Vol. 80 - No. 11

Page 1

75 CENTS

OMAHA STAR

THE

Celebrating 80 Years

Celebrating Our Fathers

1938 2018

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

Nebraska’s Only Black Owned Newspaper Vol. 80 - No. 11 Omaha, Nebraska

Friday, June 1, 2018

75 cents

Media Titan Cathy Hughes, Legendary Business Leader and North Omaha Home Girl There could be no higher authority nor appropriate guest speaker than a woman who grew up On May 17-18, Cathy Elizabeth Hughes, a child in North Omaha and founded her own media of North Omaha’s Logan-Fontenelle housing empire. Hughes’ Urban One is the largest African project, received a triumphant celebration for her extraordinary life achievements and steadfast American-owned broadcasting company in the commitment to the African American “village” U.S. and the largest radio broadcaster targeting that nurtured her and prepared her for greatness. African American and urban listeners. Hughes The party started on May 17 with a ceremonial is the first African American woman to own a street naming. Paxton Boulevard is now Cathy company selling public stock on Wall Street. Hughes Boulevard. Today, her personal wealth makes her the second On May 18, Hughes was keynote speaker for richest African American woman (after Oprah the luncheon at the 11th Annual Empowerment Winfrey) in the United States. Network “Rebuilding the Village Conference.” Hughes’ two days of celebration was crowned by a roast at the Omaha Press Club and presentation of her portrait as the 157th inductee to the “The Face on the Barroom Floor.” In a celebrity world filled with awards, plaques, honors, and all manner of glorification, after observing Hughes interactions with so many of her beloved North Omahans, it was clear that those two glorious days for her were not about the titles and new stuff she can now add to her trophy case. This isn’t the first street named for Cathy Hughes. In 2015, the corner of 4th Johnny, Alfred, Cathy & Ben unveiling street sign and H Street NE in Washington, D.C. was By Walter V. Brooks

Omaha Star Publisher Earns Recognition for Service to Youth and the Community

During the 11th Anniversary Empowerment Network Conference & Awards Luncheon on May 18, Omaha Star Publisher Phyllis Hicks received the Community Impact Award. This award was given in recognition of her longtime commitment and contributions to youth and the North Omaha community, and for stepping up to meet a critical need in our community by serving as the Publisher of the Omaha Star. From 2005 until 2016, Phyllis Hicks was the Director of Marketing for the Omaha Star newspaper. Since the death of Omaha Star Publisher Dr. Marguerita Washington in 2016, the duties of publisher and general manager were added to Phyllis’ list of responsibilities. Phyllis sells advertising, increases circulation, writes news and feature articles, is the newspaper’s primary representative at media-related conferences and events and is coordinator for developing new revenue streams, grants and awards to enhance the Omaha Star. From 1968 to 1998, Phyllis was Employee Relations Coordinator and Employment Service Supervisor for the Omaha Opportunities Industrialization Center Inc., where she retired and accepted employment as a trainer at a telephone marketing firm. Phyllis later accepted a position as a System Analyst at CSG Systems, where she retired in 2005. Having attended Peru State Teacher’s College, Creighton University and University of Nebraska at Omaha, Phyllis received a teacher’s certification for vocational education. Her interest was always in journalism so she minored in it but never used it until she started

working at the Omaha Star. She is a graduate of the Omaha Chamber of Commerce’s second Leadership Omaha Program and the Heartland Blue Print Program sponsored by the United Way of the Midlands – two of Nebraska’s most prestigious business fellowship programs. She is a 2002 recipient of the City of Omaha’s “Living the Dream” Award presented annually on Dr. Martin Luther King’s Birthday. One of her proudest achievements remains being Co-founder of the Salem Baptist Church Stepping Saints Drill Team in 1967 and leading it to national prominence.

9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., M-F • Citadel Corps/Renaissance Village, 3612 Cuming St. 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., M–F • Burrows Center, 6101 NW Radial Hwy 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., M-F • Council Bluffs Salvation Army, 715 N. 16th St. 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., M-F

Hours vary by location: • Kroc Center, 2825 Y St. 5 a.m. - 9 p.m., M-F • North Corps Community Center, 2424 Pratt St.

Summer Arts Festival – June 8-10 See In the Village for details

Changing the Game with Cathy Hughes 11th Annual Empowerment Conference a Huge Success

Phyllis Hicks Photo Credit Marlon of MAW Photography

Salvation Army Facilities Serve as Cooling Centers The Salvation Army Omaha and Council Bluffs locations will serve as cooling centers during regular business hours when weather conditions meet specified guidelines. Cooling Centers are in operation when the Heat Index (HI) is expected to reach 105 degrees, or when air temperatures reach 90 degrees or more for two consecutive days.

renamed Cathy Hughes Street. This corner is the location of Hughes’ first radio station, WOL1450 AM. It was at this radio station that Cathy Hughes invented the radio programming format called “Quiet Storm,” now used by 480 radio stations across the country. WOL was the birth of Radio One, now the largest black-owned radio empire in America with 56 radio stations in 16 U.S. markets. Cathy Hughes has addressed major national and international conferences for many years. She is a widely sought-after speaker and media/business consultant of the first order. Her presentation at the Empowerment Network conference was a home-grown connection, because people of Cathy Hughes’ stature are rarely affordable and accessible to local initiatives such as the Empowerment Network. “The Face on the Barroom Floor,” while a much-esteemed honor in Nebraska, has actually Cathy with drawing for barroom floor been awarded several times annually over the worth approaching $500 million, doesn’t come to last 20 years and Cathy Hughes is not the first African American to receive it. Brenda Omaha just for some honors and awards. Cathy Council, Bob Gibson, Johnny Rodgers, John Hughes soaked up two days of celebration and Beasley, Michael Scott and Preston Love Sr. are glorification in Omaha because it came from the people she loves the most and has never previously honored African Americans. So, honestly, a woman who climbed her way to forgotten. the top of America, created a globally recognized Over the last 40 years, I’ve seen or read media empire, and is now clocked at a personal See Media Titan continued on page 9

Monetary contributions to help support Salvation Army Emergency Services can be mailed to The Salvation Army, 10755 Burt St., Omaha, NE 68114, or given online at SalArmyOmaha.org.

Cathy Hughes with County Commissioner - Chris Rodgers, Empowerment Network Board Chair – Teresa Negron, Empowerment Network Board Vice-Chair – Timothy Christian, City Council President – Ben Gray, Empowerment Network President - Willie Barney

Reprinted with Permission from Revive! Omaha Magazine 2018 “This is amazing. Over 500 people at an Empowerment Conference. This would not have been possible when I was in Omaha.” – Cathy Hughes Cathy Hughes, North Omaha native and founder and Chairwoman of Urban One Inc., delivered an awesome keynote at the 11th Annual Empowerment Network Conference on May 18 at the Hilton Omaha Downtown. Hughes was in town to attend a street dedication in her honor and agreed to serve as the keynote speaker at the Network’s luncheon. It was a historic, one-of-a-kind moment. Comments from attendees said it all. “She was real, down to earth and absolutely amazing. Everyone in North Omaha needs to hear what she had to say.” “She made it so personal, it made it seem like I

Salute to Graduates Issue – June 29 Send Photos to Phyllis Hicks by June 12 phyllis@omahastarinc.com

was sitting in her kitchen listening to stories about what it was like to grow up in North Omaha and what it takes to be successful.” “Always better your best.” The audience was fully engaged, laughing, cheering, gasping and applauding throughout the forty minute conversation between Hughes and Willie Barney, President of the Empowerment Network. She started by thanking God for her blessings. Hughes recognized Johnny Rodgers, Vickey Parks and the other team members responsible for the Street Dedication. She was in awe of the whole Empowerment Network Conference and the collaboration happening in the community. She then shared a wide range of experiences: working for her father and traveling on the railroad to Pocatello, Idaho; her first job at the Omaha Star working for Mildred Brown; starting at KOWH in Omaha and then eventually launching Radio See Empowerment continued on page 9

See the Juneteenth Calendar of activities in this issue.

Page Two

THE OMAHA STAR

THE OMAHA STAR, INC.

LOCAL NEWS June 1, 2018 Research Reveals Greater Omaha Outpaces Peers

THE VOICE OF THE BLACK COMMUNITY

The “2018 Barometer,” which compares the economic performance and characteristics of the Omaha - Council Bluffs - Fremont metro with nine other metros to reveal strengths and opportunities MAILING ADDRESS: for growth, was released by the Greater 2216 North 24th Street Omaha Chamber. Omaha, Nebraska 68110 One of the region’s most comprehensive, WEB ADDRESS: comparative analyses, the report uses www.theomahastar.com multiple indexes to evaluate Omaha’s competitiveness against other highLike Us on Facebook performing metros. It is completed in collaboration with the University of E-MAIL ADDRESSES: eleanor@omahastarinc.com Nebraska-Lincoln. fwilliams@omahastarinc.com “Each year we compare the economic phyllis@omahastarinc.com performance and characteristics of our tcooper@omahastarinc.com region. In 2018, we ranked No. 5 out of Notary Services available during business hours the 10 metros, maintaining our ranking Monday – Wednesday – 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. for the fifth year in a row,” said David Thursday – 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. G. Brown, president and CEO, Greater Member of the National Newspaper Publishers Association Omaha Chamber. “This does not mean our progress has stagnated – in fact, we’ve MILDRED D. BROWN: Founder, July 9, 1938 bested our overall score by three percent DR. MARGUERITA L. WASHINGTON: Publisher, 1989 - 2016 and are now 10 percent higher (of the eight indexes combined for this report) than the Phyllis Hicks: Publisher & Managing Editor national average. Measuring also allows Frankie Jean Williams: Copy Editor us to critically examine areas for potential Tanya Cooper: Circulation/Retail Coordinator Carl Hill: Retail Distributor improvement and actively make dataEleanor Riggs: Adminstrative Services Representative informed decisions that catalyze change.” Debra Shaw: Social Media Administrator The report includes comparatives for THE OMAHA STAR believes that America can best lead the world away from racial and national Omaha’s “peers” (Salt Lake City, UT; antagonism when it accords every man, regardless of race, color or creed, his human and legal rights. Louisville, KY; Colorado Springs, CO), Hating no man, fearing no man in the firm belief that all are hurt as long as one is held back. “competitors” (Des Moines, IA; Kansas City, MO-KS; Oklahoma City, OK) and “aspirational cities” (Austin, TX; Raleigh, The United States provides opportunities for free expression NC; Nashville, TN). of ideas. The Omaha Star has its views, but others may differ. Therefore the Omaha Star ownership reserves the right to publish views and opinions by syndicated and local columnists, professional writers and other writers whose opinions are solely their own. Those views do not necessarily reflect the policies and position of the staff and management of the Omaha Star newspaper. Readers are encouraged to email letters to the editor commenting on current events as well as what they would like to see included in the paper. Those emails should be sent to: phyllis@omahastarinc. com and must include the writer’s name, address, email address United Way of the Midlands (UWM) and telephone number. The ownership has editorial rights and does not guarantee that all submissions will be published. donations collected on May 23 during Please be advised that the Omaha Star ownership does not Omaha Gives, a 24-hour charitable employ staff writers who charge for preparing and submitting challenge in the Omaha-Council Bluffs articles for the general public. Should you encounter such, please metro area, are being directed to programs advise Phyllis Hicks at 402.346.4041. that alleviate summer hunger. Over 102,000 people are food insecure, and summer can be particularly difficult for them. During the school year, 62,000 students in the metro area qualify for free or reduced lunches. During the summer, when these supports are not available, families have to find new ways to provide In order to be included in the Omaha Star, all articles and meals. In Nebraska, 1 in 5 children are announcements must be submitted by e-mail to fwilliams@ omahastarinc.com no later than two weeks in advance of the considered food insecure. event. All articles and announcements should be prepared in a Summer hunger impacts the whole word document using Times New Roman, 10 pt. Submissions family, putting extra strain on families must be limited to 500 words. Any accompanying photographs should be submitted in a jpeg or pdf file. The deadline for all articles is Monday at 3:00 p.m., two weeks prior to the event date. Articles and announcements will not be accepted at the Omaha Star office. The Omaha Star is now published bi-weekly on Fridays. The Omaha Star business office hours are MondayThursday, 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Editorial and Business Office 2216 North 24th Street Phone: 402.346.4041 Fax: 402.346.4064

DISCLAIMER

“One unexpected finding in the 2018 Barometer report was a sharp 13.6 percent increase in wages per job in the Omaha Metropolitan Area between 2014 and 2107,” said Dr. Eric Thompson lead researcher and director, Bureau of Business Research College of Business Administration University of Nebraska-Lincoln. “These sharp increases are encouraging, given ongoing efforts in Omaha to raise wages by educating and training workers for information technology and other higher wage occupations,” Thompson added. Key data showed: • Entrepreneurs in Omaha earn twice as much as the US average • High quality of life – with abundant arts and cultural opportunities (No. 2), quick commute times (No. 2) and accessible health care (No. 1) • Innovation is consistently rising in Greater Omaha – with five-percent growth since 2014, trending to surpass Nashville’s rating • Business costs are low, with Omaha ranking second only to Louisville, KY “The annual Barometer report provides a measuring stick to see how Greater Omaha compares against flourishing metros that either exhibit growth patterns we aspire to, or have similar characteristics to ours,” said Jennifer Zarek, the Greater Omaha Chamber’s research analyst who oversees the annual Barometer. Zarek added the 2018 Barometer, for the

first time, shows trends over time. “We can look at our progress over the last five years to see where we have prospered and identify potential development opportunities to pursue,” she said. Paula Hazlewood, executive director, Advance Southwest Iowa Corporation, said regional growth is a result of “persistence paying off.” She added that for Council Bluffs, IA and Pottawattamie County, new buildings and housing units are “going vertical” on the Missouri riverfront and expansions are occurring throughout region. I fully anticipate that momentum continuing.” Garry Clark, executive director, Greater Fremont Development Council, echoed Hazlewood’s remarks regarding “momentum continuing.” He noted planning in Fremont, NE and Dodge County includes, “a Micro-loan and grant program designed to support small business, as well as a real estate task force created to examine ways to build up our inventory of available sites for attraction and expansion opportunities.” Overall, the Barometer revealed OmahaCouncil Bluffs-Fremont’s economic growth continues to be about 22 percent above the U.S. average. Other characteristics, such as high educational attainment, low business costs and abundant amenities, give Omaha a strong advantage in entrepreneurship, business climate and quality of life. View the full report at: omahachamber. org/wp-content/uploads.

United Way of the Midlands’ Community Spotlight

United Way Donations to Alleviate Summer Hunger

ATTENTION From The Publisher:

already struggling to meet their budget. Low income families spend an additional $300 a month for groceries when children are out of school. In the metro area, 20.4 percent of residents “often” or “sometimes” worry about running out of food before there is money to buy more. People struggling with food insecurity are faced with the choice of putting food on the table or paying for other basic needs such as utilities, rent or medications. Parents and guardians may skip meals to ensure their children have enough to eat, or they may eat less nutritious food because it is less expensive, which increases the risk of diet related diseases. Children who do not have enough to eat

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generally have poorer health, do worse in school and have higher hospitalization rates. Together, we can ensure everyone has enough food throughout the summer. With the help of corporate and individual donors, UWM will continue to invest in healthy food and hunger relief programs and partner with organizations to meet food needs in the Omaha-Council Bluffs metro area. These programs are vital for our community and include emergency food pantries, healthy meal programs, community gardens, after-school and outof-school programs that include meals for the students and meal assistance for seniors.

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LOCAL NEWS

June 1, 2018

15 Free Concerts Plus Strolling Performers at Summer Arts Festival The World Music Pavilion at the Omaha Summer Arts Festival (OSAF) will present a full lineup of 15 free concerts, world-class street performers and live art shows throughout the three-day event. OSAF is presented by First National Bank and takes place in downtown Omaha June 8-10 on Farnam Street from 10th to 15th Streets. World Music Pavilion hours are 12-11 p.m. on June 8; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on June 9; and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on June 10. The Pavilion is located at 13th and Farnam Streets. Join the fun in the all-ages Pavilion with craft beer, wine and an expanded selection of ice-cold beverages available for purchase. Special thanks to World Music Pavilion sponsors Nebraska Arts Council, Nebraska Cultural Endowment, Premier Midwest Beverage Company and Sweet 98.5. Performance schedule on the Luigi Waites Main Stage in the World Music Pavilion: June 8 12 p.m.: Omaha Musicians’ Association Jazz All-Stars – Featuring Steve Thornburg and Mary O’Keefe – Bassist Mark Luebbe and Dan Cerveny on the keyboard join couple Thornburg and O’Keefe for a special performance. 3:30 p.m.: Jocelyn – Omaha native, singersongwriter and Omaha Entertainment Awards Best Pop Artist performs unique modern pop music. 5 p.m.: The Bishops – Two-time winner as best Ethnic/World band in the Omaha Entertainment Awards, this seven-piece band of ska/rocksteady/ reggae veterans perform rump-shaking Islandinfluenced jams. 7 p.m.: Elektric Voodoo - Blending afrobeat, Latin, psych, jazz, blues and other influences into its own unique genre of “World Beat Rock & Roll.� 9 p.m.: OSAF After Dark – Featuring Kethro and Linear Symmetry – Omaha’s own Kethro brings his original sounds in a collaboration with Linear Symmetry in a sonic journey by fusing elements of trap, funk, punching bass and whirling melodies. June 9 11 a.m.: Ro Hempel – A singer-songwriter hailing from the heart of the Midwest, Hempel is sure to keep the crowd entertained with his positive, good-vibe music of original songs. 12:30 p.m.: Domestic Blend – Genre-bending six-person group that produces feel-good soul pop, dripping with elements of hip-hop and blues to create a unique musical experience. 2 p.m.: Luigi Inc. – Five-piece jazz combo located in Omaha and founded by the late jazz legend Luigi Waites, Luigi Inc. keeps Waites’ sound alive with saxophonist Curt McKean, guitarist Jeff Scheffler, bassist Steve Gomez, drummer Steve Knight and trumpeter Doyle Tipler.

3:30 p.m.: Elle Casazza – Diversifying the pop scene with her own refreshing and authentic blend of jazz, soul, funk and pop rhythms that are seamlessly crafted into her songs and accompanied by commanding vocals and defying songwriting. 5 p.m.: Jessica Meuse – Wowing audiences since the age of 10, Meuse is a country-rock singer-songwriter whose talents placed her as a Top 4 Finalist on American Idol Season 13. 7 p.m.: Wesley Pruitt Band - Dynamic force that enjoys and thrives on performing originals mixed with cover songs and honky-tonk songs with a twist. 9 p.m.: Eric Hughes Band - Delighting listeners with original Memphis music, witty lyrics and tough grooves that are both entertaining and authentic, Hughes and company have been belting out their fun and rowdy blues since 2001.

Page Three

Preston Love Jr. To Receive Master’s Degree From Bellevue University On Saturday, 775 Bellevue University students are expected to cross the stage and receive their diplomas at the university’s spring commencement ceremony. Among the graduates will be Preston Love Jr., who will receive his Master’s Degree in Professional Studies. Love, 75, is a well-known figure in the state and across the nation. He is recognized as a former Husker football player, IBM pioneer marketing executive and micro-computer innovator, newspaper columnist for the Omaha Star and author of two books: Economic Cataracts and The Jackson Papers. He has worked for key political figures, including Atlanta Mayor Andrew Young, Chicago Mayor Harold Washington and he organized and led the Presidential campaign of the Rev. Jesse Jackson in 1984. “The transformation and empowerment that we create in students is remarkable,� said university President Mary Hawkins, “and Preston Love Jr. exemplifies that,� she said. “The students we serve best are those who, like Preston, have invested in themselves and are motivated to get to the next level.� According to Love, his Bellevue University degree program was stimulating on several levels. “The ability to

align my desired educational goals with relevant course work was the key for me,� he said, “not just to get a master’s (degree), but to get a master’s that I can apply to my world now. The commencement ceremony, which begins at 9 a.m., will also feature Jason Snow as the student speaker. Snow, who will graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Biology degree, will be taking the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) shortly after commencement and will be applying to medical school. To support his wife and 5-year-old son, Snow works as an Uber driver in the metro area. U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer of Nebraska will serve as the spring commencement speaker. Sen. Fischer is a lifelong Nebraskan who was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2012. Before her election to the U.S. Senate, Fischer served in the Nebraska Unicameral, representing the 43rd Legislative District. According to University Registrar Colette Lewis, the university conferred 723 degrees from Jan. 1 through March 31. This includes 461 undergraduate degrees and 262 master’s degrees. The university streams the commencement ceremony live so those who cannot attend have an opportunity to see

Love

students receive their diplomas. The live streaming link is available on the Bellevue University website starting at 8 a.m., Central Standard Time.

June 10 About Bellevue University 11 a.m.: Flamenco Omaha – With dancers Founded in 1966, Bellevue ranging from 4 to 40, Flamenco Omaha is the only University is a non-profit, dance group in Omaha that studies and performs fully accredited university with flamenco – a Spanish art form made up of guitar more than 50,000 graduates playing, song and dance. worldwide. The university is 12:30 p.m.: Esencia Latina Band – With a recognized national leader in contagious salsa music, the group is comprised of preparing students for lifelong 13 professional Nebraska musicians dominating success with career-relevant Omaha’s Latin scene and was the winner of the knowledge and skills, while 2014 Omaha Entertainment and Arts Award for making college affordable. Routinely ranked among the Best Ethnic Band. nation’s top military-friendly 2:30 p.m.: Jesus Diaz y su QBA – Diaz is a and open access institutions, legendary Cuban percussionist, vocalist, multithe university serves students instrumentalist and arranger with credits alongside at its main campus in Bellevue, of some of the greatest artists in Latin jazz. and everywhere online. The In addition to performers at the World Music university is accredited by The Pavilion, those who attend the 2018 OSAF Higher Learning Commission will have the chance to see Morphis Art Live through the U.S. Department of featuring artist Christopher Morphis. The live Education. music-art mash-up is a sight to see, as Morphis creates a painting from beginning to end using energy from the audience to guide him. The street entertainment continues with one of the top jugglers in the world, Sam Malcolm, and awardEstablished in 1968, Family Housing Advisory Services (FHAS) invites the community to join our 50winning comedy magician Magic Brian sharing year celebration on June 16 at 2401 Lake St. For 50 years, FHAS has been addressing housing issues in the intersection of 14th and Farnam Streets with the Omaha community. From near-homeless families to homeowners, fair housing, access to tax credits, multiple performances throughout the weekend. and ďŹ nancial education, FHAS has been improving quality of life, eliminating poverty and helping people achieve housing stability and ďŹ nancial security. Named the 2017 “Best Festivalâ€? in Omaha Following the Juneteenth Parade, this community event will have free food, with community members Magazine’s Best of Omaha awards and winner of sharing their journey to improved credit, reduced debt, increased income and homeownership. The event the festival category for Omaha’s Choice, OSAF will include an MC, live music, balloon artist, and face painting. is consistently recognized as one of Omaha’s best FHAS is excited to help over 12,000 people each year along their journey to success. FHAS prevents annual events. OSAF also receives consistent homelessness, educates home owners, provides foreclosure options, develops ďŹ nancially-wise consumers honors in the art fair industry, including being (including youth transitioning out of foster care), oers aordable mortgage lending options, eliminates selected as one of 2015’s Top 100 Fine Arts housing discrimination, and reduces poverty through tax credits. FHAS helps change the way we think Festivals in the country by ArtFair SourceBook. about money, ownership and success, changing our community one household at a time,â€? said Teresa National honors include being tagged as one of Hunter, Executive Director and CEO. For more information, please visit: www.fhasinc.org. the “Top 20 Can’t-Miss Summer Festivalsâ€? by Smithsonian.com in 2014, and as one of the Top SECOND INSTALLMENT 100 Events in North America by the American JUNE 1, 2018 Bus Association in 2012.

Family Housing Advisory Services Hosts 50-Year Anniversary Activities

‘Choose Your Days’ by Paula Wallace to Represent Nebraska at National Book Festival

A children’s picture book that encourages us all to remember that we hold the key to our days will represent Nebraska at the 2018 National Book Festival. The Nebraska Center for the Book selected “Choose Your Days� by Paula Wallace (Cinco Puntos Press, 2016) as the state’s selection for the National Book Festival’s “Discover Great Places through Reading� brochure and map. Each state selects one book about the state, or by an author from the state, that is a good read for children or young adults. The brochure and map will be distributed at the September 1 Festival in Washington DC and will be featured in the “Great Reads about Great Places� links on the websites of both the national and Nebraska centers for the book. This book, written and illustrated by Omaha artist Paula Wallace, tells an engaging story of a child learning to live her dreams to the fullest. The bright and whimsical illustrations sweep the reader along through the story and help deliver a powerful message about love and loss. Nebraska’s “Great Reads about Great Places� book is chosen from the previous year’s Nebraska Book Award winners and this book was awarded the 2017 Nebraska Book Award in the Children’s Picture Book category. Entries for the 2018 Nebraska Book Awards will be accepted until June 30 – see http:// centerforthebook.nebraska.gov/ awards/nebookawards.html. The National Book Festival will feature presentations by award-winning authors, poets, and illustrators at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC. Festival attendees can meet their favorite authors, get books signed, have

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photos taken with mascots and storybook characters, and participate in a variety of learning activities. States will staff exhibit booths to promote reading, library programs, and literary events. Find out more about the 2018 National Book Festival (including a list of featured authors) at http://www. loc.gov/bookfest. The Nebraska Center for the Book is housed at the Nebraska Library Commission and brings together the state’s readers, writers, booksellers, librarians, publishers, printers, educators, and scholars to build

the community of the book, supporting programs to celebrate and stimulate public interest in books, reading, and the written word. The Nebraska Center for the Book is supported by the Nebraska Library Commission. As the state library agency, the Nebraska Library Commission is an advocate for the library and information needs of all Nebraskans. The mission of the Library Commission is statewide promotion, development, and coordination of library and information services, bringing together people and information.

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Community Events

This summer in North Omaha is full of opportunities to engage and socialize. Many groups, individuals and organizations are working to provide spaces, places and events for people to come together to share ideas and celebrate one another. Some may say nothing is happening in Omaha, but we are here to tell you that is certainly not true! Our city has an uplifting vitality that

Everything is FREE & family-friendly unless noted. An updated comprehensive calendar will be available on NOISE’s Facebook, Instagram, and The Star website.

RECURRING EVENTS / 2 " " , " 24th & Burdette St. Every Saturday Morning through September 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. tsanders@oedc.info

2 " < "! < " )

< "! " - ) $ " ! , "

6 ) ! " , "

33rd & California St. Every Friday Night through September 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.

The Accelerator 2112 N. 30th St. Every Thursday in June 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.

2 ! " " " ? "

Feed the People

30th & Bondesson St. Saturday Mornings 8 a.m. – 11 a.m.

No More Empty Pots 8511 N 30th St. June 11 & 25 www.nmepomaha.org || (402) 502-1642

N 33rd & Cass St. First Saturdays of each month 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

FRIDAY, JUNE 1

TUESDAY, JUNE 12

4 - " Hope Skate 2220 N. 20th St. 2 p.m. – 6 p.m. contact: malcolm1978@msn.com

African American Leadership Awards Urban League of Nebraska The Hilton Omaha 1001 Cass St. 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. 1 " Heartland Workforce Solutions 5752 Ames Ave. 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.

SATURDAY, JUNE 2

No More Empty Cups 1502 S. 10th St. #100 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. / ) / " " 1 78*9 MCC South Campus - ITC Building 2709 Edward Babe Gomez Ave 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. 1 " "

I Heartbeat Dance Studio, $20+ 6914 Maple St 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. RSVP: http://bit.ly/BizBestieBrunch .?-/2 " ? " OutrSpaces, $10 Suggested Donation 1258 S. 13th St. 9 p.m. – 1 a.m. wkndfest.splashthat.com

SUNDAY, JUNE 3

The Omaha Lounge, Suggested Donation 1505 Farnam St. 7:30 p.m.

FRIDAY, JUNE 8

( " " ! " ) ) No More Empty Cups 1502 S. 10th St. #100 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

SATURDAY, JUNE 9

& " " No More Empty Cups 1502 S. 10th St. #100 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. < - ) = 6 4 4" > > " Omaha Small Business Network 2505 N. 24th St. 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Omaha Table Talk: LGBTQ+ More Than Letters Weitz Community Engagement Center 6001 Dodge St. Room 201 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. inclusive-communities.org

THURSDAY, JUNE 14

Black Men United, FREE 4200 N. 30th St. 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. blackmenunited.weebly.com Salon Talk: Self-Care with JoAnna LeFlore The Union for Contemporary Art 6:30 – 8 p.m. u-ca.org D " > E /" <" ! ) The Study Hall 2205 N 24th St 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. popupsinthevillage.com

FRIDAY, JUNE 15

! " # " $ Josephine Baker Love’s Jazz & Art Center, Cover, 18+ 2510 N 24th St. – 8 p.m. - " " The Study, FREE 2417 Burdette St. & 2205 N 24th St. 12 p.m. – 12 a.m. (until June 17) /" " The North Omaha Block Party North 24th Street 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.

SATURDAY, JUNE 16

/ # , ") No More Empty Cups 1502 S. 10th St. #100 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. / Omaha Small Business Network 2505 N. 24th St. 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. /" , ;"$ ( ) ' The Union for Contemporary Art 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.

SUNDAY, JUNE 17

% & ' " Festival The Study Hall 2205 N 24th St. 5 p.m. 2 2 ( " Class Joy of Life Ministries, Inc. 6401 N. 56th St. 5 p.m. – 6 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20

* , - . The Exchange 1905 Harney St. 9 a.m. – 10 a.m.

THURSDAY, JUNE 21 ( 2 ! 6 6 " No More Empty Cups 1502 S. 10th St. #100 5:30 – 7 p.m.

- " - ) $ " ! , ) Better Together Campus 3223 N. 45th St. 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

SATURDAY, JUNE 23

)) & No More Empty Cups 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.

TUESDAY, JUNE 26

( !0 " $ " 1 , " The Union for Contemporary Art 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.

SATURDAY, JUNE 30

" 2 " 3 45 " ! The Union for Contemporary Art 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. If you would like to have a community event shared, email us at noiseomaha@gmail.com

PRAISE, WORSHIP, DEVOTION, OBITUARIES & INSPIRATION June 1, 2018 Empowerment Evangelist In Loving Memory Deaths & Harold Leffall Launches Rev. Robert T. Hooks Jr. Funerals It’s been 5 years since GOD called you home Self-Esteem Movement Margaret Johnson on June 20, 2013. You are truly missed by:

Page Four

THE OMAHA STAR

Benicia, CA (BlackNews.com) – Harold Leffall, author of “I Am Enough,” empowerment evangelist, businessman, entrepreneur and public speaker with a passion for lifting others up, has officially announced countrywide tour dates for individuals looking to boost their personal selfesteem levels. As someone who has experienced firsthand what it’s like to feel less than “enough,” despite starting and launching two separate successful Harold Leffall businesses, Leffall is exploring the hardship of securing formidable self-esteem despite being a minority. “With research demonstrating that 85% of Americans suffer from varying levels of low self-esteem, that statistic is only compounded for the minorities in our country today - trying to pursue confidence while being marginalized on a daily basis,” said Leffall. “Titles, bank accounts, and degrees can’t counter-balance this mental feeling; it’s something instilled in us at a young age, through parents, society, and our environment.” Leffall launched two multi-million dollar businesses, all while struggling with feeling less than “worthy” and less than ‘enough’ during that time period. He appeared in several publications, like Black Enterprise, Best Self Atlanta and Entrepreneur magazines, authored two books, and traveled the country - continuously doubting himself. Hitting his own personal rock bottom, Leffall sat back and reflected on the roots of his debilitating low self-esteem. “I learned how to shift my mindset and re-program my brain to be one of positive receptivity,” said Leffall. “Realizing that every single human being is equal, no matter status or public perception, I now understand we all simply have different purposes. That is the underlying principle of my ‘I Am Enough’ Movement.” Officially called You Are Enough Now, Leffalls’ new platform includes the annual You Are Enough Empowerment Conference, a Line of I Am Enough products, and his new book, “I Am Enough.” “The goal of my new community is to inform everyone of their own personal self-affirmation, helping each and every person to live the life of their dreams,” said Leffall. “Despite marginalization, we can all live life with a supportive self-esteem. The first step is recognizing that we are equals. Spread the word on the launch of my new platform, and consider transforming your life for a confident future today.” The first You Are Enough Empowerment Conference will take place June 16 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Hotel Indigo in College Park, Ga. The event will feature Leffall, Wanda L. Floyd, and special guest Ashley Marissa from Bravo’s “To Rome for Love.” For more information, visit www.YouAreEnoughNow.com.

Rev. Adams Hosts Book Signing Sunday The Rev. Dr. Leroy E. Adams Jr. is hosting a book signing for his release, titled “The Black Church,” on Sunday from 1-3 p.m. at Morning Star Baptist Church, 2019 Burdette St. Dr. Adams, senior pastor of Morning Star, has made significant contributions to our city as a whole. He has been recognized and honored by many for his dedication and commitment as a community leader. His recognitions include the NAACP Community Partner Award, City of Omaha Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Rev. Adams “Living the Dream” Award, and the Urban League African American Leadership Award. “I am truly humbled and excited about my first book being published. ‘The Black Church’ is a history of a rich past, a vibrant present, and a promising future particularly within the African American community. The black church has a wealthy tradition of religious experience in the history of the church. The burden of conventional views regarding the black church in our society is vague and often disregarded in the mainstream of our Christian faith due to the lack of knowledge and possible stereotypical mindsets. To resolve this, the black church’s identity must be expressed and respected in the history of Christendom. The black church has always been a beacon of hope to many of the colored who search for strength, fellowship, and validation with their faith in God and among all Christian believers throughout the world.” “The Black Church” is available at amazon.com, Barnes & Nobles or at Leroy.Adams@me.com.

F.Y.I.

In order to be included in the Omaha Star, all articles and announcements must be typed in Word and must be received no later than two weeks in advance of the event. Articles may be brought to the Omaha Star Office at 2216 North 24th St. on Monday before 3:00 p.m. or e-mailed to phyllis@omahastarinc.com. Any announcements or articles 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 of each week. The Omaha Star is not responsible for unsolicited pictures or articles submitted for publication.

wife Carol, sons Robert L. and Belton Hooks daughters; Linda Ross and B. Elaine Clark; step-children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and brother and sister/in/laws, New Beginning Community Baptist Church Family, Pastor Walter Jones, Sister Renee Jones, and Other ministers of the Gospel.

Nothing Can Be Done Without Hope And Confidence By Dr. William Holland We spent some time at Cumberland Falls State Park recently. It’s always refreshing to get away every now and then and behold the breathtaking beauty of nature. The earth is His masterpiece and with all of the magnificent places on the planet, we appreciate the privilege to enjoy His wonderful creation. The trees and flowers are now blooming and we were fortunate to catch a glimpse of many types of birds, a family of deer, squirrels, ground hogs, raccoons, and chipmunks along the trails. The roaring falls is always a spectacular sight and reminds us of God’s amazing power and majesty. After spending a day breathing in the fresh forest air and enjoying the peace and quiet, we ate dinner at the lodge and then retired to our room. Out of habit we turned on the television and discovered there had been another deadly school shooting. How suddenly we were snapped back into the sobering reality of more heartache. Evil can only be stopped when it is removed from the conscience of mankind. Until then, we are faced with the consequences of sin. The serious Christian is troubled by what is going on in the world but they also realize that God is not panicking or surprised – He is in total control. We also know the Bible predicts that before the return of Christ, the days will become more perilous. So, what can we do? Well, we can make ourselves available to help those in need but there is a condition that many Christians tend to forget. Most people do not really want help. They do not want to hear about God and they do not want to change the way they live. The old saying is true, “You cannot help those who will not help themselves.” Next, we need to learn how to remain calm. The flood of daily negativity can cause fear and anxiety if we become more focused on the chaos than the hope and peace of God’s presence. Yes, there is much wickedness and demonic influence in the world which is why it’s so critical to keep our mind and heart focused on God’s still small voice. This is the only voice that really matters. He is our

rock, our refuge, and our anchor that can keep us from being overwhelmed with worry and discouragement. Charles Spurgeon said, “Let this one great, gracious, glorious fact lie in your spirit until it permeates all your thoughts and makes you rejoice even though you are without strength. Rejoice that the Lord Jesus has become your strength and your song and has become your salvation.” Another point is the most obvious – we must pray. Prayer is a widely used word and yet we wonder if people are really falling on their knees or is it just a nice thing to say? I am personally convinced that we must ask God to give us a desire to pray or we will never understand our spiritual responsibility. Our human nature rebels so fiercely against us praying that if we do not develop a passionate burden to intercede, we will settle for just talking about it. Since prayer definitely changes circumstances, can you imagine how much good we could do if we did pray and how bad the world would be if the few individuals who are praying would stop? God knew in the last days that His people would choose to spend more time watching television and enjoying life’s pleasures than praying and this explains more than we would like to admit. Can we make a difference in the world? Absolutely! Do we really want to make a difference in the world? That is the monumental question. It depends on how dedicated and determined we are to do what God is asking. Helen Keller once said, “Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.” This is a wonderful motivational statement, but we need to distinguish the difference between a natural confidence to do what we want to do and a spiritual faith that is devoted to God’s instructions. When reverential respect and honor toward God is removed from education and government, it’s like replacing our moral compass with a self-serving philosophy which justifies our decision to drift aimlessly on a sea of arrogant independence.

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.

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Kids Talk About God

What Does Heaven Look Like? (Part 2 of 3) By Carey Kinsolving And Friends “I think heaven is at least one million times better than the best cruise in the world!” says Zachary, 9. Deep in our hearts, we know there’s a perfect place. Everyone has a sense of beauty and a longing for a return to paradise. Cruise ships offer a little taste of paradise. The problem with going on a perfect cruise is that we take our imperfections with us. When we journey to heaven, we’ll be glad our baggage didn’t make the transfer. “There will be no sin in heaven. You can ask Jesus all you want to, and he won’t get annoyed,” says Abby, 8. Actually, no one will be annoyed in heaven. That’s part of the baggage we’ll leave behind. “I think heaven will be peaceful,” says Mackenzie, 8. “We will never see darkness again. Also, we will never fight, and everybody will be happy. Nobody will be weak or tired, not even the grandparents. We will see Jesus!” Yes, heaven will be peaceful because the Prince of Peace will be reigning and ruling over his rightful domain and in the hearts of his people. True peace is a condition of the heart. People who don’t make peace with God will always be restless. Mackenzie also mentioned that darkness will take a permanent holiday. Why? Jesus will be the light of the New Jerusalem. The sun will never set on his glory. The light of the Son will replace the light of the sun (Revelation 21:23). “Heaven is nothing like Earth,” says Claire, 10. “There are no scary dreams, no thunderstorms and no bullies. I imagine streets of gold, a beautiful landscape, high mountains and fresh green valleys.”

God’s grace is so overpowering that it can transform bullies. Even the toughest bullies who get a glimpse of God’s power can humble themselves before him and start treating people with respect. When oil monopolist John D. Rockefeller died, someone asked his accountant how much he left behind. “All of it,” he said. At death, all accumulated wealth and power on Earth are left behind in a moment. When Jesus said the first will be last, and the last will be first in his kingdom, he wasn’t kidding. Part of heaven’s glory will be the prominence of Christians who lived their lives in light of heaven’s rewards. The Scripture says Moses, who was raised as an Egyptian prince, chose rather “to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin” because he valued treasures in heaven more than treasures in Egypt (Hebrews 11:25-26). Everyone gets to heaven the same way: faith alone in Christ alone. Eternal life is a free gift, but rewards are earned. Whatever Moses saw of heaven’s rewards outweighed the glory of anything Pharaoh could offer. I believe Anna, 9, has seen something of heaven’s glories when she says: “Heaven will be like the dream I always wanted to dream. The streets will be paved with gold. I will see my Grandpa running, happy and young. Little angels will be playing in fields. The gates will be made of pearls. “You will never have to worry about cavities or what you eat. Maybe God’s castle will be made out of tiny rose buds. There won’t be any darkness. All the houses will be made out of rhinestones that shimmer. The picket fences won’t be made out of wood but sunflowers. There are flowers everywhere, some that you have seen and some that you have not seen.”

AND

THOMAS FUNERAL HOME

THE BLACK CHURCH:

TRADITION • RESPECT • DIGNITY

THE BLACK PRESS

Forest Lawn Funeral Home Cemetery & Crematory

Mrs. Margaret Johnson, age 83, passed away Monday, May 14, at a local care center. Survived by son: Kirby (Suzanne) Johnson, Papillion, NE; 2 grandchildren, 2 greatgrand, nieces, nephews, other relatives. Funeral Services were held 11 am Thursday, May 24, at Zion Baptist Church. Rev. Kenneth Allen, officiated. Interment: Mt. Home Cemetery. Arrangements by Thomas Funeral Home.

& 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

PRAISE & WORSHIP DIRECTORY

June 1, 2018

ALLEN CHAPEL A.M.E. R . B R. F P E P

T T , P R C 2842 Monroe St. Ph: (402) 502-8003 Fx: 934-8581 Sunday School....................................9:00 a.m. Sunday Worship...............................10:00 a.m. Thursday Bible Study..........................8:00 p.m. via teleconference, dial-in number 563-999-2090 and access code 576989

R . B R. F

THE OMAHA STAR Page Five

KOINONIA AND FRIENDS OF CHRIST

ST. BENEDICT THE MOOR CATHOLIC CHURCH

P T E. S J .

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

3208 Corby Street Omaha, NE 68111 Sunday School ..................................................9:00 a.m. Sunday Worship .............................................10:30 a.m. Thursday Bible Study ......................................6:30 p.m. www.KFCChurch.org

P T E. S J .

&

R . V A

HOLY NAME CATHOLIC CHURCH MORNING STAR BAPTIST CHURCH “Where Christ Jesus Is the Center of Attention� R . D . L E. A , J . S P

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

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 Pastor: Rev. Vitalis Anyanike

Radio Broadcast: 101.3 fm 9:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. each Sunday Worship Service .............10:00 a.m. R . D . L E. A , J .

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

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

ST. MARK BAPTIST CHURCH P J

S. P

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

Tuesday Evening Service.........7:00 p.m. Sunday School – Sunday 9:00 a.m. Worship Service – Sunday 10:15 a.m. Children’s Church (except 2nd Sunday) Holy Communion every 1st Sunday

BIBLE TRUTH MINISTRIES

P R

S P R S

“Strengthing Families for Victorious Living� P R

S P R S 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

MOUNT CALVARY COMMUNITY CHURCH

Prayer and Bible Doctrine Study Midday - 12:00 noon; Evening – 7:00 p.m.

“Jesus is the light of the world� R . J P. W , S P

mtcalvarycommunitychurch.org

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.�

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

R . J P. W

SALEM BAPTIST CHURCH Serving God and One Another in the Spirit of Excellence R . D . S Q. B S P

MT. MORIAH MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH D . R B. L , P

2602 N. 24th St. Off: (402) 451-8800 - Fax: (402) 451-8522 mtmoriahomaha.net pastorlassiter@gmail.com

CLAIR MEMORIAL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH “Come Get Your Hilltop Experience� R . P A. C , P

5544 Ames Avenue, Omaha, NE 68104 Telephone: 402-451-8322 • Website: www.cmumc.net Email: clairumc@cumc.omhcoxmail.com Sunday School‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌8:45 a.m. Sunday Worship Experience‌‌‌...10:00 a.m. Monday Bible Study‌‌‌‌‌‌‌6:00 p.m. Wednesday Bible Study‌.‌‌.‌‌.7:00 p.m.

R . R L , S .

P J

S. P

Sunday School ...................................... 9:30 a.m. Sunday Worship ..................................10:45 a.m. Overcomers in Christ...............Sunday 7:00 p.m. Wednesday Bible-Prayer Service 11:30 a.m. & 6:30 p.m

3131 Lake Street Omaha, NE 68111 402-455-1000 www.salembc.org

R . D . S Q. B

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.

R . P A. C , P

MT. NEBO MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH R . D . J F , S P

Sunday Morning Worship ...................................9:00 a.m. Family Hour of Christian Education.................11:00 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.

Services on Sundays at 8:30 am & 10:50 am 7020 Cass Street, Omaha, NE 68132 402.556.6262 www.fumcomaha.org First United Methodist Church is a welcoming and inclusive community, inspired to grow with and in God.

TABERNACLE OF FAITH CHURCH

“The Church Where Fellowship is Real� P T

L. A 5501 N. 50th Street Ph: 402-451-4245 Fx: 402-451-2130 office@mtneboomaha.org www.mtneboomaha.org

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

L. A P B M

R . D . J F

NEW BEGINNING COMMUNITY BAPTIST 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

Where we Exalt, Equip, and Evangelize R . W B. J , P

2301 North 45th Street, Omaha, NE 68104 Ph. 402-934-6020 • Fax 402-453-3190 E-Mail: wrjallied@cox.net

FREEDOM WORSHIP CENTER OMAHA P J T

B 3025 Parker Street Omaha, NE 68111 402.905.9730 • www.fwcomaha.com

P J T

B

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

R . W B. J

Sunday School‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌.9:30 a.m. Sunday Worship‌‌‌‌11:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Wednesday Bible & Prayer Service‌‌‌6:30 p.m.

PLEASANT GREEN BAPTIST CHURCH

ZION BAPTIST CHURCH R . K A. A , P 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. R . K A. A

“Where CHRIST is Preeminent and the Word Prevails!� P B P 5555 Larimore Avenue Church: 402-346-8427 www.pleasantgreenomaha.org Wednesday: Prayer Power Hour ......................................12:00 p.m

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

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.

THE WORSHIP CENTER

P B P

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

R . J D. W

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

JOY OF LIFE MINISTRIES COGIC P E C B

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

P E B

C -P C B

Sunday Sunday School‌‌‌‌‌.............. 9:30 a.m. Sunday Morning Worship‌...........10:45 a.m. Tuesday P D N. J , S . Tuesday Night Teaching‌‌...........6:30 p.m. L J Wednesday Prayer Meeting/BIBLE Study............7:00 p.m.

D . S R S P

North 24th Street Church of God “Presenting the Never-Changing GOD to an ever-changing World!� D . S R - S P

2021 N. 24th Street • Omaha, NE 68110 (402) 341-4297 Sunday Kingdom Academy 9:00 a.m. Worship Celebration 10:15 a.m. Tuesday Prayer Hour 7:00 a.m. & 12:00 noon Wednesday Power Hour (Prayer/Bible Study) 6:30 p.m. Youth and Children 6:30 p.m. www.theworshipcenter24cog.org

Page Six

THE OMAHA STAR

COMMENTARY

June 1, 2018

Barr Trumped By ABC; Trump Supports NFL Owners, Not Players By Michael H. Cottman BlackAmericaWeb.com There is absolutely no doubt that ABC made the right decision by immediately canceling Roseanne, its top-rated politically charged hit comedy. It didn’t matter that star actress Roseanne Barr surged into full apology mode Tuesday after tweeting a bizarre racist rant saying Valerie Jarrett, a former senior advisor to President Barack Obama, looks like a “Muslim brotherhood & planet of the apes had a baby.” Barr’s apology was too little, too late, and too scripted. Jarrett, who is African-American and born in

Iran to American parents, served as Obama’s senior White House aide for eight years. ABC wasted no time showing Roseanne the door and signaling to America that there is no place for racism in the entertainment industry. “Roseanne’s Twitter statement is abhorrent, repugnant and inconsistent with our values, and we have decided to cancel her show,” Channing Dungey, president of ABC Entertainment, said in a statement Tuesday. “There was only one thing to do here, and that was the right thing,” Disney CEO Bob Iger said in a tweet following the announcement. Disney is the parent company of ABC. It’s no secret that Barr is a vocal supporter of President Donald Trump, but Barr, until now, has

not openly attacked Obama or his senior aides. Barr quickly apologized after her racist Twitter comments and then announced she’s “now leaving Twitter.” Reaction to Barr’s hateful tweet was swift and decisive. Wanda Sykes, a popular Black comedian and one of the consulting producers for ABC’s Roseanne, one of America’s top comedy shows, announced through Twitter that she’s leaving the hit show because of Barr’s racist remarks about Jarrett. “I will not be returning to @RoseanneOnABC,” Sykes tweeted. I’m sure other entertainers and civil rights advocates will show their support for Sykes and

ABC in the coming days. Barr is a staunch supporter of Trump – on her show and in real life. Barr said she voted for Trump to “shake up the status quo” and Trump called Barr to congratulate her on the success of the reboot of her ABC show. But consider this: Barr’s detestable tweet further supports the notion that racists who harbor disdain for Obama, his policies, and his former aides, are feeling even more emboldened because Trump’s bigoted rhetoric has set the tone for others to spew hate. Hate groups are on the rise across America since Trump was elected president and more whites are reportedly calling police on innocent and unsuspecting Black citizens for no other reason than that the Black folks look “suspicious.” ABC’s bold decision to cancel Roseanne comes on the same day that Starbucks is closed 8,000 stores nationwide. Employees had to participate in mandatory diversity training after police were called to arrest two young Black men who were simply conducting a business meeting in a Philadelphia Starbucks last month. In the meantime, it seems that Barr, like many other hateful people, is following Trump’s racist disregard for AfricanAmericans. Maybe ABC’s quick decision to cancel Barr’s show will send a powerful message to racists that bigotry has severe consequences. And Barr, who claimed she was just joking about Jarrett, isn’t laughing anymore. ABC should be commended. Jarrett, for her part, is taking the high road – the same way she handled the myriad of racial insults while serving in the White House for eight years with America’s first Black president. “This should be a teaching moment,” she told an audience at the town hall for the MSNBC special ‘Everyday Racism in America’ with Joy Reid and Chris Hayes which aired Tuesday night. “I’m fine. I’m worried about all the people out there who don’t have a circle of friends and followers coming to their defense.” *** President Donald Trump took another swipe at AfricanAmerican football players saying that NFL athletes who don’t stand during the National Anthem “shouldn’t be in the country.” It’s another example of Trump’s disdain for Black men and his disrespect for their mission to bring attention to police brutality and racial injustice. So now Trump is suggesting that Black NFL players who support racial equality leave America. Ridiculous. Trump was responding to a new rule by NFL owners: NFL players must stand during the National Anthem this season or their teams will be fined by the league. The new policy does give players the option to remain in the locker room during the anthem and they won’t be penalized. “You have to stand proudly for the National Anthem and the NFL owners did the right thing if that’s what they’ve done,” Trump said in an interview with Fox News. “You have to stand proudly for the National Anthem or you shouldn’t be playing. You shouldn’t be there. Maybe you shouldn’t be in the country,” Trump said. “Well I think that’s good,” Trump told Fox News. “I don’t think people should be staying in locker rooms. But still I think it’s good.” Trump added that it’s “something ideally could have been taken care of when it first started. That would have been a lot easier.” Trump has been consistent in his contempt for black NFL players. Last year, Trump urged NFL owners to fire players who support former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick’s decision to kneel during the national anthem. In 2016, Kaepernick said he would not stand to “show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color.” Predictably, Trump took credit for the decision by NFL owners. “I brought it out. I think the people pushed it forward,” Trump said. He added: “You know, that’s something ideally could have been taken care of when it first started; it would have been a lot easier, but if they did that, they did the right thing.” When it comes to race and social justice, Trump is always on the wrong side of the issues.

COMMENTARY

June 1, 2018

Opinion Graduation is Just the First Hurdle By Julianne Malveaux NNPA Newswire Columnist Marvel’s “Black Panther,” Chadwick Boseman, graduated from Howard University with a bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts (BFA) in 2000. On May 12, Boseman returned to his alma mater to address the Class of 2018, while receiving an honorary degree. The Howard University graduation is one of more than 100 Historically Black College and University graduations and one of more than 4,000 general graduations across the country. On May 5, White House Correspondent April Ryan, brought down the house at Bennett College in North Carolina. In Arkansas on the same day, journalist and political commentator Sophia Nelson, made lasting remarks during the Philander Smith College commencement exercise. All across the nation, families are gathering, people are celebrating and graduations are being hailed as an occasion of joy. However, despite these many festivities, if you are a Black American who graduated from the University of Florida (UF), your achievements may have been marred by the horrible memory of faculty marshals physically pushing you off of the stage, after you decided to celebrate your Black Greek (fraternity) pride, with the execution of a few “steps.” More than 20 students were assaulted by the unidentified faculty member (although some say he is a chemistry lecturer), who is now on paid leave. Why would the university continue to pay someone who seems to have differentially attacked Black students, as apparently no White students were assaulted or pushed off of the stage? This lecturer is a menace to society and college students, who should not be exposed to his racism, either on stage or in a classroom. According to The New York Times, UF President W. Kent Fuchs apologized to the affected students and left a personal message of apology on Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity member Oliver Telusma’s voicemail, due to the incident. However, from where I sit, President Fuchs should track that student down along with all of the others and visit them face-toface. The UF incident reminds Black students that graduation is but one of the many hurdles they must clear. Every day, every single day, they face the possibility of pernicious racism, differential treatment, and the threat of law enforcement to compel compliance with the most foolish of laws and norms, spoken or unspoken.

That’s why Holly Hylton, the White woman who managed a Philadelphia Starbucks, felt free to call the police on two Black men after they had been seated, without ordering anything. That’s why a hysterical White female bigot, called the police on a Black man, who was barbecuing in a public park in Oakland, California, where barbecuing is customary. That’s why the police were called on three Black women (and a White man), because they failed to wave or smile when they exited an Airbnb in Rialto, California, and were detained for 45 minutes despite possessing proof that they had reserved their space. That’s why the police wrestled a 25-year-old Black woman to the ground (exposing her bare breasts) in an Alabama Waffle House, after she asked for plastic cutlery and an ignorant employee reportedly said “she did not know her place,” and the beat goes on and on and on. The police are too often called to put Black people in their place, to force them to comply, to reinforce the tenet of White supremacy; the notion that when we see a White person, we must shuck and jive and smile. So-called law enforcement officers become servants of racism, who want us in our place. I want the graduates to know that their place is everyplace. Class of 2018, your place is in that Starbucks at the table, order or not. Your place is in that Waffle House, getting the utensils you requested. Your place is at the lake in Oakland, burning those bones on your grill. Your place is on that stage at UF. Resistance has a high price. Who wants to go to jail and end up, like Sandra Bland, whose mysterious death in Texas still has not been solved? Who wants to be handcuffed, humiliated, exposed, and maligned, just for asking a simple question? Starbucks will close thousands of stores to the tune of millions of dollars for unconscious bias training. But who will train these biased police officers and the racists who call them, because their feelings are bruised when no one waves at them? The Class of 2018 will learn, as have millions of other Black Americans, that racism is alive and well. They’ve cleared a hurdle with graduation, but even as some cross the stage, they are being reminded that there are many more hurdles to clear, to survive in our unfortunately racist nation. Perhaps though, the Class of 2018, will be among those to dismantle the racist hurdles. Perhaps in the process of clearing other hurdles (graduate and professional school, marriage and children, artificial intelligence and gentrification), they will also find the wherewithal to eliminate racial barriers to success. Julianne Malveaux is an author, economist and founder of Economic Education. Her latest book “Are We Better Off? Race, Obama and Public Policy” is available to order at Amazon.com and at www.juliannemalveaux.com. Follow Dr. Malveaux on Twitter @ drjlastword.

Mentoring Matters By Debra L. Shaw Do you have the mind to mentor children and youth? There are thousands of children and youth in local communities who need individuals with a mind to mentor. Mentoring is often one component of a program that involves other elements, such as tutoring or life skills training and coaching. The supportive, healthy relationships formed between mentors and mentees are both immediate and long-term and contribute to a host of benefits for mentors and mentees. https://youth.gov/ youth-topics/mentoring/benefits-mentoringyoung-people This website also outlines the benefits for young people to have a mentor such as Increased high school graduation rates; Lower high school dropout rates; Healthier relationships and lifestyle choices; Better attitude about school; Higher college enrollment rates and higher educational aspirations; Enhanced self-esteem and self-

confidence; Improved behavior, both at home and at school; Stronger relationships with parents, teachers, and peers; Improved interpersonal skills; and Decreased likelihood of initiating drug and alcohol use. (MENTOR, 2009; Cavell, DuBois, Karcher, Keller, & Rhodes, 2009) Additionally, this site states the benefits for the mentees are: Increased self-esteem; A sense of accomplishment; Creation of networks of volunteers and Insight into childhood, adolescence, and young adulthood. Mentors and mentees are treasured relationships with long lasting rewards. Mentoring can help youth as they go through challenging life transitions, including dealing with stressful changes at home or transitioning to adulthood. Close, healthy, supportive relationships between mentors and mentees that last for a significant portion of time (i.e., more than one year) are central to success. Without this, mentoring programs run the risk of harming young people who are paired with mentors ill-equipped to meet the mentees’ needs.

Specifically, relationships with mentors that last less than three months; where there is irregular and inconsistent contact; where there is a disconnect between the personalities, interests, and expectations of the mentors and mentees; where mentors are unprepared and lack skills to relate to youth; and where there is no emotional bond between the mentor and mentee have been found to be harmful to youth (Jekielek et al., 2002; Rhodes & DuBois, 2006). Do you have the heart to give your time and talent to mentor children and youth from an array of financial situations and cultural differences? It is important that you have the right attitude regarding mentor relationships. There are plenty of agencies, groups and organizations that offer mentoring opportunities. They are waiting to hear from caring volunteers with a mind and heart to serve in a meaningful way that inspires children and youth on their educational journey and promotes emotional intelligence that gives them a blueprint to success. Mentoring Matters!

THE OMAHA STAR

Page Seven

Opinion Politics vs. Street Gangs MG Media / Kenneth Rapoza, The Atlantic I know that soft and sensitive elected officials, as well as political insiders, will find these words harsh and demeaning. But once you examine the comparison, most, including them, if they’re honest, will be able to connect the dots. Heck, it’s a comparison that many have discussed before in private. If you look at the harmful positions that lots of Americans find themselves in, it’s mostly due to failed and uncompromising policies and dreadful laws that have caused families and communities to falter at the altar of poverty, extremely high and repeated taxes and terrible educational systems; matched with vast unemployment due to arrogance on the behalf of political operatives. Not to mention the unwarranted power and influence that elected officials bask in during their tenure as an elected person. Most politicians, especially after being in office for a long period of time, have huge egos and believe that they’re the savior and/ or Lucifer to their constituents. They use their leverage to engage in vindictive maneuvers if certain groups or community leaders stand up to their perceived power. What about the troubling two-party system that seems to really operate as one. What I mean is that regardless of what struggles each party (Republican vs. Democrat) highlights in the halls of power, no one seems to feel the effects of their failed attempts to solve America’s problem, other than the American people. It seems that the voters ALWAYS lose. At the end of a political session, each party goes on to fight another day, mainly unharmed and unfazed from battle. Even former Governor of Minnesota Jesse Ventura called the two-party system a white-collar version of the Crips and Bloods. The former WWF pro wrestler compared Democrats and Republicans to LA street gangs in his book, titled Democrips and Rebloodicans. “That’s right. The Crips and the Bloods, as dangerous as those brothers are, and were, the Democrats and Republicans are much, much worse,” says Ventura. “We’ve got an entire political system based on bribery. It’s obscene,” he states. It’s something Ventura, an independent, has been talking about his entire political career, which didn’t last very long. “Today, that view is mainstream. What’s Congress’ approval rating? Ten percent? Fifteen? Whatever it is, it is at historically low levels,” expressed the former wrestler. We all believe the system is somewhat rigged, bought and paid for by a handful of important corporations. Everyone knows it. Including Wall Street. In fact, CNBC blogger John Carney was live blogging and Tweeting about Jaime Dimon, as every Forbes reader knows, is the CEO of JP Morgan Chase, which lost over $2 billion in a credit default swaps trade gone bad. Carney described the scene in the Senate this way: “The people sitting behind the Senators are the staffers, also known as future lobbyists for JP Morgan.” The legislators grilling Dimon all received thousands of dollars in campaign donations from banks like JP Morgan and Goldman Sachs. It’s a plutocracy. No. Worse. It’s a bloody gang. “When you vote, you’re essentially choosing gang members – do you want the Crips to lead or the Bloods?” Ventura says, noting that the Bloods’ colors are red, like the Republicans, and the Crips’ color is blue, like the Democrats. “That while street gangs are violent, the Democrats and Republicans are worse. They are worse because their decisions affect your life. The LA street gangs don’t affect my life, but what the Democrats and Republicans do sure in hell does,” he says. “No President thus far has prosecuted financiers over the economic collapse. Back in the 2000s, the Bush Administration prosecuted the Enron executives. Ken Lay, Enron’s CEO was convicted but killed himself before serving time in prison. Enron’s Jeffery Skilling went to jail,” he says. Guess who else goes to jail for committing small offenses compared to the huge atrocities committed by political gang members? Far more street gang members are locked up in state penitentiaries for selling drugs or trading guns than any elected official, who’s totally responsible for destroying the lives of tens of thousands of people because of failed policies, or in Illinois, not passing a budget for several years. Gangs can never control communities and ruin lives more often and with greater impact than your friendly neighborhood politician. Just remember to ask them which ‘set they repping’ so you’ll know which side actually took you out the game!

President and Congress Roll Back Anti-Discriminatory Auto Lending Guidance By Charlene Crowell Despite federal laws addressing discrimination in housing, credit, and more, President Donald Trump signed, on May 21, a rollback of an anti-discrimination guidance affecting auto lending. The presidential signature also marked the first time that a policy that had been in effect for several years was reversed through a special, streamlined legislative process under the Congressional Review Act. The significance of this action will have national and rippling effects. Nationwide, auto loans represent the third highest category of consumer debt – behind mortgages and student loans. With so many communities across the country lacking accessible, metropolitan public transit services, owning or having access to a reliable automobile is central to access jobs, health care, education and more. According to the National Automobile Dealers Association, the sale of 17.14 million new cars in 2017 by franchised dealerships surpassed $1 trillion in sales. The Center for Responsible Lending (CRL) has also noted that 80 percent of vehicle loans are financed through dealers. Further, as the number of auto loans grow, so does the average cost of a new car. According to Experian, one of the three major credit reporting

bureaus, the average loan amount for a new car in late 2017 was $31,099 and came with an all-time high record monthly payment of $515. The comparable figure for an average used car payment of $371 came with an average loan of $19,589. When racial discrimination is added to these already significant numbers, consumers of color wind up paying even more – due to the color of their skin, instead of the quality of their credit ratings. Over the last few years, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA) was the legal basis for lawsuits and settlements involving Ally Financial, Fifth Third Bank, and the financing arms of major auto manufacturers Honda and Toyota. This law makes it illegal to discriminate on race or other protected classes in credit transactions. In auto lending, indirect auto lenders – those who finance loans through dealers – are creditors who must uphold the law. Thanks in part to the 2013 CFPB indirect auto lending guidance, consumers of color were awarded restitution totaling more than $140 million for alleged discrimination. “Countless lawsuits have shown how people of color pay millions more for their car purchases, compared to similarly situated whites,” noted Delvin Davis, a CRL Senior Researcher. “Without a regulator that enforces fair lending standards, African-Americans and Latinos stand to bear the weight of discrimination without any relief.” The presidential signing was made possible by both chambers of Congress turning to the Congressional Review Act. This law allows simple majority votes in the House and Senate to override regulation. Until now, this act had only been used to undo new regulation; this recent

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usage marks the first time that a long-standing policy was the focus. Mick Mulvaney, the illegally appointed Acting CFPB Director, said, “Given a recent Supreme Court decision distinguishing between anti-discrimination statutes that refer to the consequences of actions and those that refer only to the intent of the actor, and in light of the fact that the Bureau is required by statute to enforce federal consumer financial laws consistently, the Bureau will be re-examining the requirements of the Equal Credit Opportunity Act.” Strong and opposing views quickly surfaced upon the President’s signing. Karl Frisch, Executive Director of Allied Progress, is one such consumer activist. “President Trump can try to spin it any way he wants, but the bottom line is this – black and brown folks are systematically charged more for their car loans even when they have the same credit as whites,” said Frisch. “This president has consistently shown us that consumers are not of any importance to him, particularly when they are people color.” Research supports Frisch’s critique. Discrimination in Auto Lending, authored and published earlier this year by the National Fair Housing Alliance (NFHA), found that despite federal laws banning credit discrimination by race or ethnicity, race remains a key factor in the cost of financing auto loans. Like secret shoppers, NFHA sent eight teams of testers to dealerships to inquire about purchasing the same vehicle. Each team was told to ask the same questions and then report on their experiences. Although all testers encountered challenges to securing information needed to secure the best

auto loan available, non-White testers noted being treated disrespectfully and receiving a highercost quote for financing than the White testers. Numerically, the sum of experiences found: • 75 percent of the time, White testers were offered more financing options than Non-White testers; • 62.5 percent of the time, Non-White testers who were more qualified than their White counterparts received more costly pricing options; and • On average, Non-White testers who experienced discrimination would have paid an average of $2,662.56 more over the life of the loan than less-qualified White testers. For consumers everywhere, but particularly for consumers of color, Mulvaney’s harsh words signal that so many of the hard-fought battles to bring fairness and equality are at risk. Prior to the House vote taken on May 8, Congresswoman Maxine Waters, the Ranking Member of the House Financial Services Committee warned her colleagues about the regressive effects that would occur if the measure was enacted. “This resolution would set back efforts to prevent discriminatory auto lending, make it harder for responsible businesses to follow the law, and harm consumers,” said Waters. Sadly, when it comes to financial fairness in auto finance, truer words were never spoken. The real question for consumers is, “What’s next?”

Charlene Crowell is the Deputy Communications Director with the Center for Responsible Lending. She can be reached at Charlene.crowell@ responsiblelending.org.

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Page Eight

LIFE & STYLE/HEALTH & WELLNESS June 1, 2018 R. Kelly Muted, but He Finally The Best of Ask Alma You also have to consider your daughter. This By Alma Gill Has to Answer to Black Women would be life-changing for her as well. All three NNPA Columnist

THE OMAHA STAR

Dear Alma, I’m friends with my next door neighbor. She’s not my BFF, but we hang from time to time. Her husband is in the military and she doesn’t have family in the area. She and I have a lot in common – we’re around the same age and like the same things. She has a son, and I have a daughter. The kids both go to the same high school. Yesterday my neighbor stopped by to tell me they are moving. Her husband has been transferred to another state. She asked me if I would let her 17-year-old son live with us while he finishes his last year of school here in our town. She said they would pay room and board for him. I’m not married, and I’m not sure how it would be with a teen boy in my house. What do you think? Name withheld Good googalie woogalie, my Mama use to say. That’s a whole lot of turkey, greens, potatoes and gravy served up on your fine china. Hmmm, let’s ponder, should you try to eat all of it, fork-full by spoon-full or just push yourself away from the table without a bite? Listen to your stomach. Do you have an appetite for this? Yes, it’s a risky situation, we both would agree. I don’t know this young man, and since you didn’t speak of his personality or character, this leaves me to assume. I’m going with a positive approach, concluding he’s a pretty good kid. Here’s what I’d suggest, make a list. Yep, write down the pros and cons of this possible yearlong endeavor. Identify every thought that comes to mind – what you expect and what scares you the most. I’d say work on this for more than a couple of days. You need to be prayerfully on your knees for at least a week.

adults need to sit down at the table hashing out the good, bad and the ugly. Thoroughly examine what room and board will cover. Obviously rent and utilities, but what about food? Boys his age can eat you out of house and home. This I know for sure. Will he stay with you during the week and go home on the weekends? What about extracurricular activities? Are you responsible for getting him there, or does he have a car? Does he have a girlfriend? Are you friends with him, or does he see you as an authoritative adult? Like I said, we’re talking a full plate here. It could be a sacrifice and or a blessing to all involved. Taking in this teen doesn’t have to be a bad thing. It’s only temporary, and he has parents. Many teens who were taken in by outside adults have gone on to do great things. One example is Michael Oher, the professional football player whose story inspired the movie “The Blind Side.” Remember? He was cared for by a family so he could finish high school. If you like this young man and wouldn’t mind him living in your home, tell his parents you’re willing to give it a try for the first semester – that’s three months. If things seem to work out, commit to the next semester. That way, he knows he has to follow the rules and live up to your and his parents’ expectations. This is a huge responsibility, and the answer to the question of “will this work” is up to him. I salute you, single mama. You must be holding it down. Otherwise, his parents wouldn’t have asked. In the same vain, you are not obligated. If you don’t want to, don’t do it, and don’t feel badly about it. Tell his parents it just wouldn’t work for you and your daughter right now. Best wishes and blessings to you while you pray on your decision, whatever you decide is the right thing to do.

Two Omaha Health Systems Team Up to Stop Violence The trauma centers at Nebraska Medicine - Nebraska Medical Center and CHI Health Creighton University Medical Center - Bergan Mercy are all too often scenes of grief and anger as a result of violence taking place on our streets. Because of that, the two health systems are partnering with Omaha violence prevention group YouTurn. YouTurn supports families in crisis during stressful times and works to defuse any potential violence or retaliation when victims are brought in for treatment. YouTurn will provide “street outreach workers” who will be dispatched to the two emergency departments to intervene and mitigate potential acts of violence or retaliation when victims of violence become patients there. The Omaha Police Department works in conjunction with YouTurn to deploy staff at each trauma center. YouTurn members will then work closely with family and friends who may gather on the two campuses. “We as health care professionals see firsthand the unhealthy conditions that violence causes,” said Cliff Robertson, MD, CHI Health CEO. “That’s why we are passionate about reducing the number of violent crimes and injuries that present to the Trauma Center at CHI Health Creighton University Medical Center – Bergan Mercy, as well as to our emergency departments citywide. Working with YouTurn, we will make a difference by offering long-term solutions and resources to violence; ultimately, a different way of thinking.” YouTurn team members will be debriefed by personnel at Nebraska Medical Center and CUMC-Bergan Mercy on site to gain an understanding of the situation they’re being asked to help with. “This partnership will be a valuable resource for our organization in dealing with violence,” said Dan DeBehnke, MD, MBA, CEO of Nebraska Medicine. “The team members at YouTurn have the knowledge and expertise in this area, so if a situation arises in which they can help, we will be happy to have them here to diffuse potentially tense situations. Additionally, the role of the hospital today is now more than to just treat patients when they’re ill. It’s to keep our community healthy, as well. In that regard, our work with YouTurn is a perfect fit.” “We are so excited to partner with these two organizations,” said Cecelia Creighton, executive director of YouTurn. “Violence is a public health condition, and the YouTurn movement to ‘Stop the Spread of Violence’ aligns with the work of the two trauma centers by saving lives. YouTurn is devoted to the hospital-based violence prevention initiative and our collaboration with Nebraska Medicine and CHI Health will help improve the health of our community.”

Join us for Omaha’s Together To End StrokeM Walk rallying the Omaha community to promote stroke awareness and prevention.

Saturday, June 2 9 a.m. Walk | Fontenelle Park Pavilion Refreshments | Awards | Giveaways TEAMS consist of two or more family, friends and/or co-workers. The largest team registered by May 19 will get the traveling trophy. REGISTRATION FEE: $6 for youth 12 and under; $10 for adults S/M/L/XL; $13 for adults XXL/XXXL Register by May 19 online at Heart.org/Omaha to get t-shirt (Walkers are welcomed later, but will not receive a t-shirt.)

Register Today at: www.heart.org/omahaptes Questions? Call 402-444-3367 email Theola.Cooper@cityofomaha.org Thanks for supporting the walk!

©2018 American Heart Association. Also known as the Heart Fund. MWA

By Jayme S. Ganey

R. Kelly faced years of accusations coming from Black women, yet he was never convicted. The #MuteRKelly movement has sparked outrage among many, particularly in relation to predatory behavior toward Black girls/ women. Many have sounded off on social media encouraging people to #MuteRKelly. Now it seems his camp and success may be falling apart. The Women of Color (WOC) within the Time’s Up movement had called for companies to examine their business ties to the controversial artist in their recently announced alliance with existing online campaign #MuteRKelly. Some of the movement’s prominent nonwhite voices include Viola Davis, Lupita Nyong’o, Ava DuVernay and Shonda Rimes, as well as attorney Tina Tchen, chair of the Recording Academy’s new task force for inclusion and diversity. Yesterday, Spotify announced R. Kelly’s songs will not be promoted and will be removed from all playlists. Spotify has 35 million tracks on its service and reaches 50 countries. “…we want our editorial decisions – what we choose to program – to reflect our values. So, in some circumstances, when an artist or creator does something that is especially harmful or hateful (for example, violence against children and sexual violence), it may affect the ways we work with or support that artist or creator,” Spotify writes in its hateful content and hateful conduct policy. Spotify created the policy with the help of several advocacy groups to determine its definition of hate content, including the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), the Anti-Defamation League, Color Of Change, Showing Up for Racial Justice (SURJ), GLAAD, Muslim Advocates and the International Network Against Cyber Hate. In the WOC’s open letter, they list R. Kelly’s infractions – including marrying an underage girl, indictment for 21 counts of child pornography, lawsuits by women for sexual misconduct, statutory rape, aggravated assault, unlawful restraint and furnishing illegal drugs to a minor – while touring the world, selling 60 million albums and accumulating millions of plays on radio and streaming services. They go on to direct demands to RCA, R. Kelly’s label, Spotify and Apple music (streaming), as well as Ticketmaster and Greensboro Coliseum Complex. Protests were held at a concert promoted by Ticketmaster last week. According to Chicago’s local media WGN, R. Kelly was pulled from the lineup for the Love Jam Concert last month at University Illinois Chicago (UIC) Pavilion in Chicago, before that event was ultimately cancelled. That came after Natalie Bennet, director of the Women’s Leadership and Resource Center at UIC, said she posted a letter on Facebook addressed to the chancellor. The letter says that “to host the concert at UIC is to condone the harm that [Kelly] has done to AfricanAmerican women and girls, and create a hostile work environment for black women who work, Alma study and live at UIC.”

Get Checked for Osteoporosis, a Major Cause of Death and Disability The statistics are staggering. Osteoporosis is responsible for two million broken bones every year in the U.S. and causes 75,000 deaths, according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation. Most people don’t know they have it until they break a bone. The University of Nebraska Medical Center and its hospital partner, Nebraska Medicine, are bringing attention to osteoporosis. “About half of future bone breaks can prevented by intervening with treatment,” said Laura Graeff-Armas, M.D., UNMC associate professor of internal medicine and a Nebraska Medicine endocrinologist who specializes in osteoporosis and conditions that cause bone loss. “Breaking bones is a warning sign that you have osteoporosis or pre-osteoporosis. I’m seeing some patients at their second or third fracture – fractures that needlessly occurred because osteoporosis wasn’t diagnosed or treated.” Osteoporosis, often called a silent disease because there are no obvious symptoms of bones getting weaker, is a disease of decreased bone strength and low bone mineral density that increases the risk of breaking a bone. It’s estimated that one in three women and up to one in five men over age 50 will break a bone due to osteoporosis. It’s a major cause of death and disability, yet nearly 80 percent of older Americans who suffer bone breaks are not tested or

treated for osteoporosis. Dr. Graeff-Armas said women should be screened for osteoporosis at 65 years old and men at 70. Screening involves simple tests. “Osteoporosis is a universal problem,” Dr. Graeff-Armas said. “A lot of times, people don’t know about osteoporosis or they don’t know they have it. We come up with a plan to prevent them from breaking another bone.” She and orthopaedic surgeons at Nebraska Medicine collaborate to encourage more patients to get an osteoporosis evaluation with the idea of preventing broken bones in the future. Patients over 50 years old who’ve broken a bone or have been diagnosed with osteoporosis are referred to Dr. GraeffArmas. Patient visits may include reviewing a patient’s nutrition, laboratory tests, and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan then going over a patient’s options. Treatment may include medication. After 73-year-old Mina Duncan of Omaha lost her husband, she said she became more aware of the kind of life she wanted to live. She is getting treatment for her osteoporosis, which runs in her family. “My mother broke her hip, which first made us aware. I have two daughters, and they both know how important exercise is to help maintain their bone strength. I’m

The Wellness Feed

The Secret to Success: Moderation By Taylor White-Welchen, MPH Summer is quickly approaching, and perhaps your desire for that summertime body is intensifying. Previously, I offered tips on new and innovative exercise techniques to incorporate into your workout routine. I now would like to offer a bit of advice to help you maintain whatever ‘gains’ or improvements you’ve experienced throughout your fitness journey. Although, extreme elimination diets may seem like a sure fire way to lose weight and achieve your goals, they oftentimes are not sustainable, and can even minimize your quality of life. If you are looking to lose weight, gain muscle, cut fat, or any other health-related goal, moderation is the secret to success. Do not do anything you can’t see yourself maintaining longterm (i.e. forever). Research suggests individuals that take extreme, but shortterm measures to reach their fitness goals often revert to their old habits and body-type. In addition, following these extreme changes, could even cause you to over indulge – erasing any prior improvements. If you really want to make a true noticeable difference, and maintain your progress, you should find activities and dietary plans that are sustainable, that you enjoy, and that stress moderation over limitation. Of course it’s tempting to start that 60 day challenge or do 30 day elimination diets, but are these measures really going to help you long-term? Is your short-term sacrifice really going to pay off in the long run? Do you think you’ll be able to maintain this lifestyle? These are the questions you should ask yourself before engaging in any sort of extreme health related regiment. It’s important to consult with your doctor or a health profession prior to making any extreme changes to your life. Happy training!

part of a huge family and I want to be here to spend time with my kids and grandkids. Part of the training they give us at Nebraska Medicine is really helpful – I’ve learned so many great tips to help manage my osteoporosis.” She also takes medication that maintains bone density and helps prevent fractures. “If you look at your total health, all those pieces of the puzzle go together,” Duncan said. “It’s really important to have a conversation with your doctor about osteoporosis. I walk a lot to stay healthy. When I go to the grocery store, I’ll park far away, and then walk down every single aisle in the store. Physically, my body can tell when I don’t exercise.” Those at higher risk for bone loss and osteoporosis have a family history of osteoporosis, are smokers, have a small build and are underweight, those with an eating disorder, post-menopausal women, those who drink alcohol, and those with a sedentary lifestyle and inadequate calcium and vitamin D intake. For more information about osteoporosis go to https://www.nof.org/nationalosteoporosis-month/. Call 800.922.0000 to make an appointment for an osteoporosis screening, or visit NebraskaMed.com/ Womens-health/osteoporosis to learn more about osteoporosis treatment at Nebraska Medicine.

Health and Spirituality

A Character of Abundance – an Abundance of Character By Mark Darby, RN APRN, FNP-C Director of North Omaha Academy of Healthy Living Many of us have a character of scarcity. Those of us with this character react to the perceived lack of something with frustration judgment and fear. We have an internal drive to get our share (or even more than our share now). If anything prevents us from getting what we think is ours we are driven by such intense levels of frustration, judgment and fear, we demand relief. For example, suppose a new type of Air Jordan sneakers comes on the market. This special pair is limited edition guaranteed to make you jump higher, get all the dates you want, and make you successful in all that you do. What would the stories on the nightly news about such an event be like? We would not be talking about all the cheerful happy satisfied people rather we would be talking about all the money hungry selfish people who kick and clawed their way to get “their” pair of Jordans. We can act this way, not just in the market place, but whenever what we want or think we want is threatened. If we think people are talking about us behind our back or we have a fear of failure, we react out of a character of scarcity by being selfish intolerant and fearful. This thinking creates such stress in us we seek relief in food, drink, drugs, smoking, alcohol, gambling and in many other

unhealthy ways. The opposite of a character of scarcity is the character of abundance. This character is based on the strongly held belief that all our needs will be met. There is enough for us ALL to live well. This is radical. We have been trained since birth to believe that there is never enough. And the subtle cultural drive creates all the problems we have. It is an act of spiritual muscle to look at the world with the eyes of abundance. When we are in this mode we respond to threats to our self-esteem with tolerance, patience and love. We are less stressful, more efficient and more likely to get our needs met. You can exercise your character of abundance through a simple 4-step process. 1. Identify those areas which cause you to react to the world with intolerance and fear. These could be threats to esteem or fear of failure. 2. In the morning, quietly meditate and plan how you will respond to such threats out of a character of abundance. Ask for help to show patients and tolerance. 3. Track how you do during the day, without judgment. 4. Review at the end of the day those times you were able to react abundantly and learn from those times you were not able to do so. If we do this, we will realize we are the ultimate creations of abundance and everything we are is enough.

LOCAL NEWS

June 1, 2018 Media Titan continued from page 9 a number of interviews by some of the most famous and wealthiest black people in the United States. One recurring theme, if the subject is brought up, has often been a lament, a soft-spoken sorrow for many of them, that in the course of ascending to their own particular greatness, they lost the closeness and touch of childhood friends. That at the height of their stellar lives, they missed having kept a world where they can return and just be themselves. They would say in various forms, “Money didn’t change me, but it changed everybody around me.” But not for Cathy Hughes. She has the most wonderful group of lifelong friends who refuse to let her be anything else than “Just Cathy” with them. And she loves that. She needs that and she has not given that up for anything. At the street naming, between her old pals Johnny Rodgers and Preston Love Jr., Cathy Hughes never stopped laughing. She declared Preston Love Jr. so funny that “if you want to move to the East Coast, I’ll give you your own radio show.” And make no mistake, Cathy Hughes, among her buddies, gives as good as she gets. Don’t let her start “talking ‘bout ya.” Amazingly, Hughes said the formal press conference she held at the Fontenelle Park Pavilion street signing was the first press conference she’d ever done in her career. In between cracking side jokes with her North Omaha homies, Hughes had some poignant things to say about her 40-plus years of struggle to build her media conglomerate. Hughes said, “Building a business is very much like building a marriage. The only real failure is when you give up. All businesses cycle up and down. You always have to be careful who you share the down times with. People can give you some terrible advice. “For example, when I purchased my first radio station, before I really

me that I needed to give it up and go get myself a good government job with benefits and a retirement plan. I am so glad I refused to listen to my mother. And, by the way, eventually so was she.” At the street dedication ceremony, Rev. Ervin McSwain gave the opening prayer, followed by Paris Spencer Taylor leading the audience in the Black National Anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” Omaha City Councilman (and acting Mayor) Ben Gray read the city’s proclamation that May 18, 2018, was Cathy Hughes Day in the City of Omaha. Hughes, maybe only half-joking, said “Thank you, Mr. Mayor, we may just let you keep that title.” She also shocked the crowd, and Rev. McSwain, when she thanked him for his prayer and said, “Did you know that Ervin was the first boy I ever kissed.” McSwain, who recently celebrated his 51st wedding anniversary, actually blushed. But that’s Cathy Hughes, safe and happy among old friends. Television and movie actor John Beasley, another product of the LoganFontenelle housing project, also spoke at the street dedication. Both he and Hughes are alumni of the great Mildred D. Brown and the Omaha Star newspaper. Beasley sold copies of the newspaper. Mrs. Brown would give him, and all the other kids, 10 cents for each paper sold. As a teenager, Hughes worked in the office with Mrs. Brown, her seminal media inspiration and mentor. Mrs. Brown taught Hughes how to sell ads and infused Hughes with the importance of black people owning their own media sources. Alfred Liggins is now CEO of Urban One, her media empire. He said, “My mother’s got guts, grit and a ton of energy that is still directed at me on a daily basis.” At the Omaha Press Club the following night, he also reminded the audience that “mom has fired more family and friends than I can count. She’ll love you dearly, but if you don’t

Cathy Hughes with press club roasters

got sustainable revenue flowing, times were so hard for me and my son, Alfred Liggins, that we actually lived at the radio station. I couldn’t afford an apartment. My mother kept telling

handle your business, you gone.” Perhaps the most touching moment of the street naming, even more than the formal unveiling of the street signs, came from Tarina Cox-Jones,

principal of Skinner Magnet School. She brought ten Skinner students with her to present two books for Hughes to autograph. The books are “Newspapers and Butter Pecan Ice Cream: Mrs. Mildred Brown and the Omaha Star” by Amy Forss and Gina Tolstedt, and a coloring book, “Agents of Change” by Devin Hughes. Cathy Hughes is mentioned by name in both books. The autographed books, plus additional copies of each, will be placed in the school’s library. This honor brought tears to Hughes’ eyes because her mother, Helen Jones Woods, used to read to the school children at Skinner. Hughes’ mother was an outstanding musician who played the trombone with the International Sweethearts of Rhythm, considered the greatest allfemale (and all-African American) jazz orchestra in music history. Her father, William Alfred Woods, was the first African-American to earn an accounting degree from Creighton University. As a kid, things were not easy for Hughes because her parents did not have much money. In fact, Hughes’ early life could have been a complete recipe for failure. Although she went to high school at the prestigious Duchesne Academy, she had gotten married at age 16 and was pregnant through most of her senior year. She attended both Creighton and the University of Nebraska at Omaha, but never finished her college degree. But her time at UNO resulted in a job offer in Washington, D.C., to work for the campus radio station at Howard University. That job was the turning point of her life. A star was born. In 2016, Howard University renamed the Howard University School of Communications the Cathy Hughes School of Communication. Creighton University presented Hughes with an honorary doctorate degree in 2008. Hughes now has received 14 honorary doctorate degrees. Cathy Hughes, when she speaks, doesn’t just offer a road map to business success in life. When she talks, it’s not just about the planning and laying out of goals. Cathy Hughes is BLACK – from the top of her head to the bottom of her feet. For her, it’s never just about sales and numbers and fame and fortune. It’s about saving the African American people in the United States, not just saving yourself. Here are a few of her comments made while in Omaha: • “It is stupid for African Americans to ever expect a culture that has enslaved us to then be able to explain our needs and desires and speak for us. This has been my motivation to own my own media from the beginning. This is what Mildred Brown taught me at the Omaha Star.” • “We all came of age with parents who told us to go get ourselves a good college education so that we could get a good job. But now we must tell our children to go get a good education

THE OMAHA STAR

Page Nine

so that they can build businesses that will create good jobs for other black people. That’s the game changer.” • “The great North Omaha journalist Charlie B. Washington influenced my whole perspective on telling the truth about my community. He taught me that sometimes the hardest part about being active in the black community is MC for the evening how old we are.” the negativity of our own In fact, Dr. Rose-Willis brought people. He said never forget that you are serving and building for the future down the house when she said, “Do generations of our people, not just the you know that Cathy once actually asked me how old she was. She said, ones living now.” • “Black people do not have to move ‘Dina, I’ve been lying about my age to other neighborhoods, or go outside for so long, I don’t remember how old of our community to achieve. All we I really am.’” For the record, Cathy need is fairness of opportunity and Hughes is 71 years old … maybe. then get out of our way. We know Johnny Rodgers spent his time at the what to do. African Americans have a podium recounting the many, many rich, amazing history of achievement ways and times he hit on Cathy Hughes against all odds and conditions. We since they were kids. He had Hughes just have to believe that it is now our laughing so hard, so many times. time to do it, too.” But Rodgers’ admiration and respect • “When people ask you what do you for Cathy Hughes runs deep. He do, never say what your job is or your ended by saying, “The truth is, I was current activity. Tell people what you never able to beat Cathy Hughes. At are working toward. That is who you anything. When I became a Nebraska are. That is who you wish to be. That is Cornhusker All-American, Cathy was the future you are building for yourself buying her first radio station. When I and your community.” was named Heisman Trophy winner, And then there was the Omaha Press Cathy Hughes became the first black Club roast and “Face on the Barroom woman to own a company traded on Floor.” After a fine dinner and free Wall Street. Her game was always drinks (open bar courtesy of Cathy three steps ahead of mine.” Hughes), Hughes was taken to task Al Goodwin brought some by Dyana Williams, emcee and Radio additional laughs and then gave One on-air personality for WRNB- Hughes something that genuinely took FM (100.3) in Philadelphia; Theresa her breath away. He presented her Glass Union, Hughes’ BFF and with a hand-drawn, framed portrait mother of television and movie star of Hughes done by Nebraska State Gabrielle Union (Hughes is Gabrielle Senator Ernie Chambers. Goodwin Union’s godmother); Dr. Blandina said that Chambers took the time Rose Willis, lifelong friend and to create an art piece just for Cathy educator/psychologist and godmother as a measure of just how much he of Hughes’ son, Alfred; Johnny “Jet” Rodgers, 1972 Heisman Trophy winner respects and admires her, not only for and founder/CEO of Johnny Rodgers her achievements, but because Cathy Youth Foundation; Elmer Crumbley, Hughes has never forgotten the North former principal of Skinner Magnet Omaha from whence she came. After School and educational consultant; all the many awards Hughes received and Al Goodwin, former economic in Omaha and from all over America development director, Omaha and the world, I think that portrait by Ernie Chambers is surely going to be Economic Development Corporation. The formal unveiling of her portrait, one of her most treasured. Her reaction created by artist Jim Horan was a certainly showed it. At the end of the night and two brief, simple ceremony. But that came only after 90 minutes of roasting wonderful days of celebration with and laughing with Cathy Hughes, as family and friends, including almost her best friends were “telling all her 40 people who flew to Omaha for the festivities, Hughes was so happy. business.” Her message in closing out the To hear Theresa Union tell it, Cathy Hughes was the first to smoke Cathy Hughes Omaha Love Fest was cigarettes at age 12, and talked Glass heartfelt. She said, “This weekend has into smoking and stealing cigarettes been the most incredible of my life. from her mama’s purse. Cathy Hughes This is a great time in my life. I can’t was a “bad girl.” You heard it in the put into words how important this trip Omaha Star, first! And how Hughes, to Omaha has been for me. When you because they were always trying to get come home to your own and they say, into places they were not supposed to ‘Job well-done, Cathy,’ that’s the top be, was always lying about her age and of it for me. That’s as good as it gets. telling Theresa to “stop telling people Thank you, all.”

Empowerment continued from page 9

One; business over to her son; recommendations to support black business; and then closed with what it takes to be successful. Attendees were glued to every word from Hughes, one of the world’s greatest entrepreneurial stories. Her talk was a compelling mix of wisdom from launching and growing a $500 million media empire and the lessons learned from being raised in North Omaha. Her story started in the projects in North Omaha, but led to one of the most powerful examples of what’s possible with faith, determination, persistence and the support of the “village” and family. Hughes challenged those in attendance to continue working together to make positive change happen in North Omaha. She shared her passion for seeing the rebuilding of North Omaha moving forward at a more rapid pace. She specifically pointed to the differences she noticed along North 24th Street and South 24th Street. Hughes was a perfect speaker for the 11th Annual Empowerment Network Rebuilding the Village Conference. She emphasized many of the key points the Network has focused on over the years. The importance of the village. Preparing the next generation to lead and then knowing when Palistene Gray-Moore to hand over the baton while still being there for support. Teaching kids about entrepreneurship and work ethic by allowing them to use their skills early. Home ownership and leveraging assets. The significance of learning black history and the impact it had on her life. The critical need to support black owned businesses. The principles of investing in one another and never letting obstacles turn you around. “You can only be successful if you work together,” said Hughes. “No one can do this alone. It takes everyone doing their part.” The conference included three national speakers and over 30 local experts. The EmPowerTalks delivered by local leaders were inspiring and powerful. The breakout sessions were incredibly Al Goodwin well-attended. Businesses and organizations were represented at vendor tables. The entire day was focused on Economic Empowerment … Changing the Game through Collaboration and Capacity-building to accelerate the pace of change in North Omaha. Speakers highlighted progress made towards the Transformation 2025/North Omaha Collaborative Goals and successes that could be taken to scale with more investment. Attendees were encouraged by the positive steps forward while also acknowledging the work ahead. Hughes had this to say at the end of the event: “The city wants and needs for this effort to be successful. Keep pushing forward. Keep working together. Always better your best.” The Empowerment Network recognized Hughes with the North Omaha Legends Award. Others recognized at the event were: Phyllis Hicks – Publisher of the Omaha Star – Community Impact Award; Alvin Goodwin – Retired CEO – Omaha Economic Development Corporation – North Omaha Legacy Award; Rose Ann Shannon – Retired News Director from KETV – Media Partner of the Year; CHI Health – Strategic Partner of the Year; and Palistene Gray-Moore – Volunteer of the Year. For more information on the Empowerment Network, go to www.empoweromaha.com or Facebook and Twitter. Be sure to mark your calendar for the African-American Leadership Conference coming up on Sept. 21. Now is the time to Change the Game! Do Your Part! Join the Movement!

Humanities Nebraska Programs Aim to Educate and Entertain

School may be out for summer, but that doesn’t mean you have to take a break from learning something new. Omaha Public Library (OPL) will host a variety of free programs presented by Humanities Nebraska (HN) during its annual Summer Reading Program (SRP). These programs will share elements of Nebraska’s rich history and culture. A full schedule of SRP programs can be found at omahalibrary.org. • June 9, 3-4:30 p.m.: Charles B. Washington Branch, 2868 Ames Ave., welcomes Bill Hayes in his presentation of the “Fight Against Slavery on the Great Plains: Nebraska’s Underground Railroad.” Hayes will discuss slavery in the U.S. during the 1850s, and the controversy surrounding the Kansas-Nebraska Act and its effect on people moving to the Nebraska Territory. The presentation describes the history of the Underground Railroad and its connection with the Great Plains. Hayes explores how the Underground Railroad formed in Nebraska, emphasizing sites where escaping slaves most likely found refuge on their journey to freedom. • June 12, 2-3 p.m.: Jerome Kills Small will present “Songs, Dances and Games of the Lakota” at Benson Community Center, 6008 Maple St. Kills Small will describe the history and origin of Native American songs and dances in this family-friendly program. A lecturer and storyteller, Kills Small also is a singer of Lakota songs who has traveled extensively as a member of the Oyate Singers of Vermillion, S.D. • June 19, 10:15-11:15 a.m.: David Seay will present “The ‘Tradition’ in Traditional Folk Music” at W. Dale Clark Main Library, 215 S. 15th St. Seay plays the musical saw, penny whistle, harmonica, Lakota-style flute, ocarina, pan pipes, animal horn, bugle and didgeridoo. He will introduce a new instrument every few minutes, keeping his program upbeat and interesting for children, seniors and everyone in between. HN provides major funding for these programs. HN receives support from the Nebraska Cultural Endowment, the Nebraska State Legislature and the National Endowment for the Humanities. Speakers Bureau connects nonprofit and educational organizations with nearly 300 humanities programs offered by authors, historians, and scholars. More information about the Speakers Bureau can be found online at humanitiesnebraska.org.

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.

Page Ten

NATIONAL NEWS

THE OMAHA STAR

Black Rape Victim Awarded $1B Settlement By Kaitlyn D’Onofrio A Black woman who was raped at the age of 14 was told by a jury, “You’re worth it” – the “it” being $1 billion. Hope Cheston, now 20 years old, was awarded a $1 billion settlement by a jury in Clayton County, Ga. Cheston was assaulted by a security guard in an apartment complex. The lawsuit was filed against the security company that hired the rapist, Brandon Lamar Zachary, who was 22 at the time. Zachary was convicted of rape and sentenced to 20 years. But the company, then called Crime Prevention Agency Inc., did not try to reach out to Cheston or issue an apology. Cheston, meanwhile, struggled with common side effects following sexual trauma: guilt and self-blame. “Every victim has that – ‘Well I should’ve did this, I should’ve did that, I shouldn’t have been here in the first place,’” she said. According to statistics, anywhere between 40 and 60 percent of Black girls experience sexual abuse before their 18th birthday. And for every Black woman who reports her rape, at least 15 women do not come

forward. Sexual violence disproportionately impacts communities of color. According to the Connecticut Alliance to End Sexual Violence, “Of women who are raped in their lifetime: 17.9% are Caucasian, 11.9% are Latina, 18.8% are African-American, 34.1% are American Indian or Alaskan Native, and 6.8% are Asian or Pacific Islander. 24.4% are mixed race.” Cheston thought her story was going to be yet another rape case that gets forgotten – which is, all too often, the case. “For the longest [time], I thought it would be pushed under the rug and no longer mattered ... but come to find out 12 strangers feel like what I went through and my story and how I feel six years later is worth a billion dollars,” she said. Her original lawsuit also named the apartment complex where the rape occurred and the property management company – HACC Pointe South Inc. and Hammond Residential Group, Inc., respectively. Both parties were dismissed. The company that hired Zachary was called Crime Prevention Agency Inc. but changed its name – a move Chris Stewart,

‘This is America’ Video had 74 Million Views in Six Days By Sheryl Estrada

Cheston’s attorney, criticized and one that brought forth an additional lawsuit. “You can’t change names or try to hide from your responsibility,” he said. Stewart also called the settlement “a huge victory for women.” Even if Cheston never sees the full $1 billion, the fact that it was awarded to her symbolizes something that you cannot put a dollar amount on, her lawyer said. According to Stewart, “the money, at the end of the day, isn’t going to matter. It’s what the jury writes down that’s going to fill the hole in her heart that that man tore out.” Cheston said her victory is meant to be shared. “This $1 billion isn’t just my $1 billion, she said.”This number on this sheet of paper – it’s my case, yes, but it’s all of our case.”

Betsy DeVos Gives Green Light for Schools to Blow Whistle on Immigrants

Race, gun violence and U.S. culture are explored in recording artist Childish Gambino’s “This is America” music video, which has gone viral. The video has garnered more than 85 million views on YouTube since it was released and the buzz continues to grow. Childish Gambino is the musical stage name of actor Donald Glover, who is also the creator and star of the hit FX show “Atlanta.” He uses artistry and symbolism scene by scene to express the truth about America from its past to its present. In the opening scene, his dance movements and facial gestures may be mimicking the racial caricatures of the Jim Crow era, also a time where Blacks were lynched – demonstrated when Childish Gambino shoots a Black man in the head. From there, he ushers viewers to another incident of gun violence, most poignantly murdering a Black gospel choir. Some have pointed out on social media the scene represents the massacre of Black church members in Charleston, S.C. After both murder scenes, Childish Gambino hands over the weapon to a man who meticulously handles it with care. Is the weapon more valuable than the Black bodies it kills? Insider offers a good analysis of the hidden messages of “This is America.” Ibra Ake, a writer for “Atlanta” and creative director for Childish Gambino, opened up about the video in an interview with Tanzina Vega, host of WNYC’s “The Takeaway.” Ake confirmed the references to Jim Crow, as well as the dance moves as an ode to Nigerian music legend Fela Kuti. “We try to make stuff in a vacuum in a way where we’re not influenced by what was made before us, which usually – in the media specifically – comes

★ SO THE

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

Only Black Owned Newspaper

n

Luther King Day event

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 to rigorous math, Staples Foundation the visitor parking can park in Lot 15V, which where youth are reading and citizenship recognized for is 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 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.

By Jayme S. Ganey

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

There is no sanctuary for children in President Donald Trump’s racist world, and now schools can be a tool for deporting children and parents. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos said last Tuesday before the House Education and Workforce Committee that schools and local communities decide whether to call U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement if they suspect their students are undocumented. With reports presented at the hearing of parents being arrested by ICE outside their children’s schools, DeVos gave the same blanket response to every question: “I would just say we are both a nation of laws and we are a compassionate people,” she said. “And I think it’s important that we follow the laws of the land, and if it’s important that laws be changed I encourage this body to do so.” But one of those laws is a ruling from 1982’s Plyer v. Doe that guarantees the right to education for all immigrant children. And ICE was discouraged from entering schools previously by Homeland Security, but there are exceptions. Some schools have protected students assuring them that without legal pressure, they will not out the children and families. DeVos’ remarks put no support behind communities trying to provide sanctuary. Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund (MALDEF) President Thomas Saenz said in a statement, “Her testimony … stems either from an astounding ignorance of the law or from an insupportable unwillingness to accurately advise local school districts. Either of these indicates a severe dereliction of duty.” Rep. Adriano Espaillat, who confronted DeVos with the issue at the hearing, released a statement saying: “Sec. Betsy DeVos is unqualified to lead the U.S. Department of Education, and her reckless statements regarding undocumented youth, not only conflict with the law, but will lead to fear and intimidation among immigrant students across the country.”

Why They Take a Knee – Parking Violation Results in Savage, Racist Cop Behavior By Sheryl Estrada

Brown also said he would be a voice “for people who won’t be heard.” “I am speaking for Dontre Hamilton of Milwaukee, Laquan McDonald of Chicago, Stephon Clark of Sacramento, Eric Garner of New York, and the list goes on,” he said. “These people aren’t able to speak anymore because of unjust actions by those who are supposed to ‘serve and protect’ the people.” The NBA appears to support its players more than the NFL, which announced Wednesday it would fine teams if players kneel during the national anthem, a practice initiated by former NFL player Colin Kaepernick to protest police brutality. Not only did the Milwaukee Bucks give Brown their full support, the team also said in a statement that “this isn’t an isolated case” and “racial biases and abuses of power must not be ignored.” Milwaukee Police Chief Alfonso Morales apologized for the incident at a news conference last Wednesday and said that members of the force were disciplined, without specifying how many officers were affected.

KS Science Fair

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Career & Scholarsh ip 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;

York International

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 for Film Streams boys raised as brothers, Forever Members. 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 on works for audiences ages 3-18 and all five programs Feb. 20-21, 25, 27-28, March within Best helping to define 4— NYICFF Kids of NYICFF compelling film a more online can Flix experience for at www.filmstreams.be found A kaleidoscopic Juried by such kids. www.gkids.tv/tour. collection of org or animated well-known filmmakers 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@filmstream collage, and stop-motion. animation, Sant, the festival Modine and Gus Van s.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 NYICFF Party Directed by Darren tiplex.” local mulMix 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

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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!

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from a white world and a white infrastructure,” he said. “We reduced it to a feeling – a very Black feeling, a very violent feeling, but also a very fun feeling.” In the video, which has more than 250,000 comments on his YouTube channel that has more than 2 million subscribers, a shirtless Childish Gambino dances with Black school children as chaos, including imagery of police violence, ensues all around them. “Our goal is to normalize Blackness,” Ake said. “This is how we would like to dance, but we have to be aware of the danger and the politics of how we’re perceived and the implications of the history of how we were treated. “There’s all this math you’re constantly doing expressing yourself. We’re trying to not have to explain ourselves to others and just exist, and not censor what our existence looks like as people.” At the end of the video, Childish Gambino runs down a dark hallway, using facial expressions reminiscent of racial caricatures, but this time, combined with a look of terror as white men chase him. The scene could be from the Jim Crow era or from the 21st century where an unarmed Black man, Walter Scott, was shot in the back and killed while fleeing from a police officer.

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Milwaukee’s school-to-prison pipeline for Black students is notoriously awful. In Milwaukee County, more than half of Black men in their thirties have served time in prison. The racism and racial profiling that perpetually exists in the city is again in the national spotlight as police used excessive force on a Black NBA player. Milwaukee police released a body cam video last Wednesday of the January arrest of Milwaukee Bucks rookie Sterling Brown. Brown was stopped and questioned over an alleged parking violation at a Walgreens pharmacy. “You’re not parked across three lanes?” an officer asks Brown. Brown replies: “That’s cool. That’s cool. You can get back in your car now. We’re good.” An officer then makes a call for backup and that’s when the situation escalates. The video shows Brown being asked to take his hands out of his pockets before being surrounded by police. Then you see officers tackling him. “Taser, Taser, Taser,” is shouted by one of the officers, followed by the audible groans of Brown. The NBA player was booked, issued a parking ticket and released. He ultimately was not charged with anything. “My experience in January with the Milwaukee Police Department was wrong and shouldn’t happen to anybody,” Brown said in a statement. “A simple parking ticket turned into an attempt at police intimidation,” including the “unlawful use of physical force,” he said.

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I can hardly 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, 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 of the National ers recently. To all of backing for the welfare could use the ads as a tool peace. She was a member son; she found that she highlights, promoting and ads to ity and of Colored People thanks. Black America in general. She refused to sell newspaper She Association for the Advancement is fascinating. The Omaha activism. her the citizens of Omaha and the 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 Star is especially fascinating her readers to procan 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 Plains Black museum. This paper is about us. in when we as a group must military Nebraska, and the Great and issues. Where else test the segregation of the public. The time is at hand was submit their story, events the Martin Bomber plant During the time during which it was active, she Omaha Star a firm foundaSince the recent recession, them to apply for jobs that begin to build. Give the She De Porres Club, and also this State can this happen? and reading support and in Bellevue, Nebraska. rollerthe spokeswoman for the at Offutt Air Force Base tion by way of subscribing an emotional, financial after the paper has also been who is widely remem- allowed it to meet in the Omaha Star building in turn will build an enterhired Charles Washington, we will assure you that we are determined to persevere. and 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, in the commuI encourage the public who was the executive spent countless hours working fifty commuor even if you want to columnist. Whitney Young, force for the people of Omaha. before eventu- She hundred and complaints, recommendations are certainly apprecithe Star as a mouthpiece of the Omaha Urban League nity, receiving over one In addition to offering us. Your comments in Omaha, the secretary the “Unsung Heroine director of the National including compliment community executive awards, the service African-American nity ally becoming for the in behalf of the community by the NAACP, one of editorials. the community to realize ated. The staff is working Award” for service awarded Urban League, contributed Gilberts also encouraged a better and more enlighten honored power 16,000 Africanboycotts to call attention only thirty-five people in the country to be and trying to always have The paper supported the positive effect the buying was small, and is an outstanding cater often 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 also appointed by President base and I wish to their purchases only to well. a large religious support East Germany to investigate have to treated the community We and ambassador goodwill African-Americans for the support of the churches following the conissue of the paper, Edward 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 at 24th and Lake, Reed’s published. Advertisements buy them bags of practices over would Newspaper hiring she Star home, Omaha at an discriminatory enough food targeted for their an the printing of the publicalarded The newspaper carriPorres Club. Gilbert spent and retail sales pay for 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 shop to ask those merchants lost, and tomorrow’s Negro by calling attention to our readers when they his emancipation will be served an important function 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 closed been compelled previously had 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 On the occasion per Brown and her staff were to the demonstrations Your help is greatly apprecigo unopposed.” Mildred in to foster a sense of community. Ms. Brown again Movement, from segregation the Omaha Star possible. for late Brown the future of unrest community, continued of their to the racial bright and of the 1950s and 1960s, of the Star’s ninth anniversary, ated. I look forward to a the certainly champions outspoken voice in the wildercommunity, congratulated The Omaha Star reported particular. She was an 1960s and early 1970s. pledged her support to the not the Star in the Omaha community.. 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

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Friday, August 11, 2017 NAACP Names 75 cents Johnson Interim Derrick President The Saints Celebr

ate 50 Years of

Omaha Section Salutes 2017 Award , NCNW, Recipients

Denise Lee Mary McLeod Bethune Legacy Award

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

Beverly A. Rone Field of Education Award

Deep Roots – Ties

Lara Wasmoen Bethune Concept Book Award

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

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Deep Roots

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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 while the boys marching routines, CEO. I could has been appointed interim developed beats not think of a president 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 and permanent. new endeavor will support him every in this As the rain In a statement step of the way.” 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

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 McLeod Bethune Legacy and Awards will be youth in excellence. 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 Denise Lee, Mary McLeod Book Award; 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: omahasectionncnwand visit their website: http:// .weebly.com/

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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 – Passion/commitment, contribute to Open yourself be my best self? cess: Motivation, 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

NOT PICTURED: Aariona Hagler Youth in Excellence

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Special Thanks

MILDRED D. BROWN 9, 1938

J.D.

“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 82.) Foner, 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 to remained strong. believe, Black families triumphedmedia Our spiritual and orientation helped See Deep Roots create a continued on page 3

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Salute to Graduates Special Edition The SKY is the Limit

Pay Special Tribute to your Graduate in this Special Edition of the Omaha Star

Congratulations 2017 Grads! High School Graduates

NaTalya Willingham Omaha Roncalli

Colin Walker-Hollis Omaha North

Alexan P. Short Omaha North

Issue: June 29, 2018

Truth S. Ross Omaha North

Christopher Coleman Omaha Burke

Miguel W. Trotter & Malik W. Trotter Omaha Burke

Brevon LaMons Cannon Omaha North

Jaden Wrightsell Omaha Northwest

Kimana Janae Bell Omaha North

Anye’ Francisco Omaha Central

March D. Austin Jr. Omaha North

Anngalisia Govain-Nelson Omaha North

Turiko L. Ferguson Jr. Millard West

Jy ion J.C. Berry Omaha Roncalli

Tayonna T. Thomas Omaha North

Caelon Harkey Bellevue West

Vanisha Evans Omaha North

Elaunda N. Nichols Omaha North

Asjanae Harris Omaha Burke

Rickara Watkins Westside High

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

Deadline: June 12, 2018

Aisha Yapp Bachelor in Psychology Loyola Univeristy

Amber A. Franklin Bachelor in Drama Spelman College

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

Alexus Cole Bachelor in Family Studies Ball State University

Lori Fairley Associate Business Administration Kaplan University

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

JaLisa McCain Bachelor in Psychology University of NE at Omaha

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

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

Trisha Graeve Master in Social Work University of NE at Omaha

Karmen Worly Master in Literacy University of Ne at Omaha

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

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

DeLisha Coleman Associate in Surgical Technology Nebraska Methodist College

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

Neeia Cooperwood Master in Mathematics South Dakota University

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EVENTS/CLASS ADS/YOUTH NEWS

June 1, 2018

In The Village! Things to do, people to see, places to go. June 1 – Urban League of Nebraska Guild hosts their annual African-American Leadership Awards, from 6-9 p.m. at the Hilton Omaha, 1001 Cass St. The awards recognize the achievements of local African Americans in the areas of Business, Community, Education, Faith, Government, Health, Young Professional (ages 21 to 39) and Youth (ages 16 to 18). For more info, phone 402-453-9730. June 1-2 – The Great Plains Black History Museum opens A Night at the Dreamland Ballroom exhibit at 6:00 p.m. and dancing with The Omaha Jitterbugs on Saturday, June 2, at 11:00 a.m. The museum, 2221 North 24th St., is open to the public at no charge Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 1-5 p.m. June 3 – Mary Lee Brock will lead a presentation and discussion on communication and negotiation, among families and friends, at Holy Family Church (18th St. between Cuming and Izard), 11 a.m. after the 10:00 mass. The public is invited. Mary Lee holds a B.A. in Psychology from Creighton University and a M.Ed. in Counseling from South Dakota State University. She is Assistant Professor at Creighton University in the Negotiation and Conflict Resolution (NCR) program in the department of Interdisciplinary Studies. June 7 – The Highlander neighborhood will host the Highlander Marketplace, an outdoor neighborhood market, from 5-7 p.m. in the parking lot of The Accelerator, 2112 N. 30th St. The Marketplace will offer a variety of events and activities that include shopping from over 20 vendors, food trucks, and live entertainment. Vendors at the marketplace will serve delicious baked goods, healthy dog treats, hair care products, teas and more. June 8-10 – Summer Arts Festival. For more info, see the article in this issue. June 8 – Instrumental Soul/Jazz act Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio with Mitch Towne Quartet will perform at 9 p.m. at Barley Street Tavern, 2735 N 62nd St. For more info, phone 402-408-0028. June 10 – The Munroe-Meyer Guild’s Garden Walk turns 50 this year. Some of this year’s gardens were originally featured on the Garden Walk up to 20 years ago. The Garden Walk will be held from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Tickets are available online. Children younger than 5 are free, but no strollers are allowed in the gardens. For more info, or to buy tickets, visit https:// www.unmc.edu/mmi/events/gardenwalk.html. June 12 – Inclusive Communities presents Lozier Omaha Table Talks at Barbara Weitz Community Engagement Center, rooms: 201/205/209 from 6-7:30 p.m. The topic is: LGBTQ+: More Than Letters. Register at

Inclusive-Communities.org. For more info, phone 402.391.4460. June 14 – The Highlander neighborhood will host the Highlander Marketplace, an outdoor neighborhood market, from 5-7 p.m. in the parking lot of The Accelerator, 2112 N. 30th St. The Marketplace will offer a variety of events and activities that include shopping from over 20 vendors, food trucks, and live entertainment. Vendors at the marketplace will serve delicious baked goods, healthy dog treats, hair care products, teas and more. June 16 – NAACP Juneteenth parade begin at 10 a.m. The parade route is North 30th Street from Lake to Sprague. June 21 – The Highlander neighborhood will host the Highlander Marketplace, an outdoor neighborhood market, from 5-7 p.m. in the parking lot of The Accelerator, 2112 N. 30th St. The Marketplace will offer a variety of events and activities that include shopping from over 20 vendors, food trucks, and live entertainment. Vendors at the marketplace will serve delicious baked goods, healthy dog treats, hair care products, teas and more. June 19 – Inclusive Communities presents Lozier Omaha Table Talks at Barbara Weitz Community Engagement Center, rooms: 201/205/209 from 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. The topic is: Employment Discrimination: Subtle but Harmful. Register at Inclusive-Communities. org. For more info, phone 402.391.4460. June 28 – The Highlander neighborhood will host the Highlander Marketplace, an outdoor neighborhood market, from 5-7 p.m. in the parking lot of The Accelerator, 2112 N. 30th St. The Marketplace will offer a variety of events and activities that include shopping from over 20 vendors, food trucks, and live entertainment. Vendors at the marketplace will serve delicious baked goods, healthy dog treats, hair care products, teas and more. June 29 – The Great American Lobster Fest is coming to Tom Hanafan River’s Edge Park. The festival features live lobster flown in fresh from the East coast, live music, family- friendly dining and activities, unique craft shopping, and tasty cold beverages. Kids 12 and under are admitted free with legal guardian. The festival will run through July 1. For more info, visit: https://www.americanlobsterfest.com/tickets-1/ June 29 – Family friendly Bridge Beats returns to the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge Plaza with headliner R-Style. All concerts will be from 6-9 p.m. EVERY Friday night through August 17. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets, and a picnic basket. Local food trucks will be onsite. For more info, phone 402-444-4640.

THE OMAHA STAR

Page Eleven

Do-Over Scholarship Do-Over Scholarship is open to all students 13 years of age and older. Students may enter by submitting an essay of 250 words or less that answers the question: “If you could get one ‘do-over’ in life, what would it be and why?” All applicants must be legal residents of the 50 United States or the District of Columbia and either be currently enrolled or plan to enroll in an accredited college, university or other institution of higher education. All essays must be original work of the student. Each essay will be judged by content, grammar, spelling, creativity, writing ability and overall excellence. One student will be chosen to receive

a scholarship award. The scholarship is offered by Unigo, an online business that connects students with colleges, scholarships, internships, student loans, majors and careers. The company has been named by publisher McGraw-Hill as “the largest and most authoritative library of college reviews on the internet.” The deadline for this scholarship is usually in June of each year, and the award amount is usually $1,500. For more details, visit www.unigo.com/ scholarships/our-scholarships/do-overscholarship.

Seventy Five North to Hold First-Ever Highlander Marketplace The Highlander neighborhood will have a great outlet for shopping, relaxation, and entertainment. The first event of its kind in the neighborhood, Highlander Marketplace, an outdoor neighborhood market, will be held every Thursday beginning June 7 from 5-7 p.m. in the parking lot of The Accelerator, 2112 N. 30th St. The event is being organized by Seventy Five North Revitalization Corp., a non-profit working towards revitalizing the Highlander community through housing, economic development, education, and health and wellness programming. The Highlander Marketplace will host a variety

of events and activities that include shopping from over 20 vendors, food trucks, and live entertainment. Vendors at the marketplace will serve delicious baked goods, healthy dog treats, hair care products, teas and more. Through this initiative, Seventy Five North will support entrepreneurship by exposing local vendors to new customers while continuing to build on the sense of community beginning to re-emerge in Highlander. Additional dates of Highlander Marketplace are June 14, 21 and 28.

Story Sessions Debuts June 2 With Andrew Bailie Benson Theatre will debut a new music series – B Side Story Sessions – this Saturday. The inaugural session, featuring Andrew Bailie, will be held at The B Side of Benson Theatre, 6058 Maple St., from 9-11 p.m. Tickets are available in advance and day of show. Each session will feature a solo performer who weaves stories about his or her inspiration, art and life experiences – both at home and on the road – into a two-hour performance. The performances will be followed by a meet-and-greet with the artist. “We live in a community filled with incredibly talented musicians, and this series will showcase this talent as well as bring in regional and national performers to share their stories in an intimate atmosphere,” said Benson Theatre Executive Director Amy Ryan. Bailie is an American songwriter, singer, guitarist and educator who’s dedicated his life to music. His intricate songs are crafted with raw emotion, fierce guitar work and an unmistakable, soaring voice.

After extensive touring across the United States and Europe with legendary gospel and funk organist Cory Henry (Snarky Puppy/Funk Apostles), Bailie relocated from New York City to Omaha (where he grew up) to pursue a new project with jazz great and sensei Dana Murray (Wynton Marsalis/Jimmy Witherspoon/Norah Jones). He is best known locally for past projects the Jazzwholes and It’s True. Bailie also has worked with platinum recording artist Aloe Blacc, members of Snarky Puppy, Lauryn Hill, Mononeon and Marcus Lewis, and has shared the stage with Res, Talib Kweli, Lalah Hathaway, George Clinton, Marcus Miller and others. He has performed at the Monaco, North Sea, Vienne, Sète and Umbria Jazz Festivals across Europe. Bailie recently was named program director at Benson Theatre and is set to release a collection of songs titled “Wasteland” that will be available soon. To purchase tickets, visit eventbrite.com.

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Page Twelve

THE OMAHA STAR

YOUTH/EDUCATION NEWS June 1, 2018 9-Year-Old Kicked Out Of Class By Kaitlyn D’Onofrio

Juneteenth Celebrations “Steadfast & Immovableâ€? • June 8 – 7 p.m. - NAACP Juneteenth Social, Love’s Jazz & Arts Center, 2510 N. 24th St. • June 9 – 9 a.m.-2 p.m. - Minnesota Humanities Sweet Potato Comfort Pies, Metro Community College Fort Omaha Campus • June 9 – 11 a.m.-3 p.m. - Juneteenth Car Show, Washington Branch Library (WBL), 2868 Ames Ave • June 9 - 12-2 p.m. - Juneteenth Nebraska, Inc. Flag Raising & Veterans Luncheon, WBL, 2868 Ames Ave • June 9 - 3-4:30 p.m. - Fight against Slavery on the Great Plains: Nebraska’s Underground Railroad, WBL, 2868 Ames Ave • June 14 – 6:30 p.m. - NAACP Juneteenth Story Circle, Wakanda For Real: In OPS Education, Skinner Magnet School, 4304 N. 33rd St. • June 16 – 10 a.m. - NAACP Juneteenth Parade, Route: North 30th Street Lake St. to Sprague St. • June 16 - 2-5 p.m. - Juneteenth Nebraska, Inc. Promote Your Business Day, WBL, 2868 Ames Ave • June 17 – 10 a.m. - Juneteenth Nebraska, Inc. Pancake Feed, 2417 Burdette St.

• June 17 - 5-7 p.m. - 5th Annual Juneteenth Youth Arts Festival, 2205 N. 24th St. • June 18 – 12:00 p.m. - Juneteenth Nebraska, Inc. /Omaha NAACP host MAAFA: Community Day of Prayer, Douglas Co. Courthouse • June 22 – 7 p.m. - 2nd Annual NAACP Juneteenth Gospel Jubilee, Morning Star Baptist Church, 2019 Burdette St. • June 23 - 1-3 p.m. - NAACP “State of African American Housing in Omaha,â€? 75 North Highlander Accelerator Building, 2112 N. 30th St. • June 23 – 8 a.m.-3 p.m. - NAACP Fieldtrip: Mayhew Cabin with John Brown’s Cave in Nebraska City, NE • June 30 – 8 a.m.-3 p.m. - NAACP Fieldtrip: Mayhew Cabin with John Brown’s Cave in Nebraska City, NE Information for this Juneteenth Community Calendar is provided by the Omaha NAACP, Charles B. Washington Branch Library, Juneteenth Nebraska, Inc, Mayhew Cabin in Nebraska City, Love’s Jazz & Arts, 95.7 FM-The Boss, Minnesota Humanities, and the Youth Summer Arts Festival. For more information, phone Omaha NAACP, 402-345-6227

Bruce Lee Foundation Scholarship The Bruce Lee Foundation Scholarship awards funding to students who understand, appreciate and exemplify the late actor/martial artist Bruce Lee’s passion for education, honest expression, forward thought, self-exploration, and assertiveness. Founded more than ten years ago, the program is available to students who are at least 16 years of age who will be attending or are already attending a two-year college, four-year university, or licensed trade and vocational school in the United States. Applicants will be judged on their involvement in extra-curricular activities, community service, work experience, future potential and their overall

knowledge of and familiarity with Bruce Lee. The Bruce Lee Foundation, based in Los Angeles, California, seeks to preserve, perpetuate, and disseminate Bruce Lee’s life example, philosophies, and art of Jun Fan Jeet Kune DoŽ through inspirational events, educational programs, martial arts instruction, and the Bruce Lee Museum. The deadline for this scholarship is usually in June of each year, and the award amount is usually $1,000. For more details, visit www.bruceleefoundation. com.

MCC Introduces New Training Model To help address the local shortage of automotive technicians and train students for in-demand careers, Metropolitan Community College will introduce the Automotive Express Lane Certificate Training course beginning Monday. The six-week training course will teach individuals how to perform express lane services and other skills needed in the automotive service industry. Students enrolled in the course will learn how to perform oil and filter changes, wiper blade and air filter replacements, battery tests and replacements, tire rotation, tire repair, multipoint inspections, bulb replacements, alignment checks and more. As part of the course, students

can also earn up to 11 National Coalition of Certification Centers certificates in key areas. The class will be held 8 a.m.-noon, Monday through Friday, June 4-July 16, at the College’s South Omaha Campus, 27th and Q streets. “Completion of this training course will help students earn in-demand jobs locally in the automotive service industry. Students earning full-time employment can always take automotive courses at MCC in the future, with classes designed to fit their busy schedules,� said Jim Champion, MCC’s transportation trades coordinator. GAP tuition assistance is available for training participants. To enroll, call Jim Champion at 531-MCC-4728.

Kirsten West Savali said she did not give her 9-year-old son, Dash, permission to take a knee during the Pledge of Allegiance in his classroom – “nor did he need it,� she emphasized in an op-ed. But Dash’s teachers did not feel the same way, and he was kicked out of class for his action. The principal told Savali that the two teachers in question have been disciplined. One teacher, identified in a note as “Ms. Witte,� has since written an apology to the fourth grader – a letter that was “a far cry� from initially telling Savali that she was “highly offended at the taking a knee� in her classroom. Savali summed it up as follows: “Two educators were so threatened by a 9-yearold child protesting the state-sanctioned murders of black people that they silenced and intimidated him because their feelings and their sense of entitlement mattered more to them than a boy searching for a way to make sense of and join the revolution around him.� Despite his young age, Dash is on his way to having his name tied to those of Black activists, such as Colin Kaepernick. Savali shared a photo of her son at a rally protesting the death of Trayvon Martin. Dash, just 3 years old at the time, held a bag of Skittles, while his then 9-year-old brother held a can of Arizona iced tea. They held a sign that read: “Do I Look Suspicious? I am Trayvon Martin.� Both of them wore black hoodies with the hoods up. Kaepernick has inspired Dash, according to

Savali. And while he’s aware of the NFL blackballing the former 49ers player, “Dash was not prepared for the judgment.� What 9-year-old would be? According to Savali, Dash’s teacher told her just several weeks Photo Credit: Twitter before the incident that she cared Dash Savali deeply about Dash and wanted Dash to “think of her as his mom� during school. But Dash’s teacher will never have to sit Dash down and tell him how to act in the event he encounters a police officer. This is a task for Savali, who had this conversation with her son in March. Just after the school shooting in Parkland, Fla., “I sat in the parking lot of a Baskin-Robbins trying to teach my son, who is on spring break, how to survive an encounter with public servants who are sworn to keep him safe.� Savali noted that Dash’s teacher is not white, “but one doesn’t have to be to uphold white supremacy.� Dash’s teacher can consider herself a “mom� to her students all she wants, but at the end of the day, her parental duties stop short if she finds herself so troubled by Dash’s Blackness.

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