Vol. 80 - No. 25

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. 25 Omaha, Nebraska

Friday, December 14, 2018

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL! Chase & Coreyana Lytle enjoyed Christmas in the Village

75 cents

Rep. Bass Elected New Chairperson of Congressional Black Caucus

By Brandon I. Brooks Managing Editor Los Angeles Sentinel (Kimberlee Buck contributed to this article.)

In 2008, Congresswoman Karen Bass made history after being elected as the first ever African American woman to become Speaker of any state legislature. Since then, Bass has continued to represent the 37th congressional district of California by being an active voice for criminal justice reform, fighting for America’s foster care system, and strengthening the United States ties with Africa.

Now Bass will have the opportunity to continue making change in her new role as the chair of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC).

Bass’ colleagues from the DNC, CBC as well as local and religious leaders extended their warmest congratulations on her latest feat. “[I am] truly excited to see the energy and determination Karen Bass will bring to her role as chair of the Congressional Black Caucus,” said minority leader of the United States House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi.

DNC chair Tom Perez says

he “couldn’t be happier to call Congresswoman Karen Bass the next chair” of the CBC. “From fighting for criminal justice reform and child welfare to affordable health care and a stronger economy for all, Karen has devoted her life to serving California families and African American communities across the country,” he said.

Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II referred to Congresswoman Bass a “trailblazer.”

“I am delighted that Congresswoman Karen Bass has been elected to lead the Congressional Black Caucus for the 116th Congress. Rep. Bass has been a trailblazer and a true advocate for issues concerning people of color.

I am certain that her leadership will continue to move the CBC ahead and I look forward to working with her,” he said.

Councilman Marqueece HarrisDawson told the LA Sentinel: “We are proud to share our leader, Karen Bass, with the rest of the country. I am eager to see the largest Congressional Black Caucus make great strides under her leadership.”

LA City Council President Herb Wesson, who is also a longtime friend of Bass, congratulated her in

a Twitter post: “Congratulations @ RepKarenBass on being elected chair of the @OfficialCBC! It’s been an honor to have you as a friend, colleague and representative. The Congressional Black Caucus is in good hands.”

Pastor J. Edgar Boyd who is the senior minister at First AME Church of Los Angeles calls Bass “a true champion.”

“Karen Bass has become a true champion for causes which impact the lives of people living within her district, across California and even beyond the borders of the US. True courage is seen in her fight to ensure the rights and opportunities of children, working parents, seniors, veterans, and the LGBT community; while yet promoting measures to ensure civil justice, human safety, and civility at our borders. Her leadership at the helm of the CBC will provide dividends well into the future,” he said.

Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas mentioned that he can think of no one better than Karen Bass to lead the CBC. “With 55 members, the Caucus is larger than it has ever been, and wellpositioned to advance a progressive agenda. I look forward to hearing more about that agenda when Rep. Bass

Congresswoman Karen Bass speaks at the Africa Policy Forum on famine. (courtesy photo)

delivers the keynote speech at this year’s Empowerment Congress, to be held January 19th at Charles Drew University of Medicine and Science,” he said.

Senator Holly Mitchell who has worked with Bass in the past described how Bass’ leadership will influence the CBC. “Someone with her experience in terms of managing budgets the size of California and managing budget crises the size of California and to have been a leader of one of the most powerful state legislatures in the country…all

of that experience with her national contacts that she will bring to her role as chair will be hugely beneficial to the caucus as a whole. I am excited for her and I am excited for the future of the caucus,” she said.

Bass, who is the eighth woman to hold this position, will replace outgoing chair Cedric Richmond.

Other members of Congress who were also elected include: Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (D-OH-03), first vice chair; Congresswoman Brenda See Rep. Bass continued on page 5

Heart Ministry Center Breaks Ground on New Building Meet Tammy Kemp, Heart Ministry Center’s board of directors, staff, volunteers, The Black Judge Assigned to clients and members of the community broke ground on a new building for the organization last week.

Scheduled to open in fall of 2019, the new building will Amber Guyger Murder Trial provide more space to expand the organization’s services,

By Nigel Roberts Texas District Judge Tammy Kemp has been assigned to preside over the murder trial of former Dallas police officer Amber Guyger, who shot and killed Botham Jean in his own apartment in September.

Kemp, 57, was a prosecutor for the Dallas County District Attorney’s office who also has experience as a criminal defense attorney. She’s a Democrat who was recently re-elected to a Kemp second term on the 204th Judicial District Court bench, where she began serving in 2015.

“As a prosecutor, I served under three unique District Attorneys, and each instilled values that have impacted me and made me into a better judge.

As a defense attorney, I became aware of the challenges defendants and their attorneys face in preparing a defense. While serving as a judge, I have become keenly aware of the difficulties that victims, defendants, witnesses and jurors encounter when involved in the criminal justice system,” she told the Dallas Morning News during her 2018 re-election campaign.

A grand jury in Dallas indicted Guyger, 30, on Dec. 1. The panel found enough evidence for a murder charge instead of the initial manslaughter charge.

On the night of Sept. 6, she illegally entered Jean’s apartment, which was located one floor above her own, and shot Jean, 26, to death – that much has been established as true. But everything else that transpired during that fatal encounter was not exactly clear, with only Guyger’s word to go on.

She claimed that following a long day on the job as a Dallas police officer, she implausibly mistook his apartment for her own and, after ordering Jean not to move, shot him twice. Her story was greeted by doubt because of several factors, especially her assertion that Jean’s door was ajar. Videos posted on social media by neighbors appeared to show that apartment doors in the building shut automatically, which seemed to indicate that Guyger was lying.

Kemp was a top prosecutor in the office of Craig Watkins, who was Texas’ first elected African-American District Attorney. In 2013, she was the lead prosecutor in a case involving a man who drowned two sons in a creek to get back at their mother.

After Guyger was booked into jail but released on a $200,000 bond, Kemp ordered her to surrender her passport and not to travel outside Texas without court approval.

including medical and dental care (in partnership with Creighton University), case management, job placement, and the Heart Ministry Center food pantry, which is already the largest in the state.

The new building will also house a state-of-the-art laundry facility, providing Heart Ministry Center clients with employment opportunities and the community an affordable place to do laundry, which can be a barrier to finding and keeping steady employment.

Heart Ministry Center’s new building (24th & Binney) will enable its team to expand the reach of its guiding mission: “Dignity for All.” “The most important thing we do, more important than any of our services, is treating people with dignity,” said Executive Director Eric Crawford. “I see it every day – a little kindness goes a long way.”

The groundbreaking signified the next step in Heart Ministry

Architect’s rendering of new Heart Ministry Center building, scheduled to open in late 2019

Center’s growth. Everyone who attended received a small shovel to participate.

Heart Ministry Center’s capital campaign has raised more than $4.5 million, enough to build the new facility, and now focuses on fundraising for an operating endowment. Donations can be See Heart Ministry continued on page 5

Black Nominees for the Golden Globes

By Defender News Services The Golden Globe nominees have been announced, and there is a lot of diversity in the nominees. Announced live by Terry Crews and Danai Gurira, films like Spike Lee’s “BlacKkKlansman,” “Green Book,” “If Beale Street Could Talk” and “Black Panther” – the first comic book movie nominated for Best Picture – racked up nominations. Even Kendrick Lamar and SZA got some love.

Other nominees include Mahershala Ali, John David Washington (Denzel’s son!), Regina King, Billy Porter, Donald Glover, Thandie Newton, Spike Lee and more.

The 76th Golden Globe Awards will be hosted by Andy Samberg and Sandra Oh. The show airs on Jan. 6.

Check out the Black nominees below.

1. Best Motion Picture – Drama: ‘Black Panther’, ‘BlacKkKlansman’, ‘If Beale Street Could Talk’, and ‘Green Book’ 2. Mahershala Ali for Best Supporting Actor for ‘Green Book’ 3. Regina King for Best Supporting Actress ‘Seven Seconds’ and ‘If Beale Street Could Talk’ 4. Thandie Newton for ‘Westworld’ for Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Series, Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television 5. Donald Glover in ‘Atlanta’ For Best Actor in a TV Series, Comedy 6. Spike Lee for Best Director for ‘BlacKkKlansman’ 7. Kendrick Lamar and SZA for “All the Stars,” Black Panther for Best Original Song – Motion Picture 8. John David Washington for Best Actor in a Motion Picture for ‘BlacKkKlansman’ 9. Billy Porter for ‘Pose’ for Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series – Drama ‘Pose’ was also nominated for Best Television Series, Drama.

10. Stephan James for Best Performance by an Actor in Marvel’s Black Panther a Television Series, Drama in ‘Homecoming’

See hometown Neither rain, sleet nor snow Who are Tim shero Symone stopped thousands of Christmas Clark’s friends?

Sanders – Dec. 20. in the Village visitors.

Find out Dec. 21.

See In the Village for details.

See photos in the Dec. 28 issue.

See In the Village for details.

Page Two

LOCAL NEWS

THE OMAHA STAR

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December 14, 2018

NDOT Promotes Safety Through Awareness of Winter Operations Practices When the white stuff flies, the Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) has people you can look up to. Literally.

Four roadside billboards were unveiled last week, showcasing the agency’s winterfighting axiom this season: Your Safe Travel Is Our Business. NDOT’s mission to keep Nebraska’s roadways safe for the traveling public and a reminder to the public of its responsibility to take proper winterdriving precautions serve as motivators for the billboards. The four displays, placed strategically across the state, are a way for NDOT to put the message on the road.

Even with NDOT plows on the job, motorists need to tend to their own safety, and encourage others to do so, when traveling during hazardous weather. A great first step is checking 511, Nebraska’s Advanced Traveler Information System, where the most up-to-date travel conditions are available. The system is available at all times via Nebraska 511’s smartphone app, online at www.511.nebraska.gov, or by dialing 511 on your mobile device within the state, or dialing 1-800-906-9069 from a landline or outside Nebraska.

As travelers take on winter’s fury, they can

rest easy knowing there is a dedicated group looking out for their safety. NDOT and the Nebraska State Patrol work diligently to keep roads safe every day, every night and in every storm.

Each of the four new billboards highlight local snowplow drivers, letting motorists know their neighbors are the everyday heroes blazing the way through difficult conditions. Serving their communities and doing their part to shrink the number of winter crashes are what keep them focused.

Snowplow drivers are, “dedicated employees who ensure we are ready to serve the public and provide them safe travel,” said District 2 Engineer Tim Weander.

“When activated, our winter operations are 24 hours a day until the pavement conditions are conducive to safe travel, and the threat of drifting is eliminated”, he added. “Our Snow Fighters work 12-hour shifts and sacrifice their family activities to allow the public to participate in their own family activities.”

Tips on Planning Ahead If you are going to venture out into hazardous conditions, keep these pointers in

Climate Lobby Endorses Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act The four Nebraska chapters of Citizens’ Climate Lobby have endorsed a bipartisan bill introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives that would reduce America’s carbon emissions, improve health, save lives and create 2.1 million jobs over the next decade.

The Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act (H.R. 7173) is co-sponsored by Rep. Francis Rooney (R-FL), Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Rep. Dave Trott (R-MI), Rep. Ted Deutch (D-FL), Rep. Charlie Crist (D-FL) and Rep. John Delaney (D-MD).

It aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect the economy by: 1. Assessing a fee on the carbon dioxide content of fuels at the source, starting at $15 per ton and rising $10 per ton annually.

2. Returning the revenue as equal shares to all U.S. households.

3. Providing a border adjustment fee for imports from nations that lack an equivalent price on carbon, thereby maintaining a level playing field for U.S. companies.

Omaha Chapter Co-leader Mark Welsch said: “Climate change is already impacting people, farmers, ranchers, businesses and government in Nebraska. Many of us remember the massive Missouri River flood in 2011. It closed I-480 where it crosses from Nebraska to Iowa for over 4 months. It also flooded part of OPPD’s Fort Calhoun Nuclear Power plant, causing it to stay shut down for over a year. In 2012 my brother’s farm, along with many others, had crop yields that were much lower than normal because of the long-lasting drought. That drought made it possible for wildfires in northern Nebraska and southern South Dakota to char tens of thousands of acres of ranch land. Although these local floods and droughts are not caused by climate change, they are getting worse because of it. This bill will put the world on a better path and with it we will avoid the worst economic and health impacts of climate change.”

A study in 2014 by Regional Economic Models, Inc., determined that such a policy would add 2.1 million jobs to the economy in 10 years. The bill targets at least a 40% reduction in carbon emissions in 12 years.

“To call this legislation a breakthrough is an understatement,” said Citizens’ Climate Lobby Executive Director Mark Reynolds. “This bill is easily the most significant congressional move on climate change since 2009. And with bipartisan sponsorship, it has a real chance at passage.”

All of the bill’s six co-sponsors are members of the bipartisan House Climate Solutions Caucus, which was formed in early 2016 to bring Republicans and Democrats together for the purpose of, among other things, exploring market-based solutions to climate change. While not a sponsor of this bill, Rep. Don Bacon, NE District 2, joined the Climate Solutions Caucus early in his first term in February 2017.

African Culture Connection Receives Program Grant From Snow-Redfern Foundation African Culture Connection (ACC) has announced the receipt of a $6,000 grant from the Snow-Redfern Foundation for Kingdoms In-School and After-School Residency Programs.

“We are extremely grateful for the funding from Snow-Redfern Foundation,” said Charles Ahovissi, Executive/Artistic Director of African Culture Connection. “This funding will support the expansion of our Kingdoms in-school residency program as well as our existing after-school residency program.”

The $6,000 awarded by the Snow-Redfern Foundation will support African Culture Connection’s expansion of the Kingdoms In-School Program within Omaha Public Schools. The grant will also support their After-School program at partner facilities and organizations.

ACC combines a solid cultural arts curriculum with the expertise of contracted teaching and performing artists in order to bring African music, dance, drumming, visual arts and culture to schools, youth organizations and out-of-school time programs in Nebraska.

The Snow-Redfern Foundation was created in 1964. Its mission is to provide monetary support for organizations, or agencies, which assist youth and families that are at-risk and face challenges in their lives.

Support Those Who Support You

2018 Publishing dates for the Omaha Star December 2018 Friday

December 28, 2018

mind: • Be prepared with warm clothing, water and food. If traveling a significant distance, stock a winter weather survival kit with additional items.

• Always buckle up, do not drive faster than conditions allow and allow for plenty of travel time.

• Blowing and drifting snow can reduce visibility.

• If you are stranded while traveling, stay in your vehicle until help arrives.

• If your vehicle becomes stuck, run your motor sparingly and keep a window cracked to prevent buildup of carbon monoxide.

Have a red flag or bandana to signal for help.

• The Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) Highway Helpline is available 24 hours per day for motorists in need of assistance. You can reach NSP by dialing *55 from any cell phone. Phone 911 for any emergency.

For more safe-driving tips and winter weather information, visit NDOT’s website, http://dot.nebraska.gov/safety/driving/ winter/

MAPA Amending 2040 Long Range Transportation Plan for NDOT projects The Omaha-Council Bluffs Metropolitan Area Planning Agency (MAPA) is amending its 2040 Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) to include several Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) road projects and increase funding programmed for the City of Bellevue’s 36th Street project.

These adjustments will make MAPA’s LRTP consistent with its Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). The public comment period for this 2040 LRTP amendment runs today through January 4, 2019 and will include an open house public meeting. Please arrive at any time during the meeting time frame.

Thursday, Dec. 20, 4-5:30 p.m. MAPA 2222 Cuming St. MAPA offices are located on Metro bus routes 4, 18 and 24.

Bike racks are available in front

of the building. Please submit written comments via mail or email by 4:30 p.m. on Jan. 4.

Metropolitan Area Planning Agency 2222 Cuming St. Omaha, NE 68102 Phone: (402) 444-6866 Fax: (402) 951-6517 Email: mapa@mapacog.org View the 2040 LRTP amendment at: https:// tinyurl.com/MAPA-LRTPAmendment-9 Meetings of the OmahaCouncil Bluffs Metropolitan Area Planning Agency are conducted in compliance with the Iowa and Nebraska Statutes of the Open Meetings Act. Auxiliary aids, language assistance and services are available when requested in advance. Si necesita ayuda con traduccion, por favor llame la oficina.

Model Call Seeks Those With Personal Ties To Alzheimer’s Max I. Walker is seeking volunteer models of all shapes and sizes to walk the runway in its Dress Raffle Fashion Show on Feb. 2 at the Ultra Chic Boutique dress sale, benefiting the Alzheimer’s Association Nebraska Chapter. The fashion show features some of the best and most beautiful gowns that have been donated to the sale, and raffles off the ‘first right to purchase’ these special dresses to shoppers.

“It’s a fun way to get the crowd involved, and provide some entertainment to those waiting in line for the fitting rooms,” said Lisa Walker-Sekundiak, creator of the Ultra Chic Boutique. “We’ve always used professional models for the Dress Raffle Fashion Show, but this year we wanted to do something a little more meaningful and get people with a personal tie to Alzheimer’s involved. We hope to give the community a new way to contribute to our goal of raising funds and awareness for the disease and its impact.”

Prior modeling experience is not necessary, and everyone 14 and older is welcome to apply. Those interested can apply to the Max I. Walker Facebook page by sharing a video of what inspires them to help raise funds and awareness for Alzheimer’s disease. Detailed instructions on how to apply are available on the Max I. Walker website at https://www.maxiwalker.com/ultra-chic-boutique/dressraffle-fashion-show/. The deadline to apply is Dec. 24.

The funds raised from the raffle and dress sales will be used by the Alzheimer’s Association to further the Association’s mission to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health.

The Feb. 3, 2018, event raised $20,000 in six hours.

For more information about the 2019 Ultra Chic Boutique, contact Steph Dorland, Marketing Director for Max I. Walker, at 402.558.3677 or at sdorland@walkersinc.net.

For more information about the Alzheimer’s Association Nebraska Chapter, contact Elizabeth Chentland, Regional Director of Communications, at 402.739.8637 or echentland@alz.org.

State Canvass Board Certifies Results of 2018 General Election; LINCOLN – Members of the Nebraska State Board of Canvassers convened in the Governor’s Hearing Room located in the State Capitol at 1:30 p.m. on Dec. 3 to certify the results of the statewide general election held on Nov. 6.

The Board consists of state constitutional officers including Secretary of State John Gale, State Treasurer Don Stenberg, Auditor of Public Accounts Charlie Janssen, Attorney General Doug Peterson, and Board chairman Governor Pete Ricketts.

The results of the election, including the certified results from state and federal races, were compiled into the State Board of Canvassers report and submitted to the Board for final approval, which was granted unanimously by the Board.

The Board ordered two automatic recounts as required by statute.

The two races for which recounts are to be conducted are Little Blue Natural Resources District Director for Subdistrict 5 and Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District Director for Subdistrict 6.

The affected candidate for Little Blue Natural Resources District Subdistrict 5 has subsequently filed paperwork with the Secretary of State stating that he is waiving his right to the automatic recount, and as such it will not be conducted.

Due to the state holiday declared for Dec. 5 mourning the passing of President George H.W. Bush, the Board ordered that recounts be carried out starting Dec. 6 at 9 a.m.

The final certified results are available on the Secretary of State’s website at https://electionresults.sos.ne.gov/.

December 14, 2018

PRAISE, WORSHIP, DEVOTION, OBITUARIES & INSPIRATION

Christmas Cantata at Pleasant Green The Music and Arts Ministry of Pleasant Green Baptist Church, 5555 Larimore Ave., will present “A Pleasantly Green Christmas” on Dec. 22 at 6 p.m. The cantata is under the direction of Minister Justin Payne.

Come and spend a blessed evening worshipping our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ during this Christmas season. Remember Jesus is the reason for the season.

Rev. Brian E. Page, Pastor

By Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson At the funeral tribute for his late wife, Barbara, who died last April, former President George H.W. Bush sat pensively in his wheelchair near her casket, patiently greeting those who had come to mourn the woman whom he had married seventy-three years earlier. It seemed improbable that they were no longer together. That he was now without her.

He had once told an interviewer that if his wife passed before he did, she would be the first person that he wanted to see when he arrived in heaven. On last Friday evening, the former Republican president, who voted in the 2016 presidential election for a

Services Scheduled for 11 a.m.

Monday at Salem Baptist Church

George H.W. Bush and Barbara Bush

Democrat, received his wish when his beloved Barbara asked an angel to play a harp, calling her husband home to her side.

As the 41st supreme commander of our country, President Bush worked with legislators in both the Democratic and Republican parties. He made decisions that he believed were in the best interests of the country, even if they cost him an election, as raising taxes to balance the budget did in the 1992 presidential contest when he was defeated by President Bill Clinton. The two later became close friends, and worked together on projects for the benefit of their fellow citizens.

The privileged son of a United States Senator, President Bush, who was born in Massachusetts and raised on the east coast, rightly decided to make Texas the place where he would raise his family, and pursue his destiny.

He entered politics, running for office, serving his party. Though unsuccessful as a candidate a number of times in the beginning of his political life, he was not deterred. He continued on, and persevered, becoming vice-president, and then assuming the highest elected office in our land. It was not in him to quit!

President Bush will be remembered in history for a plethora of accomplishments, among them being one of only two presidents to witness his son become the nation’s commander-in-chief when his eldest son, George W. Bush, became president in 2000. The elder Bush wept at the inauguration.

And now, just six years short of living a full century, President George H.W. Bush has departed. Yet, the memories of what he stood for, and of what he accomplished shall remain with us, and shall guide us as we continue to enhance our democracy.

(This article originally appeared in the Dallas Post Tribune.)

Deaths & Funerals Napoleon McCallister Jr. Mr. Napoleon McCallister Jr., age 74, passed away Monday, Dec. 3, at a local care center.

Survived by sisters: Jeannette Mackey,

Adele Wise, Dorothy McCallister, Omaha, Saundra (John) Lewis, Paris, TX, nieces, nephews, other relatives.

Funeral Services were held 1 p.m.

Monday, Dec. 10, at Greater New Hope

Baptist Church, Rev. Eugene Rollerson, officiated.

Interment: Mt Hope Cemetery Arrangements by Thomas Funeral Home.

Searching For The One That Is Missing

By Dr. William Holland Have you ever experienced times when you were excited and filled with anticipation but after it was over the expectation did not live up to the hype? It’s nothing to worry about because we all have our share of disappointments every now and then as this is just a normal part of life. Sometimes we even become sad and restless when life is going good which may seem strange, but we were never intended to live only by our emotions. When it comes to our spiritual life, the Bible says the joy of the Lord is our strength. This is an internal confidence and peace we can enjoy no matter what we are going through. However, our joy has a tendency to leak out and needs to be re-filled constantly which also explains how easily we can fall away from God and become cold and irritable. If we feel like a grinch and look for someone to blame, we can always point to the many daily distractions we encounter. Focusing too much attention on the things of earth while ignoring God is a sure way to become discouraged.

Christians are spiritually connected to their creator and have undergone a miraculous transformation, but this does not mean they are always walking with Him or even aware of His presence. In the old life we were led by our feelings without any respect or concern with God, His Word, or His people. But when a person surrenders their life to God, the idea is for everything to change including laying down their independence and embracing a lifestyle of trusting and obeying God’s voice. This new identity includes following his decisions and letting go of the things of earth that desire to capture our thoughts and devotion. When any of us fail to have our priorities in the right place we automatically become detached from our joyful excitement and this explains why many are miserable.

No matter how wealthy or healthy we are, this temporal realm is hardly a continuous mountain top experience. Actually, our existence here on earth was never intended to be a perfect paradise because

heaven is an eternal dwelling place reserved for God, his angels and his people. It may not be popular, but we will all have our share of valleys in this life as they are meant to teach us valuable lessons. By the way, the fear and darkness of the valley does not matter as long as we are holding tightly to his hand. The good news is these sad and difficult places were only designed to be temporary situations. God wants us to learn how to be an overcomer by allowing him to open our eyes and ears so that we can know what he wants us to do.

Since we all have free-will, we have the choice to do whatever we set our mind to and even Christians can make terrible decisions if this is what they really want. Jesus has always realized how easy it is for humans to wander away from him as he tells the story in Matthew chapter 18 about the sheep that becomes separated from the flock.

Christ represents the shepherd and says the good shepherd leaves the ninety-nine to go search for the one that is missing. How often do we consider that God loves us so much that he is constantly trying to rescue the ones who have lost their way? How easy it is for any of us to become untied from the harbor like a small sailing vessel that is pulled by the strong currents out into the open sea. This reminds me of the old hymn that warns, “You’re drifting too far from the shore.”

Many times when we are busy with shopping and entertaining we can fail to recognize why we feel a sense of emptiness and loneliness.

Even when we are surrounded by family and friends and everything seems fine on the outside, we can experience a loss of peace and contentment on the inside as if something deep-down in our soul is missing. This “something” is our personal relationship with God that we have neglected. As we approach one of the most hectic and stressful times of the year, let us take some quiet time to ourselves and think about what is truly important. Jesus said in Matthew 11:28, “Come unto me all of you that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

Read more at billyhollandministries.com.

Kids Talk About God

How Does Your Favorite Animal Remind You Of God?

By Carey Kinsolving And Friends “A giraffe can kiss the clouds because it is long, and God is long,” says Tori, age 6. Well, the Psalmist wrote that “with an outstretched arm” God’s mercy endures forever. I suppose “outstretched” qualifies as long.

“God created the horse so people could ride on it,” says Jacob, 7. “The horse takes care of its babies like God takes care of us.”

Yes, God nurtures us as a mare weans its newborn foal.

Scotty, 6, likes cheetahs: “God created cheetahs because they are fast. God is everywhere, and He is fast.”

The next time you’re tempted to pull a fast one on someone, think of God as a cheetah.

You may think you’re slick and fast, but at 70 miles per hour, the cheetah can run by you like you’re standing still. You can never outrun God because as Scotty said, “God is everywhere.”

It’s hard to imagine how a deadly cobra could remind us of God, but Houston, 6, made the connection: “God loves everyone, even the bad animals.”

Houston, this is the heart of the good news.

The Bible says, “There is none righteous,

no, not one” (Romans 3:10). Ouch! We all are born with the venom of selfishness.

Good deeds can never change our nature.

In fact, we can easily become proud of our humanitarian efforts.

Only a new birth and heart given by God to those who trust the Lord Jesus as their savior can remove the poison from our hearts. Then and only then, can we show compassion and mercy to needy people without becoming proud of our goodness. When people know the source of their goodness, they act in true humility and often without recognition when performing charitable acts.

“God created the zebra for their stripes,” says Cade, 8. “The black stripes show sin, but the white stripes show washed-away sin.” Courtney, 6, also chose the zebra but adds, “They whipped Jesus, and it hurt God.” After the prophet Isaiah wrote that the Messiah would be “wounded for our transgressions” and “bruised for our iniquities,” he wrote, “and by His stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5). Before Jesus was sentenced to death by crucifixion, his captors beat and mocked him. As for the color of sin, Isaiah also wrote, “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as

snow” (Isaiah 1:18).

Jeremy, 9, says the tiger reminds him of God “because he is a hunter, and God hunts us so we can become Christians.”

Not only is there none righteous, but “There is none who seeks after God,” wrote the Apostle Paul in his letter to the Romans.

Like a stalking tiger in pursuit of its prey, God hunts us down.

Many who have tried in vain to outrun God’s persistent pursuit know him as a stalking tiger or “The Hound of Heaven.”

The beginning of this autobiographical poem written by Francis Thompson reads as follows: “I fled Him, down the nights and down the days;/ I fled Him, down the arches of the years;/ I fled Him, down the labyrinthine ways/ Of my own mind; and in the midst of tears/ I hid from Him, and under running laughter.

Think about this: God wants you to soar like an eagle.

Memorize this truth: “But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles” (Isaiah 40:31a).

Ask this question: Are you soaring through life on God’s updrafts of grace?

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Page Three

Remembering President George H.W. Bush

Community Icon John Goodwin Passes John Watkins Goodwin. North Omaha business leader, civic patron and philanthropist, died Dec. 5 in Omaha.

He was 89.

Goodwin, as described by family, friends and business partners, was always a “go getter.” He was highly motivated and optimistic it seemed from his birth in Omaha on May 15, 1929.

In 1944, at age 15, he was accepted in the United States Army Air Corps. He performed his duties with the distinction and sense of purpose that would mark his life. He served for nine months until he was found to be underage. After review of his service record, he was given an honorable discharge.

The same devotion he took to the Army Air Corps, he applied to business. “He was a hustler,” his brother, Daniel Goodwin, also a prominent community voice in his own right, said. “He was a paper boy. He set up pins in a bowling alley. He was a bus boy. He sold magazines. He was a porter on a train. Along the way, he was also studying people and learning their ways.”

He also threw himself into the other passion of his life, competitive athletics. He competed in the Omaha Golden Gloves as a student at Omaha Technical High School. He also played baseball for the Tech Trojans, beginning a love affair that would span his life. Goodwin was a longtime youth baseball coach and league patron on Omaha’s Northside.

After he graduated from Tech in 1947, Goodwin fully engaged the first of many successful ventures. Along with his brothers, he opened his own barber shop along 24th Street the following year. This year, the shop celebrates its 70th year in business.

For Goodwin it was the start of a number of investments in himself, and more so, others. His business interests, including a gas station, a lounge, and interests in groceries and construction ventures were all based in North Omaha.

His lasting legacy will be in projects that enhanced the life, education and well-being of youth. On his own initiative, he put together a consortium to revitalize youth baseball on the Northside in the 1970s and 1980s. He was a longtime benefactor of the Midwest Striders Track Club, and of sports and cultural programs of the North Omaha Boys Club. He became known in the community as “Uncle John.” Most of his efforts where word-of-mouth, and without much fanfare. He often stated that bragging was akin to inaction. John Goodwin was a person of action.

“I remember as a kid of about 10 years old, our Boys Club track team would be loaded in our coach’s car headed to a track meet somewhere in the Midwest and Coach Roy Brooks would laugh and say, “We’re going to see Uncle John.” His nephew Daniel Goodwin Jr. remembers, “I didn’t really understand then, that meant he needed more funds to support our travel expenses and Uncle John always came through. He supported youth and youth programs in North Omaha for a long time.”

But one of his greatest investments put him in a national spotlight.

Starting in 1990, he put his acumen and resources behind an awardwinning effort with the North Omaha B.E.A.R.S. sports, education and cultural program. In 1992, B.E.A.R.S. was a national finalist for the Jefferson Award for Public Services. Yet, without Goodwin’s aid and influence its impact nearly didn’t happen.

“As I looked at things going on in the community that I assessed as problematic, the North Omaha B.E.A.R.S. concept was birthed.”

Program founder Michael Carter said. “I first approached a few organizations for funding, and my program proposal was flat turned down. I decided I would make one last attempt to get the concept off the ground. I dejectedly approached my Uncle John to see if he would help. WITHOUT HESITATION he said he was all in.”

John Watkins Goodwin is survived by his wife of 71 years, Norma Ruth, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, siblings, nieces and nephews.

He’s also survived by hundreds of kids he coached on a baseball diamond, or nurtured on a football field, or rewarded for report cards that were excellent. He’s survived by a community that was richer because he gave more to it than he took from it.

“It didn’t matter who and what you were, all John cared about was if you were trying to do the right things,” his brother Daniel said.

“He always looked out from others more than himself. It’s the kind of man he was.”

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Page Four

PRAISE & WORSHIP DIRECTORY

THE OMAHA STAR

Rev. Benjamin R. Finnell

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

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

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

ST. MARK BAPTIST CHURCH

MOUNT CALVARY COMMUNITY CHURCH

ALLEN CHAPEL A.M.E.

December 14, 2018

“Jesus is the light of the world” mtcalvarycommunitychurch.org

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

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

Sunday School – Sunday 9:00 a.m.

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

Sunday Morning Worship Experience ......... 11:00 a.m.

Wednesday Food and Fellowship.................... 6:00 p.m.

Wednesday (WOW) Word On Wednesday... 7:00 p.m.

Worship Service – Sunday 10:15 a.m.

Children’s Church (except 2nd Sunday) Holy Communion every 1st Sunday Prayer and Bible Doctrine Study Midday - 12:00 noon; Evening – 7:00 p.m.

Pastor Jarrod S. Parker

Televised Broadcast – Sundays at 6:00 p.m., KPAO Cox Channel 22 & CenturyLink Channel 89 Our Mission: “To exalt the Savior, edify saints, evangelize sinners and elevate society.”

“Where Life is for Everyone” Drs. Mar n & Lynnell Williams

MT. MORIAH MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH

Founders & Lead Pastors SUNDAYS Prayer 9:00 AM Worship 10:00 AM

WEDNESDAYS Prayer 6:00 PM Worship 7:00 PM

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

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

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

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

Overcomers in Christ...............Sunday 7:00 p.m.

Wednesday Bible-Prayer Service 11:30 a.m. & 6:30 p.m

BIBLE TRUTH MINISTRIES

Pastor Rordy Smith Pastor Ramona Smith

“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

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.

MT. NEBO MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH

“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

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

Pastor Terry L. Arvie

“Come Get Your Hilltop Experience” Rev. Portia A. Cavitt, Pastor 5544 Ames Avenue, Omaha, NE 68104 Telephone: 402-451-8322 • Website: www.cmumc.net Email: clairumc@cumc.omhcoxmail.com Sunday School………………………8:45 a.m.

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

Monday Bible Study…………………6:00 p.m.

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

Pastor Barbara Mitchell

Rev. Portia A. Cavitt, Pastor

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

Rev. Dr. Selwyn Q. Bachus

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.

CLAIR MEMORIAL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

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

PLEASANT GREEN BAPTIST CHURCH

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

“Where CHRIST is Preeminent and the Word Prevails!”

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

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH Rev. Kent H. Little, Lead Pastor Services on Sundays at 8:30 am & 10:50 am

Rev. Kenneth A. Allen, Pastor

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

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.

ZION BAPTIST CHURCH

Pastor Brian Page

Thursday: Youth For Christ ............................................6:00 p.m Prayer & Bible Study ....................................7:30 p.m Rev. Kent H. Little

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

Sunday: Worship..............................................8:00 a.m.

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

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

2215 Grant Street Omaha, NE 68110 Ph: 402-346-1502 Fax: 402-344-2720 SUNDAY Sunday Morning Worship……………9:00 A.M. Sunday School……………………...11:15 A.M. WEDNESDAY 11:00 A.M. ~ Hour of Power Bible Study Wednesday is Family Night!

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

Pastor Kenneth A. Allen

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

Reconciliation: Sunday after Mass or by appointment

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

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

YOU ARE ALWAYS WELCOME

Rev. Vitalis Anyanike

& HOLY NAME CATHOLIC CHURCH

2901 Fontenelle Blvd. 68104 Ph: 402-451-6622 • Fax 402-457-6901 Mass Schedule: Mon. - Fri. 8:30 a.m., Sat. 8:30 a.m. & 5:00 p.m.

Sun. 8:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m. & Noon (Spanish) Reconciliation: Sat. 4:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. or by appointment

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

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

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

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

Bible Study and Youth Ministries

Pastor: Rev. Vitalis Anyanike

Pastor Eric Butler and Co-Pastor Cynthia Butler

MORNING STAR BAPTIST CHURCH “Where Christ Jesus Is the Center of Attention” Rev. Dr. Leroy E. Adams, Jr. Senior Pastor 2019 Burdette Street Omaha, NE 68110 Ph: 402-342-0018 Fx: 402-346-9300 Radio Broadcast: 101.3 fm 9:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. each Sunday Worship Service .............10:00 a.m.

Rev. Dr. Leroy E. Adams, Jr.

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

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

THE WORSHIP CENTER

Dr. Stan Rone Senior Pastor

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

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

Worship Celebration 10:15 a.m.

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

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

COMMENTARY/LOCAL NEWS

December 14, 2018

What Trump’s Attorney General Pick Means For Black America

By Bruce C.T. Wright The president’s announcement that he would nominate William Barr to be the next attorney general was a nod to both the past and future.

If confirmed, the nation’s former top cop was expected to readily ascribe to the racist ideals he previously upheld while leading a criminal justice system systemically rigged against Black people.

Barr, who served in the same position under the late former President George H.W. Bush in the early 1990s, has an unabashed history of openly embracing policies that overtly discriminate against people of color, including and especially Black people. The 68-year-old’s deeply troubling personal and legal opinions about the benefits of locking up more and more Black people have been well-documented.

Until the New York City native’s name started bubbling up on the rumor mill as a potential successor to Jeff Sessions, who was forced to resign last month, he was merely a small blip on the racist radar in the era of Donald Trump.

But now, the [further] damage that he could do to America, and the Black community in particular, as the next attorney general should be sounding alarms for everybody who opposes mass incarceration over more discretionary and humanitarian approaches to penalizing violators of the law.

Barr’s nomination also seemed to undermine the president’s already failing criminal justice reform platform, a topic that’s brought both Kim Kardashian and her husband Kanye West to the White House to varying levels of success. If Barr gets confirmed by the Senate Judiciary Committee, all of those efforts likely get thrown out of the window.

While serving under Bush, who has his own criminal justice policy demons to deal with, Barr was all about imprisoning people as the only answer no matter the crime. He once said that there were neither “sympathetic people” nor “hapless victims of the criminal justice system” in prison, which clearly means he doesn’t believe in the concept of people being mistakenly jailed, something which continues to happen, especially to Black people. It also means Barr doesn’t believe in the concept of rehabilitation, the premise upon which prison is purportedly primarily built.

That’s bad news for Black folks, who made up nearly 30 percent of the people who were arrested last year, according to the most recent statistics.

And while the number of Black people in prison has declined in recent years, it still remained alarmingly high, especially considering that African-Americans only account for 13 percent of the U.S. population.

In case it wasn’t abundantly clear by now what type of agenda Barr would probably [re]embrace as attorney general, here’s how he told it in 1992: “the benefits of increased incarceration would be enjoyed disproportionately by Black Americans.”

Huh? That logic just doesn’t compute – unless, of course, you want to see Black people locked up with no questions asked. According to research

by University of Minnesota professor Michael Tonry and published in 1994, Barr “made the most aggressive efforts to compel state adoption of tougher criminal justice policies, and the Bush administration’s final proposed crime bills restricted eligibility for federal funds to states that, like the federal government, abolished parole release and adopted sentencing standards no less severe than those in the federal sentencing guidelines.”

Yep, you read right – Barr is even anti-parole and anti-early release, which doubles down on his past comments about how prison lacks “sympathetic people.”

His unforgiving, pro-prison stance was a constant from when he first began presiding over the Department of Justice (DOJ), according to the New York Times’ coverage in 1992.

“I believe deeply that the first duty of government is providing for the personal security of its citizens,” Barr, who was primarily focused on

drugs, gangs and guns, said that year. “Therefore I would naturally place the highest priority on strengthening law enforcement.”

The Times underscored that sentiment with reporting on Barr’s ‘the more, the better’ approach to prison populations.

“He has also reversed a longstanding Justice Department policy and promised to help states fight court-ordered limits on prison overcrowding,” the Times wrote. “The shift highlighted a central theme of Mr. Barr’s tenure so far: his contention that violent crime can be reduced only by expanding federal and state prisons to jail habitual, violent offenders.”

His nomination especially worried the NAACP. “William Barr’s own record on civil rights is deeply troubling, particularly in the area of criminal justice. We urge the Senate to exercise its advice and consent responsibility carefully and thoroughly and to vet this nominee entrusted with enforcing our rights with the utmost care,” the nation’s oldest civil rights organization said in a brief statement Dec. 7. “Given his own policies, actions and statements on civil rights, Trump is not entitled to any deference on an appointment this critical to enforcing our nation’s civil right laws. In fact, Trump’s deplorable record makes an appointment immediately suspect.”

If you’re still not convinced how disastrous Barr could be, he made sure to write about it in great detail as to leave no confusion about his jail-first stance.

First came a report Barr wrote from the Office of the Attorney General in 1992 titled “Combating Violent Crime: 24 Recommendations to strengthen Criminal Justice.” In it, Barr blamed the “repeat, violent offender,” who he described in part as a “hard core group” who should be given “mandatory minimum sentences” and was not worthy of parole or early release.

Barr also went to painstaking measures to explain why he thought more prisons was the answer.

“Of course, we cannot incapacitate these criminals unless we build sufficient prison and jail space to house them,” he wrote. “Revolving door justice resulting from inadequate prison and jail space breeds disrespect for the law and places our citizens at risk, unnecessarily, of becoming victims of violent crime.”

Three months later, he published another DOJ report, named no less, “The Case for More Incarceration.”

It’s important to note that it wasn’t just Black people who Attorney General Barr 2.0 would threaten – he has past ties to Special Counsel Robert Mueller, who is conducting a probe into Trump’s association with Russia during the 2016 election, a topic that Barr said last year was less important than investigating Hillary Clinton’s alleged approval of a uranium sale to Russia. If confirmed, Barr would be leading the DOJ, which appointed Mueller to investigate. That could make for a deadly combination for the entire probe, which has been making steady progress.

Sessions’ agenda was also rooted in racism, but even he was forced to disagree with Trump’s approach to being the so-called “law and order president,” including on prison reform. Enter Barr, whose approach to criminal justice reform is more in line with Trump’s and the polar opposite of former Attorney General Eric Holder, the first Black man in that position, who held local police departments accountable for the persistent trend of cops killing innocent Black people with impunity.

But with all of this overwhelmingly damning proof of Barr’s predisposed and implicit bias against a portion of society lopsidedly comprised of people with a darker hue of skin, the proverbial writing was already on the wall. That leaves African-Americans with little hope for an answer to other problems confronted by past attorneys general, like Eric Holder’s efforts to address police officers killing innocent Black people under the most suspicious of circumstances, a trend that has seemingly picked up under Trump.

It was not immediately clear when Barr’s confirmation hearing would be scheduled.

Don’t Let Small Dollar Loans Ruin Your Holidays

By Charlene Crowell In this wonderful time of the year when family and friends gather in good cheer to celebrate the holidays, nearly everyone has a number of lists. From greeting cards to shopping for gifts, decorations and more, lists are made and reviewed to keep pace with the barrage of seasonal activities.

But if holiday lists seem bigger than budgets, turning to a high-interest, “small dollar” loan can turn joy and merriment into a financial quagmire. The good news is that holiday financial hangovers that predatory lenders give, do not need to be a part of your celebrations.

Just walk or drive past the brightly-colored signs advertising high-interest, small dollar loans. Both payday and car title loans can provide quick cash; but the harms these loans create will likely linger well past the winter’s cold. In truth, these predatory loans often lead to consumers paying more in interest and fees than for the money borrowed.

Research by the Center for Responsible Lending (CRL) has found that predatory payday loans drain $4.1 billion in fees from consumers annually (borrowers who typically are unable to fully repay the original loan usually in two weeks’ time). With average annual interest rates averaging 391 percent, 75 percent of all payday loans go to borrowers with more than 10 loans a year.

Like payday loans, car title loans are often marketed as an easy way to get cash without a credit check – but with interest rates that tend to be 20-30 times higher than that of credit cards.

The average car title loan of about $1,000 can only be secured by signing a personally-owned car as collateral. Further, the loan may only be a fraction of the marketable value of the vehicle.

While the lender holds on to a car title, the borrower is faced with triple-digit interest and, in one of five cases, a whopping 20 percent, the

loss of personal transportation.

As harmful as payday and car title loans are, other seemingly harmful small dollar transactions can also cause financial havoc.

If you believe pre-paid cards will always avoid financial rip-offs, think again.

Before paying cash for this convenient form of plastic, read all of the fine print that explains the terms and fees that come with its usage.

Terms and options can and do vary significantly.

Many include a range of fees from activation, to learning your current balances, reloading monies and in some cases fees for inactivity.

By the time all applicable fees are assessed, the amount of money actually available on that prepaid card can shrink and shortchange how far it can help on purchases.

Similarly, the convenience of debit cards can easily trigger overdraft charges for consumers with slim or no checking account cushions. CRL research has shown that although overdraft fees vary by institution, the average $35 overdraft fee on a debit card is double the amount of the overdraft itself. Banks engage in a range of unfair and deceptive tactics to maximize these fees, which can amount to hundreds of dollars over the course of just a day or two – talk about a holiday damper. Too many overdrafts can lead to involuntary account closures.

This holiday season try adding a full measure of practical sense to help your dollars preserve the spirit and joy of the season – it only comes once a year!

Trump’s Undoing Of Obama Policies Means Recession

By Bruce C.T. Wright After more than two years of taking credit for President Barack Obama’s handiwork of turning around the economy, Donald Trump – and the country – might be about to face a harsh reality brought on by the president’s relentless undoing of the previous administration’s policies. While the recent jobs report for November may have seemed encouraging on the surface, economists said there were a handful of factors at play indicating that another financial collapse may be looming after enjoying record low unemployment in the nation.

That was in spite of overall unemployment remaining below 4 percent for five consecutive months and Black unemployment holding steady 5.9 percent, the lowest it’s been since November 2017.

“The government reported that 155,000 new jobs were created last month, below the 198,000 analysts had forecast,” USA Today reported.

But at this rate, the U.S. is staring down its next economic recession by the time Trump is expected to seek re-election in 2020. The president may actually be aware of this possibility (even if he didn’t admit it), as shown by his tweet that namedropped his successful predecessor.

But what Trump’s tweet failed to take into consideration was the economy that Obama inherited was on the cusp of a historic collapse from which the 44th president successfully guided the country into complete recovery, and then

Rep. Bass continued from page 1 Lawrence (D-MI-14), second vice chair; Congressman Hank Johnson (D-GA-04), secretary; Congressman A. Donald McEachin (D-VA-04), Whip; and Congressman-elect Steven Horsford (D-NV-04), Parliamentarian.

“From her days in the California General Assembly where she became the first African American woman in U.S. history to lead a state legislative body, to her work in Congress to address both domestic and international issues affecting people of African descent, Congresswoman Bass has demonstrated tried and true leadership,” said Richmond in a statement.

“There’s much work to be done next Congress to ensure equality and justice for African Americans and other marginalized communities, and I am confident Congresswoman Bass will continue to provide strong leadership in this regard.”

Bass and the newly elected members of the CBC executive committee will take office on the first day of the 116th Congress. In the meantime, the LA Sentinel spoke with Congresswoman Bass to discuss her vision for the CBC as well as the things she hopes to tackle in this position.

“Well one of the main things that I hope to accomplish in the two years that I’ll be able to serve in this capacity is to really elevate the accomplishments of individual

THE OMAHA STAR Page Five

some. Which means Trump, in turn, inherited a very healthy and robust economy that he may be on the verge of running into the ground. A series of misguided executive orders and partisan policy votes in Congress fueled by Republicans’ blind allegiance to the president were seemingly about to take their toll. That all culminated last week after Trump called himself “Tariff Man” following heavily disputed claims surrounding a trade war with China, resulting in stocks plunging a whopping 800 points.

The magic worked by Obama set up the economy to thrive long-term, but the recent series of events may be the straw that broke the proverbial camel’s back and only help to fast-track a recession.

“Recent market volatility is one of several signs that an economic boom may be petering out,” Politico wrote.

Never mind the 15,000 General Motors workers and likely Trump voters who lost their jobs in part because of the president’s controversial tax law that promised to enhance, not hinder, employment at car manufacturing plants. Those now-former GM employees who will factor into next month’s jobs report were left to pray for work – as they believe there will be negative economic impact if the plant closes.

Add all of the above to the fact that the federal reserve was expected to raise the interest rate this month, and the country’s economic outlook all of sudden doesn’t appear as rosy as it did just a couple of weeks ago.

Heart Ministry continued from page 1 members of the Congressional Black Caucus,” said Bass.

“We have a President who is openly hostile and hateful when it comes to African Americans and immigrants and people of color in general. What he has done behind the scenes in attempting to dismantle 60 to 70 years of gains that we have made in the Civil Rights Movement through various levels of activism through legislative accomplishments.

He is quietly dismantling a lot of those accomplishments and I want to see that stopped.”

Bass goes on to say the Trump administration is the most corrupt administration she has ever seen in her life and that the CBC will be at the “forefront of that fight” holding them accountable for their actions.

Aside from new role in the CBC, Bass will also be the chair of the subcommittee on Africa.

“What I really want to do there is begin to change the way the United States does foreign aid,” she said.

“Too many times we give foreign aid to our own consulting firms. I think we need to spend more attention assisting Africans, build their capacity. This is something President Obama was doing with initiatives like ‘Feed the Future’ and ‘Power Africa.’ He was trying to address some of the capacities in Africa.”

Bass further explains her plans for aiding Africa by zeroing in on infrastructure.

“So, looking at ways that we can do partnerships with U.S. businesses and African businesses for roads, bridges, ports and airports,” she said.

One of Bass’ other passions apart from her advocacy in Africa is her commitment to the Black Press. During the interview, Bass announced that she will be convening with the National Black Publishers Association (NNPA) to discuss the ways in which the federal government can do business with the Black Press.

“It’s inexcusable that we spend millions and millions of dollars in advertising everywhere, but virtually zero in the Black community with Black Press. That should change, I hope I can make a dent in that,” she said.

Executive publisher of the Los Angeles Sentinel and the L.A. Watts Times, said Danny J. Bakewell Sr., recognizes Bass’ qualifications and appreciates her stepping in and up to fight for the Black Press.

“Bass’ ascension to the chairmanship of the Black Caucus is a great moment for Black America and particularly for the Black Press,” said Bakewell. “She is poised, professional, and will not be denied when she is in pursuit of things that are important for Black America.”

made at heartministrycenter.org.

ABOUT HEART MINISTRY CENTER Founded in 1982 as a grassroots neighborhood outreach program, Heart Ministry Center has grown to provide food, job placement, healthcare and a way forward to people severely affected by poverty in the Omaha area. Now the state’s largest food pantry, the Center provides 60,000 pounds of food per week to families from nearly every zip code in the surrounding area. More than 6,400 individuals see Heart Ministry Center case managers and social workers each year, and volunteers from Creighton University provide more than 2,000 individuals with medical and dental care at the Center annually.

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Page Six

THE OMAHA STAR

LIFE & STYLE/HEALTH & WELLNESS

Lifetime Blames R Kelly For Gun Threats that Stopped Docuseries Premiere

By NewsOne Staff The gun threats that shut down the Dec. 4 premiere of a docuseries about new allegations from women accusing R. Kelly of “abuse, predatory behavior, and pedophilia” came from the singer himself, the cable network that produced the three-night series reportedly said in no uncertain terms.

“This was an intimidation tactic from R. Kelly to further silence these women,” Lifetime said.

Some of those in attendance for the private screening of “Surviving R. Kelly” were “survivors” and “parents of survivors,” according to Tarana Burke, the woman who gave birth to the “#MeToo” movement that seeks justice for victims of sexual misconduct.

The night of a private screening of the @ lifetimetv documentary #survivingRkelly where his survivors, parents of survivors, and folks featured in the doc were gathered and a BOMB THREAT was called in and the event shut down. #muteRkelly According to People, the docuseries was barely underway at a New York City theater when viewers were interrupted and asked to leave the building immediately.

“There were several called in gun threats to NeueHouse,” Lifetime’s statement said in part.

Kelly

“With the safety of guests in mind, we decided to evacuate the theater.”

Word quickly spread on social media with many making the same accusation that the cable movie network did.

According to the Lifetime website devoted to the docuseries, “Surviving R. Kelly” features for “the first time ever, survivors and people from R. Kelly’s inner circle, are coming forward with new allegations about his sexual, mental, and physical abuse. They are now finally ready to share their full story and shed light on the secret life the public has never seen.”

Kelly, the self-proclaimed Pied Piper, has been accused of multiple sex scandals involving underage girls. He married the late singer Aaliyah in 1994 when she was just 15 and was acquitted of child pornography in 2008.

Similar allegations have steadily dogged him over the years, including one report in 2017 that accused him of operating a sex cult with young women lured into his circle by promises of advancing their music careers. Instead, he allegedly brainwashed the women and held them at his homes in Chicago and Atlanta. He also required the young women to call him “daddy” and would punish for disobedience. According to the claims, he also filmed his sexual encounters with his captives, a claim that matches the child pornography scandal that started in 2002.

Despite all of the above, R. Kelly has remained one of the world’s most popular and successful singers, having sold more than 40 million albums worldwide. He was still touring to sold-out shows as of the time of the gun threats.

“Surviving R. Kelly” was scheduled to be televised on Jan. 3, 2019, with subsequent installments on Jan. 4 and 5.

R. Kelly did not immediately respond to Lifetime’s claims of “intimidation,” but social media certainly did, with many on Twitter also pointing their fingers at the singer – or at least his team – for being behind the gun threats.

The Hell I Can’t grow to be big and strong.”

By A Woman Of A Seven years later, Champ who at two-monthsParticular Age I know it has been a long old could fit in the palm of my son’s hand, had time since you heard from grown to be a 90-pound bundle of joy who me. With Trump, police my son struggled to carry to the hospital the shootings and all the other day they decided to put Champ down. Champ chaos going on around us, had cancer and there was no healing him. I I am struggling to catch the thought it was hard listening to my son and Christmas spirit. I believe in daughter-in-law tell me they made the decision to end his life before he suffered celebrating the birth, but it’s all unbearable pain. But it was even that money wasting commercial harder when they shared videos stuff that I ain’t feeling. of the family spending the final You know one thing I really three hours of Champ’s life with hate about Christmas? Those him. My middle grandson, who sugar-coated Christmas letters attends school three hours from that go on and on about the home was so committed to being sender’s family, half of whom I there for Champ that he boarded a don’t remember or even know.

Mega bus after this last class that When I get them I put them in day, rushed to the hospital, said a readily available file so if the his goodbyes to Champ and later senders calls me later, I can boarded the bus at 4:00 a.m. to grab the letter and make some get back to school in order to not references about their loved miss class. My oldest grandson, ones. Hey, makes them feel good who attends school in their city and when we end the call, I and is a workaholic, actually took have impressed them with my the evening off to be with Champ. comments about their kids, and Champ - Just chillin’! their kids, and their kids, and their dogs and cats. The youngest one, who watched Champ’s decline Since my grands have been beacons of hope on a daily basis, was right there with his brothers, to me, while sharing their joys and pains this parents and maternal grandparents. As I looked year, I decided they are worthy to be subjects of at the video, I watched my daughter-in-law fight a Christmas letter. It’s been the best of years and back tears and I remembered her saying to me a the worst of years. This column is dedicated to few days before, “Ma, I know Champ is not my my three grandsons, my grandniece and my grand child, and I thank God it is not one of my sons, but Champ is our family and this is so painful.” I dog. I’ll start with Champ, my grand dog.

I vividly remember the day that my youngest reminded her that they had given Champ the best grandson called me with so much excitement in possible life a dog-who-is-family could have. his voice, I thought he would explode before he As Champ lavished each of my grandsons with could tell me what caused this elation. He finally, kisses, it seemed he was saying his goodbyes.

Goodnight to precious Champ. Thanks for the shouted, “Nana say hello to your fourth and final grandson, Champ. We got a dog.” And he actually memories.

It was the worst of years. put the phone to the two-month-old Champ’s ear My eyes are filling with tears, so I am going to for me to say hello. He then told me, “Champ is a Boxer and Pitbull mix. He is tiny now, but he will park it right here. See Part 2 in the Dec. 28 issue.

Health and Spirituality Messages in Silence

By Mark Darby, RN APRN, FNP Director of North Omaha Academy of Healthy Living

Lately I have been thinking about meditation and how uncomfortable silence can be. When I try and sit still to just be quiet, all these thoughts come up from nowhere. No matter how hard I try to quiet my mind To-Do lists suddenly appear, or memories of events long past, or my most recent irritations seem to come looking for examination. There is a part of the mind that just does not want to be quiet.

There is a lesson from this very season that can be applied to moments like this. Remember the story of Mary and the Angel? A 14-year-old girl (or younger) is sitting quietly and an angel appears telling her she will become pregnant by some unknown means. Mary responds, famously, “Let it be done to me according to his will.” She accepts what is happening.

I would like to react like that. Sit quietly, something surprising and life changing happens, then I simple accept it. Yup, that would be nice. However, it doesn’t work that way with me. When I sit quietly, something comes up and I seem to have to examine it from all angles. I engage in debates with myself (and I sometimes lose these debates). Sometimes when I sit quietly, I remember what someone else said to me and I imagine arguing with that invisible

December 14, 2018

person. Such drama.

The key to being more like Mary lies not in her response but in the assurance of the other character in this Christmas story—the Angel. The Angel’s first words are “Be Not Afraid.”

Think on that for a moment. A being of immense power and care is telling this little 14-year-old “Be Not Afraid.” Then, and only then, is she able to utter her famous line. I would argue that the Angel did not command Mary to “Be Not Afraid.” Rather she was given the gift, the power if you will, to “Be Not Afraid.” Her acceptance of the reality of the situation only came after she accepted the gift from God to have no fear.

That is the key difference between my meditation and Mary’s. I am holding on to my fear. In fact, fear has become so comfortable, so familiar, I am afraid to be without it. (Afraid to be unafraid? Is that a good way to say that.)

Maybe that is the real reason for meditation. In the quiet of the moment, our fears comes in the guise of To-Do lists and self judgements. This presence of fear is not a problem because it gives us the opportunity to consciously accept the gift to “Be Not Afraid.” That is the message of this season for all who meditate. The gift to “Be Not Afraid” is freely and abundantly available if we accept it. Then we can Be Not Afraid.

After that, comes acceptance and action.

African-American Woman Becomes First to Hike U.S. Coast-to-Coast for Mental Health

HOT SPRINGS, AR – A Hike for Mental Health on the 3,385 Southern Coast Trail (SCT) starts in Daytona Beach on Jan. 4. The first team of African-Americans to hike the United States from coast-to-coast will see Daytona Beach as the first of 122 cities and towns to be visited on the SCT, which begins in Florida and ends in Venice Beach, Calif.

“I’m very excited to venture out on this journey and connect with people to share how meditation can drastically improve their mental and physical health” said C. Marie Long, co-founder of the N.A.T.U.R.E. Center for Meditation in Hot Springs, Ark. “This walking meditation is an opportunity for grassroots education on the #1 public health problem in the U.S. today, which is the residual effects of childhood trauma.

C Marie Long Meditation is a powerful part of a collaborative healing process to combat PTSD and other trauma-induced illnesses.”

All proceeds raised from the Hike for Mental Health by sponsors who donate a few cents per mile for every mile that C. Marie and her team walks will go to fund the N.A.T.U.R.E. Center’s capital campaign. Established in 2017, the N.A.T.U.R.E. Center for Meditation is a not-for-profit educational organization whose mission is to help historically underserved communities heal trauma with the proven benefits of meditation.

The N.A.T.U.R.E. Center has put a spotlight on Arkansas, the Natural State, as a worldwide leader of collaborative healing and integrative medicine. By unifying oncologist, psychologist and yogic therapies; it will provide an unparalleled model for health and wellness in the 21st century.

Visit naturecenterformeditation.org to learn more.

Tips To Make The Most of Health Plan Before Year-End

Here’s What Young Black People Are Doing to Fight Back Against HIV and AIDS

By Bruce C.T. Wright

By Dr. Tony Sun Senior Medical Director UnitedHealthcare of Nebraska • Get Ahead of Health Issues: People with employer-sponsored, individual, Medicare and Medicaid plans have access to a slew of preventive services that can help detect diseases and encourage wellbeing. Take advantage of the various health screenings – such as blood pressure, cholesterol and depression – and timely vaccines, such as the flu shot, that are available through your health plan before year-end. Doing so now may give you a head start on those healthy New Year’s resolutions.

• Delay Non-Emergency Services: A growing number of employers and consumers are choosing health plans with higher deductibles; in fact, nearly 45 percent of Americans are enrolled in such plans. For people with these plans, it is important to check if they have reached or exceeded the deductible. If not, it may make sense

to delay non-emergency services, such as a joint replacement, until 2019, as the cost for those services would then apply to the 2019 deductible and outof-pocket maximum.

• Schedule Recommended Health Services: The opposite is true if people have already reached their deductible.

In this case, people should check with their health care professional to schedule recommended medical services, as those will likely be covered (all or in part) by their health plan.

• Understand Spending Accounts: Many people have spending accounts with funds earmarked for health care services. Health savings accounts (HSAs) offer tax-advantages, and the money can roll over from year to year.

If people contribute money to their HSA before year-end, that can help pay for qualified medical services in the future while lowering their taxable income for 2018. On the other hand, flexible spending accounts (FSAs) require the money be spent before

the year ends, so if people have funds in an FSA they should, for example, order contact lenses, schedule a dental cleaning or refill prescriptions.

• Prepare to Use 2019 Benefits: This year’s open-enrollment season has wrapped up. According to a recent UnitedHealthcare survey, more than 40 percent said they devoted less than one hour to the process, meaning they may not have explored some of the many options available to them.

Before the year is out, people should take time to review their health plan and check with your employer’s HR department to determine what wellbeing incentives or other resources might be available when 2019 starts.

Nearly 75 percent of employers offer well-being programs, with an average incentive of $742 annually, according to a recent study. By finding out now what incentives are available, people can help prepare to start earning all or some of those rewards starting New Year’s Day.

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Young Black people are much more “concerned” about the global HIV and AIDS epidemic in comparison to all other demographic in America, according to a new study. And it’s for good reason, too, as African-Americans are affected the most by the virus despite having a disproportionate representation among the overall population.

Nearly half of Black Americans from 18 to 30 years old were especially worried about HIV and AIDS when it comes to people they know. That figure of 46 percent was more than three times the number for White people, a 2017 survey conducted by the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation found.

Exacerbating those findings are the fact that Black Americans “account for a higher proportion of new HIV diagnoses, those living with HIV, and those ever diagnosed with AIDS, compared to other races/ethnicities,” according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

As such, about 34 percent of Black people were rightfully concerned about contracting the disease, compared to just 16 percent of White people.

There appeared to be a silver lining when it comes to awareness, though: young Black folks are also the ones most likely to get an HIV test, a key fact considering the virus is older than they are.

“An entire generation has been born and grown up without ever knowing a time when HIV did not exist, and they may be the first to see it end,” Tina Hoff, Senior Vice President, Health Communications and Media Partnerships, Kaiser Family Foundation, said in a press release. “Whether this future is realized rests with those most affected being educated about – and having access to – the latest advances in prevention and treatment.”

In the U.S., Black people accounted for 40 percent of Americans living with HIV in 2013, the year with the most recent statistics available, according to the CDC. Black people in general around the world have also been lopsidedly diagnosed with HIV and AIDS, with Africa being ground zero with a reported whopping 69 percent of the world’s 34 million HIV diagnoses.

More than 90 percent of HIV-positive children around the world are in Africa, as well.

While there has yet to be a cure, vaccine trials are ongoing, including one that recently launched in sub-Saharan Africa, according to the National Institutes of Health.

December 14, 2018

EVENTS/CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING THE OMAHA STAR National Geographic Bee

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

Dec. 14 – Enjoy the MasterSingers Omaha during Holiday Under Glass, Joslyn Art Museum’s annual holiday luncheon concert series held in the Museum’s glass atrium, from 12-12:45 p.m. A Guided Public Tour, Pattern and Purpose: American Quilts from Shelburne Museum will be available at a minimal cost.

Dec. 14 – Omaha Branch NAACP Freedom Fund Banquet and Holiday Soiree at the Omaha Marriott Regency, 10220 Regency Circle. Social hour is 6:30 p.m., with the formal program and dinner beginning at 7:00. The Soiree will follow dinner. The keynote speaker is Redditt Hudson, NAACP Regional Field Director of Region IV Diversion and Alternative Sentencing. For ticket info, phone 402-3456227.

Dec. 16 – Black Business Expo at Hope Skate, 2200 N. 20th St., from 2-6 p.m. Do your holiday shopping, take a picture with Santa, maybe even win a prize. Free animal hats to the first 100 kids.

Dec. 19 – Enjoy the Omaha Symphonic Chorus during Holiday Under Glass, Joslyn Art Museum’s annual holiday luncheon concert series held in the Museum’s glass atrium, from 12-12:45 p.m. A Guided Public Tour, Pattern and Purpose: American Quilts from Shelburne Museum will be available at a minimal cost.

Dec. 20 – Veteran political strategist Donna Brazile, will be the featured guest at Girls Inc.’s Lunch for the Girls at the CHI Health Center Omaha. Sharing the stage with Brazile will be political strategist and CNN commentator Symone Sanders. Sanders is a native Omahan and is an alumna of the local Girls Inc. program. Reservations are available at http:// girlsincomaha.org/events/lunch-for-the-girls/ or by phoning 402-457-4676.

Dec. 21 – Enjoy the Central High School Singers & Bel Canto during Holiday Under Glass, Joslyn Art Museum’s annual holiday luncheon concert series held in the Museum’s glass atrium, from 12-12:45 p.m. A Guided Public Tour, Pattern and Purpose: American Quilts from Shelburne Museum will be available at a minimal cost.

Dec. 21 – Minority Outreach Resource Education hosts a Christmas party and

pot luck at the TAC Bldg, 3215 Cuming St., from 5-9 p.m. Visit with Santa from 6-7 p.m.

Enjoy a performance show from 7:30-8:30.

Transportation available for parents of children with special needs. RSVP to Pat Davis, 402-5138463.

Dec. 21 – It’s a Night of Holiday Classics with Tim Clark & Friends, Millicent Crawford, Julie Baker and R-Style Band. They will be serving food for comfort and joy at Champions Run, 13800 Eagle Run Dr. The show will begin at 8:15 p.m. and R-Style will take the stage at 9:30. For more info, phone 402-306-2734.

Dec. 22 – The Union, including Co-Op Studios and Wanda D. Ewing Gallery, will be closed for winter break through January 1.

They will reopen on Wednesday, January 2 at 11a.m.

Dec. 29 – The People’s Kwanza Celebration at the Spotlight, 3000 Farnam St., from 4-9 p.m.

Celebrate culture, love and compassion and honor the principle of Cooperative Economics.

Enjoy Spoken Word, music, dance, food and fun.

Hosted by Felicia Webster.

Dec. 30 – Play BINGO with a self-love spin, using cards specifically designed to remind us of ways to take care of ourselves, while we wait to win! What a wonderful way to end the year – having fun, joining in positive sisterhood.

Intentionally have a good time at AIM Institute, 1905 Harney St. (take the elevator to floor 7), from 5:30-8:00 p.m. The minimal admission includes 1 free bingo card. This event is for women and all beings who identify as women.

Register at www.eventbrite/e/self-love-bingo Dec. 31 – Coverage ends for 2018 Marketplace plans. Review you application at Healthcare.gov to make sure it’s up-to-date.

Dec. 31 – The Holiday Lights Festival’s New Year’s Eve Fireworks Spectacular, sponsored

by Wells Fargo, will fill the winter sky with colorful bursts of light on New Year’s Eve, starting at the family-friendly hour of 7 p.m.

The official viewing will be at the Gene Leahy Mall at 14th and Farnam, with the show visible for miles. Those needing or requesting special accommodations are welcome to view the fireworks from the third floor of the W. Dale Clark Library at 215 S. 15th St.

National Geographic Bee is open to students in grades four through eight. Students in public schools, private schools, and home schools in the United States Atlantic and Pacific territories, and Department of Defense Dependents Schools can participate.

Schools can register to participate and register not less than 6 students for the competition. The competition is a series of questions relating to world geography. The purpose of the contest is to teach students more about the world.

Fifty-four finalists are chosen to compete at the annual National Geographic Bee in Washington, D.C. The grand prize winner receives a scholarship, a lifetime subscription to National Geographic magazine, a trip with their parents to the Galápagos

Senior Citizens (62+) Accepting applications for HUD-subsidized apartments in Papillion & Bellevue.

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BURBANK, Calif. – Nickelodeon’s all-new buddy comedy series, Cousins For Life, will premiere on Jan. 5 at 8:30 p.m. (ET/PT). The live-action series follows 12-year-old cousins and best friends Stuart (Dallas Dupree Young) and Ivy (Scarlet Spencer) as they learn to navigate life under one roof with their families in Portland, despite being from very different backgrounds. Although the cousins don’t always see eye-to-eye, they learn that they are better together, and when they team up they are unstoppable. Cousins For Life will air weekly on Saturdays at 8:30 p.m. (ET/PT) on Nickelodeon.

In the premiere episode, Ivy and Stuart’s life is disrupted after their dads, Clark (Ishmel Sahid) and Lewis (Ron G.), have a disagreement and Clark ends up moving into their hangout space

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Jesuit Academy of Omaha seeks a full-time Director of Development. Responsibilities include fundraising and donor relations through website management, social media, newsletters, special events and mailing campaigns. Past development experience is strongly preferred. Comprehensive benefits. EOE. Interested candidates should send a resume and cover letter to HR@jesuitacademy.org by December 31, 2018.

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in the garage. It’s now their missions to resolve their dads’ argument and reclaim their space.

The episode also stars Micah Abbey as Ivy’s brother Leaf, who’s always having a good time when he’s with his pet pig, Arthur.

To learn more about the series and its characters, visit nick.com/cousins-for-life, and join the conversation with @Nickelodeon on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and by using #CousinsForLife.

Nickelodeon subscribers eager to check out Cousins For Life can watch the first three episodes early on VOD and Nick On Demand.

Following the Jan. 5 premiere, episodes will also be available on platforms including iTunes, Amazon, Xbox, Google Play, Vudu, and PlayStation.

Director of Development

Submit events at least 2 weeks in advance.

Available projects can be viewed and reserved at www.unitedwaymidlands.org/volunteer. For more information, contact UWM’s Director of Volunteer Engagement at volunteer@ uwmidlands.org or phone 402-522-7949.

Participating volunteers are encouraged to share information on their projects through social media using the hashtag #HolidayHelpers to let people know they, too, can get involved in assisting the great local programs that serve people who live in poverty.

Nonprofit agencies are invited to submit projects online that take place through Dec. 31.

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Islands, and cash. Second and third place winners also receive scholarships and cash. Those who place 4th through 10th receive cash prizes.

The contest began in 1989 as an effort to improve the knowledge of geography among young students in the U.S. As Gary Knell, National Geographic Society president and CEO, stated, “The Bee expands students’ knowledge of people, places and events around the world and fosters a lifelong love of learning and exploration, turning today’s competitors into tomorrow’s leaders.”

The deadline for this scholarship is usually in December of each year, and the award amount is usually $500 - $50,000.

For more details, visit www.nationalgeographic. com/bee/

Nickelodeon’s Buddy Comedy Series ‘Cousins For Life’ Premieres Jan. 5

Volunteer Projects Available Through United Way’s ‘Holiday Helpers’ During this season of giving thanks, many individuals and groups like to share their time to help others. United Way of the Midlands (UWM) is ready to connect them to a project that will help individuals in need and the organizations that provide them support.

Volunteer projects range from socializing with seniors to unloading diapers at local nonprofit organizations. Other projects may include: • Serving meals • Organizing toys and other seasonal items • Helping at community-wide celebrations • Wrapping gifts for children and families

Page Seven

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YOUTH/EDUCATION NEWS December 14, 2018 CSM Student Migrates From Jamaica, MCC Subscribe to the Omaha Star Driven By Dream To Teach Coffee 402-346-4041 opt.

5 she says she couldn’t quite navigate the large College school setting. She felt lost right away, struggled to connect, and soon became frustrated.

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Page Eight THE OMAHA STAR

As a little girl in Jamaica, Lorraine Dostal used to peek into her mother’s classroom. She would watch intently as the teachers instructed students, noting each move. When she went home, she would dress up her dolls and teach them classes.

It is a passion that stuck with her throughout the decades that followed. It stayed with her after she left her home, and it traveled with her nearly 2,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean.

Now, in December, after overcoming the challenges of learning a new culture and leading in a completely new world, Dostal will walk across the stage at College of Saint Mary and receive her teaching degree.

“It was from very early, I would say from the age of five, that I wanted to become a teacher,” she says. “And my mother was always encouraging us to become teachers. She said we could give back to the community and encouraged me to be a teacher.”

But in order to get to the base of that College of Saint Mary stage, she had quite a journey – one where she had to start all over in a new country after already once establishing herself.

Dostal grew up in Runaway Bay, Jamaica, and once she realized she wanted to be a teacher, she was dedicated to her goal. After high school, she went to Moneague Teacher’s College to prepare to be an educator.

Upon graduation, she worked at a private school and preschool before landing a job at an elementary school. She says she loved working and interacting with the kids and leading them to new outcomes.

“I love working with children,” she explains. “I like to see them grow ... It kind of chose me.”

But after working as a teacher for six years in Jamaica, she decided she needed to move from the third-world country to the United States.

Suddenly, in addition to having to adapt to a new country, culture, and setting, she had lost the credentials to teach. Like many immigrants, she lost the career that had been so transfixed to her being.

“It was very challenging, and I think there were times where I wanted to give up,” she recalls.

“Just to get the transcripts in from Jamaica takes a long period of time.”

Still, her desire to lead and connect remained real. She decided to seek out her teaching degree in Nebraska by going to a big state school. However,

MARCH 15, 2019

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One day, as she was considering other options, she says she saw a commercial for College of Saint Mary that piqued her interest. After checking out the university on her own, she decided to give it a try. She says she felt at home right away, and the pieces began falling into place.

“I think the whole experience was good,” she explains. “The teachers were straightforward, and they would monitor your progress. If you don’t understand something, they make the time to meet with you and explain.”

Still, simply teaching was not enough for Dostal.

After meeting with Dr. Acklie, associate professor of education, she started considering a new way to give back to others – one that drew on her unique experience as an immigrant.

“I remember the first day I came to the College of Saint Mary and spoke with Dr. Acklie, and she was so positive,” Dostal says. “Since I’m from a different country, she has encouraged me to do elementary education with an English as a Second Language (ESL) minor.”

With that spark, she decided to focus in on that ESL minor to complement her elementary education degree. In a spirit fitting to College of Saint Mary’s compassion-driven culture, she decided to lead both traditional students and immigrants who might be struggling to fit in.

“Even if I’m not doing it full-time I want to be around other immigrants,” she explains. “When they go to school, sometimes people look afraid or intimidated because it is a different culture and a different world. I want to be a mentor for them, even if it’s part-time.”

As a student in a new environment, she faced struggles herself. With the uphill climb of being in a new country, and as she worked within an intensive, career-focused teaching program at CSM, she says close relationships with Dr. Acklie and other teachers helped carry her on.

“Throughout my study, [Dr. Acklie] has encouraged me tremendously along with other teachers, and they kept me going through challenging times,” she says. “I am glad that I didn’t give up.”

That hard work is now finally paying off.

On Saturday she will participate in CSM’s Commencement Ceremony. The ceremony will take place at 7:30 p.m. in CSM’s Lied Fitness Center.

Dostal already has interviews scheduled and she plans to work in an elementary classroom or as an ESL teacher.

The Metropolitan Community College Continuing Education department will offer four classes in Coffee College: Discovering the Art of Coffee as part of its noncredit lineup this winter quarter. The one-day classes will be held at MCC North Express, 30th and Parker streets, this upcoming January and February.

From the layperson desiring to make the perfect cup of coffee, to the barista seeking to increase their knowledge, MCC Coffee College students will learn brewing methods, roasting and processing and the history of coffee.

For more information or to register, visit mccneb.edu/ce and click ‘Noncredit Class Schedule’ or phone 531-MCC-2620.

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

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GROW PERSONALLY AND PROFESSIONALLY – Apply for a scholarship to the 2019 YP Summit.

More than 1,500 young professionals will gather at the only event of its kind in our region — and we want you there.

Scholarships will be awarded to those who are interested in attending, but need a little help getting there.

Apply at OmahaChamber.org/ypsummit Applications close Jan. 4. All applicants will be notified of scholarship status no later than Jan. 31.

Thank you to our scholarship sponsors:

Gallup | Nebraska Medicine

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