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Nebraska’s Only Black Owned Newspaper Vol. 79 - No. 26 Omaha, Nebraska

Friday, December 29, 2017

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A Lady Who Made a Difference in the Omaha Community Remembered Bertha’s Battle Bertha Calloway, the Grand Lady of Lake Street, Struggles to Keep the Great Plains Black History Museum Afloat

© by Leo Adam Biga Originally published in a 1996 issue of The Reader (www.thereader.com)

These are hard times indeed for the Great Plains Black History Museum and its 71-year-old founder, director, curator and guardian, Bertha Calloway.

The future of the museum, at 2213 Lake Street, is in doubt unless significant funding can be secured. For months now, it’s survived on meager admission income, a few small donations and grants, and the limited personal savings of Calloway’s family.

Added to these difficulties, Calloway’s recently experienced personal setbacks and tragedies. In 1993, she underwent brain surgery to remove a benign tumor and then lost her husband of 47 years, James, when he died of a ruptured artery. A grandson was murdered in New Orleans in 1994.

She continues under medical care today and sometimes walks with the

aid of a cane. One of the cruelest setbacks, though, has been the partial memory loss plaguing her since the operation. As one whose work depends on a steel-trap mind, she’s keenly frustrated when once indelibly etched names, dates, places and events elude her – just beyond her recall.

It wasn’t supposed to be this way.

Not now. Not in what should be gold-

en years for her and halcyon days for the museum.

Still, she hasn’t lost hope of realizing her “perfect dream” – a fully funded, staffed and restored institution free of the financial difficulties that have nagged it over its 20-year history.

Calloway saved the turn-of-thecentury building housing the museum from the rubble heap in 1974, when she and her husband bought it.

The 1906 red-brick building – headquarters for the original Nebraska Telephone Co. – was designed by famed Omaha architect Thomas Kimball. With the help of volunteers and a $101,000 grant from the federal Bicentennial Commission, the couple converted the structure into the museum, opening it in 1976, and got it listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Now, however, Calloway sees the building she put so much of her life into deteriorating around her. Major repairs and renovations are needed, including replacement of the leaky roof and installation of new climate control and lighting systems.

IN some exhibition spaces, ceiling pane;s are water-stained and others are missing, exposing warped wood.

Bare light bulbs hang overhead in many rooms.

There is no paid staff except for William Reaves, a jack-of-all-trades on loan from the Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging. Without anyone to catalog the museum’s extensive archives, heaps of newspapers, magazines and photographs sit in open boxes and on shelves. Calloway, whose ill health has forced her to slow down, relies on her son Jim to help run things. Money’s so tight that paying the utilities often is a leap of faith.

At least she can joke about it.

When Reaves answers the phone one recent morning, she instantly quips, with her sweet, sing-song voice an

enchanting smile: “Tell ‘em the money’s on the way.”

The call was from a Smithsonian Institution researcher, among many scholars who frequently use the museum as a resource.

Despite a glowing national reputation, the museum’s always only barely scraped by. Calloway’s kept it intact through guile, gut, sweat, spit, polish and prayer. Lots of prayer.

“People just don’t understand how difficult it’s been to keep it going,” she says, “until they come through it and see how much is in here and how much work it takes. It’s even more of a struggle now than ever before.

We’re always on the verge of closing.

But I don’t want to sound too negative. I think our main focus should be on keeping the building open and providing jobs for people to give tours, file, catalog. Those are things that could be going on right now, but it takes money, and I hope we get the same amount of money from the city that other museums get.”

Calloway feels her museum has long been neglected by local funding sources in comparison with mainstream museum such as the Joslyn and Western Heritage. She’s had little cause for hope lately, especially when a major funder – United Arts Omaha – withdrew its support.

She poured out her discontent over UAO’s action in a passionate editorial published in the Omaha WorldSee Calloway continued on page 3

Trusting Patton’s Process

By Lucas Semb Seven months went by without Justin Patton touching the hardwood. Seven long, lingering months where Patton couldn’t compete, but instead, spectated from the sidelines. His surgically repaired broken foot still needed time to heal. That’s not exactly how every 15th overall NBA draft pick expects to start his NBA career.

“This was my first injury of my career,” said Patton, the former Omaha North star. “It was all new to me, so when it happened I didn’t know what to expect. I was just focused on getting better.”

The team that traded for him on draft night, the Minnesota Timberwolves, didn’t expect his career to start like this either. Entering the season without a potentially instant-contributing big man kept them thin at the center position, with only all-star Karl-Anthony Towns and reserve Gorgui Dieng. However, the Timberwolves have made the most out of their current situation with their rookie center, guiding him every step of the way.

“In terms of development, this is the TWolves’ biggest care as an organization,” Patton said. “Everyone has something to work on and get better at and they make sure that everyone is getting the help they need.”

The Timberwolves turned their attention toward rehabbing Patton, working on re-strengthening his balance and timing. It started with work in the weight room, then gradually progressed to “controlled jumping” to 3-on-3 drills, to full practice to now recently being assigned to the Timberwolves G-League affiliate Iowa Wolves as he prepares to return to the NBA. “To a certain extent, it was frustrating sitting out,” Patton said. “However, my teammates were really good about keeping me focused on getting better and staying calm about my injury.”

Now Patton is starting to see the fruits of his labor pay off in the G-League. In his first official game back from injury, Patton came off the bench for 15 points, seven rebounds, and four blocked shots. He followed it up with a performance of 13 points, two rebounds and two blocked shots while shooting six of eight from the field. Since then, Patton has continued to keep the ball rolling, averaging 10 points and five rebounds per game so far in his time with the G-League Wolves.

“It feels great (to be competing again) and I’m honestly just trying to take advantage of every workout and game,” Patton said. “I never expected to be out, so I’m just having fun with it. I just have to find my groove again, but basketball is like riding a bike so I’ll be alright.”

Since the last time Patton played competitive basketball, the competition has also gotten much stiffer. Playing his college ball at Creighton University out of the NCAA Big East, each contest came with a handful of NBA-level players. Now each time Patton takes the floor, he’s playing against the top guys from college; each roster spot comprised of former college standouts.

“The intensity and competition is different,” Patton said. “But the NBA, it’s just basketball.

You just have to play your game and get acclimated.”

Iowa Wolves Head Coach Scott Roth thinks Patton is handling the transition from injuryto-court and college-to-professional all very well. Still, he believes Patton has a long way to go before he is back up to speed, but he likes a lot of what he sees.

See Patton continued on page 3

Re-entry Prepares Incarcerated Individuals for Success on the Outside

By Leo Adam Biga Photos by Vizionz Photography A growing community of re-entry pathways serve current and former incarcerated individuals needing work upon release. Many re-entry programs are run by people who’ve been in the criminal justice system themselves.

“Those closest to the problem are closest to the solution,” said ReConnect Inc. founding director LaVon Stennis-Williams, a former civil rights attorney who served time in federal prison. “You have people like myself coming out of prison no longer waiting for others to remove barriers. There is a network of movements being led by formerly incarcerated individuals taking control of this whole effort to make reentry something more than just talk. We’re developing programs that try to ensure people coming out are successful and don’t go back to prison.”

LaVon Stennis-Williams, Director of ReConnect Inc.

Executive

Some area re-entry programs are formalized, others less so. Several are grantees through the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services’ administered Vocational and Life Skills grant stemming from 2014 state prison legislation (LB 907). Programs work with individuals inside and outside state prisons.

ReConnect provides services Stennis-Williams didn’t find upon her own release in 2010.

“When I came out of prison, many second chance programs started under the 2008 Second Chance initiative either did not get refunded or the funding dried up,” she said. “So when I came out there weren’t many out there – just kind of the residuals.”

What there were, she said, were disjointed and uncoordinated.

“I wanted to create a program I wish would have been in existence when I was navigating re-entry.

What I realized from my own personal experience – it did not matter how well educated you were, how much money you had, what connections you had, when you’re going through re-entry, you’re going to face barriers. I developed a program to fill service gaps and to be not so much a hand-out as an empowering thing to help overcome those barriers.”

Employment assistance is a major piece of ReConnect.

“We look beyond just helping them with creating a resume and building interview skills. We spoke with employers to find out what soft skills they’re looking for in people. In our employment readiness program Ready for Work we put a lot of emphasis on those core competencies employers want:

Got the Blues?

See In the Village for a cure – Jan. 6

Jasmine Harris, Ventures.

Director,

Defy Diane and program staff in front of their wall of achievement for program participants

dependability, reliability, strong work ethic, problem solvers.”

ReConnect’s Construction Toolbox Credentials Training workshops prepare participants for real jobs.

“We worked with construction companies to find out what they’re looking for in people and we developed a training program using industry professionals to come teach it. They issue industry recognized certificates.”

Metropolitan Community College has convened around re-entry for more than a decade. Today, it’s a sanctioned service provider with The 180 Re-entry Assistance Program.

“The thing we constantly hear from employers is that the pool of potential employees they’re fishing in do not have employability skills,” said director Diane Good-Collins, who did a stretch in state

MLK Holiday activities listed In the Village See page 13

prison. “They don’t know how to show up on time, how to communicate with their supervisor, how to be a team player. Those are the things we’re teaching clients while they’re still incarcerated, so when they come out of prison they’re on a level playing field with those without criminal histories they’re competing against for jobs.”

Programs like 180 and ReConnect build background friendly employer pipelines.

“We work now with over 80 employers,” said Stennis-Williams at ReConnect Inc. “These employers are very receptive to hiring men and women who participate in our job readiness workshops. I think employers’ attitudes are changing, partly because of economics. Employers are realizing they cannot ignore this labor force anymore.

See Re-entry continued on page 3

It’s A Rap on Race – Jan. 9 See In the Village for Details

LOCAL NEWS

THE OMAHA STAR

Homecoming for Nebraska’s Scott Frost

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By Austin Adams The Nebraska Cornhuskers 2017 football campaign was wrapped up on an oddly warm Black Friday, with a lackluster home loss to Big Ten West Division rival Iowa 5614. The Cornhuskers ended the season with a dismal 4-8 record, and the firing of head coach Mike Riley. Riley went 19-19 in his three seasons at Nebraska, and Nebraska is now searching for their third head coach this decade. Nebraska misses making a bowl for only the third time in the last 50 years. A far cry from the team that won three National titles in the 90’s, and has three Heisman Trophy winners.

So why are people around the state and program so optimistic about the future?

Why do the members of Husker Nation feel like they will not fall to obscurity, and will regain relevancy in the college football landscape? Because the last man to quarterback the Huskers to a National championship is now the head coach at his Alma

matter. Scott Frost is The Associated Press Coach of the Year after leading UCF to an unbeaten season and a spot in the Peach Bowl.

Frost has already accepted the Nebraska coaching job, but he plans to complete the season with UCF and coach the 10th-ranked Knights against No. 7 Auburn.

Frost took over at UCF two years ago with the Knights coming off a 0-12 season.

He got them to a bowl game last season, going 6-7. This season, the Knights exceeded all expectations. UCF won the American Athletic Conference and were the highestscoring team in the country at 49 points per game.

New Athletic Director Bob Moos has been receiving great praise for bring the native Nebraskan back. “Our storied fan base is fractured and fragile,” Nebraska athletic director Bill Moos said last month in announcing his decision to fire Mike Riley after three seasons. “And that’s very concerning to me. These fans have been through a lot over the last 20 years.

LEAD Stories

LEAD Stories is a collection of portraits sharing the stories of people in our community and their first-hand encounters with childhood exposure to lead and lead-poisoning. Through this work, Omaha THE OMAHA STAR believes that America can best lead the world away from racial and national Healthy Kids Alliance and Watie White Studio are working to put a antagonism when it accords every man, regardless of race, color or creed, his human and legal rights. very human face on the devastating effects of lead in North Omaha, Hating no man, fearing no man in the firm belief that all are hurt as long as one is held back. a community that has faced lead contamination through multiple sources for decades. Every month, LEAD Stories will elevate the perspectives of both residents and community leaders in North Omaha, The United States provides opportunities for free expression examine how lead exposure affects our community, and elevate real of ideas. The Omaha Star has its views, but others may differ. solutions to remediate the problem.

Therefore the Omaha Star ownership reserves the right to publish Omaha Healthy Kids Alliance views and opinions by syndicated and local columnists, profesOmaha Healthy Kids Alliance (OHKA) is a nonprofit organization sional writers and other writers whose opinions are solely their dedicated to ensuring every child lives in a Lead-Safe and Healthy own. Those views do not necessarily reflect the policies and posi- Home. OHKA improves children’s lives by assessing homes, edution of the staff and management of the Omaha Star newspaper. cating families, making informed referrals, and connecting clients to Readers are encouraged to email letters to the editor com- home repair services to reduce health and safety risks. We also fomenting on current events as well as what they would like to see cus on policy issues and advocacy to help create a local and national included in the paper. Those emails should be sent to: phyllis@ infrastructure that support a Healthy Home for every child. OHKA omahastarinc.com and must include the writer’s name, address, is currently working closely with the City of Omaha to ensure that email address and telephone number. The ownership has editorial Omaha residents are kept safe from lead and also have access to inrights and does not guarantee that all submissions will be pub- formation about their own properties. For more information, visit lished. omahahealthykids.org, and to learn more about lead in Omaha, visit Please be advised that the Omaha Star ownership does not omahalead.org. employ staff writers who charge for preparing and submitting Watie White Studio articles for the general public. Should you encounter such, please Watie White is a local painter and printmaker in Omaha, Nebraska. advise Phyllis Hicks at 402.346.4041.

Since Moving to Omaha in 2006, Watie’s studio has produced public art projects in collaboration with nonprofit organizations throughout Omaha including Habitat for Humanity-Omaha, InCommon Community Development, and Justice for Our Neighbors-NE. LEAD Stories will be the first collaborative public project with Omaha Healthy Kids Alliance.

Since 2014, Watie’s work has been featured in exhibitions at the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art (Bentonville, AR), the Minneapolis Institute of Art Minneapolis, MN), Museum of Nebraska In order to be included in the Omaha Star, all articles and Art (Kearney, NE), Joslyn Art Museum (Omaha, NE) and the Telannouncements must be submitted by e-mail to fwilliams@ fair Museums (Savannah, GA). 2016 featured exhibits at the Dixon omahastarinc.com no later than two weeks in advance of the Galleries and Gardens (Memphis, TN) and Mint Museum (Charlotte, event. All articles and announcements should be prepared in a NC). Watie has been a featured speaker at Art Expo Chicago, State of word document using Times New Roman, 10 pt. Submissions the Art Symposium and the Plains Art Museum. 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 Submissions to Express Yourself must include the writer’s first date. Articles and announcements will not be accepted at the and last names as well as the writer’s address and telephone Omaha Star office. The Omaha Star is now published bi-weekly number. (Addresses and phone numbers are not published.) on Fridays. The Omaha Star business office hours are MondaySubmissions written anonymously will not be printed.

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“They and the university, and certainly the players and all involved, in my opinion, deserve to be in a position to be competing for championships in the Big Ten conference and nationally. So that’s going to be the intent.”

Frost signed a seven year-$35 million contract, making him the third-highest paid coach in the Big Ten behind Ohio State’s Urban Meyer, and Michigan’s Jim Harbaugh.

There are only two things higher than his contract in Husker Nation: emotions and expectations. He will be expected to deliver a more physically dominant team, while blending his up-tempo spread offense.

“It is a great honor and privilege to have the opportunity to return to Nebraska and to lead the Husker football program,” Frost said in a statement. “I have been fortunate to be at a wonderful school the last two years, but Nebraska is a special place with a storied tradition and a fan base which is second to none. I am truly humbled to be here. The state of Nebraska and the Husker program mean a great deal to me. This is home.”

African Culture Connection Receives Grant From Weitz Family Foundation

African Culture Connection (ACC) has announced the receipt of a $10,000 grant from the Weitz Family Foundation for general operating support.

“This is great news and greatly appreciated,” said Charles Ahovissi, Artistic Executive Director of The African Culture Connection.

“Funding from the Weitz Family Foundation supports the meaningful work we do in the Omaha metro area, teaching African culture & history through authentic dance, music, drumming, and visual arts.”

African Culture Connection’s unique education and social programs respond to two unmet needs: 1) The importance of building community awareness of and respect for African culture and diverse cultures as a whole, and 2) The pressing need of very high-risk populations, primarily African-American children and youth of low-income, for opportunities for positive development.

South Omaha Historical Grant Selections

The South Omaha Historical Grant Committee has released their selections for the 2018 grant cycle. Those receiving funding for historical projects are: Miguel Keith Project, $25,000; El Museo Latino, $10,000; South Omaha Neighborhood Alliance, $10,000; and Restoration Exchange, $1,500. Those receiving funding for educational purposes are: Gomez Heritage, $8,000; Metropolitan Community College Foundation, $5,000; Avenue Scholars, $300; and Board of Regents/UNMC, $2,500. Those receiving funding for youth violence prevention projects are: Latino Peace Officers Association, $6,000; Police Athletics for Community Engagement, $15,000; South Omaha Violence Intervention and Prevention Partnership, $5,000; Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Midlands, $4,000; The Simple Foundation, $5,000; Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska, $2,000; Banister’s Leadership Academy, $2,000; Father Flanagan’s Boys Home, $2,500; Completely Kids, $1,500; UNMC Dusk to Dawn; $4, 000; Salvation Army Kroc Center, $3, 500; YMCA of Greater Omaha, $6,000; Girls Inc. of Omaha, $6,000; Victory Boxing Club, $18, 000.

Committee members include Douglas County Commissioner Mike Boyle, City Councilmember Vinny Palermo and Community Leader Anita Rojas.

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Page Three

Calloway continued from page 1

Herald.

Other than occasional benefit events, the museum’s fundraising efforts have been dormant recently. But they are being revived, along with a planned membership drive, following a board of directors reorganization. Although Calloway tries to remain diplomatic about the museum’s second-class status, her supporters do not.

“It’s an embarrassment to her that the museum is treated the way it is by the larger community,” says Larry Menyweather-Woods, an associate professor in the Department of Black Studies at the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

“It’s representative of the fact that many people don’t consider our (black) history to be that important.”

According to Vicky Parks, a librarian at Omaha’s W. Dale Clark Main Library, “She does not get the respect and support she deserves. I’m truly saddened that we have not as a community chosen to provide the financial resources to institutionalize that museum.”

Aside from a trace of bitterness she can’t disguise and a rare memory lapse that upsets her, Calloway still has a sharp, often biting wit and and feisty – even stubborn – determination to see this latest crisis through. The museum truly is her mission, and she vows “to keep it going...so that my children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren know that African-Americans were involved in the settlement of this country and the settlement of the West in particular.

“That’s important because it makes you feel like you belong.”

Calloway’s own displaced sense of belonging began as a young girl in Denver, where her family settled after too many years of Jim Crow discrimination in the South.

She resisted the one-sided history taught in school that conspicuously ignored blacks. Instead, she embraced the anecdotes told by her grandfather, George “Dotey Pa” Pigford, who regaled her with tales of his cowboy exploits in Texas and the accomplishments of black pioneers and settlers she never heard about in class. Those stories inspired her to learn more about the rich

heritage of blacks on the Great Plains and eventually led her to become a serious collector, preserver and interpreter of black history.

“The history I was forced to learn and hated just consisted of white history,” she says. “I never felt like I belonged to that kind of history. I knew there had to be some other kind where black people fit in other than slavery. One reason I started the museum is that I realized when my children were growing up there wasn’t anything in the public schools about African-Americans.

“People must see black history in order for the images they have of black people to change. That’s what our museum is all about. It’s about revealing a history that’s been withheld.”

Calloway has displayed that history in exhibitions and discussed it in countless lectures given at the museum, public schools, universities, historical societies. She’s also lent her expertise to documentaries and books and currently is collaborating with Alonzo Smith, a research historian at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, on an illustrated history of blacks in Nebraska. Dozens of awards honoring her achievements hang on the wall of the Great Plains Black Museum.

On this particular day, someone asks if she’d ever thought if becoming a teacher. “I am a teacher,” she bristles.

“You’re learning right now, aren’t you?”

Properly chastened, the questioner asks more precisely if she’d considered a formal teaching career. “The approach is too disciplined for me,” she answers.

“I think it’s more fun to jump up and do what I want instead of staying inside a classroom all day.”

As confirmation of her free-spirited ways, her son says, “My mother’s always been an adventurous type of person. As a young boy I can remember plenty of times when she’d go out ‘scavengin’, as she called it, into condemned houses and at work sites” to retrieve artifacts.

Her scavenging netted many museum finds. Other item were donated by individuals and families who – encouraged by her appeals – scoured attics, base-

Patton continued from page 1

“He’s got a great work ethic and he’s willing to learn,” Roth said.

“He’s blended in well with the rest of the guys. He’s got some timing, balance, and conditioning issues yet but that’s a great reason for teams to invest in the G-League. He has plenty of opportunities to rehab faster.”

Roth also spoke highly of Patton’s on-court abilities. This is nothing to just brush off either, as Roth has coached high-quality NBA big men such as Jonas Valanciunas, Dirk Nowitzki, Shawn Bradley, Andre Drummond and Greg Monroe. He knows what it takes to succeed at the highest level.

“He’s different than some of those guys,” Roth said. “He’s more like Clint Capela with the Houston Rockets. I see him being a dominating big that can roll. He’s got a good motor for his size, he’s a good passer too and he’s just scratching the surface.”

Patton doesn’t want to make any comparisons. He just wants to put in the work.

“I’m going to just put my head down and work hard,” Patton said.

“I’m going to focus on getting better and we will see where I am 10 years from now.”

Free Tax Preparation Program Provides Meaningful Volunteer Experience and Education The Omaha Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Coalition continues its volunteer recruitment efforts for the coming 2018 tax season. Volunteers serving as Site Navigators are needed to staff the five Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites and various mobile locations in the Omaha metro area to welcome customers, conduct client in-take, and coordinate other services afforded to the public through the tax sites such as financial education seminars, opening bank accounts, and credit reporting.

The EITC Coalition coordinates the VITA program for the Internal Revenue Service in Omaha by offering volunteer recruitment and training, staffing the sites, and developing financial services available to the low to moderate income people who use the VITA sites. The Coalition is composed of organizations and individuals from federal, state and city governments, community social service agencies, businesses, banks, universities and professional associations.

The Coalition is a program of Family Housing Advisory Services, Inc. which offers financial education, housing services, and asset development programs that promote housing and financial stability.

Volunteers need not have any prior tax preparation training or experience. The Coalition’s training program is comprehensive and all inclusive. A targeted 24 hour time commitment per month is all that is required after the training period. VITA sites are open from Jan. 23-April 17.

“The value of the VITA program to the community last year was estimated at over $15.8 million,” said Ed Leahy, Coalition Director. “Volunteers are amazing since they give of their time, save taxpayers commercial fees, connect taxpayers to quality services to meet their financial goals and help those most in need to claim the credits they are eligible for.”

One-hour Volunteer Orientations are offered at the Coalition’s central office at Family Housing South Omaha, 3605 Q St., on Jan. 3 at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.

For those interested in helping families save money at tax time, please contact the Coalition at 402-546-1013 ext 6208 or visit www.omahaeitc.org for more information, registration and a volunteer application.

ments, cellars and garages for precious remnants of the past that might otherwise have been trashed.

Before opening the museum, her own collection threatened over-running the family home at 25th and Evans, where she raised her son and two daughters – Beverly and Bonnie. She has five grandchildren and four great-granchildren.

“Our house was so full of magazines, books and things,” she says, “that my beloved husband was glad to see them leave, please believe me.

“I still have lots of things in my own personal collection that I’m sure my son would love me to lose,” she adds with a chuckle.

Calloway’s private stash practically bursts from a small museum office that includes a holster and branding iron used by her grandfather on cattle drives.

Indeed, poking around the museum is like rummaging through Grandma Calloway’s attic. Unlike the foreboding marble palaces that traditionally house history and tend to embalm it, the museum’s a homey, unpretentious, slightly disheveled place whose small rooms are overstuffed with a hodgepodge of memorabilia lovingly scaled down to human size.

The exhibits range from African art to artifacts of black settlers, soldiers, musicians and athletes and to interpretive histories of civil rights leaders. A strong local flavor is preserved in exhibits devoted to Omaha Star publisher Mildred Brown, social activist Malcolm X, major league baseball pitcher Bob Gibson, and so forth. The inviting displays beckon visitors to linger and soak up the living history they commemorate.

Calloway’s charming presence is felt throughout, whether chatting with visitors or bearing witness to some of the history-making events documented there, including early civil rights demonstrations in Omaha led by the late Father John Markoe.

Despite her health problems, she’s still at the museum most every day and pores over materials at home until the wee hours of the morning.

“Even though the last few years have been very traumatic for her, she’s still

Re-entry continued from page 1 “That’s why I think they’re making an effort now to reach out to programs like ours.”

Metro’s 180 program sees a similar shift.

“We have worked hard talking to employers about the population and helping destigmatize them. Employers understand this is the hidden workforce. Individuals are coming out trained, ready to enter the workforce and have the support of MCC and others in the community as they transition.

They are ready to do something different and really what they need is an opportunity,” said Good-Collins. “Statistics show those who get educated while incarcerated are many times less likely to go back to prison.”

Good-Collins said MCC closely vets participants.

“We’re not just going to send employers 10 people we don’t know anything about.

We prescreen them to make sure they’re ready to be a part of their organization.”

Despite rigorous standards and numerous success stories, she said, not all employers want in.

“Some of the barriers are nonnegotiable.

Some employers say they absolutely will never hire somebody with a criminal history. Some companies are limited to who they can hire due to liability concerns. Some have no idea they aren’t willing to until we talk to them about it. People with particular criminal histories can’t get hired in certain jobs.”

Good-Collins found a receptive audience at a Human Resources Association of the Midlands diversity forum she presented at in October.

“Several HR directors said they’d be willing to work with us and we’ve established relationships with their companies. I feel like the proverbial door was kicked open and destigmatizing took place.”

Metro’s credit offerings inside prison include business, entrepreneurship, trades and information technology.

“We chose to teach those four career pathways inside the correctional facilities because those are areas the population can find a job in when released.

“Employability Skills and Introduction to Micro-computer Technology are our foundation courses because they give you a foot in the door with an employer.”

Process and Power Operations is a manufacturing and distribution certification course. Upon completion, she said, “its national certification equals gainful employment upon release,” adding, “We’ve worked with guys who got this and are making very good money.”

“Manufacturing and construction are popular career fields and well-paying options,” she said. “With our forklift training, you can get a job almost immediately at one of our employer partners. Other graduates

driven,” her son says. “She’s up until midnight, one o’clock every night doing research. It’s just embedded in her.

I think it’s her love for the history and a very legitimate concern for the direction the community is going.”

Calloway explains it this way: “I love what I’m doing. I really do. The kids want me to stop, but I’d just as soon be there as sitting at home watching television. I figure I might as well get up, come on down to the museum and do a few little things that make a difference.”

During a recent lunch at the nearby Fair Deal Cafe, whose bustling atmosphere and authentic soul food put Calloway in a reflective mood about the neighborhood she first came to in 1946: “Things were jumpin’, as they used to say. You didn’t have to leave 24th Street to get anything you wanted. That’s a fact.”

The Dreamland Ballroom, among other now defunct night spots, featured jazz legends. And the area thrived with activity.

Driving around the neighborhood she’s been such an integral part of, Calloway expressed sadness at the empty storefronts and vacant lots and indignation at the closed Kellom Pool, since reopened.

“I love North Omaha,” she says. “But I hate to see the old buildings torn down.

A lot of history is destroyed, and that includes North 24th Street.”

She believes that, with enough help, the museum “could be an anchor” of stability in these unstable times. “Other states don’t have such a resource. People come from all over to research here.

Twenty-Fourth Street could be beautiful again,” she adds, wistfully.

Her dream, like her life, has been all about defying convention: • It’s why, when traveling by bus en route to Texas years ago, she refused to budge when the driver commanded she and her sister move to the back upon crossing the mythical Mason-Dixon Line.

• Why she participated in peaceful demonstrations that helped integrate Omaha’s Peony Park and downtown lunch counters.

work in food service – entry level to management level.”

More re-entry efforts that focus around employment readiness include Intro To The Trades and Urban Pre-Vocational Training programs offered by Black Men United.

Big Mama’s Restaurant and Catering owner Patricia Barron has a long history hiring wait and kitchen staff with criminal histories.

Comprehensive programs like Metro’s 180 and ReConnect offer wrap-around services to clients, including transition support, referral to community agencies, coaching-tutoring-mentoring and employment assistance.

“We serve as a liaison in case there’s an issue that comes up at work and if the employee has a barrier with transportation or child care,” Good-Collins said. “We basically stand as a support and advocate.

“If they’re not at a point in their education and training to be eligible to go into a career position, then we guide them to survival employment, so at least they get working. Meanwhile, they can pursue their educational-employment goal to get to where they want to.”

Teela Mickles has worked with returning citizens for three decades. Her Compassion in Action (CIA) seeks to “embrace the person, rebuild the family and break the cycle of negativity and recidivism.” CIA’s Pre-Release-Education-Reentry Preparation focuses on the individual and the unresolved core issues that led to criminal acts.

Personal validation, self-exploration and personal development activities help clients change their thinking and behaviors, said Mickles. “This allows each individual to succeed in other services offered to this population: drug rehabilitation, advance education, employment readiness and gainful employment.”

CIA, ReConnect, 180 and other programs refer clients to mental or behavioral health counseling as needed.

There’s also a prevention aspect to re-entry work. Adult clients with kids learn parenting skills and strategies that can help keep their children from entering the system. ReConnect and CIA both have youth and family components.

Jasmine Harris is Post-Release Program manager for the area’s latest re-entry player: Defy Ventures, a national organization with regional chapters. Its intensive six-month CEO of Your New Life program explores character development, transformational education and employment readiness.

Participants learn to transition their street hustle experiences, talents and skills into career applications. Clients develop a life plan.

“Getting them to see that skill set and how to use it on the positive side of

• Why she organized such black-pride events as the Stone Soul Picnic and Miss Black Nebraska Beauty Pageant.

• Why she can say “I know I’m a pioneer” without sounding boastful.

• Why she’s invested so much of her life in an old building on the depressed near north side and still searched for artifacts from Pullman Porters and others.

Ask her what’s so special about saving Pullman Porter history anyway, and she replies: “We want to help people in this neighborhood understand their father and grandfathers worked on the railroad in a dignified way. It isn’t something just for black people. A good education is very important and must include African-American history.”

Calloway’s ignored doubters along the way. Her late mother, Lucy Carter, who operated Carter’s Cafe on North 24th Street, wanted Calloway to follow in her footsteps there. But Bertha had different ideas.

Long before there was one, she says, “my dream was to be another Oprah Winfrey, and also start something like this (museum). My mother always thought I was kind of crazy.”

Calloway did her Oprah thing, working as a public affairs professional at WOW-TV in the ‘60 and ‘70s and becoming one of the first black women in the Nebraska broadcast industry.

Through good times and bad, she says, “a dream and a loyal, faithful man kept me going. I had a husband who was very supportive of everything I did.

He always made me feel like I could do whatever I wanted to do.” She despairs her “main support” is gone now, as are the “militant friends” she waged the fight for equality with.

She sees the museum’s fight as emblematic of the plight of Omaha’s black community and challenges others to carry on the struggle – with or without her.

“I’m 71 now and my health is failing,” she says. “The torch has to be passed.

It’s just a matter of keeping things going.”

And keeping the dream alive.

things really turns on a light for them and they love it,” Harris said. “We bring in volunteers for business coaching days. The entrepreneurship part is the hallmark of our program. We call our participants EITs or Entrepreneurs in Training. They get one-onone basic entrepreneurship.”

Volunteers assist clients in developing a business plan.

“Our curriculum is vetted by Baylor University,” Harris said. “And if participants pass they get a certificate of career readiness. We do a full cap and gown graduation. That’s when we have our business pitch competition. We bring in volunteers, business execs, entrepreneurs and do a shark tank style competition.

Everyone graduating pitches their business idea.”

Cash prizes are awarded.

In terms of post-release, Harris deploys the same six month program on the outside that’s offered in prison.

“Anyone in the community with a criminal history, whether they were formally incarcerated or had a misdemeanor or a felony probation, can participate if they’re looking for another option.”

Harris also runs the program’s business incubator.

“Our Entrepreneur Incubator is an additional 12 to 15 months of training. We match clients up with executive mentors who’ve gone through the process of starting their own business. Mentors help walk them through the business start-up process.”

“We have business coaching nights and workshops where we bring in subject matter experts who give more in-depth information.”

Harris connects clients with workforce development resources, help with resumes and two big barriers – affordable housing and access to transportation.

“We connect them to services in the community where it makes sense. Everybody doesn’t want to be an entrepreneur or go to school. We let them know there’s a program over here doing a trades piece or there’s another program doing the education piece.”

Re-entry experts agree there are more and better services today but Harris and others see a need for more collaboration among providers.

Good-Collins said no matter how one feels about reentering citizens, they’re here to stay.

“Maybe you can look at it from a dollars and cents perspective and realize it doesn’t make fiscal sense to do what we’ve been doing, which is paying to re-incarcerate people.”

(Read more of Leo Adam Biga’s work at leoadambiga.com.)

F.Y.I.

In order to be included in The Omaha Star, all articles and event calendar announcements must be typed in a Word document, using Times New Roman font, 10 pt, and must be received no later than two weeks in advance of the event. Articles must be e-mailed to: fwilliams@omahastarinc.com by 3:00 p.m. on Monday. Any submissions that are received the same week as the current publication will not be included in the current week’s edition. The distribution day for The Omaha Star has been changed to Friday on a bi-weekly schedule.

The Omaha Star is not responsible for unsolicited pictures or articles submitted for publication.

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THE OMAHA STAR

PRAISE, WORSHIP, DEVOTION, OBITUARIES & INSPIRATION

Entertainment World Bade Fare Thee Well to Many Celebrities in 2017 Auntie Fee (59) – March 14 Chuck Berry (90) – March 18 Christopher “Big Black” Boykin (45) – Sept. 19 Bernie Casey (78) – Sept. 19 Fats Domino (89) – Oct. 24 Nelsan Ellis (39) – July 8 Cuba Gooding Sr. (72) – April 20 Dick Gregory (89) – Aug. 19 Robert Guillaume (89) – Oct. 24 Linda Hopkins (92) – April 10 Earle Hyman (91) – Nov. 17 Al Jarreau (76) – Feb. 12 Cortez Kennedy (48) – May 23 Bishop Eddie Long (63) – Jan. 15 Walter “Junie” Morrison (62) – Jan. 21 Charlie Murphy (57) – April 12 Ken Norton (70) – June 14 Prodigy (42) – June 20 Della Reese (86) – Nov. 19 Joni Sledge (60) – March 10 Clyde Stubblefield (73) – Feb. 18 Sir Derek Walcott (87) – March 17 Leon Ware (77) – Feb. 23 Keith Wilder (65) – Oct. 29

New Year Eve Prayer Father, we surrender this past year and give it to You. We give You our failures, our regrets, and our disappointments, for we have no more use for them. Make us now a new people, forgetting what lies behind and pressing on toward that which lies ahead of us.

We give You all our hopes and dreams for the future. Purify them by Your Spirit so that our wills shall truly reflect Your will for us.

As we stand on the threshold of another year, encourage us by our successes of the past, challenge us by the power of Your Word, and guide us by the presence of Your Holy Spirit.

Deaths & Funerals Willia Badgett Mrs. Willia Badgett, age 83, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 19, at a local care center.

Survived by 2 sons: Herman (Altousa) Badgett, Jr, San Francisco, CA, Terry (Tanya) Badgett; daughters: Rosetta Badgett, Omaha, Cynthia (Vincent) Caldwell, Wyoming, DE; brothers: Louise, Willis, Eugene, Omaha, Amos, Gibson, OK, & Randolph Saners, Muskogee, OK; sister; Louetta Sanders, San Francisco, CA; grandchildren, great-grand, great-great-grand; nieces, nephews, other relatives.

Funeral Services 11 a.m.

Friday, Dec. 29, King Solomon Baptist Church, Rev. A.J. Wagstaff, officiated.

Interment: Forest Lawn Cemetery.

Arrangements by Thomas Funeral Home. *** Barba J. Edwards Ms. Barba J. Edwards, age 87, passed away Monday, Dec. 11, at a local care center.

Survived by sister: Paulyne Y. Campbell, Omaha; niece: Pamela (Eric) Yancy, Indianapolis, IN, Connie Campbell, Omaha; great nieces & nephews; Shawn Wiseman, Potomac, MD, Erikka Yancy, Los Angeles, CA,

passed away Sunday, Dec. 10, at her residence.

Survived by daughters: Geryl F. Russell, Omaha, Sandra Williams, Apple Valley, CA; grandchildren: Dawn (Walter) Russell-Cummings, Donal & Doyle Russell, Omaha; 10 great-grand, 14 great-greatgrand; 2 nieces, 1 nephew, other relatives.

Funeral Services were held 10 a.m. Friday, Dec. 15, at Zion Baptist Church, Rev. Kenneth Allen, officiated.

Interment: Mt. Hope Cemetery Arrangements by Thomas Funeral Home. *** Vicki A. Webb Ms. Vicki A. Webb, age 67, passed away Sunday, Dec. 10, at a local hospital.

Survived by sister: Marlene Green, Peoria, AZ; nephew & niece; Kenny Gray, Killeen, TX, Karen Russell, Glendale, AZ; other nieces, nephews, and relatives.

Funeral Services were held 9 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 16, at St John A.M.E. Church, Pas. White, officiated.

Interment: Forest Lawn Cemetery Arrangements by Thomas Funeral Home.

All Night Prayer Meeting New Year’s Eve beginning at 9 p.m. until 6 a.m. New Year’s Day Join us in believing God for supernatural breakthrough in our community as we begin 2018 with 21 Days of Prayer & Fasting.

New Year’s Eve 10 a.m. – Family Worship Gathering (Children’s & Youth Meetings are during this service.)

6-8 p.m. – Praise, testimonies, and worship 8-9 p.m. – Fellowship

For more information, phone 402-9059730.

Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room

where God wants us to live. If we’re awed by the wonder of paradise spots in a world cursed with sin, suffering and death, can we really imagine the beauty of heaven or an Earth free from sin’s effects?

“Heaven is paradise,” says Jake, 9. “The weather is nice. Nothing can go wrong. My dad will not have a scar in the middle of his head.”

Many of us are so jaded by the abuse we’ve suffered, we can’t even imagine a world free from pain and misery. “Heaven is beautiful with no hurt or talking about people and no drugs,” says Annslee, 11. “It is all good.”

“You will be beautiful. Clouds are floating.

Kids are laughing and praying with Jesus. You have beautiful voices to sing for God’s glory.

Sunflowers are everywhere. Streets are made of gold! And it smells heavenly.”

For more insight, Trey, 9, says: “Trees in heaven are full with rich fruit. And everywhere you go, you can feel and see the glory of God” (Revelation 21:23).

Yes, glory can be felt. It has weight. The Apostle Paul wrote, “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory” (II Corinthians 4:17). When suffering for righteousness’ sake comes, God will add to your eternal weight of glory.

Think about this: None of us can receive glory for our entrance into heaven. We enter by grace through faith in the all-glorious Lord Jesus Christ.

In his death, he paid our entrance price. But rewards are a different matter. God wants to share his glory by rewarding faithful believers in a place above and beyond Eden’s paradise.

Memorize this truth: II Corinthians 4:17 previously quoted.

Ask this question: Have you ever considered that as a Christian you can add to heaven’s glory by faithfully serving the Lord?

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By Dr. William Holland The man in this story was not a scrooge, he just could not understand how or why Jesus came to earth to save us from our sin. “I’m truly sorry to distress you,” he told his wife, “but I’m not going with you to church this Christmas Eve. I’ll just wait up for you to return.” Shortly after the family drove away, snow began to fall. He went to the window and watched as the flurries were becoming heavier and then went back to his chair in front of the fire to finish reading his newspaper. A short while later he was startled by a thudding sound … then another, and then another. His first thought was that it sounded like someone throwing snowballs against his picture window. As he opened the front door to investigate, he found several birds huddled miserably in the snow. They’d been caught in the storm and in a desperate search for shelter, did not realize the glass barrier keeping them from entering into the safety of his home. Well, he could not just let the poor creatures freeze, so he had an idea. The barn which housed his children’s pony would provide a perfect place from the storm if he could only figure out how to direct them into it.

Throwing on his coat and rubber boots, he headed out into the deepening snow to the barn. He opened the doors wide and turned on the light, but the birds did not move. Figuring that food would entice them to come in, he hurried back to the house, grabbed some bread, and started making a trail of crumbs to the

lighted stable. But to his dismay, the birds paid no attention and continued to flap around helplessly in the snow. Trying to catch them became comical as they were too fast and then his attempt to herd them by waving his arms only made things worse as they scattered in every direction except where he wanted them to go. Suddenly, he realized they were simply overwhelmed with fear. I’m sure I seem like a dangerous and terrifying giant he thought, if only I could think of a way to let them know they can trust me. If I could just convince them that I’m not going to hurt them and sincerely want to help them. But how? Whenever I move they go into a panic and seem to be confused and suspiciously determined to not let their guard down. Then it dawned on him, if only he could become a bird, he could mingle with them and speak their language. Then hopefully they could come to know me and learn there is no need to fear. I could show them the way to a safe and warm barn. But I would have to be one of them so they could see, hear and understand. At that moment the church bells began to ring through the crisp stillness and as he stood there listening to the melody of “O come all ye faithful” he thought about how most people are generally afraid of God. Hmmm … So this is why Christ came to earth … to become like us. The man realized the only way Jesus can save us is when we completely trust Him. Christ had to somehow prove His love and the cross became that way. At that moment, the man humbly sank to his knees in the snow.

ATTENTION READERS Looking for Death and Funeral Notices If you want a notice of death or obituary published in the Omaha Star Newspaper, call or let your funeral director know that you want a notice placed in the Omaha Star Newspaper. Funeral directors should contact the Omaha Star office to submit notices and/or Obituaries.

Monday – Thursday 10:00 am – 4:00 pm • 402-346-4041

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THOMAS FUNERAL HOME

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TRADITION • RESPECT • DIGNITY

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Forest Lawn Funeral Home Cemetery & Crematory

at a local care center.

Survived by sons: Edward (Weodia), Las Vegas, NV, Terry, Omaha, Larry, 29 Palms, CA, & Anthony James; daughter; Vera Clemons, Omaha; 7 grandchildren, greatgrand, nieces, nephews, other relatives.

Funeral Services were held 9 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, at Morning Star Baptist Church, Rev. Dr. L. E. Adams, Jr. officiated.

Interment: Forest Lawn Cemetery Arrangements by Thomas Funeral Home. *** Vernetta Polk Mrs. Vernetta Polk, age 84, passed away Monday, Dec. 11, at her residence.

Survived by sons: Bobby (Gail) Polk, Omaha, Charles E. (Cheryl) Polk, Jr, Alexandria, VA; grandchildren: Clarissa (Tushin) Shah, Chicago, IL, Caden Polk, Washington, D.C., Charles E Polk, III, Milwaukee, WS; great-grand, Niam Shah, Chicago, IL, other relatives.

Cremation Arrangements by Thomas Funeral Home. *** Ersie M. Watson Mrs. Ersie M. Watson, age 95,

Freedom Worship Center Omaha, 3025 Parker St., invites you to bring in the New Year with us at the following celebrations!

What Is Heaven Like?

“Everything is free,” says Christina, age 12.

“Everyone lives in a mansion. No one has to go to work. There are no house payments.”

Our original parents lived in paradise. God not only made all the house payments; he provided the room service. The house payments started when Adam and Eve sinned. God closed the Garden of Eden.

Work is not part of the curse. God told Adam to tend and keep the garden. After being expelled from Eden, work became difficult. Amid the thorns and thistles of the ground God cursed, Adam ate bread by the sweat of his brow.

But there won’t be any sweating in heaven.

Jesus promised a place on his throne to faithful believers who overcome (Revelation 3:21). Trust me. This is a job you will want. Make sure your resume is in order.

“Heaven is a place that is so beautiful, you would think it was make-believe. It’s perfect,” says Molly, 9.

“The Endless Summer” is a classic 1966 documentary that chronicled the travels of two surfers’ global search for the perfect wave. This small-budget movie shot by one filmmaker opened in the middle of winter in a Kansas theater. The endless crowds caught the attention of a film distributor, and the rest is history.

What was it about this film that captured the imaginations of so many people? This film symbolized everyone’s longing for paradise.

The movie takes viewers to gorgeous spots in California, Africa, Australia, Tahiti, New Zealand and Hawaii. In the midst of incredible waves, breathtaking scenery and brilliant sunsets, the filmmaker touched people’s inborn desire for the endless summer in paradise.

Deep inside, we’re hardwired for paradise.

We know we belong there. Incredibly, that’s

Damion Yancy, Miami Beach, FL, Freedom Malik, Atlanta, GA. Funeral Services were held 10 a.m. Monday, Dec. 18, at St. John’s Catholic Church.

Interment: Forest Lawn Cemetery Arrangements by Thomas Funeral Home. *** Grace L. Frazier Mrs. Grace L. Frazier, age 92, passed away Sunday, Dec. 17, at a local hospital.

Survived by daughter: Linda (Vernon) Breakfield; granddaughter: Jazmon Breakfield, Omaha; nieces, nephews, other relatives.

Funeral Service 11 a.m.

Thursday, Jan. 4, at Salem Baptist Church, Rev. Dr. Selwyn Q. Bachus, officiating.

Interment: Forest Lawn Cemetery *** Tiffany S. Harrold Ms. Tiffany S. Harrold, age 31, passed away Monday, Dec. 11, at a local care center.

Cremation Arrangements by Thomas Funeral Home. *** Louise James Mrs. Louise James, age 84, passed away Saturday, Dec. 2,

Freedom Worship Center Offers New Year Celebrations

Kids Talk About God

By Carey Kinsolving And Friends

December 29, 2017

& Cremation Services

Serving all cemeteries Pre Planning Discounts Beautiful Repast Area Available

And Both Black - Owned.

A Tradition of Caring Since 1939

7909 Mormon Bridge Rd 402-451-1000.

Free Space for Veterans www.forestlawnomaha.com

Together, The Press And the Pulpit Can Give Us Full Citizenship Immediately

3920 North 24th St. Omaha, NE 68110 402-453-7111 www.omahathomasfh.com

Both Born Out of Necessity For Self-Expression

December 29, 2017

LOCAL NEWS

Christmas In The Village Photos by Jason Fischer

THE OMAHA STAR

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THE OMAHA STAR

LOCAL NEWS

December 29, 2017

December 29, 2017

LOCAL NEWS

THE OMAHA STAR

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YOUTH/EDUCATION NEWS December 29, 2017 Library will Offer Winter Break Programs Omaha Parks, Rec & Public Property Jan. 4 Winter break from school is often welcomed • 11 a.m.-2 p.m.: Winter Break Fun Day at W. warmly by kids and teens throughout the Job Opportunities for Summer community. It doesn’t take long, however, before Dale Clark Main Library. Enjoy the time off from Page Eight

THE OMAHA STAR

some students are struck by the boredom bug.

Omaha Public Library (OPL) can help beat the winter break doldrums with a variety of free programs offered for kids and teens. Some programs have specific age recommendations or may require registration.

Visit omahalibrary.org or contact the hosting location for more details.

Jan. 3 • 1-2:30 p.m.: DIY Stress Relievers Craft at South Omaha Library, 2808 Q St., 402-444-4850.

Use your DIY skills to make fluffy, slime stress balls and flextangles. This event involves the use of food coloring, shaving cream and markers, so please dress accordingly. Recommended for kids and teens. Registration required.

• 1-4 p.m.: Escape Room at Millard Branch, 13214 Westwood Ln., 402-444-4848. Be “locked” in a meeting room with puzzles, clues (and a few hints) and work together to figure out how to escape! Each hour, there will be one Escape Room for kids in grades 2-4, and a second Escape Room for kids in grades 4-6. Registration required.

school at the library with games, crafts and snacks.

• 1-2:30 p.m.: Winter Break Maker Day at South Omaha Library. Make catapults, kaleidoscopes and balloon rockets, and learn the science behind each project. Registration required.

• 1-4 p.m.: Escape Room at Millard Branch.

Registration required.

• 2-3 p.m.: Winter Fun Day at Milton R. Abrahams Branch. Join us for donut-making while listening to a librarian read a great book.

Registration required.

Jan. 5 1-4 p.m.: Escape Room at Millard Branch.

Registration required.

Jan. 6 Noon-4 p.m.: Teen Winter Break Double Feature at Milton R. Abrahams Branch. Movies, pizza and snacks!

Visit omahalibrary.org or your neighborhood branch for information about additional programs and services offered at Omaha Public Library’s 12 metro locations.

DAR Scholarships for Political Science, History, Government and Economics Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Scholarships for political science, history, government and economics are open to both undergraduate and graduate students pursing degrees in the areas of political science, history, government and economics.

Four different scholarships are available.

Eligible students must apply for each scholarship separately. They include: 1. The Dr. Aura-Lee A. and James Hobbs Pittenger American History Scholarship – awarded to graduating high school students who will pursue an undergraduate degree with a concentrated study of a minimum of 24 credit hours in American History and American Government.

2. The Enid Hall Griswold Memorial Scholarship – awarded to two deserving college juniors or seniors enrolled in an accredited college or university in the United States who are pursuing a major in political science, history, government, or economics.

3. The DAR Centennial Scholarship – awarded to two outstanding students pursuing a course of graduate study in the field of historic preservation at a college or university in the

United States.

4. The Lucinda Beneventi Findley History Scholarship – awarded to two graduating high school seniors who have demonstrated advanced interest in history and are planning to major in or pursue the study of history in a full-time accredited college or university in the United States.

Applicants must have a GPA of 3.25 and be full-time students attending an accredited college or university in the U.S. Some scholarships are renewable; students must maintain the required minimum in order to apply.

All scholarships are offered through the Daughters of the American Revolution, a membership service organization for women who are directly descended from a person involved in the United States’ efforts towards independence. The non-profit group was founded in 1890 and works to promote historic preservation, education, and patriotism.

The deadline for this scholarship is usually in February of each year, and the award amount is usually $2,000-$5,000.

For more details, visit www.dar.org/nationalsociety/scholarships/history-etc

ASSE Foundation Scholarships ASSE Foundation Scholarships are for students beginning their studies in occupational safety and for professionals seeking to continue their education. More than 100 awards are given each year.

Applicants must have a GPA of 3.0 or above if applying as an undergraduate, and 3.5 if applying as a graduate. In addition, applicants must have completed at least 60 semester hours of undergraduate credits, or 24 if seeking an associate’s degree. Students whose degree is not specifically an occupational health and safety (OHS) degree may also apply, provided they make the case as to why their program relates to the mission of the scholarships.

All applications must be submitted online.

Summer season will be here before you know it! Looking for an exciting seasonal job?

Omaha Parks and Recreation will be holding interviews in December and January for various job opportunities.

Job applicants must apply for all positions they are interested in online PRIOR to the interview at HR.CITYOFOMAHA.ORG. INTERVIEW DATES: Jan. 4: 9am-12pm @ Florence Community Center 2-5pm @ Christie Heights Community Center AQUATICS Lifeguard: 16 years of age is strongly preferred.

Aquatic Management: Must be at least 18.

20-40 hours per week.

Contact Jessi at 402-289-0451or Jessica.

Hubbard@cityofomaha.org.

DAY CAMPS Counselor, Specialist, Assistant Director, & Camp Director: Must be at least 18. 30-40 hours per week. Monday-Friday.

Contact Christine at 402-444-5216 or Christine.Stehno@cityofomaha.org.

GOLF Clubhouse Attendant, Golf Ranger, And Concession Staff: Must be at least 18.

Concession staff must be at least 19.

Maintenance Worker And Ground Maintenance: Must be at least 18.

Contact Kayla at 402-444-5953 or Michaela.

Clemens@cityofomaha.org.

PARK MAINTENANCE Ground Maintenance Worker: Must be at least 18 with a valid license.

Part Time Automotive Equiptment Operator: Must have Class B CDL. Must be at least 18 with a valid license. Up to 40 hours per week which may include days, evenings, and weekends.

Contact Donna at 402-444-5960 or Donna.

Kaluza@cityofomaha.org.

RECREATION PROGRAMMER (Community Centers, Ice Rink, & Tennis Facility) Up to 28 hours per week, which may include days, evenings, and weekends.

Contact Peg at 402-444-5930 or Peg.Prince@ cityofomaha.org.

Subscribe to the Omaha Star Call 402-346-4041 opt. 5

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December 29, 2017

THE OMAHA STAR Page Nine

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

“Where Life is for Everyone” Drs. Mar n & Lynnell Williams Founders & Lead Pastors SUNDAYS Prayer 9:00 AM Worship 10:00 AM

WEDNESDAYS Prayer 6:00 PM Worship 7:00 PM

ST. BENEDICT THE MOOR CATHOLIC CHURCH 2423 Grant St. Omaha, NE 68111 Ph: 402-348-0631 • Fax 402-342-4451 Sunday Mass: 9:00 a.m.

Reconciliation: Sunday after Mass or by appointment

Radio Broadcast: 101.3 fm 9:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. each Sunday Worship Service .............10:00 a.m.

&

REV. VITALIS ANYANIKE

REV. DR. LEROY E. ADAMS, JR.

www.ambassadorswc.com 402-341-1866 5417 N 103rd St. Omaha, NE 68134

Sunday School .................8:45 a.m.

Excluding First Sunday Tuesday Evening Service.........7:00 p.m.

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

BIBLE TRUTH MINISTRIES “Strengthing Families for Victorious Living” PASTOR RORDY SMITH PASTOR RAMONA SMITH PO Box 1703 2402 Franklin St. Bellevue, NE 68005 402-292-9499 Web: www.BibleTruthMinistries.org Sunday School..................................9:00 a.m.

Sunday Worship Service...............10:00 a.m.

Wednesday Prayer & Bible Study......6:00 p.m

PASTOR RORDY SMITH PASTOR RAMONA SMITH

“Jesus is the light of the world” REV. JAMES P. WALKER, SENIOR PASTOR mtcalvarycommunitychurch.org

PASTOR BERTHA JACKSON 2532 Binney Church: 402-451-1474 “The Church On A Mission For God”

PASTOR BERTHA JACKSON

Weekly Services Sunday School...................................9:30 a.m.

Sunday Service ...............................10:30 a.m.

Youth Night Wednesday ................. 7:00 p.m.

Wednesday Bible & Prayer Service ....7:00 p.m.

REV. RALPH LASSITER, SR.

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

MT. NEBO MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH

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.”

SALEM BAPTIST CHURCH Serving God and One Another in the Spirit of Excellence REV. DR. SELWYN Q. BACHUS SENIOR PASTOR 3131 Lake Street Omaha, NE 68111 402-455-1000 www.salembc.org

Come Experience the Power of God Where Faith and Fellowship is Fostered 3336 Lake Street • 402-453-4079 Fax: 402-453-7082 Gacoll4@aol.com • Website: omahasharonsda.com

PASTOR TERRY L. ARVIE

Where we Exalt, Equip, and Evangelize REV. WALTER B. JONES, PASTOR 2301 North 45th Street, Omaha, NE 68104 Ph. 402-934-6020 • Fax 402-453-3190 E-Mail: wrjallied@cox.net PASTOR JEFFREY & TERRI BOOTH

REV. WALTER B. JONES

SATURDAY SERVICE: Sabbath School……………………9:30 a.m.

Divine Worship…………………11:00 a.m.

PLEASANT GREEN BAPTIST CHURCH

1411 North 30th Street Omaha, NE 68131 Office: 402-342-0265 Fax: 402-342-0343 Email: gnh.omaha@gmail.com Website: greaternewhopebaptist.com

“Where CHRIST is Preeminent and the Word Prevails!”

Sunday School: 9:30 am Sunday Morning Worship: 10:45 am Bible Study: Wednesday 6:00 pm Prayer Service: Wednesday 6:45 pm

HOPE LUTHERAN CHURCH Missouri Synod 2723 N. 30th Street 402-453-1583 Sunday School................................10:00 a.m.

Church Service...............................11:00 a.m.

YOU ARE ALWAYS WELCOME

REV. JAMES D. WILKENS

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 BRIAN PAGE 5555 Larimore Avenue Church: 402-346-8427 www.pleasantgreenomaha.org Wednesday: Prayer Power Hour ......................................12:00 p.m Thursday: Youth For Christ ............................................6:00 p.m Prayer & Bible Study ....................................7:30 p.m Sunday: Worship..............................................8:00 a.m.

Sunday School..................................9:30 a.m.

Worship............................................11:00 a.m.

TABERNACLE OF FAITH CHURCH

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

ZION BAPTIST CHURCH Televised Broadcast Sunday @ 10pm on KPAO Cox Communication channel 22 & Century Link channel 89

RISING STAR MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH Pastor Darnell N. Johnson, Sr. 1823 Lothrop Street, Omaha, NE 68110 Phone: 402-451-3700 Fax: 402-451-3700 Email: Risingstarbaptchurchone@gmail.com Follow us on Facebook at RisingStarMBCONE Sunday Sunday School…………….............. 9:30 a.m.

Sunday Morning Worship…...........10:45 a.m.

Tuesday PASTOR DARNELL N. JOHNSON, SR. & LADI J Tuesday Night Teaching……...........6:30 p.m.

Wednesday Prayer Meeting/BIBLE Study............7:00 p.m.

SACRED HEART CATHOLIC CHURCH FR. DAVE KORTH • DEACON JIM CHAMBERS 22nd and Binney Street • 402-451-5755 • www.sacredheartchurchomaha.org

PASTOR TONY E. SANDERS JR. 3208 Corby Street Omaha, NE 68111 DEACON JIM CHAMBERS, FR. DAVE KORTH

Mass Times: Saturday: 5:00 pm • Sunday: 8:30 and 10:30 am ALL ARE WELCOME!

Pastor Barbara Mitchell 2404 Fort Street, Omaha, NE 68111 402-455-1800 Church 402-455-3390 Fax

PASTOR BRIAN PAGE

KOINONIA AND FRIENDS OF CHRIST

PASTOR TONY E. SANDERS JR.

PRAYER MEETING: Wednesday Night Prayer Meetings....7:00 p.m.

The Community is invited to attend Youth Wednesday Prayer Meetings…6 pm-7p.m.

BIBLE STUDIES: Every Tuesday.........................6:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.

PASTOR BARBARA MITCHELL

PASTOR ERIC BUTLER AND CO-PASTOR CYNTHIA BUTLER

Sunday School ..................................................9:00 a.m.

Sunday Worship .............................................10:30 a.m.

Thursday Bible Study ......................................6:30 p.m. www.KFCChurch.org

PASTOR GARY S. COLLINS & MRS. LORETTA COLLINS, J.D.

Sunday School………………………….9:30 a.m.

Sunday Worship…………11:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.

Wednesday Bible & Prayer Service………6:30 p.m.

GREATER NEW HOPE MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH

REV. DR. SELWYN Q. BACHUS

SHARON SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH

NEW BEGINNING COMMUNITY BAPTIST CHURCH

PASTOR JEFFREY & TERRI BOOTH 3025 Parker Street Omaha, NE 68111 402.905.9730 • www.fwcomaha.com

PASTOR JARROD S. PARKER

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.

“The Church Where Fellowship is Real” PASTOR TERRY L. ARVIE 5501 N. 50th Street Ph: 402-451-4245 Fx: 402-451-2130 office@mtnebo.omhcoxmail.com www.mtneboomaha.org Family Hour of Christian Education.............9:00 a.m.

Sunday Morning Worship .................................10:45 a.m.

Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting .....................7:00 p.m.

Youth/Children Ministry Focus (Wednesday) 7:00 p.m.

Wednesday Night Adult Bible Study ................7:30 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.

DR. RALPH B. LASSITER, PASTOR 2602 N. 24th St. Off: (402) 451-8800 - Fax: (402) 451-8522 mtmoriahomaha.net pastorlassiter@gmail.com

FREEDOM WORSHIP CENTER OMAHA

Sunday at 10:00am Family Night each Wednesday at 7pm The Daily Journey each Wednesday at Noon Saturday Prayer from 7 - 8am

REV. JAMES P. WALKER

MT. MORIAH MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH

REV. PORTIA A. CAVITT, PASTOR 5544 Ames Avenue, Omaha, NE 68104 Telephone: 402-451-8322 • Website: www.cmumc.net Email: clairumc@cumc.omhcoxmail.com

FAITH MISSION CHURCH

PASTOR JARROD S. PARKER 3616 Spaulding Street, Omaha, NE 68111 Phone: 402-451-0307 Email: smbcsecretary@stmarkbaptist.org 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.

“Come Get Your Hilltop Experience”

REV. PORTIA A. CAVITT, PASTOR

ST. MARK BAPTIST CHURCH

5112 Ames Avenue Omaha, NE 68104 Ph: 402-457-4216

CLAIR MEMORIAL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

Sunday School………………………8:45 a.m.

Sunday Worship Experience………...10:00 a.m.

Monday Bible Study…………………6:00 p.m.

Wednesday Bible Study….…….…….7:00 p.m.

Pastor: Rev. Vitalis Anyanike

MOUNT CALVARY COMMUNITY CHURCH

REV. KENNETH A. ALLEN, PASTOR 2215 Grant Street Omaha, NE 68110 Ph: 402-346-1502 Fx: 402-344-2720 Sunday School ..................................9:00 a.m.

Worship Services ...........................10:40 a.m.

Wednesday Prayer Services ...........6:30 p.m.

Wednesday Bible Study .......7:15 - 8:00 p.m.

REV. KENNETH A. ALLEN

THE WORSHIP CENTER North 24th Street Church of God “Presenting the Never-Changing GOD to an ever-changing World!”

DR. STAN RONE - SENIOR PASTOR 2021 N. 24th Street • Omaha, NE 68110 (402) 341-4297 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

DR. STAN RONE SENIOR PASTOR

Page Ten

THE OMAHA STAR

COMMENTARY

A Reader Rant!

Where Do You Go When The System Is Broken Or Rigged?

This is a report of ongoing bullying, violation of the personal right to be unharmed, victim blaming, and the behind the scenes support of racism in Omaha Public Schools.

My family nightmare began on Thursday, Sept. 15, 2016 when Nick a white male student who was a junior at Omaha Central High School, marched into his English classroom and delivered a poetry project to his teacher. The purpose of the project was to share a favorite piece of music and to demonstrate how music can be interpreted as poetry.

The entire class was issued a lyrics sheet for a read along.

There was discussion about the lyrics, and then the song was played for the class.

One of only two Black students in the classroom my son Chris reviewed Nick’s presentation and raised his hand in protest. He appealed to the teacher (Flanny), saying: “Hey I know we are not going to read this song or play it in here are we?” The teacher requested to know what was wrong with the song. Chris, trusting the teacher would fix any problem, eagerly explaining that the song Nick has brought in is filled with the word “Nigga!” The N-word was repeated over and over half of a dozen times in the song (Kanye West’s, Gold Digger). The song’s content is extremely misogynistic, riddled with drug references and other offensive profanity.

Chris told Flanny the song should not be played in the classroom as it is offensive.

Flanny posed the question to the high school class of teenagers whether the song should be presented. Chris pointed out the song has a clean version and extra steps must have been taken to make an intentional hurtful point or statement. Chris requested that the class should please review the song’s clean, edited version as an option to not cause an issue.

Nick appealed to the classroom that he sings the song out loud at home using the N-word all the time and the song must be reviewed in its entirety, in the class, so everyone can get the full effect of it and understand the meaning.

The argument was made that blacks call each other by the N-word all the time. Chris was accused of only being offended because a White kid was going to use the word.

Chris vehemently explained that he does not use the N-word as it is offensive and it is not okay for Blacks to refer to themselves in derogatory terms nor is it okay at all for any person to degrade others by the use of such words.

After the discussion, Chris’ points and concerns were ignored. The teacher explained to the students that if they did not like the song, if they felt offended or uncomfortable, then they could leave the class room. With that in mind, Chris knew participation in the project was being graded.

The students had to sit and listen as Nick read the explicit and derogatory song lyrics. The teacher then played the un-edited song to the class.

After the discussion, Chris’ protests were ignored. The teacher explained to the students that if they did not like the song, if they felt offended or uncomfortable, then they could leave the class room. It was never stated by the teacher that anyone could leave without consequence. Chris verified that in all class group discussions previously participation was part of the grade. Chris did not feel as he could leave the room. The students had to sit and listen as Nick read the explicit and derogatory song lyrics Chris and his classmates all sat still and remained in the room. Leaving the room would have been risking embarrassment as well as class discussion grading issues.

“Discussion: 10% “In Quarter Two, many class discussions will be graded based on preparation, class participation, and notes taken throughout the discussion. Students will always be informed as to whether or not the discussion will be graded prior to the discussion.”

The above is quoted from the class syllabus as shared with Chris’ family 10-6-2016 by OPS administrators. It is not clear that a class syllabus existed the day of the assignment.

The teacher then played the un-edited song to the class leaving Chris feeling confused, hurt, and frustrated. Chris arrived home after school and discussed the incident with us. The entire family was appalled that the incident had occurred. We felt children are sent to school by law and are to be kept safe and unharmed physically and mentally while in the custody of educators.

Information about the incident was relayed to the Principal Dr. Edward Bennett. The parents requested a full investigation of all the incident details, both to stop the teacher (Flanny) and Nick from ever doing the same thing again, and in hopes of prompting meaningful policy changes. We were seeking appropriate discipline for the teacher and student involved. Dr. Bennett seemed to be reluctant to having an investigation of the full incident. He appeared to make efforts to shield the teacher.

Once the incident was reported Chris began receiving harassment from some of his classmates. Every Black student was systematically question by other students in the same program, to see if they were offended by Nick’s display. Chris was referred to as “Snitch.” He was accused of trying to get teachers into trouble, and he was kicked out of the IB class study group, which IB administrators had the students develop so important classroom and group study information could be shared to support academic success.

Dr. Bennett’s (principal of Central High), end response to the issues was to scream and to yell at us the parents during a telephone tirade. Bennett complained he was spending too much time on trying to resolve the issue. Dr. Bennett angrily refused to speak with the family again on the issue and expressed “Any further requests to speak with me need to go through Ms. Cohn” (his supervisor). Dr. Bennett accused the parents of creating a hostile environment for his teacher and told us that he felt extremely bad for Flanny because of what he was being put through’ The Principal warned that “if you find yourself in a hole then stop digging!” Dr. Bennett has carried on not speaking to our family for the past year.

Once this issue was escalated to administration no one could point to a written policy with any order of flow for a complaint. Word of mouth explanations of how complaints work in the OPS system was all that was available. We as parents were told that the OPS complaint process is passed down to OPS employees by word of mouth and everyone just understands it. The very next person inside OPS that the parents questioned regarding how complaints work gave us a different process with different names of persons in

responsibility rolls. The OPS employees we spoke to were supposed to be part of the complaint resolution system. One would anticipate that the staff could give clear guidance on this type of situation.

We were shuffled around to no less than seven different people in different offices. Each time we were pointed to a new person of reported responsibility we had to repeat the complete incident details over and over again. Our issues were even escalated to the office of the superintendent and at all seven offices we met persons who promised to get to the bottom of the problem and do something to investigate.

Mr. Evans himself spoke with us and promised OPS would investigate and get back to us in two weeks with a conclusion. The promise from Mr. Evans came to us a year ago and to this date no response, either written or verbal, has been provided. There is still no conclusion on how OPS will handle and prevent similar bullying and hateful events from happening inside the school system.

Let’s fast forward to November 8, 2017 at 6:30 pm.

Central High School’s International Baccalaureate Program held its IB Pinning Ceremony at the TAC Building. Each student was given space in the typed ceremony bulletin to place a quote. We read through the quotes, searching for Chris’s words. We found ourselves smiling at the words of our son’s classmates. The smiles stopped and turned to hurt, disappointment, and disbelief when we came to Nick’s quote. Nick had placed a quote into the OPS sponsored program that he had to recognize as harassing and hateful directly towards Chris and our family. Nick was allowed to place a direct quote from the same offensive song (Kanye West’s, Gold Digger) into the program. Nick and other students had been told, by the assistant principal prior to Dr. Bennet be involved that the song was not acceptable in the school setting as the song is clearly inflammatory, misogynistic, and hurtful. The school’s efforts had clearly not been strong enough or intentional enough to stop Nick’s bullying, harassing, and hurtful behavior towards our family.

Having found no solutions with OPS and being desperate to get the antisocial behavior to stop, I asked Nick’s mother (who was the only guardian available at the IB ceremony) for a brief conversation. She agreed to speak with me and I asked if she knew about the original classroom incident the year before. She exclaimed she was aware of the incident and was very proud of Nick. She said she felt the school classroom was the perfect place for music with such lyrics to be played. She said Black people use the N-word and her son should be able to use it too and that this needs to be discussed in class. It was shortly after I told Nick’s mother that she should be ashamed of raising her son with such a lack of social decency. She retorted that her son is part Indian. She also repeated over and over “I am a Perlman, my last name is Pearl-Man!” Not fully understanding what that meant at the time, I told her “Well if Nick is part-Indian and if you are saying Perlman is a Jewish decent name, then, you should both be ashamed of how you are treating people.

Chris and my family never asked to be confronted in the classroom with a sexually, racially, and socially insensitive agenda.

She was told Nick should not have been allowed to continue his taunting by placing a quote to the same offensive song into the IB Ceremony program. As we were calmly discussing the situation, out of nowhere, Nick aggressively ran up with a raised fist and verbally threatened to strike me exclaiming: “You can’t talk to my mother; it is not her fault I didn’t learn nothing!” As Nick continued tussling against several people in efforts to attack me, I left the parking lot of the Omaha Public School administration building.

After some research, it was discovered that Nick, whose mom made it clear that she is a “Perlman,” and her son is a, relative of District 3 School Board representative.

So, now the question from the headline is posed again: Where do you go when the system is broken or rigged?

I’m open to suggestions from anyone who has had a student inside the Omaha Public Schools who experienced a bullying incident similar to this one. This situation has taunted and inconvenienced our family for more than a year.

It continues today.

Maybe Nick is right. Maybe when parents fail to teach their children that you don’t hurt people to feel better about yourself or hurt people to be evil, maybe it is not your fault.

Perhaps when you use the Public Schools as a forum for your hate, maybe it is the school system’s duty to teach you what is right and wrong in a civil society? It now makes perfect sense why, despite the fact that there was such a clear incident of wrongdoing and violation of OPS policy that students, teachers, and administrators are getting away with actions that are wrong. It makes one wonder how do the parents involved treat their co-workers and those they feel are in some way subordinate to them?

What you have just read is a real situation that happened to my son. The impacts of this situation have been felt by my entire family; it is my hope to reveal its occurrence inside the Omaha Public Schools. I hope they will take these incidents seriously and stop them from occurring.

Since I have been unable to reach resolution inside the school system, it is my hope that public opinion can influence the school district to take some real action to stop this kind of bullying from being allowed inside “OUR” schools and classrooms. When people in leadership can scare us into silence or if they are allowed to manipulate facts to make us the problem because we report hurtful incidents, if we just quit and go away out of fear, then nothing will ever change.

Thank you for reading this. Sometimes we have to come out of silence and share our stories to get movement.

Sometimes our stories are all we have to defend ourselves and advocate for our kids. Please call your school board representatives, the leaders of Central High School, OPS Administrators that have responsibility to provide and care for the welfare of all OPS students when families voice concerns about their students.

The author is the father of student, Chris (Keith L. Harris) (Publisher’s Note: The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the policies and position of the staff and management of the Omaha Star newspaper. At the publisher’s discretion, submissions may be edited for content.)

December 29, 2017

Black Votes Matter

to the Jesse Jackson for President Campaign. First, let me describe the environment. For one, you did not visit the Cosby complex. The location was unknown and to visit you were picked up via a limo and escorted to some remote part of Massachusetts, the complex.

The Complex consisted of a former farm, lots of land and four major structures. 1. The Cosby residence, (more bedrooms than you could count), 2. A residence for his mother, 3. A building housing equipment, etc.

4. Lastly a “guest house”.

The guest house was a former barn converted to accommodate 16 guests with bedrooms and baths, a conversational pit for about 20 people, 16 apothecary jars full of all sorts of goodies, raisins, orange slices, chips, etc. The Cosby main attraction and toy, was a huge Expresso contraction that could produce all sorts of steamed coffee, it was “Starbucks”. For the record I spent much time at the Cosby’s with my hand in the orange slices.

The Plan? For one solid week experts on national and international issues were flown into Boston, picked up by limo, taken to the Cosby’s, brought to the guest house. Each day those experts spent hours briefing Rev. Jackson on the complex issues of the era. To my amazement, Jesse Jackson not only assimilated the issues but committed his lessons to both his memory and his own perspectives, day after day. The experts were treated at the end of the day with a private dinner with the entire Cosby family.

Each night, Cosby called on one of the three chefs he had on staff to prepare a masterful meal. At a table were the experts, Cosby’s family, Jesse, me and two other staffers. Each night there were about 16 people at the table; each night a different magnificent set of tableware. The next morning, the previous day’s experts were bid farewell and the next experts arrived.

The pattern continued for 5 days.

At the end the week, I realized how brilliant Jackson is. He had in one weeks’ time accumulated the working knowledge of the global issues of the day and retained the knowledge throughout the campaign. He was a competitive debater on the national stage for the world to see. Jesse Jackson gained the respect of the nation and never was underestimated again.

The Final installment of this series: “My Two Years with Jesse Jackson Sr.” – Part IV (Jackson’s dilemma, to run or not to run, the Hotel Room meeting that changed history) will appear in the next issue of this publication.

By Preston Love Jr. UNO Adjunct Professor Prestonlovejr.com Black Lives, Black Poverty and Black Votes Matter

‘My Two Years with Jesse Jackson Sr.’ – Part III (Jesse Jackson, our week at Bill Cosby’s House and why!)

With the recent announcement that Rev. Jackson has Parkinson’s disease, I thought Omaha Star readers would enjoy some of my reflections from the historical times I spent with this Civil Rights icon. (Parts 1 and II are recommended reading) Jesse Jackson’s intelligence was totally underestimated by all, including myself. Jesse was as smart as any man I had ever met. He was not expected to be able to sit on the debate stage with six U.S. Senators and one former Governor, handle himself and be able to have command and knowledge of the issues of the U.S. and the World.

Jesse surprised us all.

When Rev. Jackson decided to run to be the Democratic nominee for President of the U.S., against the sitting President Ronald Reagan, the black community went wild. But the story behind the excitement has hardly been told. The white political establishment dismissed Jackson’s candidacy, as not serious and in fact somewhat of a joke. Twelve years prior in 1972 black Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm had been symbolic at best and never taken seriously. After all, Rev. Jackson was a country preacher full of cute rhythmic rhetoric for black folk, but spoke to nothing of substance. While Jackson was a good talker, the perception was that he lacked the depth, knowledge and intelligence to understand and speak on national and international issues. Black leadership felt the same way, but only privately. There was a fear that Jackson would embarrass himself and black people. Maybe even undermine the black cause. Surely, he wouldn’t be able to raise the millions of dollars needed to run a credible campaign.

The biggest hurdle, everyone felt, was he lacked the scope and intellect to address the global issues of the day.

There were 6 past and present United States Senators and a former Governor also running. There were going to be dozens of nationally televised debates.

With the prospect of Jackson on stage, there was unilateral dismay at that possibility. That is with one exception, Jesse Jackson; he was not intimidated.

Jesse had a plan.

After long conversations with the actor/comedian Bill Cosby, a plan was hatched. Cosby would give his residential complex in Massachusetts

(To review previous Black Votes Matter column articles, visit Omahastar.com. Or prestonlovejr. com. Preston love can be reached at prestonlovejr@gmail.com)

Help the Omaha Star Find Its Missing Issues Complete the Nebraska State Historical Society Archives On June 2 representatives of the Nebraska State Historical Society took bound copies of some of the Omaha Star’s earliest issues with them to Lincoln. The five bound books will complete issues missing from the state archives for the past sixty years, ranging from September 17, 1938 through October 26, 1951.

The Mildred D. Brown Memorial Study Center (MDBMSC) Board is working with the Nebraska Historical Society to create a complete Library Archive of the past and current issues of the Omaha Star. Although many years of newspapers have been microfilmed by the Omaha Public Library and the Nebraska Historical Society, many issues are missing. We are asking readers, who may have copies of the issues that are listed, to please bring them to the Omaha Star to be microfilmed. The issues will be returned to you.

The MDBMSC was formed to continue the legacy of Mildred Brown the founder and publisher of the Omaha Star. The purpose of the Study Center is to provide area students with scholarship support and opportunities to envision career possibilities in journalism and communications through educational programs, field trips, tutoring and mentoring. They are also provided access to resources and inspirational archive materials.

The Omaha Star and its affiliated foundation, the Mildred D. Brown Memorial Study Center, are seeking any copies of the following issues: July 8, 1939 to Mar. 15, 1940 May 3, 1940 July 4, 1952 June 29, 1962 Feb. 14, 1964 Apr. 29, 1967 Feb. 29, 1968 Mar. 21, 1968 to Mar. 28, 1968 May 2, 1968 May 23, 1968 July 18, 1968 Aug. 8, 1968 to Aug. 15, 1968 Nov. 14, 1968 May 29, 1969

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Our office will be closed Janu ary 18 th, in observan ce of Martin Luther King holiday

OMAHA STAR Ben Gray to speak at Martin

THE

Dedicated to the Service of the Shall Lack a Champion People that NO Good Cause and that Evil Shall Not Go Unoppose Nebraska’s Only d

Vol. 72 - No.

2 Omaha, Nebraska

Black Owned Newspap er

Partnership For $10,000 grant Our Kids receives from Staples Thursday, January

7, 2010

50 cents

Festival Self-Empowerment St. Paul Baptist Church July 13th, 2010

Luther King Day event

Omaha City Councilman Ben Gray will commemorative deliver a address on the Monday, Jan. UNMC campus 18, to on Rev. Martin Luther honor slain civil rights leader, King Jr. Gray’s speech, which is sponsored The Nebraska Medical Center, by UNMC and Truhlsen Campus will be in the Events Center Center. in the Sorrell

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OMAHA STAR

“We are pleased The Partnership to bring a city For community volunteer leader and tireless non-profit organization Our Kids, a Schools.” to campus,” Newland, M.D., that provides disadvantaged director of UNMC’s said Myrna “The Partnership The mission of students For Our Kids Staples Foundation and coordinator of Equity Office academic enrichment with positive works to for Learning Inc. the Martin Luther provide Commemoratio is to teach, train King Day received a $10,000 experiences, has mentary school disadvantaged ele- inspire. n Committee. and Founded in 2002, grant from Staples students with positive “I believe our Foundation for the founda- can look forward to an campus Learning, a private academic enrichment experiences,” tion has contributed inspiring and speech.” foundation created relevant said Briana Curran, million to national more than $17 manager, Staples The and Funding from SFFL by Staples Inc. Foundation that provide educational local charities best annual address is regularly for Learning. will support the one attended events “Staples and opportunities Winners Circle Foundation for on Martin Luther of the city’s job skills for all program, which Learning supports King Jr. Day. people, with a This year, the event starts pro- Winners vides underserved the special Circle program, at noon, is free which cre- youth. emphasis on disadvantaged to the public. Guests dents with access elementary stu- ates an environment and open can park in Lot to rigorous math, Staples Foundation the visitor parking where youth are 15V, which is reading and citizenship recognized for for area located on Learning has also their achievements the south side developed lasting the Student Life Center increase their academic activities to teachers, peers, by relationships of at the corner of parents and the achievement.

40th & Jones com- of America, with Boys & Girls Clubs Streets.

“The Winners munity.”

Circle program Earth Force, Hispanic Gray is a first-time ensures disadvantaged Winners Circle students have for the 2nd District. elected city council member and All Our Kids Heritage Foundation, and the the resources and Initiative joined forces in for a Competitive support needed 2007 to form Prior to his election, Inner City. In addiOmaha City Councilman to Partnership develop an enthusiasm The tion, Staples Nebraska Gray had a 30-year For Our Kids, to Ben Gray Foundation for a television for learning,” Vol. 72 - No. 28 Omaha, help dis- supports said Beth Smith, career as Learning advantaged photojournalist nered with students. The Partnership Executive Director, Ashoka, an “Kaleidoscope” the emergency Winners Circle on Omaha’s ABC’s and host of Nebraska develops and supportsorganization that KETV department at Program of The creates a community of caring Medical Center affiliate station, NewsWatch social entreprePartnership For dents from pre-kindergarten for stu- neurs around to use intervention The Our Kids. “With discussions about 7. The show featured passionate gies to decrease youth the world, in nine stratesup- high school through tries: port from Staples violence, such a variety of Argentina, Belgium, coun- Gray has to help Foundation for as immediate community issues. engagement after violent won multiple Learning we can Brazil, taged youth graduate more disadvan- Canada, incidents to reduce local, regional tion attempts. continue France, Germany, awards as a reporter, and pursue highretaliaand national grades and standardized to increase er education the photojournalist In 1998, Gray to become employable Netherlands, Spain and test scores for Gray dedicates and his wife, youth throughout the United productive citizens much of his time and host.

States. For more Freddie, began ing with the African-Americ Omaha Public lives of severely who give back information about workto foundation their community. at-risk youth and to improving the to close the is an Achievement or how to apply gang the achievement the Council members. He emergency team for a grant, gaps of children visit www. staplesfoundation Omaha Public director for Community Connection, in the School (OPS) Impact .org.

District.

Inc. — a non-profit, One A sought lence prevention vio- his Martin after motivational speaker, organization.

Its members Gray titled Luther King Jr. part- Love,” Day speech, after one of Dr. “Strength to King’s most read books.

THE

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

Newspaper Nebraska’s Only Black Owned

KS Science Fair

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Details on page 4

meeting canceled Empowerment Network has been cancelled. The next meeting will

Network Monthly Meeting will begin at 9 a.m.

This Saturday’s Empowerment Breakfast and networking High School - Viking Center. be held Aug. 14 at North meeting will begin at 9:30.

Displays to help Parents, and the interactive community Development. Tables and Partner.

Education and Youth become a Mentor or Adopt-A-Class The focus will be on Opportunity to sign up to Presentations & Families, Students & Community. to help students succeed PLUS Special Interactive ways Learn more about specific .

Discussions. the web at www.empoweromaha.com 502-5153 or visit us on For more information call

50 cents

es Omaha Star Celebrat 72nd Anniversary

Excellence Winn ers

North Omaha Boys & Girls Club Welcomes Club Members New and Old for the New Year

Special Thanks

MILDRED D. BROWN 9, 1938

Dr. Marguerita L. Washington,

Founded Omaha Star July

Publisher

homes as you are hardly can continue to repair and buy I On Jan. 4 the of the people that no good money and invest it North Omaha now doing, save your “Dedicated to the service Boys & Girls new and old Club believe that the that evil shall not go bonds that you Club opened members. The its doors tocause shall lack a champion and wisely. Buy more Savings a new year with Omaha Star has Club staff looks if and when things new Club parents forward to beginning may be comfortable unopposed.” age appropriate been in existence for and members. programs for We offer a variety change. kids ages gram areas such seventy-two years of a former pastor of to the newspaper, Mildred as, Sports, Fitness, 6-18. We offer five core Reverend Joseph Forbes, Leadership Development, pro- In an introduction and I have been the & Recreation, said, “Mildred was Character & Gilbert wrote: Education & Career St. John A. M. E. Church Life Skills, and publisher for the It is with profound pleaDevelopment, she made her paper The Health & To the Citizens of Omaha: a friend of the pastors ... from certain schools Arts. We are also offering last twenty years. It a platform. She Publishing Co., and [sic] FREE transportation available anytime we needed sure that the Omaha Star In order to qualify in the Omaha metro area seems like yesterday (please well trained journalistic ministry. She believed that a paid program for this special service all Club call for a listing). organization of energetic, by saw her work as a that I started after my One entire page membership fee members this day a paper of the people, God had given her a calling.

Spring program and a valid membership must have minds, give to you aunt Mildred Brown the work of We here and now wish fee is $30.00 edition was devoted to of per card. Our the people and for the people. was that will be valid Some Club hours are its expired. submitted by from 3-8 p.m. the Omaha Star dedicates Jan. 4 - May For more Club the churches in the community, 7. Our to have you know that and ask for Mr. you have been supthe general public in information call Dave 342-2300 existence to the task of serving the pastors.

Happy New Year Felici, Unit Director. porters almost from It shall be our policy the struggle for and we hope to Among her concerns was every way humanly possible.

Others of see you at the the start.

Brown’s primary path of duty in the behalf Club! racial equality. Mildred to move in an unerring became supporters it already had. She worked bringing to you the local Star was in selling Many others became supportfoothold in Omaha than early role in the Omaha Black America in Omaha, for equalas the years went by. sincere it, as well as the national an excellent salespermany organizations to work you I want to give my news of the city as we find of tirelessly with of ads. She was not only the National The African American ers recently. To all of backing for the welfare could use the ads as a tool She was a member of son; she found that she highlights, promoting and to ity and peace.

Career and Scholarship Achievement Council Colored People thanks. to sell newspaper ads Black America in general. will have its 4th for the Advancement of is fascinating. The Omaha Fair on Saturday her activism. She refused the citizens of Omaha and the She Association Annual High Magnet Working at a newspaper from 9 A.M. to Publishers Association, sea of journalistic advenemploy black workers.

School, 4410 because this is our paper.

(NAACP), the Black 3 P.M. at North As we launch out into the companies that did not N. 36th St. Those seeking the Urban League of Star is especially fascinating her readers to procan the support of the general employment should National Business League, used editorials to encourage Anyone who is interested ture, we sincerely request and dressed for Plains Black museum. and she challenged we as a group must also This paper is about us. come prepared else in success. Lunch The time is at hand when Nebraska, and the Great with a resume the segregation of the military test public. was events and issues. Where she plant will information story, foundaactive, their firm Bomber be was a it provided. To RSVP submit Congratulation the Martin Omaha Star call 557-4470. time during which s to...the King Since the recent recession, them to apply for jobs that begin to build. Give the or for more She During the Science & Technology De Porres Club, and also Science Fair. this State can this happen? and reading support and in Bellevue, Nebraska. rollerthe spokeswoman for the Students at Offutt Air Force Base tion by way of subscribing an emotional, financial after Magnet students school congratulated wrote detailed reports, the paper has also been who is widely remem- allowed it to meet in the Omaha Star building in turn will build an enterwho won awards hired Charles Washington, we will assure you that we are determined to persevere. conducted experiments and the eight Award for emony. Pictured a mouthpiece and a to support their own facility. coaster at times but we civil rights, as a reporter of Excellence and presented their projects in the annual the club ran out of funds to contact us concerning are the Awards bered for his work for prise worthy of consideration, winners and 7th & 8th grade working in the commua display board Alec Williams; I encourage the public who was the executive 25 first place She spent countless hours Luke Armitage; of Excellence winners (l or even if you want to to at least two columnist. Whitney Young, force for the people of Omaha. commuwinners with to r): Emily Beck; complaints, recommendations are certainly apprecithe Star as a mouthpiece Urban League before eventu- nity, receiving over one hundred and fifty and Katie Cramer. Nick Schultz; Ian Brummel; a Breakfast of Champions judges. The In addition to offering the secretary of the Omaha the “Unsung Heroine director of the National awards cerMadeleine Dangerfield; compliment us. Your comments community in Omaha, nity service awards, including the NAACP, one of ally becoming the executive for the African-American in behalf of the community Martha Winterer; editorials. the community to realize awarded by ated. The staff is working service contributed enlighten for encouraged also more League, Award” Urban Gilberts a better and honored power 16,000 Africanboycotts to call attention only thirty-five people in the country to be and trying to always have The country’s The paper supported the positive effect the buying was small, and is an outstanding cater often largest film time of her death. She paper. Our staff is very if they would carefully she and her staff were festival for children and with this award by the to discrimination, and Americans could have working to satisfy you. including traditional, teens will be Lyndon B. Johnson as a businesses that employed team and they are always making I wish to stop in Omaha also appointed by President their purchases only to CGI, collage well. to investigate religious support base and community large Germany beginning in January a tour stop-motion styles. a the East have to and treated We and Live Action. In goodwill ambassador Film Streams African-Americans More than when tries are for the support of the churches following the conpresents the Best issue of the paper, Edward express sincere thanks, represented, including ten coun- Recommended English. Australia; 95 min. alleged human rights violations worked to improve Specifically, in the second of the New York International clergy leaders. ages: 9 to adult. works from She also Australia, members of the North Omaha in the community and the our struction of the Berlin Gilbert pointed out that (NYICFF). From Children’s Film Festival Germany, Denmark, Finland, least, I want to thank carriers and her office an ice cream shop Last but certainly not France, Jan. 9 to March the lives of the newspaper Latvia, Sweden, black community were patronizing which would be there would not be Streams’ Ruth 18, Film U.K. that someone did not have Switzerland, the Feb. 6-7, 11, 13-14, 18 — Ice Cream, advertisers. Without advertising, Sokolof Theater, and workers. If she learned of at 24th and Lake, Reed’s published. Advertisements nonprofit cinema, Omaha’s within the U.S. Tickets for all screenings Azur & Asmar Directed hiring practices over she would buy them bags an Omaha Star Newspaper enough food at home, will screen five Best targeted for their discriminatory an

by Michel Ocelot. the printing of the publicabest programs larded The newspaper carriof the for seniors, of NYICFF are $9 general, Porres Club. Gilbert spent and retail sales pay for from groceries to supply their a decade later by the De $7 advertisers have stuck with students, teachers A dazzling animated Christmas or Easter party series continues the 2009 NYICFF. The dren, shop and counted at least tions. Many of our older us. ers often received a special and chilhour outside the ice cream feature about Film Streams’ and $4.50 Newer ones have joined work, when they might approving of their Young family two for Film Streams boys raised as brothers, Forever Members. us throughout the years. adverin gratitude for their hard one hundred African-Americans and children’s who set off on that they don’t have to dangerous quest were given all year. their purchasing power. which is made program, Streams’ All screenings will occur a Others have the feeling them receive the only gifts they through faraway hiring practices through possible in part at Film find Americans we will give Ruth Sokolof in 1989, the Omaha Star divorced in 1943, and lands to and free the port from Lincoln with tise because as African Theater, located At the time of her death Mildred and Edward Gilbert in Fairy of the Star readers look at the Financial Group. sup- the corner of 14th at Animation. a circulation of 30,685 her maiden name, Brown. our business anyway. Omaha and Mike Fahey Founded in 1997, and had a staff of twenty, and In English. France; Djinns.

Mildred resumed using for those who support us Mildred Brown wrote, (for- Recommended NYICFF is dedicated merly Webster) Streets, Omaha Star, the longest advertising in the paper to promoting thirty-nine states. In 1969, As the publisher of the one block south ages: 6 to adult. 99 min. from those advertisers.

Cuming Street. persist? The answer intelligent, of newspaper run by a woman, we encourage them to purchase or think our readers passionate, “Why then do Negro publishers of his press, all of provocative cinematic operating black-owned refuse More information deprived neighborhood news and works for audiences For those advertisers, who is clear. If the Negro is Mildred Brown provided ages 3-18 and on all five programs Feb. 20-21, 25, 27-28, to, we encourage the years since The paper market years. to through within Best fifty enough helping to define achieved than March gains 4— are not important NYICFF Kids the tortuous of NYICFF commentary for more compelling f a more online can be found Flix shop to ask those merchants lost, and tomorrow’s Negro by calling attention to ilm experience at www.f ilmstreams.or our readers when they his emancipation will be served an important function A kaleidoscopic Juried by such for kids. www.gkids.tv/ of the powerful forces, they don’t? If they continue people in the black commucollection of well-known filmmakers g or animated that do not advertise Why youth will be at the mercy our the accomplishments of the best John Turturro, short films man the ramparts of bigthe Omaha Star, I urge values. The newspaper as contact Casey tour. For questions, please Susan Sarandon, from around North and South that still to refuse to advertise in $$ nity and emphasizing positive Brown got world, or Remember Logan Mildred awards, Schamus, Matthew the products. featuring at James email their who received traditional animation, otry, prejudice and discrimination.” to do so. From readers to stop buying at casey@filmstr 933-0259 x11 or CGI, collage, recognized individuals Sant, the festival Modine and Gus Van compelled had previously been closed eams.org. and stop-motion. persisted because she felt The schedule: speak. new jobs in industries that has been described civic In English.

65 min. Recommended she had established readers, supporters, merThe New York It announced acts of by the first edition of her newspaper, Thanks again to my staff, Times as being to African-Americans. good ages: 3 to 8. writers and all others They highlighted one She guided the newspa- a challenge to herself and her staff, “that no “devoted to the kind of fare chants advertisers, contributing labeled “troublemakers.” pride and community charity.

Jan. 9-10, 14, not of that may be found March 6-7, 11, the continued existence eras of the Civil Rights cause shall lack a champion and that evil shall 16-17, 21 — week in order to continue Academy Awards at the Razzle through the tumultuous 13-14, 18 — who lend support to making neighborhood family per staff were but not at the Dazzle Directed On the occasion per to the demonstrations Your help is greatly appreciMildred Brown and her tiplex.” local mulby Darren Ashton. NYICFF Party Mix in to foster a sense of community. Ms. Brown again Movement, from segregation the Omaha Star possible. for late go unopposed.”

A mockumentary of their community, Brown to the racial unrest of the bright and continued future An all-animated skewering the Best of NYICFF of the 1950s and 1960s, of the Star’s ninth anniversary, ated. I look forward to a the certainly champions outspoken voice in the wilderprogram featuring absurdi- ious, features one live-action ties of competition community, congratulated The Omaha Star reported hilarcomedy and particular. She was an 1960s and early 1970s. pledged her support to the not the Star in the Omaha community.. youth dance troupe between kids on the vokingvisually stunning, and thought-profour animated of its businesses and that occurred both locally ness that the tortuous gains of their emancipation programs, involved circuit – and the triumphs and the tragedies North Omaha on the growth shorts, specifically end. up this advice for her Mildred Brown was not are lost, and she worked tirelessly toward that hyper- older parents who intended for and throughout the nation. fast development, and offered audiences. In live through get any further a Seniors Alexis English them. titles. in letting discrimination Page and Ayomide neighbors.

75 min. Recommendedor English suburge that you interested to and queen at wishes Adekunle anniversary Central High were crowned ages: 9 to 16.

The Star on its Homecoming on Sept. 12, 2009. king

Career & Scholar ship Fair

Best of the New

York International

North Omaha Development Project Community Meeting is scheduled for January 28th Details on page 10

Children’s Film Festival

On Monday, January 11 on NET1 and NET-HD, Sam Cooke and Marvin Gaye See page 2 for details

p 2010 Awards

City of Omaha' s Annual MLK, Jr. celebra tion will be at the Holland Perform ing Arts Center See ad on page 10 for more information

Women of Color in Leadershi

and Engage, Business Success “Power to Lead: Leverage, for the Perpetual stewardship. the theme Adopt & Deliver” was Winters advised the in Leadership steps to 3rd Annual Women of Color Awards group of eight Summit & legacy of Leadership at the Inclusion on their per25, 2010 jourLuncheon held on June Center. sonal diversity Holiday Inn Central Conventionluncheon neys; the Over 200 people attended 1. Know self first – was Marywhere the keynote speaker am I? What do I of CEO’s Who Who Quaites-Ferris, Dr. Marguerita Frances Winters, Author for? What makes (L-R) Tanya Cook, Vicki from the Heart stand Get It; Diversity Leadership Leadership Award Recipients: of the Winters me “me”?

Crowder and Soul and President Washington, Annette 2. Value self – What can become? enhance who I am and gifts?

Group.

How are other ences Inclusion are my unique 5. Learn about others – What can learn from differences? circle to Ms Winters spoke on Women’s is my best self? your different from me? How today. She gave Who 4 . individuals/groups 7. Include others – Expand in the business world 3. Acknowledge your Tawanna Black and Dr. Winters continued on page 2 to sustained sucmy are they the same? examples of eight steps How do differ- See Leadership to change – What are prejudices – In what 6. Value differences – contribute to Open yourself be my best self? cess: Motivation, Passion/commitment, do I exclude? How do I opportunities to grow? To Magnitude of the ways What are my blind spots?

In-depth Inquiry, and and transforming, intolerance? gap, Resolve, Learning

on July 9, 1938 History was made

Please contact the Omaha Star at 402.346.4041 or by email at Phyllis@omahastarinc.com if you have complete issues, or any portion, of these missing issues.

Subscribe To The Omaha Star 402-346-4041 opt. 5 theomahastar.com

December 29, 2017

The

LIFE & STYLE/HEALTH & WELLNESS THE OMAHA STAR Page Eleven 3 Ways Stress Can Steal Your Health Wellness Feed – And Your Holiday Joy

A Year-End Review

By Taylor White-Welchen, BS, CPT

I cannot believe the year 2017 is coming to an end.

Where did the time go!? And most importantly how did you spend your time? Did you adopt a new health behavior – consistently exercising, eating more plant-based meals, or drinking more water? Have you noticed any changes – losing weight, shedding fat, increasing muscle mass?

As the year quickly comes to an end, I encourage you to reflect, and think about the health-related goals you set throughout the year. Did you accomplish your goals? Did you come close? Think about the barriers you experienced along the way, and identify strategies to combat these barriers. Be honest with yourself, and use the experiences, trials, and tribulations to motivate you to win in 2018.

In future articles, I will talk about ways to create realistic health-related New Year resolutions, strategies to help you stay on track, and offer some exercise tips. But, I think having an honest self-reflection now, prior to setting your 2018 goals and before 2017 officially comes to an end, is a great way to prepare yourself for the New Year. Selfreflection, and looking inward, is also a great way to stay centered and grounded during this busy holiday season.

Let us not forget the true reason for the season. Happy training and happy holidays!

Stress doesn’t take holidays off. In fact, the opposite is often true: Stress saps the joy out of the season for many people.

Stress is manifest in many forms of poor health or bad lifestyle habits during the holidays, when people typically put a long list of errands, shopping, baking and parties ahead of being good to their own bodies. They might get sick as a result – or expedite a path to long-term health problems.

“Stress is often more pronounced during the holiday season, and the effects it can have on our health are widespread and potentially very damaging,” says Dr. Sanda Moldovan (beverlyhillsdentalhealth.com), a board-certified periodontist and nutritionist with practices in Beverly Hills and Manhattan, and author of the upcoming book HEAL UP!: How to Repair, Rebuild and Renew Naturally .

“The holidays are such a hectic time, and people need to slow down a bit, realize how susceptible they are to all kinds of problems, and what they can do to avoid them.”

Moldovan lists different ways stress materializes and how to avoid or less-

en the associated problems: • Teeth grinding. Also called bruxism, this can cause cracks in the teeth that can lead to tooth loss. Teeth grinding also causes wear, which can collapse the bite and cause pain in the jaw. Cutting back on certain foods and drinks that contain caffeine – colas, coffee, sweets – can help stop teeth grinding. For persistent grinders, two things that help, Moldovan says, are a custom-made mouth guard and mouth yoga. “Take the time to stretch your jaw muscles in the morning,” Moldovan says. “Five minutes go a long way. Open your mouth wide and massage the sides of your jaw.”

• Migraines. Migraine sufferers really have to watch it during the holidays, Moldovan says. Triggers include processed and fried meats, too much caffeine or alcohol, and chocolate.

“Lack of sleep and lessened physical activity are also culprits,” Moldovan says. “Six to eight hours of quality sleep is recommended to help prevent headaches, but so many people run themselves ragged until late during the holidays. And too many people stop exercising. Being sedentary in-

vites problems.”

• Overeating/poor nutrition. Stress often manifests in folks stuffing themselves, relying on comfort foods or holiday junk. “It’s easy to say, ‘Well, everyone overeats during the holidays and consumes lots of sugar,’ “ Moldovan says. “But that doesn’t have to be you. Don’t let the holidays be a food free-for-all. Overindulging adds to stress and can bring all sorts of health issues.” Among them: obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and dental woes such as periodontitis, cavities and oral ulcer. “People are overfed and undernourished and this wreaks havoc on their bodies inside and out,” Moldovan says. “It also leads to accelerated aging and a lesser-performing immune system.”

“Too many people let the holidays get away from them in terms of packing so much in, worrying about so many things and letting their health slide,” Moldovan says. “This holiday season, give yourself the gift of destressing a little. At least step off the gas some so your health doesn’t suffer.”

Ask Alma

By Alma Gill NNPA News Wire Columnist Dear Alma, We have a situation in my house that we have not been able to resolve. I served our country and retired after 30 years in the military. My wife and I are up in age and have all of our affairs in order. We have one daughter, who is our life’s joy and she has been instructed on what to do at every turn, except when it comes to our burials. My wife has requested that she be cremated and have her ashes tossed over the waves off the island of Hawaii. I, on the other hand, would like for my wife to be buried by my side at Arlington National Cemetery. My wife shares your column with me weekly, Alma. What advice do you have for us?

Sincerely, Staying Together in the Afterlife

Dear Staying Together, What an honor to receive a letter from you, sir.

Thank you for your service.

I must say, rarely, if ever, am I stumped, but you’ve got me on this one. I mean it’s one thing when a couple is looking to purchase a house and one wants modern, clean lines and the other wants a colorful Victorian. I’ve even encountered couples not agreeing on the purchase of a car, one wants a sporty two-seater and the other an eightpassenger Mommy van. But this, this dilemma, my friend has me at a lost for words.

How do you dance with the wind at the end and find a compromise?

As you mentioned, your wife wants to be cremated and have her ashes poured to dance with the wind off the island of Hawaii. And you, my dear soldier, want to be buried, with your wife, at Arlington National Cemetery – and rightly so.

That’s not just any honor, but one you’ve earned and fought the good fight for.

Again, I say, this is a stumper, because one of you has gotta give. I’ve prayed and made my

Something to Talk About ‘Reflections of the Way Life Used to Be’

By Ashley Marie Dantzler It’s almost the New Year and most of us have begun to reflect on the year gone past; our accomplishments and our failures. Reflection can be a good thing, it can cause us to make provisions in our life for the coming year, or reflection can be the stumbling block that we take into the New Year, as we reflect on the somewhat bad decisions we made. However, without knowing who we are, or what we believe we are, we will never change and New Year’s Day, will be just another day, and not the start of what could be a new lease on life.

How we see ourselves, has a lot to do with other’s opinions of what they see in us. Most of my life I have heard that one shouldn’t care about what others think of them. But that is hard to do. And even if you do accomplish this strenuous feat, it is likely that you cannot hold the line all the time. The truth being this; we want the people around us to like us, or at least we want them to happily coexist with us. Life can be extremely lonely without people, but it can be truly rewarding if we focus on our reflection instead of the reflection people try to make for us. Because we have the power to reflect and change as we follow our hearts and dreams, this allows us to

reflect more clearly on both the good and the bad.

Those battling with mental illnesses may have a problem reflecting on their lives in a good light. They have been in and out of hospitals, tried countless medications, and have endured the search for the right provider. Sometimes these things occur over the course of several years, making reflection unwanted. It is not that they cannot change, rather it is that their perspective of change is clouded by the past.

I encourage you to see the change that may come, because no one knows what tomorrow will bring. But one thing is certain, life will either throw challenges straight over the plate or somewhere over your head. You must square your feet, dig in with your heels, and know when to swing and when not to, always being patient and waiting for that perfect pitch. If you do this change will come.

So, as we reflect on this year, the good and the bad; let us try to see how we can make our lives more enjoyable and meaningful. We only get one and it’s how you live it that will make it all count in the end.

There are many places in our community that help people reflect all year long. Whether you are young or seasoned, your time to change the reflection you have of yourself … is now.

Community Alliance: 402-341-5128 www.community-alliance.org

decision. I think your wife should make her final resting place at Arlington National Cemetery.

Now, now, now, slow down, it’s not, because you’re the husband, dressed blue, large and in charge. I think she should reconsider, because of where the two of you will be laid to rest, being buried at Arlington is a national honor.

As you know, the grounds of the Arlington National Cemetery honor those who have served our nation. Sprawling hills provide an amazing sense of peace and tranquility. I’ve been there, and it’s aptly described as, “Rolling green hills… dotted with trees that are hundreds of years in age and complement the gardens found throughout the 624 acres of the cemetery. This impressive landscape serves as a tribute to the service and sacrifice of every individual laid to rest within the hallowed grounds of Arlington National Cemetery.”

Arlington National Cemetery is a sacred dwelling, your final salute. It is my wish that you two read my answer together, while you lovingly ask your wife to reconsider. Remind her that you

just can’t imagine not having her by your side, especially at your final resting place.

How about this, maybe your daughter can go to Hawaii and release beautiful lanterns in your wife’s memory and that will allow her to at least have a part of her, even if only in spirit, released over the beautiful waves off one of the magnificent island of Hawaii, sort of like the opening episode of Tyler Perry’s “Why Did I Get Married Too.” If you didn’t see it, ask your daughter to show it to you.

Let’s not forget, your wife has dutifully served you over your 30-year career and she may feel very strongly about her final resting place. If that is the case, please figure out another way to bind the connection that you two have so graciously sewn over the many years. Do what you’ve done in the past to make it last. Let’s not leave your daughter a long list of complicated instructions, but a legacy of commitment, togetherness and a devotion of love. Continue that example of good, strong love in Heaven as it was on Earth, together at Arlington National Cemetery.

3 Ways To Help A Loved One Receive Proper Nursing Home Care

By Nigel Parker It’s an almost weekly occurrence across the country.

Nursing homes face lawsuits over patients who develop severe bedsores that in some cases lead to death.

One week it’s a now-closed nursing home in California dealing with its third such lawsuit. Another week it’s a New Jersey nursing home sued by the family of a woman who died after reportedly suffering from a bedsore that wasn’t properly monitored and cared for.

For families, such situations lead to heartache and tragedy.

For the nursing homes, they lead to costly litigation and damaged reputations.

They also raise questions about what family members can do if they suspect a nursing home resident isn’t receiving proper care or is in danger. Part of the answer, patient advocates say, is to understand the kinds of problems that might crop up and be on the lookout for signs during visits.

For example, one reason many residents develop pressure ulcers, commonly known as bedsores, is that they wet themselves and must wait for someone on staff to change them. If there’s a delay, what begins as a minor rash can become severe.

“It’s a serious concern for nursing home residents,” says Nigel Parker, founder and CEO of RashEndZ Inc. (www.

RashEndZ.com), a company that developed a skin-aeration liner for incontinence garments that prevents and treats those rashes.

Just how serious? Pressure ulcers affect up to 2.5 million patients annually, according to the Agency for Healthcare Quality and Research. Complications include pain, scarring, infection, prolonged rehabilitation, and permanent disability.

About 60,000 patients die as a direct result of pressure ulcers each year.

“The patient’s well being is the primary reason this needs to be addressed,” Parker says. “But if that’s not incentive enough for health-care providers, pressure ulcers also result in 17,000 lawsuits a year, so nursing homes and other health

facilities are risk liability if they don’t handle the problem.”

Although the residents’ care is the nursing home staff’s responsibility, friends and relatives should do their part to make sure proper care is happening, Parker says. The National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care, a patient advocacy group, offers a few suggestions on monitoring and reporting problems: • Make unannounced visits. Visits are an important time to look for changes in your loved one’s health and mental status, but those visits don’t need to be predictable. Vary the times and days you visit to see the care your loved one receives when no one expects you.

• Don’t delay in reporting problems. Document and report concerns and problems to staff members directly involved as soon as they arise. If nothing changes, report your concern to staff supervisors in writing and in a meeting.

• Seek outside help. If the facility fails to address your concern, you might want to seek a third party’s assistance.

Contact your local ombudsman, who advocates for nursing home residents. You can find an ombudsman at www. ltcombudsman.org.

“It’s critical that family members educate themselves about the issues that occur in nursing homes or other health facilities,” Parker says. “It so often falls to each individual to act as their loved one’s advocate.”

(Nigel Parker, founder and CEO of RashEndZ Inc. (www.

RashEndZ.com), is a senior management and systems engineer professional with more than 25 years experience in aerospace, medical simulation and other high-tech industries. While working at Honeywell from 1984 to 2001, he worked on the space shuttle, military aircraft and commercial aircraft, among other projects. Parker is the inventor of REZair, a skin-aeration liner that can be inserted inside a diaper, incontinence garment or wound dressing. The liner connects to any air/oxygen source and circulates air or oxygen on rashes, helping to keep the skin dry and speed healing.)

Film Review: ‘Star Wars: The Last Jedi’

By Dwight Brown NNPA Newswire Film Critic Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars Wow! This is the movie event of the year. So much action; so much haunting drama and raw emotion. And it doesn’t just build to one climax; it crescendos from one climax, to the next and the next, ratcheting up the tension every time. Action/adventure fans will be dancing in the aisles.

There is something biblical about “Star Wars: The Last Jedi.” There’s the Old Testament: Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher), Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) and Chewbacca (Peter Mayhew); the New Testament: Rey (Daisy Ridley), Finn (John Boyega) and Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac); Devils: Supreme Leader Snoke (Andy Serkis), General Hux (Domhnall Gleeson) and Kylo Reb (Adam Driver); there’s temptation; a hunt for the “Promised Land;” and a desperate escape from the wicked.

On a desolate, mountainous isle, the young warrior Rey begs the aged Luke

Skywalker for guidance and help for The Resistance’s fighters. “We need you. We need the Jedi order back.

We need Luke Skywalker,” pleads Rey. She delivers that message from Princess Leia, but the old Jedi is not moved. Meanwhile in outer space, the Resistance is under attack by the First Order and trying to evade them. Finn and Poe go rogue to save the day.

Snoke, Hux and Reb are out to crush the rebels.

The very heady, ethereal script by writer/director Rian Johnson (“Looper”) unearths many questions and is stingy with the answers. Your curiosity will drive you crazy. Only when you are stumped and at wit’s end will you find closure. Just know that the wait is worth it.

The editing by Bob Ducsay (“Looper”) and Johnson’s inventive direction, measure the drama, action and rescue attempts out in a rhythm that is almost spiritual, like the rhythm of life. Help comes when it is preordained. Characters enter, they embark on divergent paths

and head out on enthralling missions.

Scenes flow smoothly and have a similar feel, unlike 2015’s “Star Wars:

John Boyega stars in “Star Wars: The Last Jedi.” (Lucasfilm)

The Force Awakens,” when energizing action sequences butted up against too many stagnant moments.

There are some slower passages, but they are never boring. Use these opportunities to gather your thoughts, digest what you’ve seen and take a deep breath. You will need the rest.

Your attention will be overpowered by a force that doesn’t let you decompress, substantially, for 2 hours and 32

minutes.

There are moments when you might think, “This is so overwrought. So melodramatic.” Then a glib line is rendered or a wacky scene (wide-eyed urchins screeching) breaks the spell.

You laugh for a moment or smirk. Then you jump back into the conflict again, just as a laser slices a villain in half, as a courageous fighter goes down in flames or as two individuals have an intimate telepathic conversation even though they are eons away from each other.

The script, direction and acting are excellent. The imagery is even better.

Some visions will be engraved on your pupils forever. Scenes in Snoke’s throne room with blood red walls, warriors in similarly colored uniforms and his gold brocade robe (designed by Michael Kaplan, “Blade Runner”) are indelible.

Rickety old fighter planes sand surfing over white salty terrain, leaving a trail of poinsettia red gashes and the sight of galloping alien horse-like creatures will also stay with you. The work by art directors Andrew Bennett and Neal

Callow, production designer Rick Heinrichs and cinematographer Steve Yedlin is exquisite. These are the kind of visuals you see in a Yimou Zhang art film (like his “Hero” or “Raise the Red Lantern”), not in an action/adventure movie.

Ridley, Bodega, Isaac and Driver provide an unbridled energy. Yet, it’s the heavyweights, the late Carrie Fisher and gray-haired Mark Hamill, who lend a gravitas that stabilizes this fantasy in an altered reality that’s become the heart of the Star Wars saga. There is a mystical presence that is almost cleansing. That essence has endeared this venerable space opera to audiences for 40 years.

For the Star Wars novice, this chapter will be a great introduction. It’s easy enough to distinguish the protagonists from the antagonists and the storylines are easy to track, too. For Star Wars aficionados, this entry is one of the most galvanizing, from beginning to end. What an Odyssey. What a crowd pleaser. Wow!

Page Twelve

LOCAL/NATIONAL/EVENTS

THE OMAHA STAR

December 29, 2017

‘Celebration of Life’ Luncheon

The annual Celebration of Life Luncheon is My Sister’s Keeper (MSK) way of giving back to the community and assuring breast cancer survivors that they have not been forgotten. MSK are “Sisters Caring for Sisters” in the ever ongoing quest to reduce the breast cancer rate for all women, not only African-American women.

On Oct. 29, the Celebration of Life Luncheon was held at the Scott Conference Center at 6450 Pine St. This year featured a Founders Tribute and a Fashion Show. The tribute honored Jackie Hill (posthumously) and Gwen Watson, the founders of MSK. The Fashion Show included breast cancer survivors and other models who represented past and present survivors; Jackie and Gwen were represented in the fashion

show. All fashions were by Pishon’s Boutique, 60th and Ames.

This year’s guest speaker was Dr. Jessica Maxwell, Asst. Professor Dept of Surgery Surgical Oncology at UNMC. Her subspeciality: Breast cancer oncology, oncoplastic breast surgery, breast

reconstruction and benign breast diseases. Dr Maxwell was introduced by Karen Daneu, CEO of Komen/Greatplains.

The Candle Lighting Ceremony included about 85 survivors, which exceeded the capacity for the stage this

year as this was one of our largest groups. Survivors were seated as their years of survivorship were announced.

The longest living honor goes to Sharon Young, who is a 48-year survivor, which is the epitome of hope for young survivors.

A 5x7 picture of the Candle Lighting Ceremony can be purchased for $8 by contacting MaxCine at 402-513-8471 or 402-541-5803. Please “Like” their Facebook page at “My Sister’s Keeper Nebraska” and view all the pictures of the 2017 Celebration of Life Luncheon.

OPPD Approves 2018 Budget with No General Rate Increase

‘Winter Night Watch’ Volunteers and Coat Donations Urgently Needed

At its monthly meeting recently, the Omaha Public Power District Board of Directors approved the 2018 Corporate Operating Plan (COP). In keeping with OPPD’s commitment to competitive rates, the proposed plan contains no general rate increase for the second consecutive year.

Key factors considered for the $1.1 billion budget include: the construction of transmission facilities, changing customer usage trends, compliance with changing regulations, the decommissioning of Fort Calhoun Station, and low load growth as a result of improved energy efficiencies. Due in part to agreements for increased fuel and wind energy purchases, the plan includes a minor increase in the Fuel and Purchased Power Adjustment (FPPA) in 2018. The FPPA helps OPPD offset increases in fuel and purchased power prices, which are out of our control. The 2018 budget addresses these topics, while maintaining safe and reliable service, as well as affordable rates.

In addition, directors heard a community solar program (CSP) update. In a presentation shared with the board, Jeff Karloff, OPPD’s division manager of Production Engineering & Fuels, said the objective is to develop a CSP that provides a solar option for all customer classes, while maintaining OPPD’s commitment to no general rate increase through 2021. More information on this project will be provided to the board in the first quarter of 2018, as efforts progress.

Next month’s board committee meetings will start at 8:30 a.m. Jan. 16. The monthly board meeting will be Jan. 18 at 4 p.m. Both meetings will take place at OPPD’s Energy Plaza, 444 S. 16th St. The meetings are livestreamed at oppd.com as part of the district’s commitment to transparency, while making public meetings accessible and convenient for our customer-owners.

The Salvation Army’s Winter Night Watch, a mobile feeding program that helps make cold winter nights bearable for homeless and near-homeless individuals, began its 30th season on Dec. 4.

Salvation Army canteens travel the streets of Omaha, Monday through Friday from 6 to 9 p.m., offering a warm meal and winter outerwear to the homeless and near homeless across the metro.

This year, the program season has been extended and additional stops have been added to meet the growing demand. With the extended season and new locations, the need for volunteers is greater than ever. To volunteer for Winter Night Watch, visit www.salarmyomaha.org.

The Salvation Army is feeding as many as 300 individuals per night. Donations of larger coats (Size XL, XXL, and 3XL) are urgently needed as a significant weather system approaches. Also needed are new tube socks, hats, gloves and blankets.

Winter outerwear donations can be dropped off at The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Service building, 10629 Burt Circle. The Winter Night Watch program is supported in part by donations to the red kettles.

Nebraska Families Collaborative to Launch New Name and Brand Nebraska Families Collaborative (NFC) has announced the organization will change its name and brand. Following a year of research involving focus groups, online surveys and local and national market reviews the public-private partnership serving children and families in the child welfare system in Douglas and Sarpy counties will be called PromiseShip. The official change will take place on Jan. 15.

“NFC has grown in size, experience, mission and vision and it has become apparent we have also outgrown our current brand,” said David Newell, president and CEO of the organization. “While the name Nebraska Families Collaborative describes our work, we want our name to also speak to the hope and possibilities we bring to children and their families.”

Board chair, Kathy Bigsby-Moore said the Board of Directors is proud of the accomplishments of Nebraska Families Collaborative during its first eight years and is excited to launch a new brand that positions the agency for an even stronger future.

“We have chosen a new name that represents not only the potential for future success, but the promise we see in everyone to reach success. The families and children we serve are navigating very rough waters and the new name conveys the possibilities, hope, support and encouragement we provide,” said Bigsby-Moore. “The name PromiseShip represents the confidence we have in our workforce, the provider partner agencies we work with and the families we serve.”

An equally important part of the new brand is the tagline: Helping Families be Families. The board said it was important that the organization’s work be seen as that of helping, lending a hand, assisting and facilitating the potential for every child to have a loving caregiver who is equipped to meet their needs and help them thrive.

PromiseShip has also adopted a new mission, vision and positioning statement, all looking to the future, advocating for what is in the best interest of the children today and tomorrow.

While the name and brand will change, the public-private partnership with DHHS and services for children and families will remain the same. The focus is still on family preservation, reunification and the well-being of children and families in Douglas and Sarpy counties.

Our office will be closed Janua ry 18 th, in obser

★ SO THE

Online Advertising

of Martin MAHA Luthervance King holida y TAR Ben Gray to speak at Marti

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

n

Luther King Day event

Only Black Owned Newspaper

Omaha City Councilman Vol. 72 - No. Ben Gray will commemorative 2 Omaha, Nebraska deliver a address on the Monday, Jan. UNMC campus Thursday, January 18, to on Rev. Martin Luther honor slain civil rights leader, 7, 2010 50 cents King Jr. Gray’s speech, which is sponsored The Nebraska Medical Center, by UNMC and Truhlsen Campus will be in the Events Center Center. in the Sorrell “We are pleased The Partnership to bring a city For community volunteer leader and tireless non-profit organization Our Kids, a Schools.” to campus,” Newland, M.D., that provides disadvantaged director of UNMC’s said Myrna “The Partnership The mission of students For Our Kids Staples Foundation and coordinator of Equity Office academic enrichment with positive works to for Learning Inc. the Martin Luther provide Commemoration is to teach, train King Day received a $10,000 experiences, has mentary school disadvantaged ele- inspire.

Committee. “I and Founded in 2002, grant from Staples students with positive believe our campus Foundation for the founda- can look forward to an Learning, a private academic enrichment experiences,” tion has contributed inspiring and speech.” foundation created relevant said Briana Curran, million to national more than $17 manager, Staples The and Funding from SFFL by Staples Inc. Foundation that provide educational local charities best annual address is regularly for Learning. will support the one attended events “Staples and opportunities Winners Circle Foundation for on Martin Luther of the city’s job skills for all program, which Learning supports King Jr. Day. people, with a This year, the event starts pro- Winners vides underserved the special Circle program, at noon, is free which cre- youth. emphasis on disadvantaged to the public. Guests dents with access elementary stu- ates an environment and open can park in Lot to rigorous math, Staples Foundation the visitor parking where youth are 15V, which is reading and citizenship recognized for for the area located on Learning has also their achievements by the south side Student Life Center developed lasting increase their academic activities to teachers, peers, of relationships at the corner of parents and the achievement.

40th & Jones com- of America, with Boys & Girls Clubs Streets.

“The Winners munity.”

Circle program Earth Force, Hispanic Gray is a first-time ensures disadvantaged Winners Circle students have for the 2nd District. elected city council member and All Our Kids Heritage Foundation, and the the resources and Initiative joined forces in for a Competitive support needed 2007 to form Prior to his election, Inner City. In addiOmaha City Councilman to Partnership develop an enthusiasm The tion, Staples Gray had a 30-year For Our Kids, to Ben Gray Foundation for a television for learning,” help dis- supports said Beth Smith, career as Learning photojournalist nered with Executive Director, advantaged students. The Partnership Ashoka, an “Kaleidoscope” the emergency Winners Circle on Omaha’s ABC’s and host of Nebraska develops and supportsorganization that KETV department at Program of The creates a community of caring Medical Center affiliate station, NewsWatch social entreprePartnership For dents from pre-kindergarten for stu- neurs around to use intervention The Our Kids. “With discussions about 7. The show featured passionate gies to decrease youth the world, in nine stratesup- high school through tries: port from Staples violence, such a variety of Argentina, Belgium, coun- Gray has to help Foundation for as immediate community issues. engagement after violent won multiple Learning we can Brazil, taged youth graduate more disadvan- Canada, incidents to reduce local, regional tion attempts. continue France, Germany, awards as a reporter, and pursue highretaliaand national grades and standardized to increase er education the photojournalist In 1998, Gray to become employable Netherlands, Spain and test scores for Gray dedicates and his wife, youth throughout the United productive citizens much of his time and host.

States. For more Freddie, began ing with the African-American Omaha Public lives of severely who give back information about workto foundation their community. at-risk youth and to improving the to close the Achievement or how to apply gang members. the achievement Council for a grant, is the emergency team He Omaha gaps of children visit www. staplesfoundation.org.

Community Connection, director for Impact Public School in the (OPS) District.

Inc. — a non-profit, One A sought lence prevention vio- his Martin after motivational speaker, organization.

Its members Gray titled Luther King Jr. part- Love,” Day speech, “Strength after one of Dr. to King’s most read books.

Partnership For $10,000 grant Our Kids receives from Staples

KS Science Fair

Excellence Winner s

Advertise your product or services by connecting to Omaha Natives online at theomahastar.com

North Omaha Boys & Girls Club Welcomes Club Members New and Old for the New Year

Benefits of Online Advertising

On Jan. 4 the North Omaha Boys & Girls new and old Club Club opened members. The its doors to a new year with Club staff looks new Club parents forward to beginning age appropriate and members. programs for We offer a variety kids ages gram areas such of as, Sports, Fitness, 6-18. We offer five core Leadership Development, pro& Recreation, Character & Education & Career Life Skills, and Development, The Health & from certain schools Arts. We are also offering FREE transportation In order to qualify in the Omaha metro area (please a paid program for this special service all Club call for a listing). membership fee members Spring program and a valid membership must have fee is $30.00 card. Our that will be valid Club hours are from 3-8 p.m.

Jan. 4 - May For more Club 7. Our and ask for Mr. information call Dave 342-2300 Happy New Year Felici, Unit Director. and we hope to see you at the Club!

Targeted: You can reach a specific reader based on areas of interest and context of the content.

Career & Scholarshi p Fair The African American

Congratulations to...the King Science & Technology Science Fair.

Students Magnet students school congratulated wrote detailed reports, who won awards conducted experiments the eight Award for emony. Pictured of Excellence and presented their projects in the annual are the Awards winners and 7th & 8th grade a display board Alec Williams; 25 first place Luke Armitage; of Excellence winners (l to at least two winners with to r): Emily Beck; and Katie Cramer. Nick Schultz; Ian Brummel; a Breakfast of Champions judges. The awards cerMadeleine Dangerfield; Martha Winterer;

Best of the New

York Internatio nal Children’s

Career and Scholarship Achievement Council will have its 4th Fair on Saturday Annual High Magnet from 9 A.M. to School, 4410 3 P.M. at North N. 36th St. Those seeking employment should and dressed for come prepared success. Lunch with a resume will be provided. information call 557-4470.

To RSVP or for more

The country’s largest film festival for children and including traditional, teens will be making stop in Omaha CGI, collage beginning in January a tour stop-motion styles. and Live Action.

Film Streams More than when tries are In presents the Best represented, including ten coun- Recommended English. Australia; 95 min. of the New York International ages: 9 to adult. works from Australia, (NYICFF). From Children’s Film Festival Germany, Denmark, Finland, France, Jan. 9 to March Latvia, Sweden, Streams’ Ruth 18, Film U.K. Switzerland, the Feb. 6-7, 11, 13-14, 18 — Sokolof Theater, and nonprofit cinema, Omaha’s within the U.S. Tickets for all screenings Azur & Asmar Directed will screen five Best

by Michel Ocelot. best programs of the for seniors, of NYICFF are $9 general, from $7 students, teachers A dazzling animated series continues the 2009 NYICFF. The dren, and chilFilm Streams’ feature about and $4.50 Young family two Forever Members. for Film Streams boys raised as brothers, and children’s who set off on dangerous quest which is made program, Streams’ All screenings will occur a through faraway possible in part at Film find Ruth Sokolof lands to and free the port from Lincoln with Theater, located Fairy of the Financial Group. sup- the corner of 14th at Animation. and Mike Fahey Founded in 1997, In English. France; Djinns. (for- Recommended NYICFF is dedicated merly Webster) Streets, to promoting one block south ages: 6 to adult. 99 min.

Cuming Street. intelligent, of passionate, provocative cinematic More information works for audiences ages 3-18 and on all five programs Feb. 20-21, 25, 27-28, within Best helping to define March 4 — NYICFF Kids of NYICFF compelling f a more online can be found Flix ilm experience at www.f ilmstreams.org A kaleidoscopic Juried by such for kids. www.gkids.tv/tour. collection of well-known filmmakers or animated the best John Turturro, For questions, short films as contact Casey Susan Sarandon, from around Logan at 933-0259 please world, featuring Schamus, Matthew the James email traditional x11 or CGI, at casey@filmstreams collage, and stop-motion. animation, Sant, the festival Modine and Gus Van .org.

The schedule: has been described In English.

65 min. Recommended The New York by Times as being ages: 3 to 8. “devoted to the kind of fare Jan. 9-10, 14, that may be found March 6-7, 11, 16-17, 21 — Academy Awards at the Razzle 13-14, 18 — but not at the Dazzle Directed NYICFF Party tiplex.” local mulby Darren Mix A mockumentary Ashton.

An all-animated skewering the Best of NYICFF program featuring absurdi- ious, features one live-action ties of competition hilarcomedy and youth dance troupe between kids on the vokingvisually stunning, and thought-profour animated programs, involved circuit – and the shorts, specifically hyper- older parents who intended for audiences. In live through Seniors Alexis English them. titles.

Page and Ayomide 75 min. Recommendedor English suband queen at Adekunle were Central High ages: 9 to 16. crowned king Homecoming on

North Omaha Development Project Community Meeting is scheduled for January 28th Details on

Film Festival

On Monday, January 11 on NET1 and NET-HD, Sam Cooke and Marvin Gaye

page 10

See page 2 for details

Act Now: Consumers can immediately click on a link to access more information or make a direct purchase.

Sept. 12, 2009.

City of Omaha's Annual MLK, Jr. celebratio n will be at the Holland Performin g Arts Center

★

www.theomahastar.com For more information contact: phyllis@omahastarinc.com

Details on page 4

Empowerment Network

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

Newspaper Nebraska’s Only Black Owned

Nebraska Vol. 72 - No. 28 Omaha,

Thursday, July 8, 2010

meeting canceled

next meeting will has been cancelled. The Network Monthly Meeting will begin at 9 a.m.

This Saturday’s Empowerment Breakfast and networking High School - Viking Center. be held Aug. 14 at North meeting will begin at 9:30.

Displays to help Parents, and the interactive community Development. Tables and Partner.

Education and Youth become a Mentor or Adopt-A-Class The focus will be on Opportunity to sign up to Presentations & Families, Students & Community. to help students succeed PLUS Special Interactive ways Learn more about specific Discussions. the web at www.empoweromaha.com.

502-5153 or visit us on For more information call

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50 cents

Omaha Star Celebrates 72nd Anniversary Special Thanks

MILDRED D. BROWN 9, 1938

Dr. Marguerita L. Washington,

Founded Omaha Star July

Publisher

homes as you are hardly can continue to repair and buy I of the people that no good money and invest it now doing, save your “Dedicated to the service believe that the bonds that you and that evil shall not go wisely. Buy more Savings cause shall lack a champion Omaha Star has if and when things may be comfortable unopposed.” been in existence for change. seventy-two years a former pastor of the newspaper, Mildred Reverend Joseph Forbes, In an introduction to and I have been the said, “Mildred was St. John A. M. E. Church Gilbert wrote: publisher for the It is with profound pleashe made her paper To the Citizens of Omaha: a friend of the pastors ... last twenty years. It a platform. She Publishing Co., and [sic] available anytime we needed sure that the Omaha Star seems like yesterday well trained journalistic ministry. She believed that organization of energetic, by saw her work as a that I started after my One entire page day a paper of the people, God had given her a calling. minds, give to you this aunt Mildred Brown We here and now wish devoted to the work of the people and for the people. its was per edition was expired. Some of the Omaha Star dedicates community, submitted by to have you know that in the churches in the you have been supserving the general public the pastors. existence to the task of porters almost from It shall be our policy the struggle for Among her concerns was every way humanly possible.

Others of the start.

Brown’s primary path of duty in the behalf racial equality. Mildred to move in an unerring became supporters it already had. She worked bringing to you the local Star was in selling Many others became supportfoothold in Omaha than early role in the Omaha Black America in Omaha, to work for equalas the years went by. sincere it, as well as the national only an excellent salesperwith many organizations you I want to give my news of the city as we find of ads. She was not of the National as a tool of tirelessly ers recently. To all of backing for the welfare that she could use the ads peace. She was a member highlights, promoting and ads to ity and in general. son; she found of Colored People thanks. newspaper America sell to Black Advancement and the refused for is fascinating. The Omaha her activism. She the the citizens of Omaha She Association Working at a newspaper Publishers Association, sea of journalistic advenemploy black workers. because this is our paper.

(NAACP), the Black As we launch out into the of companies that did not her readers to proStar is especially fascinating can the support of the general League, the Urban League Anyone who is interested also used editorials to encourage and she challenged National Business ture, we sincerely request Black museum.

This paper is about us. in when we as a group must military and the Great Plains and issues. Where else test the segregation of the public. The time is at hand plant Nebraska, active, she was submit their story, events Omaha Star a firm foundathat the Martin Bomber time during which it was Since the recent recession, them to apply for jobs begin to build. Give the She During the De Porres Club, and also this State can this happen? and reading support and rollerBase in Bellevue, Nebraska. the spokeswoman for the tion by way of subscribing an emotional, financial enter- at Offutt Air Force building after the paper has also been who is widely rememwe in turn will build an meet in the Omaha Star hired Charles Washington, we will assure you that are determined to persevere. and allowed it to a mouthpiece and a to support their own facility. coaster at times but we civil rights, as a reporter the club ran out of funds to contact us concerning bered for his work for prise worthy of consideration, working in the commuI encourage the public who was the executive She spent countless hours or even if you want to columnist. Whitney Young, force for the people of Omaha. commucomplaints, recommendations are certainly apprecithe Star as a mouthpiece Urban League before eventu- nity, receiving over one hundred and fifty In addition to offering the secretary of the Omaha the “Unsung Heroine director of the National compliment us. Your comments community in Omaha, nity service awards, including the NAACP, one of ally becoming the executive for the African-American in behalf of the community by editorials. the community to realize ated. The staff is working Award” for service awarded Urban League, contributed Gilberts also encouraged a better and more enlighten honored power 16,000 Africanboycotts to call attention only thirty-five people in the country to be and trying to always have The paper supported the positive effect the buying was small, and is an outstanding often cater time of her death. She paper. Our staff is very she and her staff were if they would carefully with this award by the to discrimination, and Americans could have working to satisfy you.

Lyndon B. Johnson as a businesses that employed team and they are always to also appointed by President their purchases only to support base and I wish well. to investigate We have a large religious treated the community ambassador to East Germany the churches goodwill of African-Americans and consupport the the for Edward following issue of the paper, express sincere thanks, alleged human rights violations worked to improve Specifically, in the second clergy leaders.

She also members of the North Omaha in the community and the our struction of the Berlin Gilbert pointed out that least, I want to thank carriers and her office an ice cream shop Last but certainly not the lives of the newspaper black community were patronizing which would be there would not be that someone did not have Ice Cream, advertisers. Without advertising, workers. If she learned of at 24th and Lake, Reed’s published. Advertisements hiring practices over she would buy them bags an Omaha Star Newspaper enough food at home, the publicaof targeted for their discriminatory carrian printing spent the newspaper for The Gilbert larded Porres Club. and retail sales pay groceries to supply their a decade later by the De advertisers have stuck with Christmas or Easter party shop and counted at least tions. Many of our older us. ers often received a special hour outside the ice cream Newer ones have joined work, when they might approving of their us throughout the years. adverin gratitude for their hard one hundred African-Americans that they don’t have to were given all year. their purchasing power.

Others have the feeling them receive the only gifts they hiring practices through Americans we will give in 1989, the Omaha Star divorced in 1943, and tise because as African At the time of her death Mildred and Edward Gilbert in Star readers look at the a circulation of 30,685 her maiden name, Brown. our business anyway. Omaha and had a staff of twenty, and Mildred resumed using for those who support us Mildred Brown wrote, Omaha Star, the longest advertising in the paper thirty-nine states. In 1969, As the publisher of the from those advertisers. persist? The answer newspaper run by a woman, we encourage them to purchase or think our readers “Why then do Negro publishers of his press, all of operating black-owned refuse deprived neighborhood news and For those advertisers, who is clear. If the Negro is Mildred Brown provided to market to, we encourage through the years since than fifty years. The paper are not important enough the tortuous gains achieved commentary for more attention to to ask those merchants and tomorrow’s Negro calling shop lost, by be they will function when our readers his emancipation served an important of the powerful forces, they don’t? If they continue people in the black commuthat do not advertise Why youth will be at the mercy our the accomplishments of man the ramparts of bigthe Omaha Star, I urge values. The newspaper North and South that still to refuse to advertise in $$ nity and emphasizing positive got Mildred Brown their products. Remember who received awards, or otry, prejudice and discrimination.” to do so. From readers to stop buying recognized individuals compelled had previously been closed persisted because she felt speak. new jobs in industries that civic she had established readers, supporters, merIt announced acts of the first edition of her newspaper, Thanks again to my staff, to African-Americans. good writers and all others They highlighted one She guided the newspa- a challenge to herself and her staff, “that no chants advertisers, contributing labeled “troublemakers.” pride and community charity. not of the continued existence eras of the Civil Rights cause shall lack a champion and that evil shall week in order to continue through the tumultuous who lend support to making neighborhood family per staff were On the occasion per to the demonstrations Your help is greatly appreciMildred Brown and her to foster a sense of community. Ms. Brown again Movement, from segregation the Omaha Star possible. for late go unopposed.”

Brown in to the racial unrest of the bright and continued future champions of their community, of the 1950s and 1960s, of the Star’s ninth anniversary, ated. I look forward to a in the wilderreported the certainly community, congratulated was an outspoken voice community..

1970s. The Omaha Star She Omaha early the and in particular.

Star 1960s pledged her support to the not the of its businesses and that occurred both locally ness that the tortuous gains of their emancipation triumphs and the tragedies North Omaha on the growth end. up this advice for her Mildred Brown was not are lost, and she worked tirelessly toward that and throughout the nation. fast development, and offered get any further a interested in letting discrimination neighbors. wishes to urge that you The Star on its anniversary

Women of Color in Leadership

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2010 Awards

on July 9, 1938 History was made

THE

MAHA TAR

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

Vol. 79 - No.

Only Black Owned Newspaper

16 Omaha, Nebraska

Friday, August 11, 2017 NAACP Names Johnson Interim Derrick President The

75 cents

ate 50 Years of

By Lauren Victoria Burke “You can’t rain NNPA Newswire Contributor Stepping Saints, on our parade,” said one of lining up for the as the drill team gathered to the Salem The NAACP has pray before 21st named Derrick Members laughed biennial Native Omahans their board of directors, Johnson, Day parade. as they recalled soaked uniforms the organization’s vice chairman of performing in The unanimous interim president. raindecision was the Saints have over the years, 50 to be exact. committee of For 50 years thrilled crowds the board of directorsmade by the executive stepping and with their precision during the that Association’s stories and much always-on-beat rhythm section. high 108th annual convention Many in Baltimore. The the parade when laughter were shared the NAACP is the night before close to 100 largest team staffers rights organization and oldest civil gathered for their former members and drill celebration.

50th anniversary executive committeein the U.S. The reunion of the board is Saturday morning comprised of 14 during the parade, people. wore name tags the alumni members On May 19, with their dates their participation of service. They announced that the NAACP board consider ministry of Salemservice because they were Cornell William the contract of an outreach Baptist Church.

Brooks, the outgoing team co-founder president, would According Salem’s pastor, Phyllis Hicks, it was in August to drill Brooks’ contract not be renewed. the Rev. J.C. ended on June holding a parade Wade Sr., had 1966 that Brooks began 30. the idea of his Wanting to shineto celebrate Salem’s annual President in May tenure as NAACP Derrick Johnson youth a spotlight on of 2014.

(NAACP) of the church, all of the youth month.

“I am thrilled a quickly began drill team was formed. The Derrick Johnson to announce that my friend girls choreographing and colleague has been appointed while the boys marching routines, CEO. I could interim president developed beats not think of a routines. Many to accompany more qualified better, more battle-testedand the of the young individual to guide people found or transition period,” the their said Leon Russell, NAACP through this niche and after board of the NAACP. their the chairman of the first performance, “Derrick’s longtime encouraged him to take decisive service with the Association Rev. will allow action to deal Wade to make will also serve with daily challenges. as the primary the drill He spokesman for have every confidence team the NAACP. I in Derrick permanent. new endeavor every step of the and will support him in this As the rain way.”

In a statement came is truly an honor released on July 22, Johnson down said and a privilege Saturday morning, president and to be named the that it CEO of an organization interim aboard Ollie decades. the that he’s served Trolley, for “There’s a lot Hicks of work that needs and several of waste any time the getting to it. We to be done and we won’t original members threats to our are facing unprecedented democracy and marveled at the we will not be sea sidelined while of blue created See NAACP by continued on t-shirts worn by the Carolina blue Although page 2 current and alumni illness members as Jeanpierre and keeps Hicks on the sideline, they filled the Jeffrey co-directors Synceree street. as they carry on the Riggs look to her for guidance legacy. and leadership

Omaha Section Salutes 2017 Award , NCNW, Recipients

NOT PICTURED: Aariona Hagler Youth in Excellence

Denise Lee Mary McLeod Bethune Legacy Award

Award

Community Picnic – Aug. 19 See In the Village for details

Beverly A. Rone Field of Education Award

Marching

Deep Roots – Ties

The Omaha Section - National Council Negro Women of Inc. recognizes individuals community for outstanding achievement. in the year individuals Each are recognized in medicine, education, for excellence involvement, embodimentleadership, community of the Mary Bethune Legacy and youth in excellence.McLeod Awards will be McLeod Bethune presented at the annual Mary Award Luncheon at 11 a.m. at on Aug. 26 the DC Centre, 11830 Stonegate Dr. The community is invited to important event. attend this

The keynote speaker Esq., Human Resources is Shawntal M. Smith, and Talent Development Leader for Omaha Precious Davis Home for Boys. also a social Field of Medicine Smith is justice attorney.

Award “Extraordinary The theme is Rising above Women: Breaking Barriers, Lives.” Omaha Challenges, Transforming Section, NCNW women of African advocates for descent as they families and communities. support their It fulfills its mission through research, community based advocacy and national and health, education, services and programs on Omaha Section, and economic empowerment.

NCNW is a 501c3 organization. non-profit Omaha Section Davis, Field of 2017 Award recipients: Precious Rone, Field of Medicine Award; Beverly A. Education Award; Julia D. Anderson Willa Visionary Award; Midder, Theola M. Cooper Cooper, Community Theola M. Community Supporter Award; Supporter Cannon, Bethune Briana Concept Book Award Wasmoen, Bethune Award; Lara Concept Book Denise Lee, Award; Mary McLeod Bethune Legacy Award; Aariona Hagler, Youth Award in Excellence For more information or to obtain contact Perlie tickets, Whitley at 402-320-0375. tickets on-line, For go 2017 Mary McLeodto Eventbrite.com and enter under Search Events Bethune Awards Luncheon or Category.

Please like them on Facebook: Section-NCNW, Omaha @OmahaNCNW Inc., follow them on Twitter: and visit their omahasectionncnw.w website: http:// eebly.com/

that Bind

Bryant-Fisher Family 100-Year Celebra tion

Willa Midder Julia D. Anderson Visionary Award Deep Roots - 4th generation

By Terri L. Crawford, J.D.

Briana Cannon Bethune Concept Book Award

Keynote Speaker Shawntal M. Smith, Esq. Human Resources and Talent Development Leader and Lawyer for Social Justice

Lara Wasmoen Bethune Concept Book Award

Honorary Chair Teresa Coleman Hunter

Special Back School Issue to will be at news outlets August 25!

“Family is not an important thing, How important it’s everything.” is always been, very family to us? The answer is, and has important. Indulge moment. After me for a brief the overwhelmed by Civil War, Union military officershistory ex-slaves who were were on the roads, for family members searching Agents of the Bureau from whom they had been separated.

Lands, commonly of Refugees, Freedmen, and Abandoned known as the were hired after Freedmen’s Bureau, the war to provide who and ex-slaves, relief to refugees received hundreds requesting assistance of letters from freedmen wrote to the Bureau in locating lost relatives. One ex-slave from Texas with in locating “my a request for assistance own dearest relatives” list of sisters, and included nieces, nephews, whom he had uncles, and in-lawsa long been from twenty-four years separated when he was sold in Virginia before. Others in local newspapers, took out advertisements lost family members offering rewards for the return of (Wilma A. Dunaway, American Family The Africanin England: Cambridge Slavery and Emancipation (Cambridge, University Press, Reconstruction, 20013), 257. 33 Foner, 82.)

The African-American roots of the family Derived from our are spiritual.

African heritage, maintained by shared experiences the Black family has been bond and circumstances, and a common historical despite what would lead you mainstream media to believe, Black remained strong. families triumphed Our spiritual and orientation helped See Deep Roots create a continued on page 3

Lunch & Learn – Aug. 29 See In the Village for details

Open Rate $325.00

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Great Plains Black History Museum New Exhibits Opening The Great Plains Black History Museum will present three new exhibits after the New Year and the community is invited to join them on opening night, Jan. 5, from 5-7 p.m.

The Descendants of DeWitty: Nebraska’s First African American Settlers exhibit will highlight photos and artifacts of the descendants.

Descendants of the DeWitty family will be on hand to discuss the exhibit. The exhibit will be on display Jan. 4 - Feb. 10.

The Art by Bird Williams exhibit will highlight paintings of famous African Americans as painted through the eyes of Aaron Bird Williams. Aaron Bird Williams will be on hand to discuss the

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exhibit. The exhibit will be on display Jan. 4 - Feb. 24.

The Revive! Omaha: exhibit will highlight 10 years of service to the Omaha community. The exhibit will be on display Jan. 4 - March 31.

The Great Plains Black History Museum is located at 2221 N. 24th St., and is open to the public at no charge Thursday, Friday and Saturday 1-5 p.m.

For more information about the Great Plains Black History Museum, please contact the office at 402-932-7077 or follow them on Facebook @ Greatplainsblackhistorymuseum.

OMAHA STAR

Nebraska’s Only Black Owned Newspaper

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Baldwin’s close friends – Medgar Evers, Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. At the time of Baldwin’s death in 1987, only 30 pages of his manuscript were completed. Master filmmaker Raoul Peck envisions the book Baldwin never finished and includes rich archival material that connects the past civil rights movement to presentday issues.

“I Am Not Your Negro” is the first of five films to be screened in Omaha as part of NET’s 2018 Indie Lens Pop-Up screening and discussion series. For a complete schedule, visit netNebraska. org/engage.

For those unable to attend the screening, “I Am Not Your Negro” will premiere on NET at 10 p.m.

CT, Jan. 19 as part of the Independent Lens series on PBS.

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

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and Engage, Business Success “Power to Lead: Leverage, for the Perpetual stewardship. the theme Adopt & Deliver” was Winters advised the in Leadership steps to 3rd Annual Women of Color Awards group of eight Summit & legacy of Leadership at the Inclusion on their per25, 2010 jourLuncheon held on June Center. sonal diversity Holiday Inn Central Conventionluncheon neys; the Over 200 people attended 1. Know self first – was Marywhere the keynote speaker am I? What do I of CEO’s Who Who Quaites-Ferris, Dr. Marguerita Frances Winters, Author for? What makes (L-R) Tanya Cook, Vicki from the Heart stand Get It; Diversity Leadership Leadership Award Recipients: of the Winters me “me”?

Crowder and Soul and President Washington, Annette 2. Value self – What can become? enhance who I am and gifts?

Group.

– How are other ences Inclusion are my unique 5. Learn about others What can learn from differences? circle to Ms Winters spoke on Women’s is my best self? your different from me? How today. She gave Who 4 . individuals/groups 7. Include others – Expand in the business world 3. Acknowledge your Tawanna Black and Dr. Winters continued on page 2 to sustained sucmy are they the same? examples of eight steps How do differ- See Leadership to change – What are prejudices – In what 6. Value differences – contribute to Open yourself be my best self? cess: Motivation, Passion/commitment, do I exclude? How do I opportunities to grow? To Magnitude of the ways What are my blind spots?

In-depth Inquiry, and and transforming, intolerance? gap, Resolve, Learning

★SO

Open Rate $480.00

The highly acclaimed film “I Am Not Your Negro” will be screened in Omaha at 7 p.m. Jan. 4 at The Union For Contemporary Art, 2423 N. 24th St. An Oscar nominee for best documentary, the film examines race in America and is narrated

by Samuel L. Jackson.

This free event is presented by NET, Nebraska’s PBS & NPR Stations, in partnership with The Union For Contemporary Art. An informal discussion with refreshments will follow the film.

Leading the discussion will be fiber artist Angela Drakeford, formerly of Omaha, whose work is inspired by the writings of James Baldwin.

The story begins in 1979 when James Baldwin writes a letter to his literary agent describing his next project, which is to be a personal account of the lives and successive assassinations of three of

THE

Digital Ad Deadline: Tuesday of each week Digital Ad Formats: JPEG or PNG Additional Charges: Make Ready Production Fee: $40 Hyperlink: $25

See ad on page Festival 10 for more information Self-Empowerment St. Paul Baptist Church July 13th, 2010

OMAHA STAR

THE

‘I Am Not Your Negro’ To Screen in Omaha Jan. 4

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SUPPORT THE OMAHA STAR NEWSPAPER BECAUSE: • As a member of NNPA, it keeps you in touch with the Events, People, and News in your Community and across the Nation.

• We are the only Black owned newspaper in the State of Nebraska– since 1938. NNPA member newspapers have longevity.

• It carries advertisers who want your business and cater to your needs, as a NNPA member newspaper, member newspapers reach more than 19 million of the 39 million Black consumers every week.

To subscribe contact: Omaha Star Inc. - 2216 North 24th St. - Omaha, NE 68110 • 402-346-4041 Op 5

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EVENTS/CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING THE OMAHA STAR Page Thirteen New Year, New Business Series Returns to Omaha Public Library Omaha Public Library the UNL College of Law (OPL) and the Small Business Entrepreneurship Clinic.

Things to do, people to see, places to go. Administration (SBA) will Jan. 25, Noon, Benson Branch,

December 29, 2017

In The Village!

Dec 31 – Freedom Worship Center Omaha, 3025 Parker St., invites the community to bring in the New Year at various celebrations beginning New Year’s Eve at 10 a.m. For complete details, see their ad on the religious page of this issue.

For more info, phone 402-905-9730.

Dec. 31 – Last day to view the Omaha African American Police & Fire Fighters exhibit at the Great Plains Black History Museum, 2221 N. 24th St. The exhibit highlights photos and artifacts of local African American police & fire fighters who have served our community. The exhibit is free and open to the public, Thursday - Saturday, 1 -5 p.m.

Dec. 31 – It’s free family fun when the New Year’s Eve Fireworks Spectacular begins at 7 p.m. at the Gene Leahy Mall, 14th & Farnam.

Jan. 4 – Omaha Parks and Recreation will hold interviews for various job opportunities from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. at Florence Community Center, 2920 Bondesson St. and 2-5 p.m. at Christie Heights Community Center, 5105 S. 37th St. Applicants must apply for all positions they are interested in online at hr.cityofomaha.org PRIOR to an interview.

Jan. 5 – Art by Bird Williams exhibit opens at Great Plains Black History Museum, 2221 N. 24th St. An opening event will be held from 5-7 p.m. Regular museum hours are Thursday - Saturday, 1-5 p.m. The exhibits runs through Feb. 28.

Jan. 4 – The highly acclaimed film “I Am Not Your Negro” will be screened in Omaha at 7 p.m., at The Union For Contemporary Art, 2423 N. 24th St. An Oscar nominee for best documentary, the film examines race in America and is narrated by Samuel L. Jackson. This free event is presented by NET, Nebraska’s PBS & NPR Stations, in partnership with The Union For Contemporary Art. An informal discussion with refreshments will follow the film.

Jan. 6 – North Omaha Foundation hosts The Blues Concert starring Wendell ‘B’ Sounds and Sir Charles Jones at 7:30 p.m. See ad on page 8 for complete details.

Jan. 9 – Spectrum Dance Theater: A Rap on Race will be held at The Orpheum at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are on sale at: TicketOmaha.com or by phoning 402-345-0606.

Jan. 14 – Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance (IMA) hosts the 34th annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Unity Service at Salem Baptist Church, 3131 Lake St., at 6 p.m. The community is invited to attend this free service.

Jan. 15 – Thompson Learning Community hosts the MLK Day of Service Pancake

Breakfast from 7:30-11:30 a.m., at 812 S. 24th St. RSVP on Facebook. Look for MLK Pancake Feed 2018.

Jan. 15 – The MLK holiday observance continues when the IMA hosts the 34th annual Martin Luther King, Jr. luncheon at the Doubletree by Hilton Omaha Downtown, 1616 Dodge St. Doors open at 10:45 a.m. The featured speaker is Civil Rights attorney Fred Gray. Tickets can be purchased online at www. eventbrite.com or by phoning 402-341-4297.

Jan 15 – Civil Rights icon Fred Gray will be the 2018 Lane Lecturer for a talk titled “Civil Rights Then and Now: A Conversation with Fred Gray.” The lecture will take place from 4-5 p.m., in the Hixson-Lied Auditorium at the Harper Center on Creighton’s campus. This event is free and open to the public and has been approved for one hour of Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credit in both Nebraska and Iowa. To register online, visit https://www. eventbrite.com/e/2018-lane-lecture.

Jan. 15 – First Unitarian Church hosts King – Free Progressive Omaha film screening and discussion from 7-9 p.m. Tom Brokaw takes an in-depth look at the remarkable life and legacy of Civil Rights icon Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The public is invited to this free event.

Jan. 16 – Open Coffee Omaha hosts Jasmine Harris from 8-10 a.m. at No More Empty Cups, 1502 S. 10th St. Join this gathering of changer makers and meet with some of Omaha’s most impacting and influential people. Jasmine Harris is a public health professional who is passionate about criminal and juvenile justice reform, social justice issues and women’s right. For tickets visit https://www.eventbrite.com.

Jan. 20 – 2018 Omaha Women’s March will be held in downtown Omaha. The route will be released closer to the event date. Save the date and plan to join this special event celebrating equality and marching on the polls.

Jan. 31 – UNMC Center for Reducing Health Disparities will host an unconventional presentation to share a qualitative academic study on community violence entitled, Listen to my Story: Perspectives of African-American Mothers and Male Offenders on Violence in Omaha, Nebraska. A group of local poets will use their creative spirit and energy to give life to the narratives of mothers and male offenders who have experienced violence in Omaha. This event will be held at KANEKO, 1111 Jones St., from 6-8 p.m. Tickets are available at https:// www.eventbrite.com.

offer a series of free workshops for new small business owners and those who dream of starting their own business.

Participants will evaluate their readiness to start a business, learn about opportunities to fund or grow their business, and find connections to mentors, resources and information to equip them for success. Registration is required for each event. View the events online at omahalibrary.org or call the hosting branch for more information. All programs will last 90 minutes.

• Start-Up Business Basics: This introductory course to starting a business includes information about choosing a corporate structure, federal and state taxes, economics, financing options and resources. Presented by Blake Martin from SCORE. Jan. 4, Noon, Bess Johnson Elkhorn Branch, 2100 Reading Plz., 402-289-4367 • Business Ownership Exploration: Determine whether pursuing business ownership is right for you. Look at franchises, independent business ownership and employment; correctly select and research franchise opportunities that will thrive in the current economy; recognize and avoid the pitfalls that can lead to failure in franchise ownership; and consider the various financing options. Presented by Blake Martin from SCORE. Jan. 11, Noon, Millard Branch, 13214 Westwood Ln., 402-444-4848 • Financing Your Business: This seminar provides the basics on what SBA and banks seek in successful loan applicants, what you can (and can’t) do with an SBA-guaranteed loan, what loan programs are available and alternative financing options. Presented by Kelly Grefe from SCORE. Jan. 18, Noon, Milton R. Abrahams Branch, 5111 N. 90th St., 402-444-6284 • Crowdfunding for Businesses: Using the internet to raise money from many people, also known as crowdfunding, has become increasingly popular. This presentation reviews popular crowdfunding sites and common snags that users of crowdfunding sites encounter, as well as outlines aspects of successful crowdfunding campaigns. Presented by Alex Engelkamp from

Subscribe to the Omaha Star

402 346-4041

resources and a changing climate. Monsanto has committed $1 million over three years to support high achieving minority students pursuing a PhD degree in agriculture or STEM related discipline.

The deadline for this scholarship is usually in June of each year, and the award amount is usually $50,000.

The Monsanto STEM Fellowship is open to high achieving minority students pursuing a PhD degree in agriculture or a STEM related discipline. All racial ethnic minorities and women may apply.

The Metropolitan Utilities District is seeking qualified individuals for the following positions: Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0, be a U.S. • ERP Technical/Functional Analyst II citizen or legal resident, and be in • ERP Technical/Functional Analyst II (BOBJ) good standing at their institution.

• Intern, Water Scientist • Water Analyst I The awards can be applied to tuition, books, and fees.

Visit www.mudomaha.com, under the careers tab to fill out an To apply, eligible students application. Applications will be accepted until the close date of must submit an application the position. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of applications. form, resume or CV, college Employment Contingent Upon Results of a transcript, and three letters of Drug Screen and a Background Check. recommendation. They must be enrolled or accepted in an agriculture or STEM related PhD program, meeting all entrance requirements.

The fellowship is part of Monsanto’s investment in agriculture to help increase global An Equal Opportunity Employer “Minority/Female/Disabled/ food production in the face of Veteran/Gender Identity/Sexual Orientation” growing demands, limited natural

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Metropolitan Utilities District

U.S. DISTRICT COURT OF NEBRASKA The U.S. District Court of Nebraska is accepting applications for the following position: • Probation Technician For more information go to www.ned.uscourts.gov.

The Court is an Equal Opportunity Employer with a commitment to achieving diversity among staff.

Under-represented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.

opt. 5

Monsanto STEM Fellowship

6015 Binney St., 402-444-4846 • Facebook Business Basics: Facebook is a common channel for promoting and marketing small businesses. This workshop, presented by social media expert Tom Luke from SCORE, will explore the basics of using Facebook for your business.

Feb. 1, Noon, Benson Branch, 6015 Binney St., 402-444-4846 • Pricing Your Goods & Services: Properly pricing goods and services is essential to the success of a new business. This workshop will discuss operating costs and how to set your pricing effectively. Presented by the Nebraska Business Development Center.

Feb. 8, Noon, South Omaha Library, 2808 Q St., 402-444-4850 • Business Marketing Strategies: Learn how to employ targeted marketing tactics and where to get started. Discover how to make marketing work for you. Presented by Pauline Stark from SCORE. Feb. 15, Noon, W. Clarke Swanson Branch, 9101 W. Dodge Rd., 402-444-4852 • Federal Contracting: This seminar will introduce the process of certifying and marketing your business, and how to join hundreds of other small businesses in Nebraska (and thousands across the country) who make government contracting work for them. Presented by Lisa Tedesco of the Small Business Administration and Carlie Shafroth of the Nebraska Business Development Center - Procurement Technical Assistance Center.

Feb. 22, Noon, Charles B. Washington Branch, 2868 Ames Ave., 402-444-4849 SBA’s participation in this cosponsored activity is not an endorsement of the views, opinions, products or services of any cosponsor or other person or entity. All SBA programs and services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Reasonable arrangements for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Contact Nick Engert at 402289-4367.

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

Business Connection

Attorney

To advertise your business, please contact Phyllis Hicks.

Call 402-346-4041 Ext. 4 or email phyllis@omahastarinc.com

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Page Fourteen

THE OMAHA STAR

LOCAL NEWS

December 29, 2017

Well, yeah, lead poisoning is preventable. We haven’t been brave enough to employ the solutions we have. There are 17,000 lead service lines and people say that its too expensive to replace those. They are the line from the street to your house. The reality is we can spend money on 70 tanks or we could replace the lead lines in all of Omaha. We can IЄWZL _PI\ _M _IV\ \W IЄWZL 1 UMIV TMIL Q[ LMÅVQ\MTa \PM TQVKPXQV \W I Healthy Home, so that’s where we start.

Identify lead hazards. Get rid of it. Teach people how to live with lead, because there is lead in the environment, we have to live with it. We would probably prevent, I don’t know, 90%? 95%?

But, the reality is lead doesn’t discriminate.

The other reality is the majority of kids who live in substandard housing are poor or kids of color, and we seem to be ok with sticking babies in a home and poisoning them from the get-go.

It’s disgusting.

One of our goals at Omaha Healthy Kids Alliance is for no kid in Omaha to have a lead TM^MT \PI\ Q[ QLMV\QÅIJTM Kara Eastman