75 CENTS
OMAHA STAR
THE
Celebrating 80 Years
Celebrate Women’s History Month.
1938 2018
Dedicated to the Service of the People that NO Good Cause Shall Lack a Champion and that Evil Shall Not Go Unopposed
Nebraska’s Only Black Owned Newspaper Vol. 81 - No. 6 Omaha, Nebraska
Friday, March 22, 2019
The Origins of Women’s History Month Women’s History Month in the United States grew out of a weeklong celebration of women’s contributions to culture, history and society organized by the school district of Sonoma, Calif., in 1978. Presentations were given at dozens of schools, hundreds of students participated in a “Real Woman” essay contest and a parade was held in downtown Santa Rosa. A few years later, the idea had caught on within communities, school districts and organizations across the country. In 1980, President Jimmy Carter issued the first presidential proclamation declaring the week of March 8 as National Women’s History Week. The U.S. Congress followed suit the next year, passing a resolution establishing a national celebration. Six years later, the National Women’s History Project successfully petitioned Congress to expand the event to the entire month of March.
International Women’s Day International Women’s Day, a global celebration of the economic, political and social achievements of women, took place for the first time in the early 1900s. Many countries around the world celebrate the holiday with demonstrations, educational initiatives and customs such as presenting women with gifts and flowers. The United Nations has sponsored International Women’s Day since 1975. When adopting its resolution on the observance of International Women’s Day, the United Nations General Assembly cited the following reasons: “To recognize the fact that securing peace and social progress and the full enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms require the active participation, equality and development of women; and to acknowledge the contribution of women to the strengthening of international peace and security.”
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Love Receives Distinguished Citizens Award from West Point Society Preston Love Jr. will be presented the Distinguished Citizen Award by the West Point Society of Nebraska and Western Iowa on March 30 during its annual West Point Founders Day in Omaha at the offices of Kutak Rock. “We are honored to present Mr. Love with the Distinguished Citizen Award. His lifetime service at the local, state and national level reflects great credit upon him and exemplifies the West Point values of Duty, Honor, Country” said Vince Lindenmeyer, President of the West Point Society of Nebraska and Western Iowa. “His numerous contributions to society and the community make him particularly deserving of this award.” “I thank the West Point Society of Nebraska and Western Iowa for this award,” said Mr. Love. “I am honored to be recognized among those people whose service is in keeping with the values of Duty, Honor, Country, and I add Community. I wish to thank the Society for their sponsorship this year of a deserving high school student for the educational ‘Face-to-Face with Black History’ bus tour. I am also excited about a future collaboration with the West Point Society on providing leadership opportunities to youth of our community. Love’s achievements and contributions span decades and are wide ranging. He was Nebraska All-State in football, basketball and track and played football for the University of Nebraska and with the Lincoln Comets semi-pro football team. Mr. Love was a pioneer marketing executive for IBM. An historic microcomputer innovator, he established Atlanta’s first retail computer store in 1980. Mr. Love organized Jesse Jackson’s presidential campaign in 1984 and also worked for the late Harold Washington’s 1983 election as mayor of Chicago.
Love is the originator and driving force behind the Black Votes Matter Initiative. This initiative is made up of numerous components, including voter registration, aggressive early vote promotion, voter education meetings and forums, rides to the polls and speaking events throughout the community. As an outgrowth of the Black Votes Matter Initiative, Love founded the annual “Face-to-Face with Black History” bus tour. Forty scholarships are awarded to African American high school students for an educational tour that includes Memphis, Birmingham, Tuskegee, Selma, Montgomery and Atlanta. A documentary of the first tour was released in October 2018. Preston is a playwright and has written and performed “Adam Clayton Powell,” a one-man performance. He is an award-winning newspaper columnist for the Omaha Star. Love is a national lecturer, most recently speaking at the Nashville film festival regarding urban voting, and the documentary film “One Vote,” and at the Jefferson Educational Society in Erie, Pa. He is an adjunct professor at the University of Nebraska Omaha, where he teaches African-American Experience in Politics. He authored “Economic Cataracts: A Chronicle of Efforts to Remove the Obstacles of Urban Community Engagement and Economic Inclusion” and “The Jackson Papers.” Love serves as a consultant with the Minnesota Humanities Center, a national education organization. His numerous national, state and local awards include the NAACP President’s Award in 2018 and a commendation for excellence from Nebraska Secretary of State for his Omaha Star Newspaper column. Love is the president of the men’s auxiliary in his church, Antioch Church of God In Christ.
Big Mama’s Kitchen & Catering to Host Community Fellowship Meal April 5 Patricia “Big Mama” Barron, founder and nationally acclaimed chef of North Omaha’s Big Mama’s Kitchen and Catering, passed away on April 5, 2018. Her family is going to honor the date of her passing with a community meal, open to the public. The public is asked to make a donation. Donations will benefit the Patricia “Big Mama” Barron Culinary Scholarship Fund, managed by the Metropolitan Community College Foundation. The commemorative dinner will be held at the restaurant, 3223 N. 45th St., Bldg. A, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. The meal will feature several of her most famous dishes, including Big Mama’s Oven Fried Chicken, Smashed Potatoes and Gravy, and Skillet Cornbread. Big Mama had three passions in her decades-long career as a restaurateur. She loved for people to eat her food; she wanted to pass the torch to a new generation by encouraging more young people to pursue careers in culinary arts; and she wanted to give community people the opportunity for a “second chance” in their lives. She regularly employed ex-offenders and others who needed someone to believe in them and help them get back into society.
Love is the son of the late jazz great Preston Love Sr. and his wife, Betty. He is married to Martha, his spiritual leader and his best supporter. About the Distinguished Citizen Award The Distinguished Citizen Award is the highest award bestowed by the West Point Society of Nebraska and Western Iowa. Presented periodically, the award has traditionally been presented to individuals who are nongraduates and groups unaffiliated with West Point. The selected recipient’s service and accomplishments must exemplify personal devotion to the ideals expressed in West Point’s motto – Duty, Honor, Country. About the West Point Society of Nebraska and Western Iowa The West Point Society of Nebraska and Western Iowa is a non-profit corporation dedicated to furthering the principles of the United States Military Academy at West Point. The Society identifies and encourages outstanding young men and women to apply for admission to West Point, furthers public understanding of West Point and provides an organization wherein graduates and former cadets may associate and foster the ideals of West Point. About Founders Day and West Point Founders Day is the annual celebration of the founding of the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York on March 16, 1802, the date on which President Thomas Jefferson signed the enabling legislation. West Point is a fouryear, co-educational, federal college located 50 miles north of New York City. It was established as America’s first college of engineering and
Preston Love Jr.
continues today as the world’s premier leader-development institution, consistently ranked among top colleges in the country. Its mission remains constant—to educate, train, and inspire the Corps of Cadets so that each graduate is a commissioned leader of character committed to the values of Duty, Honor, Country and prepared for a career of professional excellence and service to the nation as an officer in the U. S. Army. Notable graduates include: Mike Krzyzewski (head coach of the Duke Blue Devils basketball team), H. Norman Schwarzkopf, Frank Borman and Buzz Aldrin (astronauts), Benjamin O. Davis Jr. (commander of the famed “Tuskegee Airmen” Red Tails, 332nd Fighter Group), Douglas MacArthur, Dwight D. Eisenhower, George S. Patton, Leslie Groves (director of the Manhattan Project), John J. Pershing, George Goethals (builder of the Panama Canal), Oliver Howard (a founder of Howard University and Commissioner of the Freedmen’s Bureau), and Ulysses S. Grant. For further information, go to www. westpoint.edu.
MCC Campuses Drop-off Locations for Flood Donation Items
Various Metropolitan Community College campuses will become donation drop-off locations to assist flood victims. Containers will be placed at the below locations. • South Omaha Campus, Connector Building commons area, 2909 Edward Babe Gomez Ave. • Elkhorn Valley Campus front entrance, 829 N. 204th St. • Sarpy Center commons area, 9110 Giles Rd., La Vista • Fort Omaha Campus, Buildings 10 and 23 front entrances, 30th and Fort streets Items will be picked up and donated to the American Red Cross and The Salvation Army on March 29. Suggested items for donation include: shampoo, soap, toothpaste, diapers and wipes, paper towels, trash bags and other cleaning supplies.
DEA Warns of Alarming Increase of Scam Calls Big Mama with her kitchen staff and family.
Big Mama’s Kitchen & Catering continues to thrive, despite the loss of its founder. The restaurant is now scheduled to relocate to the new Highlander Community complex, on North 30th Street, in September. The Highlander is anchored by The Accelerator, a 65,000-squarefoot building that currently houses Creighton University, Metropolitan Community College - North Express, Hardy Coffee Co., Seventy Five North offices, and The Venue. Reservations are required for the “Pay It Forward” meal. Guests can reserve a seat on-line at https://www. eventbrite.com/e/big-mamas-1st-
Annual Health Fair – March 30. See In the Village for details.
annual-community-fellowship-daytickets-58831189672. Supporters unable to attend the dinner can submit a donation to Big Mama’s scholarship fund on-line at: https://www.mccneb.edu/CommunityBusiness/Foundation/FoundationScholarships/Available-Scholarships/ Culinary-Arts-and-Horticulture/ThePatricia-Big-Mama-Barron-CulinaryScholarshi.aspx. For more information, call Big Mama’s Kitchen & Catering at 402455-6262 or visit Web site www. bigmamaskitchen.com, where links to the reservations and donations sites are available.
The Drug Enforcement Administration urges its DEA-registered practitioners and members of the public to be cautious of telephone calls from criminals posing as DEA or other law enforcement personnel threatening arrest and prosecution for supposed violations of federal drug laws or involvement in drug-trafficking activities. DEA continues to receive reports from practitioners and the general public, alike, indicating that they have received calls threatening legal action if an exorbitant fine is not paid immediately over the phone. The callers typically identify themselves as DEA personnel and instruct their victims to pay the “fine” via wire transfer to avoid arrest, prosecution and imprisonment. The reported scam tactics are
continually changing, but often share many of the following characteristics: Callers use fake names and badge numbers or, alternatively, names of wellknown DEA senior officials. • The tone of calls is urgent and aggressive; callers refuse to speak or leave a message with anyone other than the person for whom they are calling. • Callers threaten arrest, prosecution and imprisonment, and in the case of medical practitioners, revocation of their DEA numbers. • Callers demand thousands of dollars via wire transfer or, in some instances, in the form of untraceable gift cards taken over the phone. • Callers falsify the number on caller ID to appear as a legitimate DEA phone See Scam continued on page 2
It’s so nice to see all the people of the community, coming together, getting together.
It’s a Jazzy kinda Thursday – April 4.
Native Omahans Days, July 29 – August 5, 2019
See In the Village for details.
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LOCAL NEWS
THE OMAHA STAR
THE OMAHA STAR, INC. THE VOICE OF THE BLACK COMMUNITY Editorial and Business Office 2216 North 24th Street Phone: 402.346.4041 Fax: 402.346.4064
MAILING ADDRESS:
HISTORY MAKERS
Amber Ruffin – One of 23 People Who are Changing What’s Funny Now
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Like Us on Facebook E-MAIL ADDRESSES: fwilliams@omahastarinc.com phyllis@omahastarinc.com tcooper@omahastarinc.com Notary Services available during business hours Monday – Wednesday – 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Thursday – 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Member of the National Newspaper Publishers Association MILDRED D. BROWN: Founder, July 9, 1938 DR. MARGUERITA L. WASHINGTON: Publisher, 1989 - 2016 Phyllis Hicks: Publisher & Managing Editor Frankie Jean Williams: Copy Editor Tanya Cooper: Circulation/Retail Coordinator Carl Hill: Retail Distributor Debra Shaw: Social Media Administrator 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.
DISCLAIMER
The United States provides opportunities for free expression of ideas. The Omaha Star has its views, but others may differ. Therefore the Omaha Star ownership reserves the right to publish views and opinions by syndicated and local columnists, professional writers and other writers whose opinions are solely their own. Those views do not necessarily reflect the policies and position of the staff and management of the Omaha Star newspaper. Readers are encouraged to email letters to the editor commenting on current events as well as what they would like to see included in the paper. Those emails should be sent to: phyllis@omahastarinc. com and must include the writer’s name, address, email address and telephone number. The ownership has editorial rights and does not guarantee that all submissions will be published. Please be advised that the Omaha Star ownership does not employ staff writers who charge for preparing and submitting articles for the general public. Should you encounter such, please advise Phyllis Hicks at 402.346.4041.
ATTENTION From The Publisher:
Former Omahan Amber Ruffin made history as a pioneering black woman in late night in 2014, when an SNL audition landed her a surprise job offer from Seth Meyers. Since then, the Drunk History stalwart and former writer for Comedy Central’s uproarious-butcanceled Detroiters has also become a breakout star in front of the Late Night camera. Fueled by a unique mix of absurdist humor, sharp cultural criticism and exuberant, rapid-fire delivery, Ruffin’s topical monologues respond to controversies from Roseanne to R. Kelly (“This fool is skippin’ around freer than a lady in a tampon commercial”) in a way that takes issues of identity and social justice seriously without detracting from the zany fun of a nighttime talk show. “I cannot believe people are down for the amount of silliness that I’m putting on display,” the comedian told WPR, “and I cannot believe that they will let us talk about such touchy, important, scary issues.” In fact, NBC is clamoring for more of Ruffin’s sensibility; the network recently ordered a pilot presentation of Village Gazette, a comedy series about a small-town newspaper that she will star in as well as create. – Judy Berman
Omaha Star Publishing dates 2019 April Friday Friday
April 5, 2019 April 19, 2019
May Friday Friday Friday
May 3, 2019 May 17, 2019 May 31, 2019
I’M MOVING WEST! TIRED OF THIS MESS!
In order to be included in the Omaha Star, all articles and announcements must be submitted by e-mail to fwilliams@ omahastarinc.com no later than two weeks in advance of the event. All articles and announcements should be prepared in a word document using Times New Roman, 10 pt. Submissions must be limited to 500 words. Any accompanying photographs should be submitted in a jpeg or pdf file. The deadline for all articles is Monday at 3:00 p.m., two weeks prior to the event date. Articles and announcements will not be accepted at the Omaha Star office. The Omaha Star is now published bi-weekly on Fridays. The Omaha Star business office hours are MondayThursday, 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.
Pick up your copy of the Omaha Star at these convenient locations:
Storage Room Sale!
March 28-30 From 9AM-5PM It’s At U-Haul • 8920 Maple St. Storage Room 4303 Wild West VHS & Dvd Movies • Baseball Cards • Rare Stamps & Coins Massive Music Collections – From Classical To The Motown Sound
7312 N. 30th St.
Baker’s Supermarket
4405 N. 72nd St.
Beautiful Plus-Size Church Clothes & Gorgeous Leisure Wear
Big Mama’s
3223 N. 45th St.
Chubb’s Finer Foods
2905 N. 16th St.
Lawn/Garden Tools • Lawn Furniture • Power Washer Candles/Candle Holders • Vintage Cookbooks • TV Stands Microwave Stand • Bed Linens • Dishes • Flatware • Crystal Items
4232 Redman Ave.
Cubby’s Old Market
Scam continued from page 1 number. • Callers will often ask for personal information, such as Social Security number or date of birth. • When calling a medical practitioner, callers often reference National Provider Identifier numbers and/or state license numbers. They also might claim that patients are making accusations against the practitioner. It’s important to underscore that DEA personnel will never contact practitioners or members of the public by telephone to demand money or any other form of payment. DEA will not request any personal or sensitive information over the phone. Notification of a legitimate investigation or legal action is made via official letter or in person. Impersonating a federal agent is a violation of federal law. Anyone receiving a telephone call from a person purporting to be a DEA special agent or other law enforcement official seeking money should refuse the demand and report the threat using the online form or by calling 877-792-2873. Reporting scam calls will greatly assist DEA in investigating and stopping this criminal activity. Any urgent concerns or questions, including inquiring about legitimate investigations, should be directed to the local DEA field division. To report scam activity online, visit https://apps.deadiversion. usdoj.gov/esor/spring/main?execution=e1s1. For contact information for DEA field divisions, visit https:// www.dea.gov/domestic-divisions.
MAPA Seeks Public Comment on Projects Submitted for Federal Funding
Changes to a portion of Leavenworth Street to accommodate bike lanes and a corridor study for a section of 24th Street in Omaha are projects being considered for two types of federal transportation funding allocated by the Omaha-Council Bluffs Metropolitan Area Planning Agency (MAPA). These projects are available now for public comment until May 30. The City of Omaha is requesting $802,400 in funding from MAPA’s Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) as part of a $1,003,000 project to reconfigure Leavenworth Street between 7th and 13th Streets. Along this stretch of roadway, the street would change from four to two vehicle lanes with bike lanes added. Grading, drainage, traffic signal modifications and curb extensions are additional improvements planned. The City of Omaha also is requesting a $100,000 Heartland 2050 mini-grant to conduct a corridor study along 24th Street from Mason to Cass Streets with some additions on 25th Street and 24th Avenue. The study would focus on improvements to support transit, biking and walking. Total project cost is $125,055. Heartland 2050 mini-grants award federal Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) funding for projects that align with the goals of Heartland 2050’s Close the Gap initiative. Close the Gap aims to coordinate land use and transit to help “close the gap” in educational attainment, access to jobs, health care and the distance between flourishing neighborhoods/communities. The result is a region that is more walkable, livable and healthy, as well as more vibrant economically. Surveys to provide feedback on each project are available online. Complete the survey for the Leavenworth Street project at www. surveymonkey.com/r/LeavenworthSt . Find the Central 24th Street Corridor Study survey at www.surveymonkey.com/r/Central24St. Heartland 2050 is a coordinated planning effort for the OmahaCouncil Bluffs metropolitan area. It includes Douglas, Sarpy and Washington Counties in Nebraska; Pottawattamie and Mills Counties in Iowa.
Airbnb Activates Open Homes Program in Nebraska Through April 3
Baker’s Supermarket
Cubby’s
March 22, 2019
Airbnb has activated its Open Homes Program (airbnb.com/ nebraskaflood19) to help local residents displaced and relief workers deployed to impacted regions in Nebraska as a result of the recent flooding in the area. The program recruits hosts who are willing and able to provide free housing to displaced residents and disaster relief workers in the area for any length of time and has been activated for the following regions: • All of Nebraska with the exception of counties in Central Nebraska that are currently suffering from the most extreme flooding • Western half of Iowa, including Des Moines • Greater Kansas City, including Lawrence and Topeka The goal is to ensure those able to open their homes, as well as anyone who is affected and in need of temporary accommodation, knows this program is an option. The Open Homes Program is currently available through April 3. This concept began organically back in 2012 in the wake of Hurricane Sandy and has since grown into a global disaster response initiative that makes it easy for Airbnb hosts to provide space for people in need when disasters strike. According to Kellie Bentz, Airbnb’s Head of Global Disaster Response and Relief: “Airbnb’s Open Homes Program has been activated to assist residents displaced by and relief workers deployed to respond to the flooding across eastern Nebraska. Through the program, those in need of temporary accommodations can connect with Open Homes hosts in the area free of charge.”
601 S. 13th Street
Family Fare Supermarket
820 N. Saddle Creek Rd.
Family Fare Supermarket
7402 N. 30th St.
Great Plains Black History Museum
2221 N. 24th St.
Hy-Vee Supermarket
5150 Center St.
Hy-Vee Supermarket
108th & Fort St.
Phil’s CASHSAVER A cost Plus Food Outlet
3030 Ames Ave.
Skeet’s Barbeque
2201 N. 24th St.
Walgreens
3001 Dodge St.
Walgreens
7202 N. 30th St.
Walgreens
3005 Lake St.
Walgreens
4310 Ames Ave.
Walgreens
2929 N. 60th St.
Walgreens
7151 Cass St.
Walgreens
6005 N. 72nd St.
Support Those Who Support You Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s isn’t easy. Reaching us is.
30 Americans brings together 60 works by nationally and internationally recognized contemporary African American artists. Calling attention to some of the most pressing social and political issues facing our country today, these artists address racial inequality; gender, sexual, and racial identity; and the underpinnings and effects of stereotyping. Presenting Sponsors:
Walgreens
225 N. Saddle Creek Rd.
Walgreens
1802 Galvin Road South, (Bellevue)
Youngblood’s Barbershop
4011 Ames Ave
Major Sponsor:
Contributing Sponsors: Annette & Paul Smith
Supporting Sponsors: Robert H. Storz Foundation
Additional support provided by Wiesman Development
IMAGE: Mickalene Thomas (b. 1971, Camden, NJ), Baby I Am Ready Now, 2007, acrylic, rhinestone, and enamel on wooden panel, 72 x 132 in., Courtesy of the Rubell Family Collection, Miami. Photo by Chi Lam. 30 Americans is a ticketed exhibition. Free First Weekends: March 2-3, April 6-7, May 4-5 — exhibition tickets are free for all.
2200 Dodge St. | Omaha, NE (402) 342-3300 | www.joslyn.org
If you care for someone with Alzheimer’s disease, memory loss or dementia, you are not alone. We’re here day or night — whenever you need us — offering reliable information and support. Free 24/7 Helpline: 800.272.3900 Alzheimer’s and Dementia Caregiver Center: alz.org/care
March 22, 2019
LIFE & STYLE/HEALTH & WELLNESS
Defining Moment in History for Black Women Philadelphia, PA – Startup & THRIVE! is the new social impact accelerator and emerging venture capital fund that is planning to host its first Startup & THRIVE! Wealth Building Week in Philadelphia Sept. 16-21. The six-day event aims to help African-American women founders get on the path to prosperity, gain access to the venture capital pipeline, get their businesses off the ground and THRIVING and close the wealth gap in America –through entrepreneurship. “Entrepreneurship is a key driver for building wealth in this country and, ironically, African-American women who ‘lack wealth’ have been starting businesses at a much higher rate than any other ethnic group over the past 20 years,” says founder and emerging fund manager Barbara Bamba. “This entrepreneurial growth trend presents African-American women with a defining moment in history – as we are now in a position to start closing the wealth gap.” Startup & THRIVE! Wealth Building Week will feature six days of wealth building activities that can break through barriers to startup success and lead to financial security, freedom and inclusion. • On Day 1: “Get On The Path to Prosperity” – Participate in 5 wealth building sprints that can kickstart your wealth building marathon in the following areas: 1. Building good personal and business credit 2. Starting personal savings accounts and emergency funds 3. Pursuing home ownership 4. Starting an education savings account 5. Starting a retirement savings account • On Day 2: “Get The Word Out with Confidence” – Learn what to say and practice pitching your innovative ideas in 2 minutes or less to prospective clients, partners, sponsors, policy makers, the press and investors • On Days 3, 4 and 5: “Get Your Business Off-The-Ground & THRIVING!” – Gain access to the venture capital pipeline. 1. Pitch your startup idea to a panel of investors for the chance to win capital ON-THE-SPOT! 2. Learn how to fast-track your startup idea into a viable and validated venture IN JUST 3-DAYS! • On Day 6: “Get Entrepreneurial Experience & Exposure” – Attend our E-Innovation & Internship Fair and get entrepreneurial experience and exposure to high growth market opportunities with Fortune 2000 companies. Bamba has launched a national speaking and media tour to build awareness about the wealth gap, raise capital for her emerging venture capital fund and garner partnership, promotional and sponsorship support for her upcoming event. To learn more, register and apply to participate, visit: www.StartupNThrive.com.
THE OMAHA STAR
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Michael B. Jordan Launches Fellowship for Youth By NewsOne Staff Actor Michael B. Jordan is investing in the futures of young boys of color who want to pursue careers in the entertainment industry. According to the Huffington Post, Jordan is teaming up with the My Brother’s Keeper initiative and the Obama Foundation for the creation of a fellowship for aspiring actors. The fellowship will be created under his production company Outlier Society Productions, the news outlet writes. Jordan says he wants to use the program as an avenue to increase representation in the entertainment industry by opening career pathways. “When you get in a position of power or you get a little bit of leverage to help create opportunities for other people. I think that’s really, really important. It’s something I always promised myself that once I got a production company, I would be able to do that,” said Jordan in a statement. “We’re starting an Outlier fellowship, an internship. Basically, we’re going to select certain young black men, people of color, people from underrepresented groups across the board, and place them in major companies throughout the entertainment industry.” Fellowships like the one created by Jordan are needed. According to the 2019 Hollywood
Diversity Report, although there has been some progress made regarding diversity in the entertainment industry, we still have a long way to go. People of color make up only 12.6 percent of writers and 7.8 percent of directors. “Over time, as it became clear that audiences were becoming more diverse and that they were demanding diverse content, diversity itself was seen as a business imperative,” Darnell Hunt, who co-authored the report and serves as a professor at UCLA, told NPR. “That’s a relatively new phenomenon that … most people would not have been talking about that, you know, five, 10 years ago. Today, everyone’s talking about it.”
‘Us’ Opens in Theaters Everywhere After sending shockwaves across contemporary culture and setting a new standard for provocative, sociallyconscious horror films with his directorial debut, “Get Out,” Academy Awardwinning visionary Jordan Peele returns with another original nightmare that he has written, directed and produced. Set in present day along the iconic Northern California coastline, “Us,” from Monkeypaw Productions, stars Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o as Adelaide Wilson, a woman returning to her beachside childhood home with her husband, Gabe (Black Panther’s Winston Duke), and their two children (Shahadi Wright Joseph, Evan Alex) for an idyllic summer getaway.
Universal
Haunted by an unexplainable and unresolved trauma from her past and compounded by a string of eerie coincidences, Adelaide feels her paranoia elevate to high-alert as she grows increasingly certain that something bad is going to befall her family. After spending a tense beach day with their friends, the Tylers (Emmy winner Elisabeth Moss, Tim Heidecker, Cali Sheldon, Noelle Sheldon), Adelaide and her family return to their vacation home. When darkness falls, the Wilsons discover the silhouette of four figures holding hands as they stand in the driveway. “Us” pits an endearing American family against a terrifying and uncanny opponent: doppelgängers
AARP Launches ‘Stop Rx Greed’ Campaign Targeting High Drug Prices
AARP has announced the launch of “Stop Rx Greed,” a nationwide campaign aimed at lowering prescription drug prices. The goal of AARP’s sustained campaign is to help drive down drug prices for Nebraskans and all Americans by advocating for a variety of legislative, executive, and regulatory actions at both the federal and state level. “Tens of millions of Americans and tens of thousands of Nebraskans rely every day on prescription drugs to maintain their health and continue to live active and productive lives,” said Connie Benjamin, state director of AARP Nebraska. “Prescription drug prices in the U.S. are the highest in the world. As prices continue to soar, more and more families struggle to pay for the medicines they need every day. Many people are having to choose between medications and other needs like food, housing and utilities.” As part of the campaign, AARP Research conducted a national survey of likely voters ages 50 and older. The survey found that significant majorities of self-identified Republican, Democrat, and independent voters shared concerns about the high price of drugs, and support common-sense policies that will lower prices. Survey
findings include: • 72 percent say they are concerned about the cost of their medications. • 63 percent say the cost of prescription drugs is unreasonable. • 90 percent support allowing Medicare to negotiate for lower drug prices. • 80 percent report taking at least one prescription medication. • Nearly 40 percent say they did not fill a prescription provided by their doctor with cost being the most common reason. “Drug cost increases are hitting older Americans especially hard. Skyrocketing drug prices are pushing lifesaving medicines out of reach for many who need them, including people suffering with cancer, asthma and diabetes,” Benjamin said. “No one should be forced to jeopardize their health because they can’t afford the proper medicine.” The Stop Rx Greed campaign will include national television, radio and digital ads, editorial content, emails to members, social media posts, ongoing advocacy and grassroots activity in D.C. and the states, and a petition calling on Congress and the Administration to take action now. As
part of the campaign, AARP will push for support of a number of policy solutions at the national and state level to help lower drug prices, including: • Allowing Medicare to negotiate for lower prescription drug prices. • Allowing states to negotiate lower prices with drug companies. • Giving state Attorneys General authority to crack down on outrageous price increases. • Clamping down on pay-for-delay and other loopholes that keep lower cost generic drugs off the market. • Capping consumers’ prescription drug out-of-pocket costs. • Preserving state pharmacy assistance programs. • Increased transparency for prescription drug pricing. Nebraska state lawmakers are considering LB567, The Prescription Drug Cost Transparency Act. The bill would require drug companies to notify insurance companies, health providers and others at least 60 days in advance when the wholesale cost of a drug is scheduled to increase more than 16 percent. For more about Stop Rx Greed, visit www.aarp.org/rx.
Something to Talk About Still Fighting By Ashley Marie Dantzler We fight for man and country. Leaving our own families to protect the families of others. Men and women who fight for our freedoms should always be honored. But I am writing this not for the fight that goes on overseas and in our neighborhoods but for the fight that resides inside our minds. When you have a mental illness, you fight daily. Your fight begins when you awake and your fight continues well into the night. Fighting for motivation, for concentration, and for your reality. Sometimes having a mental illness means feeling alone and hopeless. It means that sometimes you want to celebrate and other times you want to be left alone. It also means sleepless nights, worrying, and pain. I emphasize the pain that one feels with a mental illness. It is a pain that those without these diagnoses will never experience. But
that doesn’t mean you can’t help those who are suffering. Helping the mentally ill doesn’t mean you down play what they are feeling. Telling them that their thoughts and ideas are nothing or are just in their heads doesn’t help. If you really want to help someone struggling with mental health issues, listen. Listening is one of the most underappreciated ways to help anyone. A good listener can change the outcome of a situation. On March 11, 2019, I celebrated eight years hospital free. I could not have made it without the people who listened to me. I would like to thank God, first and foremost, for this gift. My parents, grandparents, siblings, aunts and uncles all had a part in seeing me to this milestone. My pastor and his wife have prayed for my deliverance several times. They have gone to God when I was unable to. My church family also prayed for me and I am eternally grateful for those prayers. For the prayers of the righteous availeth much. I’d like to thank my godsons and their parents
for brightening me with their company and their love. I would also like to thank my therapist and my medication management team for giving me the tools and the know how to stay out of the hospital. There are also people in my life that have filled voids so huge that I thought they could never be filled. To those people I say thank you and you will never know how much your love has meant to me. Lastly, I would like to thank The Omaha Star and its staff for giving me a chance to write this column. I never thought that my love for writing could be shared in such a way to encourage others. In the eight years that I have been without hospitalization, I have learned many things; but the most important thing I have learned is not to be ashamed if ever I have to go back. The hospital is a place where you receive help. And receiving help is nothing to be ashamed of. So, I leave you with this: We may feel alone, hopeless, and ashamed, but our lives are worth fighting for … they always have been.
of themselves. For most of its two-hour running time, “Us” is a straightforward but effective piece of horror, a bloody siege with a supernatural element that functions as a broad metaphor (a hallmark of the genre). The Tylers are “others” in every sense of the word. They present as opposites, as alien trespassers, and as an unspoken underclass who can be easily dismissed as enemies. But Peele asks the audience to look past that superficial monstrousness for a root cause and, of course, to look in the mirror at ourselves. Writer and director Peele produces for his Monkeypaw Productions alongside Sean McKittrick, Jason Blum, and Monkeypaw’s Ian Cooper.
HISTORY MAKERS
Byllye Yvonne Avery – Activist Byllye Avery has been a health care activist dedicated to bettering the welfare of African-American women for over 40 years. After her husband’s sudden death at age 33, Byllye made a commitment to improve the health of AfricanAmerican communities with a focus on women’s health issues. In 1983, she founded the National Black Women’s Health Project (now known as the Black Women’s Health Imperative), the first national organization to specialize in black women’s reproductive health issues. She has won multiple awards for her health care contributions such as the MacArthur Foundation’s Fellowship for Social Contribution in 1989 and the Ruth Bader Ginsburg Award for a Pioneer in Women’s Rights in 2008.
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PRAISE, WORSHIP, DEVOTION, OBITUARIES & INSPIRATION March 22, 2019 Lilian M. Webster Expressions of Gratitude Matthew C. Stelly
Page Four
THE OMAHA STAR
Sept. 14, 1948 – March 14, 2019
Sunrise: 6/29/1978 Sunset: 2/16/2019
We, the family of Bernetta DeShay Hunter, would like to express our sincere thanks and appreciation for your acts of kindness shown. As we mourn the passing of Bernetta, we find comfort in knowing that she is in the arms of our loving Saviour. May God bless you and please continue praying for us as we go forward in Jesus name. Peggy Hunter and family
Our beloved wife and mother, Lilian M. Webster, 70, peacefully passed away March 14. She is survived by her husband of 47 years, Calvin L. Webster Sr., her children Felicia, Celestine and Calvin Webster Jr., 8 grandchildren, 6 greatgrandchildren, brother George Williams, sisters Geraldine Ambrosius and Roberta Williams. Homegoing services will take place at Hope Lutheran Church, 2721 N. 30th St., today (Friday) at 10:30 a.m. All who knew her are welcome to attend. ttend.
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Pilgrim Presents ‘See Christ a Risen Savior’
The Pilgrim Baptist Church and PerknItUp Productions will present “See Christ a Risen Savior,” also known as S.C.A.R.S., which will launch the Pilgrim’s Sunday {Re}Fresh series 2019. This performance is an interpretive dance celebrating the death, Rhonda Jones burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. S.C.A.R.S. is an extraordinary production featuring dancers, singers, musicians and spoken word artists from the metro area. Participants include: saxophonist Chad Stoner; poetess and dance instructor Shanketta Newsom; dance choreographer Kenneth Owens; gospel recording artists Jarron Taylor and Cross Bearing Nation; vocalists Kathy Tyree, Markie & Friends and Rev. Dr. Leroy E. Adams Jr.; and local radio personality Minister Jon Lucas. The special guest for the evening is Rhonda Jones (MLM3) who is the former Mime Director for The Potter’s House in Dallas, Texas under the leadership of Bishop T. D. Jakes. For the past twenty-five years Rhonda Jones has ministered to people of all creeds. She began her journey as a convert and active member at Morning Star Baptist Church of Omaha in 1993. From there God harnessed her creative energy and
ATTENTION 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. Mon – Thurs 10 am – 4 pm | 402-346-4041
focused it on the arts. In addition to her pantomime focus, she is an anointed teacher, speaker, author and poet. While in Nebraska, she conducted workshops with area churches and organizations. At her local church she was the creator of Gospel Thru the Arts which is still striving today. It consists of dance, mime, drama, poetry, puppets and many other art forms. She is also the founder of MLM3 (My Life is Ministry & Ministry is Mime). This ministry expresses the importance of a life that exudes ministry and godly living. In addition to spiritual growth, MLM3 also teaches mime choreography, make-up application, proper ministry attire, human video and how to render effective Gospel presentations. She has authored two books, Why Are You Still Single (From Heartbreak to Healing) and The Mime Book. Rhonda recently graduated from Dallas Baptist University with a Masters in Christian Education. She is looking forward to obtaining her ministers license as a result of her studies. Allen Preparation for S.C.A.R.S. will consist of a contemporary and dramatic interpretation dance workshop for ages 9 and up on April 19 starting at 6:30 p.m. and April 20 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The workshop is open to the public and will be conducted at Pilgrim, 2501 Hamilton St. The S.C.A.R.S. production will climax on April 21 at 6 p.m. at the Northwest High School, 8204 Crown Point Ave. Doors open at 5:30. For more information, contact info@pilgrimbc. org or phone 402-341-6270. Payne
Dec. 10, 1954 - March 5, 2019 Matthew Stelly passed away last Monday after a long illness. He was a nationally recognized scholar, community worker and educator, having earned multiple degrees in Urban Studies. He was the founder of the Triple One Neighborhood and Parents Union, and its nationally recognized newsletter. He was a professor of the University of NebraskaOmaha, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and authored more than 70 books. Matthew was born in Hastings but was a 20-year resident of Pittsburg, Calif. In 1975 he married Pamelette Mabindisa. In 1988 he married Elizabeth Burden. He is survived by children Mandalakayise Mabindisa-Stelly and Shannon Wilson-Stelly of Milwaukee, Wis.; Malik Stelly of Omaha; Clariece Burden-Stelly; Dr. Charisse Burden-Stelly, and granddaughter Gianna Cherise Mallon. He is survived by siblings Mark Stelly of Omaha; Betty Stelly, Paul Stelly, Timothy Stelly, James Stelly, Sheila Stelly, April Stelly and Bruce Stelly, of Pittsburg, Calif. He was preceded in death by parents Matthew and Clariece Stelly, and brothers Paul and Brian Stelly. Memorial service will be held in Omaha.
Zion Presents City-Wide Music Workshop & Concert
The Zion Baptist Church Music Ministry is proud to announce its CityWide Music Workshop and “Second Annual Day of Music” to be held April 3-7. All musicians, directors and singers in Omaha and surrounding areas are invited to participate. The guest clinician for this great time of learning and inspiration will be Omaha’s own Minister Justin Payne of Pleasant Green Baptist Church. Minister Payne holds a bachelor’s degree in Vocal Music Performance from the University of Nebraska at Omaha, and a master’s degree in Vocal Music Performance from Michigan State University. He has expertise in singing, piano and organ performance, songwriting, acting, arranging, and other musical skills. The workshop, rehearsals and the “Annual Day of Music” Concert will be held at Zion Baptist Church, 2215 Grant St. Events will begin April 3 at 6:30 p.m. with “Registration and a Meet & Greet.” The workshop and rehearsals will be held April 4 and 5 at 6:30 p.m. Dress rehearsal will be April 6 at 3:30 p.m., followed by a private dinner for all workshop participants. The “Day of Music” concert will be held April 7 at 3:30 p.m. The concert is open to the public and a freewill offering will be collected. This event is also underwritten by the Nebraska Arts Council. Pastor Kenneth A. Allen encourages everyone to come and “be blessed by what we know will be a Spirit-filled, God-glorifying workshop and concert.” There is a minimal workshop registration fee. For more details, or to preregister, phone the Zion Baptist Church office at 402-346-1502. Zion is “the church where everybody is somebody, and Christ is All!”
Kids Talk About God
How Can God Have No Beginning And No End? By Carey Kinsolving And Friends “He’s just really old,” says Anna, age 11. The prophet Daniel referred to God as the ancient of days, but you won’t find any birthday parties for God in the Bible. Kevin, 10, says it’s not age but form: “God is kinda like a circle, except he has power.” “It is very hard to understand how God can have no beginning and no end,” says Marci, 9. “But here’s the trick: God is everlasting. He can keep on making the days and live through every one of them. He can never die.” No tricks necessary, says Sarah, 11: “He is the alpha and omega, the beginning and the end. He has been, and He always will be.” It’s difficult for finite creatures to imagine life free from the limitations of time and space. It’s a bit like fish in the ocean trying to understand the lives of land creatures. Because we’re confined to time and space, we tend to impose those limitations upon God. Try imagining a realm outside time and space, and you may come to the same conclusion as Tyler, 11: “Our brains aren’t designed to think that greatly.” Furthermore, adds Kyle, 12, “My brain cannot comprehend God’s majesty.” I nominate Tyler and Kyle for the Nobel Prize for Humility. I agree that God’s majesty is too great to totally comprehend, but let’s look at two ways in which we can reason our way from finite creation to an infinite, intelligent God. The cosmological argument for God says that everything in the universe is an effect of some cause. Therefore, the universe must have a cause. Aristotle called the first cause of the universe “the unmoved mover.” The teleological argument for God says that intelligently designed things must have an intelligent designer. The world has an intelligent
design. Therefore, the world has an intelligent designer. If watches must have watchmakers, the world must have a world-maker. “God is before the beginning and after the end,” says Alex, 9. Thank you, Alex, for this profound statement. If you could watch a parade from a high mountain, you would have a different perspective from someone viewing it on the ground. You would see the beginning and the end at the same time. When Moses asked God his name, he said, “I am who I am.” When Jesus said, “Before Abraham was, I am,” his inquisitors picked up stones to throw at him. Why? They knew only God could make such a claim. Later, the Apostle Paul wrote of Jesus, “All things were created through Him and for Him” (Colossians 1:16). The question “How old is God?” doesn’t apply since God is not limited by time. He’s no older this year than he was last year because infinity plus one is still infinity, says theologian Millard J. Erickson. Neither is God limited by space. While some may imagine God as a divine superman flying from place to place faster than the speed of light, in reality he has access to his entire creation at the same time. What a comfort to know that God is all over the world across different time zones answering prayers, taking care of his people and providing for his creation. How can the one who has no beginning or end do all this? “Because He is God!” shouts Derin, 9. Think about this: God is. Remember this truth: “Jesus said to them, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM’ ” (John 8:58). Ask this question: Does God’s eternalness bring you comfort?
Accepting Forgiveness and Restoration By Dr. William Holland It has been said, “Our lives are defined by opportunities, including the ones we miss. Let us not weep over chances we have missed, but rather for the ones we did not take.” When I look back over my life, I can see where I’ve made plenty of mistakes and I’ve also missed out on some wonderful opportunities. Maybe you are saying the same thing. If so, I encourage you to resist the temptation to live in regret. Humans are fallible creatures and we all make wrong choices, but hopefully through our failures and disappointments we can learn more about ourselves and that is a good thing. James Joyce is quoted as saying, “mistakes are the portals of discovery” and there is no doubt they can be a significant part of our personal development process. I realize that living in denial is much easier than facing the truth or forgiving ourselves, but repentance is a more worthwhile endeavor than living with the overwhelming feelings of guilt and condemnation. We can either embrace the inclination to allow negative thoughts to haunt us and keep us subdued with sadness or we can resist this emotional torture by calling on the Lord to heal our heart and renew our mind. God’s plans and ways are bigger than our mistakes and lost opportunities. He is not only ready to forgive and restore us, He can fill our life with confidence, hope, and victory! Psalm 103:11-12 is a wonderful promise about being forgiven and is filled with hope for all eternity. “For as the heaven is high above the earth, so
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great is His mercy toward them that fear Him. As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.” It’s common when suffering from disappointment and regret, to be reminded of certain individuals that we secretly blame for our failures. However, as the water is long gone under the bridge, there is no need to hold on and replay the scenarios of what could have been. You’ve suffered enough! It’s important to consider that walking around in this negative and stressful state of mind can lead to depression, anxiety, and even physical health problems. It would be wise to make a list of those we need to forgive and sincerely ask God to help us while making sure our name is at the top. You see, bitterness and resentment can hold us in a spiritual and mental prison, but sincerely giving it over to God is the key that can open the door to freedom. We are the only ones who can choose to put an end to us living in the misery of an unchangeable past. Alice Walker is quoted as saying, “The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they do not have any.” The Bible refers to the devil as the accuser of the brethren and he is constantly trying to flood our mind with negative and damaging persuasions. Some individuals may try to pretend their past never happened or that maybe these memories will all just go away which sounds nice, but running away from reality is not the answer. Denial is hiding from the truth, but being honest with God and ourselves is always the pathway to peace. (Read more at billyhollandministries.com)
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7909 Mormon Bridge Rd 402-451-1000. Free Space for Veterans www.forestlawnomaha.com
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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 22, 2019
Rev. Benjamin R. Finnell
Rev. Benjamin R. Finnell Presiding Elder and Pastor Tammi Tate, Public Relations Chairperson 2842 Monroe St. Ph: (402) 502-8003 Fx: 934-8581 Sunday School....................................9:00 a.m. Sunday Worship...............................10:00 a.m. Thursday Bible Study..........................8:00 p.m. via teleconference, dial-in number 563-999-2090 and access code 576989
ST. MARK BAPTIST CHURCH
MOUNT CALVARY COMMUNITY CHURCH
ALLEN CHAPEL A.M.E.
THE OMAHA STAR Page Five
“Jesus is the light of the world” mtcalvarycommunitychurch.org
Pastor Jarrod S. Parker 3616 Spaulding Street, Omaha, NE 68111 Phone: 402-451-0307 Email: smbcsecretary@stmarkbaptist.org
5112 Ames Avenue Omaha, NE 68104 Ph: 402-457-4216
Sunday School – Sunday 9:00 a.m.
Sunday School .................................................... 9:30 a.m. Sunday Morning Worship Experience ......... 11:00 a.m. Wednesday Food and Fellowship.................... 6:00 p.m. Wednesday (WOW) Word On Wednesday... 7:00 p.m.
Worship Service – Sunday 10:15 a.m. Children’s Church (except 2nd Sunday) Holy Communion every 1st Sunday Prayer and Bible Doctrine Study Midday - 12:00 noon; Evening – 7:00 p.m.
Pastor Jarrod S. Parker
Televised Broadcast – Sundays at 6:00 p.m., KPAO Cox Channel 22 & CenturyLink Channel 89 Our Mission: “To exalt the Savior, edify saints, evangelize sinners and elevate society.”
“Where Life is for Everyone” Drs. Mar n & Lynnell Williams
MT. MORIAH MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH
Founders & Lead Pastors SUNDAYS Prayer 9:00 AM Worship 10:00 AM
WEDNESDAYS Prayer 6:00 PM Worship 7:00 PM
Dr. Ralph B. Lassiter, Pastor 2602 N. 24th St. Off: (402) 451-8800 - Fax: (402) 451-8522 mtmoriahomaha.net pastorlassiter@gmail.com
www.ambassadorswc.com 402-341-1866 5417 N 103rd St. Omaha, NE 68134 Rev. Ralph Lassiter, Sr.
Sunday School ...................................... 9:30 a.m. Sunday Worship ..................................10:45 a.m. Overcomers in Christ...............Sunday 7:00 p.m. Wednesday Bible-Prayer Service 11:30 a.m. & 6:30 p.m
BIBLE TRUTH MINISTRIES
Pastor Rordy Smith Pastor Ramona Smith
“Strengthing Families for Victorious Living” Pastor Rordy Smith Pastor Ramona Smith PO Box 1703 2402 Franklin St. Bellevue, NE 68005 402-292-9499 Web: www.BibleTruthMinistries.org Sunday School..................................9:00 a.m. Sunday Worship Service...............10:00 a.m. Wednesday Prayer & Bible Study......6:00 p.m
Weekly Services Sunday Morning Worship Service ..................................8:30 a.m. & 11:30 a.m. Children’s Church (2nd & 4th Sunday) .............................8:30 a.m. & 11:30 a.m. Life Development (Sunday School) .....................................................10:15 a.m. Wednesday Word and Worship (WWW) ............................................ 6:30 p.m.
MT. NEBO MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH
“The Church Where Fellowship is Real” Pastor Terry L. Arvie 5501 N. 50th Street Ph: 402-451-4245 Fx: 402-451-2130 office@mtneboomaha.org www.mtneboomaha.org
TABERNACLE OF FAITH CHURCH Pastor Barbara Mitchell 2404 Fort Street, Omaha, NE 68111 402-455-1800 Church 402-455-3390 Fax
Pastor Terry L. Arvie
“Come Get Your Hilltop Experience” Rev. Portia A. Cavitt, Pastor 5544 Ames Avenue, Omaha, NE 68104 Telephone: 402-451-8322 • Website: www.cmumc.net Email: clairumc@cumc.omhcoxmail.com Sunday School………………………8:45 a.m. Sunday Worship Experience………...10:00 a.m. Wednesday Bible Study….…….…….6:00 p.m.
Pastor Barbara Mitchell
Rev. Portia A. Cavitt, Pastor
3131 Lake Street Omaha, NE 68111 402-455-1000 www.salembc.org
Rev. Dr. Selwyn Q. Bachus
Sunday Morning Worship ...................................9:00 a.m. Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting .....................7:00 p.m. Wednesday Night Church School ......................7:30 p.m. Youth/Children Ministry Focus (Wed.) ............7:30 p.m.
CLAIR MEMORIAL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
SALEM BAPTIST CHURCH Serving God and One Another in the Spirit of Excellence Rev. Dr. Selwyn Q. Bachus Senior Pastor
PLEASANT GREEN BAPTIST CHURCH
8:30 am Early Sunday Morning Worship 9:30 - 10:15 am Sunday Morning Breakfast 10:15 - 11:15 am Sunday School 11:30 am Sunday Morning Worship 6:30 pm Wednesday Bible Study 8:00 pm Friday Night Service Noon day prayer Thursday - Saturday
“Where CHRIST is Preeminent and the Word Prevails!” Pastor Brian Page 5555 Larimore Avenue Church: 402-346-8427 www.pleasantgreenomaha.org
FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH Rev. Kent H. Little, Lead Pastor Services on Sundays at 8:30 am & 10:50 am
Rev. Kenneth A. Allen, Pastor
Wednesday: Prayer Power Hour ......................................12:00 p.m
7020 Cass Street, Omaha, NE 68132 402.556.6262 www.fumcomaha.org First United Methodist Church is a welcoming and inclusive community, inspired to grow with and in God.
ZION BAPTIST CHURCH
Pastor Brian Page
Thursday: Youth For Christ ............................................6:00 p.m Prayer & Bible Study ....................................6:30 p.m Rev. Kent H. Little
Televised Broadcast Sunday @ 10pm on KPAO Cox Communication channel 22 & Century Link channel 89
Sunday: Sunday School.................................................9:00 a.m. Morning Worship..........................................10:15 a.m.
2215 Grant Street Omaha, NE 68110 Ph: 402-346-1502 Fax: 402-344-2720 SUNDAY Sunday Morning Worship……………9:00 A.M. Sunday School……………………...11:15 A.M. WEDNESDAY 11:00 A.M. ~ Hour of Power Bible Study Wednesday is Family Night! 6:00 P.M. ~ Prayer & Praise Service 6:30 P.M. ~ Feast & Fellowship (Light Meal) 7:15 P.M. ~ Discipleship Academy (Classes for ages 5 & up)
Pastor Kenneth A. Allen
ST. BENEDICT THE MOOR CATHOLIC CHURCH 2423 Grant St. Omaha, NE 68111 Ph: 402-348-0631 • Fax 402-342-4451 Sunday Mass: 9:00 a.m. Reconciliation: Sunday after Mass or by appointment
Charles Galloway - President, Rev John Deang - Pastor, Dr John Beasley - Elder
HOPE LUTHERAN CHURCH Missouri Synod 2721 N. 30th Street 402-453-1583 Sunday School................................10:00 a.m. Church Service...............................11:00 a.m. YOU ARE ALWAYS WELCOME
Rev. Vitalis Anyanike
& HOLY NAME CATHOLIC CHURCH
2901 Fontenelle Blvd. 68104 Ph: 402-451-6622 • Fax 402-457-6901 Mass Schedule: Mon. - Fri. 8:30 a.m., Sat. 8:30 a.m. & 5:00 p.m. Sun. 8:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m. & Noon (Spanish) Reconciliation: Sat. 4:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. or by appointment
JOY OF LIFE MINISTRIES COGIC Pastors Eric and Cynthia Butler 6401 N. 56th Street • Omaha, NE 68104 Ph: 402-399-9628 E-Mail: Jolpastor@aol.com Sunday School...................................9:30 a.m. Sunday Worship...............................10:30 a.m. Sunday Evening Worship.................6:00 p.m. Wednesday Night ..............................7:00 p.m. Bible Study and Youth Ministries
Pastor: Rev. Vitalis Anyanike
Pastor Eric Butler and Co-Pastor Cynthia Butler
MORNING STAR BAPTIST CHURCH “Where Christ Jesus Is the Center of Attention” Rev. Dr. Leroy E. Adams, Jr. Senior Pastor 2019 Burdette Street Omaha, NE 68110 Ph: 402-342-0018 Fx: 402-346-9300 Radio Broadcast: 101.3 fm 9:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. each Sunday Worship Service .............10:00 a.m. Rev. Dr. Leroy E. Adams, Jr.
Sunday School .................8:45 a.m. Excluding First Sunday Tuesday Evening Service.........7:00 p.m.
THE WORSHIP CENTER
Dr. Stan Rone Senior Pastor
North 24th Street Church of God “Presenting the Never-Changing GOD to an ever-changing World!” Dr. Stan Rone - Senior Pastor 2021 N. 24th Street • Omaha, NE 68110 (402) 341-4297 Sunday Kingdom Academy 9:00 a.m. Worship Celebration 10:15 a.m. Tuesday Prayer Hour 7:00 a.m. & 12:00 noon Wednesday Power Hour (Prayer/Bible Study) 6:30 p.m. Youth and Children 6:30 p.m. www.theworshipcenter24cog.org
Page Six
COMMENTARY/LOCAL/NATIONAL Op Ed Mentoring Matters Women’s History Month
THE OMAHA STAR
Since it is Women’s History Month, I would like to pose a question: What do 6,111 women in Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska and Iowa all have in common? The answer: They each visited a Women’s Business Center in the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Region 7 in fiscal year 2018 and are now starting or operating a business. Nationally, the SBA supports 114 WBCs, contributing to tremendous growth for the businesses they served – creating $1.7 billion in revenue and 17,000 new jobs. Counseling, training and mentorship through other SBA resource partners including Small Business Development Centers, SCORE chapters and the SBA’s Woman Owned Small Business program helped even more women succeed as entrepreneurs. These women are on the forefront of small business growth, among the 39 percent of all privately held firms that are majority-owned by women. As SBA Administrator Linda McMahon noted in congressional testimony last month, women are the fastest growing segment of small businesses. The SBA supports women in a variety of ways and is adding new ways to keep up with the demand for specialized training, mentoring and financing programs. These services can be real game changers for small business owners like Kimberly Coad of Salina, Kansas. A dental assistant instructor, Coad accessed the women’s programs at her local SBA office, secured SCORE mentoring, and took advantage of the SBDC’s counseling and training resources to become an entrepreneur. The programs helped Coad create Compass Medical Provider in 2010, a company that aimed to provide better dental service to servicemen and women. She has grown it into an enterprise that provides various healthcare services for military personnel and other government and public workers both at clinics
and at her mobile units. She earned certifications through the SBA’s women-owned small business program and business development program, which helped her capture federal subcontracting and contracting opportunities. The company has grown to 10 professional employees as well as contracted with part-time professional employees in mobile units coast to coast. SBA programs and services really are for every life cycle of a business. After an entrepreneur starts a business, the SBA continues to offer services to them. In Coad’s case, the SBA helped her evaluate her readiness for government contracting, register as a government contractor, navigate the federal rules and qualify for contracts through small business set-aside programs. The SBA’s Office of Government Contracting and Business Development tracks the government’s goal of having five percent of all federal contracting dollars awarded to women-owned small businesses. A total of $20.8 billion in prime government contracts were awarded to 19,523 women-owned small businesses, supporting more than 115,000 jobs in FY 2017. More than 82,000 jobs were created or supported through the $15 billion in federal subcontracting. Women who own 51% or more of their small business may certify themselves as eligible to bid on federal contracts by visiting www.sba.gov/WOSB for complete instructions. The SBA recognizes that women have contributed greatly to small business history, and that’s why we fully support, promote and endorse women entrepreneurs. To take advantage of the SBA’s free and low-cost programs for your small business, visit www.sba.gov/women. (Editor’s Note: The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the policies and position of the staff and management of the Omaha Star newspaper.)
Artist Glyneisha Johnson Imagines The Black Interior in New Exhibit at The Union By Patrick Mainelli “The black interior” is a safe, creative, and healing space for Black people beyond “the public face of stereotype and limited imagination,” wrote the poet and scholar Elizabeth Alexander. Kansas City based artist Glyneisha Johnson brings a multi-layered exploration of Black life, identity, and home to The Union for Contemporary Art’s Wanda Glyneisha Johnson. “Gettin’ Familiar,” 2018. Mixed Media. D. Ewing Gallery. Johnson’s solo exhibition The Black Interior (on view through Saturday, May 4) illuminates the domestic spaces where Black life is lived, revealing psychological and cultural depths often hidden in public representations of the African American experience. Johnson explains: “I’ve been thinking about the difference between the public and private and its relation to domestic interior spaces and the objects we place in them. Visualizing domestic interiors as imaginative spaces where we can see ourselves outside the space of public stereotype, the living room becomes a presentational space for Black people.” Johnson’s work – a series of large-scale scenes in collage, paint, and graphite – expands on poet Elizabeth Alexander’s assertion that the presentation of Black domestic spaces allows us to “envision what we are not meant to envision: complex black selves, real and enactable black power, rampant and unfetishized black beauty.” Central to Johnson’s representation of these hidden dimensions is her use of collage as a metaphor, “physically translating the language of Black history into a material process.” She elaborates: “The way that Black history was broken down because of colonialism and was then pieced back together by new generations, who were constantly changing. I’m physically taking on that same process, that language, with each scrap of paper that I’ve found, been gifted, hand painted, or texturized in different ways using domestic objects like brooms or even afro transfer prints from my own hair.” In this way, the scenes of life represented in The Black Interior hold space for both a resonant cultural lineage as well as an underlying reality of loss. Highlighting spaces such as the kitchen, bus stop, and front porch, the exhibition creates a nostalgia for a past and present that never existed. Adorned with decorative artifacts that are synonymous with Black culture, spiritual motifs, and referential figures, the spaces reflect the desolate truths and overt absences that reside there. For Johnson, the work is both deeply personal and rooted in a history much larger than herself: “The objects in my Black interior spaces represent lineage through a personification of human experience. It is a space marked with lineage, mantra, Black love, self-healing, and a sense of spiritual culture through the art of taking care of home.” The Black Interior is on view at The Union for Contemporary Art, 2423 N. 24th St., Tuesdays: 2-6 p.m.; Wednesdays-Fridays: noon-6 p.m.; and Saturdays: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission is free.
MCC Named a Host Site for the Nebraska Science Festival Metropolitan Community College will host Nebraska Science Festival activities on April 6, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., in rooms 217 and 400-405 of the Mahoney building at the college’s South Omaha Campus, 2909 Edward Babe Gomez Ave. The science activities are intended for all ages and will encompass a variety of science disciplines such as biology, chemistry and physics. The hands-on experiences will be led by educational professionals and are designed to introduce youth to STEM topics in a fun, interactive way.
Admission is free. For more information, visit nescifest.com. About the Nebraska Science Festival Presented by the University of Nebraska Medical Center, the Nebraska Science Festival is a collaboration of organizations and individuals interested in the advancement of science literacy. The Nebraska Science Festival’s mission is to stimulate curiosity and excite the minds of children and adults by engaging them in the world of science for ten days each April at a variety of host sites across the state.
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March 22, 2019
Group Mentoring Benefits By Debra L. Shaw
Group mentoring programs can produce an array of positive outcomes for youth (behavioral, emotional, academic, etc.) and seem to be effective across a wide range of youth participants (ages, ethnicities, etc.). Additional relational processes, such as group cohesion and belonging and a strong group identity, may also contribute to the outcome’s youth experience from group mentoring. Group mentoring programs offer a context for activities that develop mentee skills, change mentee attitudes, and offer positive peer interactions; and these processes may lead to behavioral outcomes for participants. https:// nationalmentoringresourcecenter.org/index.php/ what-works-in-mentoring/model-and-populationreviews.html?id=121. There are some potential advantages of group mentoring per this website https://www.mentoring. org/new-site/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/GroupMentoring-Dev-Manual-.pdf. It is much easier to implement a group mentoring program than a oneto-one program because staff do not have to recruit, orient, screen, train, and match one mentor for each mentee. Since these primary tasks will take less time, a new group effort can be implemented more quickly and immediately serve a large number of mentees. Group mentoring programs have been shown to attract volunteer mentor applicants who might otherwise be uncomfortable with the level of intimacy and commitment needed for one-to-one matches. Because group mentoring
takes less staffing time, it is less expensive: the cost per mentee is estimated to be about half that of traditional one-to-one mentoring. This occurs because one-to-one mentoring staff typically carry a caseload of up to 30 matches, while group mentoring staff may need to spend just 20-25% of a full-time equivalency to serve the same 30 mentees. Agencies that eventually want to provide a one-to-one mentoring program can start with group mentoring to “get their feet wet.” This can be a good learning experience as staff design the program’s structure, recruit and screen mentors, and develop materials and trainings. The risk factors in site-based group mentoring programs are greatly reduced since all mentoring is done in the presence of staff. This means that the staff will not have to worry about mentors driving their mentees or matches being alone together in the community. Furthermore, most group mentoring programs do not allow mentors and mentees to make outside phone or e-mail contact, making for a safer program. If a mentor misses a session, other mentors can step in and run the group. This can reduce the feelings of loss and betrayal that mentees may feel when their mentor misses a meeting. Whether your interests lead you to group mentoring or one on one mentoring, there are many agencies that offer the opportunity to mentor. At the end of the day, it’s all about taking time to help someone reach his or her goals. Do your own research. Google Boys and Girls Club of the Midlands, Partnership 4 Kids, or Girls Inc websites to identify their mentoring program. Spring into action and become a mentor. Mentoring Matters!
Surviving R. Kelly, Michael Jackson, Bill Cosby … and Who Else? By Joy Doss Special to The New Tri-State Defender As rational, thinking adults, we kinda knew something was amiss with Michael. We subscribed to the Peter Pan and/or asexual fallacy ’cause we needed to. We knew “Aruh Smelly” was stinkin’ no doubt. Hello? Aaliyah. We just didn’t know how funky it was. For me, it took a sec to completely divest (“TP.3 Reloaded,” “Chocolate Factory,” “12 Play”). His music was permissive. It created a space for a spring awakening, let’s say. It worked for us, as my generation was coming of age. At least it worked when we thought he was talking about women who had already come of age. Whelp. He has been scrubbed from my entire musical existence for the past several years, not even a digital trace left behind. “Backyard Party” got me caught up for a while (radio only) but then I heard my baby girl singing along and it turned my entire stomach. No mas. I got through two episodes of the Lifetime series documentary “Surviving R. Kelly” before I was in distress and completely revolted. That’s all. AND SIR, THAT WAS YOU ON THOSE VIDEOS!! And hits keep coming. So just stop. “Pill Cosby” was a stunner. America’s Dad? C’mon man! Sixty women ain’t telling the same lie bruh. “The Cosby Show,” “Fat Albert” and “A Different World” are still required TV in my household. The man changed the game. He upended stereotypes of black families and young black people, giving live and direct portraits of black excellence. And he gave us full bodied, round, multidimensional characters. Why, Bill, whyyyyy? Our collective cultural conscience has been assaulted. It feels like a gut punch. Like everything we thought we knew now makes no sense. The world has gone mad I tell ya! It’s probably fair to say that many of us feel violated too, though obviously in a verrrry different, metaphorical way. We do place unrealistic expectations of perfection on our icons and public figures and pastors even. However, it’s totally reasonable to expect common decency and a minimal subversive behavior. Minimal is subjective I know, as is how you define subversive. I’m absolutely not judging anybody’s freaky sneaky, but isn’t there a line somewhere? Gotta be. I couldn’t even bring myself to watch HBO’s “Finding Neverland” documentary. Couldn’t do it. Can’t even talk about it. I just
have to own my hypocrisy here. MJ isn’t getting the same treatment as these other two and I will brazenly listen to his music. Maybe “Off The Wall” and the music before was pre-creepy. Nonetheless, a couple of people made some good counterpoints. From a very damning Forbes article: “The allegations surrounding Jackson largely faded over the last decade for a reason: unlike the Bill Cosby or R. Kelly cases, the more people looked into the Jackson allegations, the more the evidence vindicated him.” And this part: “…there is a remarkable consistency to the way people who knew the artist speak of him – whether friends, family members, collaborators, fellow artists, recording engineers, attorneys, business associates….” That isn’t even the damning part. It unpacks some of the facts and inconsistencies from top to bottom. Read the full article (https://bit. ly/2GZCHo7) and judge for yourself. But how do we survive the upheaval? It ain’t by pointing the finger at others. I mean yes, (Harvey) Weinstein. Yes, Woody Allen. Yes, Roman Polanski. President 45 and all the king’s men too. And yes, there is very clearly an imbalance in the way justice – and judgment – is meted out. See also: Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis, etc. Weinstein for sure deserves a bid. But let’s be honest. Most black folks ain’t studdin’ them. Most of y’all probably don’t know enough about Weinstein, Allen or Polanski to effectively boycott their movies. This was painful like family. All of this to say, I don’t have an answer. We won’t be able to mitigate the inevitable disappointment in people, celebrity or not. So, purge them or not, cancel them or not. Protect your psyche. Be mindful of triggers. Find better models, expect less and cut swiftly. To be sure, we’ll still only know what we’re intended to know. Let’s cherish what and who we do have. Don’t be so quick to dismiss or to delight in the downfall of others. Be real life models of good men and women so when it all falls down again, the younger ones can still look up. And we can all stay up.
(The views and opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of BlackPressUSA.com or the National Newspaper Publishers Association.)
HISTORY MAKERS
Luvvie Ajayi – Author, Speaker and Digital Strategist Luvvie Ajayi is an award-winning author, speaker and digital strategist who uses her voice and humor to amplify issues surrounding gender, racial and social justice. Aside from challenging her audience of millions to get activated in their communities (through her blog Awesomely Luvvie and her podcast Rants and Randomness) and consulting with brands as a successful digital strategist, she serves as the executive director of The Red Pump Project, a non-profit she co-founded that empowers and educates women and girls of color about HIV/AIDS to help eliminate the stigma associated with the epidemic.
EVENTS/CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING THE OMAHA STAR Page Seven MCC Concludes Women’s History Month Celebration Metropolitan Community College will knowledge of her Rosebud Sioux people and Things to do, people to see, places to go. conclude their Women’s History Month their ceremonies, her native attire and artifacts
March 22, 2019
In The Village!
observance, giving the public a chance to learn about the historical and political achievements of women, on Monday and Tuesday. This year’s theme is “Visionary Women: Champions of Peace and Nonviolence” and will be reflected in the two remaining programs, which are free and open to the public. • Lifestyles Of Lakota Women By Phyllis Stone, Rosebud Sioux, served on Nebraska Indian Commission, named Outstanding Indian Woman of Nebraska in 1985 As a descendant of Chief Iron Shell, a peace chief of the Rosebud Sioux, Stone shares her expertise on the lifestyle of a Lakota woman from birth to death. She describes changes that have come about in modern times, contrasting the contemporary lifestyles of Lakota women with past traditions. The degree to which Lakota women lead lives separately and distinctly from men in their tribe is discussed, and variations of practices that can be found among women in the tribe are described. Stone’s intimate
make this a rich and unique experience. Stone’s presentation will be held on Monday from 12:30-1:45 p.m. • Video & Discussion: Chisholm ’72 – Unbought & Unbossed Discussion led by Brenda Council Recalling a watershed event in US politics, this compelling documentary takes an in-depth look at the 1972 presidential campaign of Shirley Chisholm, the first black woman elected to Congress and the first to seek nomination for the highest office in the land. Shunned by the political establishment and the media, Chisholm’s bid for an equal place on the presidential dais generated strong, even racist opposition. Yet her challenge to the status quo and her message about exercising the right to vote struck many as progressive and positive. Council’s presentation will be held on Tuesday, 6:30-8 p.m. Both presentations will be held on the MCC Fort Omaha Campus, Bldg 10, Room 110, 5300 N. 30th St. For more information, email bvelazquez@mccneb.edu.
Inclusive Leadership Series Begins April 11 The Greater Omaha Chamber Young Professionals Council of Companies and the Council for Commitment to Opportunity, Diversity and Equity (CODE) present a Collaborative Series on Inclusive Leadership. The 4-part series is designed for young professionals and leaders of employee resource groups (ERGs). In collaboration with Creighton University Graduate Studies and Heider College of Business, each event will explore emerging topics in the fields of diversity, inclusion and equity in the workplace. Thought leaders will equip attendees with tools and resources to effectively and inclusively lead in today’s changing environment. Things will kick off on April 11 from 7:30 to 9 a.m. at Creighton University - Highlander with Building Diverse Personal and Professional Networks, facilitated by Sarah Walker, PhD, Associate Professor at Creighton University. This interactive session will provide tips for diversifying your professional network to attract, and retain top talent. The series is free to attend although advance registration is encouraged. Other future series dates are: Sept. 12, Nov. 15 and Jan. 16. All sessions run from 7:30-9 a.m. Locations will vary. Cancellations will be accepted until 24 hours in advance of the event.
‘Indie Lens Pop-Up’ Screenings Announced in Omaha A series of free community film screening events will take place at the black box theater at the Union for Contemporary Art, 2423 N. 24th St. These free Indie Lens Pop-Up events are presented by ITVS, “Independent Lens” and NET, Nebraska’s PBS & NPR Stations, in partnership with the Union for Contemporary Art. A popcorn bar will be available during the film, and a panel discussion will follow. “Indie Lens Pop-Up” screening and discussion series films include: “Won’t You Be My Neighbor,” 7 p.m., Tuesday, March 26 and April 16 – One of the most celebrated theatrical releases of 2018, “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” takes an intimate look at America’s favorite neighbor: Fred Rogers. The acclaimed documentary from Morgan Neville tells the story of a soft-spoken minister, puppeteer, writer and producer whose show was beamed daily into homes across America for more than 30 years. In his beloved television program, “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood,” Rogers and his cast of puppets and friends spoke directly to young children about some of life’s weightiest issues in a simple, direct fashion. There hadn’t been anything like Mister Rogers on television before, and there hasn’t been since. “The Providers,” 7 p.m., Tuesday, April 2 – Set
against the backdrop of the physician shortage and opioid epidemic in rural America, “The Providers” follows three doctors in rural New Mexico at clinics offering care to all, regardless of ability to pay. As their personal struggles at times reflect those of their patients, the providers work to reach rural Americans who would otherwise be left without healthcare. The 60 minute film was directed by Laura Green and Anna Moot-Levin, both the children of doctors. It will also air on NET, Sunday, April 14, at 10 p.m. CT. “Charm City,” 7 p.m., Tuesday, April 9 – Filmed during three years of unparalleled violence in Baltimore, “Charm City” delivers a powerfully candid portrait of those on the frontlines. With grit, fury and compassion, a group of police, citizens, community leaders and government officials grapple with the consequences of violence and try to reclaim their city’s future. This film was directed by Marilyn Ness. It will also air on NET, Sunday, April 28, at 10 p.m. CT. “Indie Lens Pop-Up” is a neighborhood series that brings people together for film screenings and community-driven conversations. For more information about NET’s “Indie Lens Pop-Up” screening and discussion series, visit netNebraska. org/engage.
March 23 – Morning Star Baptist, 2019 Burdette St., will host their citywide food pantry from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Take bags and boxes with you. March 25 – New Era Baptist Convention of Nebraska, Inc. will host their Semiannual United Prayer Service at Pilgrim Baptist Church, 2501 Hamilton St., at 7 p.m. March 29/30 – The Nebraska Mission of Mercy – a free dental clinic – will be held from 5:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. both days at Brownell Talbot School, 400 Happy Hollow Blvd. Up to 2,000 uninsured or under-insured people will receive services on a first come, first served basis. For more info, visit nebraskamissionofmercy.com. March 29 – Eric Ewing, Executive Director of the Great Plains Black History Museum, will be the guest speaker at the monthly Black City Hall Live Forum at 11:30 a.m., at Emory’s Café, 2118 N. 24th St. March 29 – Join the Pan African Student Organization in celebrating the 3rd Annual African Cultural Night from 6-10 p.m. at UNO’s Sapp Fieldhouse, 6001 Dodge St. It’s a night filled with African cuisine, entertainment and dancing. African attire or formal wear is highly encouraged. Tickets are available at the Dept. of Black Studies on the UNO campus, ASH 184 and Eventbrite. For more info, phone Maryse Zekpa at 402-213-7641. March 30 – 21st Annual Black Family Health & Wellness Association Health Fair, 8 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at North High School, 4410 N. 36th St. Free blood pressure, hearing, dental and vision screenings, flu shots and STD testings are a few of the services available to your family. Follow them on Facebook @BFHWAOMAHA March 30 – Allen Chapel and St. John AMEC will host their 5th Annual Prayer Breakfast, from 10:00 a.m. - noon, at St. John, 2402 N. 22nd St. Tickets will be available at the door. Featured guests will be Rev. Brandee Mimitzraiem, Pastor of The Mighty Quinn Chapel AMEC, Lincoln Nebraska and The wonderful Quinn Chapel Choir. This year’s theme is, “The Power of Prayer, Peace and Love.” The community is invited to join the fellowship & feel the love. April 2 – Morning Star Baptist Church, 2019 Burdette St., is observing their 20th Pastoral Anniversary Celebration with worship services and community events each month leading to the Sept. 1 Pastoral Anniversary Service at 10 a.m. A 7 p.m. worship service will be held on this date at the church. April 4 – It’s Smooth Jazz with Ed Archibald from 6:30-9:30 p.m. at Ozone Lounge, 7220 F St. Enjoy the sounds of Thomas Wells on bass, John Mertz on guitar, Andre Stennis on drums, Craig Franklin on keys, and of course, Archibald doing what he do!
April 4 – Urban Abbey, 1026 Jackson St., will host a book signing from 6:30-8:15 p.m. “Cross of a Different Kind: Cancer & Christian Spirituality” is written by Creighton University Doctoral Scholar Anthony Maranise, and illustrated by Mirjana Walther, Creighton class of 2020. Proceeds from the book will benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. April 7 – Humanitarian Brunch 2019 will be held at Scott Conference Center, 6450 Pine St. Join Inclusive Communities as they honor and recognize individuals dedicated to making Omaha a more inclusive community, featuring Guest Speaker Vu Le. The Brunch will start at noon with a happy hour, featuring a Bloody Mary and mimosa bar until 1 p.m. A hosted brunch and program will follow immediately afterward. For tickets or more info, visit www. inclusive-communities.org April 9 – When someone actually believes racism is no longer a problem, what do you say? A Race Relations Dinner and Discussion on the film “Color of Fear” will be held at First United Methodist Church, 7020 Cass St., from 6-9 p.m. Tickets for this public event are on sale at Eventbrite through April 8 at 5 p.m. April 11 – Oneiowa and OutNebraska will host LGBTQ+ Elected Officials Forum at River’s Edge Pavilion, 4250 River’s Edge Pkwy, from 6:30-8 p.m. April 12 – The 100 Black Men of Omaha will host the 14th Annual Men of Honor Awards Dinner & Fundraiser, themed “Blueprint for the Future” at Hilton Omaha, 1001 Cass Street. A reception will begin at 5:30 p.m. followed by dinner at 6:30. The keynote speaker is the 100 Black Men of America Inter-Faith Committee Chairman and Senior Pastor Friendship-West Baptist Church, Dallas, Texas, Rev. Dr. Frederick D. Haynes III. April 13 – The National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. Greater Omaha Chapter hosts “Sisternomics: Managing Your Dollars Wiseley, from 9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. The Money Matters Conference will be held on the MCC Fort Omaha campus, 32nd & Sorenson Pkwy, in Bldg 22. The keynote speaker is ShirleyAnn M. Robertson, CLTC. For more info, phone 402281-3398. For tickets, visit nc100bwomaha.org or Eventbrite. April 13 – This year’s free REALationship Conference, for young ladies ages 15-21, will be held from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. at Creighton’s Harper Center, 602 N. 20th St. Conference topics include Yoga as a Tool to Manage Stress, Relationship Violence, Self- Harming – Love vs Hate, Ending Human Trafficking Starts with Me, and more. Advanced registration is required at: http://bit.ly/Realationships2019. For more info, contact Theola.Cooper@cityofomaha.org.
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HISTORY MAKERS
Shirley Chisholm –
Timothy Ashford Attorney at Law
U.S. Congresswoman, Etched in History The first African-American woman elected to Congress was Shirley Chisholm (1968). She later gained the title of the first woman and African American to campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1972. Her slogan was “Fighting Shirley Chisholm – Unbought and Unbossed.” Shirley always sought after extracurricular activities that allowed her to advocate for women and minorities. In her early years in New York, she joined her local chapter of the League of Women Voters, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), the Urban League, and the Democratic Party club in Brooklyn. Shirley eventually retired from the House of Representatives in 1982 after serving seven years.
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Page Eight
YOUTH/EDUCATION NEWS March 22, 2019 Fund Offering $5,000 Grants to Innovative Young People
THE OMAHA STAR
HISTORY MAKERS
Peaches James-Keaton Peaches James-Keaton is by far the most recognizable player in the history of Nebraska high school softball. A fouryear starter at Papillion-La Vista High School, the 2000 graduate earned firstteam all-state honors for three straight years after being named to the second team as a freshman in 1996. James was named honorary captain of the Lincoln Journal Star and Omaha World-Herald All-state teams in both 1998 & 1999, named Metro Conference Player of the Year in 1998 & 1999 and set 10 Nebraska state softball records. James was also a member of the honor roll and was elected prom queen in 2000. After graduation, James took her talents to University of Nebraska-Lincoln. During her Husker career, Nebraska won two Big 12 regularseason championships and one tournament title, finished with a top-15 ranking every season and posted two top-10 national finishes, including a fifth-place showing at the 2002 Women’s College World Series. A four-time MVP, James was a key force behind Husker teams that won 149 games in her four seasons, the most victories in a four-year stretch in program history. James accounted for 98 of those wins, compiling a 98-38 career record with a 1.19 ERA. The first pitcher in Big 12 history to be a fourtime first-team all-conference honoree, James was named a finalist for National Player of the
Peaches James-Keaton Year as a sophomore and a senior. James was also a productive hitter, totaling 124 career hits, 63 runs, 16 doubles, 14 home runs and 76 RBIs. In 2005, James graduated with a sociology degree and went on to pitch four seasons in the National Pro Fastpitch league and was an all-star in her rookie season. Her number 42 jersey was retired by Nebraska in 2010. James was inducted into Nebraska Black Sports Hall of Fame in 2011. On Sept. 7, 2018, she was inducted into the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Athlete Hall of Fame.
There are a lot of young people with new ideas, enthusiasm and passion, but without the financial means to change their dreams into reality. The Hunter Watson Memorial Fund is now offering grants to help support these young innovators and their projects. Founded in memory of Hunter Brooks Watson, a college sophomore who died as a passenger in a distracted driving accident, the Memorial Fund offers grants of up to $5,000 to provide young men and women between the ages of 16 and 25 with the financial means to take their ideas and dreams to the next step. The deadline for the next grant cycle is June 15 and the Fund is encouraging young people to submit their applications as soon as possible. There is no cost or obligation to apply. Applications are evaluated by a committee looking for innovative ideas in a variety of areas, including music,
the performing arts, computer technology and entrepreneurship. In recent grant cycles the Memorial Fund has helped finance new Internet and cell phone applications, music and performance projects, audio and video recording, and expansion of online businesses, all projects developed by passionate young people. Grant applicants need not be in school and the grants are not scholarships nor intended to cover tuition costs. The grants are direct financial support for a young innovator’s project and come with the help of a mentor to help the grant winner move his or her project forward. Further information, and the grant application itself, is available online at hunterwatson.org/ grants. The application deadline for the current grant cycle is June 15.
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TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR ABOUT PROJECT AIR
Project AIR helps reduce in-home hazards for kids with asthma We make home improvements to address asthma triggers We educate families about hazards in their home We empower families to make positive behavior changes
LEARN MORE AT: OMAHAHEALTHYKIDS.ORG To enroll, call us at 402.934.9700 or talk to your doctor about Project AIR
WINNER!
BEST MUSICAL
ALL ACROSS NORTH AMERICA
Omaha Healthy Kids Alliance
We work to ensure every child in Omaha lives in a lead-safe, Healthy Home
THE REMARKABLE TRUE STORY OF THE SMALL TOWN THAT WELCOMED THE WORLD COME FROM AWAY Book, Music and Lyrics by Irene Sankoff and David Hein Directed by Christopher Ashley
MARCH 27-31 Orpheum Theater
TICKETS ON SALE NOW! TicketOmaha.com | 402.345.0606