Vol. 81 - No. 16

75 CENTS

OMAHA STAR

THE

Omaha’s own Scooter Girl

Proudly Serving Our Community for Over 80 Years Dedicated to the Service of the People that NO Good Cause Shall Lack a Champion and that Evil Shall Not Go Unopposed

Kenyatta Jefferson

Nebraska’s Only Black Owned Newspaper Vol. 81 - No. 16 Omaha, Nebraska

Friday, August 9, 2019

75 cents

‘Out of Omaha’ Premieres on Starz Network “Out of Omaha” is an intimate portrait of twin brothers Darcell and Darrell Trotter, two young black men coming of age in our racially and economically-divided city. Director Clay Tweel (Gleason, Finders Keepers, The Innocent Man) met the Trotters when they were 17 and filmed them over a period of eight years.

By intimately portraying the twins’ hopes and struggles – and the love and help they give and get along the way – the film examines how much it takes to overcome disadvantages rooted in historic injustice. “Out of Omaha” is executive produced by multiple platinum hip-hop recording artist J. Cole, the first artist in history to debut three singles on the Billboard Hot 100. The film made its world premiere in New York City at the esteemed DocNYC documentary film festival in November 2018 and won the festival’s coveted Audience Award. “Out of Omaha” will make its broadcast debut on Starz on Sept. 9 at 8 p.m. CT and will be available for download on all major platforms on the same date.

Black Men United and Positive Productive Black Fathers North Omaha Chapter will host a 4-day event beginning with the Million Father March - Take Your Child to School Day on the first day of school. They are asking the community for their support at Mt. View Elementary on Aug. 14. Other activities include the Books and Barbers book drive, pop up lunches at various schools and much more. A free day-long Fatherhood Engagement Summit will be held on Aug. 17 from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. at North High School, 4410 N. 36th St. Fathers and other male caregivers will get assistance with job, health and legal services.

A yoga class or relaxing massages will be available.

Breakout session topics include: raising daughters, managing anger and stress, learning to forgive, health and wellness, father’s rights and responsibilities and critical information on sustainable strategies for strengthening families. Special guest presenters will be Mr. Kenneth Braswell, Father’s Incorporated Atlanta, Ga., David Miller, Founder and CEO of the Dare To Be King Project, Baltimore, Md., and Daryl Green, Founder and CEO of Deep Forgiveness, Baltimore, Md. According to Black Men United Director Willie Hamilton, their goal is to assist fathers and caregivers facing tough challenges. They believe their familycentered focus with a laser focus on dads, can really turn things around. Register at Eventbrite.com. For more information phone 402-707-3115.

Things that Make You Say Hmm… Just an observation, we’re going to “park” this right here.

North Omaha No Parking Sign

Fatherhood Engagement Summit Aug. 17

South Omaha No Parking Sign

The Omaha Star Thanks the Community for Your Support Merriment, memories, melancholy filled the 24th Street Corridor as Native Omahans from everywhere gathered for the 22nd Biennial Native Omahans Days celebration. During the Stroll Down Memory Lane, Omaha Star newspaper carriers were seen everywhere making sure everyone got a copy of the Star’s July 26 Commemorative issue. The issue was described as a blast from the past and sure to be a conversation starter. But during the stroll, the girls and boys selling the papers were the conversation starters. Many buyers shared their memories of selling the Omaha Star for the founder Mildred D. Brown many years ago. The carriers were in full-steam-ahead mode, only stopping to take a photo with WBO Welterweight Champion Terence “Bud” Crawford. Although they were a team, three girls and one boy were competing for the top seller honor. The competition was fierce, but friendly, and they all hailed the newly crowned champ, Nalaya Ammons. Ten-year-old Nalaya, youngest of the team, sold 73 papers, ten more than the second place winner Coreyana Lytle. Barbara Reeves, greataunt of Davian and Brooklynn Brown, said, “This is a great opportunity for young people to plan their strategy, execute it, earn their money, budget and save it. I look forward to involving Dav and Brook in similar opportunities.”

There are still a limited number of the Commemorative issues available for $3 at the office, 2216 N. 24th St. Omaha Star Interim Publisher, Frankie Jean Williams, indicated she is hesitant to list names when she thinks of all the people she owes thanks for making this Commemorative issue one of the Star’s best. She began her thanks by saying,

“If you know you contributed to the success of this Commemorative issue and I did not publicly thank you, please charge it to my head and not my heart.”

She then smiled and said, “I used to laugh when I heard old people say that.

Now listen to me.”

She continued, “I first want to thank the Class of 1968, the greatest class to ever do it. They represented. When I began putting the issue together, I called Terry Goodwin Miller one Friday afternoon and told her I needed some help in identifying people to submit photos for a Commemorative issue I was publishing for Native Omahans Days. Terry willingly agreed to help.

Bright and early Monday morning Gary Jackson and Robert Faulkner walked into the office, looked at me and said, ‘Terry said you need our help.’ I said, ‘I need money.’ They never blinked an eye and asked, ‘how much?’”

Williams said, “That’s the power of family, friendship, faith. About 30 minutes after they left the office, in walks Wesley Dacus, another member of the greatest class to ever do it. And it continued. I want to thank Phyllis Mitchell, daughter of Native Omahans Club founder Vera Johnson and another Class of ’68 member, for her words of encouragement. Thanks to Pat Allen for use of her vintage photos, Johnny Rodgers for helping to do whatever, Velma Donald Penn for the old issues, Carolyn McDougle, Jozette Page, Alton Rollerson and Curlee and Carolynn Alexander for the yearbooks. Thanks to the celebrities among us who took the time to support the Black Press and for realizing that we are the ones who want to tell your stories, not your business. Thank you to everyone who

Back to School Issue – Aug. 23 Reserve your ad space 402-346-4041, x5

Darryl Green

David Miller

Kenneth Braswell

Angela Davis to be Honored by the National Women’s Hall Of Fame

By NewsOne Staff

Davian, Brooklynn, Nalaya, Coreyana, and the Champ.

placed a photo or had the names of loved ones inscribed on our memorial bricks. Then there are my “peeps” who are always here to help me through. I started naming you then I became afraid I would omit someone. You know who you are and what you mean to me – thank you. And my little newspaper carriers, Nalaya Ammons, Brooklynn and Davian Brown and Coreyana Lytle, you were tremendous helpers, I pray that in some way I am helping you to understand, “service is the price you pay for the space you occupy.” Lastly, but certainly not least, I want to thank SNI Creative Services for the work they did on this special issue. Ann Hinrichs has the creative ability to put my vision onto the pages and the patience of Job.”

Revolutionary activist and author Angela Davis has been instrumental in evoking social and political change. Just a year after it was announced that her collection of work would be added to Harvard University’s library, the Alabama native will now be inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame, the University of California Santa Cruz reported.

The former UC Santa Cruz professor will be honored during the institution’s centennial celebration of the women’s suffrage movement. Davis – a former member of the Black Panther Party – has utilized her platform to spread awareness about racial inequality and mass incarceration. She also served as a member of the Students Nonviolent Coordinating Committee and was jailed in the early 70s after allegedly trying to help free imprisoned activist George Jackson. After being acquitted in 1972, Davis turned to education and lectured around the world about history and consciousness. She also penned ten books that were focused on feminism, race and incarceration.

“I would say that as our struggles Davis mature, they produce new ideas, new issues and new terrain on which we engage in the quest for freedom,” she said in an interview with The Nation. “Like Nelson Mandela, we must be willing to embrace the long walk toward freedom.”

Davis will be inducted along with nine other influential women who dedicated their careers to the advancement of women and fighting for equal rights. Amongst the 2019 inductees are U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, women’s rights attorney Gloria Allred, scientist Flossie WongStaal, musician Laurie Spiegel, actress Jane Fonda, artist Rose O’Neill, former United States Representative Louise Slaughter, lawyer Sarah Deer and retired United States Air Force officer Nicole Malachowski. “We are pleased to add these American women to the ranks of inductees whose leadership and achievements have changed the course of American history,” Betty Bayer, President of The National Women’s Hall of Fame, said in a statement.

The institution – which was founded 50 years ago – is the country’s oldest organization that has been dedicated to highlighting the accomplishments of women in different sectors. The induction ceremony is slated to take place on Sept. 14.

The Omaha Star welcomes Balloons By Glen to the Small Business Connection

Ambassador’s Back to School Bash – Aug. 21.

See In the Village for details.

LOCAL NEWS THE OMAHA STAR, INC. ‘Do Space’ Hosts Women Innovators THE VOICE OF THE BLACK COMMUNITY Fellowship Showcase Editorial and Business Office

Page Two

THE OMAHA STAR

2216 North 24th Street

Phone: 402.346.4041

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E-MAIL ADDRESSES: tcooper@omahastarinc.com DShaw@ omahastarinc.com fwilliams@omahastarinc.com Business Hours: Monday – Wednesday – 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Thursday – 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Member of the National Newspaper Publishers Association MILDRED D. BROWN: Founder, July 9, 1938 DR. MARGUERITA L. WASHINGTON: Publisher, 1989 - 2016 PHYLLIS HICKS: Publisher & Managing Editor, 2016 - 2019 Frankie Jean Williams: Interim Publisher/Editor Tanya Cooper: Advertising Director/Business Manager Debra Shaw: Social Media Administrator Carl Hill: Retail Distributor THE OMAHA STAR believes that America can best lead the world away from racial and national antagonism when it accords every man, regardless of race, color or creed, his human and legal rights. Hating no man, fearing no man in the firm belief that all are hurt as long as one is held back.

DISCLAIMER

The United States provides opportunities for free expression of ideas. The Omaha Star has its views, but others may differ. Therefore the Omaha Star ownership reserves the right to publish views and opinions by syndicated and local columnists, professional writers and other writers whose opinions are solely their own. Those views do not necessarily reflect the policies and position of the staff and management of the Omaha Star newspaper.

Readers are encouraged to email letters to the editor commenting on current events as well as what they would like to see included in the paper. Those emails should be sent to: 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.

Pick up your copy of the Omaha Star at these convenient locations: Baker’s Supermarket

7312 N. 30th St.

Baker’s Supermarket

4405 N. 72nd St.

Big Mama’s

3223 N. 45th St.

Chubb’s Finer Foods

2905 N. 16th St.

Cubby’s

4232 Redman Ave.

Cubby’s Old Market

601 S. 13th Street

Easy Drive

5124 N. 24th St.

Family Fare Supermarket

820 N. Saddle Creek Rd.

Family Fare Supermarket

7402 N. 30th St.

Great Plains Black History Museum

2221 N. 24th St.

Omaha women are not only underrepresented in technical roles, but they are also underrepresented in business. Women hold less than a quarter of our city’s tech jobs. In 2018, women founders received only 2.2% of all U.S. venture capital dollars – the same percentage Fortune reported for 2017. At the beginning of the year, Do Space selected three Fellows tasked with developing projects that address the challenges facing Omaha women in technology and tech entrepreneurship.

The Do Space Women Innovators Fellowship was a competitive, six-month experience that challenged the three Fellows to develop new resources and tools to promote the advancement of women in technology and tech entrepreneurship in Omaha. This unique opportunity was generously sponsored by Dr. James and Karen Linder. Each Fellow received expert mentorship from local female tech and business leaders, a $10,000 stipend and additional resources to bring her big idea to life. On July 31, Do Space hosted the Women Innovators Fellowship Showcase where the three Fellows shared their final projects with the community.

Fellows included April Goettle who developed remoter.tech, a resource website and job board that will launch later this summer. It will promote remote, flexible tech work opportunities to talent in Omaha and the surrounding rural areas while connecting small businesses to the resources they need to pursue their first remote hires. Remote or flex work is the ability to work from home, outside a traditional 9-5 office setting, is one of

City Sprouts is hosting their annual Grow With Us Gala. The theme of this year’s gala is “An Afternoon of Culinary Adventure,” featuring live culinary demonstrations by local gourmet chefs and signature dishes and cocktails using City Sprouts’ fresh produce for a unique dining experience.

This year’s guest chefs will demonstrate how they create their dishes and dessert using City Sprouts’ August harvest of fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Guests are invited to join in the excitement by entering a raffle to be sous chef to the gourmets, as they prepare each special recipe for the audience. The culinary students of Metropolitan Community College replicate these dishes for the entire crowd to sample.

The acclaimed guest chefs for this year’s gala include: • John Engler, Chef of Society 1854 in the Capital District • Jacob Newton, Executive Chef of V.Mertz in the Old Market • Kimbler Harrold, Chef of the Scott

Conference Center • Brian Langbehn, Founder, Chef & Scoopologist of Coneflower Creamery in Blackstone • Katie Arant, Chef & Ice Cream Artisan of Coneflower Creamery in Blackstone Our featured cocktail will be an Elderberry Smash, with elderberry syrup and herbs from City Sprouts. Beer and spirits will also be provided by Lucky Bucket Brewing at the bar.

The gala takes place on Aug. 18 from 1:30 - 4 p.m. at the Institute for the Culinary Arts at Metropolitan Community College at the Fort Street Campus, 5300 N. 30th St. City Sprouts invites community members to attend and participate in the gala. Businesses and organizations can purchase a table for 10 or sponsor the gala at one of four sponsorship levels, featuring a variety of benefits. Tickets and sponsorship information are available at www.omahasprouts.org/gala, or by emailing Roxanne Draper, Executive Director at

Omaha Star Publishing dates 2019

108th & Fort St.

August

Phil’s CASHSAVER A cost Plus Food Outlet

3030 Ames Ave.

Friday

Skeet’s Barbeque

2201 N. 24th St.

August 23, 2019

September

Walgreens

7202 N. 30th St.

Walgreens

3005 Lake St.

Walgreens

4310 Ames Ave.

Walgreens

2929 N. 60th St.

Walgreens

7151 Cass St.

Walgreens

6005 N. 72nd St.

Walgreens

225 N. Saddle Creek Rd.

Walgreens

1802 Galvin Road South, (Bellevue) 4011 Ames Ave

director@omahasprouts.org. This fundraiser supports the City Sprouts Urban Farming Internship, which trains local, underserved youth in farming, culinary arts, practical life skills, education, and public health each summer.

City Sprouts, a 501c3 nonprofit, is Omaha’s longest-running community garden. Originally founded in 1995, City Sprouts has expanded our facilities from our original community garden to include an education center, an urban farm, a second community garden in South Omaha, and a chicken coop full of laying hens.

By providing education on gardening and sustainability, fresh and affordable food, a community gathering space, and employment opportunities, City Sprouts empowers the community to sustainably grow, eat, provide and promote healthy, local foods. Learn more at http://www. omahasprouts.org.

Culture and community will move to the forefront Aug. 24 as North Omaha based grassroots festival the Malcolm X Sōl Food + Music Festival returns. From 1-8 p.m. performance artists, community members and small business owners will gather at the Malcolm X Memorial Foundation, 3448 Evans St., to celebrate community wellness. A committee made up of young professionals, activists, and artists aims to exceed the success of last year’s festival, which saw over 150 attendees. The schedule for this festival includes performances from local and international artists, food from a variety of vendors, site tours, gardening expos, seed exchange, and Event committee artisan vendors.

The Malcolm X Sōl Food + Music festival shares a connection with Dis Poem Wordz & Agro Festival, which takes place the final Sunday of April in Port Antonio, Jamaica. As Dis Poem moves toward its 10th annual festival in 2020, it will look to honor the accomplishments of Omaha native Malcolm X. Attendees at this year’s Omaha festival can look forward to performances from new and established local artists such as J Crum, Edem Soul Music, Olivia Johnson, Wakanda One, Geovauni X, Bound Music, Shukura Huggins, Buddi3 da GAWD, and Pear Tree Performing arts, as well as international poet Ras Takura of Jamaica. Tickets for the Malcolm X Sōl Food + Music Festival are available now at malcolmxfoundation.ticketleap. com. Phone 402-704-7550 for inquiries regarding vending and volunteering or email mxfoodfest@gmail.com.

Hy-Vee Supermarket

3001 Dodge St.

The American Red Cross urges citizens to nominate people who they feel have performed extraordinary acts during the last year for a Red Cross Hero Award. Each year, Red Cross chapters in Kansas, Nebraska and Southwest Iowa honor individuals who have saved another person’s life during the past year or who have positively impacted the quality of life in their community.

Nominations can be submitted online at redcross.org/Kansasheroes or redcross.org/ Nebraska-heroes.

Local heroes will be honored at the following events: • Topeka Tribute to Heroes: Nov. 6 (nomination deadline: Aug. 14) • Wichita Tribute to Heroes: Dec. 12 (nomination deadline: Aug. 23) • Omaha-Council Bluffs Heroes in the Heartland: March 3 (nomination deadline: Dec. 2) At the events, the heroes and their guests will be honored by an audience of community leaders and supporters.

Grassroots Festival Clear For Takeoff

5150 Center St.

Walgreens

Red Cross Accepting Nominations for Local Heroes

An Afternoon of Culinary Adventure: City Sprouts Annual ‘Grow With Us’ Gala

Hy-Vee Supermarket

Youngblood’s Barbershop

the primary benefits sought after by tech workers today – particularly women.

Why do women choose to stay in or leave tech majors and careers? In 1984, approximately 37% of computer science majors were women. Today, that has fallen to 18%. Women leave the tech industry at a 45% higher rate than men. In order to better understand the tech talent pipeline issues Omaha faces, Fellow Bianca Zongrone Jefferson conducted a local research study and interviewed women who are currently in – or have left – tech majors and careers, with the aim of helping Omaha universities and employers attract, grow and retain diverse tech talent.

The final Do Space Women Innovator Fellow Carina Glover developed and recently launched HerHeadquarters, a mobile app exclusive to women entrepreneurs and freelancers within the fashion, beauty, entertainment, events and public relations industries. The goal of the app is to help Omaha women entrepreneurs find the allies they need to grow their empires faster by empowering them to connect and collaborate with peers in Los Angeles, New York City, Miami and beyond.

“We are excited to see the impact that April, Bianca and Carina’s projects will have on the Omaha tech community,” said Rebecca Stavick, executive director of Do Space. “They all came forward with ambitious projects that address the challenges our tech community faces, and we hope this program and their projects will continue to raise awareness and advance technology initiatives in the Midwest.”

August 9, 2019

Friday Friday

September 6, 2019 September 20, 2019

October Friday Friday

October 4, 2019 October 18, 2019

November Friday Friday Friday

November 1, 2019 November 15, 2019 November 29, 2019

December Friday Friday

December 13, 2019 December 27, 2019

Metro Transit to Begin ORBT Platform Construction

Omaha’s first bus rapid transit line is coming soon. Construction will begin mid-August on Metro Transit’s ORBT stations.

Metro’s construction team, led by The Weitz Company, will lay the foundation for each station, which includes platform preparation, roadway improvements and travel upgrades.

“We’re excited to work with Weitz as we lay the groundwork for an enhanced transit system,” said Curt Simon, Metro’s executive director. “This will be a game changer for transit in our community.”

Construction time will vary by location and temporarily close sections of adjacent travel lanes. Temporary bus stops will be installed near all platform construction sites. Sidewalk access may be limited due to safety concerns and space constraints, so pedestrians will be encouraged to use alternate routes until construction at each site is completed.

Once a site is prepared, ORBT stations – which are being fabricated by Dimensional Innovations in Overland Park, Kansas – will be transported to Omaha and lifted into place by crane.

Installation and testing of technology components will follow. Until ORBT begins operation next spring, Metro asks the community to be safe and respectful in these shared spaces.

“We appreciate everyone’s patience in advance,” Simon said. “We are confident that the benefits from ORBT will be valuable to a growing city that wants and needs more transportation options.”

The public can stay up to date on ORBT construction at rideORBT.com, by signing up for the ORBT Dispatch Newsletter, or by following ORBT on Twitter.

LOCAL NEWS THE OMAHA STAR Page Three 1919 Race Riot, Lynching of Will Financial Tips from Veridian Brown, Topic of Book and Panel Discussion at Creighton Do You Know How You Make Financial Decisions?

August 9, 2019

Author and Creighton University alumnus Ted Wheeler will read from and discuss his first novel, Kings of Broken Things, at an upcoming event Sept. 5 beginning at 7 p.m. in the Harper Center auditorium.

Wheeler’s historical novel set in Omaha takes place against the backdrop of the Omaha baseball scene, the Dennison political machine, the 1919 race riot and the lynching of Will Brown.

His talk will be followed by a panel discussion on how fiction can advance the conversation on racial justice and reconciliation, and how racial themes referenced in this novel manifest now.

“Many people thought that things like this only happened in Alabama or Georgia, never Nebraska.

Hopefully, people reading Kings will consider how these events have affected what came later – why Omaha is set up the way it is geographically, why our schools are divided the way they are and how the events of September 1919 set into motion so much of what our city has become 100 years later. This happened in Omaha, too, and we have to face that,” Wheeler says.

Wheeler’s acclaimed book – which Kirkus Ted Wheeler – Photo credit Travis Thiezsen Reviews called “an unsettling and insightful piece of historical fiction” – follows a group of characters living in an atmosphere of world war, political graft and racial resentment that led to a heinous act of mob violence.

To inaugurate the study and work of the Kingfisher Institute for the Liberal Arts and Professions, Creighton is engaging students, faculty, staff and the wider Omaha community in a closer look at the events of the 1919 riot and how they echo a century later.

“Over the last year, I’ve been helping the Kingfisher Institute and Omaha Community Council for Racial Justice and Reconciliation to memorialize Will Brown, who was lynched on Sept. 28, 1919. The anniversary and commemoration give the city an occasion, and a responsibility, to be self-reflective about who we’ve been, who we are and who we want to be,” Wheeler says.

Panelists for the event are: Eric Ewing, executive director, Great Plains Black History Museum; Creighton professors Heather Fryer, PhD, history; the Rev. Henry W. Casper, SJ, professor of history and director, American Studies Program; and Palma Strand, JD, professor of law, negotiation and conflict resolution program. The moderator for the discussion is Lydia Cooper, PhD, associate professor of English.

A book signing will follow the discussion, with Wheeler’s novel available for purchase.

Wheeler has more than 20 publications to his credit, including placement in the prestigious Best New American Voices series, and in respected literary journals such as Boulevard, The Kenyon Review, The Cincinnati Review and Confrontation. He is also the author of the short story collection Bad Faith and the upcoming novel In Our Other Lives (on sale March 2020).

In 2008, he earned a master’s degree in English, and in 2015 he earned a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing, both from Creighton.

Think about the last optional purchase you made, like a new T-shirt or a candy bar from the checkout aisle. Why did you decide to buy it?

Experts have identified psychological patterns that, alone or in combination, help explain why people make the choices they do with their money – both good and bad. Questioning why you made a purchase can point out those patterns in your life, which can help you get rid of bad behaviors.

Read the list of spending styles below and see if you recognize yourself in the descriptions.

• Gives lavishly to others to create emotional connections; may neglect their own needs • Buys things because it makes them feel better now, though they may regret it later • Views possessions as status symbols and makes purchases accordingly • Seeks out bargains for the rush of the deal, even if they don’t really need or want the product • Hopes for the best while ignoring their financial reality • Looks for shortcuts to wealth; may lack patience

• Uses gifts and money to control others or as a substitute for control over their own lives • Thinks constantly about ways to get more money and may conflate money with power • Refuses to accept responsibility for their financial problems because the system is rigged • Fears losing money and may miss opportunities because of it • Saves for the future and avoids financial decisions based on emotion If you find yourself repeatedly going over budget or making purchases you come to regret, reflect on your spending habits and the profiles above. Think about how you make financial decisions now and how you’d like to change that going forward.

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.

New Warden Appointed at NDCS (Lincoln) – Director Scott R. Frakes has announced the appointment of Todd Wasmer as the new warden for the Tecumseh State Correctional Institution (TSCI). Wasmer assumed his new duties on Aug. 5. He replaces Brad Hansen, who is retiring after 42 years with the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services (NDCS).

Most recently, Wasmer has served as assistant warden of the Eloy Detention Center in Arizona, a 1,550-bed facility housing detainees for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Prior to that post, Wasmer was chief of security for the Citrus County Detention Facility in Florida and was an assistant chief of security at La Palma Correctional Center in Arizona.

Wasmer began his corrections career as an officer in 2005. Before that, Wasmer completed a nineyear stint in the U.S. Army, where he rose through the ranks to become a training coordinator in Fort Eustis, Virginia.

“Todd brings a great deal of experience to his new role as warden at TSCI,” said Director Frakes.

“He has more than 17 years of supervisory experience, has worked in large scale correctional facilities and he has extensive experience when it comes to leadership, training and emergency management.”

Prosecutor Don Kleine Refuses to Reopen Case of Black Panther Leader Edward Poindexter

By Michael Richardson Edward Poindexter will not get another day in court if Douglas County Attorney Don Kleine has his way.

Kleine was recently asked to reopen the 1971 conviction of Poindexter for the murder of Patrolman Larry Minard by the author of “Framed: J. Edgar Hoover, COINTELPRO & the Omaha Two story.” The book details as never before the inside story of the murder investigation manipulated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation to obtain a conviction of Black Panther leader Poindexter and co-defendant David Rice, later Wopashitwe Mondo Eyen we Langa.

Poindexter and Mondo were targets of a clandestine counterintelligence operation of the FBI code-named COINTELPRO and both men were on a secret detention list known as the Security Index. Mondo was also marked for ambush in Carter Lake, Iowa, while returning from Eppley Airport with copies of the Black Panther newspaper. Poindexter was the

victim of two FBI bogus letters written to defame him in the black community and with the national headquarters of the Black Panther Party in Oakland, California.

In December 1969, after deadly raids in Chicago and Los Angeles against the Black Panthers, FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover ordered Omaha Special Agent in Charge Paul Young to get “imaginative” with a plan to get the Omaha Two off the streets. In August 1970, Young was able to carry out Hoover’s order with the arrest of Poindexter and Mondo for the murder of Minard. Hoover ordered FBI Laboratory head Ivan Willard Conrad to not issue a lab report on the identity of the anonymous 911 caller who lured Minard to his bombing death in a vacant house.

A 15-year-old, Duane Peak, planted the bomb but got a deal from Knowles in exchange for implicating Poindexter and Mondo and never served a day in prison. Peak claimed he made the call, protecting an accomplice with a deep gravelly voice. An audiological test of

the tape could have proved Peak was lying about the 911 call and thus was never performed.

The jury that convicted the two men never heard the 911 recording that captured a killer’s voice. Nor was the jury told about COINTELPRO or the Omaha Police Department harassment campaign against the Panthers which was documented in a confidential FBI file.

Kleine began his long career of public service working as a new prosecutor for Donald Knowles, who prosecuted Poindexter. Kleine was not hired until after the Minard case and was unaware of the extent of involvement of the FBI in both the investigation and prosecution.

Ignoring the fact that “Framed” put the previously untold story of FBI subterfuge together in one place from primary sources, Kleine did not respond to the request to reopen the cold case.

When asked by the Omaha WorldHerald for an answer, Kleine claimed he is always willing to take a second look if new evidence arises. However,

‘Sweat’ Opens Aug. 16 at Omaha Community Playhouse Winner of the 2017 Pulitzer Prize, “Sweat,” directed by Susie Collins, will open Aug. 16 at the Omaha Community Playhouse (OCP). The show will run in the Howard Drew Theatre, 6915 Cass St., Aug. 16 Sept. 15. Performances will be held Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m.

“Sweat” is a head-first dive into working class America. A three-time Tony Award nominee, “Sweat” follows a group of Photo Credit: Colin Conces Photography Left to right: Brandon Williams and Josh Peyton steelworkers whose steady march toward the American dream is uprooted by economic change.

As their sense of security slowly unravels, jobs and relationships are left in the wake. Punctuated with lively humor, “Sweat: goes to the heart of what it means to be human – both good and bad – when fear and uncertainty take hold.

The cast includes George Weaver as Evan, Brandon Williams as Chris, Josh Peyton as Jason, Thomas Becker as Stan, Manny Onate as Oscar, Laura LeiningerCampbell as Tracey, Kathy Tyree as Cynthia, Jennifer Gilg as Jessie and last Photo Credit: Colin Conces Photography but not least, James Wright as Brucie.

Left to right: Laura Leininger-Campbell and Kathy Tyree Tickets are on sale now, with prices varying by performance. Tickets can be purchased at the OCP Box Office, 6915 Cass St., by phone at 402.553-0800, or online at OmahaPlayhouse.com.

For more information, contact Kimberly Faith Hickman at khickman@omahaplayhouse.com or 402553-4890.

Kleine/Poindexter (credits: Don Kleine/Mary Loan)

Kleine dodged the request by saying the courts had already given “intense scrutiny” to the case.

“There’s a lot of people who have looked at this. But I’m not aware of anything that leads me to believe these people are completely innocent.”

Kleine’s refusal to consider the federal tampering with the case leaves

Ed Poindexter stuck in his maximumsecurity cell at the Nebraska State Penitentiary, serving a life without parole sentence and without further recourse to the courts. Poindexter has steadfastly maintained his innocence.

Mondo died at the prison in March 2016.

Community Leader to Lead Tours of Omaha’s Legendary North 24th Street

The local Nebraska Tour Company is now offering exclusive monthly opportunities for guests to experience North Omaha’s renowned “Street of Dreams” with an expert who has close personal ties with some of the street’s storied history.

Preston Love Jr. will lead guests on a one-hour walking tour down 24th Street and tell stories of his life as the son of famed jazz musician Preston Love Sr. The experience will help guests uncover the rich blend of the musical, political and AfricanAmerican history of North Omaha. The tour will take visitors back in time as they get to see landmarks and hear stories of Malcolm X in Omaha. Guests are sure to come away with a greater appreciation for the culture that continues to make North Omaha a national treasure.

Love Preston Love Jr. has been a long-standing leader, advocate and member of the North Omaha community since childhood. His knowledge of the area and stories he tells will give guests a new perspective on the music, people and places unique to Omaha. He lived it. And he wants to tell guests all about it.

The initial tour date is set for Aug. 24. Those interested in joining can book their experience or check for future availability online at nebraskatourcompany.com/north-omaha-walking-history-tour.

Mary McLeod Bethune Awards Dinner Gala

The Omaha Section - National Council of Negro Women Inc. is celebrating 40 years of service in the Omaha community with its 40th Anniversary Mary McLeod Bethune Awards Dinner Gala on Aug. 24 at 6 p.m., at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Omaha, 1616 Dodge St. Our dynamic keynote speaker, Dr. A. Lois Keith, is the National Vice President of the National Council of Negro Women Inc. This year’s theme, “Women United in Prosperity, Purpose and Progress,” illuminates a continuing need for women’s economic prosperity. For more information or to obtain tickets, phone Perlie Whitley at 402-320-0375.

The mission of the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) is to lead, develop and advocate for women of African Dr. A. Lois Keith descent as they support their families and communities.

NCNW fulfills its mission through research, advocacy and national and community-based services and programs on issues of health, education, and economic empowerment. NCNW is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

Please like us on Facebook at Omaha Section-NCNW, Inc., and follow us on Twitter @OmahaNCNW.

PRAISE, WORSHIP, DEVOTION, OBITUARIES & INSPIRATION August 9, 2019 Baltimore Reverend Snubs Trump’s Deaths & Funerals ‘Inner City Pastors’ Meeting Earnest L. Alexander Sr. *** (Eva) Lambert, Jr; daughter:

Page Four

THE OMAHA STAR

By Bruce C.T. Wright In the wake of his ongoing racist tirade against people of color that has most recently been laser-focused on Black leaders, President Donald Trump called a meeting with a group of “Inner City Pastors.” While the purpose of the meeting wasn’t announced, it appeared to be damage control after a weekend of labeling Baltimore, a predominately Black city, as “a disgusting, rat and rodent infested mess” and disparaging Maryland Rep. Elijah Cummings in a tweet that many people called racist.

The meeting also came after Trump attacked the Rev. Al Sharpton on Twitter last week by calling him a “con man” who “hates Whites & Cops.”

Vice President Mike Pence tweeted out several photos showing him meeting with a group of smiling “inner city Pastors” following what he called a “productive” meeting, though whatever they discussed was not immediately disclosed.

“These Pastors have put their faith to work in their own communities, revitalizing inner cities and delivering positive results while working with President @realDonaldTrump on so many important initiatives,” Pence added.

However, there was apparently one invitee who turned down Trump’s request to meet at the White House. The Rev. Donte Hickman said he was “unavailable” to meet, the Baltimore Sun

reported.

Hickman’s absence could have been returning the same favor to Trump. The president snubbed the East Baltimore pastor last year and canceled a trip to visit him in Charm City. Hickman seemed to hint to the Sun that Trump should visit Baltimore to better understand the place he was tweeting about but has not officially visited as president.

“I think it’s important for the president to engage with and really see the community of which he talks about and has talked about giving support to,” Hickman told the Sun. One of the people who attended the “Inner City Pastors” meeting with Trump was Alveda King, the Rev. Martin Luther King‘s niece, who was, like her fellow attendees, showing all her teeth.

She famously insisted last year that Trump isn’t “a racist in the traditional sense,” a sentiment that underscores why she was probably invited in the first place.

But aside from the overt play to keep trying to convince people that he doesn’t “have a Racist bone” in his body, perhaps the biggest takeaway from Monday’s meeting was how Trump labeled the folks he met with. “Inner City Pastors” was a top trending term on Twitter following his tweet announcing the meeting, making those three words ripe for users to mock as everything from racist to an imaginary name for a boy band.

Inner City Pastors

The Beauty of a Clear Conscience

By Dr. William Holland

Mr. Earnest L. Alexander Sr., age 53, passed away Wednesday, July 31, at his residence.

Survived by wife; Deborah Alexander; sons: Earnest Jr, Anthony, Aaron & David Alexander; daughters: Erica, Dallas, TX, Delisha, Elizabeth, & Al’kia Alexander, Omaha; mother: Annie Lindsey, West Helena, AR; 9 grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives.

Arrangements are pending.

Arrangements by Thomas Funeral Home.

Michael J. Jackson Mr. Michael J. Jackson, age 64, passed away Monday, July 22, at his residence.

Funeral Services were held 1p.m. Friday, July 26, Mortuary.

Interment: Mt. Hope Cemetery Arrangements by Thomas Funeral Home. *** Bessie L. Lambers Ms Bessie L. Lambers, age 89, passed away Sunday, Aug. 3, at her residence.

Survived by son: Robert

Rosemarie Lambert Jones; brothers: Parker (Dana) Moore, Jr., Leander ( Jean) Moore; sisters: Amanda Smith, Omaha, Mary Bell Rice, Eutaw, AL; 4 grandchildren, 4 great-grand, nieces, nephews, other relatives.

Funeral Service: 11 a.m.

Friday, Aug. 9, Salem Baptist Church, Rev. Dr. Selwyn Q. Bachus, officiating.

Interment: Mt. Hope Cemetery.

Arrangements by Thomas Funeral Home.

Kids Talk About God Why Does the Bible Call Jesus ‘The Word’?

By Carey Kinsolving And Friends “Jesus is the Word because through him all things are made,” says Jonathan, 8. “What he said became. Through the words of Jesus, the Earth and man were made. So, he is the Word.”

When we read, “In the beginning was the Word” in John’s Gospel, we should immediately think of another Bible text that begins with the same introductory phrase. Genesis 1:1 says, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.”

John’s purpose is to establish the fact that Jesus is God and man in one person. By presenting Jesus Christ as the Word through which all things were created, John is saying that God chose Jesus as his messenger/messiah to tell us about himself. Jesus is God and the revealer of God the Father.

“No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, he has declared him” (John 1:18).

The revelation of God starts with creation, but it doesn’t end there. God is personal. In the teaching, life and work of Jesus Christ, God communicated everything he desired. Creation is God’s general revelation, but Jesus Christ is God’s personal message to us.

In Greek philosophy, the concept behind the Word (Logos) is the divine principle that permeates an orderly universe. In the Old Testament, the Word carries the idea of active power. God spoke the universe into being. The Apostle John presents Jesus as the eternal Word, who took on flesh and blood so that we could behold God’s glory.

Around the globe, gigantic radio telescopes point to the heavens for any intelligent signal from outer space. In Jesus, we have God’s heaven-to-Earth message. At times, God must be

In every sense, we can say that our conscience is much more important than we think. In fact, one of the challenges within our human development is that we are seldom taught to consider our conscience at all. I want to intentionally make a big deal about our conscience because I consider it to be one of our highest treasures. How so? We’ve all seen the cartoons that portray the person trying to decide if they should be bad or good along with the angel sitting on one shoulder and the devil on the other. Actually, this scenario represents each of us and the inner turmoil of trying to choose which path to take exposes the war between rebellious temptations and the awareness of doing what is right. What is rarely clarified in this popular presentation is how the angel represents God’s perfect truth and though everyone

By James A. Washington can have a basic comprehension of right and wrong, it is difficult to Publisher of the Dallas Weekly News understand God’s voice especially if an individual has not personally accepted Christ into their life as Lord and Savior. In this light, we Have you succumbed to the notion yet that comprehend that everyone’s conscience is directly associated with prayer will get you through it? The ‘it’ I’m their spirit. Some have a value system that is based on emotions and referring to is EVERYTHING. philosophy while others follow and embrace where God guides. As If the truth be told and you’re like me, at pain sensors tell our brain that something is wrong in our body, the times you’re not very enthusiastic about your conscience also works with the Holy Spirit as a security system that faith. That fire that initially burned in me when reminds God’s children when they have sinned and warns them if I finally met Christ leaves me more cold than hot and I cannot they are even contemplating about being bad. Obeying God is the and do not remain constant or consistent in my journey towards beauty of a clear conscience. eternal salvation.

I have often mentioned how important it is to cultivate and Have you ever been there? It is then that my prayer life is more maintain our thoughts. The mind is not only the area of all our ideas often weak not strong. I’ve finally figured out at times like these and intentions but is the battlefield where we are constantly making that if I only do one thing, I have to continue to pray. However critical decisions. To not be concerned about incorporating mental casual or cavalier I might think it is, if I do nothing else, I’ve discipline and allowing God to help us renew our mind, we are learned that I’ve got to pray my way through it. ignoring one of the most crucial responsibilities in this life. George If you’ve ever been lost on a nameless highway and know that Bernard Shaw is quoted, “A Native American elder once described you’re lost, you probably understand what I’m talking about. his own inner struggles in this manner: Inside of me, there are two No exit, no gas stations, no people or other cars around. No one dogs. One of the dogs is mean and evil. The other dog is good. The to ask for directions. You just keep driving and you just keep mean dog fights the good dog all the time. When asked which dog looking, hoping against hope. It’s just you and the needle on the wins, he reflected for a moment and replied, the one I feed the most.” fuel gauge.

If the conscience is another word for the heart, we can agree that Given your and my circumstances, prayer is probably very whichever we choose to use, it involves the deepest part of who we appropriate when one is spiritually lost; especially when you are are. I personally believe the mind is the ultimate control center but forced to acknowledge that you are. My word to you is to just the conscience can influence and persuade our decisions. Let us not keep praying. forget the individual who has invited Christ into their life also has At this stage of my spiritual development, I can’t think of an God’s presence as the most important influence to help manage and alternative.

I just so happened to look up prayer in my bible’s control. Again, the best-case scenario is when a person allows their Concordance and found out that I’m correct in my assumption conscience to be controlled through the Lord. I remember watching an interview years ago and the person was asked to talk about their faith and to give their personal interpretation of sin. They replied, “Being out of line with my values.” This is hardly a solid answer theologically because right and wrong are not based on human values. It’s true that following our conscience is trustworthy when it obeys God’s desires, however, this answer was referring to the act of someone’s conscience being violated or compromised. Sin has everything to do with us choosing our own will over God’s will.

In a fallen world that is filled with distractions, we realize that a clear conscience is associated with spiritual peace and contentment.

Carl Jung is quoted as saying, “Through pride, we are ever deceiving ourselves. But deep down below the surface of the average conscience, a still small voice says to us, something is out of tune.”

The world’s motto declares how they cannot obtain satisfaction Both Born Out of Necessity and within this default disposition, we find that no class of society is immune from this reality. When wrong ideas are planted, wrong For Self-Expression attitudes are easily developed such as the idea that the more possessions a person gathers, the more contentment we will have.

Nothing could be further from the truth. So how can we be set free And Both Black - Owned. from the misery of a deceived and calloused conscience? We can ask God to save us from ourselves. “How much more shall the blood of Together, The Press Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot And the Pulpit to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living Can Give Us Full Citizenship God” Hebrews 9:14.

Immediately (Read more at billyhollandministries.com.)

wondering, “Is anyone listening?”

“I think Jesus was a message of God’s love,” says Abby, 11. “I also think he showed this by suffering on the cross for every one of our sins.

And now because of ‘the Word’ and his love, we have a chance to have an eternal life in heaven.”

I couldn’t have said it better, Abby.

“I think the Bible calls Jesus the Word because he speaks the truth,” says Leilani, 10. “He tells us to believe in him. He wants us to spread the Word of him to everyone.”

Jesus Christ didn’t promise a rose garden to those who believe in him as the way, the truth and the life. He told his disciples to expect hatred from those who reject him. The Apostle John presents Jesus as a great light entering a dark world. His light would shine so brightly that the opposition and lies of those living in darkness would not be able to overcome him (John 1:4-5).

The evil one and those he controlled thought they had silenced the true Word when Roman soldiers drove nails into Jesus’ hands and feet. What appeared as a complete triumph of darkness over light only demonstrated the wisdom, power and truth of Jesus’ words about his triumphal resurrection. Almost 2,000 years later, lying words seek to rob us from the light of that true Word. No matter how dark things get in any generation, there will always be some who accept the light who gives eternal life.

Think about this: Jesus Christ is God’s personal message of love, truth and peace to us.

Memorize this truth: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1).

Ask this question: Do you know Jesus as the true Word, who gives light and life?

Spiritually Speaking… that prayer(s), pray(ed), praying, all hold a special place in spiritual history and in the eyes of God. For every quote I could give you right now, there are many of you who could quote at least three more appropriate ones for this message. James 5:15-16 “And prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. Therefore, confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you might be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.”

I will not sit here and profess to you to be a righteous man.

What I will do is profess to you and anyone who will listen that I am a sinner seeking God’s forgiveness.

I am also on record as praying for you, my fellow man, that you too, will understand God’s faithfulness. Mark 11:24-25 “Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it and it will be yours. And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.”

I’m not making this stuff up. This is what the text says.

Hopefully, what I’m trying to convey to you is once I was lost.

I’m sure I’ll get lost again and when it happens, prayer will continue to lead me home.

It is an irrefutable spiritual fact.

Try it. Speak to God from your heart. Let Him know that you know He knows you are lost. He will then step up and act out on your behalf proclaiming for all to see that you are never really lost and certainly never really alone. He has known where you were from the beginning of time.

May God bless and keep you always.

AND

THOMAS FUNERAL HOME

THE BLACK CHURCH:

TRADITION • RESPECT • DIGNITY

THE BLACK PRESS

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

PRAISE & WORSHIP DIRECTORY

August 9, 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

COMMENTARY

THE OMAHA STAR

It Couldn’t Be Clearer

By Oscar Blayton History will flay the skin off Nancy Pelosi’s legacy.

This prediction may seem harsh, but the current Speaker of the House, as the leader of the House Democrats, is creating a problem that we will not be able to easily correct.

The United States has a chaotic, criminal installed in the Oval Office who is leading the country to ruin, both domestically and internationally. And with blindingly bright warning lights flashing and deafening warning sirens blaring, Nancy Pelosi politely taps her gavel in order to conduct business as usual.

It is difficult to believe that Nancy Pelosi believes that the nation can wait until November 2020 to act against a president who believes in neither the rule of law nor the Constitution of The United States. The next fifteen months can witness the perversion of most of the federal agencies just as it has already seen the perversion of the Departments of Justice, Treasury and Interior.

The Speaker insists that her strategical moves on Trump are based on political savvy, but to more and more Americans her strategy appears to be based upon personal interest and political cowardice.

More than 100 Democratic members of the U.S House of Representatives favor impeaching Trump and that number is certain to increase.

It can no longer be argued by Pelosi and her “Moderate” supporters in Congress that the calls for impeachment are coming from a few disgruntled “Progressives” who lack seasoned skills in negotiating the thicket of politics in our nation’s Capital.

The Constitution of this nation requires Congress to provide “oversight” of the President and the Executive Branch. But the Democratic leadership in the House has chosen to “overlook” the buckling of our democracy.

There is a written record of Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s two-year investigation that clearly sets out that Trump has committed crimes by lying to the special counsel and obstructing justice.

There has been evidence presented in open court during the criminal proceedings against Trump’s legal counsel and former “fixer,” Michael Cohen, who pled guilty and is now in prison for having committed crimes at Trump’s directions.

Trump flouts his violations of the Emoluments Clause at his many real estate properties where he enriches himself by inducing foreign nationals and governments pay his organization as a means of gaining access to his administration and to him personally.

Anyone with a radio or television has heard or seen Trump making it clear that he welcomes Russia’s interference in our elections. This person who sits in the Oval Office has disparaged the American intelligence community and invited a hostile foreign power to corrupt our electoral system so that he can remain in power.

Through judicial appointments, he has managed to line the federal courts with breathtakingly partisan judges and justices, and we should assume that they will do all that they can to protect his legal flanks and prevent him from answering for these crimes.

Apart from his illegal activities, Trump is morally unfit to lead this country. Many women have come forward with charges of sexual abuse and even rape against Trump. And it boggles the mind that someone who gleefully bragged about grabbing women in the most inappropriate sexual way is able to tamp down accusations of rape and sexual conduct by dozens of women. Even with the rise of the “Me Too” movement, the revelations of these offenses have had little impact upon Trump’s former misogynistic behavior to account.

Trump’s racist and xenophobic outbursts also give evidence that he is morally unfit to sit in the White House. His thousands of vile and moronic tweets attacking people based upon their race, religion or place of birth have led America down a tortured path of the worst form of nationalism.

And with all of this in plain sight, Nancy Pelosi counsels us to do nothing for fear of angering Trump’s supporters and lessening the chances for Democratic victories in 2020.

How much more will America be corrupted by then? Will it be possible to have a free and fair election in 2020? Robert Mueller has raised the alarm of Russians undermining our democracy. He testified before the House Intelligence Committee on July 24 that “even as we sit here” the Russians are working to subvert our 2020 elections. And if their interference led to Trump’s election in 2016, it stands to reason that he will benefit from their interference in 2020.

Americans should take a lesson from history when assessing Pelosi’s behavior. In September of 1938 Neville Chamberlin, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, counseled a course of Appeasement with Adolf Hitler’s Nazi Germany.

Seeking peace in their time, Chamberlin allowed Germany to absorb a large part of western Czechoslovakia in return for Hitler’s promise not to start a war. We all know how that turned out. Within six months, Hitler had invaded the rest of Czechoslovakia and in just over a year, he invaded Poland, casting the world into the abyss of a global war. Chamberlin’s naïveté helped pave the way to World War II. Nancy Pelosi’s hesitation to impeach Trump may be due to her calculation that Democrats can woo conservative voters by not impeaching him.

Or it may arise from a naïve refusal to accept that millions of Americans are willing to vote for a racist, xenophobic, misogynistic and corrupt villain. She would be wrong in either case.

It could not be clearer. America is a house on fire because of Donald Trump and it serves no one to calmly suggest that we wait until everyone agrees to extinguish the flames.

Heartfelt Mentoring

By Debra L. Shaw It is a beautiful summer day in San Diego, California.

Mission Beach is the place to relax the mind and enjoy the wonderful elements of nature. The birds are soaring their wings on the refreshing breeze from the Pacific Ocean. The waves are continuously rolling in and out gently kissing the endless grains of sand. From time to time, the peacefulness of the moment is interrupted by the roaring engine from a passenger airline making its way in the friendly California skies.

The background noise is filled with laughter, chatter and joy as people casually build sandcastles in the sand, wade in the inviting waves or rest in the golden sunlight. It is in this atmosphere of calmness and appreciation of life that the epitome occurred regarding mentorship. Mentoring in its rarest form, formal or informal, undoubtedly delivered directly from the heart will have a powerful impact.

Mentor and mentee relationships are built on a firm foundation of trust and respect along with incorporating strong pillars of honesty, integrity, creativity and originality to ensure that quality outcomes are birth from mentoring partnership.

The concept of mentoring is based upon helping others. Imagine nature’s beauty. Nature shares its majestic components with humankind for enjoyment and pleasure. The California blue skies, the forever endless rolling waves and the sea gulls flapping their wings in the air, this is Mission Beach! This picturesque imagery describes the beauty of nature. There is a similar beauty in heartfelt mentoring.

The mentoring relationship navigation must be interwoven with a philosophy of caring from the heart for the mentee. It is crystal clear as blue pristine ocean water that meaningful mentoring must be etched in the heart of a committed mentor which can harvest a chain of career changing events for the mentee. The condition of one’s heart is determined by his or her perspective regarding sacrificing time,

I’m Just Sayin’ The Publisher’s Perspective As plans for the 2019 “Native Omaha Day Festival” were underway I was reminded of a movie, “Jumping the Broom,” with Paula Patton, Laz Alonso and Loretta Devine. You remember, the disgruntled mother of the groom wanted the soon-to-be-newlyweds to continue her family’s wedding tradition of jumping the broom. Loretta’s character was highly upset by the bride having the nerve to imply that the traditional broom jumping ceremony was outdated and added no value. The bride said she and the groom were going to start their own traditions. While this scene was acted out on the big screen, similar scenarios play out within families on a daily basis. You know, you’ve been doing “it” this way for years and now here comes someone with no connection to or passion for the tradition announcing, “We’re doing something different.” And away they go – along with your traditions, values and the things you hold dear.

The more I heard about the “Native Omaha Day Festival,” the more I thought I was becoming Devine’s character. Just disgruntled. I had questions. First and foremost, what is a Native Omaha? Next, how did the Native Omahans Club Inc. allow someone or some entity to change their brand? Another, when did this reunion become a Festival? Yet another, why is everyone now concerned about the millennials having a part?

Everybody has to wait their turn. Don’t get me wrong, I have no problem with the millennials doing their “thang,” but their “thang” is not our thing and never the twain shall meet. Read Leo Louis’ article, Timeless Native Omahans Days, in our July 26 issue. It’s just like Thanksgiving dinner. There’s the kids’ table and the grown folks

table. After a little complaining from the kids who want to sit with the grown folks, they go to the kids’ table and managed to get in where they fit in and a good time is had by all.

I remember taking my aunt Lillian Brown over south to the Workmen’s Club to join other Native Omahans as they loaded a Greyhound bus headed for Native Omahans Days in California.

As I watched Vera Johnson, Bettie McDonald, the Golden Girls of south Omaha Kathleen Curtis, Joan “Babe” Gullie, Peggy Lee, Mary Nelson, Evelyn Sutton and all the others board the bus, I thought, I can’t wait till it’s my turn to travel with the club. Years later, I reflected on those moments as my son drove me to 24th & Lake to join my fellow Native Omahans Club members in boarding a bus headed to Denver. Finally my turn, I thought.

After all is said and done and we have all experienced or heard positive and negative comments about the events of the week-long “Native Omaha Day Festival,” there is no need to sling mud, throw shade or spill-the-tea. I just want to say to the Native Omaha Club members, if you are not committed to working to preserve the founders’ legacy, you should resign. To the committee and community partners, thank you for not allowing Native Omahans Days to become a thing of the past. I suggest that if you all want to ensure that Native Omahans will continue to return home for our biennial reunion revitalize it, don’t reinvent it. The billboard honoring Native Omahans Club Inc. founder Vera Johnson was an impactful tribute, but if you truly want to honor Vera’s and Bettie’s legacy, leave it alone.

America’s Lasting Legacy of Segregating Swimming Pools

By Victoria W. Wolcott

Summers often bring a wave of childhood memories: lounging poolside, trips to the local amusement park, languid, steamy days at the beach.

These nostalgic recollections, however, aren’t held by all Americans.

Municipal swimming pools and urban amusement parks flourished in the 20th century.

But too often, their success was based on the exclusion of African Americans.

As a social historian who has written a book on segregated recreation, I have found that the history of recreational segregation is a largely forgotten one. But it has had a lasting significance on modern race relations.

Swimming pools and beaches were among the most segregated and fought over public spaces in the North and the South.

White stereotypes of blacks as diseased and (Oscar H. Blayton is a former Marine Corps sexually threatening served as the foundation for combat pilot and human rights activist who this segregation. City leaders justifying segregation practices law in Virginia.) also pointed to fears of fights breaking out if whites and blacks mingled. Racial separation for them equaled racial peace.

These fears were underscored when white teenagers attacked black swimmers after activists or city officials opened public pools to blacks.

For example, whites threw nails at the bottom talent and knowledge. The heart must drive of pools in Cincinnati, poured bleach and acid in the passion for mentoring; the passion must pools with black bathers in St. Augustine, Florida, drive the consistency for mentoring and the and beat them up in Philadelphia. In my book, I consistency must drive the mentoring impact describe how in the late 1940s there were major and outcome. The heart is the core of our being. swimming pool riots in St. Louis, Baltimore, When your heart condition is steered in the Washington, D.C. and Los Angeles. direction to inspire, encourage and motivate, there is an opportunity to change the trajectory Exclusion based on ‘safety’ of an individual’s life plan from catastrophe to Despite civil rights statutes in many states, triumph simply because someone personally the law did not come to African Americans’ aid. invested his or her heart into a mentoring In Charlotte, North Carolina, for example, the relationship. chairman of the Charlotte Park and Recreation Theresa Genter penned this poem that so Commission in 1960 admitted that “all people eloquently speaks to one’s heart condition have a right under law to use all public facilities regarding a mentor relationship. This poem is including swimming pools.” But he went on to titled ‘My Mentor, My Friend’. point out that “of all public facilities, swimming Thank you for allowing me the opportunity pools put the tolerance of the white people to the to learn from you when I was seeking so much test.” knowledge His conclusion: “Public order is more important when I was asking many questions you patiently than rights of Negroes to use public facilities.” In listened and answered accordingly practice, black swimmers were not admitted to never showing signs of frustration pools if the managers felt “disorder will result.”

Thank you for taking the time to show me the Disorder and order defined accessibility, not the necessary skills today that will lead me with law. confidence into tomorrow Fears of disorder also justified segregation at for believing in me and having enough faith amusement parks, which were built at the end to share your work of trolley or ferry lines beginning in 1890. This your dreams was particularly true at park swimming pools, and your vision dance halls and roller-skating rinks, which were Thank you for accepting me as I am common facilities within parks. with all my eagerness These spaces provoked the most intense fears and my sheer joy over the little things… of racial mixing among young men and women. you never tried to squelch that spirit in me Scantily clad bathers flirting and playing raised Instead, you have encouraged that spirit the specter of interracial sex and some feared for and for that, I do thank you young white women’s safety.

I realized the knowledge I need for work can be Some white owners and customers believed that learned anywhere, recreation only could be kept virtuous and safe taught by most anyone by excluding African Americans and promoting but the life skills I needed that go along with it… a sanitized and harmonious vision of white well, that would have to be taught by a very leisure. However, my work shows that these unique individual restrictions simply perpetuated racial stereotypes with a very special gift for giving and inequality. a gift of patience and understanding that someone is you, my Mentor and now, my friend.

Mentoring Matters

August 9, 2019

This recreational segregation had a heartbreaking impact on African American children. For example, in his 1963 “Letter from Birmingham Jail,” Martin Luther King Jr. described the tears in his daughter’s eyes when “she is told that Funtown is closed to colored children.”

Protests at pools Major civil rights campaigns targeted amusement park segregation, most notably at Gwynn Oak Park in Baltimore and Glen Echo Park outside of Washington, D.C. And other parks, such as Fontaine Ferry in Louisville, were sites of major racial clashes when African Americans sought entrance.

By the early 1970s, most of America’s urban amusement parks like Cleveland’s Euclid Beach and Chicago’s Riverview were closed for good.

Some white consumers perceived the newly integrated parks as unsafe and in turn park owners sold the land for considerable profit. Other urban leisure sites – public swimming pools, bowling alleys and roller-skating rinks – also closed down as white consumers fled cities for the suburbs.

The increase of gated communities and homeowners associations, what the political scientist Evan McKenzie calls “privatopia,” also led to the privatization of recreation. Another factor contributing to the decline of public recreation areas was the Federal Housing Administration, which in the mid-1960s openly discouraged public ownership of recreational facilities. Instead, they promoted private homeowner associations in planned developments with private pools and tennis courts.

Lasting legacy After the 1964 Civil Rights Act desegregated public accommodations, municipalities followed different strategies intended to keep the racial peace through maintaining segregation. Some simply filled their pools in, leaving more affluent residents the option of putting in backyard pools.

Public pools also created membership clubs and began to charge fees, which acted as a barrier to filter out those pool managers felt were “unfit.”

Over time, cities defunded their recreational facilities, leaving many urban dwellers with little access to pools. Ironically, some blamed African Americans for the decline of urban amusements, disregarding the decades of exclusion and violence they had experienced The racial stereotypes that justified swimming segregation are not often openly expressed today.

However, we still see their impact on our urban and suburban landscapes. Closed public pools and shuttered skating rinks degrade urban centers.

And there are moments when one hears the direct echo of those earlier struggles. In 2009, for example, the owner of a private swim club in Philadelphia excluded black children attending a Philadelphia day care center, saying they would change the “complexion” of the club.

In 2015 in a wealthy subdivision outside of Dallas, police targeted black teenagers attending a pool party.

These incidents, and our collective memories, are explicable only in the context of a rarely acknowledged history.

(Victoria W. Wolcott is a professor of history at the University at Buffalo, The State University of New York.)

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LIFE & STYLE/HEALTH & WELLNESS THE OMAHA STAR Page Seven Mo’Nique says Lee Daniels’ Fully Illustrated Edition of James’s ‘Empire’ and ‘Star’ Being Baldwin’s ‘The Fire Next Time’ Canceled is ‘Universal Law’ Review by Imani Sumbi Washington, Schapiro’s photographs

August 9, 2019

By NewsOne Staff Mo’Nique has revisited every feud she has ever had in her interview with the YouTube show Comedy Hype. She has slammed Whoopi Goldberg, Charlamagne and now she is reminding folks how she feels about Lee Daniels. “Empire� has had a good run. This season – the sixth – will be the last season. “Star� is ending after three seasons, however, Mo’Nique sees this as “universal law� for Lee Daniels, who created both shows. On the cancellations, the Oscar winner told Comedy Hype, “First, let me say this because I love Lee Daniels and I think Lee Daniels is one of the most brilliant writers and directors of our time and I don’t get off on seeing any of my brothers and sisters – what people may believe is their demise because Lee Daniels didn’t just get canceled, hundreds of people got canceled.

Hundreds of people lost their jobs.�

She then continued, “But I also want to say, when it first hit – and this is why I say to Black women, ‘Don’t be so quick to discount your Black man.’ When it first hit, my husband said to me, ‘Mama, we know what’s right and we won’t waiver from it. It’ll turn because people will understand the truth.’ Mo’Nique It’s okay to stand in wrong right now, they think we wrong, but history will show that you were standing for right. So I believe all universal law is saying what you put out is what you get back.�

After Mo’Nique blasted Charlamagne in that same interview, which has been released in segments throughout the past several days, Charlamagne commented, “I’m praying for Mo’Nique. I want Mo’Nique to find the healing she needs. She’s been talking about the same people for the last 15 years. I’m new to the conversation. But the Oprahs, the Tyler Perrys, the Lee Daniels – everybody else is always the problem and even if those people did her wrong, she got to let that go because it’s not good for her mental health.�

He added, “I don’t hear a woman who is at peace.�

LOS ANGELES SENTINEL – In 1963, two of James Baldwin’s most influential essays were fused to form a bestselling book titled “The Fire Next Time,� cementing him as a central voice in America’s reckoning on race relations during the civil rights movement. Nearly 60 years later, Baldwin’s words on Black resilience, White ignorance, and false social progress ring as true as ever.

Two years ago, in recognition of the continued relevance of those words, Taschen published a glossy, gorgeous new edition of “The Fire Next Time,� interspersing between its paragraphs over 100 images taken by photojournalist Steve Schapiro.

From the ashen remains of a bombed building, to a crowd of Black worshipers kneeling with Dr. King on the steps of a church, to a smiling James Baldwin attending the March on

span not just the duration of the civil rights movement, but a great range of people and emotions associated with it. The pictures show people both well-known and unknown, and document hope and unity just as much as violence and persecution.

Like Baldwin’s writing, these photographs are both documentary and instructive, providing a clear record of a tumultuous time in American history while showing the next generation the power of imagery to effect change. The fact that Baldwin’s extraordinary essays pair so well with equally striking visuals by a White photographer proves his belief that “we, the Black and the White, deeply need each other here� in order to make America practice the ideals of freedom and equality it preaches.

The 2019 edition builds on the intimacy and emotional depth of the original with a foreword by renowned civil rights leader John Lewis, a short essay by Steve Schapiro

Dominican Republic Isn’t Only Place Worried about Fake Liquor Killing Tourists

By Monica H. Swahn

The news about the tragic deaths of several American tourists in the Dominican Republic in May has created an outcry and a media frenzy. As of June 30, there were at least nine deaths with similar circumstances in the past few months. The FBI and Dominican authorities are investigating, and one theory is that alcohol was the cause of these deaths.

The FBI has reportedly taken samples of alcohol for testing, and the hotels where some tourists died have removed alcohol from the minibars in the hotel rooms. But the concerns are growing, and Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) on June 30 recommended that the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention should aid the ongoing investigation.

Many may find it puzzling that alcohol, particularly adulterated or counterfeit alcohol, could possibly have caused these deaths. But some experts seem to agree that the symptoms and circumstances fit the indicators of deaths caused by adulterated alcohol.

As a professor of public health, I need to note that research now shows that no amount of alcohol is considered safe in terms of your health, and that alcohol is linked to many cancers and heart disease and is also a key contributor to traffic crashes, violence and suicide. Even so, counterfeit or illegally made alcohol brings a new level of risk, as it is not monitored for safety and may include added ingredients, such as methanol, known to be extremely harmful to health.

Fake, illegal and adulterated Thanks to rigorous regulation of alcohol, Americans may not see or hear much about counterfeit alcohol in the U.S., but in many other parts of the world counterfeit or “illegal� alcohol is more common and a growing public health concern.

Counterfeit or illegal alcohol is part of a larger category described as “unrecorded� alcohol because it is not recorded in official statistics and not monitored for quality or for taxation. The World Health Organization estimates that 25% of the alcohol consumed worldwide is unrecorded.

Counterfeit alcohol is typically meant to resemble legitimate alcohol, such as finer wines and expensive spirits, in terms of its look, taste and packaging. But there are

also other types of alcohol that are typically considered illegal, such as “moonshine� or “bootleg� alcohol, or simply alcohol that is made under less rigorous processes and that have added ingredients to make the alcohol faster or cheaper.

One of the key aspects of counterfeit or illegal alcohol is that producers distill the alcohol more cheaply and quickly using dangerous shortcuts in the process, such as adding water and methanol, also known as methyl alcohol, which is highly toxic. Methanol is not intended for human consumption and can cause liver damage, blindness and death if consumed. Earlier this year, toxic alcohol killed at least 154 people in India because it was tainted with methanol.

Alcohol that has special ingredients added is usually described as adulterated alcohol.

Sometimes, those who make counterfeit alcohol will add ingredients not only to make it cheaper but also to improve the taste or strengthen the high. The added ingredients may vary.

For example, in Kenya, one of the popular illegally brewed types of alcohol is called Chang-aa or “Kill me quick.� That is because it usually has a very high alcohol concentration and is often also adulterated with harmful ingredients such as pilfered jet fuel or spiked with embalming fluid from mortuaries. This type of alcohol is usually consumed in the urban slums among those vulnerable and poor who want the cheapest type of alcohol with the biggest “high.�

Siphoning sales from legit booze INTERPOL, the International Criminal Police Organization, claims that counterfeit alcohol is a top concern globally. In 2018, during one operation, it reported that “16,000 tons and 33 million liters of potentially dangerous fake food and drink was seized worth an estimated $117 million.� In Europe, wine and spirits are in the top five sectors for lost sales.

Counterfeit wine is becoming more common and now represents a billion-dollar market. In China, for example, counterfeit wine is so common it has been referred to as an epidemic, especially in terms of finer wines.

According to Forbes, Asian buyers comprise the majority of buyers of fine wines (60%) sold at Sotheby auctions across the world. And it turns out that a very

(Monica H. Swahn is a professor of epidemiology and public health at Georgia State University. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license.)

on his experience photographing the civil rights movement, and an afterword by Baldwin’s sister Gloria Karefa-Smart. These additions illuminate the paths Baldwin and Schapiro took to become two of the most important record keepers of the civil rights movement and bring to their work a sense of current importance as this country continues to struggle with widespread racial inequality.

At a time when racism is less overt but no less prevalent, we would do well to learn the lessons they left behind as we take up their fight.

(This article originally appeared in The Los Angeles Sentinel.)

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expensive bottle of wine sold at Christie’s in London for US $157,000, which set a record at that time in 1985, was a fake.

But even more recently, in May 2019, an operation in Ukraine seized a large operation of counterfeit alcohol beverages.

More than money at stake Even though lost revenue is a big concern for law enforcement and businesses, travel advisories for Americans traveling abroad are sometimes issued because of the risk posed by tainted alcohol. One was issued in 2017 to a resort in Mexico. Similarly, in June 2019, there was a notification that 23 people died and 10 patients were undergoing treatment for alcohol tainted with methanol in Nigeria.

The reality is that counterfeit or toxic alcohol is common in many places of the world, even in places you may not expect.

So the next time you travel abroad and reach for an alcoholic beverage, particularly a finer wine or spirit, take a second look at that bottle.

The travel experts at the U.S. Overseas Security Advisory Council made a list of tips for alcohol consumption while abroad.

In particular, they recommend to tourists traveling abroad: • Don’t drink homemade or counterfeit “booze.â€? • Don’t overdo it. • Don’t compete with locals and their brew. • Don’t let your drink out of sight. • Also, there are some tips for spotting fake alcohol by the Trading Standards Institute in the U.K. It is key to remember to pay attention to the place, price, packaging and product, the group says. Most importantly, if the alcohol tastes or smells bad, don’t drink it.

The medical and public health community is growing more concerned about the dangerous effects of alcohol, as new research show that there is no safe amount of alcohol.

That said, if you choose to drink, especially while abroad, make sure the alcohol you drink is the real thing, and keep it shaken or stirred, but not poisoned.

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EVENTS/CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING Clair Memorial Celebrating 106 Years

Page Eight

THE OMAHA STAR

Pastor Portia A. Cavitt and the Clair Memorial United Methodist Church family invite the community to join them in celebrating the church’s 106th anniversary. This weekend event, “Celebrating Our Family Tree,” will kick-off on Saturday, Aug. 24, with a family-friendly church picnic including food, drinks, movies and games from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. at Clair, 5544 Ames Ave. On Sunday beginning at 10 a.m., they will host an anniversary service with invited guest soloists and dancers and special family presentations, an oldstyle potluck brunch and entertainment.

The Anniversary Chair, Tommie Wilson, said, “We know that two days will not do justice toward the history of Clair’s contributions in our community nor toward the recognition of families

who dedicated their spiritual efforts to the survival and longevity of Clair.” She indicated during worship services from August through November the congregation will enjoy a “family presentation” that memorializes and recognizes Clair’s past and present generations. It’s an effort to remember their history and recall the work of past Clair members to help change a struggling community.

The anniversary committee is looking for photos to display and families to share memories as they commemorate Clair’s heritage.

Former and past members should contact the church office at 402-451-8322 if you have stories to share about Clair’s longtime members or photos to lend.

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City of Omaha IN Douglas County, Nebraska NOTICE OF BUDGET HEARING AND BUDGET SUMMARY PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given, in compliance with the provisions of State Statute Sections 13-501 to 13513, that the governing body will meet on the 13 day of August 2019, at 6:30 o’clock P.M., at Omaha/Douglas Civic Center LC, 1819 Farnam St for the purpose of hearing support, opposition, criticism, suggestions or observations of taxpayers relating to the following proposed budget. The budget detail is available at the office of the Clerk during regular business hours.

2018 Actual Disbursements & Transfers 2019 Actual/Estimated Disbursements & Transfers 2020 Proposed Budget of Disbursements & Transfers 2020 Necessary Cash Reserve 2020 Total Resources Available Total 2020 Personal & Real Property Tax Requirement Unused Budget Authority Created For Next Year

$ 862,555,599.00 $ 1,163,409,537.90 $ 1,119,646,047.00 $ 372,625,902.10 $ 1,492,271,949.10 $ 180,038,160.00 $ 42,352,341.30

Breakdown of Property Tax: Personal and Real Property Tax Required for Non-Bond Purposes Personal and Real Property Tax Required for Bonds

$ 107,368,444.00 $ 72,669,716.00

Business Connection

To advertise your business, please contact Tanya Cooper.

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

Attorney Timothy Ashford Attorney at Law 1603 Farnam Street Omaha, NE 68102

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Things to do, people to see, places to go.

Aug. 9 – Billy McGuigan’s Rock Twist is playing at the Omaha Community Playhouse (OCP). The show is on the Hawks Mainstage Theatre through Aug. 18. Performances will be held Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Rock Twist is a high-energy concoction of rock ‘n’ roll mega hits with a big band twist. It’s a live concert experience.

Aug. 10 – First United Methodist Church, 7020 Cass St., will host Turning Point: A Portrait Exhibition by Monica Maxwell, a contemporary realist visual artist and photographer. Monica features oil portraits of Omaha women sharing their stories and expressing their lived experiences in a way that creates a compelling visual advocacy. Opening night will feature a spoken word performance

by Olivia Jonson and a panel discussion with the women featured in Monica’s portraits.

Aug. 11 – One Community Cultural Festival’s first event will be held at Aksarben Village, 67th and Mercy, from 11 a.m. -7 p.m.

This is the largest free multi-cultural festival of its kind in Omaha. The event will be a mix of traditional and cultural entertainment as well as contemporary performers. The festival will showcase foods, crafts, arts and the diverse heritage of the region.

Aug. 12 – The 24th Street Corridor meeting will move to the Church of God Worship Center, 2021 N 24th St. Meeting time is 11:30 a.m.

- 1 p.m., the topic is Creighton North Omaha Development. For more info, contact Juanita Johnson at longschoolneighborhood@gmail. com Aug. 15 – Jazz on the Green’s sensational summer series comes to an end with Darcy Malone and the Tangle, a New Orleans band that knows how to get you moving and grooving!

The band delivers a unique blend of blues, rock and alternative music. Their performance begins at 7:30 p.m. at Turner Park in Midtown. Preshow entertainment begins at 6:30 p.m.

Aug. 17 – The Union for Contemporary Art is having an End of Summer Garden Party.

The community is invited to participate in these FREE art-making activities in the garden.

Located next door to The Union at 2220 Willis

Avenue, the Abundance Garden offers open space for gathering and provides fresh fruits and vegetables to our North Omaha neighbors.

Aug. 18 – “Vintage Wheels at the Fort.”

Spend a historical day at the General Crook House Museum in Fort Omaha located at 30th & Fort. Live entertainment, photo op with vintage cars and props, and refreshments will all be available for purchase. This event is open to the public and is FREE. For more info go to Visitomaha.com Aug. 18-24 – Omaha Fashion Week supports more independent fashion designers than any other organization in the region! Omaha Fashion Week is the Midwest’s premier fashion event, spotlighting fashion innovations and celebrating creative excellence! For more information and to purchase tickets go to https://omahafashionweek. com Aug. 21 – Ambassadors Worship Center, 5417 N. 103rd St., will host their 2nd Church on the Green, a time for the community to fellowship with fun, food and games. This event will be a “Back to School Bash.” The fun begins at 7 p.m.

Aug. 23-24 – The Union for Contemporary Art, Summer Reading Series, presents Simply Heavenly by Langston Hughes at 7 p.m. Plays Out Loud! is the Union for Contemporary Art’s Performing Arts Collective readers theatre series that gives directors, actors, and audiences an opportunity to experience live theater focusing solely on the words. All performances are done with script in hand followed by a Q&A session with the director and cast.

Aug. 24 – NONA will host a Community Shred Day from 9 a.m. - noon at the OSBN parking lot, 2505 N. 24th St. Max of 50 pounds per vehicle.

Sept. 1 – 2019 Rhythm Blues & Arts Fest, 2 - 11:30 p.m. This Year Keith Sweat will Make It Last Forever! at Lewis & Clark Landing, 345 Riverfront Dr. Pop-up shops with regional arts & crafts, food and beverages from local favorites will be available. Vendors who wish to display or sell their wares need to fill out the form at www.rbafest.com. Tickets and VIP packages available now. Gates open at 2 p.m. No refunds.

Artists Invited to Submit Works for Library Exhibition Omaha Public Library (OPL) is accepting applications from Omaha-area artists for 2020 exhibitions in the Michael Phipps Gallery, located in the southeast corner of the first floor at W. Dale Clark Main Library, 215 S. 15th St. Each exhibition

is typically on display for two months and combines the works of two or more selected artists.

“This gallery space offers a point of connection … certainly for the public who encounter the art as they use their library, but also for the artists whose

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August 9, 2019

Intern – Talent/Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) The Greater Omaha Chamber is looking for a driven, ambitious, tech savvy college student that has passion for diversity and inclusion work. We’re offering a flexible schedule (20-25 hours per week) and the opportunity to help plan and execute “The Conference on Opportunity, Diversity and Equity” in October.

Responsibilities include: • Upload content, test and manage The Conference App • Gather calendar events for website and newsletter • Gather information and assist with the development of the Employer Coalition website • Assist with program and event logistics for The Conference and more • Create surveys for program evaluation/improvement • Job Shadow Diversity and Inclusion Practitioners in Omaha to learn more about the career path Successful candidate will have the ability to multi-task and take direction, have excellent interpersonal communication skills, and be experienced in Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel and PowerPoint.

If this sounds like your dream internship, send your resume and transcripts by Friday, August 9, to Laurie Pieper, Senior Director of Human Resources at jobs@omahachamber.org.

works are paired together for exhibition,” said OPL Arts & Culture Librarian Mark Sorensen.

Submissions must include five digital images of original artworks submitted as individual JPG files. Include a separate document that lists contact information for the artist, a brief (75 to 150 words) artist statement, and information about each work including the file name, artwork title, approximate year created, medium and dimensions of work. Please submit all images and accompanying information at one time. The deadline for entries is Sept. 13, 5 p.m.

Artists can submit their applications in one of three ways: Email images and accompanying information to m s o r e n s e n @ o m a h a l i b r a r y. org; submit via USB flash drive in person at the W. Dale Clark Main Library first floor information desk to the attention of the Arts & Culture Librarian; or by mail: Attention: Arts & Culture Librarian, Omaha Public Library, 215 S. 15th St., Omaha, NE 68102 If return of the USB flash drive is required, please include a self-addressed stamped envelope of sufficient size and correct postage.

Submissions will be considered by an art selection panel composed of representatives from OPL and the local arts community.

Each applicant will receive written notification regarding the panel’s decision by early October.

An honorarium of $150 will be awarded to each artist chosen for these exhibitions in 2020.

More information regarding OPL’s call for artists can be found at omahalibrary.org/callfor-artists.

Visit omahalibrary.org for information about other programs and services offered at Omaha Public Library’s 12 metro locations.

YOUTH/EDUCATION NEWS/NATIONAL THE OMAHA STAR UNMC Recognizes ‘Step Up Omaha!’

Nebraska Theatre Caravan Youth Participants at Graduation Ceremony

August 9, 2019

Auditions For ‘A Christmas Carol’ The Nebraska Theatre Caravan will hold auditions for youth (ages 7-18) for the anticipated national touring production of A Christmas Carol.

Auditioning youth must not be taller than 5-foot even. Auditions will be held Aug. 17 at 11 a.m. at the Omaha Community Playhouse, 6915 Cass St. Please enter through the stage door on the west side of the building.

The audition will include singing and reading from the script, followed by movement. Applicants should bring a resume and headshot, a 16 bar cutting of a prepared song with sheet music, and be prepared to read from the script. Applicants should also be prepared to move. An accompanist will be provided.

Estimated contract dates for A Christmas Carol are early November through late December.

Note: These ARE touring productions and performances will be conducted across the United States. Rehearsals will be held 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. in Omaha. All actors must be available to attend all rehearsals during stated times, as well as all performances.

Youths selected for the tour will miss approximately seven weeks of school. A tutor/ chaperone will be provided for the tour.

For additional audition or production information, contact Company Manager Kate Whitecotton at 402-553-4890.

The Nebraska Theatre Caravan, the professional touring wing of the Omaha Community Playhouse, was founded in 1975 as a joint project between the Omaha Playhouse and the Nebraska Arts Council “to bring together a small group of professional performer-teachers for workshops into Omaha and out-state. Since its inception, the Nebraska Theatre Caravan has produced over 100 fully mounted productions and has played to over 160 Nebraska communities and hundreds of others across the nation. The national tour of A Christmas Carol has performed in over 600 cities in 49 states and 4 Canadian provinces, and has been seen by over 3 million audience members.

The University of Nebraska Medical Center held a graduation ceremony on July 31 for the 12 interns who have been working at UNMC and the University of Nebraska at Omaha this summer as part of the Step-Up Omaha! Program.

The Step-Up program – Summer Training, Employment Pathway & Urban Pipeline – is an initiative by the Empowerment Network and the City of Omaha in collaboration with community partners, including the Urban League of Nebraska.

This year’s class of 12 interns is the largest Step-Up group that UNMC has hosted. Speakers at the UNMC graduation ceremony included Willie Barney, CEO of the Empowerment Network, Doug Ewald, vice chancellor for business, finance and business development for UNMC and UNO, EliJahiana Parker, an alumna of the Step-Up program.

Step-Up Omaha! provides jobs and paid internship opportunities to youth and young adults, ages 14 to 21, in mutually beneficial paid summer The interns celebrated their graduation with a luncheon where each received a certificate. jobs and work experience opportunities. Program Pictured are: Back row – Aileen Warren, assistant vice chancellor for human resources at UNMC, participants gain valuable job training, work Lashaia Bass, Josh Robinson, Tay’Drione Oliver-Veland, Telante’ Wynn-Hill; front row – Willie experience, vocational training, academic recovery Barney, CEO Empowerment Network, Corian Collier, Amya Harris-Harper, Kranecia Thompson, and remediation, life skills training and community Emily Manzo and Evelyn Grigsby, employee relations program coordinator at UNMC. service opportunities.

In addition, participants can: • Earn up to $1,800 during the summer; • Gain on-the-job experience and explore career opportunities; • Learn more about their strengths, talents and career interests; • Gain valuable life and job skills, including interviewing, job search and customer service; and connect with long-term employment opportunities.

Tay’Drione Oliver-Veland, who has participated in the Step-Up program for the past four years, said his experience at UNMC was fun and enlightening.

“You build new connections, learn new job skills and is something I would encourage everyone to take advantage of,” Oliver-Veland said.

Aileen Warren, assistant vice chancellor for human resources, said that UNMC has proved very welcoming to the program.

Taydrionne Oliver-Veland spent “Every year we have more departments that reach out to us and the summer interning at the want to be a part of the program,” she said. “That says a lot in terms UNMC Center for Healthy Living of the importance and the value that UNMC finds in having these assisting with campus rec tasks Emily Manzo interned at both the University of young people on campus.” and customer service.

Nebraska at Omaha and UNMC in an adminBarney said UNMC’s role in the program has been exemplary.

“UNMC has fully embraced this program,” Barney said. “The experience they provide our young istrative capacity. Here she is pictured with UNMC and UNO Chancellor Jeffrey P. Gold, people is unique and at a level that is unmatched in the city.”

M.D.

MCC ‘Gateway to College’ Program Achieving the Dream’s Gateway to College program at Metropolitan Community College has received a Graduation Achievement Award in recognition of exceeding the graduation benchmark used to assess the performance of Gateway to College programs nationwide. This marks the second consecutive year that the MCC program has received the Graduation Achievement Award.

Through Gateway to College, students who have dropped out of high school or have become disengaged, complete their high school diplomas in college-based programs while simultaneously earning college credits. MCC has hosted a Gateway

to College program since 2010, and the program enrolled 89 students during the academic year when they received the award.

“Gateway to College programs provide a critical second chance for vulnerable high school students and a powerful testament to the importance of wraparound supports and creating a sense of belonging in college. Nearly 75 percent of program graduates nationwide continue their postsecondary education,” said Emily Froimson, executive vice president of Achieving the Dream.

To learn more about the program, visit mccneb. edu/gateway.

Montford Point Marines Need Help

By J.S. Fletcher and Kathy M. Newbern

(JACKSONVILLE, NC) We recently visited Jacksonville, NC, primarily known for Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, home of the Second Marine Expeditionary Force, which was established as the United States entered World War II. Today its 14 miles of beaches remain a major area for amphibious assault training, and its location between two deepwater ports (Wilmington and Morehead City) allows for fast deployments.

Pride, of course, runs deep here, and it’s proper that the Freedom Fountain, Lejeune Memorial Gardens, the Beirut Memorial, the Onslow Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the 9/11 Memorial Beam stand to honor heroes.

Each is worthy of a visit, but the Montford Point Marine Association has a message waiting to be fulfilled. The US Government is searching for lost members of the first African American Marines who trained here to fight in WWII. After Pearl Harbor, President Franklin D Roosevelt issued the order to admit African Americans into the Corps. From 1942 to 1949, approximately 20,000 African American men were admitted to the Marine Corps, the last branch of the service to do so.

Segregation caused these men to train at a separate part of Camp Lejeune called Montford Point, where they had to “fight for the right to fight.” In doing so, they faced some of the strongest drill sergeants the corps could find, other African Americas to push them physically and mentally to withstand tests that surpassed the high standards used for white Marines.

During the Pacific Campaign, the Montford Point Marines were called into service, first as defense units holding land far behind the front or as ammunitions carriers; they saw little action. Later, about 8,000 black Marine stevedores and ammunition handlers served under enemy fire during offensive operations in the

Page Nine

Pacific. After the June 1944 Battle of Saipan, USMC General Alexander Vandegrift praised the performance and heroism of the 3rd Marine Ammunition Company by saying, “The Negro Marines are no longer on trial.

They are Marines, period.”

However, a bigger problem loomed for these Marines. No detailed records were kept on these thousands of men because they were never expected to succeed. They, however, surpassed all expectations.

The Montford Point Marines’ significant service to the Marine Corps and the nation was recognized in 2012 when all men known to have served were awarded a Congressional Gold Medal. With no official record of those who served from 1942 to 1949, the Montford Point Marine Association has sought to recognize and continue awarding the medal to the families of the men who served but were not recognized.

You can help.

Do you have a family member, friend or someone you know

who was a Montford Point Marine? Some of these men left the service and rarely discussed this chapter of their lives. At the D-Day memorial ceremonies this year, some of the few servicemen who went back said it won’t be but a few more years before all of them will be dead.

The seven-minute YouTube video, “Montford Point Marines need your help,” features Houston Shinal, son of a Montford Point Marine and leader of the campaign to build the Montford Point Marine Memorial, gives a brief history of what the Montford Marines went through to join the United States Marines.

If you know a Montford Point Marine, living or deceased, who has not been recognized, contact: Carman Cole National Secretary Montford Point Marine Association, Inc 706-840-1789 nationalsecretary @montfordpointmarines.org or info@montfordpointmarines. org

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Page Ten

THE OMAHA STAR

YOUTH/EDUCATION NEWS

Understanding the Past While Shaping the Future:

My Personal Reflection on Black Votes Matter Tour

By Cheryl Logan, Ed.D Superintendent - Omaha Public Schools logancomm@ops.org Serving in the role of superintendent has afforded me the opportunity to meet a number of people who are passionate about their work and about creating opportunities for children to understand the past and discover their own power for impacting the future.

Last fall, I had the opportunity to meet with one such passionate Omahan, Preston Love Jr. Certainly the name rings a bell for all native Omahans as the Love family’s legacy is wellknown.

Love wanted to share his work on Black Votes Matter, an advocacy effort he holds dear due to the importance of educating African Americans about civic duty and ensuring their voices are heard.

During our conversation, Love talked about a tour he and a few other non-profit and faith-based organizations host annually. A group of African American youth travel with adult chaperones from the host organizations to important historical sites in the south that were instrumental to the Voting Rights Act of 1965. The cities visited include Montgomery and Selma, Alabama and Atlanta, Georgia.

During our initial meeting, Love had no idea I’d invite myself along for part of that journey this year. This past June, the trip came to fruition. This year’s delegation included tour coordinator, Pastor Michael Williams of Mount Moriah Baptist Church and United Methodist Church leader, Rev. Dr. Portia Cavitt.

This was my first visit to Montgomery, though it may be that my parents drove through the area when I was a child on one of our family trips from Maryland to Arkansas to visit one of my grandmothers, and then on to Florida to see the other. To be there with the children I serve is something I dare not put into words - to do so would spoil feelings that are too profound and meaningful; they would get lost in translation. The experience, juxtaposed with my opportunity to serve as the superintendent, a “first” here in Omaha, contextualized how I experienced being there with our young people who saw the sites as a far-away history. For me, it furthers my resolve to do what is required so they all have what they need, and more importantly, what they deserve, to impact their futures.

As we toured sites around Montgomery (the Rosa Parks Museum, Legacy Museum, Civil Rights Memorial Center and the National Memorial for Peace and Justice), I could not help but recall a memory from January 30, 2018, the night I was selected as the next superintendent of the Omaha Public Schools.

As I stood inside the cafeteria at the Teacher Administrative Center, I saw the meet and greet line extending down a long corridor just outside the room. Some people waited two hours to shake hands and offer their best wishes. I can still see the faces of the people in the room and I remember thinking to myself upon my exit, “This is not about me. This is about something much bigger.”

When I was in Montgomery, it all came together again for me. It was and is about Selma, about Montgomery and about all the places where history was made.

We’re a year into this journey Omaha, and I’m still humbled that you selected me to be your superintendent.

I’m continuously motivated by the opportunity to serve our young people and when I consider the future we’re building together, I’m tremendously encouraged.

August 9, 2019

New Adventure Course Will Thrill Youth and Adults Alike (Nebraska City) – A new adventure course near Nebraska City will have Girl Scouts and the public testing their bravery and skills – while enjoying the thrill of 16 outdoor elements suspended among the treetops.

Eugene’s Adventure Course opened Thursday at a ribbon cutting ceremony at Camp Catron.

Like the camp, a property of Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska, the course will be open to the public when not in use by Girl Scouts. The course is named for the late Girl Scout benefactor and outdoor enthusiast Eugene Catron.

“Girl Scouts has always been about outdoor experiences and new adventures,” said Fran Marshall, Chief Executive Officer of Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska. “With the addition of Eugene’s Adventure Course at Camp Catron, we are pleased to offer a new, exciting challenge for our girls – and also invite anyone else who loves celebrating the outdoors to schedule a visit to our camp. I want to thank the Catron family for the support they have provided to this project.”

The course is nestled among the trees of Camp Catron and its top level takes visitors to heights of about 35 feet. Challenge-seekers will enjoy

the forest view as they face their fears, sharpen their focus, grow their confidence and strengthen their relationships with friends and teammates.

Elements include rope bridges, swinging logs, angled pipes, ‘island hops,’ a cat walk, ‘painter’s planks’ and others. The course was installed and will be maintained by Adventure Experiences. Safety is ensured through state-ofthe-art harnessing, cabling and braking systems.

Nebraska Girl Scouts are no strangers to exhilarating outdoor adventures. The state’s first zip line tour, the Soaring Hawk, opened in late 2017 at the council’s Camp Crossed Arrows near Nickerson.

The new adventure course is made possible thanks to the support of donors including Robert E. Catron and family, Dillon Foundation, Wirth Foundation, Inc., Donlan Foundation, Karl H. and Wealtha H. Nelson Family Foundation, Fride Philpot, Scheels All Sports, United Way of Nebraska City, Arbor Bank, and Laurel Marsh and Dan Clark.

To learn more or to reserve a spot on Eugene’s Adventure Course or the Soaring Hawk, visit www.GirlScoutsNebraska.org.

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Project AIR helps reduce in-home hazards for kids with asthma We make home improvements to address asthma triggers We educate families about hazards in their home We empower families to make positive behavior changes

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SATURDAY, AUGUST 24 | 11:00 AM HIGHLANDER ACCELERATOR

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11 AM – 4 PM | Highlander Accelerator open house, live music, local food, bounce houses, neighborhood tours, and much more.

6 – 9 PM | Summer Sounds at Highlander concert featuring Mwenso & the Shakes and Mesonjixx. The nighttime concert will end with a beautiful fireworks display.

Thank you to our partners: Brinshore | City of Omaha | Dundee Bank First National Bank | Omaha Performing Arts

HighlanderOmaha.com