLIDATED PLAN, 2019 ACTION PLAN PUBLIC COMMENT, SUBSTANTIAL AMENDMENT TO THE 2018 ACTION PLAN and HEARING
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Omaha Graduate Chapter, Rocks the Block By Sheila Fields
May 30, 2019 City of Omaha, Nebraska 1819 Farnam Street Omaha, Nebraska 68183 The City of Omaha hereby gives notice that the proposed Omaha-Council Bluffs Consortium Consolidated Submission for Community Planning and Development Programs (“The Consolidated Plan”) for fiscal years 2019 to 2023 and the 2019 Action Plan will be available for public comment from May 30, 2019 to June 28, 2019. The Consolidated Plan describes and prioritizes the City’s housing and community development needs while the Action Plan describes activities to address those needs as with CDBG, HOME, and ESG funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for fiscal year 2019. The Consolidated Plan and 2019 Action Plan can be viewed in person at the City of Omaha Planning Department at the Omaha/Douglas Civic Center, 1819 Farnam Street, 11th Floor during that time. They may also be viewed online at https://planninghcd.cityofomaha.org/plans. All interested persons or groups are encouraged to review the proposed documents and formally present their comments for inclusion in this report. A public hearing on the proposed Plans and will be held at the Omaha-Douglas Civic Center at 1819 Farnam Street on June 18, 2019 from 3:30-6:30 PM. The meeting will be held on the 3rd floor in the Jesse Lowe Conference Room. A group conversation will be facilitated at around 5:00 PM. Individuals requiring physical or sensory accommodations including interpreter service, Braille, large print, or recorded materials, please contact Pat Evans, 402-444-5150 ext. 2011 or patricia.evans@cityofomaha. org, no later than June 7. Visitors can pay to park at the Omaha/Douglas Civic Center parking facility located west of the Civic Center. Entrance to the parking facility is on eastbound Harney Street between 19th and 20th Streets. The Harney “H” level tunnel can be used to walk to the Civic Center, then, take the elevator to the 3rd Floor of the building. Pedestrian access to the Omaha/Douglas Civic Center is on the Farnam Street (north) side and 19th Street (west) side of the building. A call box at the door may be used if the door is not already open. The Omaha Planning Department will receive written comments regarding the housing and community development needs of the City through June 28, 2019. Comments should be sent to: hcdcomments@cityofomaha.org City of Omaha Planning Department Omaha/Douglas Civic Center 1819 Farnam Street, Room 1111 Omaha, Nebraska 68183
PUBLIC NOTICE
Proposed Substantial Amendment to the 2018 Action Plan and 2013-2018 Consolidated Plan To make timely use of 2018 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds and support the development of affordable single-family housing the Choice Neighborhood target area, the City of Omaha will reallocate $400,000 of unused and unobligated 2018 Single-Family Housing Full Rehabilitation funds and $200,000 of unused and unobligated 2018 Single-Family Housing Exterior Rehabilitation funds to the 2018 Single Family Infill Housing program. The revised budgets for these programs are as follows: Program 2018 Single Family Housing Full Rehabilitation 2018 Single Family Housing Exterior Rehabilitation 2018 Single Family Infill Housing
On May 18, the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority (AKA) Omaha Graduate Chapter and interested candidates joined Habitat for Humanity, Omaha Public Power District and other community groups to transform the Minne Lusa neighborhood. This project comes at a crucial time for communities to address a growing crisis around the lack of adequate, affordable housing, and sustainable support for neighbors recovering from the floods. Rock the Block, an extension of Habitat for Humanity, works to revitalize neighborhoods – one block, one street at a time. Residents and volunteers team up for a one-day blitz to repair, refresh and restore a neighborhood where Habitat is currently building. The AKA Omaha Graduate Chapter activities included a variety of beautification and repair projects such as painting, landscaping, brush removal, and exterior repairs. Objectives of the project are to: increase Omaha’s owneroccupied homes, improve the quality of our city’s existing housing stock while building more vibrant neighborhoods, home repairs to help families maintain their homes, and safety and energy efficiency upgrades. Through the Rock the Block project, the AKA Omaha Graduate Chapter impacted several of the organization’s initiatives. The AKA members fellowshipped with homeowners and volunteers while exceeding 42,000 steps impacting their ‘Women’s Healthcare and Wellness’ target. Additionally, the Sorority’s ‘Building Your Economic Legacy’ target was also impacted by improving the quality and value of houses in North Omaha. The ‘Global Impact’ target was met by the chapter working closely with several International organizations. The AKA Omaha Graduate Chapter remains committed to exemplifying excellence through community service in our local and global communities. For more details about the AKA’s programs, visit www.deoakaomaha.com.
Original Budget $961,876 $700,000 $900,000
New Budget $561,876 $450,000 $1,550,000
The City will continue to support Single Family Housing Full Rehabilitation and Single Family Housing Exterior Rehabilitation programs in 2019 and beyond. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires the City to provide a 30-day public comment period for substantial amendments to a Consolidated Plan. On July 16, 2019, the City of Omaha will submit the substantial amendment to the Omaha City Council for approval. On July 30, 2019, the City will submit the substantial amendment to HUD for approval. The City will receive public comments on this substantial amendment starting on May 30, 2019 through June 28, 2019. The amendment can be viewed in person at the City of Omaha Planning Department at the Omaha/ Douglas Civic Center, 1819 Farnam Street, 11th Floor during that time. They may also be viewed online at https://planninghcd.cityofomaha.org/plans. Comments may be submitted electronically be emailing HCDcomments@cityofomaha.org, in person at the June 18, 2019 public hearing, or by mail at the following address: HCD Comments, 1819 Farnam Street, Suite 1111, Omaha, NE, 68183.
30-DAY PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD AND PARTIAL DELETION OF OMAHA LEAD SUPERFUND SITE FROM NPL OMAHA, DOUGLAS COUNTY, NEBRASKA May 2019 EPA Region 7: Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and Nine Tribal Na ons The U.S. Environmental Protec on Agency (EPA) Region 7 announces the par al dele on of the Omaha Lead Superfund Site from the Na onal Priori es List (NPL), and invites the public to comment on the site. Wri en comments will be accepted during the 30-day public comment period for this site, which will begin May 24, 2019, and end June 24, 2019. The public may submit their comments to the EPA contact person listed below, prior to the close of the comment period. Ques ons or requests for site informa on or the NPL dele on process can be submi ed to: Tamara Freeman U.S. EPA Region 7 (ORA) 11201 Renner Blvd. Lenexa, KS 66219 Email: freeman.tamara@epa.gov Toll-free: 1-800-223-0425 EPA and the state of Nebraska, through the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality, determined that all appropriate response ac ons under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensa on and Liability Act (CERCLA) and other lead abatement ac vi es at 500 proper es have been completed. EPA has assessed the ability of the public to access the Administra ve Record through an internet-based repository and has determined that the local community has this ability. The Administra ve Record file for this site, including the NPL dele on and a link to the Federal Register no ce for the par al dele on of the Omaha Lead Superfund Site, are available online for anyone with an internet connec on at the following website: www.epa.gov/superfund/omahalead. U.S. Environmental Protec on Agency, Region 7 11201 Renner Boulevard, Lenexa, KS 66219 Toll-free: 1-800-223-0425
May 31, 2019
EVENTS/CLASSIFIED ADS/YOUTH NEWS THE OMAHA STAR
In The Village! Things to do, people to see, places to go. May 31 - June 2 – Taste of Omaha, a community festival of great foods and entertainment, will be held on the Riverfront. The fun begins at 11 a.m. each day, but ending times vary. May 31 - June 16 – On June 26, 1969, 14-yearold Vivian Strong was killed by an Omaha Police officer. Her death divided a community and created a fracture that has never been resolved. The Blues of Knowing Why, a series of interviews with Vivian’s friends and family, members of the media, and members of social resistance organizations, provides a community’s account of Vivian’s short life and the timeless magnitude of her death. Performances will be held at The Union for Contemporary Art, 2423 N. 24th St. All shows are free and open to the public, but reservations are required. For show times, more info, or to register visit Eventbrite. June 1 – Steve Hogan golf course at Miller Park hosts free golf lessons for youth 4-15 years old from 9 -10:15 a.m. every Saturday. For more info, phone 402-444-5396. Regular golf course hours are 8 a.m. till dusk. June 1 – American Heart Association and Black Family Health & Wellness Association, Inc. host the annual Together to End Stroke Walk at 9 a.m. Spend an energetic and informative morning at Fontenelle Park moving to end heart disease and stroke. Register at www. heart.org/endstrokeomaha June 4 – There will be a public meeting at 6 p.m., with a discussion on Tax Increment Financing (TIF) and the 2019 Consolidated Plan, at (drips) coffee shop, 2205 N 24th St. June 7 – Fish is frying in the kitchen at Clair Methodist’s First Friday Fish Fry. Lunch is available from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Or get your dinner from 4-7 p.m. at 5544 Ames Ave. The meal consists of fish, 2 sides, a drink and homemade lemon cake. Walk-ins are welcome. Delivery is available on 3 or more meals. For more info, phone 402-451-8322. June 8 – There’s a “Lot-To-Know” and you can learn it all at Clair Methodist, 5544 Ames Ave, when they host their Parking Lot Party from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. There will be an 11:30 a.m. basketball court dedication. This family friendly party will offer health screenings, voter registration, clothing and household items giveaways, face painting and more. Omaha Police & Fire departments and Veggie Mama will be there. So, you should be there too! Hotdogs and chips will be provided.
June 8 – Pink Lotus Project’s 1st annual Strut for the Cure Fashion Show will be held at Universal College of Healing Arts, 8702 N. 30th St. from 7-9 p.m. Tickets are available at Eventbrite. June 9 – Clair Methodist, 5544 Ames Ave., will recognize their 2018 graduates during morning worship service. The graduates will share their testimonies and future plans. June 11 – Compassion In Action’s community mural reveal will be capped off with a “Summer of Songs” outdoor concert at 3401 Patrick Ave, from 6-8 p.m. See the result of this community unity project which embraces the rich 60-year history of the former Wesley House combined with Compassion In Action’s & Mission Church’s continuing service to individuals and families representing 14 different languages now residing in this area. There will also be a special ribbon cutting to launch Mission Health Clinic, guest speakers and a very special announcement! June 11 - White people wearing dreadlocks? Non-native people with spirit animals? Do you really mean “Wakanda forever” if you aren’t black? Appropriation is a hot button issue and is seeing huge callouts because of social media. Talk with the community about this hot topic from 6-7:30 p.m. at Barbara Weitz Community Engagement Center, 6001 Dodge St., CEC Rm 201. This free event is open to the public (age 15 and older). Register at Eventbrite. June 15 – Somebody say amen! North Omaha Summer Arts hosts their annual A Gospel Concert in the Park from 5-7:30 p.m. in the southeast section of Miller Park at 24th & Kansas Ave. Hot dogs and refreshments will be provided. Take your blankets, lawn chairs and family. This event is free and open to the community. June 16 – 95.7 hosts their 2nd annual Father’s Day Festival at Ralston Arena, 7300 Q St. Doors open at 5 p.m. Showtime is 6:00. Featured artists include Chrisette Michele, Cherrelle, Enjoli & Timeless and R-Style. Tickets are available at the Ralston Arena box office or www.ralstonarena. com June 23 – St. John’s is celebrating its fourth annual “Worship Without Walls” at their morning service at 11:00 a.m. The church is on 22nd St. between Lake and Willis. A fun afternoon with bounce houses, face painting, music, card games and food will follow service. The community is invited.
Free Gospel Concert in the Park Kicks Off North Omaha Summer Arts North Omaha Summer Arts (NOSA) celebrates nearly a decade of free arts programming in 2019. The summer-long festival kicks off its ninth year on June 15 with the annual A Gospel Concert in the Park. Omaha-based-soloists and ensembles, led by the Church of the Resurrection and Trinity Lutheran Church choirs, will raise their voices to the sky in praise. Music of the soul and spirit takes center stage at this grassroots, no-frills, family-friendly gospel concert in Miller Park. There is no admission charge. The 5-7:30 p.m. concert happens in the southeast section of the park, at approximately 24th and Kansas Avenue, right across from the ball-field. Whether you get comfy on a blanket or a lawn chair, you are invited to sit back and let the sounds of inspiration wash over you. And if the spirit so moves, then raise your hands or get up and dance. Somebody, though, remember to say amen. Hot dogs and refreshments will feed the body along with the soul. However, or bring your own picnic dinner. To look for more NOSA events, including writing workshops, art pop-ups and the annual August Arts Crawl, visit https://www.facebook.com/NorthOmahaSummerArts.
RENTAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
‘It’s Better to be Born Rich than Smart’ WASHINGTON – (BUSINESS WIRE) – The great sorting of the most talented young people into haves and have-nots starts long before college, according to a new report from the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce (CEW) in partnership with the Annie E. Casey Foundation. “Born to Win, Schooled to Lose: Why Equally Talented Students Don’t Get Equal Chances to Be All They Can Be” finds that the most talented disadvantaged youth don’t do as well as the least-talented advantaged youth. A child from a family in the highest quartile of socioeconomic status (SES) who has low test scores in kindergarten has a 71% chance of being abovemedian SES at age 25. However, a child from a low-SES family with high test scores has only a 31% chance of reaching above-median SES by 25. This disparity is even more severe by race. Black (51%) and Latino (46%) tenth graders with top half math scores are more likely to earn a college degree within 10 years than their peers with bottom half math scores (23% and 22%, respectively). But they are still less likely to earn a college degree than Whites (62%) and Asian (69%) tenth graders with top-half scores. “To succeed in America, it’s better to be born rich than smart,” said Anthony P. Carnevale, director of CEW and lead author of the report. People of all abilities and backgrounds stumble throughout their academic journeys. But advantaged students have safety nets to keep them on track while their less-advantaged peers do not and as a result, are more likely to fall behind and stay behind. Among children who show similar academic potential in kindergarten, the test scores of economically disadvantaged students are more likely to decline and stay low during elementary, middle, and high school than the test scores of their high-SES peers. “The fact that children’s test scores go up and down over time shows that there is room for intervention,” said Megan L. Fasules, an assistant research professor and co-author of the report. “With smart policy changes, education can mitigate the effects of inequality.” There is some good news. Students from lowSES families who show academic promise do have higher odds of success, particularly if they maintain high math scores in high school. If they score in the top half on math assessments in high school, 10th graders from families in the lowest quartile of SES are twice as likely to reach the top half of SES as young adults. The bad news is that even talented poor students who make it through high school and college cannot keep pace with affluent students in the labor market, regardless of their academic success. Top-scoring kindergartners from lowSES families who earn college degrees have a 76% chance of reaching high SES by age 25 compared to a 91% chance among their low-scoring, high-SES peers who earn college
It is no longer a first-come, first-serve process. OHA has moved to a more equitable and inclusive solution – the new process is easier for applicants, the entry period is longer, and the application is more accessible to a wider group of people. The OHA Section 8 application process will be completely online. Those seeking a Section 8 voucher will be able to apply online for the program starting at 8 a.m., Monday, June 10, 2019, through 11:59 a.m. on Monday, June 17. Log on to OHAsection8lottery.org to learn more about the lottery, how to register, or about the pre-application process. Applications can only be submitted through myportal.ohauthority.org. If an applicant needs assistance because of a disability that restricts them from being able to apply online, call 402-444-7700 Monday, June 10, 2019 through Friday, June 14, 2019 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. or on Monday, June 17, 2019 between 8 a.m. and 11:59 a.m. If an applicant does not have access to a computer, they can use the computers at any Omaha Public Library or access the website on a mobile device with internet access. Once the application period has ended, OHA will draw 3,000 names by computerized random lottery, and these applicants will be scheduled for an appointment. Applicants will be notified by postcard within two weeks of the end of the lottery whether they were or were not selected. At the time of the appointment, applicants must be 18 years of age or older, meet other standards for eligibility, and provide the following: • Household members 18 years of age or older must attend the appointment and have a valid driver’s license and/or a current photo identification issued by a federal or state agency • Proof of income • Social Security Card or proof of Social Security numbers for all members of the household • Proof of age of all household members (such as birth certificate) Household Members who are 18 years or older must be able to pass an OHA criminal background check and meet other standards for eligibility. Applicants who are deemed eligible will be placed on the waiting list in accordance with OHA’s Section 8 Administrative Plan.
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degrees. The opportunity gaps between those with higher and lower SES can be narrowed. The best chances to level the playing field lie in the education pipeline. But to help make this a reality, policymakers must consider several options: 1. Interventions in early childhood education increases the odds of success, but they are still not enough. 2. Continue academic interventions throughout K–12. 3. Improve and expand high school counseling so that more students have the information and social supports they need to transition from high school to postsecondary education and training. 4. To ensure that talented low-SES students, who have limited exposure to education and career pathways, get the most for their education, integrate career exploration and provide access to high-quality work experience at the high school and college levels. Other Findings: • The highest-SES families spend almost five times as much on enrichment activities as the lowest-SES families. • Almost all children from the highest-SES families have at least one parent with some postsecondary education, compared to less than a third of children from the lowest-SES families. • Regardless of SES, Black kindergarteners with top-half math scores are more likely than other kindergartners to have bottom-half math scores as eighth graders. • 10th graders from families in the lowest SES quartile are half as likely as their highest-SES peers to earn a college degree by their mid-20s – even when their test scores suggest they are equally prepared. For the full report and a video highlighting key findings, visit cew.georgetown.edu/ Schooled2Lose. The Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce is an independent, nonprofit research and policy institute that studies the link between individual goals, education and training curricula, and career pathways. CEW is affiliated with the Georgetown University McCourt School of Public Policy. For more information, visit cew.georgetown.edu. Follow Twitter @GeorgetownCEW, Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn. Note: Family SES is determined by considering household income, parents’ educational attainment, and parents’ occupational prestige (a measure of social standing, power, and earnings ability). In addition, standardized math scores are used as a measure of academic achievement since the data analyzed did not include 12th grade reading scores. However, data on reading scores indicate similar trends. View source version on businesswire. com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/ home/20190515005141/en/
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The Omaha Housing Authority (OHA) will open the waiting list for the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program Lottery on Monday, June 10 at 8 a.m. It will close on Monday, June 17 at 11:59 a.m. NEW THIS YEAR: The wait list will now be created by an online lottery process. Applicants will have seven days to submit their pre-application. Those selected for the wait list will be drawn at random.
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YOUTH/EDUCATION NEWS Heider College of Business Establishes MCC Forms Partnership to Finance and Technology Major Support Culinary Workforce
Page Ten THE OMAHA STAR
Digitalization and Big Data have been huge disruptors in the financial services industry over the past decade. Due to technology’s growing importance in financial markets, Creighton University’s Heider College of Business has established a new major – Finance and Technology, or FinTech – to provide finance students with a curriculum in which traditional finance coursework is complemented with technical knowledge and skills. “Compared to five years ago, the field of finance has become far more data driven in all subdisciplines of finance,� says Lee Dunham, PhD, associate professor of Finance and initiator of the FinTech major. “Consequently, having finance majors just acquire the relevant finance ‘textbook knowledge’ is increasingly becoming insufficient to be competitive in the workforce.� The FinTech undergraduate program is among the first of its kind in the United States and will begin in the fall of 2019. The program will not only make students more competitive in the job market, but it also will provide them with a thorough understanding of how technologies are disrupting traditional financial institutions, and how institutions are responding. FinTech students will be given the opportunity to practice in an environment that melds finance principles with technical skills, while educators bridge the gap between classroom theory and real-world practice. Tapping into his industry leadership and expertise, Dunham attended multiple FinTech conferences and met with several firms in Omaha and New York City to ascertain what
specific skills Creighton graduates need to remain competitive in the changing finance industry. He also consulted fellow finance professors and practitioners, in addition to Business Intelligence and Analytics (BIA) faculty, to determine the best course selection. The faculty concluded the new major would consist of five finance courses and five technology courses, all of which would be closely linked to technologies used by firms in the financial services industry. Nearly half of the FinTech curriculum is comprised of newly-developed classes, including Python Programming, Machine Learning, Blockchain and Foundations of FinTech. Two new BIA faculty have been hired to help support the program. Eighty percent of students in the Heider College of Business come from across the country, and 50 percent of those students get their first job in Omaha. Dunham is currently working with employers to funnel students into internship opportunities specifically geared toward FinTech. The Startup Collaborative, with which Heider College of Business has an established partnership, has a new FinTech Fellows Program in conjunction with First National Bank of Omaha. Dunham hopes the FinTech major will provide students with the necessary skill set to possibly originate a FinTech startup and participate in the FinTech Fellows Program. Students who declare a FinTech major will enjoy the advantages of traditional finance majors. They will be eligible for the New York travel course and can apply to the Portfolio Practicum program.
May 31, 2019
OEA-Retired Elects 2019-2022 Leadership
Training Program Metropolitan Community College announces its partnership with the nonprofit No More Empty Pots to provide workforce training opportunities to individuals interested in culinary careers. The 15-week, noncredit Culinary Workforce Training Program from No More Empty Pots will be taught by MCC culinary instructors and will provide skills training, work experience, career development and job support to prepare participants for entry-level jobs in the food and beverage industry. “We believe that everyone deserves access to an enriched education,� said Nancy Williams, No More Empty Pots President and CEO. “This program prepares individuals to enter the workplace as a well-rounded employee. Students will sharpen workforce and culinary skills, develop a mindfulness practice and learn to use their strengths to build more effective teams.� “The partnership with No More Empty Pots demonstrates our passion for collaborating with partner organizations to transform workforce training and change lives,� said Victoria Novak, MCC’s director of Workforce & IT Innovation-Corporate Training. “Food service is one of the most in-demand career fields with the highest need for talented professionals. Even though the initial aim of the training is to provide skills for entry level positions in the food industry, the larger goal is to expose the students to MCC’s Culinary Arts programs so that they can pursue degree programs to further advance their skills.� Program participants may be eligible for the Community College Gap Assistance Program. Applications are currently being accepted until June 7 for cohort eight, which begins in July. More information is available by calling 402-502-1642, emailing cwtp@nmepomaha.org or visiting nmepomaha.org/ cwtp.
Walta Sue Dodd, former Omaha Bryan High School Director of Guidance, was elected President-Elect at the OEA-Retired Association membership meeting on May 16. In addition, Scott McGinty was elected Vice President-elect and two board members were also elected – Cheryl Richardson and Deb Pauley. Other members of the board are Ruby Davis, Secretary, Rich Hood, Doreen Jankovich, Tamara Bailey and bookkeeper Roger Rea. Tamara Bailey will be retiring as a board member on Aug. 31.
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MCC Noncredit Series Features Guest Filmmakers and Their Films The Metropolitan Community College noncredit series, Filmmakers and Their Films, offers movie lovers the opportunity to see diverse films alongside their makers. Guests include producers, directors, writers, cinematographers, editors and actors. All the films and their makers share Nebraska ties. Following each screening, the guest will discuss the film and their career before fielding questions from students. Each class will be taught by local author, journalist and blogger Leo Biga. Classes will be on Saturdays, 1-4 p.m., at MCC North Express, 2112 N. 30th St. See a full listing of available classes and their dates below. June 15 – “Rush� with Mike Hill Oscar-winning editor Mike Hill worked in Hollywood for many decades as one of two primary cutters on Ron Howard feature films. Hill shared the Academy Award for his work on “Apollo 13.� The now retired Hill will discuss his career and specifically his work on the 2013 Formula One race car drama, “Rush.� June 22 – “Once in a Lew Moon� with Lew Hunter and Lonnie Senstock Lew Hunter was a network television executive who wrote and produced landmark TV movies. His book about screenwriting became a go-to for aspiring scenarists. Lonnie Senstock’s documentary captures Hunter’s larger-than-life personality and zest for life. June 29 – “I Dream of an Omaha Where� with Mele Mason Documentary and network news photographer Mele Mason travels the world for her work. She also trains her eye locally in “I Dream of an Omaha Where,� where she follows the
collaboration between performance artists Daniel Beaty and Omaha families impacted by gun violence in the creation of an original work of theater. July 6 – Nebraska Filmmakers Showcase Sample the screen work of Nik Fackler, Omowale Akintunde, John Beasley, Camille Steed, Mauro Fiore, Tim Christian and other Nebraskans who make films. Some of these professionals will be present to discuss their work in front of the camera or behind it. July 13 – “Preserve Me a Seat� with Jim Fields During efforts to save the Indian Hills Theatre, Jim Fields documented the passion of historic preservationists, film industry professionals and movie fans. He then expanded the story to document similar efforts around the nation that turn into classic clashes between grassroots groups and big business interests. July 20 – “The Omaha Speaking� with Brigitte Timmerman The few fluent speakers left in the Omaha Tribe are featured in this film festival favorite. Brigitte Timmerman presents the urgency that fluent speakers and educators have in preserving and passing on this rich cultural legacy before it’s too late. You can register per class or for the entire series. Visit mccneb.edu/ce to register. For more information regarding the class series, contact Leo Biga at 402-445-4666 or leo32158@cox. net.
Founded on Racism, SAT Wants ‘Adversity Scores’ to Make Things Right By Bruce C.T. Wright The golden standard of standardized tests for high school testing was reportedly set to get a makeover with the socio-economic statuses of test-takers in mind. But after an existence that has spanned more than a century and yielded results that overwhelmingly favor white students, there were some questions about how effective the Scholastic Aptitude Test’s (SAT) new “adversity scores� could be given the test’s racist origins. According to the Wall Street Journal, which first reported the pending changes to the SAT, adversity scores will be “calculated using 15 factors including the crime rate and poverty levels from the student’s high school and neighborhood.� The decision came on the heels of the recent college admissions scandal that involved wealthy white people paying bribes to get their children into schools. It was unclear what exactly would be accomplished with the scoring system that a small handful of colleges used last year on an experimental basis. The Journal reported that a student’s race would not factor into the score, but the chief executive officer of the College Board said the racial discrepancies in SAT scores were
too much for his organization to ignore. “There are a number of amazing students who may have scored less (on the SAT) but have accomplished more,� David Coleman told the Journal. “We can’t sit on our hands and ignore the disparities of wealth reflected in the SAT.� With that said, the College Board has effectively sat on their hands in recent decades as the SAT achievement gap steadily widened along racial lines. That was arguably by design, according to the National Education Association (NEA), which explained “the racist beginnings of standardized testing� in a news article. “As the U.S. absorbed millions of immigrants from Europe beginning in the 19th century, the day’s leading social scientists, many of them White Anglo-Saxon Protestants, were concerned by the infiltration of non-whites into the nation’s public schools,� the NEA wrote. Despite the existence of affirmative action, it appeared that white people benefitted most from it in the form of legacy and donor admissions. It’s definitely a good sign that the College Board was finally taking measures to, in theory, address the racial achievement gap for the SAT. But only time will tell if the “adversity scores� (a loaded term if there ever was one) will have the desired effects, whatever they may be.
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