Vol. 80 - No.5

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OMAHA STAR

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Celebrating 80 Years

March is Women’s History Month.

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1938 2018

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Nebraska’s Only Black Owned Newspaper Vol. 80 - No. 5 Omaha, Nebraska

Friday, March 9, 2018

75 cents

‘Get Out’ Takes Top Prize at Independent Spirit Awards, then Peele Scores Oscar Gold

Thanks to The Village, The Omaha Star Exceeds Goal

Jordan Peele’s “Get Out,” a horror thriller that examines U.S. race relations, won best film and best director on Saturday at the 33rd Independent Film Spirit Awards. The wins for Peele’s directorial debut gave the Spirits, a celebration of indie filmmaking, something unusual: a box-office behemoth.

Made for just $4.5 million, “Get Out” grossed $255 million worldwide.

“We are in the beginning of a renaissance right now, where stories from the outsider, stories Jordan Peele accepts the Best Feature Award at the Independent Spirit Awards accompanied by the cast of from the people in this room, the same stories that independent his film “Get Out.” / REUTERS filmmakers have been telling for years are being honored and recognized and celebrated,” Peele said.

Peele’s mentor Spike Lee presented him with the award for best director. Peele said Lee paved his way. “Getting this award from Spike is crazy – let’s make no mistake,” he said, “I wouldn’t be standing here if wasn’t for this man.”

“Get Out,” a racial satire, which tells the story of a young Black man who visits his white girlfriend’s family, was a box office juggernaut at U.S. and Canadian theaters.

The film earned four 2018 Oscar nominations, including best picture, best director, best original screenplay and best actor for Daniel Kaluuya.

Peele took home the award for Best Original Screenplay for “Get Out.” He made history as the first Black screenwriter to win in the category.

“I stopped writing this movie about 20 times because I thought it was impossible. I thought it wasn’t going to work,” Peele said in his acceptance speech. “I thought no one would ever make this movie. I kept coming back to it because I knew if someone let me make this movie, people would hear it and people would see it.”

While thanking his mother for the film’s acclaim, Peele said, “My mother, taught me to love, even in the face of hate.” He then thanked the film’s audience, “And to everyone who went and saw this movie, everybody who bought a ticket, who told somebody to buy a ticket, thank you.

I love you for shouting out at the theater, for shouting out at the screen. Let’s keep going.”

Charles Drew Health Center Nationally Recognized as Quality Leader

Charles Drew Health Center Inc. (CDHC) has been named a 2017 Health Center Quality Leader by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).

As a Health Center Quality Leader, CDHC has “achieved the best overall clinical performance among all health centers, placing it in the top 30 percent of the adjusted quartile rankings for Clinical Quality Measures,” according to a letter from George Sigounas, MS, PhD., Administrator, Health Resources and Services Administration. Nearly 1,400 federally qualified health centers operate more than 11,000 service delivery sites that provide primary care in every U.S. state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Pacific Basin. A full list of HRSA’s Clinical Quality Measures can be found at https://bphc.hrsa.gov.

“Being recognized as a Health Center Quality Leader is a testament to the hard work, compassion, and commitment of our team at Charles Drew,” stated Kenny

Friday Night Fish Fry! See In the Village for Details.

McMorris, CDHC’s Chief Executive Officer. “It is clear evidence that we are taking the right steps to provide the best quality, patient-centered medical care that our community deserves, while actively engaging partners to reduce health disparities and improve the wellbeing of all families in the Omaha metro area.”

Charles Drew Health Center was incorporated in 1983 as a federallyqualified community health center. For over thirty years, CDHC has provided affordable health care in Omaha for individuals and families with limited or no health insurance coverage. True to its mission, CDHC remains dedicated to providing quality, comprehensive health care in a manner that acknowledges the dignity of the individual, the strength of the family and the supportive network of the community. To learn more about CDHC’s medical, dental, pharmacy, and behavioral health services along with other community wellness and service programs, visit www.charlesdrew.com.

It’s March and most folks are yearning for spring and new beginnings, but for us at the Omaha Star, March 1 marked an ending to our highly successful #BlackPantherChallenge on GoFundMe. Because of the community at large, our $5,000 goal was more than doubled. Not only did your donations fund Black Panther movie admission, snacks and door prizes for 244 young people and their chaperones, the $11,346 donation total will also provide scholarship opportunities for students in our community. All monies remaining, after the Black Panther event, have been donated to the Mildred D. Brown Memorial Study Center scholarship fund. Scholarship recipients will be announced in the fall.

The Omaha Star staff of four could not have ensured the success of the movie event without the help of volunteers who worked at the scene

Harambee Brunch & Fashion Show on March 17 The sights and smells of spring are almost upon us as the Omaha Section - National Council of Negro Women Inc. prepare for this year’s Harambee Brunch and Fashion Show with the theme “Unity in the Community Spring Fling.” Models from all walks of life – including government officials, pastors, civic leaders, sororities and fraternities – will stroll the runway showing off fashion designs in the Sunday Best Scene, Taking Care of Business Scene, and others. In keeping with Mary McLeod Bethune’s legacy, “a thirst for education,” all proceeds will go to the Bethune Concept Book Award Program to help college students purchase textbooks.

The Harambee Brunch & Fashion Show will be held March 17, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the University of Nebraska at Omaha Milo Bail Student Center ballroom, 6001 Dodge St. The public is invited to support this event. Recommended attire: African or the color purple.

Tickets are on sale now. For more information and tickets, phone Perlie Whitley at 402-320-0375 or visit Eventbrite.com and enter 2018 Harambee Brunch and Fashion Show.

The Omaha Section - NCNW continues its mission to lead, develop, and advocate for women of African descent as they support their families and communities.

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and those who worked behind the scene to make sure we had adequate volunteer coverage. We are hesitant to offer individual thank you’s for fear of omitting someone’s contribution. However, we do want to acknowledge the volunteer work or efforts of Braymond Adams, Cheryl Bowles, Keith Harris, Cortney Lytle, Mike Rice and D’Antra Toombs. We appreciate the village who came together to make the movie event enjoyable for our young people.

At a time when this “one nation under God, indivisible…” is so divided, it is refreshing to see that donations came from communities throughout our state and volunteers came from a cross section of Omaha communities. We believe in the common good, and you have shown us that we all agree it is up to us to care for and provide opportunities for our young people to dream and soar - “To Wakanda and Beyond.”

Exceptional Omaha Teen Wins Youth of the Year Honor Selected among six outstanding youth, 18-year-old Teiah Wells has been named the Youth of the Year by Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands (BGCM). The Youth of the Year title is a prestigious honor bestowed upon an exemplary young person in recognition of leadership, service, academic excellence and dedication to living a healthy lifestyle. Now in its 71st year, the Youth of the Year program honors our nation’s most awe-inspiring young people on their path to great futures and encourages all kids to lead, succeed and inspire. Teiah will go on to vie for the Nebraska Youth of the Year Wells title and a $5,000 college scholarship from Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

“Teiah is an exceptional student and an exemplary Club member. When she walked through our Club doors four years ago, Teiah, like other youth going through difficult times at home and in school, struggled to find direction and confidence in herself. Now, I see a confident and driven young woman who is in charge of her future,” Ivan Gilreath, BGCM President/CEO, said.

A Central High senior, Wells has an impressive volunteer, activities and academic record. She has a 3.6 GPA and runs on the Central High track and field team. Her goal is to attend Creighton University and explore her passion in the field of athletic training. Outside of school, she’s active in her community with over 70 hours of community service including tutoring younger children at North Omaha Boys & Girls Club and Girls Inc. After seeing her mother’s drug and alcohol addiction separate her family, Wells lives and promotes a healthy and drug-free lifestyle to her friends and peers.

“My personal downfall started in 2014, I started to get into trouble at home and school. I was being disrespectful, not following directions, not telling the truth, fighting and being a distraction in class. Later that year, I was introduced to the North Omaha Boys & Girls Club! I found staff

Daylight Saving Time Begins Sunday, March 11 at 2:00 A.M.

See Omaha Teen continued on page 3

Ending the Cycle: Gang Violence Prevention – March 13.

See In the Village for Details.

LOCAL NEWS March 9, 2018 THE OMAHA STAR, INC. Kobe Bryant Wins Oscar, Takes Dig at Fox News Host THE OMAHA STAR

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By Sheryl Estrada Former NBA Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant, along with animator Glen Keane, won the Oscar on Sunday night for best animated short film for “Dear Basketball.”

The film is based on a poem Bryant wrote in 2015 announcing his impending retirement from his basketball career.

During their acceptance speech, Keane said, “Whatever form your dream may take, it’s through passion and perseverance that the impossible is possible.”

When Bryant, the executive producer of the film, stepped to the microphone, he took the opportunity to point out a comment Fox News host Laura Ingraham made about Cleveland Cavaliers star LeBron James, telling him to “shut up and dribble.”

“Well, I don’t know if it’s possible – as basketball players, we’re really supposed to just shut up and dribble,” Bryant said, “but I’m glad we do a little bit more than that.”

Last month, Ingraham attempted to belittle James for talking about politics.

In an interview released on “UNINTERRUPTED,” a multimedia platform for athletes (co-founded by James), the four-time NBA MVP and entrepreneur told host Cari Champion his thoughts on

Stay On Top Of Old Medications This Flu Season

THE OMAHA STAR believes that America can best lead the world away from racial and national antagonism when it accords every man, regardless of race, color or creed, his human and legal rights.

Hating no man, fearing no man in the firm belief that all are hurt as long as one is held back.

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Therefore the Omaha Star ownership reserves the right to publish views and opinions by syndicated and local columnists, professional writers and other writers whose opinions are solely their own. Those views do not necessarily reflect the policies and position of the staff and management of the Omaha Star newspaper.

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Fever. Chills. Cough. Aches. It’s flu season, and one of the worst in recent history.

If you or someone in your family has suffered through the flu, you likely relied on over-thecounter (OTC) medications to help ease flu symptoms. Products like cough medicine, pain relievers, and decongestants may be available without a prescription, but should still be disposed of properly to protect human health and the environment.

Unused or expired medications can be taken back to one of 320 pharmacies participating in the Nebraska MEDS Initiative for proper disposal.

These pharmacies across Nebraska will take back your medications free of charge, no questions asked. Find a participating pharmacy at www. leftovermeds.com.

According to Marcia Mueting, PharmD, “People may not know that the pharmacies participating in the Nebraska MEDS Drug Disposal Initiative can help consumers get rid of unwanted over-thecounter (OTC) medications. Even though these medications are available without a prescription, they still contain potent drugs which can cause poisonings in children or pets, if they are available.”

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, OTC medications have the potential to be misused, which can lead to addiction and overdose.

To keep these and all medications from falling into the wrong hands, ensure they are safely and securely stored in your home and periodically check your medicine cabinet for expired prescription and OTC medications.

“Many non-prescription drugs used to treat the flu contain the cough suppressant dextromethorphan.

Dextromethorphan is commonly misused or abused by taking large doses in combination with alcohol or marijuana to get high,” says Mueting. “As soon as someone decides that they no longer need an OTC medication, they can safely dispose of it by

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taking it to one of the participating pharmacies for disposal.”

OTC and prescription medications can contaminate waterways – rivers, lakes, and groundwater – when flushed, put down the drain, or thrown in the trash. Most water treatment facilities do not have the capacity to remove these compounds. Instead of flushing or trashing those old medications, take them to a Nebraska MEDS Initiative pharmacy. Find a participating pharmacy near you at www.leftovermeds.com or call the Nebraska Regional Poison Center at 1-800-2221222. These pharmacies accept medications for proper disposal, giving consumers an easy and safe method of keeping medications out of the environment and from falling into the wrong hands.

“Since the MEDS initiative went statewide in 2016, over 50,000 pounds of medications have been returned to pharmacies across the state,” said Hallie Schimenti, MEDS Project Coordinator.

“Every day is take-back day in Nebraska.”

The Nebraska Medication Education on Disposal Strategies (MEDS) Coalition educates Nebraskans about drug disposal and provide safe ways to dispose of them to better safeguard the environment and protect public health. The Coalition includes the Nebraska Pharmacists Association, The Groundwater Foundation, Lincoln/Lancaster County Health Department, Lincoln Police Department, Coalition Rx, Lincoln Public School Nurses, LiveWise Coalition, Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality, Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, Nebraska Hospital Association, Nebraska Medical Association, Nebraska Recycling Council, Nebraska Regional Poison Center, Safe Kids Lincoln-Lancaster County, KETV, Nebraska Attorney General’s Office, and Nebraska State Patrol. The Nebraska MEDS initiative is funded by the Nebraska Environmental Trust and the Nebraska Legislature.

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President Donald Trump.

“The No. 1 job in America, the appointed person is someone who doesn’t understand the people,” James said, sitting alongside the Golden State Warriors’ Kevin Durant.

“And really don’t give a f**k about the people. When I was growing up, there was like three jobs that you looked [up to] for inspiration. It was the president of the United States, it was whoever was best in sports and it was the greatest musician. You never thought you could be them, but you can grab inspiration [from them].

“It’s not even a surprise when he says something,” James said of Trump’s rhetoric. “It’s like laughable. It’s laughable, and it’s scary.”

On Feb. 15, during her Fox News program “The Ingraham Angle,” Ingraham responded by insulting James, insinuating the only thing he can do is play basketball.

“This is what happens when you attempt to leave high school a year early to join the NBA,” she said. “And it’s always unwise to seek political advice from someone who gets paid a hundred million dollars a year to bounce a ball. Keep the political comments to yourselves. … Shut up and dribble.”

The following day, James issued a response in the form of a photo uploaded to his Instagram account that read, “I am more than an athlete” and included the hashtag “#wewillnotshutupanddribble.”

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Metro Credit Union to Sponsor Concert, Fireworks Show June 29 Metro Credit Union is proud to be the new lead sponsor of the annual pre-Fourth of July free concert and fireworks show in Omaha’s beautiful Memorial Park.

“Metro Credit Union Celebrates America” is June 29 – the 28th year of this Omaha tradition. Baxter Volkswagen and News Radio 1110 KFAB are the event’s supporting sponsors.

WoodmenLife will sponsor the fireworks.

“Serving as Presenting Sponsor and continuing the Celebrating America free concert is a great way for Metro Credit Union to say ‘thank you’ to the community that has made it one of the fastest growing and largest credit unions in Nebraska,” said Metro Credit Union President and CEO Mike McDermott. “We look forward to hosting a concert featuring national bands and one of the region’s best fireworks shows.

The community can expect another great summertime event that kicks off the area’s Fourth of July festivities while honoring America’s patriotism and independence.”

The “Metro Credit Union Celebrates America” entertainment lineup will be announced in the spring.

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LOCAL NEWS Omaha Teen continued from page 1 Smith Graduates who became family, I found direction, peace, new positive friends, workshops and life skills classes.

I immediately started to flourish in this place and I was on the road to self-healing with a clear vision From Basic Training for my life,” Wells said.

March 9, 2018

THE OMAHA STAR

Page Three

Six representatives from each participating Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands locations included: U.S. Air Force Airman Walter K. Smith III has graduated from 1. Teiah Wells – North Omaha Club basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San 2. Sandra Ramirez – South Omaha Club Antonio, Texas.

3. Haleigh Henry-Fewell – Westside Club The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that 4. Anthony Baker – Mt. View Club included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core 5. Tony Remmen – Carter Lake Club values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.

6. Lorna Puhl – Council Bluffs Club Airmen who complete basic training also earn four credits “I want to thank the Club for always being there for me and showing me that my situation was not toward an associate in applied science degree through the hopeless and that I am powerful in my own way and that I can make it!” Wells said.

Community College of the Air Force.

Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s National Youth of the Year recognition program is presented by Smith is the son of Rebeca Prucha of Silver City, Iowa, grandson Disney, who has supported the youth advocacy organization for more than 50 years, empowering of Joise Ellsworth of Omaha, and cousin of Oscar Hermosillo of young people to reach their full potential and providing youth with access to the tools they need to Omaha. build the great futures they imagine. Toyota, the Signature Sponsor of Youth of the Year, is dedicated He is a 2015 graduate of Omaha Central High School.

Smith to inspiring the next generations of engineers, thinkers and leaders who will help drive the American economy.

If Wells wins at the state competition, she will compete for the title of Midwest Regional Youth of the Year and an additional $10,000 college scholarship, renewable for four years up to $40,000. Five regional winners will advance to Washington, D.C. in September 2018, to compete for the title of Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s National Youth of the Year. The National Youth of the Year will receive an additional scholarship of $25,000, renewable each year up to $100,000 and will have the opportunity In a time of tight budgets for governments, to meet with the President of the United States in the White House. non-profits and businesses, successful projects For more information about the Youth of the Year program, visit www.youthoftheyear.org. are the result of collaboration. The power of collaboration, how to achieve collaboration through leadership and successful local projects resulting from collaboration will take center stage Schmitz will speak at 9:15 a.m. during the at the Heartland 2050 Winter Summit on March Heartland 2050 Summit on March 22. Following 22. his keynote address, there will be breakout A forum on “The State of Juvenile Justice in Nebraska,” hosted by the League of Women Voters Keynote speaker Paul Schmitz, CEO of Leading sessions highlighting successful local projects that and Partnership 4 Kids, will be held March 22 from 7-9 p.m. at UNO’s Barbara Weitz Community Inside Out and Senior Advisor at The Collective are happening because of collaboration. A special Engagement Center, 6400 South, University Drive Road North. The forum is free and open to the public.

Impact Forum, builds the collaborative leadership feature to close out the summit will be a leadership This year’s speakers are Chris Rodgers, Douglas County Commissioner; Jeanne Brandner, Deputy, of organizations and communities to achieve workshop led by Schmitz.

Probation Administrator, Juvenile Services Division; Anne Hobbs, Director, UNO Juvenile Justice The summit runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Institute; Juliet Summers, Juvenile Justice Policy Coordinator, Voices for Children and Julie Rogers, greater social impact. Schmitz will engage participants in a lively, interactive discussion on the Salvation Army Kroc Center, 2825 Y St. Inspector General, Child Welfare and Juvenile Probation. Forum topics will include disproportionate minority contact, Nebraska juvenile probation, and juvenile justice legislation. The Inspector General’s the type of leadership that is needed for successful Registration, which includes lunch, is open until collaboration to occur.

March 15. Register at H2050summit.eventbrite.

Report on Juvenile Justice will also be discussed.

“Paul focuses on the idea that leadership com.

This first annual forum honors the work of Kim Culp, who was Vice-President of the League of Heartland 2050 is a regional visioning project Women Voters of Greater Omaha at the time of her death last year. Culp was founding Director of the cannot remain in the hands of a few in order Douglas County Juvenile Assessment Center (JAC). “By engaging and informing the community about to build successful collaboration,” said Karna coordinated by the Omaha-Council Bluffs important issues affecting youth in the juvenile justice system we hope to continue Kim’s legacy,” said Loewenstein, Heartland 2050 Coordinator. Metropolitan Area Planning Agency (MAPA). The “The inspiring stories he shares include success eight-county area of the Heartland 2050 project Planning Committee member Joanna Lindberg.

Culp developed several programs through the JAC and non-profits in Omaha stressing relationship stories of people who made a difference in their includes Cass, Douglas, Sarpy, Saunders, and building, cultural competence, and understanding the impact the children’s welfare system has on the communities, though they are not people many Washington counties in Nebraska; and Harrison, lives of youth. would consider typical leaders.”

Mills, and Pottawattamie Counties in Iowa.

Summit To Focus On How To Build Collaborative Culture

First Annual Juvenile Justice Forum Honors Kim Culp

New Photography Exhibit Shines Light on Chicago Homicides Metropolitan Community College will host an opening reception for “Heat.XMP” by Krista Wortendyke on Monday, 5:30-7 p.m., in the Gallery of Art and Design at the Elkhorn Valley Campus, 829 N. 204th St. A discussion with the artist will follow, from 7-8 p.m. in room 114. The exhibition will run through April 3.

The exhibition will feature photographs of crime scenes in Chicago. Wortendyke visited and photographed 172 crime scenes within a three-month period. The resulting physical piece is a 56-foot long installation of the photographs against an orange background placed in a chronological graph, creating a memorial for the victims.

The Gallery of Art and Design’s hours are Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m., Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The mission of the gallery is to provide a creative and academic experience for students, faculty, staff and the visiting public in an intimate campus setting.

All exhibitions at MCC are free and open to the public. For more information about this exhibition or the gallery call 531MCC-1306.

‘Just Can It!’ Kicks Off March 26 To Stock Food Pantries The Salvation Army is partnering with University of Nebraska at Omaha’s Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity for the 15th annual Just Can It! – a food drive and homelessness awareness event intended to stock local Salvation Army food pantries. UNO students will sleep outdoors in cardboard homes and accept donations of money and non-perishable food March 26-30.

Thanks to a partnership with Aksarben Village, several businesses in Aksarben Village will be collecting food for the cause. Special events are scheduled for each night of the week at Baxter Arena. Just Can It! kicks off with an opening ceremony on March 26 at noon at the Infiniti Lot of Baxter Arena, just off West Center Road. Just Can It ends March 30 with an evening concert in Stinson Park.

Items on the wish list include: cereal, canned stews and soups, canned vegetables, boxed mixes, canned meats, tomato products, boxed dinners and boxed/bagged rice products. Donations may be dropped off any time during the week in the Baxter Infinity Lot. Support Just Can It by donating online at salarmyomaha.org.

The Salvation Army and Pi Kappa Alpha thank the 2018 Just Can It partners, Baxter Arena,Bakers, Aksarben Village, Dino’s, Nebraska Furniture Mart and media sponsor, 96.1 KISS FM.

Discussing Nebraska Corrections Reform LINCOLN – According to the state, Nebraska has the 2nd most overcrowded corrections system in the country. Monday night, inside Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Lincoln, dozens gathered to speak about the issues. One of the main points: re-entry.

“Re-entry can’t be done alone. It’s not Department of Corrections by themselves. I think it’s more of a community issue, a collective issue, and everyone needs to do their part,” Shakur Abdullah said.

Abdullah is a former prisoner and now a re-entry case manager.

He said re-entry means reintegrating into society. This year, he will vote for the first time in his life.

“I think it’s very important that the state of Nebraska has a re-entry plan for everybody so that when they transition back into the community they have opportunities for employment, opportunities to transition back with their families … communities, and be productive citizens,” Inspector General for Corrections Doug Koebernick said.

Otherwise, Koebernick said, it’s a vicious cycle.

Some said at the discussion, even before being released, prisoners should be living in better conditions. The ACLU has filed a suit concerning overcrowding and other issues.

“Basically, it’s rights. They should have all the rights of getting an education...getting to read what they want and so can come back into society and make a contribution,” Joe Swanson said.

Omaha Chamber Announces Five-Year Economic Development Campaign The Greater Omaha Chamber has announced a sweeping, collaborative, fiveyear, $32-million economic development campaign designed to accelerate regional advancement, stimulate income and GDP growth and encourage prosperity for all. To date, campaign funders have pledged $5,250,000 in support.

Prosper Omaha 2.0, a strategic initiative powered by community leadership and business sponsorship, identifies performance strategies and priorities for fast-tracking the area toward Greater Omaha’s Preferred Future.

Following closely on the success of the inaugural Prosper Omaha strategy (which launched in 2014, and produced nearly 300 landed projects, grew $4.2 billion in capital investment and created more than 13,000 jobs, thanks to $25.9 million of support from 300 investors), Prosper 2.0 suggests, “unprecedented levels of prosperity and competitiveness,” according to David G. Brown, president and CEO, Greater Omaha Chamber.

Brown added the aggressive fundraising campaign will propel

the region beyond expected projections into multiple “bestof-the-best” categories, with: • $16M allocated for Business Growth initiatives • $7.6M allocated for People initiatives • $8.4M allocated for Place initiatives Prosper Omaha continues a Chamber tradition of focused, economic development activity that companies, foundations and individuals have been investing in for nearly 25 years.

“We can wait for the future, or we can invent it,” Brown said. “Prosper 2.0 offers a bold, new future we create together. Through economic diversification, investment and commitment to catalytic change, we can leverage our most powerful assets to encourage stronger population growth through talent attraction and retention, while concurrently advancing opportunities for business growth and fostering community. People, place, business growth: These are the keys to Prosper 2.0’s strategic direction and to our future.”

Prosper 2.0 Strategic Direction: Five-Year Outcomes Accelerate Economic

Development A transformative leadership process, Prosper 2.0 raises funds to tackle challenges, and amplify opportunities, for organizations, individuals and the region. The approach uses data-driven decision making, community input and futureplanning, to address the following goals in each of three categories, Business Growth, People and Place: Business Growth • Recruit and retain businesses that create significant wage, investment and job growth and help small businesses expand and thrive from across the region • Strengthen core sectors and target high-impact technologies • Boost our startup ecosystem • Create a more diverse and inclusive economy • Increase international investments and exports People • Increase career awareness so the best and brightest choose to begin and grow their careers here • Retain and attract the world’s best talent • Implement best-in-the-

nation diversity and inclusive hiring and promotion practices • Transition existing talent into growing careers and industries so every resident has the opportunity to improve their prosperity • Advocate for exceptional schools with a renewed focus on career-based skills, postsecondary preparation and alignment with regional futurefocused jobs.

Place • Drive targeted development and redevelopment to enhance the region • Promote the development of an enhanced transportation system • Develop and execute marketing strategies that increase the awareness of the region’s positive attributes • Focus on actions that create vibrant and connected downtowns throughout the region • Encourage the development of more inspiring and engaging public places • Build upon strong assets and drive economic growth through solid and intentional partnerships.

City of Omaha 18-Hole Golf Courses Now Open All City of Omaha 18-hole golf courses opened to the public on March 2. The four 18-hole courses include Benson, Elmwood, Johnny Goodman and Knolls. Certain cart restrictions may apply; phone the specified course for more information. Phone numbers can be found at parks.cityofomaha.org/golf. All City 9-hole golf course opening dates are TBD. This year, “Omaha’s golfers have the opportunity to play on improved City courses,” said Brook Bench, Parks Director. “We continue to develop our courses and have enhanced many clubhouses over the past few years with structural improvements, brand new shelters, and several repaired cart paths.”

In addition to course renovations, The City of Omaha Golf Division is excited to announce the accessibility to two “SoloRider Golf Cars” at Benson Golf Course. Partnering with QLI and the Nebraska PGA, these golf cars allow golfers with a diverse range of challenges or disabilities to play at City courses.

Junior Golf League will also continue in 2018. Offering beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels, we look forward to mentoring and educating youth golfers!

Registration for Junior Golf League begins April 16. There are 24 slots available for each skill level. Register at webtrac.

Enroll in Kaplan University’s Prelicensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing program option cityofomaha.org or phone 402and gain the academic credentials and hands-on experience you need to qualify for the 444-5953 for more information.

NCLEX-RN® exam and begin a truly rewarding nursing career.

The City plans to also offer • Classes taught by practicing nursing professionals Family Golf Days to help • Wide array of clinical opportunities that include direct and indirect promote the next generation of care for individuals, families, communities, and populations golfers! Bring your kids, golf for • Onsite nursing simulations enhance your clinical education free, and get your child certified for the Junior Golf Club this • Capstone course provides extensive NCLEX-RN preparation season! The Junior Golf Club • No waitlist and no application fee allows kids ages 8-14 to play • Terms begin every 11 weeks golf for free at all city operated For comprehensive consumer and gainful employment information, visit kaplan.edu/info.

9-hole golf courses. registered nurse. Check with your state agency for more information. NCLEX is a registered trademark of the National Family golf days will be held Council of State Boards of Nursing, Inc. Kaplan University cannot guarantee employment or career advancement. from 12-3pm on the following dates and courses: May 12 at Westwood, May 19 at Steve Classes start soon. Call 402.431.6100 Hogan and May 20 at Warren or email brett.sander@kaplan.edu.

Swigart.

Prepare to Become an RN.

13470

PRAISE, WORSHIP, DEVOTION, OBITUARIES & INSPIRATION March 9, 2018 St. Mark Baptist Church Deaths & Funerals Annie M. Chambers Brocks, Camden, AR. Monday, Feb. 19, at a 3 grandchildren; nieces, age 70, passed away Pastor Installation Ms. Annie M. Funeral Services were local hospital. nephews, other relatives. Wednesday, Feb. 28, at

Page Four

THE OMAHA STAR

Rev. Jarrod S. Parker will be officially installed as Pastor of St. Mark Baptist Church on March 18.

Services will be held at the church, 3616 Spaulding St. The public is invited to attend.

The morning service, which begins at 10 a.m., will feature guest preacher Pastor Damian Epps of Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The installation service, which begins at 4 p.m., will feature guest Parker preacher Pastor Marlon Collins of Shiloh Baptist Church, Charleston, West Virginia.

On March 17 at 6 p.m., Sis. Sheila Parker will be the guest of honor at a dinner to welcome her as First Lady of St. Mark Baptist Church. The guest speaker for this occasion will be Lady Loredia Dixon of Moline, Illinois.

Rev. Parker previously served as Pastor at the Greater Antioch Baptist Church in Rock Island, Illinois, and at The Word Church, which he founded in 2002, in East Moline, Illinois.

Rev. Parker began serving as Pastor elect of St. Mark Baptist Church on Oct. 1, 2017, succeeding the late Rev. Adam L. Burton, who served as St. Mark’s Pastor for 31 years.

Toastmasters on Tuesday

Chambers, age 89, passed away Monday, Feb. 26, at a local hospital.

Survived by son: Theodis Farris; brothers: Fredie Chambers, Omaha, Arthur Chambers, Jr, Rialto, CA; sister: Ruby Alford; grandchild: Charles Brocks, Omaha; greatgranddaughter, Charnea

held 11 am Monday, March 5, at Judea Kingdom, Elder Alvin Mitchell, officiated.

Interment: Mt. Hope Cemetery Arrangements by Thomas Funeral Home. *** Kevin M. Ross Mr. Kevin M. Ross, age 49, passed away

Gregory H. Hopkins, a Grammy-nominated producer, singer, musician, choral director and teacher, will serve as clinician and guest director for the Second Annual Festival of Praise and CityWide Gospel Music Workshop. The celebration will consist of a four-night workshop, March 12-15, and a culminating concert, the “Festival of Praise,” on March 16. All musicians, directors and singers of metropolitan Omaha are welcome to join this workshop. These events are being conducted with the support of the Nebraska Arts Council, the Nebraska Cultural Endowment, and St. Matthew Baptist Church.

A native of Philadelphia, Pa., Hopkins has been Minister of Music at Convent Avenue Baptist Church in Harlem, N.Y. for over 25 years, and is Artistic Director for the Harlem Opera Theater.

He is also Music Director for the Harlem Jubilee Singers and the Cocolo Japanese Gospel Choir. In addition to his current ministries, he has served in leadership positions with the National Convention of Gospel Choirs and Choruses; the Hampton University Minister’s Conference; and the Gospel Music Workshop of America. He has also served as musical director for the NAACP 100th Anniversary

Hopkins

Allen

Celebration and for the Arkansas Baptist College E. C. Morris Institute.

The workshop, rehearsals and the Festival of Praise will be held at Zion Baptist Church, 2215 Grant St. Events will begin Monday at 6:30 p.m. with a “Meet and Greet” and rehearsals will be held Tuesday through Thursday at 6:30 p.m. The Festival of Praise will be held on Friday (March 16) at 6:30 p.m. The Festival of Praise Concert is free and open to the public. A freewill offering will be collected. Rev. Kenneth A. Allen, Pastor of Zion Baptist Church, encourages everyone to come out and enjoy this magnificent musical celebration. You don’t want to miss this magnificent “Festival of Praise” worship service.

Please plan to join these awesome events as hearts and voices are blended together in a musical celebration of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

There is a registration fee for the workshop. For more details or if you would like to pre-register, call Zion’s church office at 402-346-1502. Rev. Kenneth A. Allen is Pastor of Zion Baptist Church. Sis. Delores Matthews is Minister of Music, and Bro. Paul Burnett is Director of the Sanctuary Voices of Zion.

By Taylor Pittman

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

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

Kids Talk About God How Do We Know Jesus Came From Heaven On A Mission From His Father? died for our sins.”

At the beginning of Jesus’ ministry, he attended a wedding feast with his disciples. When his mother told him they had run out of wine, Jesus said, “My hour has not yet come” (John 2:4). Jesus knew that if he turned the water into wine publicly, it would accelerate his mission, which was his death to pay for our sins. Therefore, he performed the miracle privately.

Years later, after Jesus rode triumphantly on a donkey into Jerusalem, he said, “The hour has come that the Son of Man should be glorified,” (John 12:23).

Now, Jesus performed miracles publicly. A few days before riding into Jerusalem, he raised Lazarus from the dead. There was nothing private about this miracle. Jesus looked to heaven and then shouted in front of a crowd, “Lazarus, come forth!” (John 11:43). Once again, Jesus will call forth the dead when he returns for all who have accepted the gift of eternal life by believing in him (I Thessalonians 4:16).

We pride ourselves on living independently.

Jesus lived dependently. To live by his Father’s plan, he listened to his voice. Often before a major decision, Jesus withdrew from his disciples to pray. Before choosing his 12 disciples, Jesus slipped away to a mountain for an all-nighter in prayer (Luke 6:12).

Think about this: Jesus lived dependently by hearing the voice of his Father.

Memorize this truth: “But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings like eagles. They shall run and not be weary. They shall walk and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31).

Ask this question: Are you living by God’s mission for your life or by what seems good to you?

It can be difficult to know exactly what to say when someone is grieving. Is it better to offer “I have no words” or “They’re in a better place”?

Keep it simple Most people don’t give themselves enough credit for simply being there for a grieving friend or family member, said Diane Gottsman, founder of the Protocol School of Texas.

“Everyone has the awkward moment because we all want to say the right thing,” she said. “And we have to remember that the right thing is just showing up – just putting your arms around your loved ones, just saying the words, ‘I’m so sorry.’”

You can still offer support even if you aren’t able to travel to a funeral or a wake. Gottsman said a condolence or sympathy card works just as well.

“You can purchase a card or you can do it on your own note paper,” she said. “You want to

make sure that you say you have heard the news, and you are thinking of them. You might mention something that you admired about their loved one, something special about them, an experience you had together. You make it short and sweet, short and sincere.”

There are some instances when we really don’t know what to say. It’s effective to be honest if you’re finding it hard to come up with something to say. The phrase, ‘I have no words to express my sympathy,’ is good within itself. There are some instances when we really don’t know what to say.

We can be transparent and honest about that.

It’s important to really think about what you can do for people affected by a loss – and then actually follow through. If you say you’re going to do something for this person, do it. Don’t overextend yourself, but in your emotion of the moment don’t make any promises that you’re unsure of yourself.

Fear Not, For God Is With You

By Dr. William Holland God has promised in His Word that we will never be alone and I consider this blessed assurance as a foundational pillar that supports our faith in Him. I trust Him completely and shudder to imagine drifting like a ship on the open sea without a sail, a compass, or an anchor.

May we be reminded that God is always with us, He knows our situation and always wants the best for us.

As a volunteer chaplain for a long-term health care facility for Veterans, I officiate special services and Bible studies, along with visiting and praying with the residents. A sad part of my duties include being on call when a resident becomes very ill. This is when families and hospice are notified that the time is near and unfortunately these are regular. I was called the other day and when I stepped into the room, I saw an elderly lady sitting with her back to the door next to the bed. When I moved around in front of her, I introduced myself and noticed she was holding her husband’s hand and patting his arm. He was heavily sedated and even with oxygen he was having a difficult time breathing.

I pulled up a chair and said a prayer and then she began to tell me how very much in love they were and how happy they had been. They had been married many years and did not have children. He had been in the facility for the last two years and along with visiting him almost

every day, she had been trying to manage their affairs. With a brief hesitation, she looked at me with tears in her eyes and said, “When my husband is gone, I will be all alone and I wonder who will take care of me?”

Throughout our life we enjoy the happy times when we are surrounded by friends and family and if we are married we can always depend on our mate being there whatever may come. What a blessing to have a close relationship with our spouse and how attached and dependent we are to them. However, unless the husband and the wife pass away together there will come a time when only one will be left. I’ve watched both my mom and my mother-in-law walk through this situation and even though it’s been difficult, I’ve also witnessed a strength within these two remarkable ladies that was no doubt from the Lord. I talk to my mom all the time and she reminds me that we just need to take everything one day at a time. She has given her fears and worries over to God and this is what gives her peace. She believes this life is not the end and that she will be reunited with dad someday.

It’s a great comfort to know that whatever may happen we will never be alone because God is always with us.

Isaiah 41:10 promises, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you; yes, I will help you; yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of My righteousness.

AND

THOMAS FUNERAL HOME

THE BLACK CHURCH:

TRADITION • RESPECT • DIGNITY

THE BLACK PRESS

Forest Lawn Funeral Home Cemetery & Crematory

his residence.

Survived by wife: Audrey White; daughter: LaShawnda WhitePosey, Omaha; other relatives.

Memorial Services at a later date.

Arrangements by Thomas Funeral Home.

What to Say to Someone Who is Grieving

ATTENTION READERS

When it comes to where we will spend eternity, God doesn’t want us to gamble. Therefore, Jesus banished all doubt by fulfilling a mission predicted

by Hebrew prophets hundreds of years before his miraculous birth in Bethlehem.

“Gambling is the surest way of getting nothing for something,” wrote Wilson Mizner.

By bringing us into this world, God gives us something. If we’re not careful to consider Jesus’ mission, we can leave this world like a foolish gambler with nothing.

“We know Jesus came from Heaven because of all the prophecies,” says Iva, 11. “People said in the Old Testament that God would send his Son who would rise from the dead, and Jesus matched all the prophecies. Jesus completed his mission by dying for us and saving us from our sins.”

There are more than 60 distinct prophecies in the Old Testament concerning the messiah. Professor Peter Stoner of Westmont College calculated the odds at 1017 to 1 of one man fulfilling only eight messianic prophecies. That’s one chance in 100 quadrillion! It would be like giving a blind-folded person one try to find one marked silver dollar in a two-foot sea of silver dollars covering the entire State of Texas.

“Only Jesus has prophecies made hundreds of years in advance made literally true,” said Dr. Norman Geisler, Bible scholar and author of more than 50 books.

“The Bible records the most important events in the universe, including Jesus dying on the cross,” says Sophia, 9. “That was his mission.”

I’m constantly amazed at the blank faces I see when I ask people what Jesus meant when he said, “It is finished,” as he died on the cross. When I encounter that blank stare, I ask, “What was his mission?” Sometimes, but too rarely, I hear, “He

Funeral Services were held 11 am Monday, Feb. 26, at Zion Baptist Church, Pas. Virgil Walker, officiated.

Interment: Forest Lawn Cemetery Arrangements by Thomas Funeral Home. *** Ronald J. White Mr. Ronald J. White,

City-Wide Gospel Music Workshop and Festival of Praise

Salem Baptist Church Toastmasters Club meets weekly on Tuesdays, 6:30-7:30 p.m., in the church, 3131 Lake St. The club meeting is open to the public, no reservations required. Clear communication is not about what you said, but about what people think you said. Toastmasters can help you improve your communication abilities and enhance your leadership skills.

For more information, contact Floy Westermeier at westerM9@ msn.com or at 712-326-9332.

By Carey Kinsolving And Friends

Survived by wife: Torrie L. Ross; daughters: Danisha Scott, Alisha Knox, Omaha, Tyra Ross, Texas; mother: Norma Smith, Omaha; sister: Muriel (Horace) Effinger, VA; stepchildren; Cameron M. (Lacey) Temple, Jalisa (Kameron) Smith, Essence Temple, Omaha;

& Cremation Services

Serving all cemeteries Pre Planning Discounts Beautiful Repast Area Available

And Both Black - Owned.

A Tradition of Caring Since 1939

7909 Mormon Bridge Rd 402-451-1000.

Free Space for Veterans www.forestlawnomaha.com

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

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

Both Born Out of Necessity For Self-Expression

PRAISE & WORSHIP DIRECTORY

March 9, 2018

ALLEN CHAPEL A.M.E. 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

REV. BENJAMIN R. FINNELL

THE OMAHA STAR Page Five

SACRED HEART CATHOLIC CHURCH

KOINONIA AND FRIENDS OF CHRIST

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

PASTOR TONY E. SANDERS JR. 3208 Corby Street Omaha, NE 68111 Sunday School ..................................................9:00 a.m.

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

Thursday Bible Study ......................................6:30 p.m. www.KFCChurch.org PASTOR TONY E. SANDERS JR.

MORNING STAR BAPTIST CHURCH “Where Christ Jesus Is the Center of Attention” REV. DR. LEROY E. ADAMS, JR. SENIOR PASTOR 2019 Burdette Street Omaha, NE 68110 Ph: 402-342-0018 Fx: 402-346-9300

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

DEACON JIM CHAMBERS, FR. DAVE KORTH

Mass Times: Saturday: 5:00 pm • Sunday: 8:30 and 10:30 am

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

ALL ARE WELCOME!

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

WEDNESDAYS Prayer 6:00 PM Worship 7:00 PM

ST. BENEDICT THE MOOR CATHOLIC CHURCH

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

REV. DR. LEROY E. ADAMS, JR.

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

Reconciliation: Sunday after Mass or by appointment

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

Excluding First Sunday

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

Tuesday Evening Service.........7:00 p.m.

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

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

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

PASTOR RORDY SMITH PASTOR RAMONA SMITH

MOUNT CALVARY COMMUNITY CHURCH

HOLY NAME CATHOLIC CHURCH

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

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

5112 Ames Avenue Omaha, NE 68104 Ph: 402-457-4216 Sunday School .................................................... 9:30 a.m.

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

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

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

CLAIR MEMORIAL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

ST. MARK BAPTIST CHURCH

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

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

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.

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

REV. PORTIA A. CAVITT, PASTOR

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

PASTOR BERTHA JACKSON

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

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

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

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

REV. RALPH LASSITER, SR.

MT. NEBO MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH

Sunday School – Sunday 9:00 a.m.

Worship Service – Sunday 10:15 a.m.

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

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

Serving God and One Another in the Spirit of Excellence REV. DR. SELWYN Q. BACHUS SENIOR PASTOR

Sunday Morning Worship ...................................9:00 a.m.

Family Hour of Christian Education.................11:00 a.m.

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

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

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

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

SALEM BAPTIST CHURCH

PASTOR TERRY L. ARVIE REV. DR. SELWYN Q. BACHUS

NEW BEGINNING COMMUNITY BAPTIST CHURCH

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

Where we Exalt, Equip, and Evangelize

7020 Cass Street, Omaha, NE 68132 402.556.6262 www.fumcomaha.org

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

REV. DR. JANE FLORENCE REV. WALTER B. JONES

Sunday School………………………….9:30 a.m.

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

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

FREEDOM WORSHIP CENTER OMAHA “Where CHRIST is Preeminent and the Word Prevails!”

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

PASTOR BRIAN PAGE 5555 Larimore Avenue Church: 402-346-8427 www.pleasantgreenomaha.org

PLEASANT GREEN BAPTIST CHURCH

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

1411 North 30th Street Omaha, NE 68131 Office: 402-342-0265 Fax: 402-342-0343 Email: gnh.omaha@gmail.com Website: greaternewhopebaptist.com Sunday School: 9:30 am Sunday Morning Worship: 10:45 am Bible Study: Wednesday 6:00 pm Prayer Service: Wednesday 6:45 pm

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

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

YOU ARE ALWAYS WELCOME

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.

SHARON SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH Come Experience the Power of God Where Faith and Fellowship is Fostered 3336 Lake Street • 402-453-4079 Fax: 402-453-7082 Gacoll4@aol.com • Website: omahasharonsda.com SATURDAY SERVICE: Sabbath School……………………9:30 a.m.

Divine Worship…………………11:00 a.m.

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

GREATER NEW HOPE MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH

Thursday: Youth For Christ ............................................6:00 p.m Prayer & Bible Study ....................................7:30 p.m Sunday: Worship..............................................8:00 a.m.

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

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

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

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

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

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

TABERNACLE OF FAITH CHURCH

PASTOR BRIAN PAGE

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

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

PASTOR BARBARA MITCHELL

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

REV. KENNETH A. ALLEN

REV. JAMES D. WILKENS

THE WORSHIP CENTER

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 JARROD S. PARKER

“The Church Where Fellowship is Real” PASTOR TERRY L. ARVIE 5501 N. 50th Street Ph: 402-451-4245 Fx: 402-451-2130 office@mtneboomaha.org www.mtneboomaha.org

REV. DR. JANE FLORENCE, SENIOR PASTOR

PASTOR JEFFREY & TERRI BOOTH

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

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

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

First United Methodist Church is a welcoming and inclusive community, inspired to grow with and in God.

Pastor: Rev. Vitalis Anyanike

REV. JAMES P. WALKER

MT. MORIAH MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH

“Come Get Your Hilltop Experience”

&

REV. VITALIS ANYANIKE

PASTOR ERIC BUTLER AND CO-PASTOR CYNTHIA BUTLER

DR. STAN RONE SENIOR PASTOR

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

DR. STAN RONE - SENIOR PASTOR 2021 N. 24th Street • Omaha, NE 68110 (402) 341-4297 Sunday Kingdom Academy 9:00 a.m.

Worship Celebration 10:15 a.m.

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

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

Page Six

THE OMAHA STAR

COMMENTARY

Op Ed ‘Black Panther’ Showcases the Power of STEM Applications

Black Votes Matter

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

Emerging Issues for North Omaha In the book Economic Cataracts (Love, 2015), the author discusses the residuals of povertystricken communities and in particular, North Omaha. The book lists and discusses 10 of the reasons poverty-stricken communities are not engaged, a few of the reasons: poverty, overabundance of non-profits and low voter turnout.

To fully address the problems that are stated as reasons above, there needs to be solutions in order for north Omaha to fully rise. May I say, that there are signs of a rising North Omaha.

Some estimate nearly $1million in investment is occurring; The 75 North Development, the Fair Deal Development, Walmart, the Learning Community office, Over $200,000 of the OPS bond issue construction, Metropolitan Community College’s (MCC), three new building complexes, a Contemporary Arts facility and many new discussions for more development.

What north Omaha needs, what poverty needs, is to develop jobs, wealth development from our for-profit businesses, and major public and private responsible investment.

With that said, three emerging issues that will impact north Omaha and require collaboration and engagement with the community, are: 1. The financial crisis of community base nonprofit organizations In a poverty-stricken community there are massive numbers of non-profits, who do a great job in supporting the needs of a poor community.

Those non-profits come in two forms (simply stated). First, we have the larger organizations, the Hope Center, the Urban League, Girls Inc, Family Housing, for example. Then we have the smaller and, in many cases, small communitybased organizations, owned and/or run by community members. In this category we have many; my own Black Votes Matter, The Love Center, the Empowerment Network, 100 Black Men, Malcolm X Foundation, North Omaha Neighborhood Association and the individual Neighborhood Associations, and many more.

The emerging problem is with the smaller and much needed non-profits, have a continuing and growing financial crisis. We need the smaller organizations as well as the larger ones. But we need the grass root nature and specialized service delivery, that only smaller non-profits can offer.

The smaller organizations are struggling financially and are fighting to stay afloat. The non-profits are assisted in several ways, there is the African-American Unity Fund, Omaha Gives option and the possible blessing from a foundation. There is a tremendous need for the

expansion of the funds available and an increase of the funding options. I am observing growing desperation of the organizations, not only to stay afloat but to maintain their service level. Many of the organizations raise money from annual dinners. The dinners reach out to the same corporate audience and create an environment where our organization are vying against each other for the corporate dinner dollars, not good.

There needs to be a new collaboration developed to study and develop a comprehensive strategy to save our non-profits. The real solution is to empower and create more community based forprofits.

By Tyra Metoyer External Mobilization Manager, API As I sat in the theater mesmerized by Marvel’s record-breaking “Black Panther,” there were so many moments and messages that filled me with an overwhelming sense of pride. The Black Girl Magic was palpable. King T’Challa was a strong, thoughtful king who loved and respected all of his leading ladies. Erik Killmonger was the best supervillain I’ve seen in a really long time. And of course, I want my next trip to the continent to include a visit to the breathtakingly beautiful Wakanda. However, all of those moments paled in comparison to my fascination with the STEM applications and the genius of Princess Shuri.

I am convinced that we can use Black Panther and Princess Shuri to help young people imagine their own STEM futures and the role they can play in driving innovation as we all prepare for the fourth industrial revolution. This revolution will be characterized by a range of emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing and digitization. This revolution can be led by the next generation of “STEMinists.”

The Wakandan princess is the youngest of the strong, female characters showcased in this Ryan Coogler-directed blockbuster. She is unapologetically smart, funny, brave, and beautiful.

Her language even demonstrates her tech-savvy leadership of the most technologically advanced nation in the world. As Shuri emerges as an unlikely “Shero,” her position is challenged when M’Baku tries to dismiss her as a mere child. Yet, we are introduced to energy spears, kimoyo beads, sound absorbent sneakers, variations of the Black Panther suit, vibranium cars, and virtual modes of transportation – all out of the imagination and innovation of the young, hip princess.

In her very first scene, after lovingly teasing her brother, she snaps back, “Just because something works doesn’t mean it can’t be improved.” Hence, our first glimpse into her engineering mind. Yes, we fell in love with the way she proudly showed off her latest advances in her lab, but hopefully you took note when Agent Ross expressed his skepticism stating that, “bullet wounds don’t just magically heal overnight.” Shuri chided him, saying, “They do here, but not by magic; by technology.”

For now, I will forgo my strong desire to layout the numerous parallels between vibranium (the fictitious precious metal) and natural gas and oil, but I will say that they are not only driving our advanced manufacturing renaissance in this country, but are also the building blocks of innovations that will support prosperity, discovery and human

2. Responsible Economic Development Most of the community economic development to date have brought jobs, some have not brought a lot of jobs but, all jobs contribute greatly to the community. To make a greater impact the developments must provide other elements; contracts to community businesses, contractors and for-profit service companies, indirect investment into the community, contributions to stated community needs. This is responsive and responsible development. Many cities are addressing this with what is called Community Benefit Agreements. CBA’s. A CBA specify and codify a set of specific agreements as to how the developer will commit to providing the range of benefits to the community it is about to develop.

When Walmart came to North Omaha we got jobs (great), but we didn’t get contracts and other commitments. Going forward we must demand CBAs. Community leadership must begin to demand some form of CBAs. Leadership and community must collaborate with the public and private sectors to not just focus on development but responsible development.

3. Loss of voting leverage Voting leverage is the power of a bloc of votes to command respect and action from politicians as it relates to the needs of the voting bloc. North Omaha is a voting bloc. The larger the voting bloc the greater the leverage. Historically, north Omaha has been a dependable and powerful voting bloc. In 2008 that voting bloc made history, voting strong enough to drive the Congressional District 2 (CD2), voting, high enough to win CD2 for the democrat (Obama) and split the Nebraska electoral vote, making national history. Since 2008 the “bloc” has continued to decrease. I formed an organization to address the decline, called Black Votes Matter.

Voting leverage will give the community power in all things relating to the community, especially with the public sector. A strong voting community can make political demands. By the way those demands can be directed to the two previous emerging issues described above.

The community, in this case North Omaha, will lose its leverage if it doesn’t increase its voter turnout. The community needs to bring leadership together (collaborate) and devise joint strategies and plans of action to maximize the vote and therefore maximize the leverage.

Another improvement would be an effort from Metro Transit (formerly MAT), Omaha’s bus operator, to have taxpayers vote for an increase property tax levy to fund infrastructure developments. School districts in the city have pursued similar levy overrides with success. More revenue could mean extended routes, bus shelters, improved technology, and increased frequency.

Currently, bus shelters have to be built and maintained by the property owner where a stop is located. The weather in Omaha is such that cover from the elements is often necessary, without it, people are less likely to take the bus. Reliability is also a major factor that real-time GPS tracking and route frequency would improve.

Improvements will come, but progress is being made. Coming this year, Metro will be unveiling the Omaha Rapid Bus Transit (ORBT) a “highcapacity bus rapid transit service that will offer many of the time-saving features of light rail without the added cost of tracks in the ground.”

Starting on Dodge Street with 26 stations from Westroads to downtown, ORBT is positioned to be the “spine” of the Metro system, intersecting with almost every other bus route, with a plan to expand service from there. Key features of ORBT include: • Shorter wait times: Vehicles will arrive every 10 minutes during rush hour.

• Real-time updates: Station signage and a smartphone app will track vehicle arrival times using GPS technology.

• Prepaid boarding: Riders will be able to buy a ticket at the station or pay with a smartphone.

• Bicycle amenities: Bike parking will be available at stations, or riders can bring bikes onboard.

Wi-Fi at every station will keep riders connected while they wait.

• Upgraded stations: Raised platforms for level boarding will make it easy for all riders to get onboard.

• Transit signal priority (TSP): Technology at major intersections will allow traffic signals to stay green longer when buses approach.

• Business Access & Transit (BAT) Lanes: Semi-dedicated lanes will offer exclusive access along parts of the route.

There is also Modern Streetcar Advocates, a

advancement across the world.

The energy industry is and will continue to be a major source of job opportunities in STEM fields.

The Princess Shuri natural gas and oil industry supports more than 10.3 million U.S. jobs, and recent reports project 1.9 million job opportunities by 2035, nearly 40 percent of which will be held by African Americans and Latinos. In addition to the large number of engineers, more than a million jobs can be characterized, as semiskilled and skilled craft trades positions. I like to say that every job in our industry is a STEM job, because they will all include technology and problem solving (engineering).

More than ever, I am convinced that jobs are the solution to so many of our national and global challenges. Jobs (careers) are not only a way out of poverty, but they also give people’s lives purpose, meaning, and a reason to get out of bed every morning; when we’re really fortunate, jobs fuel our passion.

The future belongs to those innovators who are preparing now to address the challenges of tomorrow. That future is a STEM future – no matter what career or profession we choose. Based on everything we understand now and contemplating the disruptions we haven’t yet imagined that are sure to define this fourth industrial revolution, we know that our future will be characterized by constantly evolving technology.

I imagine a future where our children thrive on innovation, work in labs like Princess Shuri’s and participate in making choices for how to make our communities safer and better. I am passionate about our industry’s workforce of the future and the role I get to play in building awareness that I hope will lead to more jobs for more women and people of color. I hope you are raising or mentoring the real-life Shuris, who will push the boundaries of what’s possible and lead the innovations of the future. I can’t wait to meet them.

(Tyra Metoyer is a Manager of External Mobilization for the American Petroleum Institute.)

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

Mentoring Matters

By Debra L. Shaw

Transportation Ensures Equity – Part 3 of 3

By Dawaune Lamont Hayes

March 9, 2018

public awareness campaign designed to inform and coalesce citizens around the concept of a streetcar in Omaha. I am a professed streetcar advocate, but with very specific and crucial needs.

The streetcar means nothing unless it is a part of a comprehensive transportation plan for the entire Omaha metropolitan area.

The proposed route from Saddle Creek to 17th & Gene Leahy could be a good first step for reducing congestion in high-density districts like Blackstone, Midtown Crossing, and Downtown.

Less parking and car traffic would allow people to move freely within those spaces and provide a strong example of transit-oriented development which would increase tax revenues for more transportation resources.

For the streetcar to work long-term though, it must connect to an intentional and inclusive transportation vision. 24th Street is one of the only north to south connecting streets in eastern Omaha and its rich history was made possible by the original streetcar line, making it an optimal choice for expanding the rail. Together the two lines would create a dynamic axis of transit that interconnects our vibrant and diverse city.

In tandem, the streetcar and ORBT could push Omaha toward a comprehensive transportation vision.

Ultimately, if we wish to see sustained growth, there must be collective public support for transportation alternatives throughout the city.

Without people creating conversation with each other and public officials around transit use, access, and ideal preferences, design and policy will not change.

Citizens have already begun to form movements behind multi-modal transit (walk, bike, public transit, and car). Mode Shift Omaha, of which I am a board member, is a non-profit organization comprised of concerned individuals who want to see Omaha expand transportation for all people and modes, not just cars. MSO works to inform members and others about the benefits of active transit and how it can support a sustainable and inclusive community.

Whether you drive or not, the ability to move freely within the environment is vital to our pursuit of happiness. If we wish to see our city thrive into the future, we will need to build a way to get there, but it must involve a mode that can move us all.

Imagine a world where every child has at least one caring adult encouraging them to reach their greatest potential beyond their wildest dreams.

Imagine, if you will, a society that fosters the viewpoint that education for every child, no matter the circumstance, is the key to success whether it is a college degree or a skilled trade in a specific industry. The goal for every household should allow a gateway to resources that offers the opportunity to interact with individuals who can share their talents, their techniques and their tools to assist others to achieve success and follow a passionate desire to be great. The definition of imagination per Merriam-Webster dictionary is as follows: “The act or power of forming a mental image of something not present to the senses or never before wholly perceived in reality.” The power to make imaginations come true does exist.

Someone with imagination and a vision can help make dreams come true for so many by sharing learned life experiences with young minds that are trying to simply figure out what is next after elementary school; middle school, high school and college. Visionaries have the foresight and the imagination to lead, guide and

direct those young strong minds seeking what’s beyond the horizon just waiting to be discovered and conquered. It is written in a very reliable source that if the people do not have vision, they will perish.

Legendary Beatle John Lennon’s song titled ‘Imagine’ has a stanza that speaks volumes to the power of imagination. The words are as follows: “You may say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one, I hope someday you’ll join us, and the world will be as one.” Dreams can come true with hard-work, dedication and support from people who believe that a caterpillar can become a beautiful butterfly. It does not matter where the caterpillar started but it is the outcome that really counts.

The guiding principle of a mentor/mentee relationship is to move that mentee from imagination to reality. Imagine a young student who struggled early in life with economical, social, and/or medical issues in the family but received the peripheral benefits from a mentor relationship to become the first generational college graduate in his or her family. Thus, initiating a new tradition in the family.

Are you a dreamer or perhaps a visionary person? Come on this mentoring journey. With your imagination and your vision, you will surely enjoy the ride and the company you keep will be extraordinary on the way. Imagine that!

Mentoring matters.

★

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March 9, 2018

LOCAL NEWS

THE OMAHA STAR

A Federal Court has ordered R.J. Reynolds Tobacco, Philip Morris USA, Altria, and Lorillard to make this statement about the health effects of secondhand smoke.

• Secondhand smoke kills over 38,000 Americans each year.

• Secondhand smoke causes lung cancer and coronary heart disease in adults who do not smoke.

• Children exposed to secondhand smoke are at an increased risk for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), acute respiratory infections, ear problems, severe asthma, and reduced lung function.

• There is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke.

Page Seven

COMMENTARY March 9, 2018 From Baldwin to Boseman – Net Neutrality War Rages On A Paradigm Shift in the Narrative that at all.” Burger went on to say, “If the ISP is

By Tom Huskerson

Page Eight

THE OMAHA STAR

On April 23, net neutrality will die. The FCC ruling will take effect and the Internet as we know it will change dramatically. There is a lot that could happen between now and then so the war against the ruling rages on.

Lies were told The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) is investigating claims that millions of comments provided to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in support of the repeal were fake. The GAO is looking into the claim that the comments were made by bots impersonating real people.

One study estimated that removing the fake comments left 98.5 percent majority against the FCC’s repeal. According to Emprata.com “The lack of user authentication by the Electronic Comments Filing System (ECFS) makes it difficult to determine ‘genuine’ comment submissions.”

Emprata.com also pointed out that, “9.93 million comments were filed from submissions listing the same physical address and email, indicating that many entities filed multiple comments. This was more prevalent in comments against repeal of Title II (accounting for 82% of the total duplicates), with a majority of duplicate comments associated with email domains from FakeMailGenerator.com.”

ARS Technica did an analysis of the comments and found that hundreds of comments were filed with identical time stamps. Other evidence indicated that others were posted at a steady rate, “unlike the way humans would send in comments.” Others were considered suspicious because they were in all caps indicating they may have been generated or submitted from a database.

The fake comments were so blatant and obvious that even Barack Obama of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue was listed as commenting in favor of repealing net neutrality.

The FCC, under the command of Ajit Pai, has steadfastly refused to investigate this evidence or hear from others who have complained of the fake comments.

Another lie that came from the net neutrality war was that the Obama administration put pressure on the FCC to maintain net neutrality.

The FCC’s own investigation proved otherwise.

Motherboard.com obtained a copy of the investigation’s findings via the Freedom of Information Act. Reaching back to 2015 FCC investigators reviewed at least 600,000 emails from all five commissioners seeking evidence indicating the Obama White House pressured the FCC. The report’s final summary reads as follows: “In conclusion, we found no evidence of secret deals, promises or threats from anyone outside the Commission, nor any evidence of any other improper use of power to influence the FCC decision-making process. To the contrary, it appears that to the extent entities outside of the Commission sought to influence the process, the positions were made known in the record, in full view of all.”

The rebellion inside the FCC As you probably already know the Democratic members of the FCC have been vociferous about their opposition to the repeal of net neutrality.

But they are not alone among those inside the FCC who oppose the ruling.

The FCC’s own Chief Technology Officer, Eric Burger, who was appointed by Chairman Pai in October, pointed out that the repeal could allow internet service providers (ISP) to block or throttle specific websites. In an email Burger said “Unfortunately, I realize we do not address

transparent about blocking legal content, there is nothing the Federal Trade Commission can do about it unless the FTC determines it was done for anti-competitive reasons. Allowing such blocking is not in the public interest.”

States Rebel Regardless of the FCC effort to rollback net neutrality it appears that states have declared an open rebellion to the new rule. According to the Supremacy Clause in the U.S. Constitution, federal law wins if state laws conflict with federal laws. But several states have taken it upon themselves to fight for net neutrality.

Supremacy Clause be damned!

Currently more than half of the states are setting their own net neutrality protections.

California, New York, Montana, Hawaii, and Vermont have all passed legislation that is intended to protect net neutrality. According to the FCC states aren’t allowed to pass their own net neutrality laws. But that hasn’t stopped them.

At least 21 states have sued the FCC to restore its original rules.

Most recently Nebraska, a state glowing Republican red, has also struck back at the ruling. State Sen. Adam Morfeld (D) introduced legislation to establish net neutrality regulations in law on the state level. Morfeld’s bill prevents broadband providers from slowing down or blocking internet content and from cutting deals with content companies to give them faster connection speeds. It should be noted that this is just a bill and not yet law.

In Montana the governor, Steve Bullock, a Democrat, issued an executive order in January making ISPs who do not observe net neutrality ineligible for state contracts. This move is intended to preserve net neutrality in the state without passing any law that violates the Supremacy Clause. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo signed a similar order.

Currently there are 21 states and various interest groups that have launched legal challenges to the FCC ruling. In Congress there are currently 50 votes to block the net neutrality rule, one short of the number needed to stop it. The war rages on.

Breaking It Down If anyone thinks that the end of net neutrality is near, think again. This issue will be fought all the way into the mid-term elections and even the next presidential election. There are just too many questions around the legitimacy of the decision. For such an unpopular decision to take affect is mind boggling. Even if the decision stands, which I doubt very seriously, the states are basically going to undermine it. They have already begun to institute rules forcing the ISP to disregard the new FCC ruling. The big telecoms are playing a game of chicken with the market.

The big ISPs and cell service providers were living fat and happy with the cellphone market firmly in their grasp. They had consumers locked up with long term contracts and high rates. Then along came the little guys with a better deal.

They were forced to bow to market pressure and now the rates are pretty cheap and the contracts are gone. Same for cable television. They got too expensive and now everybody is cutting the cord. The Internet is the only game left in the telecommunications sector. The big ISPs can start throttling data or blocking websites if they want to. But how long before some small company starts screaming, “NO THROTTLING AND NO BLOCKED WEBSITES!” in their advertising. And before long the game is back where it started. What I am saying is that big ISPs are going to fold. There will be a lot more and a lot smaller ISPs taking over the market soon. The big companies need to move on to something else.

50 Years After Fair Housing Act, We Still Have a Long Way to Go

By Jeffrey W. Hicks We have come a long way toward building Black homeownership since the Fair Housing Act was signed into federal law 50 years ago. In commemorating that milestone, we recognize and emphasize that, with fewer than half of Black Americans owning their homes, we still have a long way to go to reach economic parity through Black homeownership.

The National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB) has advocated for Black American homeownership since it was founded on the principle of “Democracy in Housing” in 1947.

We were at the forefront and in the trenches of this movement prior to April 11, 1968, when this act signaled a new level of commitment to self-determination and empowerment for Black people. NAREB was there, active in ensuring that the law passed. Today we continue working to ensure that fair and equitable treatment for Black Americans under the law remains intact as we work to increase homeownership in Black communities, nationwide.

The importance of the Fair Housing Act cannot be over-emphasized [it is] vital to the journey to full fair housing for all Americans. Recognizing this history helps to fortify us for the next stage of this ongoing movement. The obstacles to

achieving fair housing may have changed over the past 50 years, but NAREB remains vigilant and ready to challenge any institutional and systemic barriers to increasing the rates of affordable and sustainable homeownership for Black Americans.

We recognize the challenges. Today, Black Homeownership is at a very low 42 percent. At its peak in 2004, Black homeownership stood 49 percent. We’re working to return to-and then surpass-that level.

Democracy in Housing represents something far different today-the systemic obstacles of increasingly economically-segregated communities. We fully understand that de jure segregation and institutional racism remain pervasive problems throughout the United States.

We will continue to use all available tools in 2018 and in the future to increase Black homeownership as a pillar of the American Dream. We will keep advocating for supportive policies and educate our community about the inter-generational wealthbuilding power of homeownership.

NAREB will host a series of events and activities throughout 2018 to educate and inspire the public about the never-ending struggle for equality and true Democracy in Housing. Our continuing movement to increase Black Homeownership signals our unshakable conviction that this pillar of the American Dream is still achievable, desirable and affordable for African Americans.

(Jeffrey W. Hicks is the 30th president of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers.)

theomahastar.com

By Terri L. Crawford, J.D. “Change becomes possible only when we change the cultural narrative.” – James Baldwin One of the most prolific writers of our time, poet, essayist and novelist James Baldwin, published “A Letter to My Nephew” almost 60 years ago in the pages of The Progressive magazine. Baldwin’s writings took place against a backdrop of the upheavals of the civil rights revolution and a backstory of the centennial celebrations of the Emancipation Proclamation, Baldwin’s lens focused on the racial topography of early1960s America and saw not a dreamscape of possibility, but a sobering and ongoing nightmare. As he so eloquently penned to paper, “You know, and I know, the country is celebrating one hundred years of freedom one hundred years too soon.”

Although the insurgencies of Baldwin’s time would bring about the most sweeping victories for racial democracy since Emancipation and Reconstruction, looking out from Harlem, Baldwin understood the sharp proscriptions and limitations of those victories. The evidence was everywhere: in the ghettos to which Blacks were relegated and where it was “intended that [they] should perish;” in broad social insinuations of African American worthlessness; in white presumptions to define Black people’s place in society. Baldwin’s frame, both in that Progressive piece and in his larger body of work, was contoured by a knowledge that the problem of American racism was something far beyond the sorts of political, social, and economic inequalities that civil rights militancy and legislative intervention could roll back.

Baldwin’s lens could not have the type of Black Consciousness, for those uninitiated, that rewrites the narrative of a system of thought that purports “White” isn’t the norm; that one must be free of psychological oppression before being free from physical forms of oppression; with an emphasis on self-reliance and a Critical Race Theory of Blackness. Subjugation, which is inherent in the status quo, is always questioned and the theory becomes, or rather, shapes the praxis.

Nor could he have envisioned what the director clearly saw in Black Panther. For those who have not seen it, be forewarned, you will be in awe of

the grandeur in cinematography, but more than that, the narrative of Black consciousness woven throughout the fabric of an extraordinary movie.

The stunning cinematography lends itself well to a concept which brings the history of colonialism in Africa front and center. With the pairing of an excellent marketing campaign that has brought the hype from Black communities across the world, Black Panther has forever disrupted the narrative of Hollywood filmmaking. Black Panther is the first superhero film to feature a predominantly Black cast, led by Black director Ryan Coogler and an army of black staffers working behind the scenes. The clear Black conscious narrative is not only apparent on the big screen but in the team that helped bring it to life.

Here’s the take away. Although Wakanda is a mythical place, the doctrinal truths of Black Consciousness are a reality mindset.

We have a long and rich history, steeped kneedeep in a tradition of publishing broadsides, platforms, and position statements, from David Walker’s Appeal to the Colored Citizens of the World, printed in 1829, to the Black Panther Party for Self-Defense’s Ten Point Program’s, written almost a century and a half later. Each, in their own way, for their own time, identified the black freedom struggle’s chief obstacles, articulated central aims, and advocated a tactical path.

Thanks to the creative genius and “outside of the box” excellence ranging from the beloved James Baldwin, to the lovely Chadwick Boseman (eye candy … pardon my detour), and movies like Black Panther, we are witnessing the unfolding of a new black-consciousness movement which is sweeping the nation, much the way young millennial activists now rely on social media, public demonstrations and grassroots organizing, it is reminiscent of a “technological” Civil Rights Movement. Any consciousness raising movement that continues to enlighten the masses, recognizes the systemic nature of inequality in American society, and echoes Black Power’s stirring call for an end to institutional racism, mass incarceration, violence, poverty, and disparities in economic power, progress is indeed on the horizon. Kudos to Black Panther, and go see it if you have not!

Dr. Terri L. Crawford, B.A., M.A., J.D.; University of Nebraska Omaha, Department of Black Studies - Adjunct Professor; Political Awareness and Involvement Chair, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. (OAC ).

Express Yourself

A 27th Letter to America America was again shocked, as it should be, by the latest tragic school shooting in Parkland, Florida.

What has become of respect of God and respect for precious human life and suffering?

One contributing factor is, God was thrown out of our schools and all public places by some Supreme Court Judges. Judges who found, “posting of God’s Ten Commandments in schools, and even county government public places, unconstitutional.” Judges who also ruled prayer and teaching God‘s Word in public schools unconstitutional. Judges who are prohibited from interfering in religious matters by the First Constitutional Amendment!

That Amendment, which ensures freedom of religion, speech, the press, and the right to peaceably assemble, was intended to keep the federal government off these matters. But now the federal government tentacles reach way down to the toilet places, better known as “restrooms.”

The overreach of the Supreme Court has gone uncontested by our legally elected government public officials. It is their duty to hold the judges accountable when they violate the Constitution

and laws. It was not just and humane when they ruled in Roe v. Wade and approved the killing of innocent human beings. The seven judges who voted for, on that tragic decision, should have been impeached.

Our Constitution assigns the making of the laws of the land to our Legislators, not to the nonelected Judges.

The Laws of God, which our forefathers held so dearly, have been replaced by Man’s Law. Now some Americans want us to celebrate what God calls abomination.

The loudest outcry about the latest school shooting of innocent children will come from political hypocrites who support the daily mass killing of thousands of innocent unborn human babies.

REPENT AMERICA, REPENT. Manuel Ybarra Jr.

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

Op Ed

She Deserves That Much A few weeks ago, media and the community at large erupted after a 14-year-old girl was arrested on suspicion of the homicide death of her father. Her name appeared in every news story, and instead of the Village stepping in, we stepped on this child in the form of judgement, adultification, and dehumanization. Because her name has been carelessly published everywhere, we know her name. But we refuse to write it. We won’t rob her of her innocence. At just 14 years old, she deserves that much.

We make no claims about what happened in this situation nor do we overlook the life that was taken. But as details have emerged, we now know that there is an investigation into a potential history of abuse allegations by the young girl against her father. And what hurts most is that everyday people – many of whom have their own histories of abuse –have done everything to discredit a 14-year-old child. In the era of the #MeToo movement, how dare we not believe this child? Is this belief only relegated to rich, white women? Are little Black girls denied and robbed of their right to be protected?

No child should have to face a jury of public naysayers to prove that they are a victim. Grown adults can’t even handle that kind of pressure (which is why many don’t come forward with their stories), so why are we expecting it of children? Arresting this child, who had no prior criminal history, considering her a threat to others, and isolating her in the youth corrections facility was throwing salt into a freshly, gouged wound. Obviously, the mental state of this child was stressed and to seclude her will only do

more damage than good.

Our children are being preyed upon from every which way and we sit by idly doing nothing that will change the trajectory of their lives. It is easy to pass adjustment. It doesn’t require us to leave the porches we sit on. It is easy to share a news article or to spread gossip because it doesn’t require us to get involved. We can shake our heads and carry on with our daily lives.

But when our community faces the sort of pain we’re facing right now, we must be slow to speak and quick to offer support. We must wake up out of our stupors and be willing to do something! If we take the time to listen and hear our youth, then, and only then, can we begin to understand what they are going through.

But most importantly, even when the world wants us to see little Black girls as “grown,” we must see them for the beautiful souls they are.

We must protect our children before they are forced into adult situations.

Regardless of what happened, she is still 14.

When you talk about her, don’t forget about that. Before you judge her, don’t forget that it takes a Village to raise a child. And so instead of wondering about what happened, think about what the Village can do to support her. She deserves that much.

From the Village - Jasmine L. Harris and Dominque Morgan (Editor’s Note: The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the policies and position of the staff and management of the Omaha Star newspaper.)

LIFE & STYLE/HEALTH & WELLNESS THE OMAHA STAR Page Nine Ask Alma: I Can’t Have Kids Black-Owned Beauty Brand and I Haven’t Told My Fiancé ‘The Lip Bar’ Arrives at Target

March 9, 2018

By Alma Gill NNPA Newswire Columnist Dear Alma, I’m getting married in three weeks and I couldn’t be happier. My fiancé is the best man I’ve ever met and he loves me like a queen. All of our wedding arrangements have been made and he is so loving and generous; he paid for everything. I knew from the moment we met, that I wanted to be with him and I want to spend the rest of my life loving him. Our relationship is perfect except for one thing. I know he wants to have children, that’s all we talk about and I wish I could, but I can’t. I’ve known since I was 23 years old. This has been a heartbreaking reality for me and the only other person who knows is my sister. I didn’t tell him when we first met, it just never seemed like the right time.

I can’t tell him now that we can’t have children, because I don’t want to ruin our life together.

I know that we’re meant for each other. I am praying that I may be able to have a miracle baby; I know it happens. I’m 37 and I know if we don’t get married now, I never will. I don’t want to live my life alone. I want to be happily married and have my husband for the rest of my life. My sister is my maid of honor and she’s threatening to tell him. I told her, I will disown her if she does. I think she’s just jealous of my future husband and our relationship. How can I stop her from ruining my life?

Signed, Super Secret Dear Super Secret, Um, did I miss a sentence? How is your sister,

the one who’s telling the truth, ruining your life?

Oh no, Miss Thing, you gotta own your decision of deceitfulness.

You’re absolutely “azzbackward” in this treacherous portrayal of a partnership and I promise you that your “azzbackwardness” will come back to haunt you.

Having a child is a sacred bond between two people and should not be taken lightly. I could see if you didn’t know you couldn’t have children, that’s one thing, but to already be aware of this information and not share it with your future husband is vicious and vindictive.

Yes, I said it, you’re selfish, self-centered, shimshammy and not to be trusted.

The only happiness you’re willing to acknowledge is your own. How one sided is that and who wants to be in a relationship with someone who is constantly tilted to the left?

You’re so blinded by what you want and what makes you and only you happy. That’s pathetic.

I hear you when you say there have been miracle babies, yeah, um, it happens, but it also doesn’t happen, more than you want to admit.

Tell your fiancé, now, right now. He has a right to know about your medical condition. If you had been up front the entire time, I’m sure he would understand and remain committed to walking this path of life with you. I find the fact that you’re comfortable drowning in a sea of “conniving and cunning” quite troubling. In your head, disowning your sister is the “right” thing to do, if she discloses your secret. So much so, your logic is to disown your sister.

Chil’ please. You made your bed and now you have to lie in it.

Whatever comes your way is what you deserve. SMDH, I hope your sister does tell him the truth and I hope you keep your promise and disown her, both of them will be all the better for it.

With diverse representation and inclusion consistently being issues at the forefront of the fashion and beauty industry, it’s always great to hear when a new brand emerges that celebrates both. Black-owned beauty brands unfortunately still trail their white counterparts in terms of sheer numbers, but more are popping up these days and major retailers are taking notice – and Target is the latest to do so.

If you’re a true beauty fanatic or insider, you may have heard of The Lip Bar, but even if you haven’t heard of the brand yet you certainly will because it has just made its debut on Target shelves. As reported

by Allure, The Lip Bar is a fully black-owned beauty brand that strives for inclusivity for complexions that may otherwise be overlooked by other mainstream beauty brands.

Via Allure: “The Lip Bar was created by former Wall Street financial analyst Melissa Butler after she spent years frustrated that women like her weren’t widely represented in the beauty industry. “Everyone deserves to have representation. Without it, we are left seeking validation,” Butler said in a statement about the brand. While in the brand’s early beginnings Butler presented The Lip Bar to ‘Shark Tank,’ the sharks slept on the brand, missing out on what’s now worth nearly close to half a million.

Butler’s determination to push her vision to the next level despite being rejected on Shark Tank is exactly the kind of tenacity needed to make lasting change. While women of color have been screaming about diversity and inclusion in the beauty industry for years, it appears that the masses are finally listening, thanks to brands like Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty, which certainly has a lot of major beauty brands feeling the competition.”

If you’ve ever made a Target run, and really who hasn’t, and found yourself glued to the beauty section piling products in your cart, you’ll be happy to know the prices for The Lip Bar are highly affordable.

The Lip Bar is a vegan, cruelty-free line of products with standout ingredients. The Lip Bar’s Cream Lipstick is a super moisturizing formula filled with shea butter, coconut oil, avocado oil and vitamin E. Then there’s the popular liquid matte collection that is formulated with almond oil to keep its matte finish from drying out your lips, a problem with many liquid lipsticks. Finally, there is an organic collection of lip glosses that nourish and hydrate your lips like a lip balm and provide a glossy glaze-like finish.

Additionally, there are two shades that are exclusive to Target, Unimpressed, a liquid matte lip color, and Baddie, a lip gloss.

Not only can you never have too many lipsticks, but to put our coins into a black-owned beauty brand is something we can always get behind.

The Wellness Feed

Time to Brush Up

A Wellness Feed Health and Wellness Series: Lower Body

A Lifetime of Great Dental Health Must Start Early

By Taylor White-Welchen, BS I can’t believe it’s already March! Spring and summer are fast approaching. This article will be the first of several articles offering some useful tips and exercises to help you reach your 2018 health and wellness goals. Today, I’ll be talking about lower body exercises. The lower body has our largest muscles, and includes the calves, hamstrings (back of the thigh), quadriceps (front of the thigh), and glutes.

When exercising your lower body, it is important to exercise all four areas equally.

Below is a list of exercises you can try to get a complete lower body workout. Based on your health and wellness goals, you can do more rounds and fewer sets if you’re looking to increase muscle mass, or fewer rounds and more sets if you’re looking to increase strength.

• Calves – Standing Calve Raises: Holding a dumbbell in each hand, activate your calf muscles by standing on the tips of your toes. Lower slow and controlled to get the most out of this calf building exercise. For an added challenge, do the calf raises on a box resting the arches of your feet on the edge.

• Hamstrings – Swiss-Ball Leg Curl: Lying on the floor, place your heels on the Swiss-ball. Then lift your hips, and bend your knees to curl your legs closer to your body. You can also do this exercise one leg at a time to increase intensity.

• Quadriceps – Squats: With feet shoulder-width apart, act as if you are sitting down in an imaginary chair. Be sure to keep your feet flat on the floor, and let you knees hover above your feet. Feel free to add weights (barbell, dumbbell, kettlebell, etc.) for an extra challenge.

• Glutes – Hip Thrusts: Lying on the floor, with feet flat on the floor, press your heels into the floor as you lift your hips. Be sure to squeeze those glutes at the top of this exercise to maximize efficiency. You could also add weight or do these on the Swiss-ball if the standard method isn’t challenging enough.

Of course there are tons of other exercises you can try out, but I hope you find this series to be extremely useful and helpful.

Happy training!

By Dr. Tony Sun chief medical officer UnitedHealthcare Nebraska Maintaining proper oral health matters more than just keeping a sparkling smile – it’s also important for good overall health. That is especially true for children, as decay in baby teeth can lead to speech problems, oral infections and damaged adult teeth, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Tooth decay is largely preventable, yet it ranks as the most common chronic disease among children.

About 33 percent of young kids (ages 2 to 8) have cavities in their baby teeth, and 20 percent of kids in the same age group have cavities in their adult teeth, according to the CDC. In Nebraska, the state received a “D” grade for managing children’s oral health based on key measures such as optimally fluoridated water and availability of school-based dental programs, according to The Pew Center on the States.

Proper dental health habits should start early for young people in Nebraska and nationwide. Yet some people are unaware of recommended dental guidelines for children. A recent UnitedHealthcare survey found that just 31 percent of Americans correctly recognized that most medical

professionals recommend children should visit the dentist for the first time by age one; 40 percent said the appropriate age was between two and three years old; and 27 percent said four years or older.

To help maintain proper oral health among children, here are tips to consider: For baby’s teeth and gums: • Never put a baby to bed with a bottle of milk, formula, fruit juice or sweetened liquid. When these liquids pool in a baby’s mouth, they form a sugary film on the baby’s teeth, leading to decay and infection.

• Starting at birth, clean the baby’s gums with water and a soft cloth or child-sized tooth brush. Once a child reaches age 2, parents can start brushing a baby’s teeth with a soft bristled toothbrush and a smear-sized dab of fluoride toothpaste (no larger than a grain of rice), making sure to teach the toddler to spit out the toothpaste.

• Schedule the baby’s first dental visit when the first tooth comes in, usually between the child’s first six to 12 months.

For children’s teeth and gums: • Help your child brush twice a day with a small amount of fluoride toothpaste; for children ages 3 to 6,

Health and Spirituality When is Enough…

By Mark Darby, RN APRN, FNP-C Director of North Omaha Academy of Healthy Living I was recently asked “When is enough?”

Interesting question. I would normally ask, “How much is enough?” because that refers to an amount and we normally think that a certain amount of something will be enough. A million dollars will be enough money. A full plate and dessert is enough food.

However, amounts don’t always satisfy.

When a million dollars is made, we look for the next amount. Amounts also don’t seem to work when you talk about selfesteem, prestige, emotional security and other non-tangibles. Though we can’t quantify how much self-esteem we have, we do know when we don’t have enough.

In fact, we hungrily, greedily seek for more and more.

In businesses or offices around the country there is always someone who needs more prestige. Someone who wants more recognition. They especially want

just a little more than you. Sound familiar?

Maybe you are the one who is looking for the prestige and all this sounds a little too familiar.

You can tell when someone does not have enough just by looking at them. People who sense they are lacking something are restless, irritable and constantly looking.

Looking for something to satisfy. Looking for something to tell them “Here, at last, is enough.”

I imagine this may be the reason there is so much discontent in the world. When one person is hungrily, greedily looking for something to satisfy and interacts with another human being in the same condition, what usually happens? Hurt feelings, damaged egos. Even when each person tries to be kind they come off as short tempered. The situation only gets worse from there.

A lot of problems would improve if we were satisfied.

Maybe it would be better to speak about when is enough? What conditions must occur so that we can be satisfied with our

current prestige, our current level of self esteem or ….well you fill in the blank.

An example of when something is enough is a star-lit night. Late at night, when you go out and look up into the heavens you feel different than during a crowded busy day. The vastness of the heavens does not diminish your place, in fact being a part of something larger creates such a sense of peace. In such times, you feel when there is enough.

How do we take such a night into our days?

A good start is to believe that now, right now, is enough. Now is all that it should be and now is all that it could be.

Starting with the assumption we have all that we need now is hard. But if we start with this assumption, and give ourselves time to believe, we can from that assumption get different results.

We fell less anxiety, less restlessness and have a sense of peace. And we came to believe more completely that now is enough.

this means a pea-sized dab. Make sure your child does not swallow toothpaste, which may expose them to too much fluoride.

• Begin flossing when back teeth begin to come in. Toothbrush bristles cannot reach between teeth, leaving those teeth vulnerable to bacteria and decay.

• Limit sugary snacks and drinks between meals. When sugar comes in contact with teeth, decay-causing bacteria can produce acids that damage your child’s teeth. Encourage children to eat healthy snacks, such as fruits and vegetables.

• Take your child to the dentist regularly and ask about fluoride supplements, which make the tooth enamel strong and help protect it from decay. For most children, that means visiting the dentist twice a year.

• Sealants are plastic coatings placed on back teeth to protect them from decay, and they are sometimes covered as a preventive service by dental plans. Ask the dentist about placing sealants for your child once he/she turns 6, when molars first come in.

Be sure to take advantage of your health plan’s preventive dental benefit if available and visit your dentist regularly. By taking these steps, you can start your children down the road of good oral health.

Know Signs and Symptoms of Opiate Overdose The opiate problem in the U.S. is continuing to worsen and it’s more important than ever to know and understand the signs and symptoms of an opiate overdose.

To learn more about how to identify the signs and symptoms of opiate abuse, go to: www.narconon-suncoast.org/blog/how-torecognize-signs-of-an-opiate-overdose.

ADDICTION SCREENINGS Narconon can help you take steps to overcome addiction in your family. Call today for free screenings or referrals. 877-8415509.

American Heart Association: Power to End Stroke

Healthy Cooking Demonstration Thursday, March 15, 2018 | 6:30pm – 8:30pm Girls Inc. of Omaha (2811 N. 45th Street, Omaha, NE 68104)

Facilitators: No More Empty Pots

An opportunity to teach families how to create a low cost, heart healthy meal

RSVP to Errik Ejike (402) 280-2389 | ErrikEjike@creighton.edu Sponsored by

Subscribe To The Omaha Star 402-346-4041 opt. 5 • theomahastar.com ©2018 MW MWA American Heart Association. Also known as the H Heart rt Fund.

Page Ten

NATIONAL NEWS

THE OMAHA STAR

March 9, 2018

Report: Anti-Semitic Incidents Surged Nearly 60% In 2017 New York, NY – The AntiDefamation League (ADL) says in a new report that the number of anti-Semitic incidents was nearly 60 percent higher in 2017 than 2016, the largest singleyear increase on record and the second highest number reported since ADL started tracking incident data in the 1970s.

The sharp rise, reported in ADL’s Audit of Anti-Semitic Incidents, was in part due to a significant increase in incidents in schools and on college campuses, which nearly doubled for the second year in a row.

There were 1,986 anti-Semitic incidents reported across the United States in 2017, including physical assaults, vandalism, and attacks on Jewish institutions. That figure represents a 57 percent increase over the 1,267 incidents in 2016. Every part of the country was affected, with an incident reported in all 50 states for the first time in at least a decade.

“A confluence of events in 2017 led to a surge in attacks on our community – from bomb threats, cemetery desecrations, white supremacists marching in Charlottesville, and children

harassing children at school,” said Jonathan A. Greenblatt, ADL CEO and National Director. “These incidents came at a time when we saw a rising climate of incivility, the emboldening of hate groups and widening divisions in society.

In reflecting on this time and understanding it better with this new data, we feel even more committed to our century-old mission to stop the defamation of the Jewish people, and to secure justice and fair treatment to all.”

ADL-CRC Plains States Regional Director Mary-Beth Muskin said, “The ADL-CRC is receiving reports of hate crimes and hate incidents weekly, which is an increase over last year. In Hastings, Nebraska, a white nationalist group plastered hate-filled fliers on street signs, traffic lights and store fronts throughout the city. A White Supremacist group unfurled a hate-filled banner from an overpass on Interstate 80 and at a local university, several swastikas were found carved into the wall of a bathroom with hateful messages written above them and more recently, we had

a white supremacist speaking out on UNL’s campus.” Muskin added, “Reported regional incidents were up by 29% in 2017. The ADL-CRC continues to work with law enforcement to identify those individuals and groups behind hateful messages and actions.”

Incidents Since 1979, ADL has counted anti-Semitic incidents in the U.S. and reported the numbers in its annual Audit of Anti-Semitic Incidents. Last year, in response to concerns about rising antiSemitism, ADL stepped up the frequency of reporting, issuing additional reports to share data more regularly throughout the year.

In 2017, according to ADL, there were: • 1,015 incidents of harassment, including 163 bomb threats against Jewish institutions, up 41 percent from 2016; • 952 incidents of vandalism, up 86 percent from 2016; • 19 physical assaults, down 47 percent from 2016.

The largest increase in 2017 was in the category of vandalism.

The dramatic increase in antiSemitic acts of vandalism is particularly concerning because it indicates perpetrators feel emboldened enough to break the law. In the vast majority of vandalism cases the perpetrators remain unidentified.

The three worst months were in first quarter of the year – with 208, 273, and 273 incidents in January, February, and March, respectively. These months include the 163 bomb threats against Jewish institutions.

Incidents took place in every state across the country, but consistent with prior reports, the states with the highest number of incidents tend to be those with the largest Jewish populations. These include New York (380 incidents); California (268); New Jersey (208); Massachusetts (177); Florida (98); and Pennsylvania (96).

According to the audit, there are myriad reasons why the numbers are rising. These include the fact that more people are reporting incidents to ADL than ever before. AntiSemitic incidents took place in a wide variety of locations, including places of business,

private homes, public areas such as parks and streets, Jewish institutions and schools and colleges/universities.

Incidents In Schools On Rise Anti-Semitic incidents in K-12 schools and college campuses in 2017 nearly doubled over 2016.

There were 457 anti-Semitic incidents reported in nonJewish schools, up from 235 in 2016 and 114 in 2015. Jewish institutions and schools also saw incidents double, jumping from 170 in 2016 to 342 last year.

Meanwhile, college campuses saw a total of 204 incidents in 2017, compared to 108 in 2016.

“The consistent increase of anti-Semitic incidents against students of all ages is deeply troubling,” Greenblatt said.

“We know that students do not always report when they are being bullied, so for every incident that’s reported, it is likely there’s another that goes unreported. This is why it is imperative for schools to have anti-bias and anti-bullying programs, and why we are committing to take our No Place for Hate program into more schools this year.”

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Cemetery Vandalism Jewish graves or cemeteries were desecrated seven times in 2017. The desecration of Jewish headstones is a classic anti-Semitic act employed for hundreds of years. The majority of the cemetery desecrations occurred in the first months of the year, at the same time as the bomb threats were called in to Jewish institutions, which contributed to a sense that the Jewish American community was under siege. One bright spot in this was the response of members of the Muslim and Christian faiths, who raised thousands of dollars to help repair the damaged tombstones.

How ADL Is Responding ADL has a comprehensive approach to address antiSemitic incidents and behavior, including educating youth to prevent these behaviors and working with law enforcement to apprehend the perpetrators.

ADL trains 15,000 law enforcement officials per year, provides anti-bias training widely, including to every new FBI agent, and reaches 1.5 million kids in schools with our anti-bias and anti-bullying training.

“We make government leaders and the public aware of antiSemitism so we can counter it together,” said Greenblatt.

“Anti-Semitism may be the oldest hatred, but it is deeply felt today and we will never give up on our important work to ensure our communities are safe for each and every one.”

ADL has recently announced expansions in its work to counter cyber hate with a new center in Silicon Valley in recognition of the close connection between the rise in hate online and the rise of hate incidents in our communities.

Policy Recommendations In response to the historic rise in anti-Semitic incidents, ADL is sharing the following policy recommendations with members of Congress and other government leaders: • Congress should pass legislation to expand federal protections against bomb threats to religious institutions.

The House of Representatives approved this legislation, HR 1730, in December. The Senate must now act and send the measure to the President to sign.

• Public officials and law enforcement authorities must use their bully pulpit to speak out against anti-Semitic incidents – and all acts of hate.

These officials must support efforts to punish this conduct to the fullest extent of the law, while providing comfort and assistance to individual victims and community members.

• Victims and bystanders should report all anti-Semitic incidents and vandalism to the Anti-Defamation League and to local police. If we expect law enforcement officials and community members to take these incidents seriously, we must take them seriously – and report them, both to ADL and to the police.

• College and university administrators, faculty, and staff must receive the necessary training to effectively respond to anti-Semitic incidents, hate crimes, hate speech, and extremism on campus. Campus officials have a moral obligation to speak out against hate.

Colleges and universities must build an institution for learning that works toward inclusion and equity while also ensuring open expression and a marketplace for ideas The ADL Audit includes both criminal and non-criminal acts of harassment and intimidation, including distribution of hate propaganda, threats, and slurs.

Compiled using information provided by victims, law enforcement, and community leaders, and evaluated by ADL’s professional staff, the Audit provides a regular snapshot of one specific aspect of a nationwide problem while identifying possible trends or changes in the types of activity reported. This information assists ADL in developing and enhancing its programs to counter and prevent the spread of anti-Semitism and other forms of bigotry.

March 9, 2018

EVENTS/CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING

In The Village!

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

March 9 – It’s the annual Lenten Friday Fish Fry at Mt. Calvary Community Church, 5112 Ames Ave. Lunch is served from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. and dinner is 4-8 p.m. The menu is a choice of a whole catfish or a catfish fillet, spaghetti, coleslaw, pickles, bread and cake. Delivery is available on 3 or more dinners. For cost and more info, phone Sister Molly Reynolds at 402-457-4216. They will be frying fish every Friday through March 30.

March 9 – Neighborhood Action and Facts will serve fish or chicken dinners at Lothrop Social Hall, 3232 N. 24th St., from 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Menu includes a choice of two sides: spaghetti, coleslaw, green beans and dessert. Delivery is available on two or more orders. Phone Ella at 402714-7644 or Patsy at 219-902-1796.

March 9 – St. Benedict the Moor Church, 2423 Grant St., will serve fish dinners from 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. every Friday through March 23. The meal includes a choice of a fried or baked catfish fillet, green beans, spaghetti and a dessert. Delivery is available for 5 or more dinners. For cost or more info, phone 402-348-0631.

March 10 – The Empowerment Network hosts the 11th Annual Violence Prevention & Justice Summit from 8-11:30 a.m., at North High School, Viking Center, 4410 N. 36th St. March 10 – The Great Plains Black History Museum, 2221 N. 24th St., is hosting a series of black history workshops presented by Preston Love Jr. This workshop will focus on Black Voting from the 15th Amendment and today’s African American politics. The free workshop will be held from 10-11:30 a.m. and the subject matter is suitable for middle school students through adults.

March 10 – The energy and excitement of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade is the perfect way to start off the spring season in downtown Omaha at 10 a.m. The parade will have dignitaries, organizations, and groups representing the best of the Omaha area, including a Marine Color Guard, local police and firefighters, Miss Nebraska, Miss Douglas County, elected officials, drill teams, bands, creative floats, classic cars, and much more.

March 11 – SPRING AHEAD – DAYLIGHT SAVING BEGINS AT 2:00 A.M. March 13 – Lozier Omaha Table Talk: Ending the Cycle: Gang Violence Prevention to be held in Weitz CEC Room 201, 6001 Dodge St, from 6 - 7:30 p.m. Get an accurate look at what gang activity looks like in our community. Then discuss current efforts to interrupt and prevent these cycles. Additionally, envision what alternatives and solutions can be developed & strengthened.

March 14 – Lozier Omaha Table Talk: MOSAIC Partnership: Ability Lunch will be held at 10011 “J” St., from 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Join Inclusive Communities and MOSAIC for an Ability Lunch featuring families working with the MOSAIC programs. Families will share their experiences as adults living with intellectual and functional disabilities from the lens of MOSAIC: A Caring Community, A Meaningful Life, and Giving A Voice. Following the presentation, MOSAIC families and staff along with Inclusive Communities volunteers will lead table discussions around disability and breaking down the barriers to building community.”

March 15 – With Love, Felicia’s The WORDHerStory: Focus on HER, 7:45-10:30 p.m. at Opollo Music Theatre, 6052 Maple March 17 – Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. Omaha Alumnae Chapter hosts Side Hustle Saturday, How to Build a Business without Quitting Your Day Job at 2 p.m., at the Immanuel Conference Center, 6901 N. 72nd St. The event is free, but seating is limited, RSVP to Loleta Robinson at lmrobinson1016@gmail.com.

March 17 – Pishon Boutique Make A Statement 2018 Spring & Summer Fashion Show at the Holland Performing Arts Center. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. and the show begins at 5:00. Tickets are available at eventbrite.com. For more info, phone 402-881-5994.

March 22 – Creighton School of Dentistry presents Diabetes and Your Oral Health, from 10-11 a.m., at Notre Dame Housing Seven Oaks Senior Center, 3439 State St. The event is free and open to the public.

March 22 – NONA monthly meeting from 6-7:30 p.m. on the Better Together campus, 3223 N. 45th St. Speakers are Chris Carither, Douglas County Election Commission and Danita Webb, OPS/Midlands Mentoring Partnership. Meetings are held the fourth Thursday of the month. For more info, phone 402-999-6629.

March 22 – The League of Women Voters and P4K will host The State of Juvenile Justice forum at UNO’s Barbara Weitz Community Engagement Center, 6400 South, University Drive Road North, from 7-9 p.m. The forum is free and open to the public.

March 23 – Only two Fridays left to attend the annual Lenten Friday Fish Fry at Mt. Calvary Community Church, 5112 Ames Ave. Lunch is served from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. and dinner is 4-8 p.m.

The menu is a choice of a whole catfish or a catfish fillet, spaghetti, coleslaw, pickles, bread and cake.

Delivery is available on 3 or more dinners. For cost and more info, phone Sister Molly Reynolds at 402-457-4216. They will be frying fish every Friday through March 30.

March 23 – This is the last Friday to enjoy delicious fish dinners at St. Benedict the Moor Church, 2423 Grant St. Dinners will be served from 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. The meal includes a choice of a fried or baked catfish fillet, green beans, spaghetti and a dessert. Delivery is available for 5 or more dinners. For cost or more info, phone 402-3480631.

March 24 – The Black Family Health & Wellness Association hosts a special celebration and their annual health fair. This special celebration is honoring you (the community). The health fair is 8:00 - noon. Health screenings will be conducted from 8-11:30 a.m. The special celebration will be held from noon till 2 p.m. This free event is at North High School, 4410 N. 36th St. Free screenings, vendors, refreshments and fun.

March 24 – Free Set Aside Clinic, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., at Metro Community College Fort Omaha campus, 5300 N. 30th St., Bldg 9. You are eligible for a set aside if a court sentenced you to probation and/or a fine, you finished probation and/or paid a fine and it has been two years since you have had a criminal conviction. Space is limited. Pre-register at www.legalaidofnebraska.org March 24 – OTOC Celebrating Community

by Lighting the Way at Kaneko, 1111 Jones St., from 6-9:30 p.m. Join them for appetizers by Pleasure Your Palate, a silent auction (over 300 items), desserts and ice cream from eCreamery, live music by Olivia Marks; Michael Saklar and the Sun-less Trio. There is a cash bar. Tickets are on sale now from OTOC leaders and the office 402344-4401. http://otoc.org/celebrating-community/ March 25 – Marque Snow will host “We Brunch Together” from 12-5 p.m. at Howlin’ Hounds Coffee Shop, 712 S. 16th St. Enjoy a delicious menu of eggs, bacon, sausage, fruit, mimosas, cupcakes and a Bloody Mary Bar while you meet and converse with OPS candidate Snow.

To RSVP or for more info, visit SnowforOPS.com.

The Love’s Jazz & Arts Center is sponsoring the spectacular “Wear my Hat, Walk in my Shoes” exhibit, a Pictorial Tribute to Women, in celebration of Women’s History Month. The exhibit is on display through March 31 at the center, 2510 N. 24th St. Center hours are 11 Edna Statham a.m. till 5 p.m., Tuesday through Friday, and 11 a.m. till 3 p.m. on Saturday.

The artist, Edna Statham, has been creating vernacular art for over 30 years. Most of her art has been sold at art galleries and shows in Omaha; Washington, D.C.; St. Louis and Kansas City.

A Roundtable On Racism will be held Tuesday from 6-9 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 7020 Cass St. (enter door #4 off 69th Street). Join us for dinner, a moderated panel and conversation. Moderated

by A’JamalByndon, questions that explore systems of racism, especially here in Omaha, will be discussed with the goal of seeking to engage in actions that end the cycle of systematic racism that many white people are oblivious to.

Please be a part of this discussion where we seek to build trust and friendships.

Call 402-556-6262 to register or email cynthia.lindenmeyer@ fumcomaha.org.

Manager, Community Diversity and Inclusion DO YOU HAVE PASSION FOR OMAHA AND THE DESIRE TO EXECUTE A STRATEGY THAT FOCUSES ON BUILDING DIVERSE AND INCLUSIVE WORKPLACES AND COMMUNITY?

Seeking a leader to work with business and community partners regarding diversity and inclusion efforts in order to grow Greater Omaha. Incumbent will collaborate with community leaders, volunteers and stakeholders to create and leverage resources to impact identified outcomes.

If you are able to manage multiple projects at one time, crave a unique and flexible work schedule, have a strong ability to work with small groups of volunteers and communicate to large audiences, and have a desire to make a big difference, send your resume with cover letter and salary expectations by Monday, March 19 to Laurie Pieper, Director of Human Resources at jobs@omahachamber.org.

- Equal Opportunity Employer -

EOE / Vet

outstanding training | tuition assistance job stability | opportunities for advancement paid vacation | insurance | retirement

To apply, visit corrections.nebraska.gov/careers

★

Business Connection To advertise your business, please contact Phyllis Hicks.

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

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Metropolitan Utilities District The Metropolitan Utilities District is seeking qualified individuals for the following positions:

• President • Engineer I • Engineer II • ERP Technical/Functional Analyst II • ERP Technical/Functional Analyst II (BOBJ) • Manager, Systems Architecture HANA • Network Specialist • Safety Specialist Visit www.mudomaha.com, under the careers tab to fill out an application. Applications will be accepted until the close date of the position. Resumes will not be accepted in place of applications.

Employment Contingent Upon Results of a Drug Screen and a Background Check.

ACLU of NE seeks experienced Communications Director to support legal, policy, and community engagement strategies.

Competitive nonprofit salary and benefits. aclunebraska.org/careers

Statham’s art depicts creative expressions made from common utility items such as wire, rope, beads, metal washers, ribbon, paper, bubble wrap, paints, etc., to creatively make a symbolic statement on canvas and paper.

Statham developed this collection to symbolically promote the cultural importance of hats and shoes in the lives of women. Women wear many hats both figuratively and literally.

They are entrepreneurs, politicians, CEO’s, and they are mothers, daughters, sisters, aunts and nieces. They create the sustainable environment in the home that promotes learning, self-esteem, and growth. To truly understand the challenges and experiences of a women, walk in her shoes.

There is a minimal cost. Guided tours are available. Phone 402-502-5291 for more information.

Roundtable On Racism

Attorney

IF SO WE ARE LOOKING TO HIRE QUALIFIED CANDIDATES FOR CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS IN THE OMAHA AREA. APPLY AT OUR WEBSITE WWW.HAWKINSl.COM OR IN PERSON AT OUR OFFICE AT 2516 DEER PARK BLVD. WE ACCEPT APPLICATIONS FROM 8:00AM UNTIL NOON ON MONDAY THRU FRIDAY. GREAT WAGES AND BENEFITS ARE PROVIDED TO ALL OF OUR EMPLOYEES. ARE YOU READY TO JOIN US?

Page Eleven

‘Wear My Hat, Walk in My Shoes’ Exhibit

Senior Wellness Creighton School of Medicine is hosting a weekly series for seniors 55 and over at Notre Dame Housing Seven Oaks Senior Center, 3439 State St. The WISE Wellness Initiative for Senior Education offers an opportunity to learn how to stay healthy and meet new people.

The educational program offers lessons that cover a wide range of topics. Learn about the aging process and how to make healthy lifestyle choices. Receive tips on how to celebrate this exciting stage of life and learn all the benefits that come with it. Discuss risk factors and behaviors you should avoid to stay healthy. Examine how alcohol, prescription medications and over-the-counter medications affect seniors differently and how to avoid problems. Learn how to use simple tools to feel more empowered about your health and the healthcare you receive.

The weekly sessions will be held on Tuesdays (March 13 - April 10) from 9:30-11:30 a.m. The series is free and open to any interested senior, 55 and over. To register, or for more information, phone April Dixon at 402-280-4928.

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Page Twelve

YOUTH/EDUCATION NEWS March 9, 2018 Nebraska Science Festival This Issue’s Shero is Alice Walker Born Feb. 9, 1944, to Georgia sharecroppers, women into consideration. Walker defined Launches Essay Contest Walker grew to become a writer and an activist Womanism as:

THE OMAHA STAR

At age 8, Nebraska Science Festival keynote speaker Ginger Zee knew she wanted to study meteorology. Now, we’re asking young Nebraskans to let us know what science career they want to pursue and why.

Submit responses to the Nebraska Science Festival’s essay contest for a chance to meet Zee, the chief meteorologist for ABC News.

All submissions are due by April 1.

The contest – open to all fourth- through 12th-grade Nebraska students – precedes this year’s Nebraska Science Festival, which is scheduled for April 19-28. The sixth annual festival again will feature an array of science- and technology-related activities in communities across the state.

But for those who love science, why wait until April? Now is the time to develop your contest entry.

Write a 150- to 1,000-word essay highlighting the science career you want to pursue, and win a chance to meet Zee, who appears on “Good Morning America,” hosts an ABC News original digital series, “Food Forecast,” and recently released her memoir, “Natural Disaster: I Cover Them, I am One.” Zee will give the festival’s keynote address on April 20 at the Joslyn Art Museum. General admission tickets will be released online at noon on April 1 on a first-come, first-served basis at Event Brite (four per person). Although the presentation is free, tickets are required for admittance when doors open April 20 at 6:30 p.m.

Contest entries must be postmarked no later than April 1, and essays must answer the question: What science career do you want to pursue and why? Complete contest details can be found at: www.nescifest. com/participate/essay.

In addition to NeSciFest.com, you will find SciFest updates and information on Twitter (@NESciFest) and Facebook (NE SciFest).

DeVos Coddles Companies while Abandoning Student Loan Borrowers

By Charlene Crowell For the 44 million American consumers who struggle with a still-growing student loan debt of $1.4 trillion, the issues wrought by debt collectors and loan servicers are a nagging problem. Servicer changes and errors, unexplained fees that worsen the debt and difficulty in securing income-based repayment plans are all painfully familiar to these consumers.

These debts are particularly onerous for Black Americans who utilize federal student loans more than other races or ethnicities: 87 percent.

By comparison, Latinos borrow 65 percent of the time and Whites even lower at 60 percent, according to data from the Center for American Progress.

So, one must wonder why Betsy DeVos, the Secretary of Education, would draft a plan that would once again favor these companies instead of consumers. These are the same companies that receive $1 billion in taxpayer dollars to service and collect loan debts.

In recent days, multiple news outlets have reported an Education plan that proposes to preempt state laws that allow state attorneys general (AGs) to hold debt collectors and loan servicers accountable.

Just last October, a bipartisan group of 26 AGs wrote Secretary DeVos and advised against giving these businesses immunity from state-level oversight and enforcement. Citing fraud and abusive practices, the AGs spoke directly to the harms that would be caused to students and borrowers. They also urged that state and federal officials work together to end the harmful practices of bad actors in the student loan industry. “[E]very state has well-established laws prohibiting companies – many of which are also regulated federally – from engaging in unfair and deceptive practices targeting state residents,” wrote the AGs on Oct. 23. “The Industry Requests, however, seek to enlist the Department in an industry gambit to evade state policing. There is no principled reason for this result, especially in the middle of a crisis demanding cooperation across government.”

In addition to the AGs, other federal offices have respectively found problems with these companies as well.

For two consecutive years, 2015 and 2016,

the federal Government Accountability Office found failures by student loan servicers that include not providing information to borrowers about their payment options and difficulty reaching servicers. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has worked with states and the Department of Justice to hold accountable the nation’s largest servicer of federal student loans, Navient. In early 2017, CFPB sued the company for steering student loan borrowers into costly forbearance agreements that pad interest costs instead of enrolling borrowers in income-based repayments.

Similarly, Massachusetts sued the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency and the National Collegiate Student Loan Trust for overcharging student borrowers.

That lawsuit alleged that although PHEAA was aware of the payment problems, it failed to rectify related borrower harms.

“Given the Education Department’s utterly lackluster record of oversight,” said Persis Yu, an attorney with the National Consumer Law Center and director of its Student Loan Borrower Assistance Project, “it should be doing more to work with states to protect the interests of student loan borrowers …

Congress envisioned a role for states to play in protecting student loan borrowers. And given the Education Department’s record of siding with servicers over borrowers, the state role is more critical now than ever.”

A CFPB report, also released in October 2017, analyzed student loan complaints on a state-by-state basis. With more than 50,000 complaints filed with the Bureau, poor student loan servicing and servicing errors were frequently reported. The number of complaints were markedly rising in California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, New York, Ohio, Texas and Pennsylvania.

“This kind of caving to special interests abandons the Department’s duty to be a thrifty steward of the public purse,” said Whitney Barkley-Denney, a senior policy counsel with the Center for Responsible Lending.

“Consumers are entitled to support and response from all levels of government. Hence, states must preserve their ability to protect borrowers residing in their respective jurisdictions.”

“There is simply no precedent or provision for such a federal fiat,” concluded BarkleyDenney.

that helped to define the Black Feminist Movement during its inception, a movement that would later be called Womanism, a definition created by Walker in her essay “In Search of Our Mother’s Garden” as a reaction to a feminism that did not apply to or take black

Walker

“Womanist 1. From womanish. (opp. of “girlish,” i.e., frivolous, irresponsible, not serious.) A black feminist or feminist of color … Usually referring to outrageous, audacious, courageous or willful behavior. Wanting to know more and in greater depth than is considered “good” for one … Responsible. In charge. Serious.

2. Also: A woman who loves other women, sexually and/or nonsexually. Appreciates and prefers women’s culture, women’s emotional flexibility (values tears as natural counterbalance of laughter), and women’s strength …

Committed to the survival and wholeness of entire people, male and female. Not separatist, except periodically, for health. Womanist is to feminist as purple is to lavender.”

She is best known for her novel “The Color Purple,” a book about overcoming the overwhelming racism and misogyny enforced by the culture of the South, and would continue to use many of her novels and poems to address social justice issues such as sexism and racism as well as rape and violence.

5-Year-Old To Release Book On Saving and Investing Fredericksburg, VA (BlackNews.com) – Kennedy O’Neal may only be 5 years old, but this kindergartener already understands the importance of saving money. Her fascination with money actually started while she was still in diapers. As a toddler, she began stashing money away in her piggy bank and was always on the prowl for loose change to add to her collection.

“These days, I’ve revved up my chores around the house in hopes of earning even more money,” stated Kennedy.

According to a 2017 GOBankingRates survey, nearly 60 percent of American adults have less than $1,000 in their savings accounts. Almost 40 percent have no savings at all. For Kennedy’s father, Chris O’Neal, a real estate investor, the earlier you start saving, the more prepared you’ll be for a rainy day. This is the very message he’s instilled in his daughter.

“When kids save early, it sets them up for their future. The burden will be much lighter when it is time to pay for ever rising college tuition. The goal with saving is to keep kids out of their parents’ wallet,” stated Chris. “The earlier you start saving, the more prepared you’ll be for emergencies and the future.”

Kennedy is already working hard on her financial security. While she may not be old enough for a full-time job, she earns money from various tasks around the house, birthdays and special occasions. While she saves some of it, she also invests a portion of her earnings in low-cost rental properties.

“Investing in real estate allows her to bring in residual income without working overly hard for it,” stated Chris.

Kennedy, along with her father, is now on a mission to help other kids learn tips for saving money and investing in their new book titled

“The Adventures of Super Kennedy: Saving and Investing.” The book, which is geared toward 5- to 12-year-olds, stars Kennedy, who morphs into a financial superhero of sorts. As “Super Kennedy,” she teaches kids creative ways to save and earn money on their own. In the book, once she has enough money saved up, with her parents help, she buys an undesirable house to fix up and collects rent.

“I’m super excited about my book,” stated Kennedy. “I want other kids to know that saving is easy, and it can really be fun. All you need is discipline and a goal, and you can do it, too.”

“The Adventures of Super Kennedy: Saving and Investing” is available for purchase on Amazon

Kennedy and Chris O’Neal

F.Y.I.

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

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