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OMAHA STAR
THE
Celebrating 80 Years
She Ready! India Garrett awaits the Juneteenth parade
1938 2018
Dedicated to the Service of the People that NO Good Cause Shall Lack a Champion and that Evil Shall Not Go Unopposed
Nebraska’s Only Black Owned Newspaper Vol. 81 - No. 13 Omaha, Nebraska
Friday, June 28, 2019
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OPS Board President Marque Snow Announces Candidacy for State Legislature OPS School Board President Marque Snow has announced he is running for the Nebraska State Legislature in Legislative District 9. As an active and civic-minded neighbor in South Omaha and Midtown for nearly a decade, Snow has emerged as one of Omaha’s foremost leaders, fighting to bring more resources for better schools, neighborhoods, and quality of life for all families in the area. “I am determined to bring resources to our schools and neighborhoods that our state has neglected for too long,” said Snow. “The families and kids of these areas deserve their fair-share, and it will be my mission to make sure that happens.” Elected to the Omaha Public Schools Board of Education in 2013, Snow is currently serving his second year as OPS Board President where he has championed equity, rigor, and accountability not only for teachers, students and families but also for the entire community of Omaha. Snow is dedicated to making sure all disadvantaged children have access to the programs, support, and opportunities they need to succeed. He works to empower educators, students, and families to make sure local schools are able to respond and thrive with the ever-changing needs of the district. Snow “As a state senator, I will be a maverick in the legislature, where I will continue to stand up for the community and people of South and Midtown Omaha,” said Snow. “The State can and must do more addressing the needs of this district. I will be the leader that makes sure the state is accountable to the working families and children of our neighborhoods.” Snow was born in Marion, Ohio and raised across the United States. He attended high school in South Korea thanks to his parents’ service in the US Army. After attending the University of South Dakota, Snow and his now-husband moved to Omaha in 2011 where he began his career working with disadvantaged youth in South Omaha. Currently, as Program Director at The Nebraska Center for Workforce Development, Snow is focused on getting students interested in the building and technical trades in Omaha. During his free time outside of the School Board and work, Marque mentors with the 100 Black Men of Omaha and also serves on the African Culture Connection Board.
National Black Leaders Push for Fair 2020 Census Count
By James Wright WASHINGTON INFORMER – Leaders of numerous African American organizations recently convened in the District to deal with the upcoming 2020 census that could affect available resources and the political representation of Blacks in the century’s third decade. Melanie Campbell, president and CEO of the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation (NCBCP) and the convener of the Black Women’s Roundtable, had the leaders and representatives of key African American and civil rights organizations meet on June 18 at the Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill to talk about the 2020 Census and its importance to Blacks. “The 2020 Decennial Census will be the most critical census count of our lifetime,” Campbell said. “In 2010, African Americans and Black immigrants were under-counted by more than 800,000, leaving our communities with a shortage of government resources. We cannot let this happen again. “Further, the 2020 presidential election is also taking place next year,” she said. “For that reason, the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation and our Unity Diaspora partners are strategizing, organizing and mobilizing to make sure our people are fully counted and vote to build power for the next generation. Our future depends on it.” Article 1, Section 2 of the U.S. Constitution requires the federal government to conduct a count of all within the borders of the United States every 10 years, with the year ending in a “0”. The data collected from the census count will be used to decide how many representatives will serve individual states in the U.S. House of Representatives. Plus, non-states such as the See Census continued on page 3
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Teela Mickles is ‘In It to Win It!’ On June 11, native Omahan Teela A. Mickles announced her candidacy for the District 11 Nebraska State Senate seat. Mickles is the founder/CEO of Compassion In Action Inc., serving individuals confined in prison and families affected by incarceration, unofficially since 1984 and officially since 1994. Her dedication to the community and the City of Omaha has been demonstrated in her consistent service and commitment to reunite families in crisis and provide prevention strategies to break negative generational cycles toward criminal acts leading to incarceration. She networks with community agencies including OPD, UNMC, UNO, MCC, Creighton University, faith groups, the Mayor’s office, NDCS, individuals and trained volunteers to make changes in the community and surrounding areas. When Teela was 10, living in the Franklin Elementary School neighborhood, her parents, Blanchard and Etta Mae Johnson, sold their property at 3424 Blondo for the construction of Wesley Mickles House and Wesley United Methodist Church. At that time the area was 99% Caucasian. When Wesley House closed in 2010, the area was 99% African-American. Compassion in Action took occupancy of the former United Methodist Community Center Wesley House in 2013 with the blessing of OEDC President, Mike Maroney, who held the property until he was comfortable that the new occupant would carry on the history of service in this community. The former Wesley House is now the location of Compassion In Action and Mission Church. Mickles is the recipient of several awards including the Urban League African American Leadership Award, Outstanding Non-Profit Administrator Award, Partnership of the Year Award from NDCS, Advocacy Award from Heartland Family Services, Community Service of Excellence Award from UNO School of Criminology and Criminal Justice among others. She is the author of the book, “What If” which is available at the Book Worm book store and on Amazon. For more information, or to volunteer for her campaign, contact Mickles at teela@ compassioninactionin.com or 402-515-5277.
Juneteenth Parades Draws a Crowd of 12,500
The Omaha Branch of the NAACP hosted the 2019 Juneteenth Parade Celebration on June 15. During the opening ceremony, President Vickie Young welcomed parade participants, Mayor Jean Stothert presented the Juneteenth Resolution, and OPS School Board Representative Kimara Zuri Snipes prayed for a safe, uneventful, fun-filled parade celebration. An estimated 12,500 spectators of all ages lined North 30th Street. Another 2,500 individuals representing community organizations, drill teams, businesses, schools, dance groups, sororities and political figures paraded from 30th & Lake to 30th & Sprague. This year’s theme “Lest We Forget” is in memory of Will Brown who was lynched during
Best Float-Zaha Temple #52
Best Drill Team-Pleasant Green Baptist Church Marching Saints
the tragic apex of Omaha’s “Red Summer,” a period of heightened racial tensions and rioting. Rev. John Albert Williams, 1st President of the Omaha NAACP advocated for the release of Will Brown, but to no avail. September 28, 2019, will mark the one-hundred year anniversary of the lynching of Will Brown. Lest we forget, while raising awareness of the history and legacy of lynching and racial injustice in the Omaha area. Lest we forget, the Civil War was not necessarily about ending slavery in the South but about preserving the Union. By the end of the war, almost 200,000 black soldiers and sailors
Part of the 12,500 eagerly awaiting the parade
had fought for the Union and freedom. On Sept. 22, 1862, President Abraham Lincoln issued a Preliminary Emancipation Proclamation ending slavery within the United States and granting freedom to all slaves. On Jan. 1, 1863, President See Juneteenth continued on page 3
100 Black Men of Omaha Teams Win National Titles Congrats to the 2019 100 Black Men of America Inc. National African American History Champions representing the Omaha Chapter’s Junior and Senior Divisions – Omaha Beveridge Magnet Middle School and Omaha Northwest High Magnet School. Junior Division winners, Kennedy Alati, Dee-Dee Djon and Briana Reza-Rivera, coached by Chad Carlson and Sheila McCauley, took first place in the National Junior Division. As first place finishers, they received cash prizes, medallions, and educational items. Senior Division winners, Lal Nuni, HToo Say and Tehya Wynne, coached by Miss McCoy, took first place in the National Senior Division. As first place finishers, they received $3,000 scholarships, medallions, and educational items. Both teams will be recognized by OPS at its July 15 Board of Education meeting.
Senior Division: Front row, left to right: HToo Say, Lal Nuni and Tehya Wynne, and Thomas Dortch Jr., Chairman 100 Black Men of America. Second row: James Miller, National AAHC Coordinator, Alvin Cavalier, National AAHC Coordinator, Johnny “The Jet” Rodgers, President 100 Black Men of Omaha and Miss McCoy, Omaha Northwest. Back row, left to right: State Farm Representative and Richard Webb, Executive Director 100 Black Men of Omaha.
Junior Division: Front row, left to right: Briana Reza-Rivera, Kennedy Alati, and Dee Dee Djon. Second row: State Farm Representative, Sheila McCauley and Chad Carlson, Beveridge Magnet, Richard Webb, Michaela Jackson, Beveridge Magnet, Johnny “The Jet” Rodgers, and Thomas Dortch Jr.
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LOCAL NEWS
THE OMAHA STAR
‘No More Empty Pots’ Launches Fourth Entrepreneurship Invitational
THE OMAHA STAR, INC. THE VOICE OF THE BLACK COMMUNITY Editorial and Business Office 2216 North 24th Street Phone: 402.346.4041 Fax: 402.346.4064
No More Empty Pots and Wells Fargo have partnered to offer the Fourth Entrepreneurship Invitational for food-focused entrepreneurs MAILING ADDRESS: interested in starting and growing businesses 2216 North 24th Street in the shared use kitchen at the No More Omaha, Nebraska 68110 Empty Pots’ Food Hub. The informational session for the Fourth WEB ADDRESS: Entrepreneurship Invitational will be held www.theomahastar.com July 13 from 10 a.m. to noon at the No Like Us on Facebook More Empty Pots Collaborative Community Centered Food Hub, 8501 N. 30th St., E-MAIL ADDRESSES: in the Florence neighborhood of North tcooper@omahastarinc.com Omaha. During the session, Wells Fargo DShaw@ omahastarinc.com representatives will guide entrepreneurs fwilliams@omahastarinc.com through the stages of preparation and pitching for the competition. Throughout Business Hours: the process, Wells Fargo team members Monday – Wednesday – 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. will help entrepreneurs develop successful Thursday – 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. business plans and presentations to earn seed Member of the National Newspaper Publishers Association money to develop their business ideas. In 2018, ten entrepreneurs pitched their MILDRED D. BROWN: Founder, July 9, 1938 businesses. After three rounds of successive DR. MARGUERITA L. WASHINGTON: pitches, Hector and Carolina Trujillo of Publisher, 1989 - 2016 Pan y Leche earned the top seed money of $750 for their business. Nick Miller of the PHYLLIS HICKS: Chicken Coupe and Edward Lazaro of Tayo Publisher & Managing Editor, 2016 - 2019 were awarded $500 and $250 respectively, Frankie Jean Williams: Interim Publisher/Editor for their outstanding business pitches. “Supporting small business is one of the Tanya Cooper: Advertising Director/Business Manager most important things we do at Wells Fargo, Debra Shaw: Social Media Administrator and adding philanthropy and volunteerism to that work is something we’re very passionate Carl Hill: Retail Distributor about,” said Cristina Castro-Matukewicz, THE OMAHA STAR believes that America can best lead the world away from racial and community affairs manager for Wells Fargo. national antagonism when it accords every man, regardless of race, color or creed, his “We’re proud of our strong collaboration human and legal rights. Hating no man, fearing no man in the firm belief that all are hurt as long as one is held back.
DISCLAIMER The United States provides opportunities for free expression of ideas. The Omaha Star has its views, but others may differ. Therefore the Omaha Star ownership reserves the right to publish views and opinions by syndicated and local columnists, professional writers and other writers whose opinions are solely their own. Those views do not necessarily reflect the policies and position of the staff and management of the Omaha Star newspaper. Readers are encouraged to email letters to the editor commenting on current events as well as what they would like to see included in the paper. Those emails should be sent to: fwilliams@omahastarinc. com and must include the writer’s name, address, email address and telephone number. The ownership has editorial rights and does not guarantee that all submissions will be published. Please be advised that the Omaha Star ownership does not employ staff writers who charge for preparing and submitting articles for the general public. Should you encounter such, please advise Frankie Jean Williams at 402.346.4041, option 3.
ATTENTION From The Publisher: To be included in the Omaha Star, all articles and announcements must be submitted by e-mail to fwilliams@omahastarinc.com no later than two weeks in advance of the event. All articles and announcements should be prepared in a word document using Times New Roman, 10 pt. Submissions must be limited to 500 words. Any accompanying photographs should be submitted in a jpeg or pdf file. The deadline for all articles is Monday at 3:00 p.m., two weeks prior to the event date. Articles and announcements will not be accepted at the Omaha Star office. The Omaha Star is now published bi-weekly on Fridays. The Omaha Star business office hours are Monday-Wednesday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Thursday, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
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June 28, 2019
with No More Empty Pots and ongoing involvement with the invitational. Our team members love participating in this project, providing their expertise and serving as contest judges year over year.” No More Empty Pots Food Hub is based on a system of interdependent activities that deliver positive outcomes in job training, workforce readiness, food waste reduction, healthy food access in underserved areas, income generation and business development. The Food Hub programs support youth and adults in cultivating educational and career pathways. The programs are designed to take participant strengths and talents and further develop their skills needed to succeed in the workplace, grow small businesses and become self-sufficient – leading to economic resilience. With the opening of the Food Hub, No More Empty Pots is building on the success of proven models. The shared-use commercial kitchen available for rent, by the hour, is similar to LaCocina, an incubator program in San Francisco also supported by Wells Fargo. Currently, 15 food entrepreneurs are renting the space to start and grow unique businesses that serve the Omaha area. In the summer of 2017 in the food hub, NMEP launched the Culinary Workforce Training Program; a 15-week culinary workforce development training program modeled after DC Central Kitchen (www. dccentralkitchen.org) and LA Kitchen (www. thelakitchen.org).
The Food Hub, opening in August, features additional components. Cups Café at Florence will provide customer service and barista training areas and a place for entrepreneurs to test products before launching to a larger market. Local foods systems ventures need expertise like marketing, logistics and accounting support to grow and scale. The on-site business incubator along with technical assistance provided through community collaborations will support these emerging small businesses and further leverage the expertise and resources of the local startup ecosystem. The Collaborative Community Centered Food Hub construction and startup costs are a $4 million community investment with a projection to generate nearly 90 percent of the funds needed to operate the food hub within five years of the hub being operational. The food hub will capitalize on the over $4 billion fresh food expenditures in Nebraska, recirculating those food dollars locally. At just 10 percent of these purchases from local farmers, Nebraskans could support a $400 million annually recurring market. Wells Fargo has been a tremendous champion for food focused small businesses. In the fourth year of the Entrepreneurship Invitational, we are excited about the possibilities for entrepreneur success with coaching and guidance from Wells Fargo Green Team. Each year brings another round of winning pitches.” said Nancy Williams, President and CEO of No More Empty Pots.
FBI Omaha to Host Diversity Agent Recruitment Event As part of the FBI’s commitment to attract highly skilled and diverse talent, the FBI Omaha Field Office will host a Diversity Agent Recruitment (DAR) event on July 23 from 5-8 p.m. Special Agents and Professional Staff from the FBI will be available to discuss career opportunities and promote diversity employment within the FBI as part of an ongoing initiative aimed at reaching applicants with a variety of backgrounds to more fully diversify the FBI. The FBI is looking for qualified candidates for the position of Special Agent. The DAR event will discuss the rewards of pursuing an exciting career as an FBI Special Agent and the role a diverse workforce plays in the continued success of the FBI. Individuals interested in Professional Staff positions are also encouraged to register. “The FBI can more effectively carry out its mission to protect the American people and uphold the Constitution when
our workforce reflects the communities we serve,” says Acting Special Agent in Charge John Barrios. “If you are seeking a new challenge and a rewarding way to serve your community, we encourage you to register to attend on July 23rd.” The DAR event seeks highly qualified diverse and female applicants who are U.S. citizens, between 23 – 36 years of age that possess a bachelor’s degree (at a minimum) from an accredited institution. Professional work experience is also required. The DAR event information session is free and by invitation only. Interested candidates should visit our employment website at www.fbijobs.gov, click on “Apply to Jobs,” search “DAR” and choose “DAR Omaha Talent Network,” read the job summary and click “Start” to begin. After completing the questionnaire, qualified Special Agent and Professional Staff candidates will receive an invitation to the event with specific details
The Office Will Be Closed The Omaha Star office will be closed Thursday, July 4, in observance of the Independence Day holiday. We will resume regular business hours on Monday, July 8 at 10 a.m. The office will also be closed on Monday and Tuesday, July 15 and 16. We will resume regular business hours at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, July 17.
Submissions to Express Yourself must include the writer’s first and last names as well as the writer’s address and telephone number. (Addresses and phone numbers are not published.) Submissions written anonymously will not be printed. Submissions may be edited at the publisher’s discretion. Submissions to Express Yourself or the commentary page may also appear on the Omaha Star Facebook page. Email submissions must be typed in a Word document and sent to the publisher at: fwilliams@omahastarinc.com
on location, etc. The FBI investigates over 300 violations of federal law. Applicants from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Some of the preferred skill areas include:
• Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) • Foreign Languages (Spanish, Arabic, Farsi, Urdu, Chinese, Korean, etc.) • Law • Certified Public Accountants • Attorneys • Detectives • Military (specifically Special Forces, Explosives, WMD and Intelligence Experts) • Scientists • Pilots (helicopter, fixed wing) Additional information regarding the qualifications as a Special Agent, as well as other FBI career opportunities, can be found at www.fbijobs.gov.
Scammers Claim to Represent Sarpy County Treasurer’s Office
Scammers targeting Sarpy County residents are using a spoofed phone number to pose as the Sarpy County Treasurer’s Office. The caller claims to be an employee of the Treasurer’s Office, then falsely tells the resident they have a bill due that can be paid over the phone with a credit card. The Treasurer’s Office phone number is also being spoofed by scammers promoting fake credit card offers. The Sarpy County Treasurer’s Office typically contacts residents by letter or email. Though employees occasionally call residents with questions, they will never ask for a credit card number over the phone. Anyone who believes they’ve been the victim of a scam should contact the Sarpy County Sheriff’s Office.
Links Inducts Seven New Members
The Omaha Chapter of The Links Inc. inducted seven women into the chapter in June. The Links Inc. is an international organization of professional women organized for the purpose of serving the communities where they live. The Omaha Chapter has been serving this community for 69 years.
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Census continued from page 1 District and U.S. territories and possessions base their legislative bodies on those numbers. Business and nonprofit organizations use census data to determine whether to expand or decrease operations and services. In addition, billions of federal dollars are allocated based on census data. Leaders and representatives of organizations such as National Urban League, the National Action Network, the NAACP and the National Council of Negro Women participated in the summit, themed “Be Counted to Build Power for the Next Generation.” Rep. Lacy Clay (D-Mo.), a member of the Congressional Black Caucus, said prisoner gerrymandering, the practice of counting offenders where they are serving time instead of their hometown, and a dubious citizenship question are tools being used by those who don’t want people of color to be counted properly. “There are two million incarcerated Americans and many of them are African American,” Clay said. “We want them to be counted as residents of their home, not the institution they are serving time in.” Clay has a bill, Correct the Census Count Act of 2019, that would remedy that situation. On the citizenship question that could appear on census forms that the U.S. Commerce Department leaders requested the Supreme Court to rule on based on validity, Clay called it “idiotic.” “The purpose of the citizenship question is to disenfranchise and intimidate non-White Americans by having people answer this question,” he said. Marc Morial, president and CEO of the National Urban League, said Black communities need to be prepared for the census “in light of so many Black children were missing in the 2010 census.” “We will hold nationwide town hall meetings in the fall and the spring to inform people about the importance of the census,” he said. South Carolina Rep. Gilda Cobb-Hunter (D-Orangeburg), president of the National Black Caucus of State Legislators, stressed that state officials draw congressional and in-state legislative districts based on census data. “We want to make sure all communities are represented,” she said. “In the process of doing that, we will need to have hard conversations about the makeup of our districts.” Cobb-Hunter also railed against “packing,” the practice of putting Blacks in one district that produces neighboring predominantly White – and, in many cases, conservative Republican – districts. She said putting some Blacks in a neighboring White district could produce a White Democrat who would be more sensitive to African American concerns. Cobb-Hunter said many states such as South Carolina and Mississippi have large numbers of Blacks in state legislatures who have little power because they are outnumbered by White Republicans. Tamika Mallory, co-chair of the Women’s March, said Black leaders need to talk in plain language to African Americans about filling out census forms. “Sometimes we as Black leaders become elitist and use big words to explain things,” Mallory said. “Black people need someone they can relate to explaining why the census is important.” Juneteenth continued from page 1 Lincoln issued the official Emancipation Proclamation declaring “that all persons held as slaves” within the rebellious areas “are, and henceforward shall be free.” On June 19, 1865, Union General Gordon Granger rode into Galveston, TX with the announcement that granted freedom to the last remaining slaves in the United States. So, Juneteenth commemorates freedom from slavery and reminds us of the horrors and tragedy of slavery; and, gives us an opportunity to reflect on this dark part of our nation’s history and build upon the strength, sacrifice and courage of those slaves who fought to be free. Juneteenth Best Entry-Metropolitan Community College also gives us the opportunity to celebrate our heritage as a community and highlight our successes. To ensure a safe fun-filled event, OPD NE Precinct, as well as Omaha 360 block captains, were in place to address any safety concerns. Charles Drew Health Center’s first aid stations provided services to anyone seeking minor medical attention. Charles Drew employees and the Tooth Mobile were parade entrants. The 2019 NAACP Juneteenth Parade Celebration first place winners are as follows: Best Entry Metropolitan Community College; Best Float - Zaha Temple #52; Best Drill Team - Pleasant Green Baptist Church Marching Saints. The Omaha Branch of the NAACP has hosted the Juneteenth parade for over 30 years. Visit www. omahanaacp.org for branch information.
THE OMAHA STAR
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Extra, Extra, Read All About It Our illustrious founder, Mildred D. Brown, provided hundreds of North Omaha youth their first work experience. On Saturday mornings eager boys, and a girl or two, would fill the office anxiously waiting to get their first set of 10 Omaha Star newspapers to sell. Once they received them, out the door they would fly into sunshine, rain, sleet or snow to ascend upon local businesses along North 24th St. Area business owners and their patrons were as eager to buy the papers as the news carriers were to sell them for 10 cents. This routine repeated itself over and over. They would slap their money onto the counter and yell, “10 more please” until there was not a single person along the street who had not had an opportunity to get the weekly news. Although they got their weekly pay, which wasn’t much, they knew if they were consistent and showed up every week, they would be eligible to be entered into a top-sellers drawing for a brand spanking new bicycle at the Omaha Star Christmas party. To keep that drive alive, Ms. Brown would come from her apartment in the back to give them a word of encouragement. Those were the days my friend. To recapture those memories, the Omaha Star
is looking for 14 girls and boys to sell our special Native Omahans commemorative edition during the Native Omahans Club’s Stroll Down Memory Lane, on Aug. 2 from 4-8 p.m. The girls and boys must be 10 to 14 years old. A parent permission form is required and parents and the youth must attend a brief orientation. Although the stroll is from 4-8 p.m. paper sales will begin at noon. The youth will work in teams of 2 and each team will work 4 hours. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top selling team. The top 3 winning teams will participate in the Native Omahans parade with the Omaha Star on Aug. 3. All youth will appear in a group photo in the Omaha Star and all of our social media sites. If you were a paper seller back in the day and have grandchildren you would like to have this opportunity, please contact us. This opportunity is open to all community youth (10-14 yrs.). If you are interested in having your child participate or have questions, please email Deb Shaw at frosty261@yahoo.com with your child’s name, age and t-shirt size along with your contact information. Please put Newspaper Carriers Contest in the subject line. The deadline to register your child is July 12.
Disaster Preparedness Makes Good Business Sense for Nebraskans LINCOLN – A survey commissioned by Nationwide insurance company in 2015 found that three in four small business owners do not have a disaster recovery plan in place. But more than half of those surveyed said it would take at least three months to recover from a disaster. In Nebraska, more than 1,000 businesses were affected by the winter storm that resulted in a major disaster declaration in March 2019. While still assessing damage from the recent spring floods, the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) urge all business owners and managers to prepare now for the next disaster. “The sooner the private sector bounces back after a disaster, the quicker the whole community recovers,” said Constance C. Johnson-Cage of FEMA, who is the federal coordinating officer for the March storm. “Survivors
need to feed their family, fill their gas tank and get back to work.” “Better yet, businesses that can weather a storm can supply vital resources, minimize hardships and jumpstart recovery,” said Earl Imler of NEMA, who serves as the state coordinating officer. “Those businesses that have a disaster preparedness plan – and implement it – have less damage, loss and downtime than those without a plan.” To promote both readiness and resilience, Nebraska formed a coalition of leaders from key state agencies and businesses called the Nebraska Preparedness Partnership (NPP) in 2014. NPP offers training, exercises and networking for businesses of all sizes. “A disaster preparedness plan protects people, property and data,” said Sandra Hobson, the director of NPP. “A plan must ensure continuity of operations for a wide range of scenarios – even total destruction. Provisions should be made to
relocate to a pre-identified site, retrieve business records and carry on with minimal staff.” To make your enterprise more resilient, Hobson advises business owners: • Conduct a risk assessment to identify potential hazards. • Develop procedures to quickly evacuate or shelter in place. Then run drills to practice. • Back up your records and critical data. Keep a copy offsite or in the cloud. • Create a crisis communications plan to keep your employees, customers, vendors and the public up to date on your operations. • Install a generator for your building’s essential electrical circuits in case of a power outage. For more information on disaster preparedness, please visit: NEprep.org/preparedness/ make-a- plan, or NEMA. nebraska.gov/operations/ business or FEMA’s ready.gov/ business.
Benson Days Slated for July 27-28 NAACP Juneteenth Banner
Juneteenth Flag
Ebony Magazine’s Online Editorial Staff Laid Off Without Compensation Washington, DC – The following is a statement from Laura Bassett regarding the reported layoffs at Ebony Magazine: “In light of the rise of newsroom layoffs, another revered publication – Ebony Magazine – reportedly dismissed its online editorial staff, the Root revealed. With limited incoming revenue, the magazine did not have the capacity to pay its digital employees while simultaneously keeping the magazine afloat. As a result, Ebony Magazine was left with little choice but to let the online staff go, with reportedly no paychecks or compensation in their hands. “This comes at a time when the monopolistic power of big tech companies has forced publishers to do the unthinkable and condense their staff. The existence of a fair and free journalism industry is being threatened and continues to harm journalists, publishers and consumers alike, especially minority communities. “Big Tech companies continue to dominate the digital ad market, draining publishers of their welldeserved revenue. Staffers such as the online editorial team at Ebony Magazine, as a result, fall under these unfortunate consequences and become just another statistic in the crippling news industry.” Journalism in America is facing an existential threat from the monopolistic control of tech giants like Google, Facebook, and Apple. Big tech’s dominance over the digital advertising market and their unrivaled capacity to monetize its platforms are having drastic effects on journalism as a whole. https://savejournalism.org/ Follow the Save Journalism Project on Twitter.
Benson Days 2019 is a family-friendly event held each July in the Downtown Benson neighborhood on Maple Street between 58th and 63rd Streets. It all begins with an exciting Street Festival July 27, including a pancake breakfast, parade, festival presenting craft, maker and artist vendors, food trucks, live music, kids’ zone and a beer garden for the adults. On July 28 the weekend will conclude with the Indie 5K/10K where runners/walkers work their way through the Benson Alps (they’re not kidding!). Hours are July 27 from 8 a.m.-11 p.m. and July 28 at 8 a.m., ending with the after run party. If you would like to participate as a vendor (maker, crafters and artists only – no direct sales), a parade participant, volunteer or sponsor you can go to our website for all the details https://www. bensondays.com For up-to-date information pertaining to the Benson Days Festival including dates, list of events or changes; check out the following online sources: Website: https://www.bensondays.com Facebook: @BensonDaysNebraska/ Instagram: @BensonDaysNebraska/
13 ‘Welfare Queens’ Arrested in Major Fraud Bust – And There Was Not One Black Face in Sight By Megan Sims Since the Ronald Reagan era, Black people in general, but Black women in particular, have been synonymous with public assistance. Many have even been labeled “welfare queens.” Despite the data showing how white people make up the majority of welfare recipients, the African American community still has to deal with the stereotype that most Black people not only need welfare but will steal it too. But a recent bust in New York continues to prove that government officials should really be side-eyeing
people of a paler skin tone. On June 14, authorities in St. Lawrence County, N.Y. arrested 13 white women for welfare fraud with four more arrests pending. According to police, the women stole $104,000 from people who actually needed it. “Here in St. Lawrence County, our welfare benefits provide vital support to genuinely needy families at great cost to honest hard working taxpayers,” District Attorney Gary Pasqua said in a statement. “Those individuals who gain benefits through deception are stealing medicine, groceries, and other necessary provisions from innocent children, vulnerable seniors, working
citizens, and others in need.” Georgeanna L. Aldous, 47, Kandy L. Butler, 29, Brandi David, 41, Ashley Debiew, 25, Cara E. Dimon, 25, Jessica Driscoll, 29, Crystal L. Lalone, 39, Amber Morrill, 35, Kerry M. Pelo, 36, Star L. Perrin, 39, Lynn A. Ryan, 46, Sherri A. Scott, 51 and Nancy G. Sherman, 27, all stole individual amounts of welfare that ranged from $1,000 up to over $31,000. All the women failed to accurately report their income and have been charged with varying degrees of welfare fraud that ranged from the third and fourth degree. Their arrests, which were the largest sweep in the history of the
county, were made possible following an investigation by the St. Lawrence County Social Services Fraud Unit, District Attorney Fraud Investigator and the St. Lawrence County District Attorney’s Office. “[I am] proud of the professionalism and participation of the Sheriff’s Department in carrying out this operation, which is critical to deterring abuse of the taxpayers and ensuring that these critical resources go to those in need,” St. Lawrence County Sheriff Kevin Wells said. If convicted the women can face 4-7 year prison sentences, 5 years of probation, a fine and having to pay
restitution in the amount of what they stole. Though the case in St. Lawrence County is frustrating because there are so many people who are actually living below the poverty line that need those resources, it in no way proves that many “welfare reformers” are right about rampant welfare fraud as an excuse to slowly drain funding for programs. According to Lexington Law, 10.6 percent of federal welfare was found to be improperly or fraudulently paid in 2016. In most cases, fraud is found to be improperly filed due to an error made by a caseworker.
PRAISE, WORSHIP, DEVOTION, OBITUARIES & INSPIRATION June 28, 2019 James McGary Jr. CIA Celebrates Mural Reveal and
Page Four
THE OMAHA STAR
James McGary Jr., age 68, of Omaha, passed away June 14. Preceded in death by his parents, James Sr. and Phyllis McGary. Survived by his siblings, Phillip McGary (Marilyn), Sheila Moore and Sheryl Stennis; nieces, nephews and cousins. Memorial service will be Sunday, June 30, beginning at 3 p.m. and concluding at 5 p.m. at the Hoy-Kilnoski Funeral Home, 1221 N. 16th St., Council Bluffs, IA.
Health Clinic Launch C h e ck ou t o u r Fa ce b ook Pa g e !
Compassion in Action recently hosted a community celebration to reveal a mural painted on the exterior of Mission Church. Guest speaker Brenda Council marveled at the transition in the area. Franklin Elementary School Principal Decua Jean-Baptiste reported an interesting cultural dynamic, indicating there 14 different languages spoken within the neighborhood that is now 99% interracial. The mural artists, led by Hugo Zanoramo,
included Mission Church members, Franklin Elementary students and staff, neighbors and community volunteers. Mission Health Clinic, which is located in the Compassion In Action building, 2001 N. 35th St., was launched at the mural reveal celebration. The clinic will serve the community with free basic health-care screenings and blood testing.
A Time to Speak and a Time for Silence By Dr. William Holland According to current census calculations, the population of our planet is rapidly approaching eight billion people. Along with this massive number, we know there has never been a time in history when this many individuals occupied the earth at the same time, but we can also agree that we have more philosophies, opinions, and worldviews than ever before. This, in turn, brings us to a point in time where our arguments and conflicts have created a more difficult atmosphere to acknowledge what we believe without being mocked, ridiculed, and even persecuted. With the creation and advancement of communication technology within the last fifty years, we are witnessing a social media grid that is capable of connecting the entire world together in an instant. It’s true, this is an amazing way of uniting us, but unfortunately, it also presents a vehicle which increases the volume of chaos and controversy. I am not against having the opportunity to relay our thoughts, but for the Christian, we can clearly see that our Biblical perspectives are becoming an increasing target of hostility from those who oppose. We know the basic fundamentals of the Christian faith have always been an offense to the flesh and are seen as a direct threat to those who are focused on living and believing however they desire. We are reminded in John chapter fifteen that without God’s grace opening our eyes we cannot see spiritual truth and these individuals who are devoted to a more humanistic philosophy will always reject Christ and his followers. Verse 19 is warning the follower of Christ to prepare for conflict. “If you were of the world, the world would embrace you: but because you are no longer of this world, but I have chosen you out of this world, therefore the world hates you.” The Bible uses the word enmity several times when referring to the attitude of the natural mind against the holy discipline of God’s character. Truth is a refuge of peace and security for those who love the Lord, but is hated by the ones who want to live their own way. If we take a closer look
at the word enmity we find that it means a state of being actively opposed or hostile to someone or something. Other words associated with enmity are, animosity, antagonism, bitterness, hatred, loathing, and resentment. So, when we notice a Christian trying to relay God’s message, which by the way is a responsibility within the covenant of salvation and we see them being mocked and persecuted, we know what is really going on. I pray for an awareness to share my faith and I believe that God can use us to relay his message. However, I’m also convinced that we should always listen carefully to the Holy Spirit and only speak when he is guiding us. We are not to be ashamed of Jesus or afraid of those who might reject us, but neither are we to be arrogant or stubborn and hinder what God is calling us to do. In Genesis chapter three, we see where one of the curses from the fall includes the enmity between the serpent and his seed versus the seed of the woman which would eventually include Christ. This reveals why the realm of spiritual darkness is at war against God and those who follow him. Each person is born depraved with an internal rebellion and is in need of being spiritually re-born and transformed which is exactly why Jesus went to the cross. His blood paid the ransom for those who believe and his sacrifice is an invitation for anyone to accept divine redemption as John 3:16 describes, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” It’s no secret there are many today who believe that God does not exist while others conclude there is no afterlife or that everything we see somehow happened on its own, but we can agree this is a legitimate part of freewill. Unbelievers are also convinced that anyone who would trust and worship the God of the Bible is delusional and cannot be taken seriously about anything. That’s alright, we realize that everyone is blind to the truth until God opens our eyes. Christians love and pray for everyone and have a burden that all would come to personally know God. The window of God’s amazing grace is open today.
Memorialize Your Loved Ones in the NOC Commemorative Issue As friends and family reunite for the Native Omahans Club’s biennial homecoming celebration, July 29-Aug. 5, merriment, laughter and hugs galore will fill the homes of loved ones and the streets of north Omaha. We will reminisce, create new memories and long for days gone by. We will laugh and cry as we share stories of loved ones who are no longer here to celebrate with us. You can help keep their memory alive by having their names inscribed on the Omaha Star’s memorial brick page in the upcoming Native Omahans commemorative issue. For the minimal cost of $10 each you can have the name of your loved ones inscribed on the page or you can have 3 names inscribed for $25. Seeing their names in the paper will make them ever present as “seasoned” friends and family members share their stories with younger generations. You can email the names to Frankie Jean Williams at fwilliams@ omahastarinc.com. Cash or credit card payments will be accepted at the office, 2216 N. 24th St., Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
How to Say Yes When Life Keeps Giving You No’s
“DeForest ‘Buster’ Soaries has always inspired me by his ability to balance his political, social, and spiritual leadership roles. What’s inspiring is that his priority is always to be a faithful disciple of Jesus. ‘Say Yes When Life Says No’ is a book that continues his witness to the power of God impacting the human condition. I am grateful for his many contributions and his willingness to serve.” – Dr. Tony Evans, president, The Urban Alternative; senior pastor, Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship Everyone knows what it feels like when life continually throws challenges in the way, including pastor and community leader Dr. DeForest Soaries Jr., who received a life changing “no” when he was diagnosed with cancer. Drawing on his life experiences and the faith of the blind man in John Chapter 9, “Say Yes When Life Says No” shares with readers how to see every obstacle as an opportunity, every burden as a blessing, and how to say yes when life is constantly telling them no. Dr. Soaries outlines practical principles to help guide readers through life’s most difficult moments: loneliness, judgement, negativity, sickness, death, and more. As a companion to “Say Yes When Life Says No,” Dr. Soaries created an engaging workbook to be used alongside the book. This thought-provoking workbook will help readers chart a path to become the person they’ve always wanted to be but also instilling a strong faith to: • find your dream • achieve financial freedom • find companionship • improve your health “The more I engage in conversations with people who have experienced life’s many no’s the more it is evident that people need help in finding their yes when their no becomes overwhelming,” Dr. Soaries says in “Say Yes When Life Says No.” “This book seeks to share what God did for my life through John 9. And by sharing my testimony, I believe God can change your life.” “Say Yes When Life Says No” is available at amazon.com.
Volunteers at work painting the mural
MOVING SOON? Don’t miss an issue of the Omaha Star. The post office will not forward your newspaper. Phone Tanya Cooper at 402-346-4041, opt 5. Give her your new address so she can make sure your Omaha Star subscription is not interrupted.
MOVING?
Kids Talk About God
How Does God Protect Us From Danger? By Carey Kinsolving And Friends “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over” (Psalm 23:5). As I sit down to write, there’s a table before me with many interpretations of this well-known Bible verse. One of my favorite attempts to unravel this Scripture comes from Elizabeth, age 8: “Be kind to your enemies, and I’ll make you a king.” King David treated his enemies with kindness and became a king. But I think he had something else in mind when he wrote this psalm. “God prepares a life with enemies in it for us,” says Jessica, 9. Well, this also has possibilities. David was an unknown shepherd boy until he heard Goliath taunt the armies of Israel. Certainly, the Lord can use enemies to test us and to teach us how to trust him. As David said when facing Goliath, “The battle is the Lord’s.” “The enemy is around you, and God can help you,” says Scott, 10. Some experts believe the scene shifts to the banquet table of the king; however, I’m going to stick with the shepherd and his sheep. The summer grazing ranges in the high mountains are known as tables. In Spanish, the word for such a place is “mesa,” which means “table.” The picture here is fit for a postcard: sheep grazing in a luxurious pasture on a high mountain plain. Before the sheep arrive, the shepherd has removed poisonous weeds, killed venomous snakes and driven away lurking predators. Now, we come to the oil as in “You anoint my head with oil.” Bethany, 7, has the right idea when she says, “When he puts oil on our heads, he blesses us.” Adrianna, 8, is also on track: “God anoints our head with the Holy Spirit.” Both are true in the lives
of God’s people. But in the context of sheep peacefully grazing on a high mountain plain, there’s a fly in the ointment. Except here it’s more than a figure of speech. The nose fly can harass sheep literally to death. They deposit their eggs in the damp mucous membranes of the sheep’s nose. The eggs hatch to form worms, which make their way into the sheep’s head. For relief from the severe inflammation, sheep will beat their heads against rocks and trees. At the first sign of these pesky flies, the alert shepherd will apply a special ointment to the heads of his sheep so they can continue to graze peacefully. Life is full of small things beyond our control that can “bug us.” By allowing the Good Shepherd to anoint us, these irritations are counteracted by the presence of God’s Spirit. “‘My cup runs over’ means that God gives you so many blessings that they are uncountable,” says Sean, 10. Or it could mean “God is more than you ask for!” says Derek, 9. One picture the overflowing cup suggests is the shepherd providing water for his skittish sheep. They’re thirsty but instinctively fearful of rushing river water because their heavy wool makes them vulnerable to being swept away by the current. Running water has to be channeled into a vessel so that it’s still. “He leads me beside still waters.” “Jesus’ love is filling my cup,” says Ester, 8. Think About This: God has prepared a place for you where he will pour blessings into your life. Memorize This Truth: Please see Psalm 23:5 above. Ask This Question: Are you willing to follow the Good Shepherd to the place where he can bless you?
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
June 28, 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)
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.
Pastor Kenneth A. Allen
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
LOCAL NEWS
THE OMAHA STAR
June 28, 2019
High School Graduates
Christian Archie Bellevue East
Frederick Knotts Bellevue East
Quinton Banks Bellevue West
Deja Correa Bellevue West
Shane Dailey Jr Bellevue West
Tyrek Daniels Benson
Isaiah M. Cooks Bryan
Lyndon J. Harrison Burke
Raymon E. Tyree Burke
Amea Landrum Shobe David W. Butler, Matthews, NC
Madison Bryant Centennial High School, Roswell, GA
Shavell Henderson Central
LaDon Ross, II Central
Khalid Solomon Central
Dreya Walker-Williams Central
Somer Young Central
Shaheem K. Black-Cooper North
Sanjaya Bolton North
RaLiya C. Carroll North
Zander Gray North
Nautika Sanders North
Nadia Spurlock North
Emarr Vinson North
Deja’Nae Wood North
Dominique Grant Northwest
Terriah Wilson Lee Northwest
Jaydyn Ramsey-Jones Ralston
Alexis Bradley University of Nebraska Omaha – B.S.
Paul Bryant II Morehouse College – B.S.
Quentin Robert Pierce King Peru State College – B.S.
College Graduates Nishae Pierce Grant South
Brianna Jenai Miller Westside
Tanika N. Bush Iowa Western Community College – Associate
Jilaya L. Dailey Midland University – B.A.
Nicholas Goodlett University of Nebraska Omaha – B.S.
Tara Harrington University of Nebraska Omaha – B.S.
Adan R. Jones University of Nebraska Lincoln – B.S.
Joy O. Kayode George Washington University – B.A.
Sierra Leeper Southeast Community College - Associate
Charity Chanay-Lin Perkins University of Alabama – B.S.
Morgan Elyse Pommier University of Nebraska Lincoln – B.A.
Shelby Riggs San Diego State University – B.F.A.
Keairra Renee Watson Lincoln University – B.S.
Vickie Young Metropolitan Community College – Associate
COMMENTARY
June 28, 2019
Op-Ed:
The Case for ‘Emotional’ Reparations By Enola Aird, Esq. Founder & President, Community Healing Network As the 2020 Presidential campaign season starts to seriously heat up, we find numerous Democratic candidates tossing out the term “reparations” as they seek to court the African-American vote. But reparations is a term that should be not to be taken lightly or treated as a throwaway. Certainly, it shouldn’t be lumped in with such common political rhetoric as “Affordable Healthcare,” “More Jobs” and “Higher Wages.” The demand for reparations has both an economic and an emotional side – and the second of those rarely gets the attention it deserves. Any serious conversation about reparations must begin with a deep and broad appreciation of the dynamics of enslavement, Jim Crow and colonization. It’s one thing to condemn the past as a “crime against humanity.” It’s something else to try to appreciate and then calculate the full extent of the damage. The issue is much bigger than the trillions of dollars owed for the multi-generational financial damage inflicted upon people of African ancestry. It’s true that much of the wealth of Europe, the United States, and Latin America was built with the uncompensated labor of Black people. But even if that enormous debt were to be paid in full, there would still be a long way to go. Our moral and legal claim for reparations for financial harm pales in comparison to our moral and legal claim for emotional reparations. The term “emotional reparations” refers to what will be needed to repair completely the generation upon generation of emotional and psychological harm inflicted on our ancestors, on us, and on our children. The emotional harm is the greatest harm of all. To fully assess the emotional and psychological damage, we need to look beyond enslavement and colonization, and even racism. We need to focus on the source of the many manifestations of anti-Blackness. Full reparations must include repair of the damage done by the poisonous “lie” of White superiority and Black inferiority: the root cause of the devaluing of Black lives and the underdevelopment of Black communities. It must include the work of extinguishing the lie. Every person of African ancestry born over the course of the last 600 years has come into a world that profoundly devalues their lives. Starting in the 1400s, in order to justify the enslavement of Africans and the economic exploitation of Africa, Europeans devised a hierarchy of humanity with “White” people at the top and “Black” people at the bottom – often even outside of the circle of humanity. They created a poisonous ideology of White superiority and Black inferiority, a lie that dehumanized people of African ancestry and has come to permeate nearly every institution of global society and the global mind. The advantages conferred by “Whiteness” and the disadvantages imposed by “Blackness” have
been multiplying over the course of more than six centuries. For all of that time, people of African ancestry have been living their lives according to a narrative written for them by Europeans to serve European interests. The result has been racial trauma, a multi-generational, historical and continuing wound that has profoundly undermined our people’s physical, psychological, and spiritual well-being. In order to step out [of] the narrative created for us by Europeans and into a narrative of our own making, we must go through a process of emotional repair. The greatest damage done by the lie of Black inferiority can be seen in the way that it has undermined our ability, as a people, to fully love ourselves and each other. It undermines our ability to love what we see when we look in the mirror, to walk with full confidence in the world, and to think clearly. That is at the heart of the crime against our humanity. Even with the weight of the lie on our shoulders, we as people of African ancestry have accomplished truly remarkable things. But these attainments have come at a heavy price: relentless racial stress and trauma and their physical and psychological effects. So, by all means, let’s keep pressing for full reparations because they are due and owing. We need to support H.R. 40 (House of Representatives Bill 40), introduced by Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee of Texas on behalf of herself and nearly two dozen additional sponsors. The bill would create a commission to study and propose ways of addressing the fundamental injustice, cruelty, brutality, and inhumanity of enslavement in the United States and the American colonies between 1619 and 1865, and the continuing legacies of that era. (H.R. 40 currently has some 57 cosponsors in the House.) At the same time, let’s not forget that the greatest harm that has been done to people of African ancestry is the harm to our psyche and our emotions. Our strongest moral and legal claim for reparations is our claim for all the resources, including financial, that it will take to make us whole emotionally – both to restore our dignity and humanity as people of African ancestry and to restore us to our rightful place in the human family. That is the greatest debt that is owed to us. But whatever others may or may not do to meet their moral and legal obligations to repair the emotional damage inflicted upon our ancestors, us, and our children, the basic work of emotional reparations – the repairing of that emotional harm– depends upon us. That is the fundamental premise of the movement for emotional emancipation – a movement being led by Community Healing Network. So even if those outside of our community fail to meet their obligations, even if they do nothing, we can – and will – follow our amazing ancestors, and make a way out of no way. Our children – and our ancestors – are waiting.
By Oscar Blayton It seems like every day we learn about another facet of the cruelty of the American criminal justice system. Ava DuVernay’s blockbuster documentary on Netflix, When They See Us, has heightened the furor over the fact that, in America, law enforcement means “control” rather than “justice” for people of color. And while the story of how the American legal system failed the Central Park Five is horrific – and for some, hard to watch – it is only one of many chapters in the saga of how this country lashes people of color with judicial oppression. Just as we should not avert our eyes from the tragedy suffered by the Central Park Five, we should not avert our eyes from the plight of poor women of color who remain behind bars simply because they are poor. The nonprofit organization Prison Policy Initiative has reported that almost two out of every three women in jail have not been convicted of a crime. They are incarcerated awaiting resolution of their cases. The main reason for this startling fact is that many women are unable to raise the necessary funds for a cash bail. And this, simply put, is punishment for the “crime of poverty.” The Prison Policy Initiative has reported that in 2015, the median income for Black women incarcerated prior to trial was $9,083, while the typical amount of bail in those instances was $10,000. It is obscene that too often bail is set at an amount greater than the annual income of a person facing a minor charge. It is not uncommon for people of color to be sent to jail for not paying fines. And it is outrageous when those people are incarcerated for not paying fines and fees for violations that are not jailable offenses. The threat of incarceration and, ultimately, incarceration has been used by some cities and towns strapped for money to squeeze dollars out of the most vulnerable members of their communities. In 2015, CNN reported how the U.S. Justice Department revealed a pattern and practice of racial discrimination within Ferguson, Missouri, that targeted African American residents for tickets and fines. And when these tickets and fines went unpaid, those residents often went to jail. Not only is this practice a grave injustice, but it inflicts wounds upon our society. The New York Review of Books reports that eight out of 10 women in jail are mothers, and most of them are single parents. There should be no need to explain
how parental incarceration impacts negatively on a child. Studies by the Prison Policy Initiative have linked parental incarceration to that child’s risk of violence and victimization, as well as chronic health problems. Incarceration can cause a woman to lose her job, lose her housing and even lose her child. Incarceration of the poor is a public policy that creates and maintains a cycle of poverty. It is well known that incarceration usually results in the loss of a job. It is less well known that incarceration often results in the loss of stable housing. In his 2016 book, Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City, sociologist and Princeton University professor Matthew Desmond set out that, “Eviction is a cause, not just a condition, of poverty.” And Princeton University’s “Eviction Lab” published an online report in 2018 titled Why Eviction Matters stating that evictions “disproportionately affect low-income women, in particular women of color.” Drilling down into this injustice, we find that, according to the Prison Policy Initiative, “[I]ncarcerated women are more likely than incarcerated men to be poor, single parents, primary caregivers, and to be victims of violence, abuse, and trauma.” Because of policies being made by those who do not care about the plight of these victims of poverty, women now represent a higher proportion of the U.S. prison and jail populations than in the past. A May 2019 analysis of the Bureau of Justice Statistics data by essayists in the New York Review of Books reveals that in “1983, women made up just under 9 percent of people admitted to jail. By 2000, that share had grown to 15 percent; and in 2016, women comprised 23 percent of all admissions.” Women of color work the hardest for the least amount of money, and because they have the least money, they are the most likely to be jailed for their poverty. When America looks in the mirror, we see we are a nation that not only jails the poor for being poor, but we jail the poorest of the poor. Is this who we want to be? Is this who we want our country to be? This nation was founded upon so many injustices, too many of which persist to this day. One of those is punishing the poor for being poor. Gone are the days of debtors’ prisons, but imprisoning the poor is still with us. It is time to take a stand and demand that our lawmakers turn this practice into nothing more than a bad memory.
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Mentoring Matters Group Mentoring Works By Debra L. Shaw Research shows that group mentoring programs can produce an array of positive outcomes for youth (behavioral, emotional, academic, etc.) and seem to be effective across a wide range of youth participants (ages, ethnicities, etc.). Additional relational processes, such as group cohesion; belonging and a strong group identity, may also contribute to the outcomes youth experience from group mentoring. Group mentoring programs offer a context for activities that develop mentee skills, change mentee attitudes, and offer positive peer interactions; and that these processes may lead to behavioral outcomes for participants. https:// nationalmentoringresourcecenter.org/index. php/30-topic-areas/151-group-mentoring.html. Partnership 4 Kids (P4K), a mentoring program that has been in existence for 30 years has offered group mentoring throughout its mentorship existence. Its mission statement is ‘To mentor students today and careers tomorrow.’ P4K currently partners with 16 Omaha Public Schools where mentor volunteers can group mentor as early as 4th grade and the volunteers can literally follow students in a matched group mentoring relationship all the way to 10th grade. This long-term mentor/mentee relationship allows a volunteer to visit with students in their classroom; tour college campuses with them and go to career exploration fairs too. Every activity is a mentor group setting. Adult mentors are
matched with 3 to 4 mentee students. They build their relationship through interacting as a group. The magic happens when the match process step occurs. P4K has Program Coordinators who are trained in the art of matching mentors and mentees together. The key ingredient to the match is to identify a common interest such as sports, technology or hobbies. Once the connection is made, the rest is based on how the mentor and mentees develop their relationship independently as a group. Outside the regularly scheduled visits held at participating school sites which are coordinated by a P4K staffer, the group is encouraged to plan 2-3 gatherings on their own. This keeps the group connected over the summer break as well. P4K is anticipating over 100 new 6th grade students into its middle school mentoring program for the new school year. They will need over 70 additional male and female group mentor volunteers to help inspire and encourage students to reach their educational goals. P4K completes a background check, trains and offers mentor support every step of the way prior to connecting the mentors with the students. If you have the time to devote to students with dreams and aspirations to reach their educational goals, visit this site https://www.p4k.org/mentor/ and select the ‘Apply to Become a Group Mentor’ button to submit your application. Additional questions can be answered by their Recruitment Team at 402-930-3000. There are some boys and girls waiting for you to share your wisdom and knowledge. Become a change agent by becoming a mentor. Mentoring Matters!
Financial Tips from Veridian Enjoy Summer with These Financial Travel Tips
July is the most popular month of the year for vacations. Whether you’re thinking about a solo sightseeing tour, a romantic getaway for two or a trip for the whole family, use these tips to avoid breaking the bank. • Set a budget – and stick to it. This might seem obvious, but preparing a budget and following it is the easiest way to keep your vacation costs under control. Make sure to add allowances for parking, taxes, fees and other hidden costs based off your itinerary, then research your options to make sure you’re getting the lowest possible prices. • Save on food and lodging. Choose a hotel where your room has a kitchenette to cut your food budget drastically. Breakfast for four at McDonald’s or Starbucks will cost you much more than a gallon of milk and a box of cereal. You can also choose to travel to places where you (Editor’s Note: The views expressed do not have friends or family you can stay with instead of necessarily reflect the policies and position of paying for a room. the staff and management of the Omaha Star • Choose free or inexpensive activities. Consider newspaper.) hikes, tours and places off the beaten path during
Black Women are Incarcerated for the Crime of Poverty
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your travels. Many museums and other attractions have free or reduced admission one day a week, so schedule wisely. • Use your points. If you have a rewards credit card that earns you miles or points with your purchases, redeem them to pay for your hotel, flight and other expenses as allowed by your card provider. Points often expire after a certain amount of time, so use them before you lose them. • Buck the trend. Think about taking the road less traveled – literally. The U.S. has more than 80,000 miles of coastline, so find a beach destination that costs you less than the obvious spots like Malibu and Miami. If you’re headed to a resort, travel during the off season to save serious money. 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.
Settlements Help Consumers By Charlene Crowell
The struggle to eliminate high-cost predatory debt is a daunting one – particularly for Black America. As access to affordable credit, loans and mortgages seem ever elusive across the country, lying in wait are countless predatory lenders eager to fill the personal finance void. But in recent days, two unrelated developments awarded consumers more than $200 million in victories against high-cost private student loans and restitution for triple-digit interest payday loans. Together, the two developments illustrate how freedom from debt burdens can be lifted and erased. The work of 44 attorneys general in states and the District of Columbia and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) together secured $168 million in private student loan relief for former students of the now defunct ITT Technical College. In a second development, private legal advocates secured $39.7 million in restitution and cancelled high-cost loans that tried to evade state laws. Readers may recall that following ITT Tech’s closure in 2016, the institution promptly filed for bankruptcy, stranding an estimated 35,000 students enrolled at one of 150 campuses in 38 states. Due to its high cost of enrollment, most students financed their studies by using a combination of federal and private student loans. ITT targeted low-income students for its private label loans known as CUSO. These loans came with fees and interest rates as high as 16.25%. In response to the closure, the Department of Education forgave federal student loans incurred as part of enrollment. But that action still stuck student borrowers with costly private loans that the schools and lenders pushed to finance and promised educations that rarely were delivered. Now through intergovernmental cooperation, over 18,000 former ITT Tech students are freed from high-cost loans that were prone to default by as much as 90%. Lenders must now cease collections, discharge all debts, and notify the former students that the debts are cancelled. By removing the financial burden of these loans, these same consumers will now be able to secure more affordable and lower interest rates as well as higher credit scores. Whenever defaulted loans are added to borrower credit profiles, the resulting credit score is lower and comes with predictable difficult and costly interest for any new credit application. In the second consumer win, efforts of private legal advocates like the Virginia Poverty Law Center secured nearly $39.7 million in restitution (Oscar H. Blayton is a former Marine Corps and wiped out debts from Think Finance. Once a combat pilot and human rights activist who federal judge approves the negotiated settlement, practices law in Virginia.) these monies and others paid by other defendants
will be distributed to consumers ensnared in loans that came with an average interest rate of 375%. For consumers, these predatory rates meant that a $500 loan could wind up costing more than $3,000 for unsuspecting borrowers living in California, Florida, North Carolina, and Virginia. The settlement brings an encouraging end to litigation originally filed in 2016 against the FortWorth-based Think Finance Inc. It should be noted that these nonprofit legal advocates’ pursuit of financial justice from Think Finance stands in stark contrast to that of the current leadership at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) – especially when it comes to payday lending and other forms of highcost loans. Under CFPB’s first director, a lawsuit against Think Finance was originally filed in November 2017 and alleged that the firm was deceiving consumers in 17 states into repaying loans they did not legally owe. With a change of administration and key personnel, an amended complaint was filed under Acting CFPB Director Mick Mulvaney that significantly altered the affected dates as well as the amounts of monies involved in the alleged violations. According to a May 2019 Bloomberg Law article, the dates originally cited a 7-year span of time from 2011-2018, were reduced to only two years, 2013-2015. Additionally, the news outlet reported the amount of fees dropped from at least $325 million to only $40.2 million in interest and fees on combined loans totaling $45.6 million. “The low penalty assessed to Think Finance follows a recent pattern of the CFPB entering into settlements with companies for alleged abuse of consumers but collecting either no money or low amounts in civil money penalties and little to no consumer restitution,” states the article. In the May 2019 CFPB settlement, there was no consumer restitution. Instead, Think Finance and each of its six affiliates agreed to pay $1 each to the CFPB to settle claims that consumers paid at least $325 million more than the nearly $50 million in principal amounts borrowed between 2011and 2018. “These settlements are huge wins for consumers,” said Diane Standaert, an EVP with the Center for Responsible Lending and Director of State Policy. “They show the scope and harm of abusive practices by high-cost lenders and predatory forprofit colleges that result in consumers carrying the burden of debt for years.” “The cancellation of these debts is an incredibly important form of redress that should be pursued by other state and federal regulators,” continued Standaert. “Effective enforcement can and will get people out from under crushing debt. And these actions underscore the need for strong protections at both the state and federal levels to prevent these predatory practices from occurring in the first place.”
LIFE & STYLE/HEALTH & WELLNESS ‘When They See Us’ Wins Mass Attention for Check Out Focus on Central Park Five
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group known as the Central Park Five would receive 6 to 13 years in prison. “When They See Us,” is DuVernay’s new mini-series, featured exclusively on Netflix, depicting the story of the Central Park Five. Her new film features the infamous 1989 case of five boys of color who were falsely accused of the rape of Trisha Meili, a white female jogger who was then an investment banker. The story was reminiscent of the Scottsboro Boys case in 1931 in terms of being a rabid miscarriage of justice that stereotyped men of color as sexual predators. On May 1, 1989, Donald Trump called for the return of the death penalty in reference to the Central Park Five in full-page ads in all four of the city’s major newspapers. Trump has never admitted he was wrong about the Central Park Five though he has been asked about the case multiple times. The members of the “Central Park Five” were coerced into confessing to a crime they did not commit and implicating each other as police detectives subjected them to lengthy interviews and interrogations. In 2002, Matias Reyes, a convicted murderer and serial rapist who was in prison, confessed to the crime the Central Park Five were convicted of and his DNA matched evidence found at the scene. The five convictions of Salaam, Santana, Richardson, McCray and Wise were vacated after more than a decade. In 2014, New York City reached a $40 million settlement with the Central Park Five after Mayor Mike Bloomberg blocked their payout for ten years.
By Lauren Victoria Burke NNPA Newswire Contributor
NNPA NEWSWIRE – As DuVernay’s film gained viewers and momentum and waves of publicity, Linda Fairstein, the main prosecutor of the Central Park Five, was dropped by her publisher Dutton, an imprint of Penguin Random House, on June 7. Fairstein has never apologized or admitted there was a wrongful prosecution in the case. Several prosecutors and detectives have avoided discussing the series. The five men are pursuing an additional $52 million in damages from New York State in the New York Court of Claims. The painful true stories of five falsely accused young men, Yusef Salaam, Raymond Santana, Kevin Richardson, Antron McCray, and Korey Wise, has been brought to light in excruciatingly vivid detail by director Ava DuVernay. The
June 28, 2019
‘A House Divided’
“A House Divided,” the new multigenerational family saga from AMC Networks’ UMC (Urban Movie Channel), starts streaming at www.UMC.tv on July 12. For a first look at the new series, check out the official trailer at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZqRqZtMECw After the sudden passing of Cameran Sanders’ (Lawrence Hilton Jacobs) wife amidst a brewing government investigation into the business dealings of the family-owned bank, a new woman emerges from the shadows determined to be the next Mrs. Cameran Sanders. As secrets are uncovered and scandals emerge, the Sanders family will be forced to band together for the sake of their survival or risk the ultimate demise of their long-standing legacy.
Sensational Summer Salads Father Publishes Book that Helps Children Survive Divorce, Separation It seems that everyone turns to healthy eating in the summer. We turn our backs on comfort foods like chicken & dressing, oxtails, gumbo, stew, chili and the like and make a mad dash for the lettuce, carrots, celery. While the health benefits of rabbit food are many, we need some creative ways to eat them. Those mini carrots and ranch dressing only satisfy for so long. Well, Jon Nielle Allen and the good folks at Fair Deal Café understand your dilemma and have agreed to provide you with delicious, healthy salad recipes this summer. This first one sounds amazing. Try it and see what you think. Cobb Salad on Mixed Greens w/Maple Bourbon Vinaigrette Salad:
2c Mixed Greens 1 Hard Boiled Egg 1/4c Bacon Crumbled 1/4c Chopped Tomatoes 1/4c Crumbled Blue Cheese 2oz Chopped Chicken 2oz Chopped Turkey Dressing 1/8c Grapeseed Oil 1/3c Juice off Maple Bourbon Pickles 1tsp Organic Agave Whisk together Grapeseed Oil, Pickle Juice, and Organic Agave for your vinaigrette to top your salad. Assemble Salad: Bed of Mixed Greens, sprinkle with bacon crumbles and blue cheese crumbles, chopped Roma tomatoes, chopped chicken and turkey. Layer sliced hard-boiled egg on top. Drizzle with your vinaigrette and enjoy! Maple Bourbon Pickles can be found at Walmart.
The statistics are alarming. Divorce rates have climbed across the globe over the past few decades. It’s estimated that 48 percent of American and British children live in divorced single-parent homes by age 16. In addition, research has found that kids struggle the most during the first year or two after the divorce. Although divorce creates great distress to the entire family, younger children can be impacted the most. Amy Morin, LCSW, writes in her article, “The Psychological Effects of Divorce on Children: Take steps to help kids bounce back faster” (Amy Morin, 2019) that young children often struggle to understand why they must go between two homes. They may worry that if their parents can stop loving one another that someday, their parents may stop loving them. Peter Johnson has experienced the life changing reality of divorce and guiding his two small children through this emotional
Author Peter Johnson and his book cover
Talking, Testing & Protecting More conversations surrounding sexually transmitted infections (STI) are needed in the African American community. This conclusion follows the most recently published 2018 Douglas County Health Department STI reports. African Americans are a minority in Douglas County, making up less than 12% of the population. However, blacks are disproportionately affected by STI’s, specifically chlamydia and gonorrhea. In 2017, of the total number of new diagnoses of Chlamydia, whites made up 37.8% while blacks made up 33.9%. In 2018, those numbers went down for whites while going up for blacks. Whites went to 34.2% of new diagnoses while blacks were 36.8%. This trend was the case with gonorrhea as well. In 2017, whites made up 35.4% of the new diagnoses while blacks made up 46.7%. For whites, those numbers decreased in 2018 while they increased for blacks. Blacks went up to 49.4% while whites went down to 33.3%. “It is possible that these
numbers reflect an increase in testing, hence an increase in known infections in our community. If that be the case, this is a good thing. But it does not make the numbers any less haunting,” said Tommy YoungDennis, Prevention & Outreach Specialist for the Nebraska AIDS Project (NAP). Regardless if the numbers reflect an uptake in testing or not, the fact remains that blacks are disproportionately affected by these STI’s. “These numbers get even more complex when we understand that a large portion of our new cases are adolescents, age 15-24. Although they only make up roughly a quarter of the sexually active population, they make up roughly 50% of new STI cases,” says Darryl Brown Jr., one of Charles Drew Health Center’s Adolescent Health Educators. Catie Zaleski, also an Adolescent Health Educator at Charles Drew adds, “We as a community are being heavily impacted by this epidemic and we have to be honest about how we as a community need to step up our support of healthy sexual
behavior. Supporting shame-free, LGBTQ+ inclusive, medicallyaccurate education is one way we can help each other mitigate the risks associated with sex and also support healthy sexual/nonsexual relationships.” STI’s such as gonorrhea and chlamydia are curable, so it is important for individuals to get tested so that treatment can be administered. Because these STI’s can be localized to the area that sexual contact took place (i.e. throat, anus, vagina, or penis), it is very important to request testing that is specific to the site of engagement. In addition to regular testing, safer sexual decisions must be made including, but not limited to the use of condoms. Omaha happens to have over 200 sites in the city that have free condoms available. Testing sites such as Charles Drew Health Center, NAP, Planned Parenthood, and NOAH are listed among testing sites online at GetCheckedOmaha.com. Additionally, the locations for free condoms may be found on the website as well.
rollercoaster. An actor and film director, Peter wrote “The Cow on Two Farms: A Children’s Guide of How to Cope with Divorce and Separation” as a creative way to remind his children that fatherhood does not end with divorce and to help them live with the fear and confusion of a divided household. Peter explains, “I want children to see the benefits of living in two homes. I wanted my children to understand that I loved them, and we were going to remain a family despite the separation. It was important for them to know that this experience does not necessarily have to be a scary memory but a childhood adventure where they feel loved and share a few laughs with their loved ones.” He continues, “Many have asked me why I chose a farm as the main setting and cows as the main characters? My father was the owner of a beef cattle farm in Tennessee; I guess a farm and cows are a warm and positive part of my childhood memories.”
Book Description: When Cathy the Cow is confused about having to visit her father on another farm, she learns an important lesson about love that survives separation. Author Peter Johnson uses farm animals to help children understand what it means to live in two homes when their parents are no longer together. View
Good Books Café
a brief trailer at https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=x-tz0UO2c4E The Cow on Two Farms can be purchased online at LuLu.com and Amazon.com.
About the Author: Peter Johnson is the father of two very active little boys from Buffalo, New York. He is a graduate of New York Film Academy where he studied the art of acting and filmmaking. Peter has appeared in numerous independent films, television pilots and theater productions over the past 10 years. In 2010, Peter founded his own independent production company, Xavier Productions that specializes in the production of theater and film projects. Peter has an MFA from the University at Buffalo in media production and is a professor.
Something to Talk About A Spoonful of Sugar Helps the Medicine Go Down By Ashley Marie Dantzler We live in a fast pace world, full of fast cars and fast food, but sometimes it’s nice to slow down and allow ourselves a little down time. Taking care of our family, our homes, and our jobs can be exhausting. And our vacations sometimes leave us wanting a vacation when we return home. So, yes, I am saying take a break, but that’s not always easy. I recently lost a very close friend of mine, Mrs. Linda Coleman-Butler. She meant so much to me and a whole lot of other people. Her homegoing service was filled with the people she had touched and lives she had changed. When we lose a loved one we tend to slow down so that we can remember them, but weeks later we are back to the hustle and bustle of life. And though that person will never be forgotten, the truth is, life does go on. We have lost a part of us and sometimes we wake up thanking God for another day and then we realize that though we are alive and well, our loved one is gone. Linda cherished life so much. She knew that life was precious and more importantly she taught others to live their lives to the fullest. She taught me to live with no regrets and to cherish
the people in my life. She also gave me some strong medicine when I needed it. She kept things one hundred and always told people the way things were. Even though she is gone from this realm I am confident that she is at peace and that I will always have a part of her. The most important lesson I learned from my friend was that you have to take some time for yourself. Time to enjoy family, time to make memories, and time to give back. If you find yourself in a rat race and find no time to do the simple things that make life worth living, you may need some strong medicine. Here it is, stop! I know its clichéd, but wake up and smell the roses; look into your child’s eyes and find innocence; find a book that needs to be read on your shelf and read it; or just stop and look at a sunrise or a sunset and take in the glory of the Lord. Because one day you won’t be able to do any of these things. You have to find time in this fast-pace world to slow down. This isn’t easy, it will be difficult at first, but cherishing life, taking in the good things, changing what bad we can, and loving each other is the greatest task we have been given as human beings. I learned that from my dear friend and now as she would want me to I am passing it on to you. Thank you Linda.
Health and Spirituality What We Hold To, Limits Us HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE is a leading risk factor for heart disease and stroke.
Nearly half of adult Americans have high blood pressure.
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By Mark Darby, RN APRN, FNP-C Director of North Omaha Academy of Healthy Living Last column we asked the question “What do you want from life?” Is it money, prestige, power, romance? Maybe it is something noble like wanting the best for your children or to make a difference in the world. Regardless, it is not what we want that forms us but how we respond to the frustrations of not getting what we desire. People can have endless wants and insatiable desires. Since no one can get everything they want, we are also frustrated creatures. If we do not get something we want, then we have automatic thoughts which create strong emotional reactions in us. This can create cycles of thoughts and emotions that cloud how we react with life. To understand this, let’s pretend you have two people in your head. One person is called the Blamer. The Blamer blames.
It does not matter if the blame is inner or outer directed. Blame is the goal. The second person is the Debator. The Debator argues with the Blamer. Often taking the opposite position of the Blamer, the Debator can sound rational but the real purpose is to argue with the Blamer. Back and forth. As this goes on and on, we lose all perspective on the issue. Some will say that the solution to this is to stop wanting things. If we never wanted a car, or a prestige we would never be frustrated and there would be no need to blame. But is it wrong to want to help people or to make a difference in the world? For that matter, is it wrong to want to be successful? No, wanting is not the issue. The secret is the Debator. The Debator is the one who starts the real downward spiral when we are frustrated. Arguments are never ending and unwinnable. The only way to win an argument is to not have one.
If you have ever had a small child who has temper tantrums, an effective parenting technique is to ignore the child. If the child does not have an audience, he will eventually run out of steam and stop the tantrum. Our immediate reaction to frustration should be similar. When the frustration comes, and we know it will come, acknowledge it and let it go. Stop the debate in its tracks. Once the argument comes you have lost. It is essential to do just this. When the reaction to frustration comes, acknowledge and let it go. Do NOT try to reason or even question. Accept you have the reaction and let it go. Starting a debate, causes a holding of the reaction and prevents our spirit from acting on us. When we argue we are alone. Scripture speaks about this. We forgive 70 times 7, so it will not hold us back. So we will not debate the issue. That is all I have to say, if you disagree you can always argue with me or let it go.
June 28, 2019
EVENTS/CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING
‘Jazz on the Green’ is Back at Turner Park Live music will again fill Midtown’s Turner Park this summer when Omaha Performing Arts presents the extraordinarily popular summer series, Jazz on the Green. The free outdoor concerts run six consecutive Thursdays, from July 11 to Aug. 15. All performances are at 7:30 p.m. Preshow entertainment begins at 6:30 p.m. This season’s opening act is Big Sam’s Funky Big Sam’s Funky Nation Nation on July 11. Known for a boisterous blend of funk, jazz, rock, hip-hop Beer, wine and champagne are allowed in Turner and a whole lot of Southern charm, Big Sam’s Park. Hard liquor is not permitted. Leashed pets Funky Nation might very well be The Big Easy’s are allowed. best kept secret. Merging bounce energy and jazz There are two parking garages, easily accessible virtuosity, the band is known for their blend of from Farnam Street, Harney Street, Dodge Street jazz and hip-hop. and 33rd Street. For Jazz on the Green event days Omaha’s Big Wade and Black Swan Theory is only, garage parking is free from 5-11 p.m. scheduled for Aug. 1. Mutual of Omaha will have its surface lots All Jazz on the Green at Midtown Crossing and parking garage open to the public for free concerts are free to the public. No reservations or beginning at 5 p.m. Mutual of Omaha’s surface tickets needed. The circular area of Turner Park lots are located at 36th and Dodge Streets; between with a direct view of the stage opens at 5:00 p.m. 35th Avenue and 34th Street off of Dodge; and at each week. Blankets and chairs are welcomed. 35th and Farnam streets. The parking garage is Midtown Crossing restaurants will offer grilled accessible from 35th Avenue between Dodge and foods, concessions and beverages each week. Farnam streets. Metered Parking is also available.
In The Village! Things to do, people to see, places to go. July 5 – The B Side of Benson Theatre, 6058 Maple St., will host a B Side Gallery art opening featuring Jan Schiltmeijer: “BREAK” from 6-10 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. There will be a full cash bar available. The artwork will be on display in the B Side Gallery throughout July. July 11 – Farmers Market at Charles Drew Health Center, 2915 Grant St., returns. Fresh produce will be available on Wednesdays from 3:30-5:30 p.m. The market ends on Aug. 29. July 11 – OPD Northeast Precinct Advisory Committee and friends host Free Fun in the Park at Miller Park Pavilion from 4-8 p.m. for boys and girls ages K-7. Activities include swimming, food, fun, prizes and a bike raffle. This is a community policing event designed to provide a positive opportunity to engage with law enforcement as well as a safe environment for outdoor activities. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Everyone entering the pool must wear a swimsuit; including parents and guardians. July 12 – Enjoy the “Best Fish in Town” when St. Benedict the Moor serves it up hot and fresh. Dinners include a fried or baked catfish fillet, green beans, spaghetti and dessert. You can dine in or take out from 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. at St. Benedict Social Hall, 2423 Grant St. Get free delivery on 5 or more dinners. For more info, phone 402-348-0631 July 13 – Get ready for FREE family fun in the sun when the Salvation Army Kroc Center, 2825 Y St., hosts the Zest of Summer Fest from 12-4:30 p.m. Enjoy entertainment in the amphitheater, great prizes, carnival games and so much more. Water stations and vendor booths will be available.
July 16 – First United Methodist Church Race Relations Discussions will continue JulySeptember in partnership with Policy Research & Innovation and Douglas County Nebraska Dedicated Service Community Involvement. The Cultural Humility discussion will be held at the church, 7020 Cass St., from 6:30-8:00 p.m. July 21 – Enjoy culinary creations when the Urban League Guild presents Men Who Cook at The Venue at Highlander, 2120 N. 30 St. For tickets or more info, phone Kathy J. Trotter at 402-658-1259. July 23 – The FBI Omaha Field Office will host a Diversity Agent Recruitment (DAR) event from 5-8 p.m. Special Agents and Professional Staff from the FBI will be available to discuss career opportunities. The info session is free, by invitation only. Interested candidates should visit www.fbijobs.gov, click on “Apply to Jobs,” search “DAR” and choose “DAR Omaha Talent Network,” read the job summary and click “Start.” After completing the questionnaire, qualified candidates will receive an invitation to the event with specific details on location, etc. July 27 – It’s a Party! Help the Omaha Star celebrate our 81st anniversary by enjoying a movie (The Wiz) under the stars. The family friendly event will be held at the Bryant Center basketball court (24th & Burdette). Enjoy music face painting, balloons, hula hoops, and more prior to the movie. Popcorn, soda and water will be provided. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Movie begins at 8:00 p.m. July 28 – Taste, feel, smell and witness the art of African grilling when Afromaha hosts Afro Grill Fest 2019 at Benson Park from 2-8 p.m. For more info, visit www.afromaha.com.
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Angela Drakeford’s ‘Homecoming’ Opens at Union for Contemporary Art This July, Omahaborn artist Angela Drakeford brings an immersive experience of sanctuary to The Union for Contemporary Art’s Wanda D. Ewing Gallery. In her solo exhibition, “Homecoming,” Drakeford explores the power of Angela Drakeford plants to preserve the human spirit and the home garden as a place of healing and refuge from racialized trauma. Drawing on her personal home aesthetic, Drakeford brings together real and artificial plants, vintage furniture, textiles, books, and digital media to create a multisensory environment inspired by the domestic spaces she has created to nurture her own wellbeing. Against the backdrop of current media, where citizen videos evince how Black bodies are hyperpoliced by law enforcement and civilians in public spaces, from parks to golf courses, Drakeford understands her work to be an “act of resistance” and “a mental health practice.” Visitors are invited to read and relax in the gallery while reflecting on the privilege of rest. Drakeford says: “I want the exhibition to be a gift, a place for lingering and taking up space … I think of the exhibition as an invitation to be in your body.” “Homecoming” is curated by Nicole J. Caruth and organized in conjunction with Native Omahans Days (July 29 – Aug. 5), a biennial homecoming event celebrating the memories, culture, and community spirit of North Omaha.
gardens, framing them as sites for spiritual healing, as well as for reflection on intersectional systems of power and erasure. As I focus on people and materials that have been exploited or excluded, my work wrestles with the question: How are we supposed to thrive when our existence is linked to the national truth that some of us were never meant to survive?” Public Programming in Conjunction with “Homecoming”
Writing in the Garden July 23 & 25, 6:30-8 p.m. Aug 6 & 8, 6:30-8 p.m. What creative work can quiet space engender? What happens in the serenity of sanctuary? Denise Chapman explores these questions as she leads meditative writing prompts in the gallery in conjunction with Angela Drakeford’s Homecoming. Participants are invited to spend time in the exhibition contemplating and responding to journal prompts around the themes of sanctuary, self-care, and nature.
Community Yoga July 18 & 25, 7-8 p.m. Aug. 1, 8 & 15, 7-8 p.m. Yoga instructor Alisha Davis leads a workshop on physical and spiritual rejuvenation in conjunction with Homecoming. This class will focus on mindful movement, restorative poses, and relaxation. All skill levels and bodies welcome. Mats will be provided. Suggested donation of $10 with all proceeds going to the instructor.
Angela Drakeford: Artist Statement Wanda D. Ewing Gallery Hours: “I use a range of mediums to address the Tuesday: 2-6 p.m. connection between human oppression and Wed-Fri: Noon - 6 p.m. psychological well-being. I am interested in what Saturday: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. it takes to combat the daily degradation of a person’s joy and humanity and the rituals we perform or practice to reaffirm a sense of self. I utilize the study of transgenerational trauma (the transmission of historical oppression and its negative consequences across generations) as a framework to investigate the links between the past and the present. In my most recent body of work, I transform interior spaces into multisensory botanical Angela Drakeford’s home sanctuary
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YOUTH/EDUCATION NEWS June 28, 2019 Nebraska Black History Art Contest 2019 City of Omaha The Nebraska Black History Art Contest recently held their annual awards Hydrant Parties ceremony at the Union for Contemporary
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OPS Administrative Appointments • Lynette Keyes, current OPS Principal at Standing Bear Elementary, will be assigned as the Principal at Masters Elementary. • Luann Jacobs, current OPS Instructional Supervisor, will be assigned as the Principal at Wilson Focus School. • Christina Warner, current OPS Staff Development Coordinator, will be assigned as the Principal at Franklin Elementary. • Daniel Kirchhevel, current OPS Instructional Facilitator Highland Elementary, will be assigned as the Principal at Miller Park Elementary. • Nathan Buchholz, current OPS Assistant Principal at Lewis & Clark Middle School, will be assigned as the Principal at Fullerton Elementary. • MeLitta Wilson, current OPS Instructional Facilitator at King Elementary, will be assigned as the Principal at Lothrop Elementary. • Bridget O’Melia, current OPS Assistant Principal at Druid Hill Elementary, will be assigned as the Principal at Standing Bear Elementary. • Langston Frison, current OPS Assistant Principal at Beveridge Magnet Middle School, will be assigned as the Principal at Rose Hill Elementary. • Tara Lane, current Assistant Principal for Dallas Independent School District, will be assigned as the Principal at Benson West Elementary. • Angelique Gunderson, current Middle School Principal for Grand Forks, ND Public Schools, will be assigned as the Principal at Marrs Magnet Middle School. • Benjamin Rosenbaum, current Associate General Counsel for Fresno Public Schools, will be assigned as Associate In-House Counsel for OPS.
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Art. Mistress of Ceremony Donella Lampkin presented 12 students with certificates and movie baskets loaded with goodies and prizes donated by Nebraska merchants. The recipients are: Vivian Dauner, Columbian Elementary, Victoria Bogatz,Two Springs Elementary, Ty’erre Crawford, Westside Middle, Eve Brumm, Seward Middle, Ayanna Picket Pin, Boys Town High, Zaineb Aljumayaat, Lincoln High, Natalie Leininger, Lincoln High, Jingming Yu, Lincoln East High, Shree Bhogshetty, Lincoln East High, Ashlyn Miller, Boys Town High, Kinga Swietom, Roncalli Catholic High, and Cameron Monroe, Roncalli Catholic High. The art will be on a traveling tour throughout 2019. For tour stops visit www.blackhistoryartcontests.com.
STEAM Academy Introduces Youth to Health Profession Careers Twelve-year-old Alae’ Copeland followed the pharmacy instructor’s directions to the letter. Grinding the Smarties with her mortar and pestle, she carefully mixed the candy powder with glycerin and bright pink food coloring. Next she added several tablespoons of vanilla frosting to the side of her weigh bowl, Copeland mixed small amounts of the frosting into the liquid making sure to incorporate everything. The entire process was an exercise designed to teach pharmaceutical compounding and was part of the Whitney Young Junior STEAM (science, technology, engineering, agriculture, mathematics) Academy through the Urban League of Nebraska. Copeland was one of 17 girls who took part in the June 6 field trip to the University of Nebraska Medical Center where the group learned about careers in pharmacy and allied health. The visit is part of a collaboration between the Urban League of Nebraska and the UNMC Office of Community Engagement. The program, aimed at girls, is part of a concerted effort to expose the youths to STEAM fields. The girls spend six weeks in the program throughout the summer and take part in numerous site visits and hands-on activities, said Jeffrey Williams, a Whitney Young Jr. Academy coordinator with the Urban League of Nebraska. The UNMC visit to explore health careers is one of many, that included a campus tour of Creighton University to learn what life is like at an undergraduate school, and a day spent learning about careers in aviation through building and flying drones. Williams said the STEAM Academy tries to expose the girls to the wide variety of careers in STEM fields and in providing opportunities for them to make new friends. Copeland, who said she has made several new friends through the STEAM Academy, said she especially enjoyed compounding lab during her visit to UNMC. Charlize Reaves, 13, said the visit has made her reconsider her career goals. “I was thinking about being a television host, but I really liked learning about the pharmacy stuff,” Reaves said. To date, 150 girls have taken part in the STEAM Academy since its inception in 2012, including this class, Williams said. The graduation rate for the girls who have participated is 100 percent and 80 percent of those young women went on to study some type of STEM field in college, he said. “Our time spent at UNMC is invaluable in helping the girls see what career opportunities lie ahead and help them set their career goals early in life,” Williams said.
Asthma In-Home Response
Emerald Starling, 17, of Marian High School, left, with Antaysia Williams, 17, of Omaha Northwest High School, work on compounding a fake ointment in the lab at the UNMC College of Pharmacy on June 6.
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Now find your favorite photo or grab your phone, take a selfie and send it to fwilliams@omahastarinc.com to be included in the Omaha Star’s commemorative Native Omahans issue. The issue, to be published on July 26, offers an opportunity to share your feelings about your hometown as fellow Omahans from around the globe return to their roots for the Native Omahans Club’s highly anticipated and much celebrated biennial reunion. The cost to have your photo and words included in this special keepsake issue is $25. You can phone Frankie at 402-346-4041, opt. 3 to make your payment by credit card or you can make payment on the Omaha Star website. Cash, check or credit card payments can be made at the Omaha Star office, 2216 N. 24th St, Monday thru Thursday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Please note all photos must be emailed. Please include your name and contact information with your submission. The deadline is July 8 to be included in publication.