Vol. 80 - No. 20

75 CENTS

OMAHA STAR

THE

Celebrating 80 Years

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. 20 Omaha, Nebraska

Friday, October 5, 2018

Public Hearings set for Medicaid Expansion Initiative

LINCOLN – Interested voters are invited to participate in three public hearings regarding Initiative Measure 427, which seeks to expand Medicaid eligibility. State law requires that Secretary of State John Gale host a public hearing in each of Nebraska’s three congressional districts whenever an initiative petition measure has been placed on the general election ballot.

“An initiative petition does not go through committee hearings and floor debate like legislation does,” said Gale, “so the purpose of the public hearings is to help educate citizens and the media through a meaningful exchange of views on Initiative Measure 427 prior to the general election.”

The dates, times and locations for each hearing are as follows: • Congressional District 2: Oct. 11, 6 p.m.

Omaha Public Schools Administration Building Board Room 3215 Cuming St. Omaha • Congressional District 1: Oct. 16, 6 p.m.

Nebraska State Capitol, Hearing Room 1525 1445 K St.

Lincoln • Congressional District 3: Oct. 30, 6 p.m.

College Park of Grand Island Theater Room 3180 W Hwy 34 Grand Island Notice of each of the meetings will be published in newspapers in those areas.

Agendas will be available for public inspection at the Secretary of State’s office during regular business hours.

Those supporting Initiative Measure 427 will be invited to speak first, followed by those opposing the measure. All three hearings will be moderated by Secretary Gale. Members of the public are welcome to testify or just attend and listen.

In addition to the hearings, the Secretary of State is responsible for printing and distributing written materials about Initiative Measure 427. Pamphlets will be made available through county election offices as well as the Secretary of State’s office.

Gale said the pamphlets will be issued in the coming weeks. In addition, a copy will be published on the Secretary of State’s website: www.sos.ne.gov.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Schedule your mammogram.

75 cents

‘Empress of Soul’ Gladys Knight Coming to Omaha The great ones endure, and Gladys Knight has long been one of the greatest. Very few singers over the last fifty years have matched her unassailable artistry. Knight will be performing all her hits in Omaha Oct. 20 at the Holland Performing Arts Center.

Tickets are now on sale at TicketOmaha.com, at the Ticket Omaha Box Office inside the Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St., or by phone at 402-345-0606. Tickets start at $49.

Knight, a seven-time Grammy winner, songwriter, actress and singer, is known by many for belting out soulful hits in the 1960s and 1970s while famously part of the group, “Gladys Knight & the Pips.” Beyond that, she has enjoyed hits in pop, gospel, R&B and adult contemporary.

All told, Knight has recorded more than 38 albums, including four solo albums during the past decade: “Good Woman” (1991); “Just for You” (1994); the inspirational “Many Different Roads” (1999);

Mural Project on 24th St. Honors North Omaha’s History and Future

By Patrick Mainelli In a collaborative effort, The Union for Contemporary Art and Omaha Small Business Network (OSBN) have guided the development of a new mural at the intersection of 24th and Ohio streets. The mural, titled “The Ancestor, The Identity, and The Seed,” is anticipated to be complete in early October.

After soliciting an open call for artist proposals, The Union for Contemporary Art facilitated a jury selection process, ultimately choosing Omaha-born artist Reggie LeFlore as lead artist and Detroit-based painter, Baber, as assistant artist.

“We’re truly honored to be working with Reggie LeFlore on this project,” says Brigitte McQueen Shew, Executive Director of The Union. “Through our Neighborhood Arts program, we strive to deepen the connection between the residents of North Omaha with the arts, to instill beauty and pride, and to create monuments to our shared histories and experiences. Reggie has embraced all of that through this mural, and we’re excited to be able share his work with our community.”

North Omaha community input was central to the mural’s design process from the beginning. In three public meetings held at The Union, LeFlore engaged in dialogue with members of the neighborhood about what they hoped to see See Mural continued on page 2

and “At Last” (2001). “At Last” showed the world that she still has what it takes to record a hit album. 2017 marked the release of “Where My Heart Belongs,” a new inspiration gospel album.

Knight has taken on several television and movie roles throughout her decades-long career.

No stranger to performing and light choreography over the course of her work, Knight raised the stakes when she put on her dancing shoes to join the cast of ABC’s hit reality competition “Dancing with the Stars” for season 14. She has also See Gladys Knight continued on page 2

Scholarship Fundraiser in Honor of L.G. and Shirley Harrison

The L.G. and Shirley Harrison Memorial Scholarship was established by the Harrison children in 2017 following the passing of their parents in the same year. The scholarship benefits children attending Sacred Heart School where the family has a longstanding history.

Not only did 10 of their 11 children attend Sacred Heart, but L.G. volunteered L.G and Shirley Harrison as a gym teacher and basketball coach for many years while Shirley worked as a reading assistant. The legacy continues with Cathy (Harrison) Banks sitting on the CUES Board, Lisa (Harrison) Jackson working as marketing and recruitment director, and both Cathy and Carla (Harrison) Griffin serving as mentors in the Mentor Program. In addition, Les “Pee Wee” Harrison former Harlem All Star and Globetrotter makes regular appearances at the school when he is in town, supporting the vision through his character education program.

In March of 2017, the Harrisons presented a check for $30,000 to the CUES organization on behalf of the scholarship. As a result, ten families were awarded See Scholarship Fundraiser continued on page 2

Black People Are The Conscience Of This Nation

By Jeffrey L. Boney The 2018 midterm elections are nearly upon us.

The United States of America, in 2018, is at a major crossroads and there is too much at stake to simply ignore the importance of this critical election.

If ever there was a time to vote, that time is now. And while there will be many candidates whose names will appear on ballots across this country, it is actually the future of the United States of America that is the most important thing on the ballot this November.

These important midterm elections are shaping up to be some of the most important elections in modern times. The results of these midterm elections will not only determine the makeup of Congress, but they will also shape the overall future of this country.

The current president has single-handedly emboldened the worst elements of society to openly express their racist views and bigotry in ways that have not been blatantly seen in America since the days of the Civil Rights struggle.

The Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and other legislation that was introduced, helped to deal with issues of racism, police brutality, economic disenfranchisement, discriminatory judicial practices and attacks on voting rights that have existed in this country since inception. However, the

See In the Village for voting registration deadlines.

unrepentant hearts of racists in this country came to the forefront once again after the election, and subsequent re-election, of the nation’s first Black president in 2008 and 2012 respectively – President Barack Obama.

Rev. William Barber, co-chair of the Poor People’s Campaign, gives spirited keynote at the Phoenix Awards Dinner.

PHOTO: Roy Lewis/Trice Edney News Wire

The current administration has shined a light on the darkness of racism and bigotry that has long been ignored and swept under the rug in this country. The divisive rhetoric and activity that this current administration has boldly encouraged, has now trickled down to many cities and states across this country, which is why voting in local and state elections is so important.

“All politics is local” is a popular political saying that is most often associated with former Democratic House Speaker Thomas P. “Tip” O’Neill, Jr. When you think about the phrase in itself, it makes sense that the things that impact you the most take place on the local level.

Taxation without representation is a horrible position to be in. The President of the United States, whoever that elected person may be, plays an important role in what affects Black people, but the president can only do so much. All of the key decisions and pieces of legislation that impact Black people on a daily basis are made by individuals who are elected by regular citizens at the local, county and state levels of government. Those who are elected to office by regular citizens, then have the ability to appoint people to other key positions, as well as enact laws that will undoubtedly affect the quality of life of everyone, including those who didn’t vote.

The detrimental outcome of Black people choosing to completely See Conscience continued on page 3

Need a ride to the polls?

Community shredding – Oct. 27

Phone 402-312-2891

See Oct. 19 issue for details

Page Two

LOCAL NEWS

THE OMAHA STAR

THE OMAHA STAR, INC.

October 5, 2018

Mural continued from page 1

Gladys Knight continued from page 1 reflected in the mural.

THE VOICE OF THE BLACK COMMUNITY recently appeared on Lifetime and guest-starred as herself on After submitting multiple drafts for review, LeFlore’s final design FOX TV’s “Empire.” is built around the three colors of the Pan-African flag (red, black, Editorial and Business Office In 1995, Knight earned her star on the Hollywood Walk and green) and embodies the legacy and future of the North Omaha 2216 North 24th Street Phone: 402.346.4041 of Fame, and the next year, Gladys Knight & The Pips were community.

Fax: 402.346.4064 inducted into the Rock ‘N’ Roll Hall of Fame. Knight published A woman in red symbolizes a shared bloodline with peoples of an autobiography, “Between Each Line of Pain and Glory” in Africa. This matriarch of the mural reflects both current leaders MAILING ADDRESS: 1997, and the next year, she and The Pips were presented with in today’s North Omaha as well as ancestral roots to African 2216 North 24th Street the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Rhythm & Blues Hall motherlands.

Omaha, Nebraska 68110 of Fame. In 2004, Knight received the Lifetime Achievement A young man depicted in black embodies a youthful expression Award at the annual BET Awards ceremony.

WEB ADDRESS: of Black identity, one influenced as much by contemporary hip hop A humanitarian and philanthropist, Knight has donated www.theomahastar.com culture as by the civil rights leaders and activists of generations past. to various worthy causes, including the American Diabetes Finally, a young girl in green at the mural’s center symbolizes Like Us on Facebook Association – for which she is a national spokesperson, the growth, fertility, and the future of North Omaha. Holding a basket American Cancer Society, the Minority AIDS Project, amFAR of fresh produce, the girl’s presence in the mural represents a sense E-MAIL ADDRESSES: and Crisis Intervention, and The Boys and Girls Club. She has of nurturing and investment in future generations. fwilliams@omahastarinc.com been honored by numerous organizations as well, including Julia Parker, OSBN Executive Director, notes that “OSBN was phyllis@omahastarinc.com the NAACP Legal Defense Fund and (CORE) the Congress of really excited about this partnership and the opportunity to improve tcooper@omahastarinc.com Racial Equality. the look and feel of the neighborhood. The project nicely fits our Notary Services available during business hours Knight, husband William and their family live in Las Vegas. larger mission of supporting economic development along the North Monday – Wednesday – 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

She credits her faith in God as the driving force in her life, 24th Street corridor, and we’re sure that it will draw additional traffic Thursday – 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. guiding her through her many successes. and interest to the area.”

Preston Love Jr., Founder and Director of the Black Votes Matter Member of the National Newspaper Publishers Association Institute of Community Engagement, sees the mural as a unifying force in the community.

MILDRED D. BROWN: Founder, July 9, 1938 “These murals and public artworks are providing joy and DR. MARGUERITA L. WASHINGTON: introspection, highlighting the links between our people and history.

Publisher, 1989 - 2016 In a poverty-stricken community like ours, this mural is a flower. I Phyllis Hicks: Publisher & Managing Editor applaud the artist and the process that went into this work for once Frankie Jean Williams: Copy Editor again displaying the gifts and talents of this community. Murals Tanya Cooper: Circulation/Retail Coordinator like this are displaying the best of us. I celebrate this so much and Voices for Children in Nebraska has launched Vote Kids Nebraska Carl Hill: Retail Distributor welcome more of it.” to help citizens make informed decisions for the 2018 general Debra Shaw: Social Media Administrator election in November.

Scholarship Fundraiser continued from page 1 As part of the Vote Kids project, Voices for Children offered state THE OMAHA STAR believes that America can best lead the world away from racial and national scholarships this fall. On Oct. 28, the family will be hosting a legislative and gubernatorial candidates the opportunity to respond antagonism when it accords every man, regardless of race, color or creed, his human and legal rights. pancake breakfast fundraiser at Sacred Heart School, 2205 Binney to questionnaires and tell voters in their own words what their Hating no man, fearing no man in the firm belief that all are hurt as long as one is held back.

St. Jim Kuper, aka The Pancake Man, will be cooking and flipping priorities would be if elected. Those survey answers are posted on https://voicesforchildren.com/votekids. pancakes while attendees dine in a warm, inviting setting.

“Vote Kids offers an important tool for citizens to become engaged Proceeds from the fundraiser will not only support the L.G. and in children’s issues, find out what’s important to the candidates The United States provides opportunities for free expression Shirley Harrison Memorial Scholarship but also the Good Good and learn how to get registered to vote,” said Aubrey Mancuso, Father Award that will recognize the efforts of great dads in the of ideas. The Omaha Star has its views, but others may differ.

Executive Director of Voices for Children. “Children are the future, Therefore the Omaha Star ownership reserves the right to Omaha community. Nominations for the award will be received in but they can’t vote. So, it falls upon adults to ensure that children’s the spring and the award will be issued Father’s Day weekend.

“We publish views and opinions by syndicated and local columnists, issues are being considered at the ballot box.” professional writers and other writers whose opinions are solely had a great father who spent a lot of time with us from driving us to Citizens can use the website to search for their legislative district, school each day, to monitoring our activities in school, supporting their own. Those views do not necessarily reflect the policies find district-level data on child well-being, candidate responses, and our sporting events and just taking the time to pass on healthy and position of the staff and management of the Omaha Star ideas and strong values. We know there are other dads out there contact information for their current senator. The guide also includes newspaper. information about Initiative 427, the ballot measure for Medicaid Readers are encouraged to email letters to the editor commenting like ours who are trying hard and we’d like to recognize them for expansion in the state. their efforts,” said Cathy Banks, number 4 in the Harrison bunch. on current events as well as what they would like to see included in “Children are Nebraska’s greatest resource, and we publish Vote Oldest brother Richard Harrison adds, “Regardless if it’s money the paper. Those emails should be sent to: phyllis@omahastarinc.

Kids during election cycles to help all Nebraskans become advocates or time, giving back is the right thing to do when someone or an com and must include the writer’s name, address, email address for our children,” Mancuso said. “Policy solutions that benefit kids and telephone number. The ownership has editorial rights and organization believed enough in you to give to you.” are policy solutions that move our state forward, and we have a Breakfast will begin at 9:30 a.m. and end at noon.

Seating can does not guarantee that all submissions will be published. pivotal opportunity in this election to elevate issues that will move be reserved with advanced purchase tickets.

Tickets for adults and Please be advised that the Omaha Star ownership does not the needle for our kids.” children under 10 are now on sale.

For more information, contact employ staff writers who charge for preparing and submitting (Founded in 1987, Voices for Children in Nebraska is the articles for the general public. Should you encounter such, please Lisa Jackson at ljackson@shsomaha.com or 402-455-5858. independent voice building pathways to opportunities for all advise Phyllis Hicks at 402.346.4041. children and families through research, policy, and community engagement.)

Voices for Children Launches Vote Kids Nebraska for 2018 Elections

DISCLAIMER

ATTENTION

COUNTRYSIDE COMMUNITY CHURCH seeds of acceptance

From The Publisher: In order to be included in the Omaha Star, all articles and announcements must be submitted by e-mail to fwilliams@ omahastarinc.com no later than two weeks in advance of the event. All articles and announcements should be prepared in a word document using Times New Roman, 10 pt. Submissions must be limited to 500 words. Any accompanying photographs should be submitted in a jpeg or pdf file. The deadline for all articles is Monday at 3:00 p.m., two weeks prior to the event date. Articles and announcements will not be accepted at the Omaha Star office. The Omaha Star is now published bi-weekly on Fridays. The Omaha Star business office hours are MondayThursday, 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.

CENTER FOR FAITH STUDIES

presents

TRACI BLACKMON Social Justice and Faith: Faith Rooted in Activism Thursday, October 18 2018 I 7 p.m.

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

7312 N. 30th St.

Baker’s Supermarket

4405 N. 72nd St.

Big Mama’s

3223 N. 45th St.

Chubb’s Finer Foods

2905 N. 16th St.

Cubby’s

͟͟͠͠ Ƥ ǡ ǡ Submissions to Express Yourself must include the writer’s first and last names as well as the writer’s address and telephone number. (Addresses and phone numbers are not published.)

Submissions written anonymously will not be printed.

Submissions may be edited at the publisher’s discretion.

Submissions to Express Yourself or the commentary page may also appear on the Omaha Star Facebook page. Email submissions must be typed in a Word document and sent to the publisher at: phyllis@omahastarinc.com

4232 Redman Ave.

Cubby’s Old Market

601 S. 13th Street

Easy Drive Package

5124 N. 24th St.

Family Fare Supermarket

820 N. Saddle Creek Rd.

Family Fare Supermarket

7402 N. 30th St.

Felicia’s Beauty & Barber Shop

Support Those Who Support You

4802 NW Radial Hwy

Hy-Vee Supermarket

5150 Center St.

Hy-Vee Supermarket

108th & Fort St.

Offutt Air Base - Welcome Center Omaha Rockets Kanteen

Tickets $10 on-line at eventbrite.com

Notary Services Available

Bellevue, NE 2401 Lake St.

Phil’s CASHSAVER A cost Plus Food Outlet

3030 Ames Ave.

Skeet’s Barbeque

2201 N. 24th St.

Walgreens

3001 Dodge St.

Walgreens

7202 N. 30th St.

Walgreens

3005 Lake St.

Walgreens

4310 Ames Ave.

Walgreens

2929 North 60th St.

Walgreens

7151 Cass St.

Walgreens

6005 N. 72nd St.

Walgreens

225 N. Saddle Creek Rd.

Walgreens

1802 Galvin Road, S (Bellevue)

Publishing dates for the Omaha Star October 2018 Friday

October 19, 2018

November 2018 *Friday (Veteran’s Day) Friday *Friday (Christmas in the Village)

November 2, 2018 November 16, 2018 November 30, 2018

December 2018 Friday Friday

December 14, 2018 December 28, 2018

More than $18M in Economic Development Funds Pledged

Regional response to Prosper Omaha 2.0, a strategic economic development campaign designed to fast track greater Omaha’s preferred future, has raised more than $18 million in business pledges toward the initiative’s $32 million goal – nine months after launching the six-county initiative.

“Business is booming in greater Omaha,” said David G. Brown, president and CEO, Greater Omaha Chamber. “Current 2018 capital investment commitments exceed $1.3 billion, and more than 1600 jobs have been created so far this year. This is truly a place where everyone can prosper.”

A five-year aspirational plan that accelerates a people/place/ business-growth model, Prosper Omaha 2.0 is transforming a region where annual median income growth (3.4 percent in 2017) already outpaces the national growth rate of 2.6 percent, according to the U.S. Census Bureau; while higher education opportunities increasingly draw students to what Ziprecruiter calls the “No. 1 best city for college grads to start their careers in 2018.”

“High median salaries and low unemployment are hallmarks of greater Omaha,” said Mikaela Borecky, senior director, fund development, Greater Omaha Chamber. “We have such gratitude to the organizations contributing to our collective momentum, and can’t wait to catalyze the region for ever-more explosive growth.”

The inaugural Prosper Omaha strategy launched in 2014, and produced nearly 300 landed projects, grew $4.2 billion in capital investment and created more than 13,000 jobs – thanks to $25.9 million in support from 300 investors.

Sarpy County Adds New Ballot Drop Boxes Sarpy County voters have three new convenient locations for returning their ballots for the upcoming general election.

The Sarpy County Election Commission have installed secure, drive-up Early Ballot Drop Boxes in Bellevue, Papillion and Gretna, said County Election Commissioner Michelle Y. Andahl.

“Voters have been requesting more locations where early ballots could be returned. They wanted locations closer to where they live and work; and they wanted more options that didn’t rely on the mail system. Our hope is that the new Early Ballot Drop Boxes will make returning early ballots easier for everyone in Sarpy County,” Andahl said.

The new drop boxes are at: • Sarpy County campus, 1248 Golden Gate Drive, Papillion • Bellevue Public Library, 1003 Lincoln Road, Bellevue • McKinney’s Food Center, 215 Enterprise Drive, Gretna An existing drop box outside the Election Commission office, 501 Olson Drive, was moved onto an island in the office’s parking lot to make it more accessible.

Each drop box features three locking mechanisms and is secured to a cement pad, Andahl said.

The boxes will be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week during the election cycle, and Election Commission employees will empty the boxes each day.

Omaha Star Philosophy: At the Star we look at ourselves as the documentarians of African-American news in Omaha.

We strive to make our readers and our advertisers proud they support a publication that portrays the African-American as a multidimensional person capable of excelling in areas other than sports, entertainment and politics.

LOCAL NEWS

October 5, 2018 Conscience continued from page 1 disengage from the political process and choosing not to vote is a costly one. A non-vote is still relevant and just as powerful as if a vote were actually cast. President Donald J. Trump understood that, and expressed his sincere gratitude for a great majority of Black people choosing not to come out and vote in 2016.

After winning his election against Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton, Trump told a crowd of supporters at a 2016 rally in Grand Rapids: “The African American community was great to us. They came through, big league. Big league. If they had any doubt, they didn’t vote, and that was almost as good, because a lot of people didn’t show up, because they felt good about me.”

At another rally the following week, Trump once again expressed his appreciation for Blacks choosing to stay home and not vote, saying: “We did great with the African American community … They didn’t come out to vote for Hillary. They didn’t come out. And that was big – so thank you to the African American community.”

According to the Pew Research Center, the Black voter turnout rate in 2016 declined for the first time in 20 years in a presidential election, falling to 59.6 percent in 2016, after reaching a recordhigh 66.6 percent in 2012 when President Obama was re-elected.

The number of Black voters who went to the polls in 2016 also declined, falling by approximately 765,000 voters. In contrast, Whites were motivated to come out and vote, primarily because of the polarization of Trump, and had an increase in their voter turnout rate – 65.3 percent in 2016 versus 64.1 percent in 2012.

Over the past few decades, the number of Blacks choosing to stay home and not vote, coupled with the Black vote being constantly targeted by voter suppression tactics, has contributed to the election of many individuals who have not had the best interest of African Americans in mind.

Trump now has the potential of having a second Supreme Court Justice named to the highest court in the land, which could prove disastrous for many African Americans if he is confirmed by the Republican-controlled Senate. The likelihood of this lifetime appointment, along with the other harmful pieces of legislation that have been introduced by this administration, only became a reality when Trump was elected to the office of the presidency by those who chose to vote and by those who chose to stay home and not vote.

This November, Black people must take voting and politics seriously if they are going to see collective changes in their communities, in their social status and in their daily lives.

At the recent Congressional Black Caucus Annual Legislative Summit, Reverend Dr. William Barber challenged the attendees at the annual Phoenix Awards Dinner to step up and vote.

“We are called to be the conscious of this nation,” said Rev. Barber. “Our vision has to be bigger than Trump. We have to come together to change the course of our nation. You better know who you are when you are under assault. We cannot fail to be who we are. We must vote.”

There is no Black community in America that can grow and progress if there is no solid representation in place to make important decisions that impact the quality of life of its residents.

Whether it is educating Black children, ensuring their tax dollars are fairly distributed, having access to quality healthcare, having communitybased services available to them or receiving equitable treatment in the court of law, Black people must vote to ensure they have quality representation. If Black people don’t vote to ensure they have quality representation, then the potential of having ineffective representatives thrust upon them becomes a potential reality.

Again, Black people need not downplay the significance of these upcoming midterm elections in November. While the races for Congress and the various governorships across the country are extremely important, there are many down ballot races that are even more important and should not be ignored, as they will impact the daily lives of Black people for years to come.

In Harris County, Texas, which is the third most populous county in the U.S., there are 19 Black women running for various judicial seats on the ballot in the upcoming midterm elections.

Whether it is the judge who has the power to sentence your loved one to a lengthy prison sentence or the judge who is responsible for dealing with a lawsuit or the judge who has the power to determine what your child support payments and visitation rights look like through the family court – one or more of these Black women could very well be elected in a position that will impact your life in some shape, form or fashion in the very near future.

The same applies to all of the other important local and state races across the country.

All elections, especially local elections, are too important to overlook and ignore.

It is time for Black people to dig in, get in the fight and embrace their precious right to vote, which was paid for with a hefty price.

More importantly, the fight to protect those precious voting rights is still being fought on a daily basis by those who understand the struggle to make a difference through politics and public policy.

It is not the time to embrace non-voting. It is not the time to make a conscious decision to stay at home and avoid casting a ballot in 2018.

It is time to VOTE, because America is on the Ballot in 2018!

Voter Registration Day a Great Success LINCOLN – Secretary of State John Gale has declared Voter Registration Day, Sept. 25, a great success. Gale says 4,724 citizens registered to vote on that day through the NEReg2Vote online system of the Secretary of State. For comparison, on Voter Registration Day in 2016, there were 2,534 online registrations, considered an excellent number prior to the presidential election of 2016. In September 2017, a nongeneral election year, there were only 607 online voter registrations.

Secretary Gale urges citizens who haven’t yet registered to vote to log into NEReg2Vote via Google or use the Secretary of State website, www.sos.ne.gov, to connect with the online registration system. The system is

user-friendly, easily accessible, available by mobile application, and accessible in both English and Spanish. Valid Nebraska driver’s licenses or state ID cards are required for online voter registration. If you need to go to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to obtain a driver’s license or to update, please advise the clerk that you want to register to vote as well. It will be done electronically and sent to your county election office.

If you do not have a Nebraska Driver’s license or State ID card, you can still register to vote by filling out the Nebraska Voter Registration Form, which can be found on the Secretary of State website under Voter Forms in the elections section, and mailing it to your county election office. Alternatively,

Fuel the Cure in Nebraska Throughout October LINCOLN – Throughout October, drivers can fuel cancer research by choosing American Ethanol blends at select retail stations participating in Fuel the Cure throughout Nebraska.

Fuel the Cure is a Nebraska awareness promotion designed to bring attention to the benefits of cleaner-burning American Ethanol blends available throughout the state. For every gallon of ethanol-blended fuel – E15 to flex fuel E85 – purchased through Oct. 31, the participating fuel station will donate 3 cents per gallon with proceeds to benefit the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center.

“Motorists have a choice of biofuels that significantly reduce pollutants,” said Sarah Caswell, Nebraska Ethanol Board administrator. “Gasoline contains as many as 300 different chemicals. Many of these chemicals are used to increase octane – but some are known and suspected to cause cancer. Higher blends of biofuel dilute the level of toxic additives in our fuel, which helps reduce pollution and the threat to public health.”

Participating retailers will have pink handles on fuel pumps and signs for Fuel the Cure. Drivers will want to stay tuned throughout October as some retailers may offer discounts or special giveaways at their location.

E15 (15 percent ethanol and 85 percent gasoline) is approved for use in all passenger vehicles 2001 and newer.

Ethanol blends higher than 15 percent are approved for use in flex fuel vehicles. One in seven Nebraskans are driving a flex fuel vehicle, which can run on any blend of American Ethanol up to E85 (85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline).

Drivers can check their owner’s manual to see if they’re driving a flex fuel vehicle. The vehicle might also have a flex fuel badge on the trunk or tailgate – or a yellow gas cap.

“Using higher blends of ethanol is a good decision for all Nebraskans,” said David Bruntz, Nebraska Corn Board chairman and farmer from Friend, Neb. “It helps the state’s economy, consumers’ wallets, vehicle engines and the environment. Ethanol’s impact across the country and the globe continues to grow, but it starts right here at home.”

The Nebraska Corn and Ethanol Boards, along with Renewable Fuels Nebraska, sponsor Fuel the Cure in conjunction with retail stations. For more information visit, fuelthecure.pink.

you can register in person at your county election office.

Gale says, “Registering now is your starting block for the general election. With a burst of speed, you can break the tape by voting early by-mail or in person at your county election office, or you can pace yourself for Election Day, November 6.

Either way, you’ll be a voter and a winner in the world’s oldest democracy.”

To be eligible to vote in the Nov. 6 general election, the deadline for registering online, through the DMV, or other agencies is Oct. 19. That is also the postmark deadline for mailed-in registrations. Citizens also have until 6 p.m. on Oct. 26 to register in person at their county election office.

Subscribe to the Omaha Star

402-346-4041 opt. 5

THE OMAHA STAR

Page Three

OPS Parents Talk Math, Attendance, School Safety With OPS Superintendent

During a Facebook live event held Sept. 17, OPS parents were invited to ask questions of Superintendent Dr. Cheryl Logan during a Facebook Live event, aired from Harrison Elementary. Logan opened with a summary of her progress during her first 90 days as Superintendent. She discussed a variety of issues including improving math scores across the district, budget cuts, attendance, new school construction and safety policies. Below are a few of questions taken from parents: QUESTION: What can we expect to see around budget cuts in OPS? ANSWER: “Should we need to do them in the future, we are clear now that we need to start the process and evaluate that early on. One of the plans to implement is a 5-year projection in order to look ahead. We also will be working with our legislature to get some relief around our pension system.”

QUESTION: What are your thoughts on dual language education?

ANSWER: “All dual-language programs are not created equal, but this is something I am a big proponent of. I myself am bilingual and I think this is something that will prepare our students for the future. Not just bilingualism, but bi-culturalism as well.”

QUESTION: What is the district doing in the area of school safety?

ANSWER: “There already exist a lot of great things that people are doing in this area but the main question is about threat assessment and how we talk to our kids about it,” Logan said. “I was at a school recently where the student had the courage to talk to the assistant principal about a serious issue. The principal took the student to the school based health center immediately and that is the type of response plan we should have in every school. Standard Response Protocol is also enforced across the state to train teachers and administrators moving forward. We want to make sure the alignment of training about safety challenges involves counselors, social workers and teachers.”

QUESTION: How will you improve diversity in the staff and faculty within OPS? ANSWER: “One of our strategies has to be around growing our own. We have a very diverse district as it is. Some of our kids who are students today will end up being teachers. This is a concern around the country. If we are invested in our children, we can prepare a diverse workforce in the future.”

Logan also mentioned incentivizing the pitch to bring more diverse groups to the OPS staff and faculty through housing and neighborhood developments.

“We know that the main issue is not attraction, but retention.

Many teachers across the country end up leaving after their 3rd year. There has to be some realization that in the K-12 education system, we should aim to be prepared for the shift in the workforce to retain the next generation of teachers.”

QUESTION: What is the district doing to help in the area of cultural sensitivity?

ANSWER: “I know we are doing some great work with Minnesota Humanities to do some exploration of personal biases and working with people who are potentially different. But I really like to try and solve this problem by asking how are we alike in a situation. We’ve always had a large immigrant population and even some intergenerational differences within the schools. We also have more student populations here who are from the eastern part of the world. I think this is an opportunity for us all to learn from each other. Sometimes we allow stereotypes to influence our decisions when really, we should be more open to exchanging experiences and learning from other perspectives. We have to understand what someone else’s lived experience is.”

QUESTION: How can we better teach our students and families to truly value free, public education?

ANSWER: “I think the way that we can do that as a school and community is to provide them with a world-class education. That speaks for itself. We have to do that the best and also tell our own story. We have to share what’s going well like the incredible growth of our English Language learners and the internship opportunities our students get; our opportunity for the art students to be in high quality productions and students who are able to go to China and participate in robotics competitions. Those are some of the things that we need to keep doing.”

BE A VOTER. SAVE NEBRASKA

VOTE FOR DEMOCRATS Use this slate card so you know who the Democrats are on your ballot. Election Day is Nov. 6. Early voting starts Oct. 9 at the Douglas County Election office.

CONGRESS & STATEWIDE • Jane Raybould Senate

• Kara Eastman House of Representatives

• Bob Krist Governor

• Lynne Walz Lieutenant Governor

• Spencer Danner Secretary of State

• Jane Skinner Auditor of Public Accounts

DISTRICT • Mike Forsythe Public Service Commission

• Shannon Coryell Legislature, District 4

• Machaela Cavanaugh Legislature, District 6

• Mina Davis Legislature, District 8

• Megan Hunt Legislature, District 8

• Wendy DeBoer Legislature, District 10

• Steve Lathrop Legislature, District 12

• Scott Winkler Legislature, District 18

• Jackie Collett Legislature, District 20

• Deborah Neary Nebraska State Board of Education

• Larry Bradley University of Nebraska Board of Regents, District 4

• Elizabeth O’Connor University of Nebraska Board of Regents, District 4

• Barbara Weitz University of Nebraska Board of Regents, District 8

• Amanda Bogner Omaha Public Power District

• Tom Barrett Omaha Public Power District

• Eric Williams Omaha Public Power District

• Sean Fennessy Educational Service Unit 3

• Brett Kuhn Educational Service Unit 3

• Tonya Ward Douglas-Sarpy Learning Community Coordinating

• Melinda Kozel Douglas-Sarpy Learning Community Coordinating

• Anayeli Martinez Real Douglas-Sarpy Learning Community Coordinating

• Erik Servellon Douglas-Sarpy Learning Community Coordinating

• Bradley Ekwerekwu Douglas-Sarpy Learning Community Coordinating

• Mark Hoeger Douglas-Sarpy Learning Community Coordinating

• Brian Thommes Douglas-Sarpy Learning Community Coordinating

• Angela Monegain Metropolitan Community College Board of Governors

• Ron Hug Metropolitan Community College Board of Governors

• Maureen Monahan Metropolitan Community College Board of Governors

• Scott Packer Metropolitan Community College Board of Governors

• Erin Feichtinger Metropolitan Community College Board of Governors

• Jim Begley Metropolitan Utilities District

• Jason Valandra Metropolitan Utilities District

• Jim Thompson Natural Resources District

• Fred Conley Natural Resources District

DOUGLAS COUNTY • James Cavanaugh County Commissioner

• Jennifer Hernandez County Clerk of the District Court

• Diane Battiato County Assessor/Register of Deeds

• Donald Kleine County Attorney

• Tom Doyle County Engineer

• Mike Hughes County Sheriff

• John Ewing, Jr. County Treasurer

• Marlon Brewer Omaha Public School Board

• Marque Snow Omaha Public School Board

• Shavonna Holman Omaha Public School Board

• Kimara Snipe Omaha Public School Board

• Amy Parks Elkhorn Board of Education

• Jon Genoways Fort Calhoun Board of Education

• Mike Petersen Fremont Board of Education

• Dulce Sherman Millard Board of Education

• Stacy Jolley Millard Board of Education

• Mary Roarty Ralston Board of Education

• Jay Irwin Ralston Board of Education

• Terri Alberhasky Ralston City Council

• Brian Kavanaugh Ralston City Council

• Patrick McCarville West Board of Education

• Amanda Wright West Board of Education

• James Gilg Boys Town Village Board

POLLS OPEN Nov. 6, 2018, 8am-8pm CT FIND YOUR POLLING LOCATION or EARLY VOTING OFFICE at nebraskademocrats.org, info@nebraskademocrats.org, 402-434-2180

PAID FOR BY NEBRASKA DEMOCRATIC PARTY

Page Four

THE OMAHA STAR

PRAISE, WORSHIP, DEVOTION, OBITUARIES & INSPIRATION

Rev. Jesse Isom to be Honored for 50 Years in Ministry The community is invited to Pastor Jesse Isom’s 50 Years in the Ministry Celebration on Oct. 14 at 3 p.m. Theme: “A Servant Worthy of Honor.” Scripture: 1Timothy 5:17 The celebration will be held at the Pleasant Green Baptist Church, 5555 Rev. Isom Larimore Ave. Guest preacher is Rev. Wayne J. Banks, pastor of the Greater New Home Baptist Church of New Orleans.

October 5, 2018

Deaths & Funerals Emma “Shorty” Johnson Ms. Emma “Shorty” Johnson, age 105, passed away Monday, Sept. 24, at a local care center.

Survived by sister: Min. Juanita Green, Omaha; nieces, nephews, other relatives.

Funeral Service: 11 a.m.

Friday, Oct. 5, Ebenezer Baptist Church, Rev. Prentice, officiating.

Interment: Mt. Hope Cemetery Arrangements by Thomas Funeral Home. *** Eddie L. McCreary Jr. Mr. Eddie L. McCreary

Jr., age 58, passed away Monday, Sept. 30, at his residence.

Survived by wife: Wanda R. McCreary; father: Eddie L. McCreary, Sr; 6 children, 7 siblings, nieces, nephews, other relatives.

Memorial Service: Saturday, Oct. 6, at Salvation Army.

Cremation Arrangements by Thomas Funeral Home. *** John H. Newsome Jr. Mr. John H. Newsome Jr., age 71, passed away Friday, Sept. 28, at a local hospital.

Survived by wife: Dr.

A Time to Ask and a Time to Listen

By Dr. William Holland

Sometimes life is so difficult that we can barely keep it together. All of us have faced serious trials and for those who are Christians, we have appreciated the comfort and peace of God’s presence. As wonderful as this is, we are still often left with unanswered questions and painful wounds that live in the secret depths of our soul. Yes, we have friends and family members who try to encourage us and we listen to suggestions that try to explain why things happen, but in the back of our mind we are reminded that we actually understand very little.

How many times have we heard that listening to God is not easy and how difficult it is to differentiate between what he is saying and our own thoughts. I find it interesting when our life is rolling along without any problems, we do not seem to be concerned with his advice or suggestions. But when we are facing a serious crisis and desperately crying out for answers, we are begging for him to intervene. Even though the Bible is filled with scriptures that encourage us to listen for his voice, we discover he is not like a radio where we can just turn the knob and hear him explain why this is happening.

So, why are we still in the dark about certain events?

It could be that we are forgetting some important principals within the context of our natural and spiritual reality.

Jeremiah 29:13 says, “You will seek me and find

me when you seek me with all of your heart.” To many people, this brings up an uncertainty about how to seek God and if we are we doing it correctly? Rest assured dear brother and sister, it’s normal to feel perplexed and fainthearted when we are knocked off our feet. We are made of flesh and blood and most of our considerations are based on our emotions. Humans have amazing mental capabilities but are also very vulnerable when it comes to being led by their feelings which is usually not a help in our time of need. In order for any of us to comprehend what God is saying, we are reminded in the first chapter of Romans that as a part of our born-again experience, our mind must also be renewed and transformed into his way of knowing and understanding. We no longer depend on our reasoning but learn to trust his plans for us.

When we are troubled about something we should not be intimidated or afraid to ask for clarification.

There are times when we might need to fast and spend some time away from everyone so that we can hear Him more clearly. It’s good to also remember that God has infinite power and we should not limit his abilities. Yes, he is compassionate about a failing airconditioner but He is more concerned about molding us into his image and us demonstrating his character.

Prayer is not just a one-sided conversation where we do all the asking but rather a beautiful part of our intimate relationship where God freely speaks and intervenes. “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow Me” John 10:27.

Cynthia Newsome, Omaha; 2 sons: John H. Newsome, IV, Douglasville, GA, James P. (Amanda) Thompson, Lincoln, NE; 2 daughters: Rachael Newsome, Stockbridge, GA, Elizabeth Thompson, Omaha; brother: Marvin Gooch, Burkina Faso, West Africa; sister: Dr. Cynthia Gooch (Meredith Owen) Grayson, Omaha; 6 grandchildren.

Funeral Service: 10 a.m.

Monday, Oct. 8, Salem Baptist Church, Rev. Dr. Selwyn Q. Bachus, officiating.

Interment: Mt. Hope Cemetery

Arrangements by Thomas Funeral Home. *** Billye Y. Travis Ms. Billye Y. Travis, age 78, passed away Monday, Sept. 24, at her residence.

Survived by 2 daughters: Madeline (Phillip) Strachan, Snellville, Ga, JeTaun Thompson, Omaha; 7 grandchildren, 8 great-grand.

Funeral Service: 10 a.m.

Saturday, Oct. 6, Bethel Baptist Church.

Interment: Graceland Cemetery Arrangements by Thomas Funeral Home. ***

Merrilyn Van Foote Ms. Merrilyn Van Foote, age 74, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 18, at her residence.

Survived by brother: Robert Van Foote, Raleigh, NC; nephew & niece: Robert (Trena) Van Foote, Jr., Grand Prairie, TX, Erica (Patrick) Wilson, Raleigh, NC; grandnephews & niece, other relatives.

Memorial Services were held: 11 a.m. Saturday, St John A.M.E. Church, Rev. Leslie White, officiated.

Cremation Arrangements by Thomas Funeral Home.

In Memory of Coach Mitch Many North O Basketball Players Suffering Loss Of Treasured Father-Figure, Leader

By JoAnna LeFlore A man known to tell a joke but keep it real with just about anybody and within a single conversation can offer a spirit of compassion mixed with a street smart edge. This is the embodiment of Alonzo “Coach Mitch” Mitchell. He approached an unexpected death on Aug. 3 at age 53, and in the last year of his life spent mentoring and fathering the middle school Girls basketball team of Team Nebraska Express United. Behind he left a strong legacy of encouragement to every player he coached and every parent that showed up in support of their child.

He got the nickname “Mitch” from the 3rd grade when he was on the court balling with the 6th graders at Druid Hill Elementary. His love for the

sport became a lifestyle from days spent after school at the neighborhood Boys and Girls Club. Friendships began there that turned into lifelong connections. One of those being Rachelle Tucker, a longtime friend and coach for the girls who play in the Conqueror league of the Team Nebraska Express United.

“Maybe less than a year ago, his daughter showed some interest and wanted to develop a team. So I worked with Coach Mitch to start the 3rd-8th grade teams in North Omaha because it can get really expensive to be on a team that would be in West Omaha. So we pulled our resources together,” Tucker said.

“My role was to oversee and help develop the Coach Mitch continued on page 12

Kids Talk About God Why Does God Bless The Poor In Spirit?

By Carey Kinsolving And Friends “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3).

“The poor will go to heaven, and everyone else has to not sin,” says Sarah Jane, age 6. Great news for the poor, but where does that leave the rest of us?

“When I was at a basketball game, I did not have any spirit,” says Kelly, 11. “But I made a basket, and so I had a lot of spirit!” Congratulations on making the basket, but I’m sure Jesus had something else in mind.

“It means God does not just love the rich, but the poor,” says Elle, 8. “The poor are just as special as the rich.” The common belief of Jesus’ day was that the wealthy were rich because God had blessed them. And the poor ... well, they had it coming to them. Some believed that if you helped a poor person, you could be interfering with God’s punishment.

If we had a videotape of the disciples’ faces as they heard Jesus’ statement, we’d probably see wide eyes and puzzled looks. This was not a nice little teaching for Sunday school. It was revolution. Everyone could enjoy the blessings of God’s kingdom even if they didn’t own a summer villa on the coast.

“I think it means the ones who need God the most, he will be there for them,” says Anna, 9. “The people who have a poor spirit are helped by God,” adds Ellen.

Spiritual poverty is the opposite of self-sufficiency.

The word used for “poor” in Jesus’ teaching means the kind of poverty that causes a person to beg.

Most people who live in industrialized countries have never seen a truly poor person begging. Yet it’s the desperate – the spiritual beggars – who enjoy the blessings of God’s kingdom.

Advertisers constantly bombard us with messages

of independence. Those with the sleekest cars, latest fashions and biggest bank accounts are cool. Don’t expect an ad campaign hawking the benefits of spiritual poverty.

“It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God,” said Jesus. The disciples were “astonished.”

Then, Jesus said, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:2426).

“It means blessed are the ones who are poor in spirit, for they can get saved and go to heaven,” says Marshall, 9.

The idea of sadness or mourning is the topic of Jesus’ next teaching or beatitude. Getting depressed and down is not always a bad thing. Coming to the end of your own resources is always painful. The key is in knowing where to look for comfort and strength.

“For I am poor and needy, and my heart is wounded within me,” wrote King David in Psalm 109:22.

Can you picture David submitting a manuscript of his Psalms to a modern book publisher? His rejection notice might read as follows: “David, I’ve got a good psychiatrist I can recommend. Please get some professional help. You need more selfesteem.”

Even though King David enjoyed success in many areas, he remained a spiritual beggar before God. Maybe that’s why God called him a man after his own heart.

Think about this: Everyone is poor before an allsufficient God. Memorize this truth: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3).

Ask this question: Do you see yourself as a poor person totally dependent upon God for every breath you take?

Mitchell with his daughter Azuree’

Gospel Music Award Winning Choir Director to Release His Third Solo Album After years of conducting and leading the Stellar Award nominated The Mount Unity Choir into national prominence, Earl Bynum has carved out some “me” time in his hectic schedule. The result is the charismatic artist’s third solo album, “This Song is For You” (Lrae/HBK/Tyscot) – his first solitary musical venture since 2009. It hits retail stores and digital music platforms today (Friday). The ten-track set showcases a potpourri of flavors ranging from the choir-charged radio single, “Bless the Lord (The Remix),” and the congregational-styled sing-along, “Only unto You,” to the urban contemporary flavored tunes, “Call Him” and “Brighter Day.” “This Song is for You” is Bynum’s first gospel studio recording. “It was different for me trying to do it,” he recalls. “I’m a live concert type of performer, so the studio ain’t hard but it also ain’t easy because I feed off of my audience and there’s no audience in the studio with me. I had to change my mindset to approach these songs and it helped take me out of the choir backdrop and let me live in a new space.”

The Franklin, VA native has been singing all of his life, organizing and conducting a variety of choirs since his teen years in the 1980s.

Over the years, he’s been most associated with the Stellar Gospel Music Award winning The Mount Unity Choir in Chesapeake, VA. Their

Earl Bynum debut album, “Bishop K.W. Brown Presents Earl Bynum and The Mount Unity Choir Live,” peaked at #8 on Billboard’s Top Gospel Albums sales chart in 2013. The set also propelled the radio single, “Bless the Name of Jesus” to the Top 30 on Billboard’s Gospel Airplay chart. The group also won the Best Church Choir category during comedian Steve Harvey’s erstwhile Neighborhood Awards in 2013.

Aside from his position as Minister of Worship at The Mount, a mega-church congregation in Chesapeake, VA, Bynum also hosts the weekend radio program, On Stage with Earl Bynum, which is syndicated by the Musical Soul Food Network. Visit www.

EarlBynumMusic.com for more news and information.

AND

THOMAS FUNERAL HOME

THE BLACK CHURCH:

TRADITION • RESPECT • DIGNITY

THE BLACK PRESS

Forest Lawn Funeral Home Cemetery & Crematory

Coach congratulates Coryae Clark for tourney award

& 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

October 5, 2018

ALLEN CHAPEL A.M.E.

Rev. Benjamin R. Finnell

Rev. Benjamin R. Finnell Presiding Elder and Pastor Tammi Tate, Public Relations Chairperson 2842 Monroe St. Ph: (402) 502-8003 Fx: 934-8581 Sunday School....................................9:00 a.m.

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

Thursday Bible Study..........................8:00 p.m. via teleconference, dial-in number 563-999-2090 and access code 576989

KOINONIA AND FRIENDS OF CHRIST

ST. BENEDICT THE MOOR CATHOLIC CHURCH

Pastor Tony E. Sanders Jr.

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

Pastor Tony E. Sanders Jr.

“Where Christ Jesus Is the Center of Attention” Rev. Dr. Leroy E. Adams, Jr. Senior Pastor 2019 Burdette Street Omaha, NE 68110 Ph: 402-342-0018 Fx: 402-346-9300

“Where Life is for Everyone” Drs. Mar n & Lynnell Williams Founders & Lead Pastors WEDNESDAYS Prayer 6:00 PM Worship 7:00 PM

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

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

Rev. Dr. Leroy E. Adams, Jr.

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

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

Pastor Rordy Smith Pastor Ramona Smith

Pastor: Rev. Vitalis Anyanike

ST. MARK BAPTIST CHURCH Pastor Jarrod S. Parker 3616 Spaulding Street, Omaha, NE 68111 Phone: 402-451-0307 Email: smbcsecretary@stmarkbaptist.org Sunday School – Sunday 9:00 a.m.

Worship Service – Sunday 10:15 a.m.

Children’s Church (except 2nd Sunday) Holy Communion every 1st Sunday

Our Mission: “To exalt the Savior, edify saints, evangelize sinners and elevate society.”

“Jesus is the light of the world” Rev. James P. Walker, Senior Pastor mtcalvarycommunitychurch.org 5112 Ames Avenue Omaha, NE 68104 Ph: 402-457-4216

SALEM BAPTIST CHURCH Serving God and One Another in the Spirit of Excellence Rev. Dr. Selwyn Q. Bachus Senior Pastor

Rev. James P. Walker

CLAIR MEMORIAL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH MT. MORIAH MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH

Rev. Portia A. Cavitt, Pastor 5544 Ames Avenue, Omaha, NE 68104 Telephone: 402-451-8322 • Website: www.cmumc.net Email: clairumc@cumc.omhcoxmail.com

Dr. Ralph B. Lassiter, Pastor 2602 N. 24th St. Off: (402) 451-8800 - Fax: (402) 451-8522 mtmoriahomaha.net pastorlassiter@gmail.com Rev. Portia A. Cavitt, Pastor

Rev. Ralph Lassiter, Sr.

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.

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

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

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH Rev. Kent H. Little, Lead Pastor Pastor Barbara Mitchell

Services on Sundays at 8:30 am & 10:50 am

MT. NEBO MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH

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.

Rev. Kent H. Little

“The Church Where Fellowship is Real” Pastor Terry L. Arvie 5501 N. 50th Street Ph: 402-451-4245 Fx: 402-451-2130 office@mtneboomaha.org www.mtneboomaha.org Sunday Morning Worship ...................................9:00 a.m.

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

Wednesday Night Church School ......................7:30 p.m.

Youth/Children Ministry Focus (Wed.) ............7:30 p.m.

Pastor Jeffrey & Terri Booth 3025 Parker Street Omaha, NE 68111 402.905.9730 • www.fwcomaha.com Sunday at 10:00am Family Night each Wednesday at 7pm The Daily Journey each Wednesday at Noon Saturday Prayer from 7 - 8am

Rev. Kenneth A. Allen, Pastor Pastor Terry L. Arvie

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

WEDNESDAY 11:00 A.M. ~ Hour of Power Bible Study Wednesday is Family Night!

6:00 P.M. ~ Prayer & Praise Service 6:30 P.M. ~ Feast & Fellowship (Light Meal) 7:15 P.M. ~ Discipleship Academy (Classes for ages 5 & up)

PLEASANT GREEN BAPTIST CHURCH “Where CHRIST is Preeminent and the Word Prevails!”

Pastor Brian Page 5555 Larimore Avenue Church: 402-346-8427 www.pleasantgreenomaha.org

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.

Pastor Brian Page

Televised Broadcast Sunday @ 10pm on KPAO Cox Communication channel 22 & Century Link channel 89 Dr. Stan Rone Senior Pastor

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

Pastor Darnell N. Johnson, Sr. & Ladi J Pastor Eric Butler and Co-Pastor Cynthia Butler

Pastor Kenneth A. Allen

THE WORSHIP CENTER

Rev. James D. Wilkens

Pastors Eric and Cynthia Butler 6401 N. 56th Street • Omaha, NE 68104 Ph: 402-399-9628 E-Mail: Jolpastor@aol.com Sunday School...................................9:30 a.m.

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

Sunday Evening Worship.................6:00 p.m.

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

Bible Study and Youth Ministries

2215 Grant Street Omaha, NE 68110 Ph: 402-346-1502 Fax: 402-344-2720 SUNDAY Sunday Morning Worship……………9:00 A.M. Sunday School……………………...11:15 A.M.

Wednesday: Prayer Power Hour ......................................12:00 p.m

HOPE LUTHERAN CHURCH

8:30 am Early Sunday Morning Worship 9:30 - 10:15 am Sunday Morning Breakfast 10:15 - 11:15 am Sunday School 11:30 am Sunday Morning Worship 6:30 pm Wednesday Bible Study 8:00 pm Friday Night Service Noon day prayer Thursday - Saturday

ZION BAPTIST CHURCH

FREEDOM WORSHIP CENTER OMAHA

Pastor Jeffrey & Terri Booth

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

Rev. Dr. Selwyn Q. Bachus

“Come Get Your Hilltop Experience”

Pastor Jarrod S. Parker

Televised Broadcast – Sundays at 6:00 p.m., KPAO Cox Channel 22 & CenturyLink Channel 89

MOUNT CALVARY COMMUNITY CHURCH

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.

Sunday School………………………8:45 a.m.

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

Monday Bible Study…………………6:00 p.m.

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

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

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

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

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

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

&

Rev. Vitalis Anyanike

HOLY NAME CATHOLIC CHURCH MORNING STAR BAPTIST CHURCH

SUNDAYS Prayer 9:00 AM Worship 10:00 AM

THE OMAHA STAR Page Five

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

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

Tuesday Tuesday Night Teaching……...........6:30 p.m.

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

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

Dr. Stan Rone - Senior Pastor 2021 N. 24th Street • Omaha, NE 68110 (402) 341-4297 Sunday Kingdom Academy 9:00 a.m.

Worship Celebration 10:15 a.m.

Tuesday Prayer Hour 7:00 a.m. & 12:00 noon Wednesday Power Hour (Prayer/Bible Study) 6:30 p.m.

Youth and Children 6:30 p.m. www.theworshipcenter24cog.org

Page Six

LOCAL NEWS Timely Federal Funds to Enhance Election Security

THE OMAHA STAR

Lincoln – Secretary of State John Gale has received the green light from the U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) to proceed with the program objectives submitted by his office for spending the $3.5 million federal grant received from Congress. The purpose of the grants are “to improve the administration of elections for Federal office, including to enhance election technology and make election security improvements.” The 2018 HAVA Election Security Grants are being made by the EAC from a total appropriation of $380 million available to states and territories. In addition to the federal funds, each state is required to provide a 5% match to be used for the same grant purposes. The funds must be used within a five-year period. The planned use of the funds can evolve as new technology or vulnerabilities are discovered, but the funds must be used by the Secretary of State for the intended grant purposes during that time and be

accountable to the EAC through annual program submissions and federal audit.

The EAC completed the review of the Secretary of State program objectives on Aug. 10 and commented that “Your plan reflects a clear, well-designed and robust effort to strengthen your election security and infrastructure.” Following that review, the Nebraska program objectives were posted on the EAC website for public information.

The objectives for the Secretary of State include, among other things: • funding replacement of ballot tabulation and ballot marking devices owned by the state and used by the county election officials for counting paper ballots where such devices have become inoperable or unreliable;

• implementing two-party authentication tokens for state and county employees to provide increased security from hacking and spear-phishing attacks pointed toward gaining access to the

voter registration database; • joining the Electronic Registration Information Center (E.R.I.C.), a multistate partnership that will enhance the list maintenance accuracy of the state’s voter registration list; • security training for state and county election staff through state-conducted sessions or through national or regional conferences; • funds to purchase supplies for county election offices to help ensure their voting precincts remain compliant under the Americans with Disabilities Act and investigate online accessibility enhancements for ballot access for voters with disabilities; • partnering with DHS to install Albert Monitors for prompt notification of impending or identifiable threats to state and county election offices.

The Secretary of State objectives were developed with guidance from the EAC, the National Association of Secretaries

of State (NASS), interaction with the Nebraska Election Systems Task Force, a 24-member group organized by Secretary Gale in 2017 to provide a wide cross section of views of various county election officials and voter-advocacy groups on election system issues, and an internal working group of the Secretary of State Office.

Secretary Gale remarked that “Congress deserves a round of applause for providing these federal funds at a very critical time. The funds will help insure our 55 states and territories meet cybersecurity threats and help sustain current election technology while states figure out how to finance a new generation of election equipment. Nebraska’s HAVA Grant funds will definitely make a difference over the five year grant. We have been very inclusive to insure that we consider our military and overseas civilians and our disability community in our planning.”

Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s isn’t easy.

Reaching us is.

THE OFFICIAL TICKET SOURCE FOR THE ORPHEUM AND HOLLAND CENTER If you care for someone with Alzheimer’s disease, memory loss or dementia, you are not alone. We’re here day or night — whenever you need us — offering reliable information and support.

Free 24/7 Helpline: 800.272.3900 Alzheimer’s and Dementia Caregiver Center: alz.org/care

October 5, 2018

Omaha Public Library Announces Food For Fines Week

Omaha Public Library (OPL) will accept food donations Oct. 14-21 to benefit the Alliance for a Better Omaha, a collaborative of Heart Ministry Center, Together, and Food Bank for the Heartland.

OPL cardholders can donate nonexpired canned goods and other non-perishable foods in exchange for credit toward overdue fines on their OPL accounts. For each food item donated, two dollars in current fines will be waived, up to a maximum of 10 items/$20.

Patrons who have accrued fines at OPL are encouraged to return long overdue items and have their fines waived for a donation of a food item.

“The organizations of the Alliance for a Better Omaha are committed to programs which shorten the line and truly move the dial toward ending hunger. Every Omahan can join this mission by making a donation at their branch of Omaha Public Library. What an opportunity to promote reading and literacy and help feed a hungry child,” said Craig Howell, Alliance for a Better Omaha director.

Donations may be brought to the service desk of any Omaha Public Library location. A library card or photo ID must be shown at the time of donation to receive a fine waiver. Food for Fines waivers apply toward late fines only.

Customers with questions about their account status and whether or not the waiver will apply should contact their local library branch.

“Omaha Public Library is proud to play a role in helping to feed the hungry in our community,” said OPL Executive Director Laura Marlane. “Last year, 1,135 patrons donated 5,500 pounds of food during Food for Fines Week, providing more than 4,500 meals to those in need while saving money on library fines owed.

That’s impactful.”

Visit omahalibrary.org for more information on these and additional events and resources at Omaha Public Library’s 12 locations.

COMMENTARY

October 5, 2018

THE OMAHA STAR

Page Seven

Mentoring Matters: Mentors, Keep your Mind Sharp

By Debra L. Shaw We live in a world where technology rules, fast pace life styles are the norm and critical thinking skills are not necessarily on the top of one’s resume. In this era driven by an abundance of technology where everything that we utilize or touch is driven by some type of technical component; smart phone, smart TV and smart gadgets that perform by a simple touch or voice direction removes the process to think.

It is highly important to keep critical thinking skills sharp and ready to apply to all aspects of life. There are 9 traits that are characteristic of skillful critical thinkers. They are: adapt, examine, create, communicate, collaborate, reflect, strive, link and inquire.

Mentors who can integrate these 9 traits into their personal repertoire and share with their mentees, can sustain a long-lasting partnership with his or her mentee. https://www.mentoringminds. com/critical-thinking/.

Mentors must stay in tuned with up-to-date methodologies and procedures in their areas of expertise. Continue to learn new processes and embrace different ideas. This website: https://

lifehacks.io/make-your-brain-more-efficient/ gives insight on how to keep your skills on point, The following information is revealed on this site: ‘Remember the brain might stop growing after a certain age, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t nurture it. It is the most significant part of your body and it is crucial that you work its muscles as well. If you exercise your brain muscles, you could boost up its efficiency. There are ways which will help you getting the brain muscles worked up.

Whenever you exercise, new brain cells develop in the body and it will help increase brain function. This means that neurogenesis would be enhanced. If you are always curious to figure out better ways to do things, which you almost regularly do, you could improve your living standard. The brain would require coming up with innovative ways to help you achieve your tasks. Also, be interested to question more about things that you see happening.

Get the knowledge how they are done. It will always be good for your self-esteem if you learn how different things are done. New experiences create neural pathways in the brain, which increases intelligence. Cooking a new recipe, learning how to play a piano and many other beautiful things are out there in the world which you should not miss trying. Yes, you read that right! Listening to music also rewires your brain and it would happen even more if you learn

A re-newed focus: you.

500

New customers can qualify for a $ bonus,* and get access to our team of personal bankers who are here to help you with your banking needs.

In order to qualify, you must be a new Wells Fargo customer and: • Open a new consumer checking account with a minimum deposit of $25, and within 150 days set up and receive at least 3 consecutive monthly direct deposits of $500 or more a month, and • Open a new consumer savings account with a minimum deposit of $25, and within 10 days, deposit at least $25,000 in new money, and maintain a balance of at least $25,000 for 90 days • This limited-time offer expires November 16, 2018. Visit a participating* Wells Fargo branch and talk to a banker today!

Your bonus will be deposited into your new consumer checking account within 45 days after eligibility and qualifications are met.

Find a branch near you: wellsfargo.com/locator *Important things to know about this offer: Checking and Savings Bonus Eligibility: Only certain consumer checking accounts are eligible for this offer, including non-interest bearing checking accounts. Ask a personal banker for details. Teen Checking,SM Greenhouse by Wells Fargo, and the prepaid Wells Fargo EasyPay® Card are not eligible for this offer. All consumer savings accounts are eligible for this offer, excluding Time Accounts (CDs). This is an exclusive, non-transferable offer. A valid bonus offer code will be provided to each customer while meeting with a banker. You cannot be: a current owner on a Wells Fargo consumer checking or savings account, a Wells Fargo team member, or a recipient of a consumer checking or savings bonus in the past 12 months (limit one bonus per customer). Offer is only available to customers in the following states: AK, DC, ID, MN, NJ, NE, TX, WY. Bonus Qualifications: To receive a $500 bonus: 1. Open a new, eligible consumer checking account with a minimum opening deposit of $25 by November 16, 2018. Within 150 days of account opening, set up and receive at least three consecutive monthly qualifying direct deposits of at least $500 each month. During this time, your account balance must be at least $1.00 or more. A qualifying direct deposit is the customer’s salary, pension, Social Security, or other regular monthly income of an accumulated $500 or more, electronically deposited through the Automated Clearing House (ACH) network to this checking account by your employer, or an outside agency. A non-qualifying direct deposit is a transfer from one account to another, or deposits made at a Wells Fargo branch or ATM. AND 2. Open a new, eligible savings account with a minimum opening deposit of $25 by November 16, 2018 and within 10 days of account opening, deposit at least $25,000 in new money into either the new checking or new savings account, and maintain at least a $25,000 cumulative account(s) balance for 90 days. New money is defined as at least $25,000 in new deposits from sources outside of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., or its affiliates. Due to the new money requirement, accounts may only be opened at your local branch. Offer subject to change and may be discontinued at any time. Offer cannot be: paid without a valid U.S. Taxpayer Identification Number (W-9); combined with any other consumer deposit offer. Minimum new money deposit requirement of at least $25,000 is for this offer only and cannot be transferred to another account to qualify for any other consumer deposit offer. If you wish to take advantage of another consumer deposit offer requiring a minimum new money deposit, you will be required to do so with another new money deposit as stated in that offer’s requirements and qualifications. Those who take advantage of this Savings bonus offer cannot also take advantage of any New Dollar promotional interest rate offer during the same promotional period. Offer cannot be reproduced, purchased, sold, transferred, or traded. Bonus Payment: We will deposit the $500 bonus into your new consumer checking account within 45 days after eligibility and qualifications have been met. Checking account must remain open in order to receive the bonus payment. You are responsible for any federal, state, or local taxes due on your bonus, and we will report as income to the tax authorities if required by applicable law. Consult your tax advisor. New account open subject to approval. Checking and savings accounts are subject to monthly service fees; please refer to the Consumer Account Fee and Information Schedule (available at www.wellsfargo.com/online-banking/consumer-account-fees) or speak to a banker for more details. The consumer savings accounts eligible for this offer are interest-bearing accounts with variable interest rates. For example, Wells Fargo Way2Save® Savings pays an Annual Percentage Yield (APY) of 0.01% on all balances and requires a minimum opening deposit of $25. The APY is accurate as of 9/13/2018 and may change at any time without notice. Fees may reduce earnings. © 2018 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. Member FDIC.

how to play musical instruments. This subsequently leads to you thinking faster and more accurately.

You must be aware how your body regenerates cells when you are sleeping and removes the excess toxins that have gathered in your body. You must get enough sleep and thus, should go to bed before midnight. When you take stress out of your life, existing brain neurons are killed and even the new ones don’t get created.

Research shows that a positive outlook speeds up the creation of new cells and reduces stress and anxiety. Thus, it would be better if you try to control your negative thoughts and replace them with positive ones.’

In a nutshell, effective mentors must bring their best self to the table to help others. We live in a world where ‘selfies’ are promoted on various social media venues. It is all about the right angle, the right lighting with the appropriate background. Keeping your brain sharp is another ‘selfie’ but in a mental and intellectual capacity.

Keep your self sharp so that you can sharpen others through a mentorship program. Search in your community for organizations such as Big Brothers, Big Sisters, Girls Inc., 100 Black Men, National Coalition of 100 Black Women, National Council of Negro Women, Inc. or your own faith-based connection. Become a mentor.

Mentoring Matters!

Page Eight

COMMENTARY

THE OMAHA STAR

Black Votes Matter

By Preston Love Jr. UNO Adjunct Professor Prestonlovejr.com Black Lives, Black Poverty and Black Votes Matter The New Face of North Omaha, 2018: Our Asian/Karen Neighbors Part I On Sept. 21, I was shocked and dismayed at the disgraceful handling of 500 of our fellow North Omaha neighbors, the Asian ethnic group Karen. These wonderful, loving people, come from an area sandwiched between Thailand and Myanmar, formerly known as Burma.

Their plight is tragic because they have been victims of ethnic genocide and warfare in their own country, forced to become refugees in Thailand, in mostly isolated and overcrowded and otherwise horrible conditions. Over 400,000 Karen people are homeless, and with a few exceptions, have no access to clean water, electricity, clothing and proper shelter. Most recently they are being forced to leave by the Thailand government. In the last 35 years, more than 500,000 have been resettled in the United States. Which brings us to our neighbors, located throughout the city, but mostly in north Omaha at Yale Court, formerly known as the Tommy Rose Garden Apartments. In part II, I will try to contrast their refugee status with others, who are not refugees of color, and see what we find. In Part I, I am sharing an exclusive discussion that I had on September 27, with one of my university students. She, along with her family and friends, was evicted from Yale Court.

In Part II, we will uncover where fault lies in their treatment and provide suggested solutions going forward.

The fault is partially the performance of yet another slum lord, but there are other factors that involve agencies designated to help. To protect her privacy, the student’s name has been withheld.

Interview with Karen student and Preston Love Jr. PRESTON: How old are you?

STUDENT: 21 years old.

PRESTON: Where were you born?

STUDENT: A refugee camp in Thailand.

PRESTON: How long have you been in this country?

STUDENT: 6 years.

PRESTON: Do you hold a green card?

STUDENT: Yes. PRESTON: The turmoil and genocide, people being killed. To escape the problem, people set up refugee camps in Thailand. Then Thailand said too much, go back to your country. But they can’t go back. Did you come with family?

STUDENT: Yes. PRESTON: Did you leave family there?

STUDENT: No. My family was in Pennsylvania. Was working with Pastor Nayklay. They have an Omaha organization here. We came here where there are more Karen people PRESTON: So now you’re here. You moved to Yale Court first?

STUDENT: No, we lived at 48th street. It was no different, but at least it was only two to three days when you called them to come and fix stuff.

PRESTON: But you had friends over there?

STUDENT: No, but we have the same culture.

PRESTON: So, what do you know about that place?

STUDENT: People choose to live there because it was cheap. At first, I thought the owner was nice, because he let the people plant vegetables. But for me, it felt like a refugee camp, just here. Most of the people left because they had complaints and started disliking the place because of the conditions but could not communicate the problems because of the language.

PRESTON: Is there an agency that helps pay for the rent?

STUDENT: When we first came, the first three months, they paid for us.

PRESTON: Not Omaha housing authority?

STUDENT: No. They would help find the jobs. People would go to meat companies, so they could get a job there.

When they start working, there is no more help.

PRESTON: How did you happen to be in the university?

What was your schooling?

STUDENT: We don’t have good schools. I studied and learned when I came here. It was really hard. In one year, I was able to pick up English, I know some Burmese some Tai and some Karen. I graduated from Benson in Omaha.

I got a Buffett scholarship. I am majoring in criminal justice.

PRESTON: The landlord said he lived there. I asked him, “You got bed bugs?” He said no.

STUDENT: You have to wake up and kill the bed bugs.

My dad went and bought the medicine (probably means insecticide), but they would go away for a few weeks and come back.

PRESTON: You live with your mom?

STUDENT: I live with my mom and dad. We live with our parents, even if you’re married.

PRESTON: Were any of the landlords trying to get any sexual favors?

STUDENT: I have no idea. They want to live peacefully.

That’s their culture. If he had, they are not going to say that. They don’t want to bring it up.

PRESTON: Is there anything else you want to comment on?

STUDENT: For the Karen people, I don’t know how they vote here. I have to get my citizenship.

PRESTON: How many are citizens?

STUDENT: Less than 10%. The children, some of them were born here, so they are already citizens.

PRESTON: Are you in touch with any who were put out?

STUDENT: Yes. My sponsor got a lot of donation stuff.

My sister took a lot of pictures. One of the reasons they worry is that we may do something wrong. When we first got here, they said you have to be scared of the police. So, when we saw the police, we were scared. If the police stop you on the freeway, they will search everything. That’s why I am studying criminal justice, because I know that’s not right. One of the church members had the offering, and one of the lights was broken and the police stopped him, they searched the car. He had the money for the offering and was taking it to the bank, they saw the money, and they took him to the police station. It made me wonder why all this happens.

Note: The interview provided much, much, more information, but space does not allow me to provide it all.

See the Oct. 19 issue for Part II. To review previous Black Votes Matter column articles visit Omahastar.com. Or prestonlovejr.com. Preston love can be reached at prestonlovejr@gmail.com.

Outside Yale Court after eviction

October 5, 2018

Op-Ed Jim Clyburn for Speaker of the House

By Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. NNPA President and CEO Washington, DC – No one questions the fact that for the past six decades, African Americans have overwhelmingly supported and voted for Democratic Party candidates for the United States Congress. In the upcoming 2018 midterm elections, African Americans by the millions will once again cast the clear majority of their votes for Democratic Party candidates for governors and members of the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives.

The mission of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), representing the Black Press of America, is to report the news and to be an advocate for freedom, justice and equality for Black America and for all others who stand in Congressman James opposition to racism and economic inequality and cry E. Clyburn (D-SC) out for a better quality of life.

Last week, during the Congressional Black Caucus Annual Legislative Conference in Washington, DC, the NNPA awarded Congressman James E. Clyburn (D-SC) our 2018 National Leadership Award for outstanding service and commitment to equality and justice.

From time to time, it is our mandate and responsibility to express our collective editorial opinion about the interests of the 47 million African Americans who strive to empower, sustain, protect, and care for our families and communities.

It is, therefore, appropriate for me to support and express, on behalf of the 220 Black-owned newspapers and media companies affiliated with the NNPA across the nation, that Congressman Jim Clyburn should be the next Speaker of the House of Representatives.

During this time of renewed civic and political fervor for a more progressive, inclusive and diverse democracy in the United States, it is past-due time that Jim Clyburn should be given the opportunity to lead the U.S. Congress as Speaker of the House.

Clyburn is uniquely qualified to be the Speaker and his timely elevation to this historic and vitally important position will help put to rest the widespread notion that the Democratic Party takes African American votes for granted.

Given the current increased racial divide and regional polarizations in this regressive era of President Donald Trump, there is no better prepared member of the U.S. Congress than Jim Clyburn, with his base in rural and urban South Carolina, to help lead the House of Representatives forward.

Jim began public service as a college student fighting for equal rights and fair treatment alongside John Lewis in the Student Non-violent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), of which they were founding members. I have known Clyburn since those transformative days in the 1960s when young student leaders of SNCC and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), led by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., advanced the enactment and fulfillment of civil rights.

Clyburn served as Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) Foundation’s Annual Legislative Conference for both Sessions of the 104th Congress. In the 105th Congress, he was unanimously elected Chair of the CBC. As CBC Chair, Jim successfully led the effort to desegregate the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit. Clyburn successfully engaged the GAO to conduct a study of restorations and preservation needs at Historically Black Colleges and Universities, which led to comprehensive legislation to preserve and restore historic buildings on HBCU campuses across the country. The House recently appropriated another $8 million to continue this effort. He has helped the caucus develop legislation to restore the protections of the Voting Rights Act and expand access to the ballot, and recently led the fight to defend the Affordable Care Act. In 2002, Jim was elected Vice Chair of the House Democratic Caucus. He was elected Chair in 2005, Majority Whip in 2006, and Assistant Democratic Leader in 2010. In every capacity he has been inclusive and selfless. In addition, as Whip, he chaired the House Democratic Task Force on Hurricane Katrina, shepherding numerous bills into law, contributing to the rebuilding of New Orleans and the Gulf Coast.

Today, as Assistant Leader, Clyburn has earned the respect of Democrats on Capitol Hill as well as throughout the country. Jim also has helped to raise significant amounts of money for numerous Democratic candidates.

Every August Jim and his wife, Emily – whom he met in jail during one of his SNCC incarcerations – host a Health Fair, Food Bank, Back-to-School bash and Scholarship Banquet for families and communities along the I-95 corridor. This year they awarded $250,000 in cash, laptops and software packages to 127 needy, college-bound students, resulting in a total of $4.9 million in student aid their Foundation has awarded to students over more than 30 years. This effort by the Clyburns precedes Jim’s outstanding congressional service.

In conclusion, in America’s 233 years as a republic, we have never had an African American Speaker of the House. The time has now come for serious consideration. The midterm elections are only a few weeks away. We will be voting in record numbers and after the November 6, 2018 election results are reported, there will be new opportunities and responsibilities to reorganize the newly elected U.S. Congress.

African Americans continue to be a major determinative component of the current resurgence of the Democratic Party and are key to winning and maintaining a new majority in the U.S. Congress. Simply put, we are very tired of hearing, “Wait your turn.” It is our turn. We demand respect and accountability for our longstanding and solid support of the Democratic Party. Elect Jim Clyburn Speaker of the House.

Editor’s Note: The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the policies and position of the staff and management of the Omaha Star newspaper.

Homeowner Bill of Rights: Protecting Families from Life’s Financial Storms

By Charlene Crowell In recent weeks, multiple news sources have reported on the 10-year anniversary since the onset of the nation’s foreclosure crisis. Between 2007 and 2011, 10.9 million homes went into foreclosure, with 8 million completing that process. Additionally, $1.95 trillion in lost property value affected both families who lost their homes to foreclosure, as well as their nearby neighbors who remained in their homes.

Less prominently revisited in these retrospectives were the disproportionate losses suffered by Black and Latinx communities.

Together, these two ethnicities absorbed $1 trillion wealth losses.

None of us can change the past; but what we can and should learn from it and take steps to ensure that harms caused are acknowledged and never repeated. The creation of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) was authorized at the federal level. But across the country, states also took initiatives as well.

For example, California became the first state in 2012 to create a ‘Homeowner Bill of Rights’ (HOBR). A state legislative package was enacted to end many mortgage ills, like banning mortgage broker kickbacks for unfairly placing borrowers into more expensive loans than necessary. Another harmful practice included mortgage servicers who assured borrowers that a refinance was in progress while at the same time, beginning the formal foreclosure process. HOBR was an important part of a legislative package that broadly addressed a wide range of mortgage woes.

It took years of advocacy before the California Assembly passed the initiative. At the urging of consumer advocates and the former state Attorney General Kamala Harris, the HOBR gained support

from civil rights organizations, banks, credit unions, labor unions and consumer groups. Borrowers, lenders, workers and advocates all agreed the legislation was fair and responsible to improve the foreclosure tsunami.

For consumers, however, the most heralded legal provision, included the right to have their own day in court. If mortgage servicers did not comply with the law, borrowers could sue and seek financial redress. Borrowers were also assured of timely notification on the status of their loan modifications and gained the right to appeal modification denials.

Unfortunately, as much legislation affords, “sunsets,” dates by which specific legal requirements expire, took the real teeth out of HOBR since 2017. Such times are also the moments when leadership can emerge and replace what was lost.

San Jose’s State Senator Jim Beall, who also chairs the state’s Senate Transportation and Housing Committee, sponsored a 2018 HOBR that restored the previously lost provisions. Moreover, on September 14, California Governor Jerry Brown signed the new bill into law.

Beyond restoring the right to appeal a loan modification denial, the updated bill also resurrects: • Requirements that loan servicers provide homeowners with written notices to confirm receipt of their loan modifications applications and whether any necessary application items are missing; and.

• Requirements that servicers send written denial notices with sufficient information and sufficient time to appeal a questionable denial.

“Californians can once again count on the protections that helped thousands of homeowners hold onto their houses during the 2008 financial crisis,” noted Sen. Beall. “Lenders will have to provide timely notifications on the status of a loan modification application

and homeowners will have the right to appeal denials.”

For Graciela Aponte-Diaz, California Policy Director with the Center for Responsible Lending, the 2018 bill reinstates safeguards to help families stay in the homes.

“Foreclosures have rattled our housing market, especially for owners who have been hit hard by natural disasters,” said AponteDiaz. “Homeowners need protection against procedural abuses – this bill helps us accomplish that goal.”

Today, consumers in Minnesota and Nevada have similar HOBRs. It just seems sensible that other locales where billion-dollar property losses were suffered due to recent storms or wildfires would be well-served if their respective states also implemented their own HOBRs. In just the past year, locales as diverse as Arizona, Florida, the Carolinas, and Texas have also suffered tremendous losses and will need years to fully recover financially.

The bottom line is that whoever you are or where you live, housing is needed. At a time when most working families are dedicating an increasing amount of income to provide a home, it should be apparent that these homes deserve protection – not just from weather storms; but life’s financial storms.

As former President Lyndon Johnson spoke in a June 4, 1965 address to Howard University: “You do not wipe away the scars of centuries by saying: Now you are free to go where you want, and do as you desire, and choose the leaders as you please.

“You do not take a person who, for years, has been hobbled by chains and liberate him, bring him up to the starting line of a race and then say, ‘you are free to compete with others,’ and still justly believe that you have been completely fair.

“Thus is it not enough just to open the gates of opportunity. All our citizens must have the ability to walk through those gates.”

LIFE & STYLE/HEALTH & WELLNESS THE OMAHA STAR When Retirement is Just New Book Provides Insight on How to Around the Corner, These 3 Unlock the Career of Your Dreams Steps Can Help You Prepare (Black PR Wire) DALLAS, TX – Melerick Mitchell. “The truth is that

October 5, 2018

If looking ahead to retirement makes you a little nervous, you’re not alone.

Nearly half of Americans (46 percent) who haven’t reached retirement predict that they won’t be financially comfortable once they get there, according to a Gallup survey.

For some, those potentially uncomfortable retirement years are decades away. But for the Baby Boom generation, retirement either already arrived or will in the next decade or so, prompting many Boomers to wonder whether they are prepared for their looming date with destiny.

And that raises a question: Just what does it take to be prepared?

“Many Baby Boomers measure their preparedness in terms of assets,” says Ryan Eaglin, founder and chief advisor of America’s Annuity (www. americasannuity.com).

“They’re trying to hit a certain number or account balance. Asset accumulation is an important part of retirement planning, but it’s not the only component. There are a few other steps you need to take to make sure you’re ready to leave work behind and enjoy a stable and comfortable retirement.”

Eaglin suggests three planning steps that can help Baby Boomers – or anyone else – be better prepared for retirement: • Prepare not just one, but two budgets. Most Americans don’t use a budget, even though it’s a handy tool – especially in retirement. “It helps you see where you’re spending your money, how much money you can afford to spend and what adjustment you should make,” Eaglin says. He recommends creating two budgets. One would be for your remaining years before retirement so you can look for ways to cut spending and save more. The other would be for after you retire. “Think of ways to live the retirement you’ve dreamed of while also staying within your income,” Eaglin says. “It may be difficult but just the act of preparing a budget can help you get a better understanding of your financial situation.”

• Project your income. While your budget will help you understand how you are spending your money, you also need to have a good grip on what your potential retirement income will be. For most people, that’s a combination of Social Security, personal savings and possibly employer pensions. Social Security has an income estimator tool on its website, and an employer should be able to provide a pension-benefit projection. “Your financial professional should be able to help you project how much you should be able to take from your savings each year,” Eaglin says. Once you compare your projected income to your spending budget, he says, you’ll know whether you need to save more or rethink retirement spending. You also might want to look for ways to increase your guaranteed income, such as through an annuity, he says.

• Plan for long-term care. As much as people don’t want to hear this, the average 65-year-old has a 70 percent chance of needing long-term care in retirement, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. “That means it’s very possible you or your spouse may need care either in your home or in a facility at some point,” Eaglin says. “That care can be expensive. Unfortunately, it’s usually not covered by Medicare, and it’s covered by Medicaid only after you’ve depleted much of your assets.”

“If all this tells you that you’re behind on where you want to be with preparation and your savings, the good news is it’s never too late to get started,” Eaglin says. “You may have to adjust your plans, but with focus and discipline, you can still put yourself in a position to have a comfortable and enjoyable retirement.”

Melerick Mitchell, the well-renowned and sought after corporate speaker and coach, and CEO of Drive Influence, has penned a book that serves to help readers build a personal career path aligned with their unique passions and purpose in life.

The book, entitled Hacking your Career, will be available on Amazon Books later this fall. Within the pages of this easy read, anyone will be able to create their own personalized strategies to help them achieve their greatest work/ life balance. It offers his easy step by step rules to analyze and overcome any hindrance that stands in the way to achieving the fulfilling careers that we seek.

“The career ladder model we have been taught over the years has not only changed but is now obsolete,” says

most companies are more interested in developing employees to perform tasks versus developing the kinds of staff that think outside of the mundane box. And it’s the creative thinkers who not only master their job assignments quickest but increase their company’s worth and revolutionize their own careers in the process.”

As a corporate trainer and talent development architect, Melerick is uniquely qualified to boil down the concepts used at the highest levels in the corporate world and make them applicable to any person in the room. He offers a unique blend of executive coach experience and global team building.

Based on years of study, in-depth interviews, and multiple tracks observations Hacking your Career was

By Dr. Richard L. Brown, Ph.D., FACHE Executive Director, REACH, Creighton University

It is my wish that everyone who reads the Star had an enjoyable summer season. Now that school has resumed, and you are into a new routine, let’s not forget about the value of moving your body and getting plenty of exercise. The snow is a longways away and daylight savings time doesn’t start for another few weeks. There is still time to enjoy the great outdoors.

There are many opportunities to participate in outdoor activities. Quite a few can be enjoyed as a family. One of the most important and easiest activities to enjoy is walking.

When was the last time you and your children or other family member went for a walk other than for back to school

By Asia Rollins Omaha Star Intern - Hampton University For many years, the fashion industry has been dominated by White faces. The world of fashion has always used influences from Black culture without actually including the sources of their inspiration. From designers to models, and even hair and makeup crew, the chances of one finding a person of color were very slim. Recently, the fashion industry has had no choice but to make room for Blacks and their remarkable designs. These designers are shaking up the industry’s views on beauty, politics, and redefining what it means to be a fashion designer. Check out these five phenomenal designers who are making big moves in the fashion industry 1. Tracy Reese One could describe Reese’s designs as full of colors, prints, and even more colors. For 20 years, this Detroit native has encouraged women to be comfortable but also chic and glamorous with a vintage flare. She is the lady behind Michelle

Obama’s 2012 DNC Convention speech dress. Her designs feature elaborate patterns, retro-inspired cuts, and bohemian influences. Reese’s out of the ordinary approach to fashion and demand for diversity is a breath of fresh air.

2. Shayne Oliver Oliver’s eccentric aesthetics have brought out a more extreme form of streetwear to higher fashion. His New York City based label, Hood By Air, has merged 90’s style bold graphics with modern silhouettes. In 2015, Oliver won the CFDA Swarovski Award for Menswear.

Oliver’s androgynous approach to fashion has gained attention from celebrities like Kanye West, A$AP Rocky, and Jaden Smith.

3. Kheris Rogers Kheris Rogers made history by being the youngest designer on the New York Fashion Week Calendar. At 12-yearsold, Rogers has made her message of inclusivity clear by starting her line Flexin’ In My Complexion. Rogers was inspired to start her clothing line when she was in first grade. In school Rogers was bullied because of her darker skin. Flexin’ In My Complexion is helping Black children

shopping? Use that joyful back to school shopping experience to carry over to a family walk as a routine, 3 times a week, if not daily.

The health benefit is super valuable and fun for the adult as well as teenagers and younger children. For adults, it is good to walk down the food that you consumer during dinner, because it will help with metabolism by burning calories and avoiding excess accumulation of fat. Walking is a stress reliever and can reduce high blood pressure and assist with controlling diabetes.

The benefit to children is that they will burn off the excess energy that they always seem to have, which is best released outdoors rather than in the house. Outdoor exercise takes them away from the electronic devices for a while and gives their brain a chance to connect with the real world.

They will sleep better and there is scientific proof that children, who participate in regular exercise, experience higher academic achievement.

I hear that there is an APP, called Walkonomics that will find attractive, beautiful streets for your routes, rather than the most direct way to go. It is currently available for streets in New York, San Francisco, and England. When it gets to Omaha, I’ll check it out and let you know how well it works.

“Get Active, Healthy and Happy.”

The Wellness Feed Take Charge!

By Taylor White-Welchen, MPH Last month I talked about the importance of taking charge during doctor visits. Today, I want to further highlight the value and importance of taking charge. The general healthcare space is working to create a more patient/relationshipcentered model. This means we, the patient, will have more say in our treatment, and have a louder voice when assessing our health. A goal of this patient/relationship-centered model is to treat the illness not the disease. A disease is a specific biomedical pathology, and an illness is the unique symptoms and experiences troubling us. But how does our doctor treat our illness? With the help of a patient who takes charge of their doctor visits, understands the therapeutic value of the patient-provider relationship, and tells the doctor exactly what is going on.

Unfortunately, some patients are more unlikely than others to take charge during their doctor visits. A study found, racial/ethnic minorities were less likely to ‘initiate participation’ (take charge). This study also found doctors engaged in less ‘supportive talk’ with racial/ethnic minority patients, but engaged in more ‘doctor partnership-building’ with patients of lower educational attainment. So what does this mean for us? This means we, as a community, will have to work a bit harder to develop and maintain a strong, transparent, and effective patient-provider relationship, and will have to really push ourselves to take charge at our doctor visits. Never forget, it is your doctor visit, your health, and your body. So take charge!

Good Books Café developed with the premise and purpose to share in the power and the obligation to love what we do and do what we love.

There is an equation to career success and Hacking your Career unlocks the formula for the reader and provides practical insight and strategy to fasttrack a beautiful balance between life and work.

Five Black Designers Bringing a New Attitude to Fashion

REACH: Summer is Done, But Not the Fun Racial and ethical approaches to community health (REACH) is a bi-weekly column featuring articles that focus on reducing health disparities in the African American community. It will include topics submitted by Creighton University Health Sciences Multicultural and Community Affairs (HS-MACA) department.

Page Nine

celebrate their many complexions.

4. Olivier Rousteing This French designer has reinvented Balmain. At the age of 25, Rousteing went from assistant to creative director at Balmain. Texture and structure are key elements in Rousteing’s designs.

Lots of his inspiration is found in old architecture. Rousteing effortlessly merges classic Balmain with fresh, new ideas. His Balmain Army includes celebrities like Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Lopez, Kelly Rowland, Beyoncé, Justin Bieber, and Chris Brown.

5. Rihanna Rihanna is arguably one of the most fashionable celebrities. She is the true definition of a fashion powerhouse. From red hair, green fur, floral printed pants, and high boots there isn’t much the girl can’t pull off. Rihanna is the creative director of the sportswear brand Puma. Rihanna debuted her 2018 Fenty x Puma spring collection at New York Fashion Week.

The collection was filled with biker shorts, French-cut swim suits, and tomboyish nylon track pants. Many young adults look to Rihanna as a trend setter who makes her own rules.

Creighton School of Dentistry Seeks Participants for Bone-Grafting Study

A potentially groundbreaking study in the Creighton University School of Dentistry is seeking participants for the research.

The Department of Periodontology is conducting the study to evaluate the clinical efficiency of a synthetic bone graft on the surgical treatment of implant disease. Qualifying subjects who are enrolled in the study will get the implant treatment free of cost.

Potential study participants must be 21 years of age or older, free of gum disease and active infections in the mouth. Participants must have a dental implant that is causing them trouble, be it swelling, sensitivity, discomfort, showing visible metal or if they have been told by a dentist that they have this problem. Teeth need to be present and close to the implant that has problems.

Potential subjects of the study cannot participate if any of the following apply: • Participation in other clinical trials involving therapeutic intervention • Existence of a systemic disease such as uncontrolled diabetes and blood pressure • Long term use of corticosteroids, antibiotics or osteoporosis medications • Female subjects who are pregnant or lactating, or who may become pregnant • Smoking more than 10 cigarettes or the equivalent, per day Qualified participants or those seeking more information should contact Julie Aken at julieaken@creighton.edu or 402-280-5088.

Back-to-School Season: Not Just for Kids

By Ben Grabski Now that kids are into their school routines, we should also feel a renewed sense of vigor and motivation. For many of us, fall is synonymous with the fresh start of a new school year and the satisfaction that comes from busy, productive days and learning new things.

That makes this a great time of year to break out of the monotony of stale routines, and that’s especially true for older adults. For all the wonderful things about retirement, the wide-open days with no deadlines or definitive plans can sometimes make it tough to stay motivated.

So this year, use autumn as a force for good by making some changes that can put you on a path to a healthier, happier year ahead. Consider the following ideas that can take you to the head of the class when it comes to your health and quality of life.

1. Volunteer. Use your wealth of experience, wisdom and practical skills to benefit your community by volunteering for causes that are important to you.

While you’re helping your community, you’ll be helping yourself, too. Threequarters of U.S. adults feel physically healthier by volunteering, according to the 2017 Doing Good is Good for You study from UnitedHealthcare and

VolunteerMatch.

2. Pass it on through Play. Whether you’re a grandparent, family friend or neighbor, you could make a difference in a young person’s life by spending quality time with them and modeling healthy choices. Teaching a child a timeless activity or skill that you enjoyed in your youth – like fishing, checkers or a card game – can be a great way to pass on traditions and have fun while also helping kids to cut down on time in front of a computer, tablet or smartphone screen.

3. Put it on Your Schedule. You likely relied on a class schedule and student planner to help you stay accountable back in your school days. That same concept can keep you disciplined when it comes to staying active and getting enough exercise. Whether it’s gardening, attending an exercise class at your local gym, or just taking a regular bike ride or walk around your neighborhood, writing it on your calendar and planning your other activities around this time that you’ve carved out for exercise can be a good practice to ensure you don’t brush it off.

4. Head Back to Class. Even if it’s been decades since you’ve stepped foot in a classroom, it’s not too late to learn something new. And challenging your mind is one of the best ways to protect

your brain health as you age. Explore options available in your community, such as signing up for a class that interests you at your local community college or brushing up on your computer skills at the library. In addition to the brain health benefits, you might also meet some new friends in this sort of group learning environment.

5. Study Up on Your Benefits. Fall is not just back-to-school season. It’s also the annual Medicare enrollment season. Just like cramming for a test the night before was never a good idea, the same goes for choosing your Medicare coverage for the year ahead. Spend some time reviewing any changes in your benefits for 2019 and considering the other options available to you. Being studious about your Medicare choices won’t get you an “A” grade, but it could help you avoid unpleasant surprises when you need to access care and even save some money in the year ahead.

For more health and wellness information and tips for healthy living, visit newsroom.uhc.com.

(Ben Grabski is the CEO of UnitedHealthcare Medicare & Retirement in Nebraska. UnitedHealthcare is the largest business dedicated to serving the health and well-being needs of seniors and other beneficiaries.)

Page Ten THE OMAHA STAR

Selma Exhibit Opens Today at Black History Museum

EVENTS/CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING Fundraiser Luncheon puts Human Trafficking in its Crosshairs Each month in Nebraska, more than 900 people are sold for sex online.

At Creighton University, the Human Trafficking Institute (HTI) is pledged to bring an end to this abomination through direct partnerships with other organizations combating human trafficking and through increasing awareness about trafficking and how it can unfold, even in seemingly stable communities like Omaha.

Oct. 30, at 11:30 a.m., in the Ahmanson Ballroom at the Harper Center, 602 N. 20th St., on the Creighton campus, the Heider College of Business and The Force, a local volunteer and philanthropy organization, will host “Connecting the Dots: A Fundraiser for the Human Trafficking Initiative.” The luncheon and program will feature former FBI agent Anna Brewer, an expert in the fight against human trafficking now working with the Omaha Women’s Fund, in conversation with Crysta Price, co-director of the HTI. The two will talk about scope of human trafficking and the ways the crime is fought, with such tactics as HTI’s emphasis on collecting, analyzing and evaluating data, and combining technology and human analytics to “connect the dots” in the tangled web of trafficking.

“By generating data that does not yet exist and integrating knowledge that the community already has, we seek to create a shared set of facts that help make existing efforts smarter,” Price said.

For more information and to register for the fundraiser and luncheon, visit https://business.creighton.edu/events All proceeds from the luncheon will go toward the HTI’s goal of ending human trafficking.

The Great Plains Black History Museum’s new exhibit, “Selma the March for Freedom 50 Years Later” opens today (Friday).

“In March of 1965 the Selma to Montgomery march was part of a series of civil-rights protests in Alabama. On Sunday, March 7, about 600 people started a planned peaceful march from Selma to Montgomery. It was called a demonstration. But when state troopers met the demonstrators with force at the edge of the city by the Edmund Pettus Bridge, the day became known as “Bloody Sunday.”

Unlike “Bloody Sunday,” the exhibit will focus on Omaha youth and adults who journeyed down south to participate in the 50th anniversary of the march across the Edmund Pettus Bridge.

The exhibit will close Dec. 29.

The museum, at 2221 N. 24th Halloween can be a frighteningly frenzied time of year. Between St., is open to the public at no acquiring treats, costumes and decorations, parents may seek simple charge Thursday, Friday and solutions for seasonal fun without adding to the already hectic time Saturday, 1-5 p.m. and expenses! Omaha Public Library (OPL) can help with fun, free, Visit us on the web at pre-planned programs and activities for all ages to enjoy. Registration may be required for some events and parental permission is required theomahastar.com for all lock-in activities. Visit omahalibrary.org or phone the hosting location for more information.

Library To Offer Frightfully Fun Halloween Programs

Legal Notice

For kids & families: • Oct. 22, 4:30-5:45 p.m.: LEGO Club Halloween Edition at South Omaha Library, 2808 Q St., 402-444-4850. Use black lights, glowin-the-dark bricks, and your imaginations to build LEGO creations!

• Oct. 23, 6-7:30 p.m.: Spooktacular at Florence Branch, 2920 Bondesson St., 402-444-5299. Enjoy slightly scary stories, a bounce house, crafts, games, snacks and treats. Costumes are encouraged.

Program provided in partnership with the Florence Community Center and Senior Center.

• Oct. 26, 2-2:45 p.m.: Jeff Quinn’s Spooky Magic Show at Milton R. Abrahams Branch, 5111 N. 90th St., 402-444-6284. This fun, family-friendly magic show will contain spooky (but not scary) tricks, lots of audience participation, and age-appropriate humor for both kids and adults.

• Oct. 27, 2-3 p.m.: Spooky Science at South Omaha Library.

Participate in Halloween-themed, hands-on experiments exploring

Dominic Landon Owens will be changing his name to Dominic Landon Dixon

Legal Notice Douglas County CI185499 Breonna Monet Miller Petition filed: June 18, 2018 Filed in: Douglas County Current name: Breonna Monet Miller New name: Breonna Monet Christian

Library continued on page 11

Business Connection

To advertise your business, please contact Phyllis Hicks.

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

Attorney

Convenient Store Entertainment

100.3

Timothy Ashford

FM

Attorney at Law

Omaha NE’s FIRST and ONLY 24/7 FM Gospel Radio!

HEAR YOURSELF ON-AIR! Step 1: Call the Radio Request Line 402-819-8941 (Toll-Free 855-465-100.3) Step 2: Say “This is (your name). My favorite gospel song is (your favorite song).”

Step 3: Tune in to 100.3 FM and we’ll play YOUR VOICE when we play YOUR FAVORITE SONG!

1603 Farnam Street Omaha, NE 68102 (402) 660-5544

Proudly Black-Owned and Operated. Lady J and LuvLuv, Founders.

For more info: www.GospelMusicOmaha.com

attorneytimothyashford@gmail.com

Entertainment Housing 55 & older

ATTENTION ATTENTION ATTENTION

ANNOUNCING A NEW AND EXCITING COMMUNITY RADIO SHOW

Martha & Preston Love

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND

live: cebook aha.com om us on fa Catch ospelmusic ok/g facebo

Independent Seniors 55 & Over Call Seven Oaks at Notre Dame HOME! Call for a Tour Today!

3439 State Street Omaha, Nebraska 68112 402.451.4477 www.sevenoaksnd.org

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

Oct. 9 – In observance of Teen Read Week, a literacy initiative to encourage teens to be regular readers and library users, the Washington Branch Library, 2868 Ames Ave, will screen the film based on the book “Ready Player One” and have a 1980s-themed activity from 3:30-6 p.m. For more info, phone 402-444-4849.

Oct. 11 – “Let’s Talk about Race” at UNO Black Studies Department’s 2018 Table Talk.

Enjoy dinner and conversation in the Milo Bail Student Center, from 6-8:30 p.m. Registration deadline is Oct. 9. Register at 402-554-2412 or unoblackstudies@unomaha.edu.

Oct 12 – Kickback & Book Discussion at Charles B. Washington Branch, 2868 Ames Ave, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Teens and adults are invited after-hours for dinner and a dialogue around this year’s Omaha Reads title, “The Hate U Give” by Angie Thomas. Community activist Ashlei Spivey will dive into some of the book’s themes and welcome attendees to share ideas and perspectives. Participants are encouraged to read the book before the event. Registration is required. A signed parental permission form is required for minors attending without a guardian.

Phone 402-444-4849 to register.

Oct. 12 – Black Votes Matter Institute of Community Engagement will host their first “Face to Face with Black History Tour” banquet at 7 p.m. at Scott Conference Center.

The featured speaker will be Dr. Edmond Wheeler, President ITC, Atlanta, GA. For tickets or more info, phone 402-905-9305.

Oct. 12 – The Union for Contemporary Art’s Performing Arts Collective opens its first musical production, Kirsten Childs’ The Bubbly Black Girl Sheds Her Chameleon Skin, a humorous coming-of-age story spanning the sixties through the nineties, and the confusing worlds of racism, sexism, and Broadway showbiz. Showtime is 7:00 p.m. The production runs through Oct. 28.

Tickets are available at eventbrite. The Union is located at 2423 N. 24th St. Oct. 13 – Empowerment Network’s Raise the Vote North Omaha Summit will be held from 8:45-11:30 a.m. at the North High School Viking Center, 4410 N. 36th St. Oct. 13 – Metropolitan Community College, One World Health Centers and the Mexican Consulate will co-host the Binational Health Fair from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. in the Mahoney Building at the College’s South Omaha Campus, 27th and Q streets. The event will offer free services including vision and hearing, head and neck and dental screens, health and safety information, flu shots and glucose and blood pressure screens.

Oct. 13/14 – Annual Restoration Exchange Omaha home tour will visit 10 homes in the historic Bemis Park neighborhood. The tour will be held from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. and will begin at Augustana Lutheran Church, 3647 Lafayette Ave. Tickets for the selfdirected tour can be purchased on line at www. restorationexchangeomaha.org.

Oct. 13 – Labor Max Staff Branch Manager Melissa Coleman will host a job fair at Pleasant Green Baptist Church, 5555 Larimore Ave, from 1-4 p.m. Position openings include: general labor, warehouse, construction, demolition, assembly, welders and many more.

Oct. 13 – Spooky Saturday at South Omaha

Library, 2808 Q St., from 3-4 p.m. Gather around the campfire to listen to slightly scary stories told in the dark, followed by a glowing eye craft, creepy sensory activities and a snack.

For ages 5-11. For more info, phone 402-4444850.

Oct. 15 – Metropolitan Community College (MCC), Great Plains Theater Conference (GPTC) and Omaha Community Playhouse (OCP) present a preview of 2019 GPTC PlayFest at 7:30 p.m. at the OCP Howard Drew Theatre, 6915 Cass St. The evening includes a free short reading of selected scenes from “The Blues Of Knowing Why” and “Epic,” written

by Nebraska playwrights Christopher Maly and Ellen Struve. A conversation with the artists will follow.

Oct. 16 – PRI’s Advanced Cultural Humility Workshop – Wading Into Whiteness will be held from 6-9 p.m. at MCC North Express Center, 2112 N. 30th St. This workshop will get you thinking deeply about what it means to be White in a racially diverse world. For more info, visit https://mccneb.edu.

Oct. 18 – Sacred Heart School, 2205 Binney St., will hold a school-wide student art show during parent-teacher conferences (12-7 p.m.).

The themes are What Sacred Heart Means to Me, Why I Love North Omaha and I Can Be. I Will Be. Watch Me. The show is open to the public. For info, phone 402-455-5858.

Oct. 18 – The WORD is a jazz infused spoken word, poetry, open mic night at The Opollo Theater, 6052 Maple St. Doors open at 7:30 p.m.

Show begins at 8:00. Poetry open mic list open until 9:30. Pay at the door or purchase tickets at eventbrite.com. This is a withlove felicia production.

Oct. 19 – UNO Dept. of Black Studies and Reconnect, Inc. hosts Delicate Imbalance Racial and Ethnic Disparity Summit at UNO’s Community Engagement Center, 6400 S. University Rd North, CEC Bldg. from 9 a.m.

- 1:30 p.m. Learn what you can do to ensure all youth, regardless of their race or ethnicity, have access to a fair juvenile justice system.

Discuss system and non-system factors and what communities like Omaha can do to eliminate the disproportionality and racial and ethnic disparity.

Register for the free event at eventbrite.com.

Oct. 19 – The deadline for registering online, through the DMV, or other agencies to be eligible to vote in the Nov. 6 general election. This is also the postmark deadline for mailed-in registrations. Citizens also have until 6:00 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 26 to register in person at their county election office.

Oct. 24 – Join Omaha Public Library and Beacon Story Lab for an evening inspired

by Omaha Reads’ 2018 selection “The Hate U Give,” an award-winning novel by Angie Thomas. The show will open with a performance

by Withlove, Felicia, followed by six community members sharing stories of identity. The free event will be held at The Union for Contemporary Arts, 2423 N. 24th St. from 7:30-10:30 p.m.

Registration is required at eventbrite.com.

Oct. 26 – The deadline to register in person at your county election office to be eligible to vote in the Nov. 6 general election. You have until 6:00 p.m.

Children’s Business Fair Announced Acton Academy is excited to announce Omaha’s first Acton Children’s Business Fair, an inspirational event to cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset in children ages 6-17, on Oct. 28 from 1-5 p.m. at KANEKO in downtown Omaha.

The event will begin with inspirational stories from real-life heroes – including former University of Nebraska-Lincoln quarterback Eric Crouch – to inspire young participants to press into their fear(s), embrace failure and take action to impact the world. Youth will then engage in a fun teambased creative business challenge – led by Josh Berry, CEO of Econic.

At 3 p.m., up to 50 youth startup businesses will be showcased during the public marketplace.

This marketplace is designed to give children the experience of selling their product or service.

A panel of local entrepreneurs will judge the businesses during the public marketplace and award winners in various categories at the end of the event. Winners will be featured in Edge Magazine’s December issue.

“This event is more than a marketplace,” Rachel Benson, Founder of Acton Academy Omaha and the Omaha Acton Children’s Business Fair said.

“It’s about cultivating the mindset of our youth and helping them discover their incredible value and the unique impact they will make in this world.”

Bianchi Candle Company, led by 15-year-old Nic Bianchi, is just one of the many businesses that will be featured during the public marketplace.

Nic has been building Bianchi Candle Company for eight years.

“I’m excited about the opportunities the Children’s Business Fair provides young entrepreneurs like me to learn, grow and network,” Nic Bianchi said.

Acton Academy is still looking for young entrepreneurs to participate in this month’s event.

An application, along with a non-refundable fee per business, must be submitted online by Oct. 13 to exhibit at the marketplace. Children who register online without a business will still be able to participate in the entire event – including involvement in the public marketplace.

For more information about the Acton Children’s Business Fair, or to become a sponsor, contact Rachel Benson at 402.547.8188 or actonacademyomaha@gmail.com.

Insurance

Insurance John Lord, LUTCF, RHU® Agent

Sherman P. Willis, Agent 4915 N 120th St Ste 107 Omaha, NE 68164 Bus: 402-493-1000 sherman@shermanpwillis.com Mon-Fri 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Evenings and Sat by appt.

24/7 Good Neighbor Service

New York Life Insurance Company One Valmont Plaza, Suite 100 Omaha, NE 68154 Bus. 402.496.6429 Cell 402.510.4186 Fax 402.496.6458 jlord@ft.nyl.com Authorized to Offer

State Farm, Bloomington, IL

Auto • Home • Life • Health • Dental • Vision ALSO AVAILABLE Commercial Insurance Kim Robinson, M.B.A. 6311 Ames Avenue Omaha, NE 68104 402-999-8357 (office) 402-502-0253 (fax)

robinsoninsurance@omhcoxmail.com

CONTACT US: PRESTONLOVEJR@GMAIL.COM

1211999

In The Village!

We are offering very LOW Rates!

unity Talk Comm rch hu C And

100.3 FM

Insurance

Life Insurance and Annuity Program fromNew York Life

Tree & Landscape GTL Tree and Landscape •Tree installation, maintenance & removal • Retaining walls, flower beds, & paver patio construction Over 10 years experience Fully licensed & insured.

402-880-3706

October 5, 2018

We’re Hiring!

CORR OFFICERS - $16.74 hour plus benefits. corrections.nebraska.gov/careers

YOUTH/EDUCATION/NATIONAL

October 5, 2018

title of a book you think should be the first thing an extraterrestrial reads and why. Entries should be no longer than two paragraphs and can be emailed to emroberts@omahalibrary.org or submitted in person at Florence Branch. Entrant’s name, phone number and email address must be included with each submission.

• Oct. 9, 3:30-6 p.m.: Charles B. Washington Branch, 2868 Ames Ave., 402-444-4849, will screen the film based on the book “Ready Player One” and have a 1980s-themed activity.

• Oct. 11 * 5:30-7:30 p.m.: South Omaha Library, 2808 Q St., 402-444-4850, invites teens ages 12-18 to participate in a literarythemed escape room. Registration is required. * 6-8:30 p.m.: Teens are invited to watch a movie based on a book at Milton R.

Abrahams Branch, 5111 N. 90th St., 402444-6284.

• Oct. 12, 3-4 p.m.: Hunger Games 10th Anniversary Book Discussion at Milton R. Abrahams Branch. “The Hunger Games” debuted in September 2008 and quickly became a must-read in the genre of teen dystopian literature. Registration is required.

• Oct. 13, 2-4 p.m.: Teen Read Week Game Time at A.V. Sorensen Branch, 4808 Cass St., 402-444-5274. Teens in grades 6-12 are invited to play Mario Party 8 on the library’s Nintendo Switch, and enter to win a raffle prize that includes a book about the history of gaming and a $20 Nintendo gift card.

Visit omahalibrary.org for more information on these and additional events and resources at Omaha Public Library’s 12 locations.

Sacred Heart School to Hold Art Show Sacred Heart School will hold a school-wide art show on Oct. 18. The show, set to take place during parent-teacher conferences from noon until 7 p.m., will feature art from students.

Eric Ewing, curator of the Great Plains Black History Museum, is providing insight on how to prepare for an art exhibit, including creating pieces, set up and presentation. The themes for the art show are What Sacred Heart means to me, Why I Love North Omaha and I Can Be. I Will Be. Watch Me. For information about the art show contact 402-455-5858.

Landlords Can Use Facebook to Discriminate Against Black People

By Sheryl Estrada Along with Facebook allowing Russia to interfere in the 2016 presidential election, the social media company has created a space for property owners to discriminate against people of color, and the federal government had to step in.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has filed a new complaint against Facebook alleging it allows property owners and sellers to violate the Fair Housing Act. HUD claims the company enables advertisers to control which users receive housing-related ads based on race, color, religion, sex, familial status, national origin, disability, and even zip code.

For example, if a property owner is advertising a home and doesn’t want Blacks or Latinos to respond to the ad, they can use “targeted advertising” to exclude populations of people from seeing it.

“The Fair Housing Act prohibits housing discrimination, including those who might limit or deny housing options with a click of a mouse,” Anna María Farías, HUD’s Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity, said in a statement.

“When Facebook uses the vast amount of personal data it collects to help advertisers to discriminate, it’s the same as slamming the door in someone’s face.”

Facebook has responded to HUD by agreeing to remove over 5,000 ad-targeting options from its platform.

“While these options have been used in legitimate ways to reach people interested in a certain product or service, we think minimizing the risk of abuse is more important,” the company said in a blog post.

But Facebook continues to face the same issues in allowing for the platform to be a tool for discrimination. It all circles back to a lack of diversity in its executive leadership team, led by CEO Mark Zuckerberg.

There are no Blacks or Latinos on his team to assist in the day-to-day decisions that affect Blacks and Latinos.

“The company admits it has not been hiring enough Black and Hispanic employees in leadership and technical positions,” according to CNBC. Only 1 percent of Facebook’s engineers and coders are Black and 3 percent are Latino – a figure that hasn’t changed in four years.

Facebook practices coincide with Silicon Valley’s lack of diversity, which will leave tech companies behind as brown is the new white.

Library continued from page 10

For teens: • Oct. 18, 5:30-7:30 p.m.: Omaha Urban Legends at South Omaha Library. Library staff and teens will share local ghost stories and urban legends around the campfire.

• Oct. 25, 4-5:30 p.m.: Anime Club Horror Edition at Charles B. Washington Branch, 2868 Ames Ave., 402-444-4849. Watch and discuss your favorite horror anime.

• Oct. 26, 6:30-9 p.m.: Halloween Hunger Games Lock-In at Milton R. Abrahams Branch. Participate in the reaping, train, develop survival skills, race to the cornucopia, and test your knowledge. For ages 12-18 years old. Registration and a signed parental permission form is required. Pizza will be provided.

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

★ SO THE

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

by UNMC and Medical Center, 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 emphasis Circle program, at noon, elementary to the public. Guests is free and open on disadvantaged which cre- youth. students with access can park in Lot to rigorous math, ates an environment where youth Staples Foundation the visitor parking 15V, which is reading and citizenship are Learning recognized for for the area has also developed their achievements Student Life Center located on the south side increase their academic activities to teachers, peers, by relationships lasting 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 Gray is a first-time ensures disadvantaged Winners Circle Heritage Foundation, Force, Hispanic for elected city council students and the All and 2nd have Our the Initiative the resources and District. member Kids for a Competitive joined forces in support needed 2007 to form Prior to his election, Inner City. In addiOmaha City Councilman to Partnership develop an enthusiasm The tion, Staples Gray had a 30-year For Our Kids, to Ben Gray Foundation for a television for learning,” help dis- supports said Beth Smith, career as Learning photojournalist nered with Executive Director, advantaged students. The Partnership Ashoka, an “Kaleidoscope” the emergency Winners Circle on Omaha’s ABC’s and host of Nebraska develops and supportsorganization that KETV department at Program of The creates a community of caring Medical Center affiliate station, NewsWatch social entreprePartnership For dents from pre-kindergarten for stu- neurs around to use intervention The Our Kids. “With discussions about 7. The show featured passionate gies to decrease youth the world, in nine stratesup- high school through tries: port from Staples violence, such a variety of Argentina, Belgium, coun- Gray has to help Foundation for as immediate community issues. engagement after violent won multiple Learning we can Brazil, taged youth graduate more disadvan- Canada, incidents to reduce local, regional tion attempts. continue France, Germany, awards as a reporter, and pursue highretaliaand national grades and standardized to increase er education the photojournalist In 1998, Gray to become employable Netherlands, Spain and test scores for Gray dedicates and his wife, youth throughout the United productive citizens much of his time and host.

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

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

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

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

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

KS Science Fair

Excellence Winner s

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 toFriday on a bi-weekly schedule.

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

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

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

Career & Scholarshi p Fair

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 Internatio nal Children’s

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

The schedule: has been described In English.

65 min. Recommended The New York by Times as being ages: 3 to 8. “devoted to the kind of fare Jan. 9-10, 14, that may be found March 6-7, 11, 16-17, 21 — Academy Awards at the Razzle 13-14, 18 — but not at the Dazzle Directed tiplex.” local mulby Darren Ashton. NYICFF Party Mix A mockumentary An all-animated skewering the Best of NYICFF program featuring absurdi- ious, features one live-action ties of competition hilarcomedy and youth dance troupe between kids on the vokingvisually stunning, and thought-profour animated programs, involved circuit – and the shorts, specifically hyper- older parents who intended for audiences. In live through Seniors Alexis English them. titles.

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

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

Film Festival

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

page 10

See page 2 for details

OPL is your source for Halloween books, movies and music; and don’t forget OPL’s books about making unique DIY decorations and showstopping costumes! Visit omahalibrary.org for more information on these and additional events and resources at Omaha Public Library’s 12 locations.

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

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 call for a listing). a paid program for this special service all Club 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!

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

Sept. 12, 2009.

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

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

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

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

★

Details on page 4

OMAHA STAR

THE

Empowerment Network

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

Newspaper Nebraska’s Only Black Owned

Nebraska Vol. 72 - No. 28 Omaha,

Thursday, July 8, 2010

meeting canceled

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

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

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

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

502-5153 or visit us on For more information call

Rates

50 cents

Omaha Star Celebrates 72nd Anniversary Dr. Marguerita L. Washington,

Publisher

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

Others of the start.

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

(NAACP), the Black As we launch out into the of companies that did not 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, working in the commuI encourage the public who was the executive She spent countless hours or even if you want to columnist. Whitney Young, force for the people of Omaha. commucomplaints, recommendations are certainly apprecithe Star as a mouthpiece Urban League before eventu- nity, receiving over one hundred and fifty In addition to offering the secretary of the Omaha the “Unsung Heroine director of the National compliment us. Your comments community in Omaha, nity service awards, including the NAACP, one of ally becoming the executive for the African-American in behalf of the community by editorials. the community to realize ated. The staff is working Award” for service awarded Urban League, contributed Gilberts also encouraged a better and more enlighten honored power 16,000 Africanboycotts to call attention only thirty-five people in the country to be and trying to always have The paper supported the positive effect the buying was small, and is an outstanding cater often time of her death. She paper. Our staff is very if they would carefully she and her staff were with this award by the to discrimination, and Americans could have working to satisfy you.

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

She also members of the North Omaha in the community and the our struction of the Berlin Gilbert pointed out that least, I want to thank carriers and her office an ice cream shop Last but certainly not the lives of the newspaper black community were patronizing which would be there would not be that someone did not have Ice Cream, advertisers. Without advertising, workers. If she learned of at 24th and Lake, Reed’s published. Advertisements hiring practices over she would buy them bags an Omaha Star Newspaper enough food at home, of the publicatargeted for their discriminatory carrian printing spent the newspaper for The Gilbert pay Club. larded sales Porres and retail 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 Negro merchants by calling attention to they shop to ask those will be lost, and tomorrow’s function when readers important emancipation an our his served of the powerful forces, they don’t? If they continue people in the black commuthat do not advertise Why youth will be at the mercy our the accomplishments of man the ramparts of bigthe Omaha Star, I urge values. The newspaper North and South that still to refuse to advertise in $$ nity and emphasizing positive got Mildred Brown their products. Remember who received awards, or otry, prejudice and discrimination.” to do so. From readers to stop buying recognized individuals compelled had previously been closed persisted because she felt speak. new jobs in industries that civic she had established readers, supporters, merIt announced acts of the first edition of her newspaper, Thanks again to my staff, to African-Americans. good writers and all others They highlighted one She guided the newspa- a challenge to herself and her staff, “that no chants advertisers, contributing labeled “troublemakers.” pride and community charity. not of the continued existence eras of the Civil Rights cause shall lack a champion and that evil shall week in order to continue through the tumultuous who lend support to making neighborhood family per staff were On the occasion per to the demonstrations Your help is greatly appreciMildred Brown and her in to foster a sense of community. Ms. Brown again Movement, from segregation the Omaha Star possible. for late go unopposed.” their community, Brown to the racial unrest of the bright and continued future certainly champions of of the 1950s and 1960s, of the Star’s ninth anniversary, ated. I look forward to a voice in the wilderStar reported the community, congratulated and early 1970s. The Omaha in the Omaha community.. particular. She was an outspoken emancipation not Star 1960s pledged her support to the the and locally both businesses their of of its that occurred ness that the tortuous gains triumphs and the tragedies North Omaha on the growth end. up this advice for her Mildred Brown was not are lost, and she worked tirelessly toward that and throughout the nation. fast development, and offered get any further a interested in letting discrimination neighbors. wishes to urge that you The Star on its anniversary

Women of Color in Leadership

Jumbo Leaderboard (Rotating) Size in Pixels 728 x 90

Size in Pixels 470 x 80

on July 9, 1938 History was made

★SO THE

MAHA TAR

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

Vol. 79 - No.

Only Black Owned Newspaper

16 Omaha, Nebraska

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

75 cents

75 CENTS

Saints Celebr

ate 50 Years of

Omaha Section Salutes 2017 Award , NCNW, Recipients

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 youth in excellence.

Awards will be McLeod Bethune presented at the annual Mary Award Luncheon at 11 a.m. at on Aug. 26 the DC Centre, Dr. The community 11830 Stonegate is invited to important event. attend this The keynote speaker Esq., Human Resources is Shawntal M. Smith, and Talent Development Leader for Omaha Precious Davis Home for Boys. also a social Field of Medicine Smith is justice attorney.

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

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

Please like them on Facebook: Section-NCNW, Omaha @OmahaNCNW Inc., follow them on Twitter: and visit their omahasectionncnw.w website: http:// eebly.com/ Denise Lee Mary McLeod Bethune Legacy Award

Award

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

Beverly A. Rone Field of Education Award

Marching

Deep Roots – Ties

that Bind

Bryant-Fisher Family 100-Year Celebra tion

Deep Roots - 4th generation

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

Honorary Chair Teresa Coleman Hunter

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

Leaderboard (Rotating) 470 x 80

Open Rate $325.00

3 Months 10% off

Marketplace button 125 x 125

Open Rate $150.00

3 Months $135.00

Open Rate $225.00

3 Months $200.00

Rectangle

Sky scraper (Rotating) 160 x 600

Rectangle 300 x 250

Although illness Jeanpierre and keeps Hicks on the sideline, Jeffrey Riggs look co-directors Synceree as they carry on to her for guidance the legacy. and leadership

Willa Midder Julia D. Anderson Visionary Award

Lara Wasmoen Bethune Concept Book Award

Size in Pixels 590 x 90

Size in Pixels 300 x 250

By Terri L. Crawford, J.D.

Briana Cannon Bethune Concept Book Award

3 Months 10% off

Footerboard (Rotating)

Congratulatio ns Omahans Club, Native & Empowermen OEDC t Network on a wonde rful Native Omahans Week!

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 to idea of his Wanting to shine celebrate Salem’s annual President in May tenure as NAACP Derrick Johnson youth a spotlight on of 2014.

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

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

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

Open Rate $480.00

Leaderboard (Rotating)

2010 Awards

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

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

Group.

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

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

NOT PICTURED: Aariona Hagler Youth in Excellence

Jumbo Leaderboard (Rotating) 728 x 90

Special Thanks

Founded Omaha Star July

assault someone in the majority black population of the city, which they dubbed “Jafrica.” James “Craig” Anderson became the group’s unsuspecting target when he was attacked and fatally struck with their car. While the driver, Deryl Dedmon, was initially charged and convicted of murder, the passengers in the vehicle were released. Through the work of the Southern Poverty Law Center, it was discovered that this was not an isolated event, but a pattern of racially-motivated lashing out from a white suburban community. Viewed as a modern day lynching, the case was turned over to the FBI which successfully prosecuted nine additional teenagers for the first time under federal hate crime laws.

Through interviews with Anderson’s loved ones, officials involved in the case and family members of one of the convicted passengers, the documentary explores how racism continues to be bolstered in pockets of the South, prompting the question: can such a deeply rooted culture change? Or are we as a nation held hostage to past biases? Culminating in an intense and emotional final reckoning, the ruling judge in the case against one of the passengers sits down with the convicted teen’s family, asking them to reflect on their existing perceptions and prejudices. By confronting the tragic impact of systemic racism head on, “Love And Hate Crime: A Murder In Mississippi” explores the roots of racism, hoping to initiate the complex but necessary journey towards acceptance across America.

n

Luther King Day event

Only Black Owned Newspaper

• Oct 27: * Noon-2 p.m.: DIY Potion Bottles at Florence Branch. Make spooky decorative potion bottles and fill them with candy! Supplies and snacks will be provided, or feel free to bring your own jars to decorate. Registration for groups of three or more is required. * 1-3 p.m.: Haunted Escape Room at Saddlebrook Branch. Use problem-solving skills to find clues and escape from a locked room within 30 minutes.

Open to youth ages 12-18. Registration is required. * 2-3 p.m.: M&M’s Taste Test Challenge at A.V. Sorensen Branch. Try to identify over 15 different flavors of this classic candy. * 2-3:30 p.m.: Halloween Treats at Milton R. Abrahams Branch. Enjoy books, music, movies, games, and make Halloween-inspired goodies! * 4-5 p.m.: Spooky Science at South Omaha Library. Explore chemistry, biology and physics with a spooky twist! Create witch’s brew, ghost bubbles and spooky sound machines in these hands-on experiments. This event may get messy, so please dress accordingly. * Tuesday, Oct. 30, 4:30-5:30 p.m.: Spooky Project Runway Challenge at A.V. Sorensen Branch. Design and create outfits for miniature skeletons. This program is for teens in grades 6-12.

Registration is required.

Online Advertising

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

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

MILDRED D. BROWN 9, 1938

(Silver Spring, MD.) – With racial tensions dominating political debate and making newspaper headlines, Investigation Discovery (ID) travels down to Jackson, Miss., to explore the ripple effects of a murder fueled by racism in “Love & Hate Crime: A Murder In Mississippi.”

The second installment of the three-part BBC documentary takes a revealing look at the murder of James “Craig” Anderson, who was targeted simply because of the color of his skin by a group of white teens. Examining the long-term impact of how prejudice, ignorance, and racial slurs incubate hate, this hour-long documentary special delves into a community shaken by a horrific act and an issue that is more than simply black and white. The program airs Oct. 13 at 8/7c.

“We feel it is part of our mission at Investigation Discovery to shed light on these tragic crimes and, thereby, expose the truth that hatred, based on race, is sadly, all too prevalent in the United States,” said Henry Schleiff, Group President of Investigation Discovery, Travel Channel, American Heroes Channel and Destination America. “By revealing how a culture of hatred can so quickly turn into a culture of violence, this documentary opens up a controversial but important dialogue about the psychological effects of intolerance, showing that, today, perhaps as much as ever, there is a critical need for change.”

In June, 2011, a group of young white teens from Rankin County, Mississippi decided to head over to nearby Jackson to intentionally

High school girls with an interest in science, medicine or engineering are invited to apply for the Perry Outreach Program to be held Nov. 17 at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha.

Applications are due Oct. 17 and can be accessed online at http:// perryinitiative.org/programs/student-online-application/.

The Perry Outreach Program is a free, one-day, hands-on experience for female high school students in grades 10 through 12 interested in pursuing careers in medicine and engineering. Participants will hear from women leaders in these fields and perform simulated orthopaedic surgeries and biomechanical experiments.

“It is a fun-filled educational day of speakers and hands-on modules where the girls get to use saws, drills, screws and get a glimpse into what orthopaedic surgery is like,” said Maegen Wallace, M.D., assistant professor of orthopaedic surgery at UNMC and a pediatric orthopaedic surgeon at Children’s Hospital & Medical Center in Omaha.

Founded in 2009, The Perry Initiative was named in honor of Dr. Jacquelin Perry, one of the first female orthopaedic surgeons in the U.S. This is the fifth year UNMC has been involved with the Perry Outreach Program, which partners with medical centers and universities to hold events nationwide each year.

static electricity, chemical reactions and density.

Make “bloody” hand prints, dancing ghosts and more! Things may get messy; please dress accordingly.

• Oct. 30, 10 a.m.-noon: Tiny Tots Halloween Party at A.V. Sorensen Branch, 4808 Cass St., 402-444-5274. Listen to spooky stories, make a craft, and get the wiggles out in the gym and bounce house. This event is for children ages 5 and younger.

• Oct. 31, 10:30 a.m.-noon: Halloween Fun Fest at W. Dale Clark Main Library, 215 S. 15th St., 402444-4800. Youth and their caregivers are welcome to wear their favorite costumes to enjoy a shadow (slightly scary!) storytime, get creative with makeand-take crafts, and make some delicious treats.

After the party, go trick-or-treating in the library!

Groups of 10 or more, please register by emailing mmollner@omahalibrary.org.

Best of the New

‘Love & Hate Crime: A Murder in Mississippi’

Page Eleven

Girls Invited To Apply For Med Center Program

It’s Written in the Stars - Annual Teen Read Week Teen Read Week, Oct. 7-13, is a national adolescent literacy initiative created by the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA). This annual campaign began in 1998 and encourages teens to be regular readers and library users.

This year’s theme, “It’s Written in the Stars,” provides an opportunity for teens to think and read outside of the box, as well as seek out fantasy, science fiction and other out-of-this-world reads. Omaha Public Library will offer a variety of programs during Teen Read Week. All programs are free, but there may be age and registration requirements. Contact the branch where the program takes place or visit omahalibrary. org for more information.

• Oct. 7-12: Recommend a Book for an Alien Contest at Florence Branch, 2920 Bondesson St., 402-444-5299.

Ages 12-18 are invited to tell us the

THE OMAHA STAR

“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 media to believe, Black remained strong. families triumphed Our spiritual and orientation helped See Deep Roots create a continued on page 3

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

Skyscraper (Rotating) Size in Pixels 160 x 600

Open Rate $325.00

3 Months $275.00 Footerboard (Rotating) 590 x 90

Marketplace Button Size in Pixels 125 x 125

Open Rate $125.00

3 Months $100.00

Enjoy The Omaha Star Newspaper Digitally Now your top news stories and favorite columns are available online and on your mobile devices.

After purchasing your subscription on our website: www.theomahastar.com follow the link below to enjoy all that The Omaha Star Newspaper has to offer. https://issuu.com/omahastar Get The Omaha Star on your mobile devices: Available for iOS and Android Devices • Visit either the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store to download the Issuu app Today!

• Simply search for The Omaha Star, purchase a subscription, and immediately get the news stories that you love to read right there on your phone or tablet.

★

OMAHA STAR

THE

YOUTH/EDUCATION NEWS October 5, 2018 Deltas Host G.E.M.S Orientation Students Can Now Start Filling Out FAFSA Forms

Page Twelve THE OMAHA STAR

Metropolitan Omaha Educational Consortium (MOEC) urges students to begin filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) now.

MOEC is an organization comprised of 12 school districts, two community colleges and the University of Nebraska at Omaha, dedicated to helping students succeed through collaboration.

Encouraging students to fill out the FAFSA is one of many efforts to further education.

National FAFSA completion rates are low.

In the 2016-17 academic year, 1.2 million high school graduates didn’t complete the FAFSA, according to the National College Access Network (NCAN). Of the 1.2 million high school graduates who didn’t complete the FAFSA, more than half were eligible to receive a grant of $3,500.

The lack of completed applications is commonly caused by false impressions about FAFSA. Many students choose not to apply for FAFSA because they think federal financial aid is only available for those in most need. However, many students are eligible and scholarship applications frequently

require FAFSA completion for consideration.

FAFSA offers a wide range of financial support including grants that don’t need to be paid back as well as loans that offer low interest rates and alternatives to repayment such as a work-study.

Filling out the FAFSA is simple. Students can complete their applications using the free government website: http://www.fafsa.ed.gov.

High school counselors provide support for the process.

Submitting FAFSA applications early makes it easier to receive an estimated financial aid offer more quickly and gives students more time to prepare financially for college.

“MOEC wants to eliminate students’ financial concerns so they don’t miss out on the opportunity to pursue higher education,” said Martha Bruckner, MOEC executive director.

By informing students about the benefits of completing the FAFSA forms, MOEC hopes to increase the number of applicants in the OmahaCouncil Bluffs metro.

For more information, contact Abbie Perry at: ajperry@unomaha.edu or 402-278-1254.

Coach Mitch continued from page 4

players as student athletes. Not even two weeks later we had 58 girls who wanted to play! So the need was there and we decided to develop 5 teams.”

There were a lot of men who were active fathers to some of the girls and entrusted Mitch to coach their daughters just as he had coached them. It was a true community effort to help develop these girls and from Tucker’s point of view, it helped raise the bar for competitive Girls basketball in Omaha.

Even so that if you were a player who didn’t have a strong academic practice, you wouldn’t be able to join basketball practice.

“You know he was known to fuss a lot but his motto was ‘Don’t listen to how I’m saying things, but listen to what I’m saying,’ and that was a big thing for our kids to understand,” Tucker said.

“So for a lot of these girls who didn’t have father figures in their lives, Coach Mitch played that role for them. And for that reason he carried us, including me. The girls learned a lot from him but he learned a lot from the girls too.”

Pat Davis, another longtime friend speaks about the raw and loving personality of Coach Mitch.

His daughter was on the 6th grade team and Davis attests to his sincerity as a coach.

“I’ve known Mitch for over 20 years before I even had kids,” Davis said. “I could best describe him as a consistently genuine person. He’s not the type of guy to sugar coat much. Outside of myself, Coach Mitch was the only person in my daughter’s life who talked to her that way. Who would give it to her pretty much uncut and raw. That’s what I think a lot of these ladies got out of the deal was a father figure, whether they had a dad already or not.”

As his coaching career continued, having coached boys for over 20 years, he developed an extended community family through his players and their parents. He now has a family of young daughters (some unofficially adopted of course) who can attest to the teaching power of Coach Mitch.

Azuree’ Mitchell, his biological daughter, remembers why her father started the team in the first place.

“My biggest memory of my dad coaching was when we went to Chicago for the tournament and he would say, ‘we can win this tournament and come back next year and do it again!’” she said.

“But we lost one game by one point and so my dad knew that we would pick up the next game and he was really happy that we won that next one. We got second place in the tournament but that was a really big moment for him and the team.”

That was the last time that some of the girls got to see Coach Mitch. Azuree’ said she wants others to remember that her father was a forgiving man

and wasn’t the type to hold grudges.

Inia Jones, another player who challenged the courage of the team, also speaks highly of his influence. Inia was a 6th grader playing for the 8th grade team and was truly guided by Coach Mitch to use her talents to make the team better.

Her mother had a keen memory of watching her daughter play and mature on the team.

“When she accepted her award as most valuable player, being one of the youngest girls on the team, Mitch was so proud of her in that moment,” Inia’s mother Candias said. “It was almost like a prophecy he shared with Inia that he knew she was headed in the right direction and would be successful. I truly felt what he was saying and it meant a lot knowing that he put so many people in good positions not only on the court but in life before us. So for him to say that about my child says so much.”

Coach Mitch had a mission to empower youth to be the best versions of themselves. And that was probably the draw because word got around that he was a tough coach, one to build up a player for the longevity of the sport of basketball with a few raw words added if he needed to.

Nicole Mitchell, cousin to Coach Mitch and also a coach for the 6th and 8th grade girls’ teams recalls the importance of this experience and the opportunity to help the girls play at a higher level.

“The leadership has to continue and I feel like now with Mitch gone someone has to step up, and do what he did on a greater level,” Nicole said.

“When he called me to come back and coach I believe that he was setting things up before he passed.”

Coach Tucker believes that the impact Coach Mitch had with girls and basketball stood out to the point that colleges were already looking at the teams. They also competed on a national level in Atlanta and won which led to coaches from across the state paying attention to them. Tucker said he created a foundation in less than a year for establishing a competitive girls team.

“We have to get our community to think about how impactful this is because we can think longterm now. We have to prepare our girls for opportunities that they want in not only basketball but also academically. It’s bigger than just winning, it’s long-term preparation. Mitch was the coach that prepared the girls to make sure they had the discipline and training in the game of basketball.”

Others mention how the development of these girls seemed to be his final mission before he left this earth. “His work was finished,” Pat Davie said. “Once that work is done, it carries on for decades. He’s put enough into kids and into adults that they will continue his legacy and it will always live on.”

Asthma In-Home Response

Does Your Child Have Asthma?

TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR ABOUT PROJECT AIR

The Omaha Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. recently hosted their Annual Membership Orientation for the Delta G.E.M.S (Growing and Empowering Myself Successfully) Program at the OPS TAC Building in Omaha.

The orientation vetted 239 attendees and 120 applications for membership.

The Delta G.E.M.S program is an extension of Delta Sigma Theta’s Dr. Betty Shabazz Delta Academy program and serves as a mentoring and life skills program aimed at African American or minority females age 14-18 or grades 9th through 12th. The program’s primary focus is comprised of four key components: Scholarship (Academic Excellence), Sisterhood (Self Esteem, Health Awareness and Leadership), Finance (Financial Matters Awareness) and Public Service (Social Responsibility Obtained through Community Service and Activism). The program is highly structured and geared toward individual growth, social awareness, healthy living, college-readiness and career planning.

“This year’s group will almost double previous membership totals, which tells us there’s an extreme need for this type of program in our community,” said G.E.M.S Chair, Tracey Newby, one of 30 plus mentors to the participants. Delta G.E.M.S members are mentored by Delta members with a wide range of professional expertise from diverse educational backgrounds.

The G.E.M.S program plants the seeds young women need to grow and excel academically and professionally throughout their careers. Past

GEMS, Asha and Anye’ Francisco, said they have become more self-confident, compassionate, socially aware, educationally goal-driven and community-minded through their past active involvement in the G.E.M.S program.

The G.E.M.S Program is free to all participants and completely funded by the Omaha Alumnae Chapter members and community donations, which eliminates financial burden placed on the parents or the GEMS. The Delta G.E.M.S. program is one of three youth mentoring programs facilitated by the Omaha Alumnae Chapter under the overarching goal of educational development. Delta Academy, which is a STEM based program geared toward 11-14 year old girls, and EMBODI (Empowering Males to Build Opportunities for Developing Independence), the sorority’s empowerment and enrichment program for African American males, are additional programs supporting youth in the Omaha metropolitan area. For more information about the Delta G.E.M.S Program or how to help support the program contact Tracey Newby at Omahadstgems@gmail.com. For more information on Delta Academy or EMBODI, visit www.dstomaha.org.

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority is a sisterhood of more than 300,000 predominately Black, college educated women. The Sorority currently has over 900 chapters located in the United States, England, Japan (Tokyo and Okinawa), Germany, the Virgin Islands, Bermuda, the Bahamas and the Republic of Korea.

“This is a show that will surely do for today’s tap what Bring in Da’ Noise and Tap Dogs did for previous generations.”

- The Guardian

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

LEARN MORE AT: OMAHAHEALTHYKIDS.ORG To enroll, call us at 402.934.9700 or talk to your doctor about Project AIR

Omaha Healthy Kids Alliance

We work to ensure every child in Omaha lives in a lead-safe, Healthy Home

THE OFFICIAL TICKET SOURCE FOR THE ORPHEUM THEATER AND HOLLAND CENTER

NORTH OMAHA INFORMATION SUPPORT EVERYONE

noiseomahha.c noiseomaha.com com

Preparedness is a valuable attribute, for we will never fully know what the future holds.

What we do know though is that we are capable of growing, learning, and improving.

READY

With each decision we make in life, our metaphorical toolbox becomes better equipped.

LOCAL POSTAL CUSTOMER

In this issue we hope to provide you information that may help you exercise your right to vote, stand up for what justice means to you, and learn ways to support your mind, body, and spirit.

“Tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.� – Malcolm X

NORTH OMAHA INFORMATION SUPPORT EVERYONE NOIS E, sh orth and Nort h Om aha Info rmat n Supp Suppor yone ne,, is a c com muni ty-l ed Support Everyone, community-led NO NOISE, ISE shor shorthand than d for for No North rth Omaha Omah a In Information form atio ion ortt Ev Ever eryo ommu nity -led ne ws project pro ct committed c ommi tted then ing info rmat n crea creati on and and distribution d istr trib utio n in North Nor th news p roje ject com mitt ed to to st stre strengthening reng ngth enin g in information form atio ion creation tion dis ibut ion N orth Omaha.

With Omaha Star, 101.3 Mind Soul, Internews, Omah Om aha. a. W Wit ith h help help from ffro rom m Th The e Om Omah aha a St Star ar,, 10 101.

1.3 3 FM Min Mind d & So Soul ul,, In Inte tern rnew ews, s, a and nd T The he List Li sten enin ing g Po Post st;;

Listening Post;

can trust. versions available can ca n use use by people peo p eopl ple e they they c an ttru rust st.. Fu Full ll v ver ersi sion ons s of all all stories sto s tori ries es seen see s een n here here a are re a ava vail ilab able le a att noiseomaha.com nois no iseo eoma maha ha.c .com om

JUVENILE JUSTICE?

BY DAWAUNE LAMONT HAYES & LUIS E. JIMENEZ

THIRD EDITION

OCTOBER 5, 2018

READY

noiseomaha.com

Follow @NOISEOMAHA

MIDTERM ELECTIONS NOVEMBER 6 FIND YOUR POLLING PLACE AT VOTEDOUGLASCOUNTY.COM

NEED A RIDE TO THE POLLS? CALL BLACK VOTES MATTER 402-312-2891

“I wish we would spend more time helping these young people instead of building jails or detention centers.� “I wish we would spend more time helping these young people instead of building jails or detention centers,� said Portia Cavitt, when asked what she knew about the Douglas County Board of Commissioners’ plan to build a juvenile justice center at 18th and Harney streets.

Cavitt, known by most as Pastor P, is reverend of Clair Memorial United Methodist Church at 5544 Ames Street. She has served in ministry for over 20 years working with young people and communities

after seeing news reports about eminent domain. She asks “Why do we need a new building if we can work on these young people now?�

Cavitt’s questions emphasize a wave of concern from citizens who say a lack of transparency and public input in the County’s planning has brought the issue of juvenile justice to the fore.

The County proposal calls for the construction of two buildings and a parking garage. One 10-story building would house Douglas County Juvenile Court, juvenile

Attorney and public defenders. The court is expecting

a new juvenile judge and possibly two more on the way. #

$

Actions to implement the plan are currently underway, mean they are going to do restorative justice and mean including the acquisition of land at the determined that there won’t be more young people system?� location.

Proponents of the complex say the new center would Clare Duda, member of the Douglas County Board concentrate juvenile justice services into a “one-stop and Omaha-Douglas Public Building Commission, said model� and is estimated to cost taxpayers $120 million the need for additional space is real. “We are out of in bonds. The Douglas County Clerk’s website explains, room, and so we have no choice but to address this, “The recent average assessed value of a residential and we have to address this now,� he said. property in Douglas County was $159,840. At this assessed value, the increase in property taxes would A second structure would serve as a youth detention be $47.95 a year, or $3.99 per month.� This complex center with 48 beds and future holding capacity for 64 would be the largest building in the history of Douglas young people. That is reduced from the capacity of 96 County government. The county budgeted 1.3 million beds and 144 holding capacity at the current Douglas for juvenile related services outside of DCYC. County Youth Center (DCYC), 1301 S 41st Street.

There is no oversight body for the Douglas County The 90,000 square foot campus has maintained an average population of 81 young people between Jan. 1 Board of Commissioners. They do not report to any to Aug. 31, 2018. other government level body, as stipulated in the constitution of Nebraska.

Commissioner Chris Rodgers, County Board chair The swift pace, price tag, and lack of public and head of their Child and Youth Services committee, says he is in favor of a smaller facility. “It will force the engagement has citizens concerned. “What bothers system to change and it’s been a degree that we’ve me is that it seems like it’s a done deal and nobody been going. If you build a building for a hundred people, &

' *

!" [the tax increase]. What are the alternatives?

Page B-2 THE OMAHA STAR

LOCAL NEWS

JUVENILE JUSTICE?

Why is this already a done deal with all these contractors?� said a minister who works with youth in ! " # /# the juvenile justice system. The companies tapped to options for the new juvenile justice center, a “open/ build and manage construction of the center are HDR, large site� and a “restricted/small site.� The open Kiewit, and Burlington Capital. concept details a mini school campus environment with comprehensive services and a single story juvenile How did this juvenile justice center plan come to be? detention facility which is noted as best practice.

Reports by Omaha World-Herald show the Public Building Commission had originally expressed interest in a downtown location in August of 2017.

The following month, the Commission requested a study of the juvenile justice system and court space

completing the assessment.

The restricted concept states that a downtown location would be an expensive construction solution too close to adult justice and detention facilities and be contrary to national best practices that recommend low-rise solutions with natural light and access to outdoor recreation and nature.

Despite the report’s clear recommendations, the Building Commission and County Board chose to ! " # $%&' begin assembling properties downtown near 18th and lends some reasoning as to the need for a juvenile Harney, two blocks from the adult county jail. News of ( ) * # + ( acquisition became public in April with the County’s There is no overall vision and mission statement for purchase of the Omaha Housing Authority building the juvenile justice system in Douglas County. and parking lot. ! /

practice in modern secure youth residential facility In May, the County Board attempted to buy property ! * # / * at 420 S. 18th Street, owned by architect Bob Perrin. care environment.

9 * : 3 " 3 * 4 / the structure for future mixed-use development in of the courthouse are inadequate-- crowded, non- the growing Flatiron District. Regardless of Perrin’s 3 / intentions, the County voted on July 10, to use for court facilities. eminent domain and seize the property for demolition, architect These are select points and we recommend viewing a familiar scenario for the architect.

* + douglascountyclerk.org/ county-board-records/justice-center The University of Nebraska Board of Regents used

produced by Operation Youth Success. This report outlined priority areas and coordinating strategies to eliminate youth involvement in the justice system while maintaining public safety. The community plan also emphasized funding should be directed

3 :

3 : * # # 3 : _ too late.�

} !# ~ Q 3 juveniles cannot be within sight or sound of adult : * #

!

* # } = [ : Iowa. Young men are currently sent out of county as far away as Canyon State Academy in Arizona, which claims to employ a “least-restrictive program model # ` + and normalized high school environment.�

Release Ministries, a faith-based mentorship and group home program, and H.O.M.E., an iteration of Andrea Fordd, a criminal justice reform advocate, house arrest. Commissioners Rodgers and Borgeson shared her experience working with young people. have generally referenced plans to employ additional “I took on a child that was in trouble with the justice “at-home� programs in order to reduce the number system myself, for somebody else. I had the luxury of children in juvenile detention. Those programs, of having her parents paying for our home program.� the facilitators, and potential outcomes have yet to Fordd explained the cost of weekly drug counseling, be explicitly outlined for the public. probation meetings, monthly psychiatry visits, and medications averaged over $400 a month. “If it The plan has not been wholly supported by the # * } L : #

County Board as Commissioner Jim Cavanaugh going to jail,� she said. Only half of youth placed on has been a vocal opponent from the beginning. He home detention successfully complete the program. believes exploring a campus-like alternative that refurbishes the 1950s-constructed DCYC would be Community members have also expressed outrage more economical and provide a better experience with disproportionate minority contact (DMC). for young people. “A school-like place is much better “We’re talking about processes of mass incarceration than a cell block only blocks away from the adult in a white supremacist nation and these policies are county jail,� said Cavanaugh. developed by unknowing and blissfully unaware white people!� exclaimed Doug Paterson, an older When Brad Alexander, director of DCYC, was white man and former educator. Minority youth asked by Cavanaugh about his preference for are overrepresented in secure detention—11% of future facilities at a public Administrative Services Douglas County population is African American but Committee meeting on July 25, he said, “I have no 55% of youth in detention are African American. idea what’s being proposed to be honest with you.� “That’s unfortunate,� replied Cavanaugh.

Ultimately, people want to see programs and outcomes. “We’re talking about this $120 million August 28, Commissioner Mike Boyle, an original (total) and $37 million (for juvenile detention), how supporter of the downtown plan, voiced opposition much money are we going to spend on these kids during the County Board meeting stating, “I have to try and keep them out of trouble?� asks Dominic met with people and I’ve listened. We need to move. Fordd, Andrea’s husband, and justice reform The juvenile detention center should not be in advocate who was once incarcerated. downtown. It doesn’t do the things we need to do.

I’m concerned about the children, which all of us are Young people like Mariah Person posed a similar at some point. We don’t need to take Mr. Perrin’s question at an Administrative Services Committee building.� meeting on September 24. Person asked, “When are these amenities and programs going to be written On September 10, Brian Smith, local activist and out in a proposal so that people can at least review organizer of Omaha Public Meetings, held a public these thoughts and actually solidify if they’re being forum co-hosted by Black Men United to discuss the Q |] juvenile justice center. The meeting was attended

by Commissioner Boyle. After hearing about the Commissioner Jim Cavanaugh told her the reduced capacity, a woman asked, “Where will the committee has been looking at best practices across 3 / |] the country and thinks that it ought to be a robust community discussion but did not provide a timeline

October 5, 2018

eminent domain authority to acquire land from f Perrin

* 3 ; * < 3 # * =

Medical Center expansion in 2016. After a two-year legal battle, the university paid Perrin $1.975 million for his land. )* 3 L

# < " 3

project as an instrumentality of the County Board and Building Commission. An â&#x20AC;&#x153;ancillary services agreementâ&#x20AC;? was approved by County Board members, Q #

the corporation. Articles of Incorporation for the = 3 ' $%&V # # * Burlington Capital.

The corporationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s board of directors are Douglas County Board members Mary Ann Borgeson and PJ Morgan; Omaha City Council President Ben #Y # ) # Z Y "

Christensen, chair of the Public Building Commission; 3 3# *

9 Authority board. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The corporation would function like private entities that the University of Nebraska used to develop the University of Nebraska Medical Centerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fred and [ : < 3 # ** =

L [ \ ) ] Q

World-Herald.

July 1, a report called the Douglas County Juvenile Services Comprehensive Community Plan was

or list of programs. Current alternatives to detention Â&#x2020; 3 # : 3

Â&#x2021;

Overall, the opaque process and lack of public * Q

of citizens the wrong way, especially Brian Smith. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve only been talking about buildings at this point, this has not been [tied] to any policies, has not been tied to any programs, it has not been tied #

treat kids better, we are going to reduce the amount of kids in detention, and we are going to have better outcomes because of this.â&#x20AC;?

Heeding public concern, on September 25 Commissioner Boyle submitted three resolutions to rescind use of eminent domain, pause plans for the downtown juvenile center in favor of more public engagement, and consider renovation of the present youth detention facilities. Â&#x160; 3 [ # _ L

L

cheaper alternatives, and letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s put it on the ballot and vote.â&#x20AC;? The resolutions failed to pass after Commissioners Borgeson, Duda, Morgan, Rodgers, and Marc Kraft voted against them.

The County Board, Building Commission, and the

3 3 * Currently, eminent domain has been temporarily

#

by Bob Perrin. If court appointed appraisers set a

# ( :

county could submit a check for that price, receive the title and take possession of the property. After that, the property would be demolished, making way for the new buildings and parking garage.

At the end of it all, Pastor Portia Cavitt hopes the conversation comes down to people, â&#x20AC;&#x153;What are we doing to restore life? The justice system should be a system that helps people instill life, not lock it away.â&#x20AC;?

How do you think the County should proceed?

Contact Commissioners at commissioners.douglascounty-ne.gov or call 402-444-0725.

If you are able, you can voice your opinion during the public comment portion of County Board meetings on Tuesdays at 9 a.m. at Omaha-Douglas Civic Center (1819 Farnam St.)

LOCAL NEWS

October 5, 2018

Do I have to register before I can vote?

What documents do I need when I register?

Yes. In Nebraska, voting is a 2-part process. Every citizen

# & $

<= days before election day, or 10 days before election day if registering in person at the Election Commissionerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

!

None, if you register in person. You will need to provide the last four digits of your social security number or your driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s license number, but you are not required to provide the actual documents.

Eligibility requirements to register to vote To register to vote in Nebraska you must: â&#x20AC;˘ be a citizen of the United States >

<? " &

November â&#x20AC;˘ not have been found mentally incompetent â&#x20AC;˘ if convicted of a felony, have completed the entire sentence and waited two years â&#x20AC;˘ reside in Nebraska (There is no waiting period for new residents.)

Where can I register?

J" $ # " & # # a copy of a current, valid photo ID or another document that is no more than 60 days old showing your name and current address.

If registering online, you will need your driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s license or state ID.

THE OMAHA STAR

Page B-3

What if I was convicted of a felony in another state?

You are eligible to vote in Nebraska two years after you have completed your entire sentence and you otherwise meet the voting eligibility requirements in Nebraska.

What if I have been charged with a felony but have not been convicted?

You are eligible to register and to vote, even if you are incarcerated while awaiting trial.

What if I have been convicted of a misdemeanor?

The Law Nebraska Legislative Bill 53, passed in 2005, automatically restores voting rights to felons two years after they have completed their entire sentence, including probation, incarceration and parole.

K $ $

' ! K " $ to register and vote in all elections.

The League of Women Voters, established in 1920, is a nonpartisan political organization dedicated to In person: at the county clerk or county election strengthening our democracy through education, action, ## @

# " F How it works and informed participation. The League does not endorse voter registration drives, or public libraries.

If it has been at least two years since you have served your entire sentence you can register to vote just like any any political party or political candidate.

By mail: registration forms are available online at sos. other citizen. You do not need to provide any proof of state.ne.us. Forms are also available at most public completion of your sentence.

#

!

Online: nebraska.gov/apps-sos-voter-registration

FEDERAL

Congress is the legislative branch of the federal government. It is bicameral (two chambers) and consists of members elected by state citizens. Congress is divided between the House of Representatives and the Senate.

U.S. Senate

Voters can have a ballot sent directly to them in the mail, either to their home address or to another address if they are away from home. Voters should send an Early Voting Ballot Application to the Election Commission requesting a ballot be mailed to them.

U.S. House of Representatives CD2

Nebraska has three Congressional districts because of the size of our Washington, D.C. A senatorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s job is to consider and represent the population. Omaha is located in District 2. The House members are people of Nebraska while writing federal laws. Senators serve a six the only representatives that can introduce spending bills. Members year term. serve 2-year terms.

Deb Fischer, 67, R (Incumbent) Jane Raybould, 59, D janeraybould.com

Jim Schultz, 54, L jimschultz-lpne.nationbuilder.com

STATE

Don Bacon, 54, R (Incumbent) Kara Eastman, 46, D eastmanforcongress.com donjbacon.com

See Cong Congre ress ssio iona nall ca cand ndid idat ate e bios bios See Congressional candidate and issue issu is sue e posi positi tion ons s in tthe he Heartland Hea H eart rtla land nd and positions Work Wo rker ers s Ce Cent nter er 2018 201 2 018 8 Candidate Cand Ca ndid idat ate e Workers Center

Nebraska has its own constitution that runs the laws of the state that arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t covered by the federal government. States are usually modeled after the federal government. Nebraska, however, is a unicameral (one chamber) and nonpartisan state, with 49 elected senators.

Governor

Secretary of State

Attorney General

The elected Nebraska governor is part of the executive branch that picks other state leaders, chooses how to spend money for the state, helps the state follow new laws and programs, and searches for ways to improve the state.

Chief of Elections, Business Services, Occupational Licensing, Rules and Regulations, Records Management, International Relations, and promotes youth knowledge of civic education.

"

"

government in the process of taking legal action and serves as its principal advisor a.k.a. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Lawyer.â&#x20AC;?

Spencer Danner, 39, D dannerfornebraska.com

Doug Peterson, 59, R (Incumbent) ago.nebraska.gov

Pete Ricketts, 53, R (Incumbent) Bob Krist, 61, D petericketts.com kristfornebraska.com

Bob Evnen, 65, R bobevnen2018.com

Nebraska Auditor

State Treasurer

Responsible for maintaining the state funds by investing and maintaining the state budget, also disperses funds to local governments as needed, keeps track of unclaimed property and helps with investments.

Board of Regents

Regents oversee the h generall operations off Nebraska b universities and direct where and how the universities spend money. This is a non-partisan seat.

%

the State of Nebraskaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s governmental operations.

Charlie Janssen, 47, R votejanssen.com

Jane Skinner, 33, D janeforauditor.com

Larry Bradley, 54 bradleyforregent.com

John Murante, 36, R johnmurante.com

Medicaid Expansion

COUNTY & CITY

A â&#x20AC;&#x153;yesâ&#x20AC;? vote supports this initiative to require the state to provide Medicaid for persons under the age of 65 and with incomes equal to or below 138 percent of the federal poverty line.

Insure the Good Life

The county operates under the board of commissioners-administrator form of government.

Policymaking and legislative authority is vested in the Board of Commissioners.

!

County Commissioner, Dist. 2 Serve both executive and legislative duties, meaning they enact local ordinances and administer them. Approve budgets, oversee spending, and hire county employees.

insurethegoodlife.com

$ ' *+ # #

$ $

deliver enforcements services, including but not limited to: patrol, criminal $ / ' # $

!

James Cavanaugh, 68, D Larry Roland, 44, R (Incumbent) (402) 517-7004 votecavanaugh.com

Timothy Dunning, 69, R (Incumbent) Mike Hughes, 34, D

Assessor/Register of Deeds

County Clerk Dist. Court

" # $

deeds, mortgages, etc. Assesses property values for tax purposes and maintaining ownership for these properties.

Responsible for managing day-to-day operation of the district $ $ & $

ensuring policies and procedures are followed.

Diane Battiato, 68, D (Incumbent) , 71, R

dianebattiato.com

MCC Board of Governors The board governs the college, sets policy, approves the budget and sets the local college tax levy.

Brad Ashby, 55, R (Incumbent) Erin Feichtinger, 30, D erinformetro.com ballotpedia.org/Brad_Ashby

OPS Board Responsible for setting the overall goals for the school district and, in compliance with state and federal laws, establish policies and regulations by which the school district is governed.

Subdistrict 2 Marque Snow, 30, D (Incumbent) fb.com/MarqueASnow

Marlon Brewer, 36, D ballotpedia.org/Marlon_Brewer

Subdistrict 4 Shavonna Holman, 42, D (Incumbent)

County Engineer Plans and executes road improvement projects as well as repairs, snow removal and bridge inspections and repairs outside of city limits.

Tom Doyle, D (Incumbent) 402-444-6372

Elizabeth Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connor, 27 elizabethforregent.com

John Friend, 57, R (Incumbent) votefriend.com

Jennifer Hernandez, 35, D jenniferhernandezforclerk.com

OPPD Subdivsion 6 Manages the publicly-owned utility, sets rates, administers rules and regulations for the company and ensures state and federal guidelines are met.

Tom Barrett, 53, D (Incumbent) Eric Williams, 36, D oppd.com/about/leadership/ williamsforoppd.com board-of-directors/thomas-sbarrett

County Treasurer Responsible for collecting property taxes and motor vehicle taxes and issuing license plates.

John Ewing Jr., 57, D (Incumbent) dctreasurer.org

County Attorney Responsible to prosecute or defend, on behalf of the state and county, all suits, applications, or motions, civil or criminal.

Don Kleine, 65, D (Incumbent) donkleine.com

This iis This s not not a co comp complete mple lete te e llis list istt of every eve every ry

district mapping Due to d Due dis istr tric ictt ma mapp ppiing an and d multiple mult mu ltip iple le uncontested unco un cont ntes este ted d races, race ra ces, s, we we compiled comp compil iled ed candidates eligibility cand ca ndid idat ates es based bas b ased ed on on their thei th eirr el elig igib ibil ilit ity y within northeastern with wi thin in tthe he n nor orth thea east ste ern er e n part part o off Omaha.

Omah Om aha. a. candidates that To see see a all ll tthe he c can andi dida da ate tes s th at be your will wi ll b e available avai av aila labl ble e on y yo ourr ballot ou o ball ba llot ot during please visit duri du ring ng election ele e lect ctio ion n day, day, p leas le ase e vi visi sitt VOTEDOUGLASCOUNTY.COM VOTE VO TEDO DOUG UGLA LASC SCOU OUNT NT TY. Y.CO COM M

Page B-4

THE OMAHA STAR

LOCAL NEWS

HEARTLAND WORKERS CENTER 2018 CANDIDATE PROFILE

! ! " support or endorse any candidate or political party. Our only objective is to educate and inform voters so that they can make informed decisions at the time of voting.â&#x20AC;?

NOISE is grateful to the Heartland Workers Center for allowing us to share their

#

equitable democracy. This is page is focused on federal representatives and is only

$

%

HEARTLANDWORKERSCENTER.ORG UNITED STATES SENATOR

Jim Schultz, Libertarian (Non-Incumbent) Residence: Lincoln, NE Age: 54 Occupation: Retired Previous Public Positions: None Education: Bachelor of Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln Web page: jimschultz-lpne.nationbuilder.com

Deb Fischer, Republican (Incumbent) Residence: Lincoln, NE Age: 67 Occupation: U.S. Senator (2013-Present) Previous Public Positions: & ' * + / (1990-2004); State Senator for 43rd District (2005-2012) Education: Bachelor of Science in Education, University of Nebraska-Lincoln Web page: FischerForNebraska.com Jane Raybould, Democrat (Non-Incumbent) Residence: Lincoln, NE Age: 59 Occupation: Grocer Previous Public Positions: Lincoln City Council District 3 (2015-Present); Lancaster County Commissioner (2011-2015) Education: Masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, Georgetown University; Bachelorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, Creighton University Web page: JaneRaybould.com What actions will you take to support working families, particularly policies that will increase wages and expand rights for all workers in Nebraska, including those who were formerly incarcerated?

Schultz: First and foremost, we need to quit incarcerating so many people. End the War on Drugs and decriminalize drug use, legalize intimate activities between consenting adults, end restrictions on gambling, and abolish victimless crimes. Enforcement of these laws falls disproportionately on the poor and working class. Supporting families also requires a deep re-evaluation of our Family Law system. Far too often, involvement with Family Courts accelerates the breakdown of families instead of getting them the help they need. This frequently results in a spiral of accusations, arrests, loss of residence, loss of privileges such as drivers licence, and loss of income and loss of jobs. It is in the best

$ $ ! # 8 !

: < families together as we currently do in breaking them apart. A vibrant economy is the best source of good wages and good working conditions for the working class. We need to remove barriers to entry which keep new business.

Fischer: No response received.

Raybould: = <

$ # > #

to securing and keeping a job--with proper job training, the skills gained make for a better worker, and will help increase oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s competitiveness to increase his or her wages.

8 < 8 : #

available to everyone. For those Nebraskans who are, or have been incarcerated, we need to focus on continuity of programming, so when theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re released they have the proper skills to apply for a job, get a job and keep that job.

What actions will you take to ensure access to healthcare for all, particularly for minority communities?

Schultz: Improving healthcare in any community - minority, rural, First Nations - is best achieved by increasing the number of providers coming from those communities. I believe that programs which pay tuition in exchange for a set period of working in those communities are one of the best programs to empower both those communities and individuals from those communities while also improving services.

Fischer: No response received.

Raybould: Access to healthcare is a right, not a privilege. Illness doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t discriminate against someoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s race, where he or she lives, nor how much money he or she makes.

Washington republicans have eliminated the individual mandate, which spikes premiums $ 8 : # < the cost of premiums and prescription drugs.

What actions will you take to ensure that post-secondary education is accessible and

Schultz: We need to move beyond the clichĂŠ that college is the desired outcome for all students. Nationwide, more than 15% of students will not graduate from high school. In some locations, that number is much higher. Only 65% of those high school graduates will go on to college. Only 60% of those attending college will graduate. Altogether, only about one-third of students will complete the academic track from high school to college.

We are leaving the other two-thirds out in the cold and perpetuating the myth that you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be successful in life without attending college. I would like to see more trade

:

V

<

"

$ 8 Y

answer and employer those alternative paths.

Fischer: No response received.

October 5, 2018

U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT 2

Don Bacon, Republican (Incumbent) Residence: Papillion, NE Age: 54 Occupation: Assistant Professor at Bellevue University. He teaches courses on

&

Military: 1985 - 2014 United States Air Force; Retired as a Brigadier General.

Previous Public Positions: U.S. Representative from Nebraskaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2nd Congressional District (2017 - Present) Education: Graduated in 1984 from Northern Illinois University with a degree in Political Science. M.B.A, 1996 University of Phoenix; M.A., 2004 National War College Web page: DonJBacon.com Kara Eastman, Democrat (Non-Incumbent) Residence: Omaha, NE Age: 46 Occupation: CEO, Omaha Healthy Kids Alliance Previous Public Positions: & ! { 8 + (2015- Present) Education: MSW Loyola University Chicago, BA Sociology, Pitzer College Web page: EastmanForCongress.com

What actions will you take to support working families, particularly policies that will increase wages and expand rights for all workers in Nebraska, including those who were formerly incarcerated?

Bacon: I am a member of the Prison Reform Caucus in Congress, and I want to ensure lower recidivism rates. This means more education, half-way houses on release to reduce

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve supported pro-growth tax and regulatory policies that have led to over 4% GDP growth and the lowest unemployment rates in four decades. I will continue to support these policies and others, including making the individual tax cuts permanent.

Eastman: Too many Americans are incarcerated. Fifty years ago we had 200,000-300,000 >

$ @ K Q ! $ :

$

$ !#

system doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t serve public safety, doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t address racial disparities, and fails to take into account underlying issues of addiction and mental illness. We need to make our communities safer and focus on prevention.

What actions will you take to ensure access to healthcare for all, particularly for minority communities?

Bacon: I was a leader to get CHIP fully funded in the 115th Congress. I also support V V

8 consumers more choices, while simultaneously keeping pre-existing conditions covered, barring the reinstatement of lifetime caps, and allowing families to keep their children on their healthcare plans until age 26. This can all be done with a series of small bills,

#

=

# V healthcare because so many Nebraskans have voiced their discontent with the current options.

Eastman: I support the Expanded and Improved Medicare for All Act. It ensures that Americans have medical care without having to be burdened by outrageous costs. In the meantime, I also support legislation like the Consumer Health Insurance Protection Act to shore up our markets and protect the ACA. In Omaha, our minority communities rely heavily on our FQHCs for their healthcare. By increasing funding for FQHC, and expanding Medicaid in Nebraska, more people will have

8 : #

What actions will you take to ensure that post-secondary education is accessible and

Bacon: In-state tuition provides lower costs to students, which I strongly support.

<

< 8 :

=

$

Z $ 8 # !8

enter the trades often build satisfying and prosperous careers.

Eastman: I support moving toward debt-free community college and public university education, because our students are facing increasing amounts of debt simply to get a college degree. Bills like the College for All Act should be considered as we create new models of public higher education. Metro Community College here in Omaha is a beacon

Y

8 # $ 8 # : degree, and it must be fully funded.

What actions will you take to provide assistance for small business development?

Bacon: Small businesses are the lifeblood of the American economy and the source of stability for many Nebraskans. I helped pass â&#x20AC;&#x153;Opportunity Zonesâ&#x20AC;? that will incentivize $ \ Y

! ] #

=

SBA loans and the SCORE program that provides mentors for new small business owners.

I voted to reduce taxes by 20% for small businesses, creating an environment where they can thrive. I authored a bill that forces the government to pay small businesses in timely manner when change orders are initiated, as I learned many small businesses were not being paid by the federal government for years.

Eastman: Small businesses need policies that work for them. We should allow credit unions to lend more to help small business. Since the great recession, small businesses have been hit hard, and many need loans, often under $250,000 or even under $100,000. The SBA should consider lowering rates and eliminating red tape so that small business owners with the ability to pay back loans have easier access to funds. Plus, we can reduce bureaucratic obstacles that slow innovation.

I believe in promoting â&#x20AC;&#x153;made in Americaâ&#x20AC;? policies, and I will push for local businesses to be used on local projects.

Businesses will hire from a larger pool of talented recruits if we make community and state college debt-free. In addition, we should build more partnerships between the private sector and educational institutions like Metropolitan Community College here in Omaha.

Raybould:

< !

8 : # !

-from traditional college and universities to community colleges and trade schools. For any person who wants to continue his or her education after high school, the cost for this

# : #

8

overwhelming student loan debt.

What actions will you take to provide assistance for small business development?

Schultz: The biggest obstacle to small business is simply getting started. We need to reduce or eliminate many of the fees and licenses businesses need to start, reduce or eliminate many of the reporting requirements for business that have no employees (owner run businesses), and streamline the process for required reporting and paying taxes. I ran a small consulting business for a while. It was a closed, one-to- one relationship between me and one client. There would never be any other employees and never any other client.

The reporting requirements were simply ridiculous.

Fischer: No response received.

Raybould: The recently-passed tax bill gives tax cuts to the wealthiest Americans and to corporations, but not to small businesses or hard-working Nebraska families. When Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m in

* = <

V

Z # < Y

economy by allowing small businesses to thrive. And small businesses need a strong, diverse workforce to keep growing -- a reason to support immigration reform.

YOU VOTE IS YOUR VOICE. MAKE IT HEARD. VOTE NOVEMBER 6

October 5, 2018

LOCAL NEWS

THE OMAHA STAR

Page B-5

TIME FOR TEA & WELLNESS

BY ASHLEY SALEM

Tea is kinda my thing. The only thing that makes tea better, besides a great book, is having someone to share it with.

I arose early one Saturday morning to head to downtown to speak with

! " # # ## # $ " % " mahogany wide-brimmed hat, she beamed a smile from ear-to-ear. Smiling back, I grabbed a cup of tea and she told me her story.

Raised in North Omaha wh here her fami ily o wned the he Allen Showcase at 2229 where family owned

' "" & $

% %

# ""

() % e aboutt th the importance of personal color with the distinction. She spoke to m me e plaining that rather ex ra ath her than tha an listening to our bodies we ownership for wellness, explaining e ca care of us.â&#x20AC;? have â&#x20AC;&#x153;given up our power to white coats to take

* ## * ##

"

% " " "

" # an fed. She said that since corn is hard to digest and less nutrient-rich tha than * ## +

/

* ## # / o process which lea eads to softer, leaner bee ef. N u se ur s grass is easier for the cow to leads beef.

Nurse b eff a try and at least be leasst taste ta e the th he Courtney recommends anyone give grass-fed beef "

0 + + to.â&#x20AC;?

A pr prac a tici c ng herb balist, a person who studies medicinal plants, Nur u se Courtne n y practicing herbalist, Nurse Courtney spok oke e passionately pass ssionatelyy about her studies with cannabis oil which yyou ou can explo lore spoke explore web ebsi s te, nurs rsecourtney.com. She also provided provid ded me with t a few tips that tha on herr website, nursecourtney.com. call lls â&#x20AC;&#x153;Internal â&#x20AC;&#x153;IInternal Ca C nnabis for Optimal Health and Wellness.â&#x20AC;?

Wellness ss.â&#x20AC;? she calls Cannabis 1. Smi ile e! $# %

Smile!

ea nandamid de also called the bliss molecule e. Th his THC like molecule mole mo ecule to release anandamide molecule.

This rela ax, heal hea eal and rejuvenate re eju j venate the entire syst s em. This h e ps to relieve st el stre ress s , can relax, system. helps stress, ain n an and help us come into a balanced heartt rrhythm. hythm. hy reduce pai pain hink hi nk g ood oo d thoughts. Having a happy, grateful grate eful and posi siti t ve d isspo posi siti tion on 2. T Think good positive disposition masste ter ke key to resilience as it helps us align g with comp mpas assi s on a nd jjoy, oy,, oy is the master compassion and of the th external circumstance. The The h endocannabinoid endocan nna abi b no noid i system sys yste tem m iss regardless of for the the feeling of well-being. Anyone Anyon one can encourage enco cour u ag age healing heal he alin ing g on n responsible for vel e y using thoughts. The keyy is believing n a nd ffocusing ocus usin ing g on the the any level by activ actively and b st possible end be d result and feeling. best Take hot baths. s. Hu H mans have used hydrotherapy hyd ydro rotherapy for th hou usa and ndss of yyears ears ea 3. Take Humans thousands ain ntai a n health and nd well-being. The e endocannabinoid end ndoc o annabino oid system sys y tem m is ccritical riti ri tica call to mai maintain #

#

* *

#

# #

## ##

# # ## a we adjust to to being immersed ed in hot water. Add d epsom m sal altt an and da activated as salt eucalyp ptu tus essential oil for added adde ded d therapy. ther erap apy. few drops of peppermintt and/or eucalyptus 4. Eat at Hemp.

Hem mp. p Hem mp oil fo ound in the he refrigerator refrige erator section of health healtth stores stor ores es h as Hemp found has

'# ' 3 4 5 " '# " % "

# # #

# S mply by Si by addi d ng hemp hem emp oil oiil to anything from salad to smoothies, o n ccan ne an Simply adding one % " # # # #

#

%

a d immu an une healt th. and immune health.

5. S tomp mp, jump, an nd move. move ve. Active, intentional, and purposeful movement Stomp, and

% # # #

#

%

# % % " 6 6

"

% " 6

system. system.

COLLABORATING PARTNERS

" % 7 " # # 8 I met local farmers and people passionate about their livestock. They could easily tell me which cut of meat would be best and how the animals had been treated. I enjoyed hearing their stories. They spoke of legacy and how their fatherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fatherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s father started the business, and now with honor, they have decided to carry it on.

My family and I stopped at a water cooler to stay hydrated when were greeted by # * eyes. It was the lovely Nadirah, creator of Nourishment by Nadirah - a local 100% natural and organic shea butter line. Her product is so naturally pure, you can even eat it! I asked her to join me for a cup of tea. ' % # " wellness and how it is supported by learning who we are, where we come from, and what we put in our bodies. Nadirah explained she valued teaching her grandchildren about their ancestors, tribes of the diaspora, and some of the remarkable things Black people have created. Her family also helps make and distribute her shea " &

butter.

As we spoke about the importance of origins, Nadirah told me the story of how her company began. She said it started with a severe case of eczema, dry skin, on the bottom of her foot. Seeking relief from the dry itchy pain, she went to a dermatologist who prescribed her a hydrocortisone cream. He told her not to use the cream too much or it would eat a hole in her skin. The irony of this instruction > # " " "

and bleeding.

As this was no long-term solution, she took matters into her own hands, literally.

With a background in chemistry, Nadirah worked for 18 months to develop and perfect her shea butter formula. Over that time she claims she was able to cure her own eczema in a little as four weeks.

Years later, she had a terrible accident which left her with third-degree burns on parts of her body. When she arrived to the emergency room the doctors immediately wanted to give her multiple medications and topical ointments. She accepted some of their suggestions and coupled them with her own formula.

During a follow-up the doctors and nurses were amazed at how fast her skin had recovered. They immediately wanted to know what she did. She smiled humbly and let them know the main product was of her own making. Needless to say, Nadirahâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s shea butter formula is popular in local markets and getting even more buzz. As she begins to expand her product line into shaving products and other items, she wants to make her craft and philosophy more widely available.

At the end of the day, I was refreshed and encouraged by these two amazing women. Their insight and zest for life was completely contagious. As we shared our stories, tea, and wisdom, I was compelled to think about how I lead my own life.

I was convinced that we must take responsibility for what we put in and on our bodies. From food and drink to lotions and medication, taking the time to know # " # # By checking labels of products we use, considering how the animals we choose to consume are treated, and buying from local vendors and makers, we can reclaim our personal power. With our own power we become intentional in creating a legacy of wholeness and wellness for our future generations.

you receive ought to be discussed with your personal physician or medical provider. If you wish to contact Nurse Courtney she can be reached via her website, www.nursecourtney.com

Nebraska Democratic Party Black Caucus Candidate Fundraiser October 18, 5pm to 9pm The Study Hall â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 2205 N 24th Street Spencer Danner for Nebraska Secretary of State

Mina Davis for State Legislature District 8

As a grassroots organization, we depend on the contributions of our community and supporting institutions to sustain our mission and growth. By sponsoring or purchasing ad space with NOISE and our media partners, you are making a commitment to amplifying community journalism and the voices of those often underrepresented in public discourse.

$20 Suggested Donation at the Door

Contact NOISE Director Dawaune Hayes at noiseomaha@gmail.com for more information.

@NDPBC Contact: kimara.snipe@gmail.com

THANK YOU TO OUR AMPLIFIER:

October 5, 2018

LOCAL NEWS THE OMAHA STAR Page B-6

ART BY GERARD PEFUNG FOR 101.3 MIND & SOUL. GERARDPEFUNG.COM PRINTS AVAILABLE SOON!