75 CENTS
OMAHA STAR
The Omaha Community Wishes You Well Phyllis J. Hicks
THE
Celebrating 80 Years
1938 2018
Dedicated to the Service of the People that NO Good Cause Shall Lack a Champion and that Evil Shall Not Go Unopposed
For he will order his angels to protect you wherever you go. They will hold you up with their hands. (Psalm 91: 11, 12)
Nebraska’s Only Black Owned Newspaper Vol. 81 - No. 7 Omaha, Nebraska
Friday, April 5, 2019
75 cents
A Farewell to My Home and the People I Love: An Editorial By Phyllis Hicks Publisher of The Omaha Star My life has seen many changes, where I have learned, worked and served people of the Omaha community in various ways. I retired from OOIC after thirty-five years of teaching, counseling and placing unemployed and underemployed in the Omaha community. Leaving there to start working in the private sector at the age of fifty-two to work at CSG, which involved customer and technical service, as a customer service analyst. I gained multiple computer skills, troubleshooting for the cable industry. Each job was different and afforded me many opportunities. The first job was with a non-profit which allowed me to be of service to people in the community. The second career was working in the private sector, where the bottom line and profit was the main goal of business. Spending a total of forty-five years at these two types of businesses prepared me for working at The Omaha Star, where we help people, inform and educate people, always having to watch the bottom line. Two role models, Mildred D. Brown and Dr. Marguerita Washington, served as mentors and role models preceding me as publishers of The Omaha Star. Little did I realize, some forty years
ago, when I came into The Omaha Star to drop off an article, Mildred asked me when was I coming to work for her, which I had no intention of ever doing. But, in 2005, I came on for a brief time, not realizing I’d be working fourteen years later, as a favor to Marguerita and my mother, not only working, but being appointed publisher in 2016, upon the passing of Marguerita. Although I studied journalism in college as a minor, I never thought it would become my profession. But, as I look back, my work as Public Affairs director, PR and a job placement counselor at OOIC would give me skills to write, edit and publish the paper. In addition to my professional work, my civic affiliations aided in my work with The Omaha Star including being on the City Charter Review Committee, Omaha Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Omaha, appointed by the mayor of Omaha as Omaha representative on the Governor’s Nebraska Job Training Council, Nebraska Vocational Education Advisory Committee, Board member at Christ Child Society, Executive Board Member Metropolitan YMCA, Commissioner and Executive Member of the Nebraska Commission for National and Community Service, co-founder of the Salem Stepping Saints, which I was active for over fifty years and co-founder and board member of the Mildred D. Brown Memorial Study Center. I am also a proud member of the Salem Baptist Church for the past sixty years. I, over the course of the years, have been honored by different organizations and entities. Some of those include the Black Heritage Award as Woman of the Year, WOWT TV “Someone You Should Know Series, KETV “Heartland Hero” Series, OIC’s of America Inc.,
Renowned Psychiatrist to Keynote ‘The Mind is the Matter!’ She wears many hats in the black community including wife, girlfriend, mother, sister, aunt, boss, student, single mother, Gi-Gi, grandmother, diva, lover, ex-lover and working woman. She is often described as strong, independent, bold, fierce, brave, magical, a modern day super woman who is encouraged to continue to make the world rock. In fact, she carries lots of bags in hopes of living up to those expectations. However, what happens when she feels as if the Dr. Janet Taylor weight of the world rests on her shoulders? In recognition of Women’s History Month the National Coalition of 100 Black Women Inc., Greater Omaha Chapter, wants to let you know, “The Mind is the Matter!” In partnership with The University of Nebraska at Omaha and The University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Nursing, the NC100BW Greater Omaha Chapter presents its annual Mental Health Summit, “The Mind is the Matter.” This year’s theme is, “Bridging the Mental Health Gap: Awareness and Disparities.” The summit will take place May 6 from 8 a.m. till 3 p.m. at the Thompson Alumni Center on UNO’s campus. The target audience is people interested in learning more about mental health concerns and how those concerns impact the African-American community as well as those who have a desire to advocate on behalf of black women and girls. The one day summit will provide a selection of nine break-out sessions. Local facilitators will present on topics such as addiction among African Americans, Mental health treatment: evidence–based best practices for African American communities, anger management, domestic violence, family counseling, community treatment programs for African Americans, and crisis intervention. The keynote speaker is Dr. Janet Taylor, psychiatrist. Dr. Taylor is a frequent contributor to This Morning, The Today Show and Good Morning America addressing motherhood, parenting and mental health issues. Dr. Taylor is also regularly featured on CNN, MSNBC and ABC.com’s Mom’s get Real. Local healthcare providers, doctors, nurses, behavioral/mental health providers, counselors and social workers are encouraged to attend. The summit will offer continuing education units/contact hours for medical mental health professionals, social workers and other professionals in the Omaha area. There are mental health, health and/or therapy related vendor opportunities available. All are welcome to register and attend the summit. For ticket information please go to Eventbrite and type in “Mental Health Summit, 2019. Observe Mental Health Awareness Month by attending the summit. For more information about the National Coalition of 100 Black Women Inc., Greater Omaha Chapter, go to www.nc100bwomaha.org.
10, 20 and 30 Years of Service Awards, US West Manager’s Scholarship named for Phyllis Hicks, Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance MLK Award for community work with youth and by The Empowerment Network for community service. There were many others given, for which I am grateful. When I accepted the position at The Omaha Star, it was a part-time job, where I eventually learned all aspects of the paper, which I learned on my own. My responsibilities at the paper increased over the course of time, as Dr. Washington’s health began to decline. After her passing, the founding members, who were shareholders in the paper, voted for me to continue running the paper and serve as publisher. The Omaha Star has remained available through subscriptions, retail sales and now electronic issues. The paper is also available through archiving. All editions that are available can be reviewed through the archives. We have an active Facebook page, Twitter and a current up-to-date webpage for more news and information. All of this has been made possible by the associates and staff at The Omaha Star. I would like to offer special thanks to the helpers and staff who have supported The Omaha Star. I would like to thank weekly contributors and reporters who put in current news and feature stories. All staff at The Omaha Star are part-time but work countless hours to keep the paper out on time. Those individuals are: Phyllis Hicks, managing editor, Frankie Jean Williams, copy editor, Tanya Cooper, circulation/retail coordinator, Eleanor Riggs (deceased), bookkeeper, Carl
Hill, retail distributor, Debra Shaw, social media administrator and Ashley Dantzler, volunteer media developer. Special thanks to John Heaston, consultant and temporary advertising manager. My last active time at The Omaha Star will end April 15, 2019. I will be relocating to Las Vegas, NV to live with my son and family. I leave you with so long. It’s been good to know you. A long time this has been my home, but I must be moving on. Thank you for your support through all aspects of my life and for your faithfulness to The Omaha Star. Please continue your support of the Mildred D. Brown Memorial Study Center and The Omaha Star. The Mildred D. Brown Memorial Study Center was established to carry on the legacy of Mildred Brown. The purpose of the Study Center is to award scholarships to potential journalism students, to archive the important documents of The Omaha Star and to offer training to high school students in the areas of journalism and communications by providing hands on experience. The Study Center was created by Dr. Marguerita Washington, Phyllis Hicks and Roberta Wilhelm in 2007, followed by many other board members. The Mildred D. Brown Memorial Study Center is bridging the gap between The Omaha Star and the Study Center. The connection between The Omaha Star and the Study Center will continue to go on. Through the years Alonzo, my husband of fifty-three years, supported my endeavors, which was helpful in my being involved in many things. If I leave words for other young ladies and men alike to follow: if it’s something you want to accomplish you can. If you think you can you will. If you think you can’t, you won’t. Determination and hard work are key.
Longtime Community Leaders Thomas and Aileen Warren to be next Face on the Barroom Floor
An Omaha couple who have left an indelible mark on the community over the past three decades – Thomas and Aileen Warren – will be honored April 13 as the Omaha Press Club’s 160th Face on the Barroom Floor. Thomas Warren has served as president and CEO of the Urban League of Nebraska (ULN) since 2008, after retiring from a 24-year career with the Omaha Police Department including his final four years as chief of police. Since 2014, Aileen Warren has served as assistant vice chancellor, business and finance, and director of human resources for the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Prior to this, she worked at First Data Corporation for 17 years, where she attained the title of vice president of human resources. Her previous work experience also includes positions at First National Bank of Omaha and WorldCom. “We couldn’t be more honored – or excited – to receive Aileen and Thomas Warren this recognition,” the Warrens said. “We are quite aware of the illustrious people who have preceded us on the barroom floor, and we are humbled to be included among them. We can’t wait for the fun to begin and know it will be quite an evening.” Their roasters include a former Face on the Barroom Floor, an elected official, two business executives and the See Barroom Floor continued on page 2
‘My Sister’s Keeper’ Prepares for May 4 Walk My Sister’s Keeper (MSK) Breast Cancer Support Group is hosting their 6th Annual Spring Honors Walk on May 4 at Benson Park Pavilion. See the rest of the story on the health page.
In 2018, high steppers young, seasoned, male and female showed their support.
After the walk...the party!
Seasonal Job Fair – April 9.
America After the Civil War
Malcolm X Festival April 8-11.
See In the Village for details.
See article on the religious page.
See In the Village for details.
Page Two
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: 2216 North 24th Street Omaha, Nebraska 68110
WEB ADDRESS: www.theomahastar.com
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.
Barroom Floor continued from page 1 Warrens’ daughter. The former Face is Brenda Council (No. 62 in 1995), who is a former state senator and now adolescent health project manager for the Women’s Fund of Omaha. Council is the sister of Thomas Warren. The elected official is John Ewing, Douglas County treasurer. The two business executives are Jason Hanson, senior vice president, American National Bank, and Ivan Gilreath, CEO, Boys and Girls Club of the Midlands. One of the Warrens’ three children, Jay Warren-Teamer, will round out the roasters. She is community affairs coordinator for Mutual of Omaha. Over the past decade, Thomas Warren has transformed the ULN. When he began in 2008, the ULN was struggling with eight full-time employees and was operating with a deficit. The revitalized organization now has 34 full-time employees, 24 parttime employees, a $3 million operating budget and a cash reserve. A traditional civil rights organization that advocates for social justice, the ULN also administers programs in education/youth development, employment/career services and violence prevention. Warren was the first African-American to serve as chief of police with OPD. During his tenure, he was able to improve police-community relations, enhance the professional image of the department and reduce the overall crime rate in the City of Omaha four consecutive years. In 2007, OPD was recognized by the U.S. Department of Justice as the “Local Law Enforcement Agency of the Year� for
#000 "&) &"" " "&) -, % & / $& #+) ! $ ",' ,&' / ##) ## #$ .$ ) *00 00 ")' $'" % " 0+ +#0
Support Those Who Support You
Notary Services Available
From The Publisher:
Pick up your copy of the Omaha Star at these convenient locations: Baker’s Supermarket
7312 N. 30th St.
Baker’s Supermarket
4405 N. 72nd St.
Big Mama’s
3223 N. 45th St.
Chubb’s Finer Foods
2905 N. 16th St.
Cubby’s Cubby’s Old Market
402-346-4041 opt. 5 Omaha Star Publishing dates 2019 April Friday
Friday Friday Friday
601 S. 13th Street
Friday Friday
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.
Walgreens
225 N. Saddle Creek Rd.
Walgreens
1802 Galvin Road South, (Bellevue) 4011 Ames Ave
April 19, 2019
May
June
820 N. Saddle Creek Rd.
Youngblood’s Barbershop
Subscribe to the Omaha Star
4232 Redman Ave.
Family Fare Supermarket
its Project Safe Neighborhoods violence reduction strategy. Warren serves on the board of directors of the Omaha Chamber of Commerce, the Omaha Community Foundation, Heartland Workforce Solutions (Workforce Development), 75 North Community Revitalization, Partnership for Kids, Durham Museum, and the Omaha Police Foundation. He also holds board or trustee positions with American National Bank, the University of Nebraska Foundation and Creighton University and is on the community board of advisors for CHI. In her current position, Aileen Warren provides leadership and strategic direction for all HR functions at UNMC including employee benefits and wellness, employee relations, organizational development, staffing, compensation, records management, diversity and HR technology. The budgetary and operational oversight of the UNMC Center for Healthy Living and the Child Development Center also fall under her areas of responsibility. She is currently on the boards and serves as an executive committee member of the Omaha Home for Boys, Institute for Career Advancement Needs (ICAN) and the Women’s Fund of Omaha. She also is on the Boys and Girls Club of the Midlands Executive Scholarship Committee. Active in the community, she has been involved with numerous other organizations including the Omaha Rotary, American Red Cross, Family Services, Girls Inc., Human Resources Association of the Midlands and Catholic Charities.
ATTENTION 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.
April 5, 2019
May 3, 2019 May 17, 2019 May 31, 2019
June 14, 2019 June 28, 2019
July Friday Friday
July 12, 2019 July 26, 2019
August Friday Friday
August 9, 2019 August 23, 2019
Nearly two weeks of daily operations at the Disaster Resource Center (DRC) near 84th & Center have seen a steady stream of both donation drop-offs and item pick-ups. As many as 200 families per day have been served there; plus, shipments of flood-relief items have been regularly going out from the DRC to flood-affected communities outside of Omaha. The Salvation Army staff and volunteers are truly grateful for the community’s generosity – it is making a big difference in supporting families and communities! As the DRC continues its operations and maintains its presently-scheduled hours (Mon-Sat, 9 a.m.-6 p.m., and Sun, noon - 5 p.m., until further notice) here’s the latest list of needed items: • N-95 dust masks • Scoop shovels
Submissions to Express Yourself must include the writer’s first and last names as well as the writer’s address and telephone number. (Addresses and phone numbers are not published.) Submissions written anonymously will not be printed. Submissions may be edited at the publisher’s discretion. Submissions to Express Yourself or the commentary page may also appear on the Omaha Star Facebook page. Email submissions must be typed in a Word document and sent to the publisher at: phyllis@omahastarinc.com
Omaha Star Philosophy: At the Star we look at ourselves as the documentarians of African-American news in Omaha. We strive to make our readers and our advertisers proud they support a publication that portrays the African-American as a multidimensional person capable of excelling in areas other than sports, entertainment and politics. $40.00 IN TOWN
NON-REFUNDABLE
SUBSCRIBE TODAY! Phone: 402-346-4041, Opt. 5 Name
October 4, 2019 October 18, 2019
Address City/State/Zip
November 1, 2019 November 15, 2019 November 29, 2019
December Friday Friday
$50.00 OUT OF TOWN
The Omaha Star
September 6, 2019 September 20, 2019
November Friday Friday Friday
• Floor squeegees • Long rubber gloves • Wader boots • Spray bottles • Laundry soap • Personal hygiene items (deodorant, bath soap, toothpaste, etc.) • Box fans • Bleach • Disinfectant • Paper towels • 5-gallon buckets • Work gloves • Scrub brushes • Cleaning rags • Large, heavy-duty garbage bags • First-aid kits • School supplies • New, unwrapped bedding • New towels and washcloths • New baby supplies • Snack items • Paper plates, forks/knives/ spoons/cups/napkins
Is Your Paper
October Friday Friday
Face event details WHEN: Saturday, April 13 – reception 5:30 p.m.; dinner - 6:30 p.m.; roast - 8 p.m. RSVP: Phone the Omaha Press Club at 402-345-8008. Members can charge to their OPC account. Non-members need to provide credit card information.
Updated Needed-Items List for Salvation Army Disaster Resource Center
September Friday Friday
She received the Woman of the Year Award and the National Service to Youth Award from the Boys and Girls Club. She was named a Viking of Distinction by Omaha North High School. The Warrens recently were selected to Aksarben’s annual Court of Honor. This is a recognition given to individuals who contribute to their community and excel in their respective fields, such as arts, business, industry, education and sports. Both the Warrens hold master’s degrees from the University of Nebraska at Omaha – Thomas in criminal justice and Aileen in social work. Both are alums of the Leadership Omaha program through the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce. The Warrens have been a couple since junior high. Both have excelled in athletics. Thomas played football for Morningside College and has been inducted into the Omaha Technical High School Hall of Fame and the Omaha Public Schools Sports Hall of Fame. Aileen keeps active by jogging and has completed the Chicago Marathon and three half-marathons. The Warrens have three children – Jessica, Thomas Jr. and Alexandra – and one grandson, Evan Thomas.
December 13, 2019 December 27, 2019
Phone E-Mail address Mail To: The Omaha Star Newspaper 2216 North 24th Street Omaha, NE 68110 Please include payment with order
LOCAL NEWS THE OMAHA STAR Omaha: There’s No Place Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Mid-Western Regional The AKA Pearl Express Comes to Omaha Like Home for Singles
April 5, 2019
James Stinson, Ivan Gilreath, Chris Rodgers, Dr. Glenda Glover, Twyla Woods-Buford, Cheryl Logan, Willie Barney and Kenny McMorris
By Debra L. Shaw The Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. (AKA) Magnificent Mid-Western Regional (MWR) Conference rolled into Omaha on March 13 on a mission titled, “On Track to Exemplify Excellence.� The Pearl Express conductor, which was the 30th Mid-Western Regional Director, Twyla Woods-Buford, expertly guided the train on track to its main destination, which was the Hilton Omaha Hotel, where all sorority members from Missouri, Iowa, Kansas, Colorado, Oklahoma, Wyoming, Montana and of course Nebraska joined the Regional gathering. The AKA 30th International President, Dr. Glenda Glover, stated, “Sorority members across the globe have enthusiastically embraced the AKA platforms by focusing on initiatives like Historical Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) for Life - A Call to Action; Our Signature Program #CAP; AKAfit and Walking with the Supreme. We continue to nurture our Ivy through sisterhood and service to all mankind.� The host chapters of the 89th Mid-Western Regional Conference were Beta Omega Chapter, Missouri; Gamma Epsilon Omega, Missouri; Delta Epsilon Omega, Nebraska; Kappa Chi Omega, Missouri; Xi Tau Omega, Missouri; Psi Chi Omega, Nebraska; Omega Nu Omega, Missouri; Alpha Iota, Missouri; Gamma Beta, Nebraska; Pi Xi, Missouri; Rho Alpha, Missouri; and Rho Iota, Missouri. Together, these chapters planned a wonderful train ride complete with porters at each stop to guide the sorority members on their journey to have a magnificent experience at the public meeting which had the sub-theme ‘Together In Purpose and Spirit’ and at the informative workshops which had Silver; Golden; Diamond and Legacy Sorority members in attendance. The workshops showcased an awesome mixture of women from various states and generations who blended to add wisdom and value to the Regional Conference train ride. The Hilton Hotel was a sea of ‘pink and green’ from March 13-17. The MWR Pearl Express featured several mountaintop excursions along the way. One magnificent station stop was guided by International President, Dr. Glenda Glover, when she did
an HBCU call for action and over 50 sorority members jumped out of their seats with on the spot donations for this initiative and others pledged to give online. It was an electrifying moment when AKA sisters, one by one, went to the microphone to announce their HBCU affiliation and offer their donation. Additionally, another momentous stop was during the Public Program and Reception. On this stop, six local leaders and contributors to excellence, received recognition for their work in the Omaha community. The honorees included CAPS Award - Dr. Cheryl Logan, Superintendent Omaha Public Schools; HBCU for Life Award - James Stinson, Owner Allstate Insurance Company; Women’s Health Award - Kenny D. McMorris, MPA, CHCEF, Charles Drew Health Center; Economic Legacy Award - Willie Barney, Founder and CEO Empowerment Network; Arts Award - Ivan Gilreath, President & CEO Boys & Girls Club; Global Impact Award - Chris Rodgers, Chair Douglas County Board of Commissioners City of Omaha. Saturday, March 16 was an “Evening of Elegance Aboard the Pearl Express� where attendees celebrated and enjoyed music by “Da Truth� Band from Kansas City and Sunday, March 17, the Regional Conference concluded with a Prayer Breakfast for members with the sub-theme ‘From Faith to Works: Moving Forward to Excellence’ and an Ecumenical Service open to the public. The Regional Conference offered community service options such as putting together member donated care packages at the Clair Memorial United Methodist Church food pantry, raising breast cancer awareness, collection of new or gently used shoes for the organization’s ‘Soles4Souls’ project which donates to impoverished global communities, and collecting eyeglasses to support the local Lions Club. As the Pearl Express’s caboose prepared to head out to its next destination, the International President Twyla Woods-Buford stated, ‘My Sisters, the Pearl Express continues through the Magnificent Mid-Western Region, stopped to make a difference in Omaha together in purpose and spirit for the betterment of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated and to serve all mankind. I trust you will continue to ride with me!� More information about the organization can be found at www.AKA1908.com
Page Three
Unmarried individuals may have found a new place to call home: Omaha. The city has been named one of Insurify’s Best Cities for Singles. Award recipients were determined by an analysis of single populations, economic benefits and dating opportunities in cities across the country. With the US Census reporting the largest number of unmarried adult Americans in history – more than 110 million – researchers are saying Omaha might have the right mix of what singles want. Case in point: Amenities, such as craft breweries, arts and entertainment and sporting options abound in Omaha, with Livability calling the region “the best place to eat in America right now.� “Though Omaha may not necessarily be the first place you think of when it comes to thriving culinary scenes, this Nebraska city has flown under the radar long enough – it’s time to tell the world how delicious Omaha is,� writes Livabiliity’s Sarah Kuta in her November 2018 “Best Places� article. Unmarried adults are seeking more than just sustenance, however, notes sociologist Eric Klinenberg. His landmark book, Going Solo, suggests un-partnered people care acutely about environmental issues, experience improved mental health over their married counterparts and are highly civically engaged. A No. 14 Most Caring City in America, according to WalletHub, Omaha stands out as a region that cares, and ranks high on WalletHub’s 38 “indicators of a compassionate spirit.� The region’s self-proclaimed “we don’t coast, we care� philosophy might also explain the city’s status as one of Livability’s 2019 Top 100 Best Places to Live, outpacing more than 1,000 metros with populations between 20,000 and 1,000,000. “The cities on this year’s list represent the best of the best when it comes to affordability and opportunity,� says Livability.com Editor-in-Chief Winona Dimeo-Ediger. “These 100 cities are not just fantastic places to live in terms of their amenities, education, health care and infrastructure, they are places where young people can build amazing careers and communities.�
Subscribe to the Omaha Star 402-346-4041 opt. 5 theomahastar.com
Asthma In-Home Response
Does Your Child Have Asthma?
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
Omaha Healthy Kids Alliance
We work to ensure every child in Omaha lives in a lead-safe, Healthy Home
This is more than great rates This is more savings for wherever you’re going.
Platinum Savings Account
2.10
%
& ! $ '" () #" !% * !% * #" + ," ! "' ! ! -). /// # # # + " ! "' -). /// " #" (
Guaranteed Fixed-Rate CD
2.40
%
& ! $ '"
((0#" !% ! # * !% * #" + ," ! "' ! ! -). ///)
Talk to a banker for details. 1 "* 2 Ask about our business savings rates.
Portfolio by Wells Fargo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
' :#$
= = 4 8 = D+ ;+*DC *5( 9 :$
= = = 8 2 ; ( ,,D9 8 7 9 * 2 ; 4 4 < =G C 44 ;
4 * 2 ; 4 = 2 ; D = 2 ; D = = 4 H # % 2 ; < = . ( ( + 4 4 2 ; < = . ( - ;+*D .-, 5 *+ !%%6
Page Four
THE OMAHA STAR
PRAISE, WORSHIP, DEVOTION, OBITUARIES & INSPIRATION April 5, 2019
Tabernacle Missionary Baptist to Host Anniversary Celebration
Deaths & Funerals
In 1904 Paul Giles started holding worship services in his small home on West Pierce Street in Council Bluffs. By 1908, his home was too small for all the parishioners. So it was decided that the time had come to purchase the land at 1400 Avenue A. With $350.00, and the help of parishioners and other donors, the building began. By 1918, the cornerstone was laid and the church was finished, but Pastor Giles did not get to see his vision. Pastor J.P. Jackson was the first pastor at the new church. Tabernacle is the oldest African American church in Council Bluffs. As with previous pastors, the vision and mission continues with Pastor Raymond Burt, his wife Willie and their family. They have served the church for four years. The community is invited to join the Tabernacle church family on April 28 at 3:30 p.m. as they celebrate their 115th anniversary. Refreshments will be served after the worship service.
Anthony R. Allen Mr. Anthony R. Allen, age 63, passed away Thursday, March 21, at a local hospital. Survived by partner for life; Terri Dishman; children: Andrea, Kelli, Tabari, Rachael. Memorial Service was held 10 am, Friday, March 29, at City Light Church. Cremation Arrangements by Thomas Funeral Home. *** Cynthia M. Brewer Mrs. Cynthia M. Brewer, age 65, passed away Tuesday, March 26, at a local hospital. Survived by husband: James Brewer; son: Terrell (Sabrina)
Brewer; daughter: Jamesa Brewer; sister: Marsha FlemingKelley (Marvin); grandchildren, nieces, nephews, a host of other relatives. Cynthia was the director of the Salem Food Pantry for many years. Funeral Service 11 am Thursday, April 4, at Salem Baptist Church, Rev. Dr. Selwyn Bachus, officiating. Arrangements by Thomas Funeral Home. *** Mary F. Evans Mrs. Mary F. Evans, age 89, passed away Wednesday, March 20, at a local care facility. Survived by brother: Lucian
America After the Civil War Henry Louis Gates Jr. presents a vital new four-hour documentary series on Reconstruction: America After the Civil War. The series explores the transformative years following the American Civil War, when the nation struggled to rebuild itself in the face of profound loss, massive destruction, and revolutionary social change. The twelve years that composed the post-war Reconstruction era (186577) witnessed a seismic shift in the meaning and makeup of our democracy, with millions of former slaves and free black people seeking out their rightful place as equal citizens under the law. Though tragically short-lived, this bold democratic experiment was, in the words of W.E.B. Du Bois, a ‘brief moment in the sun’ for African Americans, when they could advance, and achieve, education, exercise their right to vote, and run for and win public office. The first two hours of the series centers on this pivotal decade following the rebellion, charting black progress and highlighting the accomplishments of the many political leaders who emerged to usher their communities into this new era of freedom. The series’ second half looks beyond that hopeful decade, when the arc of history bent backwards. It became increasingly clear that many Southern white people were never willingly going to accept this new social order and that the federal government was not prepared to provide African Americans with consistent or enduring protection of their new rights. While tracing the unraveling of Reconstruction and the rise of Jim Crow segregation in the closing years of the nineteenth century, we look at the myriad ways in which black people continued to acquire land, build institutions, and strengthen communities amidst increasing racial violence and repression. Less than thirty years after black men filled state legislatures, one by one, like dominoes tumbling the Southern states began drastically restricting the vote
★
OMAHA STAR
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 SUPPORT THE OMAHA STAR NEWSPAPER BECAUSE: • As a member of NNPA, it keeps you in touch with the Events, People, and News in your Community and across the Nation. • We are the only Black owned newspaper in the State of Nebraska– since 1938. NNPA member newspapers have longevity. • It carries advertisers who want your business and cater to your needs, as a NNPA member newspaper, member newspapers reach more than 19 million of the 39 million Black consumers every week. To subscribe contact: Omaha Star Inc. - 2216 North 24th St. - Omaha, NE 68110 • 402-346-4041 Op 5
Help the Omaha Star Find Its Missing Issues Complete the Nebraska State Historical Society Archives On June 2 representatives of the Nebraska State Historical Society took bound copies of some of the Omaha Star’s earliest issues with them to Lincoln. The five bound books will complete issues missing from the state archives for the past sixty years, ranging from September 17, 1938 through October 26, 1951. The Mildred D. Brown Memorial Study Center (MDBMSC) Board is working with the Nebraska Historical Society to create a complete Library Archive of the past and current issues of the Omaha Star. Although many years of newspapers have been microfilmed by the Omaha Public Library and the Nebraska Historical Society, many issues are missing. We are asking readers, who may have copies of the issues that are listed, to please bring them to the Omaha Star to be microfilmed. The issues will be returned to you. The MDBMSC was formed to continue the legacy of Mildred Brown the founder and publisher of the Omaha Star. The purpose of the Study Center is to provide area students with scholarship support and opportunities to envision career possibilities in journalism and communications through educational programs, field trips, tutoring and mentoring. They are also provided access to resources and inspirational archive materials. The Omaha Star and its affiliated foundation, the Mildred D. Brown Memorial Study Center, are seeking any copies of the following issues: July 8, 1939 to Mar. 15, 1940 May 3, 1940 July 4, 1952 June 29, 1962 Feb. 14, 1964 Apr. 29, 1967 Feb. 29, 1968 Mar. 21, 1968 to Mar. 28, 1968 May 2, 1968 May 23, 1968 July 18, 1968 Aug. 8, 1968 to Aug. 15, 1968 Nov. 14, 1968 May 29, 1969
Our office will be closed Janu ary 18th, in obse
★ SO THE
e of Martin MAHA Luthervanc r King holid ay TAR Ben Gray to speak at Mart
Dedicated to the Service of the Shall Lack a Champion People that NO Good Cause and that Evil Shall Not Go Unopposed Nebraska
’s Only Black Owned Newspaper
in
Luther King Day event
Omaha City Councilman Vol. 72 - No. Ben Gray will commemorative 2 Omaha, Nebraska deliver a address on the Monday, Jan. UNMC campus Thursday, January 18, to on Rev. Martin Luther honor slain civil rights leader, 7, 2010 50 cents King Jr. Gray’s speech, which is sponsored The Nebraska Medical Center, by UNMC and Truhlsen Campus will be in the Events Center Center. in the Sorrell “We are pleased The Partnership to bring a city For community volunteer leader and tireless non-profit organization Our Kids, a Schools.” to campus,” Newland, M.D., that provides disadvantaged director of UNMC’s said Myrna “The Partnership The mission of students For Our Kids Staples Foundation and coordinator of Equity Office academic enrichment with positive works to for Learning Inc. the Martin Luther provide Commemoration is to teach, train King Day received a $10,000 experiences, has mentary school disadvantaged ele- inspire. Committee. “I and Founded in 2002, grant from Staples students with positive believe our campus Foundation for the founda- can look forward to an Learning, a private academic enrichment experiences,” tion has contributed inspiring and speech.” foundation created relevant said Briana Curran, million to national more than $17 manager, Staples The annual address and local charities Funding from SFFL by Staples Inc. Foundation that is provide educational regularly one for Learning. will support the of the city’s “Staples and opportunities best attended events on Winners Circle Foundation for Martin Luther job skills for all program, which Learning supports King Jr. Day. people, with a This year, the event starts pro- Winners vides underserved the special Circle program, at noon, is free elementary stuwhich cre- youth. emphasis on disadvantaged to the public. Guests dents with access and open to rigorous math, ates an environment where youth Staples Foundation the visitor parking can park in Lot 15V, which reading and citizenship are Learning recognized for is for the area located on has their also activities achievements the Student developed lasting south to teachers, increase their academic Life Center at by relationships peers, parents and the corner of 40th side of with Boys & Girls achievement. Streets. the com- of & Jones “The Winners munity.” Clubs America, Earth Circle program Gray is a first-time Force, Hispanic ensures disadvantaged Winners Circle students have for the 2nd District. elected city council member and All Our Kids Heritage Foundation, and the the resources and Initiative joined forces in for a Competitive support needed 2007 to form Prior to his election, Inner City. In addiOmaha City Councilman to Partnership develop an enthusiasm The tion, Staples Nebraska Gray had For Our Kids, to Ben Gray Foundation for for learning,” Vol. 72 - No. 28 Omaha, help dissaid Beth Smith, Learning a television photojournalist a 30-year career as nered Executive Director, advantaged students. The Partnership supports Ashoka, an organization with the emergency “Kaleidoscope” Winners Circle on Omaha’s ABC’s and host of Nebraska that develops and supports department at Program of The creates a community of caring Medical affiliate station, social entrepre- KETV NewsWatch 7. The Partnership For dents from pre-kindergarten for stu- neurs around The show featured gies to decrease Center to use intervention Our Kids. “With discussions about the world, in nine stratesup- high school youth violence, passionate through tries: port from Staples a variety of such as immediate Argentina, Belgium, coun- Gray has to help Foundation for community issues. engagement after violent won multiple Learning we can Brazil, taged youth graduate more disadvan- Canada, incidents to reduce local, regional tion attempts. continue France, Germany, awards as a reporter, and pursue highretaliaand national grades and standardized to increase er education the photojournalist In 1998, Gray to become employable Netherlands, Spain and test scores for Gray dedicates and his wife, youth throughout the United productive citizens much of his time and host. States. For more Freddie, began ing with the African-American Omaha Public lives of severely who give back information about workto foundation their community. at-risk youth and to improving the to close the Achievement or how to apply gang members. the achievement Council for a grant, is the emergency team He Omaha gaps of children visit www. staplesfoundation.or Community Connection, director for Impact Public School in the (OPS) District. g. Inc. — a non-profit, One A sought lence prevention vio- his Martin after motivational speaker, organization. Its members Gray titled Luther King Jr. part- Love,” Day speech, “Strength after one of Dr. to King’s most read books.
Partnership For $10,000 grant Our Kids receives from Staples
t Festival Self-Empowermen St. Paul Baptist Church July 13th, 2010
★
OMAHA STAR
THE
Cause of the People that NO Good Dedicated to the Service that Evil Shall Not Go Unopposed Shall Lack a Champion and
Newspaper Nebraska’s Only Black Owned
KS Science Fair
Thursday, July 8, 2010
North Omaha Boys & Girls Club Welcomes Club Members New and Old for the New Year On Jan. 4 the North Omaha
North Omaha Development Project Community Meeting is scheduled for January 28th Details on page 10
“I just think about beating them to the ground, but then I just ignore them,” says Ben, age 11. You’re refreshingly honest, Ben. There are times when we’re tempted to flatten mean people. In our day, you can hire an attorney to do the flattening. There’s a line in Scripture that says, “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men” (Romans 12:18). Showing grace to mean people doesn’t always mean ignoring someone or backing down, says John, 9: “The other day, my sister pushed me off my bike. So I told her to stop, and she did.” My natural tendency is to avoid conflict. It’s easier. Much wisdom is needed to know when to confront and when to walk away. “Being mean seems like a way to get respect,” says Kerri, 10. Apart from God’s grace, we build our little fortresses of meanness around wounds we’ve suffered. We’ll hurt others before we let ourselves get hurt again. “You kind of feel sorry for mean people because nobody wants to be their friend,” says Taylor, 10. Yes, your own peace of mind will increase if you can receive God’s grace to look at mean people with compassion, Taylor. Often, they are living in isolation behind walls they’ve erected to protect themselves from the emotional wounds they’ve suffered. “God showed grace to everyone even if they were as mean as a snake,” says Megan, 11. Understanding that God loves everyone the same is the key to showing grace to a mean, defensive person. Experiencing God’s love brings us into a larger place where we can live beyond our natural tendency to return evil for evil. If Jesus had returned evil for evil, he never would have been crucified. Legions of angels
By Dr. William Holland I cannot imagine a more optimistic and exciting thought than going to heaven and spending an eternity with God. For those who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior, this divine promise is a wellspring of joy which confirms that our trials cannot be compared to the glory that awaits us. We should be inspired to fasten this covenant vow to our bathroom mirror so that every morning we can be reminded of God’s love and rejoice for the opportunity to not only know Him in this life, but to worship and adore Him forever. The fundamentals of our spiritual salvation can be basically described as God’s infinite compassion intervened as a rescue mission of mercy in order to save us from our sin. Martin Luther is quoted as saying, “I would not give one moment of heaven for all the pleasures and riches of the world, even if it lasted for thousands and thousands of years.” Our daily routines are filled with distractions and for most of us it’s exhausting just to keep up, but even with the stress and frustration it’s important to remain aware of a much higher reality. If we only think about the next life when we attend funerals, we are missing a vital component of our relationship with God that can keep us excited and rejuvenated with continual encouragement and joy. Spending time alone with the Lord was never intended to be an occasional experience or a last resort, but rather to be a constant connection as we strive to understand and obey His instructions.
See page 2 for details
City of Omaha's Annual MLK, Jr. celebrat ion will be at the Holland Performi ng Arts Center See
AND THE BLACK CHURCH:
TRADITION • RESPECT • DIGNITY
Network Monthly Meeting will begin at 9 a.m. This Saturday’s Empowerment Breakfast and networking High School - Viking Center. be held Aug. 14 at North meeting will begin at 9:30. Displays to help Parents, and the interactive community Development. Tables and Partner. Education and Youth become a Mentor or Adopt-A-Class The focus will be on Opportunity to sign up to Presentations & Families, Students & Community. to help students succeed PLUS Special Interactive ways Learn more about specific Discussions. the web at www.empoweromaha.com. 502-5153 or visit us on For more information call
Special Thanks
MILDRED D. BROWN 9, 1938
Dr. Marguerita L. Washington,
Founded Omaha Star July
ad on page 10 for more information
Women of Color in Leadership
God’s presence in our lives is intended to not only transform our spirit, but to also renew our mind and prepare our heart with the anticipation of meeting Him face to face. Titus 2:13 reminds us, “Looking for that blessed hope and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ.” How encouraging it is to imagine that many of our loved ones, our new name, our new body, our inheritance, and citizenship, along with crowns and rewards are all a part of our glorious future. How wonderful to know that heaven will be filled with endless praise, everlasting joy, perfect peace and contentment without darkness, discouragement, suffering, pain, sickness, or sorrow. We are only briefly passing through this world and the only thing we will take with us when we leave is an account of how we lived. Let us include that no one will enter because they are good or deserve it. We are graciously given eternal life when we repent, confess, obey, and receive Christ as our Lord who paid our ransom. Billy Graham is quoted as saying, “I will not go to heaven because I am a preacher. I’m going to heaven entirely on the merit of the work of Christ. The most thrilling thing about heaven is that Jesus Christ will be there!” “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born-again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you” (I Peter 1:3-4). (Read more at billyhollandministries.com.)
THOMAS FUNERAL HOME
THE BLACK PRESS
& Cremation Services
And Both Black - Owned.
A Tradition of Caring Since 1939
Together, The Press And the Pulpit Can Give Us Full Citizenship Immediately
3920 North 24th St. Omaha, NE 68110 402-453-7111 www.omahathomasfh.com
Both Born Out of Necessity
Publisher
For Self-Expression
Children’s Film Festival
On Monday, January 11 on NET1 and NET-HD, Sam Cooke and Marvin Gaye
were waiting for orders. Instead of a command to attack, the angels heard a prayer: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” “Jesus still loved them, and he forgave them,” says Mary, 11. “We should forgive those who trespass against us. Sound familiar?” Yes, it does. In what has become known as the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus taught his disciples to pray, “Forgive us our sins, just as we have forgiven those who have sinned against us” (Matthew 6:12 NLT). Jesus’ death and resurrection secured eternal life for all who have trusted him as their savior. However, walking in harmony with God requires that we confess our sins to God and extend the same forgiveness to others that we have received. Receiving God’s forgiveness is not only the foundation for forgiving mean people, but it’s also the basis for returning good for evil. Christians have been forgiven a much larger debt than anyone will ever owe them. “Even if people are not nice to you, you should still show grace to them because that’s what Jesus would do,” says Jessica, 11. You’re probably thinking about W.W.J.D. (What Would Jesus Do?). Try W.I.J.D. (What Is Jesus Doing?). When Jesus returned to heaven, he sent the Holy Spirit to indwell and empower his people. Every Christian who truly follows Christ lives by the same Spirit that empowered Jesus when he walked on the Earth. Think about this: It’s easy to show kindness to the kind, but only God’s grace can prompt you to return good for evil. Memorize this truth: “And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32). Ask this question: What is Jesus doing through you to show his grace to mean people?
Grateful for Heaven but Focusing on God
50 cents
Career & Scholars hip Fair
York International
By Carey Kinsolving And Friends
meeting canceled Empowerment Network has been cancelled. The next meeting will
homes as you are continue to repair and buy I can hardly of the people that no good money and invest it now doing, save your “Dedicated to the service Boys & Girls new and old Club believe that the that evil shall not go bonds that you Club opened members. The its doors tocause shall lack a champion and wisely. Buy more Savings a new year with Omaha Star has Club staff looks new Club parents if and when things forward to beginning may be comfortable unopposed.” age appropriate been in existence for and members. programs for We offer a variety change. kids ages gram areas such seventy-two years of a former pastor of to the newspaper, Mildred as, Sports, Fitness, 6-18. We offer five core Reverend Joseph Forbes, Leadership Development, pro- In an introduction and I have been the & Recreation, said, “Mildred was Character & Gilbert wrote: Education & Career St. John A. M. E. Church Life Skills, and publisher for the It is with profound pleaDevelopment, she made her paper The Health & To the Citizens of Omaha: a friend of the pastors ... from certain schools Arts. We are also offering last twenty years. It a platform. She Publishing Co., and [sic] FREE transportation available anytime we needed sure that the Omaha Star In order to qualify in the Omaha metro area seems like yesterday (please well trained journalistic ministry. She believed that a paid program for this special service all Club call for a listing). organization of energetic, by saw her work as a that I started after my One entire page membership fee members this day a paper of the people, God had given her a calling. Spring program and a valid membership must have minds, give to you aunt Mildred Brown We here and now wish fee is $30.00 devoted to the work of card. Our the people and for the people. that will be valid Club hours are its was per edition was expired. Some of submitted by from 3-8 p.m. Jan. 4 - May the Omaha Star dedicates For more Club the churches in the community, 7. Our to have you know that and ask for Mr. you have been supinformation call the general public in Dave 342-2300 existence to the task of serving the pastors. Happy New Year Felici, Unit Director. porters almost from It shall be our policy the struggle for and we hope to Among her concerns was every way humanly possible. of see you at the the start. Others path of duty in the behalf Club! Mildred Brown’s primary equality. racial to move in an unerring worked local became supporters it already had. She bringing to you the Star was in selling Many others became supportfoothold in Omaha than early role in the Omaha Black America in Omaha, for equalas the years went by. sincere it, as well as the national an excellent salespermany organizations to work you I want to give my news of the city as we find of tirelessly with of ads. She was not only the National The African American ers recently. To all of backing for the welfare could use the ads as a tool She was a member of son; she found that she highlights, promoting and to ity and peace. Career and Scholarship Achievement Council Colored People thanks. to sell newspaper ads Black America in general. will have its 4th for the Advancement of is fascinating. The Omaha Fair on Saturday her activism. She refused the citizens of Omaha and the She Association Annual High Magnet Working at a newspaper from 9 A.M. to Publishers Association, sea of journalistic advenemploy black workers. School, 4410 because this is our paper. (NAACP), the Black 3 P.M. at North As we launch out into the of companies that did not N. 36th St. Those seeking Star is especially fascinating her readers to procan the support of the general League, the Urban League employment should Anyone who is interested also used editorials to encourage and she challenged National Business ture, we sincerely request and dressed for Plains Black museum. This paper is about us. come prepared in when we as a group must military success. Lunch Nebraska, and the Great with a resume and issues. Where else test the segregation of the public. The time is at hand was will be provided. information call submit their story, events Congratulations the Martin Bomber plant During the time during which it was active, she Omaha Star a firm founda557-4470. To RSVP or for Since the recent recession, to...the King them to apply for jobs that begin to build. Give the She more Science & Technology De Porres Club, and also Science Fair. this State can this happen? and reading support and in Bellevue, Nebraska. rollerthe spokeswoman for the Students at Offutt Air Force Base tion by way of subscribing an emotional, financial after Magnet students school congratulated wrote detailed reports, the paper has also been who is widely remem- allowed it to meet in the Omaha Star building in turn will build an enterwho won awards hired Charles Washington, we will assure you that we conducted experiments are determined to persevere. and the eight Award for emony. Pictured a mouthpiece and a to support their own facility. coaster at times but we civil rights, as a reporter of Excellence and presented their projects in the annual the club ran out of funds to contact us concerning are the Awards bered for his work for prise worthy of consideration, winners and 7th & 8th grade working in the commua display board Alec Williams; I encourage the public who was the executive 25 first place She spent countless hours Luke Armitage; of Excellence winners (l or even if you want to to at least two columnist. Whitney Young, force for the people of Omaha. commuwinners with to r): Emily Beck; complaints, recommendations are certainly apprecithe Star as a mouthpiece Urban League before eventu- nity, receiving over one hundred and fifty and Katie Cramer. Nick Schultz; Ian Brummel; a Breakfast of Champions judges. The In addition to offering secretary of the Omaha Heroine the National Omaha, “Unsung the in of the director awards cerMadeleine Dangerfield; compliment us. Your comments community nity service awards, including the NAACP, one of ally becoming the executive for the African-American in behalf of the community Martha Winterer; by editorials. the community to realize ated. The staff is working Award” for service awarded Urban League, contributed Gilberts also encouraged a better and more enlighten honored power 16,000 Africanboycotts to call attention only thirty-five people in the country to be and trying to always have The country’s The paper supported the positive effect the buying was small, and is an outstanding cater often largest film time of her death. She paper. Our staff is very if they would carefully and she and her staff were festival for you. children and with this award by the Americans could have employed to discrimination, including traditional, B. Johnson as a teens will be always working to satisfy are that Lyndon they and businesses President team to by to only making stop in Omaha also appointed their purchases CGI, collage support base and I wish well. beginning in January a tour stop-motion styles. East Germany to investigate and Live Action. We have a large religious treated the community goodwill ambassador to Film Streams African-Americans and More than when tries are for the support of the churches In following the conpresents the Best issue of the paper, Edward express sincere thanks, represented, including ten coun- Recommended English. Australia; 95 min. alleged human rights violations worked to improve Specifically, in the second of the New York International clergy leaders. ages: 9 to adult. works from She also Australia, members of the North Omaha in the community and the our struction of the Berlin Gilbert pointed out that (NYICFF). From Children’s Film Festival Germany, Denmark, Finland, least, I want to thank and her office cream shop Last but certainly not France, Feb. were patronizing an ice Jan. 9 to March of the newspaper carriers be not lives community the Latvia, would black have there be not Sweden, Switzerland, 6-7, 11, 13-14, Streams’ Ruth 18, Film U.K. that someone did Ice Cream, which would advertisers. Without advertising, 18 — Sokolof Theater, and the workers. If she learned of at 24th and Lake, Reed’s published. Advertisements nonprofit cinema, Omaha’s within the U.S. Tickets for all screenings Azur & Asmar Directed hiring practices over she would buy them bags an Omaha Star Newspaper enough food at home, will screen five Best targeted for their discriminatory an by Michel Ocelot. the printing of the publicabest programs larded The newspaper carriof the for seniors, of NYICFF are $9 general, Porres Club. Gilbert spent and retail sales pay for from groceries to supply their a decade later by the De $7 advertisers have stuck with students, teachers A dazzling animated Christmas or Easter party series continues the 2009 NYICFF. The dren, shop and counted at least tions. Many of our older us. ers often received a special and chilhour outside the ice cream Film Streams’ feature about and $4.50 Newer ones have joined work, when they might approving of their Young family two for Film Streams boys raised as brothers, Forever Members. us throughout the years. adverin gratitude for their hard one hundred African-Americans and children’s who set off on that they don’t have to dangerous quest were given all year. their purchasing power. which is made program, Streams’ All screenings will occur a Others have the feeling them receive the only gifts they through faraway hiring practices through possible in part at Film find Americans we will give Ruth Sokolof in 1989, the Omaha Star divorced in 1943, and lands to and free the port from Lincoln with tise because as African Theater, located At the time of her death Mildred and Edward Gilbert in Fairy of the Star readers look at the Financial Group. sup- the corner of 14th at Animation. a circulation of 30,685 her maiden name, Brown. our business anyway. Omaha and Mike Fahey Founded in 1997, had a staff of twenty, and us and In English. France; Djinns. Mildred resumed using wrote, (for- Recommended NYICFF is dedicated merly Webster) Streets, paper for those who support 1969, Mildred Brown Omaha Star, the longest the In the in of states. 99 advertising publisher min. to promoting the thirty-nine As one block south ages: 6 to adult. from those advertisers. Cuming Street. persist? The answer intelligent, of newspaper run by a woman, we encourage them to purchase or think our readers passionate, “Why then do Negro publishers of his press, all of provocative cinematic operating black-owned refuse More information deprived neighborhood news and works for audiences For those advertisers, who is clear. If the Negro is Mildred Brown provided ages 3-18 and on all five programs Feb. 20-21, 25, 27-28, to market to, we encourage through the years since within Best helping to define than fifty years. The paper March 4 — are not important enough NYICFF Kids the tortuous gains achieved of NYICFF commentary for more compelling film a more online and tomorrow’s Negro can calling attention to Flix shop to ask those merchants experience for emancipation will be lost, at www.filmstream be found an important function by our readers when they his served A continue forces, kaleidoscopic they Juried by such If commupowerful kids. www.gkids.tv/tou of the they don’t? people in the black s.org or animated collection of well-known filmmakers that do not advertise Why youth will be at the mercy our the accomplishments of the best John Turturro, man the ramparts of bigshort films the Omaha Star, I urge values. The newspaper as contact Casey r. For questions, please Susan Sarandon, from around North and South that still to refuse to advertise in $$ nity and emphasizing positive got world, featuring Logan at Mildred Brown Schamus, Matthew the James email their products. Remember who received awards, or traditional animation, otry, prejudice and discrimination.” to do so. From readers to stop buying at casey@filmstrea 933-0259 x11 or CGI, collage, recognized individuals Sant, the festival Modine and Gus Van compelled had previously been closed ms.org. and stop-motion. persisted because she felt The schedule: speak. new jobs in industries that has been described supporters, merIn English. 65 min. Recommended she had established acts of civic readers, The New York newspaper, announced staff, It her my of to by the first edition Thanks again Times as being to African-Americans. good ages: 3 to 8. writers and all others They highlighted one She guided the newspa- a challenge to herself and her staff, “that no “devoted to the kind of fare chants advertisers, contributing labeled “troublemakers.” pride and community charity. not Jan. 9-10, 14, of that may be found March 6-7, 11, the continued existence eras of the Civil Rights cause shall lack a champion and that evil shall 16-17, 21 — week in order to continue Academy Awards at the Razzle through the tumultuous 13-14, 18 — who lend support to making neighborhood family per staff were but not at the Dazzle Directed On the occasion per to the demonstrations Your help is greatly appreciMildred Brown and her tiplex.” local mulby Darren Ashton. NYICFF Party Mix in to foster a sense of community. Ms. Brown again Movement, from segregation the Omaha Star possible. for late go unopposed.” A mockumentary of their community, Brown to the racial unrest of the bright and continued future An all-animated skewering the Best of NYICFF of the 1950s and 1960s, of the Star’s ninth anniversary, ated. I look forward to a the certainly champions outspoken voice in the wilderprogram featuring absurdi- ious, features one live-action ties of competition community, congratulated The Omaha Star reported hilarcomedy and particular. She was an 1960s and early 1970s. pledged her support to the not the Star in the Omaha community.. youth dance troupe between kids on the vokingvisually stunning, and thought-profour animated of its businesses and that occurred both locally ness that the tortuous gains of their emancipation programs, involved circuit – and the triumphs and the tragedies North Omaha on the growth shorts, specifically end. up this advice for her Mildred Brown was not are lost, and she worked tirelessly toward that hyper- older parents who intended for and throughout the nation. fast development, and offered audiences. In live through get any further a Seniors Alexis English them. titles. Page and Ayomide interested in letting discrimination neighbors. 75 min. Recommendedor English suband queen at wishes to urge that you Adekunle were Central High ages: 9 to 16. The Star on its anniversary crowned Homecoming on Sept. 12, 2009. king
Best of the New
How Do I Show Grace to Mean People?
Details on page 4
es Omaha Star Celebrat 72nd Anniversary
Excellence Winne rs
Irma A. Sayles Mrs. Irma A. Sayles, age 85, passed away Sunday, March 24, at a local nursing home. Survived by son: Phillip Sayles; daughter: Sonja Sayles; brother: Gerald Alston, Omaha; sisters: Rosalind Canada, Marilyn Dorsey, Jackie Keller, Nadine Carter, Aretha Jones; 8 grandchildren, 7 great-grand, nieces, nephews, other relatives. Funeral Service 1 pm Friday, March 29, at Allen Chapel A.M.E., Rev. Benjamin R. Finnell, officiated. Interment: Graceland Cemetery Arrangements by Thomas Funeral Home.
Kids Talk About God
while drawing a stark color line that divided white and black America. The series concludes with a focus on both the flowering of African American art, music, literature, and culture as tools of resistance in the struggle against Jim Crow racism and the surge of political activism that marked the launch of such iconic civil rights organizations as the National Association of Colored Women, the Niagara Movement, and the NAACP, all at a time when black political power had been blunted and the dream of an interracial democracy seemed impossibly out of reach. Reconstruction is one of the most important and consequential chapters in American history. It is also among the most overlooked, misunderstood, and misrepresented. Some of our most famous narratives of the period include demeaning stereotypes of black people and skewed versions of events that have been immortalized in films from Birth of a Nation to Gone with the Wind. This series tells the real story of Reconstruction, honoring the struggle of the African Americans who fought their way out of slavery and challenged the nation to live up to the founding ideals of democracy, freedom, and equality. Over a hundred and fifty years later, this struggle continues. Reconstruction: America After the Civil War hours 1 and 2 will air on PBS April 9 from 8-10 p.m. Hours 3 and 4 will air on April 16 at the same time. For more information, visit pbs.org.
THE
Reed, Omaha; nieces, nephews, other relatives. Funeral Services were 9 am Saturday, March 30, at North Omaha Church of Christ, Min. Huggins officiated. Interment: Mt. Hope Cemetery Arrangements by Thomas Funeral Home. *** Arthur Miller Mr. Arthur Miller, age 91, passed away Tuesday, March 19, at his residence. Memorial Service 2 pm Monday, April 15, at the mortuary. Arrangements by Thomas Funeral Home. ***
2010 Awards
and Engage, Business Success “Power to Lead: Leverage, for the Perpetual stewardship. the theme Adopt & Deliver” was Winters advised the in Leadership steps to 3rd Annual Women of Color Awards group of eight Summit & legacy of Leadership at the Inclusion on their per25, 2010 jourLuncheon held on June Center. sonal diversity Holiday Inn Central Conventionluncheon neys; the Over 200 people attended 1. Know self first – was Marywhere the keynote speaker am I? What do I of CEO’s Who Who Quaites-Ferris, Dr. Marguerita Frances Winters, Author for? What makes (L-R) Tanya Cook, Vicki from the Heart stand Get It; Diversity Leadership Leadership Award Recipients: of the Winters me “me”? Crowder and Soul and President Washington, Annette 2. Value self – What can become? enhance who I am and gifts? Group. – How are other ences Inclusion are my unique 5. Learn about others What can learn from differences? circle to Ms Winters spoke on Women’s best self? your different from me? How She gave Who is my today. 4 . individuals/groups 7. Include others – Expand world in the business 3. Acknowledge your Tawanna Black and Dr. Winters continued on page 2 to sustained sucmy are they the same? examples of eight steps How do differ- See Leadership to change – What are prejudices – In what 6. Value differences – contribute to Open yourself be my best self? cess: Motivation, Passion/commitment, do I exclude? How do I opportunities to grow? To Magnitude of the ways What are my blind spots? In-depth Inquiry, and and transforming, intolerance? gap, Resolve, Learning
on July 9, 1938 History was made
Please contact the Omaha Star at 402.346.4041 or by email at Phyllis@omahastarinc.com if you have complete issues, or any portion, of these missing issues.
PRAISE & WORSHIP DIRECTORY
April 5, 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
THE OMAHA STAR
Airman Roberson Intends to ‘Aim High, Fly-Fight-Win’ U.S. Air Force Airman Justin-Thomas Roberson has graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas. The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills. Airmen who complete Justin-Thomas Roberson basic training also earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force. Roberson is the son of Timothy Roberson of Omaha. He is a 2013 graduate of Bryan High School.
Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s isn’t easy. Reaching us is.
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
LOCAL NEWS April 5, 2019 Black History Museum Reaching Students throughout the United States Through the use of video technology, on March 27 Eric L. Ewing, the Executive Director for the Great Plains Black History Museum, took students throughout the U.S. on a 45-minute virtual tour and a 15-minute Q&A. The students were from Oak Hill Academy, Redbank, N.J.; Garden Ridge Elementary, Lewisville, Texas; Tyrrell County Schools, Columbia, N.C.; Bostonia Elementary, El Cajon, Calif.; Lexington Elementary, Spring Valley, Calif.; and La Mesa Elementary, La Mesa, Calif. The students were in grades 1-6, with a total of 237 students and 7 educators participating in the virtual tour. To conduct our virtual tour, we reached out to Nepris, which is “an organization that’s connecting industry professionals to every classroom.” Ewing stated. “This allowed the museum to connect with classrooms throughout the United States. This provided students with an opportunity to learn about the rich history of America without ever leaving
their classroom. Each year school budgets are being cut, which impacts students’ ability to take fieldtrips. So, virtual tours are a great way for organizations to bring learning to the classroom without impacting the school’s budget.” During the virtual tour the students were able to learn about the GPBHM founder Mrs. Bertha Calloway, and to view its current exhibits: • “Influential African American Women,” which focused on famous local and national African American women who have made a difference in America. • “Face to Face with Black History,” which focuses on local high school students who in 2018, went on a six-day journey to historical civil rights locations in the south. • “The Hope” focuses on famous African Americans who have visited Omaha, and represents hope for the future. • “Johnny ‘The Jet’ Rodgers” focuses on
the Omaha native’s college and professional football career. The exhibit features “The Jet’s” Heisman Trophy, which he won while playing for the University of Nebraska. Ewing said, “This is the museum’s second year working with Nepris to provide virtual tours. We look forward to continuing this annual event, so we can positively impact the learning experience throughout America.” The Great Plains Black History Museum is located at 2221 N. 24th St. and is open to the public at no charge Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 1-5 p.m. Private tours are available. The museum’s mission is, “To preserve, celebrate and educate all people of the contributions and achievements of African Americans throughout the great plains of America.” Today, the Great Plains Black History Museum is the only museum in Nebraska focused on the rich history of African Americans.
ICAN’S Women’s Conference Focuses on Leadership in Digital Age Today’s digital age produces a constant state of motion and change. ICAN (Institute for Career Advancement Needs) is hosting its iconic ICAN Women’s Leadership Conference on May 15, presenting the theme: ADAPT: Leadership in the Digital Age. Following an early sell-out in 2018, ICAN has opened up more than 200 additional seats for the 2019 conference due to popular demand. An expected record 3,000 businesswomen and men from around the country will fill the CHI Health Center Omaha for the conference, which will explore how digital age challenges, changes and opportunities make productive human capital, higher level skills and visionary leadership even more critical. Human characteristics that cannot be automated – creativity, collaboration, confidence and compassion – will become increasingly valuable. “Technology evolves, develops and grows at an exponential pace. At the same time, leaders who maximize human capital are more important than ever,” shares Susan Henricks, ICAN president & CEO. “The conference will encourage attendees to think differently, experience new things and explore how adapting is pivotal to leadership in the digital age.” As a leader development organization, ICAN has taken particular effort in crafting this conference to acknowledge the belief that those who stay human will stay relevant
in the digital age in business and society. This year’s speaker line-up features nationally recognized voices that will inspire attendees on multiple aspects of leadership in the digital age, including how thinking futuristically can be accessible no matter your industry or career field, how to maintain personal connection amongst a digital world, the importance of being open to change, and how these digital age opportunities make effective leadership even more vital.
ICAN Women’s Leadership Conference 2019 Breakout Session Keynote Speakers: • Tricia Wang, PhD, Global Tech Ethnographer, Personal Data: The Battlegrounds for Our Humanity • Natalie Nixon, PhD, Design Strategist, Leadership in the Creative Economy • Bree Groff, CEO Nobl Collective, Leading Through Change: How to Change When You MUST
ICAN Women’s Leadership Conference 2019 Main Stage Keynote Speakers: • Mike Walsh, Futurist, Reinventing Leadership to Drive Transformation • Judy Woodruff, Anchor and Managing Editor of PBS NewsHour, The Fourth Estate Meets the Fourth Revolution and Panel Moderator for A Regional Revolution: How are we ADAPTING to the Digital Age? • Andrea Gonzales, Computer Science and Journalism Student at University of North Carolina, Video Game Creator, Intern at Microsoft, Author, Girl CODE: Gaming, Going Viral and Getting it Done • Jenny Fleiss, Co-Founder of Rent the Runway, CEO and Co-Founder of Jetblack, Leadership Lessons: Using Technology to Innovate • Curt Steinhorst, Author, Founder of Focuswise, Can I Have Your Attention?
ICAN’s Women’s Leadership Conference will be held at the CHI Health Center Omaha, 455 N. 10th St., on May 15 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Doors will open at 7 a.m. for registration, exhibit viewing and a light breakfast. Volunteer roles are available both the day prior and day of the conference in halfday shifts. Volunteers are welcome to enjoy part of the conference when they are not volunteering free of charge. Interested volunteers can register on our conference website. Financial scholarships for attendees will be available, provided by Bank of the West. For more information, go to the conference website. Exhibit booths are available. Interested vendors, retailers and organizations can learn more and register on our conference website.
COMMENTARY/YOUTH/NATIONAL
April 5, 2019
Mentoring Matters Summertime Mentoring Possibilities By Debra L. Shaw
School is out! Summer is in! It is still important to maintain a healthy mentor/ mentee relationship while mentees are enjoying the school break. Check out the following website to gain a deeper understanding of the importance of keeping mentors and mentees engaged all year long – https://www.nationalservice.gov/resources/ mentoring/providing-summertime-contactschool-based-mentoring-programs One of the main challenges for school-based mentoring programs is keeping matches in touch over the summer break when extensive in-person meetings may not be possible. Research indicates that school-based mentoring relationships suffer when summer contact is absent (Herrera, Grossman, Kauh, Feldman, & McMaken, 2007). Luckily, there are several strategies available to school-based mentoring programs to keep matches engaged, minimize the negative impact of the summer break on relationship quality, and get matches ready to build on positive momentum when the school year starts back up. Mentoring relationships require longevity and consistency to achieve optimal results. The summer break presents a challenge for both criteria, leaving programs scrambling to find meaningful opportunities for matches to interact while often having limited staffing and access to facilities over the break. Researcher Jean Rhodes (2002) noted that suspending services during the summer months “is short-sighted, particularly since program effects tend to accrue with time, and many behavioral problems and difficulties
arise during the summer months.” If school-based mentoring programs are to be effective, they must find a way to keep the momentum from the school year going over the break. Although each school-based mentoring program has unique structures, staffing, resources, and facilities, there are several options for just about any program that wants to keep matches in contact over the summer months. To design appropriate summer contact activities, program coordinators should take stock of the access they have to resources like meeting space, temporary staff, other school services (summer school, athletic facilities, etc.), community-based learning opportunities, and transportation. Base decisions on the level of supervision the program can provide and the appropriateness of the summer activities. Activities should only take place if the program can ensure the safety of participants and if the activities match the goals of the program. Partnership 4 Kids (P4K) has designed activities for students to stay connected with its mentoring program and for matched mentor/ mentee relationships to continue developing their connections over the school summer break. P4K has established partnerships with businesses such as Henry Doorly Zoo, Defy Gravity and Speilbound. These partner companies allow mentors to visit their sites with no cost or discounted costs for mentees. Mentors have the choice to schedule convenient times to visit with mentees during the summer months. Additionally, P4K hosts summer camps by grade levels which gives students the option to stay engaged with the mentoring program. To learn more about P4K and/ or to become a volunteer mentor with P4K, visit https://www.p4k.org/. Make your summertime memorable with a mentee. Mentoring Matters!
Financial Tips from Veridian Use this Method to Reduce your Debt Debt can be a useful tool – most people would have a hard time buying a home without it – but too much of it can leave you feeling locked in a cycle of falling further behind. If you have debt you’d like to pay off, here’s a strategy that can help. First, make a list of your debt. Write down how much you owe, what the interest rate is and what your minimum payment is. Second, decide how you’d like to prioritize your list. If you want to reduce the number of debts you have, start with the smallest balance, which you can pay off more quickly. If you want to save more in the long run, start with the highest interest rate, as that debt is costing you the most. However you order them is up to you. Now you have your first target picked. For all your other debt, make only the minimum payments. Take the rest of the money you would normally have spent on those payments, add in
any spare dollars you can find, and put all that toward paying off your target. Do this each month until your target debt is paid off, and then move on to the next item on your list. Each debt you pay off frees up more money to use on those that remain, creating a virtuous cycle. To free up extra funds to put toward your repayment, you can make simple changes like eating out less, making coffee at home or getting rid of cable. You can also get an extra job or try paying with cash instead of credit cards, which tends to limit your spending. If you could use some financial advice, Veridian is here to help. We’re a not-for-profit credit union with branches in Council Bluffs, Omaha and Papillion. Simply stop by a Veridian branch or phone 800-235-3228 and ask to speak to Areli to schedule a one-on-one consultation today.
FBI Sued for Records on Surveillance of Black Activists NEW YORK – The American Civil Liberties Union and Center for Media Justice is suing the FBI and Department of Justice for records related to the surveillance of Black people and Black-led organizations pursuant to a 2017 FBI Intelligence Assessment that asserts, without evidence, the existence of so-called “Black Identity Extremists Likely Motivated to Target Law Enforcement Officers.” The intelligence assessment was disseminated to at least 18,000 law enforcement agencies nationwide. In response to the organizations’ request under the Freedom of Information Act for records about the intelligence assessment, the FBI entirely refused to search for certain records and disclosed only heavily-redacted documents in response to one portion of the FOIA request. “The FBI’s baseless claims about a fictitious group of ‘Black Identity Extremists’ throws open the door to racial profiling of Black people and Black-led organizations who are using their voices to demand racial justice,” said Nusrat Choudhury, deputy director of the ACLU’s Racial Justice Program. “Our government’s shameful practice of using surveillance as a weapon against racial justice activism was wrong in the past, and has no place in our present. The public needs to know whether FBI is manufacturing a threat to improperly surveil, investigate, and prosecute Black people for constitutionally protected activity.” The ACLU and Center for Media Justice’s FOIA request followed significant public concern about the basis for the FBI intelligence assessment, which is dated Aug. 3, 2017, and was leaked to Foreign Policy magazine. The intelligence assessment provides no evidence of the existence of a group of so-called “Black Identity Extremists” and appears to
wrongly group together Black people who, in the FBI’s own words, “perceive racism and injustice in American society.” It asserts that six isolated incidents of violence against police officers by Black people purportedly demonstrate the existence of a shared ideology motivating violence against law enforcement. The intelligence assessment also shows that the FBI considers associations, online activity, and “violent anti-white rhetoric” when determining whether a person is a so-called “Black Identity Extremist.” “As a Black activist and member of the Black Lives Matter Network, I am concerned that the FBI is deploying high-tech tools to profile, police, and punish Black people who stand up for racial justice,” said Malkia A. Cyril, co-founder and executive director of the Center for Media Justice. “The surveillance of Black people who protest police violence smacks of COINTELPRO, which targeted civil rights leaders and ordinary Black people who had the courage to protest racial inequality and discrimination. The public deserves to know whether the FBI is wasting valuable resources to target those who object to racism, police violence against Black people, and injustice in America.” Although the majority of individuals who shot and killed police officers in 2016 are white, the FBI appears to be allocating investigative resources to surveil Black people based on unsupported allegations that a shared ideology linked to “Black identity” is motivating violence against law enforcement. The FOIA lawsuit complaint is here: https:// www.aclu.org/cases/center-media-justice-etal-v-federal-bureau-investigation-et-al A blog on the lawsuit is here: https:// www.aclu.org/blog/racial-justice/race-andcriminal-justice/fbi-wont-hand-over-itssurveillance-records-black.
THE OMAHA STAR
Page Seven
Central High School Cousins Represent Nebraska at National Science Fair
Bria and Christina at the American Junior Academy of Science Conference in Washington, DC. Two Central High School Seniors, Bria and Christina Gilmore, recently represented Nebraska placing top 5 in the Metropolitan Science and Engineering Fair and Top 10 in the state for the Greater Nebraska Science and Engineering Fair. These placements have allowed them to compete nationally at the American Junior Academy of Science. AJAS meets annually in conjunction with The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), the largest scientific organization in the world. The students are actually cousins and decided to compete due to their love for science and technology. The Gilmore girls participated in science fairs as middle schoolers and were recruited to participate at the high school level. “Our ideas stemmed from the interest in how stress affects personality and the body. We’ve also always wanted to test neurotransmitters,” Bria said. “We prepared by getting involved with the UNL labs and working with Dr. Jessica Calvi to process our results.” Additionally, Christina adds: “We have always done social science projects, but this year we wanted to do something that had a more quantitative side to it. So, we tested neurotransmitters using saliva, and looked for a correlation between these measurements and personality type.” Bria and Christina presented their research project, Discovering the Link between Cortisol and Introversion. At the conference they spoke to students across the country, toured a research institution and spoke with some of the world’s leading scientists. “Science was always something I was interested in as a child. My mom worked in medicine so I was constantly hearing about new developments in the field, as well as what she worked with on a day to day basis,” Christina said. “I also participated in UNO’s Aim for the Stars science camps during the summer.” Their success in this competition could not happen without a support network, they said. Their parents are not only responsible for getting them to the competitions, but also for helping them set realistic goals and timelines. “As parents we helped them find ideas for scientifically sound projects easily completed with their understanding of the scientific process;” said Christina’s mother, Sheree Gilmore. “By junior year of high school, they were independently finding subjects of interest and determining a scientific method to measure the results.” Support also comes from the school district to help them reach these goals. OPS assigns a science instructional coach at each school to help students stay on track. The coaches are responsible for connecting the students to resources, and seeking any professional connections that may be
available for the project. “We’re grateful for the investment OPS made in our students by supporting their achievement, and assigning science coach Teresa Bender, from 9th through 12th grades,” said Bria’s mother Alisa. The efforts don’t go unnoticed by the Gilmore girls. “Our parents were always there to help troubleshoot problems with the project and kept us on track as far as forms and logistics,” Christina said. “When it came time to compete, all of our family members came to support us and were so proud of our accomplishments.” Bria adds: “My family supported by driving me to the science competitions and being moral support throughout the whole thing,” Bria said. “They never put pressure on me to win, just to do my best. And that helped me tremendously.” Their parents felt it necessary to support their children in their passions and consider all options for educational support and growth. They agreed that helping them to explore science using books, camps, technology, and job shadowing are the best avenues for these experiences. Moving forward both girls plan to attend college and they hope to inspire others to compete in the science fairs. Bria wants to major in journalism and media communications with a focus in public relations and advertising. She hopes to work as a public relations manager for non-profit organizations. Christina is a ballet dancer and plans to be a professional dancer or choreographer. However she does still love science and hopes to double major and possibly have a research career in the future. Bria shared some motivating advice for anyone considering competing in the science fair: “My advice to others would be to not let anyone tell you you’re research is impossible. If you have a question or idea, there are so many resources and people out there that will make your research possible. You’ve just got to inquire and fight for your interest!” Christina’s advice: “Social science can be difficult because there are so many variables involved. The brain is complex and hard to understand. When presenting social science research, it’s important to think of all of the details. Do a statistical analysis on your data so you can prove it is mathematically significant. Use tests and theories that have been well-researched so judges won’t be skeptical of your methodology. Try to think of any question someone may ask and come up with a justifiable answer. Social science projects do not often win at fairs when competing with physics, engineering, and microbiology. Nonetheless, taking the right steps to pull off a confident and engaging presentation can really be impactful.”
Enjoy The Omaha Star Newspaper Digitally Now your top news stories and favorite columns are available online and on your mobile devices. After purchasing your subscription on our website: www.theomahastar.com follow the link below to enjoy all that The Omaha Star Newspaper has to offer. https://issuu.com/omahastar Get The Omaha Star on your mobile devices: Available for iOS and Android Devices • Visit either the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store to download the Issuu app Today! • Simply search for The Omaha Star, purchase a subscription, and immediately get the news stories that you love to read right there on your phone or tablet.
★
OMAHA STAR
THE
Page Eight
THE OMAHA STAR
LIFE & STYLE/HEALTH & WELLNESS
Image Awards Remind Us: Sometimes We’re All We’ve Got By Jolie A. Doggett
When I was young, I used to do that thing most kids (and some adults) do: stand in front of the mirror with my hairbrush in hand, thanking my imaginary, yet adoring fans for loving me and giving me this “award” for my imaginary achievements. The award was usually a pretend Oscar or a Nobel Peace Prize, something little Black girls rarely received. There aren’t many award shows that specifically seek to recognize the achievements of Black people. The mainstream awards most of us are familiar with have historically (and recently) excluded Black creatives. There are some awards however, like the NAACP Image Awards, that make it their mission to give Black people their moment, even when much of America would rather turn their backs on them. Take singer and actress Vanessa Williams, for example. Thirty years ago, a then-25-year-old Williams thanked her real-life fans when she took the stage at the 1989 NAACP Image Awards to accept the award for Outstanding New Artist. It was the first award she received after being stripped of her title as Miss America 1984. Williams, who was the first African-American woman to ever receive the crown, was forced to resign after nude photos of her were published without her consent in Penthouse magazine. Williams had taken a hiatus from public life after the scandal but came back triumphant with her debut album, “The Right Stuff.” Singles from the album were successful on the Billboard charts and the title song received a Grammy nomination. It would appear she had made her comeback and the American public that had once criticized and shamed her had welcomed her back with open arms. But when Williams stood on the stage in 1989 with her Image Award in hand, she let the watching world know who was really there for her and who had never left her side. “I definitely want to thank the Black community because when I needed you, you were there for me,” Williams tearfully told the audience as she accepted her award. “I thank you for giving me the opportunity and encouragement. For showing me how to spread my wings and fly because I’m flying now, thank you!” Last Saturday, the NAACP Image Awards celebrated 50 years of seeing, encouraging and celebrating Black American achievement in a variety of genres like film, television, poetry, literature and activism. “We understand at NAACP that how people view us on the screen is how we are (often) treated in the streets. By police officers, by policy makers and by the general public,” Derrick Johnson, president and CEO of the NAACP, told HuffPost about the historic ceremony. “Our mission is to honor and support and highlight positive images of our community
throughout the entertainment industry.” “There’s a distinctive difference that we bring to the table compared to other awards shows and platforms,” he added. “African-Americans have always defined pop culture. We’re celebrating Black excellence.” The Image Awards, of course, are not perfect; there are still people and categories that have yet to gain recognition. The NAACP and the Image Awards came under scrutiny from the LGBTQ community this year after the organization failed to recognize “Pose,” a critically acclaimed FX drama. The show boasts the largest-ever cast of transgender and LGBTQ actors, and is about Black and Latinx ball culture in 1980′s New York City, produced, among others, by trans activist and author Janet Mock. “I am disappointed that our own refuse to truly see us, largely I assume, (because) we are as unapologetically trans & queer as we are black,” Mock said on Twitter in February after the apparent snub. “Respectability politics won’t save us.” When asked about this and how the awards may expand in the future, Johnson responded: “[The Image Awards] is an opportunity for us to grow and learn from one another ... to deepen our understanding and learn about each other. There are areas we’re going to have to consider in future years of the show. Our growth will be consistent.” I’ll still watch the Image Awards, as I have for as long as I can remember, to get a sense of being among family both on the red carpet and during the ceremony. And if ever I’m lucky enough to retire my hairbrush and win a real award of my own, like Vanessa Williams, I too will thank the Black community because I know their support will have helped me succeed. After all, the Image Awards and the NAACP remind us that sometimes, we’re all we got.
April 5, 2019
Movies to Enjoy in April
“The Best of Enemies” is an upcoming American drama film directed and written by Robin Bissell. It is based on the book “The Best of Enemies: Race and Redemption in the New South” by Osha Gray Davidson, which focuses on the rivalry between civil rights activist Ann Atwater and Ku Klux Klan leader C. P. Ellis. The film stars Taraji P. Henson, Sam Rockwell, Babou Ceesay, Anne Heche, Wes Bentley, Bruce McGill, John Gallagher Jr., and Nick Searcy. It is scheduled to be released in the United States today (Friday).
“Little” is a comedy about the price of success, the power of sisterhood and having a second chance to grow up. Regina Hall and Marsai Martin both star as Jordan Sanders-Hall as the take-no-prisoners tech mogul adult version of Jordan and Martin as the 13-yearold version of her who wakes up in her adult self’s penthouse just before a do-or-die presentation. Issa Rae plays Jordan’s long-suffering assistant April, the only one in on the secret that her daily tormentor is now trapped in an Kevin Winter via Getty Images awkward tween body just as everything is on the line. Vanessa Williams accepts her sixth NAACP Image Award for “Little” is scheduled to be released April 12. Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series.
Spring Honors Walk 2019 My Sister’s Keeper (MSK) Breast Cancer Support Group is hosting their 6th Annual Spring Honors Walk on May 4 at Benson Park Pavilion, 7028 Military Ave., from 11 a.m. till 2 p.m. Registration, from 10-11 a.m., includes a t-shirt. City Council President Ben Gray will kick-off the event. My Sister’s Keeper is a breast cancer support, Whether they ran, walked or strolled, the community education and advocacy showed up for the 2018 event. group primarily for African American women but no one is precluded, it reaches out to all Omaha residents especially now with the influx of many other nationalities to North Omaha. Breast cancer is impartial, it affects the old/young, rich/poor, black/white, male and female. The walk promises to be a family friendly day of free food, raffles, and entertainment and encourages one to leave that sedentary lifestyle behind and join in a 1k walk or a 3k run or dance along with the Step Above The Rest Line Dancers. A sedentary lifestyle is one of the risk factors for breast cancer. So dust off those tennis shoes and join in the fun. Come join in and/or get your team together to HONOR a loved one who lost the battle to breast cancer or SUPPORT a survivor, thriver or warrior! The walk culminates with an “Up To Heaven” balloon release. Applications and early registrations are available at the My Sister’s Keeper office at 5620 Ames Ave. Obtain a copy from any MSK member or download a copy on Facebook at My Sister’s Keeper Nebraska or My Sister’s Keeper Nebraska Events. If you need vendor or other information, contact MaxCine Jackson at 402-541-5803 or Shira at 402-513-8471.
New PSA Starring Harry Lennix Urges African American Men to ‘Know the Numbers’ LOS ANGELES/PRNewswire/ – The Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) has announced the kick-off of its new national “Know the Numbers” campaign to raise awareness about how prostate cancer disproportionately affects African American men, who are 76 percent more likely to be diagnosed than men of other ethnicities, 2.2 times more likely to die of the disease and are 23% more likely to present with advanced/metastatic disease. The campaign, themed “Know the Numbers,” encourages men and their families to understand their risks and to take proactive measures to protect their health. “I am honored to serve as an ambassador for the Prostate Cancer Foundation and to use my platform to raise awareness about this insidious disease which has affected so many people close to me,” said Harry Lennix. “In honor of those I have lost, I am encouraging all men, including African Americans who are at heightened risk, to take the time to familiarize themselves with this disease and to take steps to reduce their risk for developing Harry Lennix prostate cancer or to catch it early enough to survive it.” Despite recent reports of declining mortality rates for African American men, they remain the hardest hit by prostate cancer, with nearly 20 percent still being affected, and suffer the highest mortality rate from the disease of any racial or ethnic group in the United States. There remains a need to build public awareness about prostate cancer and to provide easy access to critical information, including screening guidelines, prevention and new targeted treatments. Equally important is destigmatizing the disease through open, honest dialogue, such as a YouTube video featuring former minority leader of the Georgia House of Representatives, Stacey Abrams, and her father, which will lead to more men becoming proactive about their health. “Currently, there is focus and large commitment in place to understand why the disparities that affect African American men with prostate cancer exist, and we are finally seeing some progress. But this is not the time to take the foot off the gas; this is the time to accelerate,” said Christine N. Jones, Chief Operating Officer, PCF. “We have a two-pronged approach to address this issue education and awareness - which we know is saving lives
on the front end, and investment in science, so we can better understand what is going on so precision treatments can be developed.”
National Minority Health Month Campaign Highlights Actor Harry Lennix, who currently co-stars on the NBC drama “The Blacklist,” is the face of PCF’s 2019 “Know the Numbers” campaign, which encourages men to understand their • Personal risks for prostate cancer, take charge of their health and save lives by breaking down barriers and talking about the disease. The PCF’s new PSA featuring Lennix can be viewed at www. pcf.org/knowthenumbers. • The PCF’s new “PROSTATE CANCER: Additional Facts for African American Men and Their Families” is available for free download at www.pcf. org. The new guide provides actionable information about what men can do to prevent prostate cancer as well as information about risks and screening guidelines specifically for African Americans. The guide features comments from Chris Tucker, Brian Custer, “Uncle” Charlie Wilson and Snoop Dogg. Also available for free download is a comprehensive Prostate Cancer Patient Guide. • The PCF currently has more than $10 million invested in research focused on prostate cancer in African American men. Teams across the U.S. are investigating a range of topics such as environmental factors to targeted therapies and genomics. Commencing this month is recruitment for the RESPOND study, which represents a $1 million PCF investment and is the largest study of its kind aimed at identifying the environmental and genetic factors related to disproportionately high diagnoses of aggressive prostate cancer in African American men. The study aims to recruit 10,000 participants over a three-year period to generate key biological and non-biological information that will help researchers reduce the rate of aggressive prostate cancer in this population. Find out more at www.pcf.org/RESPOND. • Randy Jackson, Chris Tucker, Rev. Rosey Grier and others will be featured in month-long social media campaigns designed to reach men to encourage them to “Know the Numbers.”
Health and Spirituality I Bring My Being into My Doing SAVE THE DATE Omaha’s Together To End Stroke™ Walk
Saturday, June 1 | 9 a.m. Walk starts at Fontenelle Park Pavilion Community rally to follow at Adams Park Community Center
Registration opens soon! THANKS FOR SUPPORTING THE WALK!
Omaha Parks & Recreation Omaha Police Department â ck{nVTUr `NnVJAa NAnr oocJVArVca aJ A ¨J©¨ © acr®Scn®knc r ^^ nVTUro nNoNnxNL 3cTNrUNn rc aL 1rnc]N Vo A nNTVorNnNL rnALN`An] cS rUN 4aAsrUcnV~NL soN kncUVIVrNL
Subscribe to the Omaha Star
402-346-4041 opt. 5
By Mark Darby, RN APRN, FNP-C Director of North Omaha Academy of Healthy Living “I bring my doing into my doing, but I am not my doing.” What in the world does that mean? I fumbled with my car CD player and rewound it back. I went too far back and then went too far forward and missed the desired section. Finally, I wound back too far and let the recording meander back to the quote again. “I bring my doing into the being, but I am not my doing.” I still did not understand and so turned off the CD and forgot about the statement. The statement came from a recording of a breakout session during a conference on addictions. Have you ever had something that gnawed at your brain like an old dog on one of them plastic bones? That phrase gnawed at me. This sequence was repeated over and over. Put in the CD, hear the line, go back
and forth and listen to it again. Still not understanding, I tried to dismiss it but there in the back of my mind was that gnawing feeling. This went on for several months. The only thing that changed was that I put the session on my phone and a Bluetooth connection made it easier to go back and forth. Then the other day someone cut me off on Saddle Creek Road while I was listening to the session. I went emotionally ballistic, inwardly cursing the idiot in the SUV who moved into my lane. Then from out of nowhere I thought, “I am more than what I am doing.” My mind and spirit immediately forgot the SUV and went calm. I was driving. That was my doing. I am more than what I am doing. I had several realizations at once. If you ask me what I do I can answer several ways. I am husband, father, grandfather, nurse practitioner, director, teacher, friend, writer, etc. Yet, as good
as all these things are, I am more than the summation of everything I am doing. Some aspect of me transcends all these roles. That is called my being. In Genesis, a being is created. The breath of God infuses the life. That breath is my being. The rest is doing. My being is permanent, everything else is transient. You may ask, so what? The answer is one word: freedom. That SUV did not have to make me mad. I could have just gone to work. If there is an injustice, I can correct it without worrying about what people will think of me. I can be generous without looking for the glory. I don’t need the latest material possessions to give me security and meaning. Failure and success are not life defining but steps on a path to create a meaningful life. This freedom is so profound we don’t begin to understand its depth. However, we just have to BE and we will learn.
EVENTS/CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING Money Matters Literacy Seminar Scheduled for April 13
April 5, 2019
The National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Greater Omaha Chapter, (NC100BW), will host Sisternomic$ Managing Your Dollars Wisely on April 13 from 9 a.m. till 3 p.m. at the Institute of Culinary Arts Swanson Conference Center Building 22, on MCC’s Fort Omaha Campus. ShirleyAnn M. Robertson from The Prudential Insurance Company Robertson of America, Schaumburg, Ill., will be the keynote speaker for this 17th Money Matters Financial Literacy Seminar. Registration cost for this seminar includes a continental breakfast and lunch. Money Matters, one of the signature events for the Greater Omaha Chapter, focuses on providing women and girls of color effective information to empower and promote the awareness of financial independence and wealth building.
Robertson will address the participants on how to create ways to intelligently manage finances and improve financial independence by providing strategies and insight regarding money management. Chapter President, Dr. Idalene Williams, commented: “To achieve financial wealth and stability is extremely important as well as being well-rounded in the aspects of financial literacy.” The attendees will have an opportunity to attend several breakout sessions and panel discussions on banking techniques, insurance acumen, online banking, budgeting styles, credit repair tips, homeownership guidelines, investments options and entrepreneurship opportunities. Additionally, there will be a Teen Boot Camp for ages 12-19 to expose teenagers to the value of financial planning and stability. For more information, phone 401-697-7320 or visit www. nc100bwomaha.org. This seminar is designed to help jump start the pathway to a healthy financial life style and is open to all. See any NC100BW member for tickets or register through Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/money-mattersconference-tickets-54553752743
2nd Annual Juvenile Justice Forum Honors Kim Culp The League of Women Voters of Greater Omaha, Partnership 4 Kids, and Boys Town will present the second annual forum focused on the state of juvenile justice in Nebraska honoring the work of Kim Culp. The forum will be held April 24 from 7-9 p.m. at the UNO Barbara Weitz Community Engagement Center. The program is designed for individuals, families and workers in the field who want to know more about the Juvenile Justice system. However, the forum is free and open to the public. Speakers are: Anne Hobbs, UNO Juvenile Justice Institute; Marlon Wofford, Nebraska Family Support Network; Mary Visek, Nebraska Juvenile Probation; the Honorable Vernon Daniels, Douglas County Juvenile Court; and Tony Vargas, Nebraska State Senator. These key individuals working in the juvenile justice field
will share their insights about what’s working, what’s challenging and what they wish the public knew about their work with youth and families. This annual forum honors the work of Kim Culp, who was Vice-President of the League of Women Voters of Greater Omaha at the time of her death. Culp was founding Director of the Douglas County Juvenile Assessment Center (JAC). “By engaging and informing the community about important issues affecting youth in the juvenile justice system we hope to continue Kim’s legacy,” said Planning Committee member Joanna Lindberg. Culp developed several programs through the JAC and non-profits in Omaha stressing relationship building, cultural competence, and understanding the impact the children’s welfare system has on the lives of youth.
United Way, Peter Buffett Inspire Community with Special Concert United Way of the Midlands is hosting A Concert & Conversation with Peter Buffett at the UNO Strauss Performing Arts Center on April 11 at 7 p.m. Peter, son of investor Warren Buffett, currently serves as the co-president of the NoVo Foundation. He has an acclaimed career as an Emmy Award winning musician, composer, philanthropist and author. During A Concert & Conversation, Peter will share stories about growing up in the Buffett family, his personal views on complex social issues and the important role of philanthropy. He seeks to inspire business leaders, philanthropists and young people in attendance to become further involved in their local communities and create lasting change. “I’m thrilled to be bringing my Concert and Conversation to my hometown,” Peter said. “Nowhere else can I more deeply underscore the value of community and connection than Omaha.”
Subscribe to the Omaha Star
402 346-4041 opt. 5
The Metropolitan Utilities District is seeking qualified individuals for the following position:
• Building Operator • Computer Aided Drafting Technician I • Foreman, Mechanical Maintenance • Meter Reader • Senior Engineer Technician • Summer Student Work Programs
Things to do, people to see, places to go. 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 8-11 – UNO Department of Black Studies will host the 17th Annual Malcolm X Festival. Events include, but are not limited to: Modern Interpretations of The Autobiography of Malcolm X, Sharing Space and Claiming Place: Latino/a Experiences at a Predominately White Campus, Black Women: Agency, Issues and Concerns, The 1919 Lynching of Will Brown, Performance by Ras Takura, North Omaha & Its Africana Communities, Black Women in Human Trafficking, Politics and Science, Martin, Will You Make It Home Tonight? By Felicia Webster, The 1969 Killing of Vivian Strong, and a Movie Night featuring Green Book. For complete details, contact Janet Ashley at janetashley@ unomaha.edu or 402-554-2412. April 9 – On-site interviews will be conducted at MECA’s seasonal job fair from 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. at CHI Health Center. Positions include Usher/Ticket Taker, Ticket Seller, Crowd Manager and Security Officer. For more info, visit omaha.meca.com. April 9 – When someone actually believes racism is no longer a problem, what do you say? View the controversial and emotionally charged film, Color of Fear, made in 1994 but still very much needed 25 years later. The film is 90 minutes. There will be a 30 minute small group discussion followed by a larger group discussion for 30 minutes. The event will be held at First United Methodist Church, 7020 Cass St., beginning at 6 p.m. Dinner will be served. For more info, visit Eventbrite. April 12 – Fridays, April 12, 19, 26 and May 3, Ed “Smoove Grooves” Archibald, Tyi Hakeem, Michael Adams, Andre Stennis and Thomas Wells will fill the Omaha Lounge, 1505 Farnam St., with soulful sounds from many genres. Showtimes are 8:30-11:30 p.m. For more info, phone 402-709-6815. April 13 – The National Coalition of 100 Black Women Inc., Greater Omaha Chapter, hosts “Sisternomic$: Managing Your Dollars Wiseley, from 9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. The Money Matters Conference will be held on the MCC
An Equal Opportunity Employer “Minority/Female/Disabled/Veteran/Gender Identity/Sexual Orientation”
To advertise your business, please contact Phyllis Hicks. Call 402-346-4041 Ext. 4 or email phyllis@omahastarinc.com
AUTOMOTIVE EQUIPMENT OPERATORS
Automotive Equipment Operator I (entry level): $17.24 - $21.26 Hourly. This position does not require a CDL at the time of application or hire. If hired, we help employees to get their CDL. Responsibilities includes potholes, snow plowing, concrete crews, crack seal, haul operations etc. Application deadline: 4/11/19. Automotive Equipment Operator II (mid-level): $18.97 - $23.21 Hourly. Position requires an applicant have a class A CDL at the time of application. Equipment used includes: tandem-axle truck, bobcat, front end loader and backhoe. Application deadline: 4/11/19. Automotive Equipment Operator III (senior level): $21.31 - $25.40 Hourly. Position requires an applicant have a class A CDL at the time of application. Equipment used includes: lo-boy, track loader, and motor-patrol (blade). Application deadline: 4/4/19. Please visit our website at www.cityofomaha.org for a complete job description, listing of requirements and to apply.
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 April 13 – New Beginning Community Baptist Church, 2301 N. 45th St., Pastor Walter Jones, will be celebrating their 6th Annual Fruit of the Spirit program, Galatians 5:22-23, from 9 a.m. to noon. Nine women of faith will present their choice of Fruit for 5-7 minutes and Sister Eloise Temple will give the overview. A hearty breakfast and fellowship will follow the service. A love offering will be received at the door. For more information call Rev. Jones or Sister Renee Jones @402-453-2996. April 14 – You can dine in or take-out when the Native Omahans Club hosts their annual Palm Sunday Breakfast from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. at Lothrop Social Hall, 3232 N. 24th St. Tickets are available from club members or at the door. April 20 – Ladies of the Beauty Box will host their Women’s Brunch Part 2 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the Beardmore Event Center, 3750 Raynor Pkwy, Bellevue. Join them for a conversation on self-care and community featuring Hope Valentine, Licensed Mental Health Therapist. and Dr. Tamara Fuller-Eddins, OB/GYN. Visit Eventbrite for tickets. April 21 – Pilgrim Baptist Church & Perknitup Productions present Sunday (Re) Fresh, 6 p.m. at Northwest High School, 8204 Crown Point Ave. Doors open at 5:30. This is a city-wide dance explosion. Guests include Chad Stoner, Dr. Leroy E. Adams, Ananias Montague & Friends, Jarron Taylor & CBN, Shanketta Newsome, Pastor Jon Lucas and Kenneth Owens and special guest, Rhonda Jones. A minimal donation will be accepted at the door. April 27 – American Red Cross and Sound the Alarm Save a Life will visit neighborhoods from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. to install free smoke alarms. More lives are lost every year to home fires than to all major disasters. Phone 211 for an appointment. Learn more at redcross.org/ homefires.
Business Connection
Employment Contingent Upon Results of a Drug Screen and a Background Check.
The City of Omaha - Streets Division is now hiring for all levels of our Automotive Equipment Operators:
Attorney
Entertainment Housing 55 & older ANNOUNCING A NEW AND EXCITING COMMUNITY RADIO SHOW
Timothy Ashford Attorney at Law 1603 Farnam Street Omaha, NE 68102
Martha & Preston Love
unity Talk Comm And Church
100.3 FM
(402) 660-5544
live: m cebook .co us on fa usicomaha h tc a C lm e p s o ok/g facebo
attorneytimothyashford@gmail.com
CONTACT US: PRESTONLOVEJR@GMAIL.COM
Insurance
Insurance
Independent Seniors 55 & Over Call Seven Oaks at Notre Dame HOME! Call for a Tour Today! 3439 State Street Omaha, Nebraska 68112 402.451.4477 www.sevenoaksnd.org
Insurance
ATTENTION ATTENTION ATTENTION John Lord, LUTCF, RHU® Agent
BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND
EXCELLENT BENEFITS. EOE
We are offering very LOW Rates! Auto • Home • Life • Health • Dental • Vision ALSO AVAILABLE Commercial Insurance Kim Robinson, M.B.A. 6311 Ames Avenue Omaha, NE 68104 402-999-8357 (office) 402-502-0253 (fax)
Sherman P. Willis, Agent 4915 N 120th St Ste 107 Omaha, NE 68164 Bus: 402-493-1000 sherman@shermanpwillis.com Mon-Fri 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Evenings and Sat by appt. 24/7 Good Neighbor Service
New York Life Insurance Company One Valmont Plaza, Suite 100 Omaha, NE 68154 Bus. 402.496.6429 Cell 402.510.4186 Fax 402.496.6458 jlord@ft.nyl.com Authorized to Offer
1211999
State Farm, Bloomington, IL
robinsoninsurance@omhcoxmail.com
Security
Tree & Landscape
InfoSafeProtecting Shredding Your Privacy
Lion’s Gate Security Solutions Inc.
GTL Tree and Landscape
NAID AAA Certified • Residential Services • Discounts for Seniors
CORR OFFICERS - $16. hour plus benefits. corrections.nebraska.gov/careers
Life Insurance and Annuity Program fromNew York Life
Residential Services Mobile Document Destruction
We’re Hiring!
Page Nine
In The Village!
Visit www.mudomaha.com, under the careers tab to fill out an application. Applications will be accepted until the close date of the position. Resumes will not be accepted in place of applications.
City of Omaha
THE OMAHA STAR
Mike Paulson, President 10630 Chandler Rd. Bay #3 LaVista, NE 68128 Cell: 402-208-0030 Business: 402-891-2688 mpinfosafeshredding@gmail.com
• Advanced Firearms Training • Concealed Carry Training • Consulting • Corporate Security • Emergency Evacuation Training • First Aid/CPR/AED Training • First Responders • Private Security • Self-Defense Training
•Tree installation, maintenance & removal • Retaining walls, flower beds, & paver patio construction
10835 Cottonwood Lane • Omaha, NE www.lionsgatesecuritysolutions.com
Over 10 years experience Fully licensed & insured.
402-208-0030
402-880-3706
YOUTH/EDUCATION NEWS April 5, 2019 Chicago Tween to Receive Rising Star Storybook Characters Come to Life Award During Cannes Film Festival at Omaha Public Library
Page Ten
THE OMAHA STAR
Chicago tween Anah Ambuchi has received an unexpected special invitation from Diversity in Cannes, the independent film movement promoting inclusion at the Cannes Film Festival where she will receive the inaugural Rising Star Award and also screen her short film, Made In His Image, at the 2019 Diversity in Cannes Short Film Showcase. Excited by the opportunity, Ambuchi and her mother have launched a crowdfunding campaign to help defray the costs of roundtrip airfare, hotel, and ground transportation from Chicago to Cannes, France. To donate visit https://www. gofundme.com/chicago-tocannes-help-make-a-dreamcome-true Made in His Image is a short film based on a true story about Ambuchi, who experienced bullying from her classmates. Hurt and confused, she later finds strength from her motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s constant reassurance, she taps into her faith and channels her anger into writing, directing and producing the short film, with a nationally acclaimed acting coach, Jossie Harris Thacker, as executive producer and co-director. Ambuchi cast the film and shot it in various locations in Chicago during a cold weekend last year. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I am in awe of Anah Ambuchi, who I met on Instagram. At the tender age of 11, she eloquently expressed her interest in serving on the 2019 Diversity in Cannes Short Film Showcase Screening Committee, in response to my call to
action,â&#x20AC;? comments Yolonda Brinkley, creator of Diversity in Cannes. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In her message, she advised that sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d written, produced and directed a short film and the rest is history. Anah stole my heart and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m honored to celebrate this beautiful talent with the international premiere of Made in His Image, her directorial debut, and to present the inaugural Diversity in Cannes Rising Star Award.â&#x20AC;? In addition to her film, Ambuchi continues to perform on stages throughout Chicago, and will appear in Season 2 of the hit Showtime TV series â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Chi.â&#x20AC;? She also executive produces the â&#x20AC;&#x153;MIHI2â&#x20AC;? YouTube Vlog Series, which stars two young African American girls who openly tackle social justice issues, such as colorism, while challenging their audience to be the change they wish to see. Thacker also directs this series. Bill Duke, the award-winning actor, director, entrepreneur, and author of Dark Girls, is also an executive producer. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I really canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t believe this,â&#x20AC;? Ambuchi, 12, said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m so excited and honored to be invited. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d be so happy to get any support I can to help me attend.â&#x20AC;? For information about Anah Ambuchi and her film, contact Neil Foote, Foote Communications, neil@neilfoote.com, 214-448-3765. Regarding Diversity in Cannes, contact Yolonda Brinkley 323-207-5751.
F.Y.I.
In order to be included in The Omaha Star, all articles and event calendar announcements must be typed in a Word document, using Times New Roman font, 10 pt, and must be received no later than two weeks in advance of the event. Articles must be e-mailed to: fwilliams@omahastarinc.com by 3:00 p.m. on Monday. Any submissions that are received the same week as the current publication will not be included in the current weekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s edition. The distribution day for The Omaha Star has been changed to Friday on a bi-weekly schedule. The Omaha Star is not responsible for unsolicited pictures or articles submitted for publication.
Omaha Public Library (OPL) welcomes all ages to Saddlebrook Branch, 14850 Laurel Ave., on Sunday, 1-4 p.m., for a Storybook Land celebration! Life-sized characters from childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s literature will be on hand including Biscuit, Elephant & Piggie, Lilly, Madeline, Mouse, Pete the Cat, and members of the 501st Legion. OPLâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s beloved mascot Scamper will also attend the festivities. Event participants will receive a Storybook Land passport upon arrival and can collect a stamp for each costume character they visit. Children in attendance will also receive a free book to keep! Storytimes are scheduled throughout the afternoon at 1:30 p.m. with Biscuit, 2:15 p.m. with Pete the Cat, and 3 p.m. with Lilly. The books read during storytime will feature the stories of visiting characters. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Storybook characters visit storytimes at OPL throughout the year and families really enjoy the time to meet the characters and take photos,â&#x20AC;? said OPL Youth & Family Services Manager Julie Humphrey. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Storybook Land is a great opportunity to meet many characters all at once and create some great memories.â&#x20AC;? The event is free and registration is not required. Parents and guardians are encouraged to bring their cameras to capture fun moments throughout the afternoon. For more information on this event and additional upcoming events at Omaha Public Libraryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 12 metro locations, visit omahalibrary.org.
McKenzie Blu vies for Pageant Crown Miss McKenzie Blu Bass, age 9, has qualified as a State Finalist in the National American Miss Nebraska Pageant to be held June 28-29 at Doubletree Downtown in Omaha. The pageant is held for girls ages 4-18 in five different divisions. McKenzie Blu, a third grade student at Conestoga Elementary School, is a Girl Scout who is active in ballet, cheerleading, volleyball, and track and field events. Her mom, Mia Harris, describes McKenzie as a â&#x20AC;&#x153;busy little beeâ&#x20AC;? whose hobbies include reading, swimming, and horseback riding. Mia said the pageant training will help McKenzie develop a healthy attitude toward competition, as well as guiding her in setting and achieving personal goals. The newly crowned Miss Nebraska, in the 7-9 year-old division, will receive a $1,000 cash award, the official crown and banner, a bouquet of roses, and air transportation to compete in the national pageant at Disneyland in California. She will also tour Hollywood. She has the chance to represent Nebraska for the entire year. Contestants will compete in four overall categories including Formal Wear Modeling, Personal Introduction, Interview, and Community Service Project. National American Miss also offers optional contests such as the Top Model Search, Talent, Actress, and so much more! National American Miss is dedicated to celebrating Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s greatness and encouraging its future leaders. Each year, the pageant awards thousands in cash and prizes to recognize and assist in the development of young ladies nationwide. All activities are age-appropriate and family-oriented. The National American Miss Pageant System is the largest in the nation. The focus of this organization is to create future leaders and to equip them with real-world skills to make their dreams a reality. The program is based on inner beauty, as well as poise and presentation, and offers an â&#x20AC;&#x153;AllAmerican spirit of fun for family and friends.â&#x20AC;? Emphasis is placed on the importance of gaining self-confidence and learning new skills. Families interested in learning more about this unique and outstanding youth program may visit www.namiss.com.
Visit us on the web at theomahastar.com
Home equity loans as low as
APRIL 20 | 7:30 PM ORPHEUM THEATER
! " # $ % & ' $ ( # ) * + , -
" ' . ' + + ) * ) * /' 0 + + 1 2
" "
) * # 0 $ /' # 0 " # % %
3 ' 4 5 '6 7 5 # 0 ' 85 # 0 " # 1 $ "
/' 5 # + , ! # 0 $ , " # , % %
! ++ ++ ++ 9 1
THE OFFICIAL TICKET SOURCE FOR THE ORPHEUM THEATER AND HOLLAND CENTER
OMAHA PAPILLION COUNCIL BLUFFS
After
High School Omaha Star Education Special Edition Nebraska Early Childhood Collaborative Awarded Expansion Grant On March 21, the Administration for Children and Families awarded the Nebraska Early Childhood Collaborative (NECC) a five-year grant with a projected annual funding level of $2.37 million for its work with the Omaha Early Learning Centers (OELC). NECC currently partners with the OELC to provide Early Head Start services to 160 infants and toddlers and their families. The Early Head Start – Child Care Partnerships program enhances and supports early learning settings to provide comprehensive and continuous services. It increases access to high-quality, full-day, full-year child care for low-income working families. The program also supports the development of infants and toddlers through strong relationship-based experiences and prepares them for the transition into Head Start and preschool. “NECC is excited to lead the way on this expansion of services for infants and toddlers in the North Omaha Community,” said Drew Theophilus, who serves as Chair of NECC’s Board of Directors and Director of Dividends Nebraska. “With the Omaha Early Learning Centers, NECC continues to make great strides toward its goal of providing access to high-quality early learning opportunities for all of Nebraska’s babies.” When it opens in 2020, the Omaha Early Learning Centers at Kennedy will be the third OELC location. The OELC at Kennedy was developed in partnership with 75 North and Omaha Public Schools, making it part of the “cradle to college” vision for the Highlander community. “This expansion grant is a critical element of the 75 North revitalization project, bringing us one step closer to our vision,” said Othello Meadows, the President and CEO of 75 North, the organization leading the revitalization project for the community. “The best opportunity to change the trajectory of a child’s life is in the first five years.”
Education is the Key By Linda Kennedy How many times have people asked you what you want to be when you grow up? Do you have an answer; do you really know or are you saying something you think they want to hear? It’s truly okay if you have no idea. You have plenty of time. It’s hard to know until you have seen enough of the world to understand the possibilities open to you. The good thing is you are not doomed to the packing house, the shoe shine stand, the phone company, or the maid’s uniform as some of your parents or grandparents were. Not to say they did not do good and honest work, supporting their families and working hard every day; they did. But the difference between past generations and your generation boils down to one word. Choice. People marched; they were beaten, jailed, lynched, and burned so you could have the privilege of choice. You stand on the shoulders of giants. Ordinary everyday people, but giants just the same. You can honor their sacrifices and those of the people who put food on the table and clothes on your back by making wise choices. The better you are at making everyday choices, the better you will be at making the tough life decisions ahead of you. You, too, can be a giant. In case you did not know it, there is such a thing as a “permanent record.” Poor choices now can affect the rest of your life. Think
of the choices that lead to your best life as behind a locked door. The key to open the door is education. Education will give you the knowledge to help you make informed choices. Right now, middle school and high school are the best places for you to get the education you need. Your teachers have knowledge that belongs to you. Don’t let a day go by without getting every bit they have to offer. It’s your right and your responsibility. Any day you learn something new is a good day. Make them all good days. Summer is right around the corner. Did you know that in the summer months students can lose up to one third of the things they learned during the school year? It is called “summer learning loss.” The sad fact is students lose math skills in the summer and scientists say students from families with less money lose reading skills as well. Summer is your opportunity to make use of all the things you have learned so far. Keep your skills sharp by reviewing and practicing the things you know. Find practical applications for your new knowledge. Brush up on your fractions by reading a recipe and cooking your favorite dish. Make a batch of cookies. Increase or decrease your recipe by one third. When you buy something, figure out your change in your head. Read everything you can, even the cereal box. This is your chance to read the books you want to read, not just the ones your teachers assign. Study the stars. You may become an astronomer or astrophysicist.
MCC Announces Plans for Code School Metropolitan Community College has revealed plans to open its MCC Code School, beginning this fall quarter. The nine-month, 20-hour per week noncredit program will enable students to secure entry-level web application positions by building competencies in high-demand information technology areas. In addition to teaching students, the MCC Code School will support employers seeking to recruit and grow talent. The program will be housed at the Center for Advanced and Emerging Technology on the Fort Omaha
Campus, 32nd Street and Sorensen Parkway. “What the MCC Code School will bring to the Omaha area is two-fold. First, it will give students the necessary IT skills to obtain a job where they will be successful. Secondly, it will help regional companies grow by providing much needed talent,” said Victoria Novak, director of the College’s Workforce Innovation Division. “Our new Code School will further diversity in the IT industry, help students build other skills such as teamwork and
communication while equipping them to be community engagement contributors.” The MCC Code School will prepare students for an Agile work environment and emulate bestpractices. Students will be given a job description and will undergo performance evaluations. The MCC Code School’s immersive learning culture will reflect the Agile and other best-practices used by today’s successful organizations. “Students in the MCC Code School will learn by doing, not listening. Classroom lessons will
100 Teens from Across America Complete Disney Dreamers Academy
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – One hundred students from across the country recently celebrated the conclusion of the 12th annual Disney Dreamers Academy with Steve Harvey and ESSENCE Magazine, with an emotional commencement ceremony featuring inspirational speeches by Walt Disney World Resort President George A. Kalogridis and television-radio personality Steve Harvey. The teens, or Disney Dreamers as they are called, were selected from among thousands of applicants to participate in the four-day, once-in-a-lifetime educational mentoring program that takes place annually at Walt Disney World Resort. Since its inception in 2007, more than 1,200 students have participated in the career-discovery journey that is Disney Dreamers Academy. Students are inspired to discover new career opportunities, pursue their dreams and interact with participating celebrities and motivational speakers. Disney Dreamers Academy is an important part of Disney’s commitment to helping the next generation of young people by inspiring them at a critical time in their development. The Disney Dreamers Academy theme is “Be100,” encouraging teens to be positive, to be “all in” and to
Look down on the ground and see how ants work in teams for the good of their colony. You may be an entomologist. Like words and their meanings? That’s etymology. Maybe you like working with your hands and building things. You could become a contractor. How about fashion? Make some of your own outfits; become a clothing designer. Maybe you want to own your own business. The library has information on all these and other professions. The choices are endless. You hold the key. Think beyond high school. You will need more than a high school diploma to find success. This summer try spending fewer hours on your phone or playing games on screens. You will be surprised how much more time you have. All that “social media” really promotes is anti-social behavior. Instead, why not visit friends in person. People in media should not define you or tell you what to wear. If a company is not paying you to wear clothes with the company name or logo, why advertise for them? Don’t be fooled. Educate yourself. Take a second look at all the media you consume. Be media literate. Education is the key to choices. Choices give you opportunity and limitless possibilities. Go ahead and be one of the giants. You are the only YOU, in the whole wide world, go out and make it a better place for all of us.
carry what they learn back with them so they can achieve their full purpose and make a difference in the lives of others. Along with a parent or guardian, each Disney Dreamer received an all-expensespaid trip to Walt Disney World Resort where they learned important networking skills, participated in hands-on career workshops and created fun memories to cherish for a lifetime. Highlights of the 2019 event included: • Participation in the iconic Magic Kingdom parade, where Dreamers served as honorary grand marshals • A Dumbo-themed welcome party before viewing Walt Disney Pictures’ live-action feature film, “Dumbo,” that opens March 29, 2019 • Career-oriented workshops that provided students with hands-on experiences • Interactions with professionals highlighting career paths ranging from medicine to entertainment to engineering and more • Networking and dress-for-success sessions • Mentoring by Walt Disney World executives, ESSENCE executives and other top professionals • Motivational presentations and tips to
help teens and their parents achieve success • Celebrity panels featuring Marcus Scribner (ABC’ s black-ish), Ruth Carter (Academy Award-winning costume designer for “Black Panther”), Miles Brown (ABC’s “black-ish”) and JD McCrary (voice of young Simba in Walt Disney Pictures’ “The Lion King” opening July 19) • Opportunities to make memories in the Walt Disney World theme parks “My hope is these Disney Dreamers realize there are no limits to what they can achieve,” said Steve Harvey. “All the amazing people they had the chance to hear from this weekend had to start somewhere, and I am excited to see where the dreams of these 100 students take them. That is why I enjoy partnering with Disney on this program every year.” Applications are now open for the 2020 event, which will take place next March at Walt Disney World. High school students ages 13-19 can apply at DisneyDreamersAcademy.com. Students apply by answering a series of essay questions about their personal stories, the influential people in their lives and their dreams for the future. The final 100 participants are selected by a panel of judges.
be interactive and teamworkoriented,” said Novak. “Students will complete tasks together and proactively develop a team culture.” Classes will be held evenings and weekends. Upon completion, students may transfer their certificate to MCC college credit. For more information about the MCC Code School, visit mccneb.edu/codeschool, email corporatetraining@mccneb.edu or phone 531-MCC-4943.
Premier Summer Housing Accommodations Available at Howard University (Black PR Wire) WASHINGTON – (BUSINESS WIRE) – Corvias at Howard University in downtown Washington, D.C., offers convenient, affordable accommodations during the summer for interns, conference attendees and groups seeking nightly, weekly, or monthly accommodations in the bustling downtown District of Columbia area. Summer housing guests enjoy numerous on-site amenities including: free on-site laundry, Wi-Fi Internet access, a fitness facility, 24-hour front desk service, cable TV, all utilities included, package and parcel pick-up, 24-7 emergency maintenance and on-site garaged parking available. Affordable nightly rates are available with nightly, weekly and monthly options. Corvias can also offer package pricing for suites for corporate housing, groups and more. Intern Housing Interns in the D.C. area can experience the best of the city with the summer intern housing options available May 20 – August 1, 2019 on the campus of Howard University and a short walking distance to Metro transit located at Howard Plaza Towers. Select from furnished two, three and five person private bedroom suites with private baths and a full-sized shared kitchen en-suite. Conference & Group Housing Associations, corporations, camps and group housing is also available on the historic Howard University campus featuring modern, private or shared bedrooms, suite-style living or traditional residence halls. Corvias at Howard University welcomes groups from 1 to 1,200 for short and long term stays during the summer from May 20-July 27, 2019. To learn more about Corvias summer housing options available on the Howard University campus or to schedule a tour of the housing facilities, visit housingathoward.com or call 1-877-620-4480. Visit online at: www.housingathoward.com Submit a Reservation Inquiry: Corvias at Howard University Summer Housing To learn more, visit: www.corvias.com.
Page Two
EDUCATION SPECIAL April 5, 2019 A Peace of Ty Demystifying Student Performance It’s All About the via Parental Engagement
THE OMAHA STAR
Balancing Act By Ty Nared We are living in a technological world where technology is a driving force that guides our lives. People are becoming stretched thin and the idea of self-care is a thought in the distance. For millions of Americans, the pressure to succeed has caused an epidemic of stress and anxiety. This is especially true among teens and young adults everywhere. In today’s society, there’s a large emphasis on attaining a degree at a four-year university or college that leaves many teens feeling overwhelmed. Not only are teens worried about their future they are concerned with other aspects of life. In order for young adults to feel at peace, they have to learn the balancing act. While it’s tricky, learning how to balance school, work, and play is possible. There are a plethora of different ways for teens to destress. I have outlined four key areas that may aid in the process. First, teens should avoid over-committing themselves. Often times in high school there is a pressure to achieve good grades, be involved in extracurricular activities on top of maintaining a decent social life. Prioritizing time is key when it comes to managing stress. It is okay to advocate for yourself and say no to extra responsibilities that may cause you to feel overwhelmed. It is also important to note that being a part of a number of extra-curricular activities is great but be selective in choosing which activities are important to you. Secondly, create a life plan that suits you. If
upon high school graduation you feel as if you’d like to pursue a trade rather than attend college, identify what that looks like for your future and decide next steps. There are certain societal expectations for teens and young adults to plan their life a certain way when in reality everyone’s life plan is different. It is important not to feel pressured to adjust your plans to be like everyone else’s. Next, learn to ask for help. Whether you are academically struggling or mentally drained reach out to those around you for assistance. Meeting deadlines and preparing for the future can be tough, so ask your guidance counselor for advice as needed. Maybe your guidance counselor may not be your first option, identify key people who are willing to do what it takes to help you succeed and lean on them in times of need. Lastly, design a self-care routine that meets your needs. It is important to take care of your mental, physical and emotional health. Figure out what helps you relax, when you feel stressed. Some like to engage in physical exercise, attend a yoga class, or even listen to music. Having time to clear your mind and destress are crucial when trying to keep anxiety at a low. Being a teen or young adult today comes with a lot of added stressors. However, learning to balance your priorities while maintaining your daily schedule is key. So, make an effort to enjoy the rest of your time in high school and take in the college experience. These are the times of your life and you don’t want to miss it!
‘100 Black Men’ Offers Math Camp to Avoid Summer Brain Drain By Richard Webb, Executive Director 100 Black Men of Omaha Inc. Summer can be a wonderful and enjoyable time for Youth with Promise in our community. This has traditionally been a time for kids who have spent nine months learning all that they can during the school year to have extended bedtime hours, additional time to play video games, and also additional time to spend outside with friends enjoying the extraordinary weather. As the old saying goes… “There is never a reward that doesn’t require a price for admission” and this admission can cost a pretty penny for our children’s minds. When we think about “summer brain drain” or the “summer slide,” statistics from the study of over half a million students in grades 2-9 researched by Atteberry, Allison, & McEachin, Andrew (2016) “School’s out: Summer learning loss across grade levels and school contexts in the United States today” revealed that students, on average, lost between 25-30 percent of their school-year learning over the summer. Additionally, Black and Latino students tended to gain less over the school year and lose more over the summer compared to white students. Research on Think Stretch noted that 2 months of reading skills and 2-1/2 months of math skills are lost over a single summer. Plus, summer slide is cumulative, so those lost months add up over time. When we add that up cumulatively, by the time the student is in middle school, they have lost the equivalent of 2 years of learning. The good news is parents, teachers, and community partners are familiar with summer slide and understand that there is an abundance of community resources and programs to address it early on. If the “summer brain drain” or the “summer slide” is addressed during elementary school years – research has found that students perform better in the long run— developing outstanding learning habits and not losing as much knowledge. The key is to realize and connect with community resources early. Based on the research and the mission of the 100 Black Men of Omaha (100) “Improving the quality of life in Omaha by helping our youth to be Respectful, Responsible, and
Ready to Lead,” the 100 understands – as an active community partner – that we can utilize our resources to create programming that would help alleviate some of that brain drain. The 100 Math Camp was established in the summer of 2017 for its Saturday Academy’s students in partnership with Title I to keep Saturday Academy students engaged during the summer. This three-day program allows students to be engaged with fun math activities designed as a jumpstart for their back to school adventures. Students work with state certified teachers who conduct fun STEM activities that keep students engaged and allows for a smooth transition back into Saturday Academy and also the school learning culture. This is a completely free resource, for boys and girls in grades 3-5. The camp is held in July of each year due to it being right after summer school for some students and it leads into school starting in August. During the 2016/2017 program year, the 100 Math Camp enrolled 22 3rd through 5th grade students. In the 2017/2018 program year, this number increased to 48. Students took part in activities such as building rockets, CAPOW (UNO) Science/Physics/Chemistry demonstration, drop in visitors – such as Batman, and a book bag giveaway. Students were excitedly able to display what they learned by working together on group projects which involved math, science and reading. Students were awarded with certificates in a graduation ceremony. Preventing “summer slide” isn’t as hard as you may think. The best way is to keep your children active and continually doing something constructive. With opportunities and resources such as the 100 Math Camp, students can be encouraged to use what they know and have some fun while doing it! You can be a “Person of Significance” and help us make a difference, help expand our reach in the community, and help change lives. You can do this by becoming a mentor, giving a gift, or being a sponsor for a program. The 100 continues its works with our “Youth with Promise” due to individual supporters like yourself.
OMAHA AREA
COLLEGE FAIR APRIL
14
Once students reach middle school, parents often become less engaged with their child’s academic environment. They don’t walk them in the school’s doors anymore, they don’t communicate as often with teachers, and they are less likely to visit the school unless there is a special program or sporting event after hours. This is especially true for African American parents. As a former classroom teacher in an urban, predominantly Black school, I have first-hand knowledge of this. During middle school, school becomes more or less a mystery to parents. However, under Every Student Succeeds Act, there is a push for parents to be more involved with academic environment of their child. Studies show that when parents are more actively involved in their child’s schools, the child tends to perform better academically. Therefore, parental engagement is an important concept of discussion in terms of African American children’s performance. Although parental engagement has a strong correlation to student academic performance and achievement, why is it that African American parents appear disproportionately less engaged than parents of other races? Studies have shown that there are many factors that may hinder Black parents from being active in their child’s schooling. Factors include lacking confidence when speaking to education professionals or fear of seeming incompetent, being the sole provider in the household with work hours that conflict with school hours, and not knowing how to approach school officials with proper questions specific to individual child concerns. These and many other nuisances keep Black parents from approaching schools to be more active in their child’s academic career. Nevertheless, for the sake of maximum student success and potential, it is important that parents are actively engaged in their child’s schooling. It is imperative that Black parents are not only involved but also engaged in their child’s schools. Parents must not only be involved through participating in school-planned functions, but they must also create their own spaces and opportunities for active engagement to demystify student performance. There are many ways to do so, which include: 1. Use school system provided platforms
to keep up with grades. The school system may provide this service for free, and it may be associated with a special code or password for log in. Parents should check with the school secretary for information on this. Frequently checking student grades and holding them accountable for their grades can send strong messages to students in terms of performance. 2. Know when reports cards are due. School systems may send home a calendar with this information, they may provide automated calls as a reminder, and the dates may be readily accessible on the school system website. It is ultimately up to the parents to stay abreast of report cards and not wait until the last grading quarter to show concern over grades. It’s too late then. 3. Email teachers. Email is a quick form of communication that most people use directly from their phones. Most teachers use emails frequently. Make use of this to maintain constant contact and communication with your child’s teacher. Most teachers prefer to hear from parents with concerns of student progress and would happily engage to inform parents concerning their children. 4. Check teacher webpages. Many teachers have webpages that they frequently update with pertinent information pertaining to their classroom. This information may include due dates, skills and concepts to be covered, and materials needed for upcoming projects and assignments. 5. Create a parent network. Many parents may not have the time or resources to be involved with the formal PTA (Parent Teacher Association). They may decide to create social media groups that keep all parents abreast of current happenings within the school. This could be a simple, easy way to connect to other parents of students within the same educational setting for accurate, current information concerning the child’s school. Regardless, of the age or grade of a parent’s child, parents have a right to know about the current happenings of the classroom and school. However, the school and parent relationship shouldn’t be one-sided with school doing all of the work in terms of providing the opportunities for parents to become engaged. Parents must understand the importance of their involvement in their child’s educational trajectory, take the reins, and create their opportunities for being actively involved. Although, middle school is the time when most parents become less engaged in the child’s school, it should be a time when parents maintain engagement. To demystify further, parent involvement weighs heavily on children’s performance. And simply put, children need to see parents in their academic spaces for better performance, even in middle school and beyond.
Fisk Partnership Launches Undergrad Scholars Program NASHVILLE, TN – Fisk University, one of the nation’s historically black colleges and the oldest institution of higher learning in Nashville, Tenn., and Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP recently announced the launch of the Cravath Scholars program. The program, which will support high-achieving Fisk students studying across a range of disciplines, strengthens Cravath’s historical ties to the University as the Firm celebrates its bicentennial. Scholars will be supported with tuition assistance and a summer internship in Cravath’s New York office, including training and mentorship opportunities. Kevin Rome, Sr., Ph.D., President of Fisk University, said, “It is with the support of institutions like Cravath, Google, HCA and Ingram Industries that we are able to provide our students access to resources and experiences that will shape their paths in life long after graduation. We are proud to have Cravath as our partner in establishing this very special Scholars program.” Established shortly after the end of the Civil War, Fisk University’s founders included
noted abolitionist Reverend Erastus Milo Cravath, whose son, Paul Drennan Cravath, would go on to become a named partner in the Firm. Erastus Cravath served as the first President of the University, a role he held for more than two decades, raising his family on the grounds of the Fisk campus. Sharing his father’s passion for the mission of the school, Paul Cravath served in various leadership roles at Fisk for 45 years. “From its mandate in the aftermath of the Civil War to its illustrious roster of alumni, including W.E.B. Du Bois, Ida B. Wells-Barnett and Congressman John Lewis, Fisk University has played a crucial role in the progress of the United States,” said Faiza J. Saeed, Cravath’s Presiding Partner. “It is an
honor to celebrate our shared history in our bicentennial year, and to have the opportunity to contribute to the education and development of another generation of Fisk students.” Founded in 1866, Fisk University is committed to the success of scholars and leaders with global perspective, producing graduates from diverse backgrounds with the integrity and intellect required for substantive contributions to society. Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP was founded in 1819 and is widely recognized as one of the world’s premier law firms. The Firm has 546 lawyers in New York City and London. (This article originally appeared in The Tennessee Tribune.)
Omaha Area College Fair April 14
2019
SUNDAY
By Sharonica Nelson, Ed.D. Professor, Professional Education Consultant, Author
1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
University of Nebraska at Omaha Sapp Fieldhouse • 6001 Dodge Street
Find details at EducationQuest.org 402.391.4033
Students can visit with representatives from nearly 100 colleges during the Omaha Area College Fair on April 14 from 1-3 p.m. at the University of Nebraska at Omaha Sapp Fieldhouse, 6001 Dodge St. This free event is sponsored by EducationQuest Foundation. The college fair is especially important for high school juniors who should narrow their college choices before applying for financial aid and college admission early in the fall. The fair will also help seniors finalize their college decision, and sophomores start their college search process. Before attending, students should register for a barcode at NebraskaCollegeFairs. org, print the barcode (or download it to their smartphone) and take it to the fair so college reps can scan it. A list of participating colleges and questions to ask are available in the college fair article at EducationQuest.org. EducationQuest Foundation is a nonprofit organization with a mission to improve access to higher education in Nebraska. Headquartered in Lincoln, EducationQuest provides free college planning services, need-based scholarship programs, college access grants for high schools, college access resources for middle schools, and outreach services for community agencies. For more information, phone 800.303.3745 or visit EducationQuest.org.
EDUCATION SPECIAL THE OMAHA STAR Page Three Prominent Black Voices Speak How Much Does College Cost? expenses range from tuition to housing Housing and Meals Out on College Exam Scandal toCollege The cost of “room and board” depends on the bus passes. See how all these costs add up to a
April 5, 2019
By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Correspondent @StacyBrownMedia
National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) President and CEO Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. was among several prominent African Americans who said they view the recent $25 million college admissions scam as “affirmative action for the rich” and yet another example of white privilege. “This is a question of a deeper revelation of the extent to which white privilege and white supremacy are institutionalized in every fabric of American society, including higher education,” Chavis, who’s also a longtime civil rights activist, told Urban Hollywood 411. “The rich have one standard of education and everyone else has another standard,” Chavis added in the story written by Black Press journalist Barrington M. Salmon, who also interviewed other prominent African Americans including Virginia entertainment attorney Elva Mason and Former Florida A&M University Law Professor Cori Harvey. “This inequity isn’t just about wealth, it’s about race, ethnicity, culture and history,” Chavis said. On March 12, federal investigators announced 50 high-profile individuals, including actresses Lori Loughlin and Felicity Huffman, were charged in a scheme that involved changing college entrance test results, hiring proctors to take exams for children and superimposing their kids’ faces onto pictures of real student athletes, to guarantee college admission through athletics. Dorothy Leavell, NNPA Chairman and publisher of the Chicago Crusader and Gary Crusader Newspapers, said, “I am deeply disturbed by the report that the “privileged” are buying entrance to universities while many qualified students are being denied an “earned entrance” to those same
college’s “sticker price.” In its most recent survey of college pricing, the College Board reports that a moderate college budget for an in-state public college for the 2017–2018 academic year averaged $25,290. A moderate budget at a private college averaged $50,900. But what goes into these costs?
universities. “In my mind, it conjures up the premise that African American Ward Connelly of California in the 1960s was selling the theory that affirmative action was a disadvantage to those who would be considered ‘privileged.’ “It worries those of us who believe that ‘hard work’ is the answer to advancement, but to see an actor’s daughter say she wanted to party and was not so interested in school, flies in the face of those who worked hard to attain their advancement. In 2019, “monetary privilege’ is alive and well. “Also troubling is the fact that the Secretary of Education, Betsy DeVos, in light of this revelation, is seeking to limit loans and grants to those students that are most in need of financial assistance.” Federal officials said 33 parents paid amounts ranging from thousands of dollars to $6.5 million to get their children into top colleges, including Georgetown University, Stanford University, UCLA, the University of San Diego, USC, the University of Texas, Wake Forest, and Yale. Chavis believes systematic racism made the scam possible. “Those involved are embarrassed but will never acknowledge the longstanding history of racism that made their actions possible,” he said.
Why You Should Consider Going to College Close to Home By Sarah Goldy-Brown Distance plays a huge factor when deciding what college to attend. You’ll find many advantages of going away to college like living independently, exploring a new area, and starting fresh. But, once you note the cost of instate vs out of state tuition, going to college close to home will become more appealing. You’ll also realize all of the great benefits that staying local has to offer beyond just saving money in college.
Tuition Tuition is what colleges charge for the instruction they provide. Colleges charge tuition by the units that make up an academic year, such as a semester or quarter. Tuition at public colleges is often a bargain for state residents, but not for out-of-staters, who often pay double the tuition of residents. Tuition can vary by major. Students in the sciences, engineering, computing, premed programs, and the fine arts often pay more. For example, at University of Illinois UrbanaChampaign, students enrolled in the College of Engineering pay up to $5,000 more in tuition than students pursuing other majors. Fees Colleges charge fees for services. These fees may include the library, campus transportation, student government, and athletic facilities. Colleges often report a combined tuition and fees figure. According to the College Board, the average cost of tuition and fees for the 2017– 2018 school year was $34,740 at private colleges, $9,970 for state residents at public colleges, and $25,620 for out-of-state residents attending public universities.
campus housing and food plans you choose. The College Board reports that the average cost of room and board in 2017–2018 ranged from $10,800 at fouryear public schools to $12,210 at private schools. Colleges also provide room and board estimates for living off campus based on typical student costs. Books and School Supplies Most colleges estimate the average costs for required learning materials. Some colleges even include the cost of a computer and computer accessories. The College Board reports the average cost for books and supplies for the 2017–2018 school year was $1,250 at public colleges and $1,220 at private colleges. Personal and Transportation Expenses Colleges may estimate some expenses they don’t bill you for. These include local transportation, clothing, personal items, entertainment, etc. The College Board reports that expenses in this category for 2017–2018 ran from $2,730 at private colleges to $3,270 at public universities. Don’t Give Up on a College Because of Its Sticker Price The price of college may seem overwhelming, but college educations come at many different price levels, and financial aid can greatly reduce your cost. (Note: Financial information provided is of a general nature and may not apply to your situation. Contact a financial or tax advisor before acting on such information.)
International Fair Returns to MCC on April 11 Metropolitan Community College’s annual International Fair will bring entertainment from around the globe to the College on Thursday, April 11, 10 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. inside the Connector Building at the South Omaha Campus, 2909 Edward Babe Gomez Ave. The event is free and open to the public and will feature global displays, area organizations and a USCIS Naturalization Ceremony, which will take place at 10:30 a.m. in the Industrial Training Center at the South Omaha Campus, room 120. The event is aimed toward giving attendees of all ages the opportunity to learn about different cultures. To begin the day, the USCIS Naturalization Ceremony will welcome new U.S. citizens. Musicians, dancers and performers will then take center stage in the Connector Building Commons throughout the day, blending cultures and ethnic backgrounds. For more information, visit mccneb.edu/intercultural. The International Fair is presented with the support of the Nebraska Arts Council and the Nebraska Cultural Endowment.
Here are 10 benefits of attending a college close to home. 1. Potential to Live at Home As of 2018, nationally, 28 percent of recent college graduates live with their parents, up from 19 percent in 2005. Staying at home for college is the easiest way to cut back college costs. The College Board reports that the average cost of room and board in 2017–2018 ranged from $10,800 at four-year public schools to $12,210 at private schools. Live at home, and you’ll save. Plus, there are many other benefits of living at home during college like home cooked meals and seeing your pets. Even if you’re set on dorm life, choosing a nearby college at least leaves the possibility of living at home open. 2. Present for Family Events You’ll miss birthday parties, little sibling sporting events or dance recitals, high school homecoming, and more if you go to college far from home. Depending on how far away you go, you might also miss Thanksgiving and religious holiday celebrations. Attending a college close to home, whether it’s 10 minutes or 3 hours away, will make returning home more possible and less expensive. 3. Home Cooked Meals Your campus might have a Chik-Fil-A or Subway, but even those will get tiring after a while. For most, you’ll miss home cooked meals and a stocked refrigerator. Your friends will envy you for enjoying meals at home once a week or all of the time. 4. Bring Your College Friends Home Dorm life is great, but it’s nothing compared to hanging out in a cozy home. If you live at a nearby college, you can invite your friends over to taste your mom’s or dad’s cooking. While they’re there, you can play video games, and hopefully do some laundry. Friends that feel homesick will especially appreciate time spent in a family setting. 5. Close to Your Doctors When You Need Them If you regularly see specialists at home for a chronic medical condition, finding alternatives near college is stressful. Doctors will have to fax files back and forth and catch up on your history. You’ll also need a new pharmacy. Going to college close to home will eliminate this unnecessary stress and keep your medical care consistent. When you’re living on campus surrounded by people, it’s likely you’ll come down with something temporary. College campuses do have on-campus medical centers, but they are limited. You may also struggle finding a way off-campus to an emergency care center if you don’t have a car. Stay close to home and you can keep your regular doctors. 6. Stay Connected with High School Friends Your high school friends may not have yet graduated, or they chose to stay at home and work. By attending college close to home, you can easily maintain those relationships. You can also introduce your high school and college friends instead of living in “two different worlds”. 7. Have More Stability Enjoy more stability if you live at or near home while in college. You’ll feel less overwhelmed by the transition because the area and climate are familiar. Plus, you won’t feel homesick or as homesick as those who moved away for school. If you do experience an off day, a family member can easily visit. 8. Visit Your Pets for Stress Relief Many colleges now offer pet therapy on campus during stressful times of year. What better pet to help with your stress than your very own? You can’t keep your dog in your dorm room, but if you live close enough, you can walk him around campus. He or she can help you and your classmates cope with stress and college anxiety. 9. Attend Familiar Religious Services College students prioritize degree completion, so it’s common for students to neither grow nor decline in their faith during their college years. Faith-based students desiring to grow in their faith might find comfort attending a local college. This way they can remain an active part of their local religious institution. 10. Continue Volunteer or Part-Time Job Opportunities If your college is close to home, you can continue your high school job. This will save you time and stress. Plus, you’ll keep pay bumps you may have accumulated instead of starting over. Non-profit organizations you support will also appreciate your continued volunteer work even after completing high school. This relationship could even turn into an internship opportunity. Decided that you’re going to college close to home? Talk to your family about expectations. Let them know how often they can visit and your desired level of involvement in family activities. Just because you live close enough to attend your sister’s soccer games every Friday night, doesn’t mean you will. Laying out boundaries ahead of time will help everyone transition.
EXPERIENCES ACCESS TO EXCEP TIONAL
The right place to build your college memories. Your time at UNO will be full of unforgettable experiences: sporting events, campus activities, and nationally-renowned guest lecturers. Plus, you’ll be surrounded by Mavericks just like you!
See what memories you’ll make. Visit campus today.
[ BE aM AV.C OM/ V ISI T ]
THE UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE BASED ON RACE, COLOR, ETHNICITY, NATIONAL ORIGIN, SEX, PREGNANCY, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, GENDER IDENTITY, RELIGION, DISABILITY, AGE, GENETIC INFORMATION, VETERAN STATUS, MARITAL STATUS, AND/OR POLITICAL AFFILIATION IN ITS PROGRAMS, ACTIVITIES, OR EMPLOYMENT. 0678ADUGA0519
Page Four
EDUCATION SPECIAL
THE OMAHA STAR
April 5, 2019
62 Billion in Education Cuts Proposed By Charlene Crowell Every budget defines priorities and values. To put it another way, what’s really important in life gets supported financially. For many families, having a home, food, and utilities usually rank pretty high. Then there are other budgetary concerns like saving for college or having a ‘rainy day’ fund to cover less frequent costs that can be much higher than the size of the next pay check. Government budgets, built on taxpayer dollars, also reveal priorities. At the federal level, budgets are proposed by the executive branch, but it is the legislative branch that passes and funds budgets. What is in the best interest of the nation is supposed to be the guiding force in government budgets. But as Sportin’ Life sang in the folk opera Porgy and Bess, “It ain’t necessarily so.” The White House’s FY 2020 proposal cuts Education funding by $62 billion compared to that of FY 2019. Even worse, as the cost of higher education continues to climb, federal student aid would be seriously slashed while other programs would be totally eliminated. Some of the most disturbing college federal cuts affect programs that lessen the amount of student loans that need to be borrowed for every academic term. As rising college costs have worsened the financial challenge faced by many black and other low-wealth families, the availability of grant programs that do not have to be repaid and/or work-study programs are key sources for many college students and their families. Among its many revisions, the Trump Administration stands ready to risk a sizeable portion of the proposed $7.25 billion in Pell Grant funding next year. This program is the single largest source of grant aid for low-income households for post-secondary education. On March 26, the Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 Education budget was the focus of a hearing before the House Appropriations Subcommittee for Labor-Health and Human Services-Education. Secretary Betsy Devos delivered testimony that expanded upon previously released materials from the Trump Administration. “Since President Trump took office, Congressional appropriations for U.S. Department of Education programs have increased dramatically – in spite of the Administration’s call to slow spending,” said Secretary DeVos. “We are not doing our children any favors when we borrow from their future in order to invest in systems and policies that are not yielding better results.” In response, Connecticut’s Rep. Rosa DeLauro, the subcommittee chairwoman did not mince words. “This budget underfunds education
at every turn,” said DeLauro who added “This budget inflicts harm.” Even Rep. Tom Cole from Oklahoma who serves as the subcommittee’s Ranking Member viewed the White House proposal as “short-sighted.” Representatives DeLauro and Cole were absolutely correct. The Work-Study program that brings campus-based jobs to students would suffer a double blow. Its monies would be reduced by 55 percent and remaining funds would be shared with a proposed pilot program that’s targeted to private sector employers for workforce development of nontraditional and low-income students. That’s the window dressing on these cuts. The Work-Study program that received over $1.2 billion in 2019 would be cut to $500.4 million. Secondly, instead of students working on campus, they would need to figure out how to reach employment at private businesses. Not every student has a car. Nor is public transit always available near college campuses. These businesses would supplement their revenue streams with public monies but the profits derived would still be private. Previously, Work-Study was jointly funded by the federal government paying 75 percent of hourly wages, with the remaining 25 percent paid by the college employer. What for-profit business wouldn’t want the government to pick up 75 percent of its labor costs? Seems that the private business – not the student – is the greater concern with this budget. “Betsy DeVos has some explaining to do – her disinterest in prioritizing quality and affordable education for students is
disheartening and erodes the confidence the public has in the Department of Education,” said Debbie Goldstein, an EVP with the Center for Responsible Lending. Currently, the formula-based Pell Grant award averages $4,251 per participating student. Next year as proposed, the program’s average award will be slightly less at $4,149 and traditional grant recipient students would be forced to share those funds with others enrolled in workforce development training that does not accrue credit hours or traditional academic terms. Many career and technical training institutions are also for-profit entities that in recent years have either failed to provide the training promised, or the earnings assured by admissions personnel – or both. In the worst-case scenarios, tens of thousands of students have been enrolled at the time of closures that came with little or no notice. The Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant is need-based and financially helps low-income, undergraduate students. For the past two fiscal years, this program was funded at $1.7 billion. If the Trump Administration’s proposal holds, no monies will support this program next year. The Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grants are available to students whose parent or guardian was a member of the Armed Forces and died as a result of their military deployment in either Iraq or Afghanistan after September 11, 2001. In FY 2019, the average grant in this program was $5,293. In FY 2020, the White House would end it with no appropriation. These are only a few of the cuts proposed to higher education at a time when education is more important today than ever before. The global economy requires a highly-skilled and knowledgeable workforce. It seems so ironic that this White House keeps placing businesses before the needs of people. “Instead of punishing for-profit institutions that have deceived students and encouraged them to take on unaffordable levels of student debt, Secretary DeVos will defend President Trump’s proposal to extend taxpayer money to finance unproven short-term programs, many of which will be offered by these very same forprofit college,” added Goldstein. Here’s hoping that Congress will hear a loud outcry on gutting federal financial aid. Enacting a budget that represents the needs of people should and must prevail.
(Charlene Crowell is the Communications Deputy Director at the Center for Responsible Lending. She can be reached at Charlene. crowell@responsiblelending.org.)
African American Scholarships African American scholarships are available in colleges and universities across the United States and beyond. A college education isn’t confined to a textbook or how much extra credit you can receive for completing side projects or doing research for a professor. Higher
education allows students to step outside their comfort zone and to develop new relationships while pursuing majors and other interests of their choosing, unlike high school, which can be considerably more rigid in nature as well as schedule. Much can be learned from someone
who is not of your background and culture. This experience can be as valuable as the academic knowledge, career preparation, and training you had in mind when you enrolled. This is one of the reasons why colleges offer financial aid packages designed to fill campuses with
Subscribe To The Omaha Star 402-346-4041 opt. 5 • theomahastar.com
Retention Roadmap – Navigating Student Success During the Summer By Terri L. Crawford, JD “The best teachers are those that show you where to look, but don’t tell you what to see.” As students, parents, guardians, and those who stand in the gap are looking forward to the “Days of Summer” the last thing they want to think about are more classes and the classroom. However, parents should be aware of the phenomenon know as Summer learning loss also known as “the summer slide,” which has a disparate impact on students in lower socialeconomic income brackets, and students of color. According to scholars, summer learning loss is widely understood to mean loss of academic ground gained throughout the regular school year. Black students already face numerous obstacles in Eurocentric academic settings, many beyond their control that causes adverse learning outcomes for them. Comprehensive review of the literature summarized findings regarding summer learning loss concluded that: (1) on average, students’ achievement scores declines over summer vacation by one month’s worth of school-year learning; (2) declines were sharper for math than for reading, and (3) the extent of loss was larger at higher grade levels. Importantly, they also concluded that income-based reading gaps grew over the summer, given that middle class students tended to show improvement in reading skills while lower social-economic income students tended to experience loss. However, they did not find differential summer learning in math, or by gender or race in either subject. The good news is, the “summer slide” can be substantially diminished and in some cases eliminated altogether. However, in order for this to be an effective tool for our kids everyone in the village must be clocked in. If it sounds familiar, it should. Standing in the gap for our students’ education is not new to us. Our history shows teachers who are truly invested in student outcomes holistically, through freedom schools, liberated the thinking of students and unlocked their unlimited potential. The Freedom Schools of the 1960s were first developed by the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Counsel (SNCC) during the 1964 Freedom Summer in Mississippi. The Freedom Schools were intentional in attacking the “sharecropper education” received by so many African American students and poor whites. Through reading, writing, arithmetic, history, and civics, participants received a progressive curriculum during a six-week summer program that was designed to prepare disenfranchised African Americans to become active political actors on their own behalf (as voters, elected officials, organizers, etc.). Nearly 40 freedom schools were established serving close to 2,500 students, including parents and grandparents. Young people named it the Freedom Summer Project. It was the largest campaign to register voters – in 1964, an election year – and it was
students of different cultures, economic backgrounds and life experiences. Like other minority groups, African American students can benefit from this search for diversity. Many scholarships are available for minority students, and there are particular ones for those seeking a postsecondary degree. Explore the sample of scholarships below that can be found at Scholarships.com. Mind you, there are often other criteria, in addition to race and ethnicity, for qualifying for these and most other scholarships, which is why you should conduct a free scholarship search at Scholarships.com to get a list of scholarship opportunities tailored to your specific situation and qualifications. This will save time searching so you can spend that time applying for and, hopefully, winning scholarships. AAAS Minority Science Writers Internship • Application Deadline: 2/1/2020 • Amount: Varies
the most significant demonstration of African Americans’ political strength in the Civil Rights Movement. Congressman John Lewis, then chairman of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), wrote that the objective of Freedom Summer was to “force a showdown between the local and federal government.” One significant yet overlooked part of this history is the way activists moved beyond the ballot box to politicize the right to an education. So how does the “village” replicate this tradition over the summer and invest in the future education of our children? What if we, the village engaged our students in programming over the summer that engaged them in STEM programming, CODING and College for Kids in addition to raising Black consciousness and pride in oneself. Wouldn’t that be great? Well, programs like the Bronx Community College Science and Technology Program, Drone Project is a five-week, hands-on program that will introduce students to the emerging applications of unmanned flight, that does just that. Black Girls who Code Summer Camp provides 10 days of hands-on, project-based instruction in which girls engage in tech instruction. The camps run for six hours a day in several cities across the country, no prior coding experience is required. Some of these programs are available in our own backyards, literally speaking. (shout out to Metro Community College 4 Kids and other programs). However, the village that it takes to raise a child, has the primary responsibility of changing the narrative and face of education reform to meaningfully include Black voices, leaders and initiatives that truly have equity and Black student success at the core. The liberation of our children’s education and consciousness raising is inextricably linked to the current civil rights movement in this country and we all have to be ALL IN to change outcomes for the next generation, beginning with addressing the “summer slide” syndrome and continuing engagement throughout the school year. Have a good summer and be committed to changing the narrative for our kids! Peace and power all Summer long! (Dr. Terri L. Crawford, B.A., M.A., J.D.; University of Nebraska Omaha, Department of Black Studies - Adjunct Professor; Political Awareness and Involvement Chair, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. (OAC ).
• This program places minority students interested in journalism as a career and who want to learn about science writing at Science Magazine for 10 weeks over the summer. Interns experience what it’s like to cover the scientific and technological issues that shape our global community. The internship is open to any minority undergraduate with a serious interest in science writing. ABA Diversity Scholarship • Application Deadline: Varies • Amount: $5,000 • The Diversity Scholarship focuses on broadening the number of traditionally underrepresented groups in the management and operation ranks of the transportation, travel, and tourism industry. Eligible candidates must have completed, at a minimum, their first year of college at an accredited university; must have a declared major or course of study relevant to the transportation, travel, and tourism industry.
ACHE Albert W. Dent Graduate Student Scholarship • Application Deadline: 3/31/2020 • Amount: $5,000 • The Foundation of the American College of Healthcare Executives established this scholarship in honor of Albert W. Dent, the first AfricanAmerican Fellow of ACHE. This scholarship is offered to provide financial aid to minority students in healthcare management graduate programs to help offset tuition costs, student loans and expenses.
Actuarial Diversity Scholarship • Application Deadline: 5/2/2019 • Amount: $4,000 • The Actuarial Diversity Scholarship promotes diversity within the profession through an annual scholarship program for Black/African American, Hispanic, Native North American and Pacific Islander students.
MCC EMPOWERS YOU TO MAKE THE SMART CHOICE Earn College Credit while in High School
FIrst two years at MCC Can Save you Thousands
With CollegeNOW!, you earn college credit while you’re still in high school.
Take your general education requirements at MCC, then continue at a four-year college or university.
Why is CollegeNOW! for you? •
Half-price tuition through the summer quarter of the year you graduate from high school.*
•
Online classes
•
Head start on a college education
•
Quality instruction
•
Current technology
•
Credits toward college
Why are your first two years at MCC a smart move? •
MCC tuition is, on average, 1/3 the cost of a four-year college
•
Financial aid and scholarships are available
•
Most credits accepted by fouryear colleges and universities*
•
Convenient locations
•
Current technology
•
On-campus or online classes
*Note: Half-price tuition valid only for Nebraska high school students/residents. Students are responsible for the cost of textbooks, which can be purchased at any MCC campus bookstore.
*Note: To verify transfer agreements, contact your target four-year institution before enrolling.
To learn more, visit mccneb.edu/collegenow or call 531-MCC-2400.
To learn more, visit mccneb.edu/articulation or call 531-MCC-1111.
Metropolitan Community College affirms a policy of equal education, employment opportunities and nondiscrimination in providing services to the public. To read our full policy statement, visit mccneb.edu/nondiscrimination.