Vol. 85 - No. 2 Omaha, Nebraska
Friday, January 13, 2023
75 cents
No More Empty Pots Leadership Program Spotlight: Natavia Jones
Person of the Week: Angela McGraw
Angela McGraw has been named Executive Director of Girls Incorporated of Omaha, effective January 17, 2023. Her extensive experience in nonprofit leadership, higher education administration, program management, grant writing, researchbased youth programming, and fundraising are a perfect fit for Girls Inc. and its mission to inspire all girls to be “Strong, Smart, and Bold.” McGraw comes to Girls Inc. as the Director of Do Space, a technology library providing free access to the latest software, devices, and ultra-fast internet to the entire Omaha community. As Director, she oversaw ongoing planning and implementation efforts to ensure the continued thoughtful development of Do Space’s programs
and policies. McGraw also led Do Space’s DEI efforts in the areas of advocacy, community involvement, internal policies, and hiring. In addition, she was responsible for all programming oversight; successfully managed a $1.7 million annual budget; identified new fundraising opportunities; led the Tech Pack program which provided over 900 Omahans with access to a laptop and free WiFi internet for one year; and engaged and inspired Do Space stakeholders to understand and support its organizational mission, including its work to address digital equity. From 2019-2021, McGraw served as the Assistant Director of Secondary Partnerships & Gateway to College at Metropolitan Community College (MCC) in Omaha, Nebraska. While there, she created
the Career Technical Education K-College Pathway, which provides opportunities for Secondary Partnerships to have meaningful connections with 6-12 graders. She expanded MCC’s reach within the educational community by working with 12 Nebraska superintendents, including building brand awareness and creating dual enrollment classes to meet the unique needs of their student bodies. McGraw’s varied background also includes STEM Program Coordinator (College of Info. Science & Technology) at University of NebraskaOmaha (UNO). During her tenure in this role, she provided leadership and strategic planning for all K-12 outreach program within the
McGraw continued on Page 2
By Adam Groth (Creighton University) Amy Zeller them. Her early childhood in Omaha was transient as the second oldest of four children in a single parent home. In middle school, she was awarded a fullride scholarship for first generation and low-income students to attend college. The opportunity opened doors for Natavia to receive continual encouragement and newfound mentorship on her journey. She became No More Empty Pots the ongoing catalyst of her celebrated the five graduates own success story as she of its inaugural six- worked towards meeting the month Emerging Leaders strict requirements of the Experience Leadership scholarship and envisioning Program. The spotlight this a future for herself bound week is on graduate Natavia only by her own goals. Jones. Natavia graduated from Natavia is a first generation the University of Nebraska college graduate passionate Lincoln in 2021 with a about breaking through Bachelor of Science degree barriers and healing trauma in Child Youth and Family for herself, her family and Studies. She minored other emerging leaders in other areas she is in Omaha. She describes passionate about including herself as a generational Ethnic Studies, Women curse breaker. and Gender Studies, and “Someone breaking Psychology. Natavia generational curses is has already held great someone who has beaten responsibility in her early the odds despite what they professional career while have been faced against,” serving in a director role she said. “I have learned at the YWCA in Lincoln, to step into my own path an organization dedicated of who I am and unteach to eliminating racism myself the things I have and empowering women. been taught as a kid and Natavia has since relocated assumed as truth.” to Omaha to begin affecting Natvia is motivated to change in the community speak out honestly about she was raised in. her experiences in order to Natavia is a graduate of inspire and uplift others in the Leadership Program similar positions to break and currently serves as the away from the negative full-time Emerging Leaders expectations assigned to Fellow at No More Empty
Pots. The fellowship is a paid professional development and work experience opportunity to cultivate an individual’s growth potential as a community leader. She is focused on professional development, building leadership skills and intentionally planning and preparing to launch the next steps of her career. “Leaders are someone who walks and guides you,” she said. “Leaders show the way while giving others the space and opportunity to share their ideas.” Natavia remains passionate about blazing a trail of healing, hope and self-actualization for others through her future as a community leader and advocate. No More Empty Pots is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that connects individuals and groups to improve selfsufficiency, regional food security and economic resilience of urban and rural communities through advocacy and action. The Leadership Program amplifies leadership and professional development opportunities for emerging leaders. The six-month cohort in 2022 is made possible through the P.E.A.R.L. Pledge Grant funded by the Pearl Milling Company to champion the success of Black women and girls. Learn more at www.nmepomaha.org
Publisher’s Pen Terri D. Sanders
Well, well, well…I must say it again, COVID and variants thereof are lurking in every corner of our world, and we should still beware. Wash your hands, do not attend gatherings
which you are unsure of if it is safe, and if YOU do not feel well, STAY HOME! We will be celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Monday, January 16, 2023. There are many events in our city for this celebration. (See the Out and About page). As Black Media in our State, we have an obligation to let YOU know what is going on that is relevant to US Folk and those who take an interest in Black News. Do you really understand how this phenomena happens? July 9, 1938, a
“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere” Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Black woman, Mildred D. Brown and her husband embarked on a project of a newspaper that would stand “Dedicated to the Service of the People that NO Good Cause Shall Lack a Champion and that Evil Shall not go Unopposed.” For 10 cents, on a weekly basis, and an army of young people who distributed the paper door to door, the Omaha Star was born. That was 85 years ago. And today for 75 cents on the newsstand around our city once again the Omaha Star published EVERY
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week, upholds the same service to the Metropolitan Omaha Community. In 85 years the Omaha Star has consistently published the good news. Never missing a publication date. Through five Black female publishers, community uprisings/riots, wars, and the current pandemic, we have stood the test of time. I was “born and raised” in North Omaha and am committed to continuing the legacy, standing on the shoulders of those who sat in the publisher’s seat before ME. Anyone
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that knows me, knows I am passionate about my undertakings and the Omaha Star is no different. I am committed to making this newspaper relevant to all generations from the youngest to the oldest. Having a presence on social media, podcasting, and showing up. The key to all of this is YOU. The paper needs you as a subscriber!!! There are 500,000+ people in our city and 11% is the current calculation of Black people. I am no mathematician, but we should have a subscriber
roll of a minimum of 55,000 people. Are YOU a subscriber? What about where you work? We have both digital and home delivery available. Refer to the bottom of the front page for the QR Codes to subscribe. Supporting the Omaha Star is grassroots ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT. I am here waiting to get your subscription and your advertising…
“Let us realize the arc of the moral universe is long but it bends toward justice.” Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Page Two
LOCAL NEWS
THE OMAHA STAR
January 13, 2023
McGraw continued from Page 1 College of Information Science & Technology, including creating and implementing a strategic plan that resulted in a 19% summer academy enrollment increase. By leveraging partnerships with the philanthropic community, McGraw secured over $250,000 in STEM youth grant awards, and also advanced the national reputation of the out-of-school program by co-authoring “Bioinformatics for Middle School Aged Children” and presenting her research at the 2017 IEEE Integrated STEM Conference held at Princeton University. As a member of the UNO STEM Leadership Committee, she had a proven track record of collaborating with faculty and community partners throughout Nebraska. Previously, McGraw was also Teen Coordinator at Boys and Girls Clubs of the Midlands, and Premium Seat Manager at CHI Health Center Arena, both in Omaha. Angela McGraw received a Bachelor of Arts in Communications – Journalism & Media from the University of MissouriKansas City and a Master of Arts Education Administration from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
DISCLAIMER
Her volunteer activities include the Omaha Public Library Board Advisory Committee, the Omaha Central Library Stakeholder Committee, the Federal Reserve Bank Community Development Advisory Council, Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), and the OPS Citizens Advisory Committee. She has served as a Panelist/Presenter at the Gender Equity in Tech Conference 2019 (Metro Community College), Women Advance I.T. Conference 2018 (UN-L), and the IEEE Integrated STEM Education Conference 2017 (Princeton University). She was also inducted into the UMKC Athletic Hall of Fame in 2015 for her accomplishments in track and field.
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: publisher@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 Terri D. Sanders at 402-3464041.
METROPOLITAN UTILITIES DISTRICT Vice President, Safety, Security and Business Continuity The Metropolitan Utilities District is seeking to fill the position of Vice President, Safety, Security, and Business Continuity. The person hired should posses exceptional leadership skills, past executive management level experience, seasoned business acumen and growth oriented goals. MUD offers an exceptionally competitive group insurance package in addition to a long standing pension plan among other benefits.
Visit www.mudomaha.com under the Careers tab to apply for this position. An Equal Opportunity Employer. M/F/D/V/ Gender Identity/ Sexual Orientation
MOVING
Call the Omaha Star to change your mailing address Phone 402-346-4041
The University of Missouri at Kansas City Conservatory Singers Saturday, January 14 at 7:00 p.m. Abendmusik at First-Plymouth is excited to host the Conservatory Singers from the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory in “Transformation: Times Are Changing.” The concert focuses on how music can be a driving force to make a difference in our world. The choir will present works by Jocelyn Hagen, Reena Esmail, William Dawson, Anton Bruckner,
$40.00 IN TOWN
NON-REFUNDABLE
Bob Dylan, and others. The 36-member Conservatory Singers, the flagship choral ensemble at the University of MissouriKansas City, is comprised of highly-skilled graduate and undergraduate students from the Conservatory and the greater UMKC student population. Conservatory Singers is conducted by Jennaya Robison. Dr. Robison, a passionate advocate for the use of
singers’ authentic voices in the ensemble, is in demand as a conductor, clinician, and soprano throughout the United States. The concert is co-sponsored by Jon & Joan Michelsen and Robert McMaster & Maureen Ose. A freewill offering will be taken to benefit Lincoln’s Center for Legal Immigration Assistance (CLIA). “CLIA first found out about First Plymouth through our former execu-
tive director, Max Graves,” says Executive Director, Mary Choate. “We are honored that First Plymouth considers us for this event and are excited to share what CLIA has been up to.” The free, in-person concert will be held at Lincoln’s historic First-Plymouth Church, 20th at D Street. A link to the free livestream can be found on Abendmusik’s website, abendmusik.org.
$50.00 OUT OF TOWN
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COMMENTARY
January 13, 2023
THE OMAHA STAR
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August Wilson’s Fences
August Wilson’s Fences opens Friday, January 20, 2023 at the Omaha Community Playhouse (OCP). This marks OCP’s first August Wilson production in the theatre’s 98-year history. To celebrate this momentous run, OCP is collaborating with The Union for Contemporary Art, Great Plains Theatre Commons, and Metropolitan Community College on city-wide community events.
“OCP is honored to execute this powerful weekend in collaboration with three of the most intentional and community-driven arts and education organizations in the city,” said Kathy Tyree, OCP’s director of Inclusion and Community Engagement. “It is our hope that participants will walk away with not only a deeper appreciation and understanding of the work of August Wilson but also feeling informed with new resources and tools to enhance their individual connection to the arts.” About the Production Production:
August Wilson’s Fences
Production Dates:
January 20-February 12, 2023
Show Times:
Wednesdays-Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m.
Description:
The Pulitzer Prize-winning classic by August Wilson.
A former African American League baseball player struggles to co-exist with the racial trauma he still carries from his time in the league. When his frustrations lead to a series of tragic choices, his relationships with his wife and son suffer the consequences. Set in the 1950s, Fences is the sixth installment in The American Century Cycle, a series of ten plays by August Wilson that trace the Black experience through 20th century America. About the Author: August Wilson (April 27, 1945 – October 2, 2005) authored Gem of the Ocean, Joe Turner’s Come and Gone, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, The Piano Lesson, Seven Guitars, Fences, Two Trains Running, Jitney, King Hedley II and Radio Golf. These works explore the heritage and experience of the descendants of Africans in North America, decade by decade, over the twentieth century, forming the compilation entitled The American Century Cycle. His plays have been produced on Broadway, at regional theaters across the country and all over the world. Cast: Troy Maxson Rose Lyons Gabriel Cory Jim Bono Raynell Raynell Raynell
Anthony Montegut Kerri Forrester Raydell Cordell III L. James Wright Brandon Williams Eric Jordan, Sr. Hope Haddad Anavie Lyons Brooklyn Montegut
Production Team: Director Denise Chapman Associate Director TammyRa’ Stage Manager Andrea Haney Scenic & Lighting Designer Jim Othuse Costume Designer Tamara Newson Location:
Hawks Mainstage, Omaha Community Playhouse, 6915 Cass Street, Omaha, NE 68132
Pretty Fire Auditions
The Omaha Community Playhouse (OCP) is holding in-person auditions for Pretty Fire at the Omaha Community Playhouse on January 22 & 23, 2023. Through upholding high ethical standards, demonstrating respect for all and consciously working to provide diverse representation, OCP is committed to creating an inclusive and safe environment in which all community members feel a sense of belonging and does not discriminate in casting practices on the basis of an individual’s ethnicity, age, gender, physical and cognitive ability, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, country of origin or other factors. Omaha Community Playhouse is committed to diverse and inclusive casting. Production: Pretty Fire Credits: Charlayne Woodard Director: Breanna Carodine Show Dates: April 28-May 21, 2023 Omaha Community Playhouse, Howard Theatre Rehearsals: Begin April 2, 2023 Show Synopsis: Charlayne Woodard takes us on an intimate and powerful journey through five autobiographical vignettes, each capturing different moments of her life growing up as a rambunctious, imaginative child in the 50s and 60s. From her loving family home in upstate New York, to her first experience with racism at her grandmother’s house in Georgia, Pretty Fire is a beautiful one-woman celebration of life, love and family, even in the face of adversity. Disclaimer: Contains adult content and language. Auditions: Sunday, Jan. 22, 2023, 6-9 p.m. (Omaha Community Playhouse, 6915 Cass St., Omaha, NE 68132) Monday, Jan. 23, 2023, 6-9 p.m. (Omaha Community Playhouse) Callbacks: There will not be callbacks for this production. Notes: Auditions are by appointment only. Please complete the audition form to schedule a time. When arriving to audition at the Playhouse, please enter through the Stage Door entrance on the West side of the building. Those auditioning should be prepared to spend 60-90 minutes at the audition. Audition prep: There are two sides for the audition. Please select one to prepare for the audition. They do not need to be memorized. Roles: Character Description: Black women, age 45+. This is a one-woman show told from the perspective of the author who details her life growing up in the 50s and 60s. She embodies multiple characters such as: her mother, father, sister, grandfather, classmates, and many others who were influential to her life. Compensation: Onstage performers 19 and older for this show will be compensated $625 in total. Contact: For more information, please visit omahaplayhouse.com.
Free Ed Poindexter Information
Write/email: Nebraska Pardons Board, PO Box 95007, Lincoln, NE 68509 ne.pardonsboard@nebraska.gov
Call: Governor Pete Ricketts 402-471-2244 Attorney General Doug Peterson 402-471-2683 Secretary of State Robert Evnen 402-471-2554
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THE OMAHA STAR
NEWS YOU CAN USE
January 13, 2023
“Everybody can be great because anybody can serve.” Honoring Dr. King’s commitment to change Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s words remind us of the importance of service at any level. AARP believes your experiences, skills and passion have the power to inspire others to make a difference. We encourage everyone to continue building on his legacy by lending a helping hand in their community. Find ways to volunteer in Omaha at createthegood.aarp.org
January 13, 2023
OUT AND ABOUT
THE OMAHA STAR
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THE OMAHA STAR
COMMENTARY
January 13, 2023
108th Legislature Opens with Speech by Governor Pillen Lieutenant Governor Kelly; Speaker Arch; Chief Justice Heavican; Members of the 108th Nebraska Legislature; Family, friends, and distinguished guests. My fellow Nebraskans: We live in a very special place, where the son of a tenant farmer and a seamstress can get a good education, go to college, receive a doctorate in veterinary medicine, raise a family, build a business, and be elected to lead the greatest state in America. I am humbled and honored to stand before you today as the 41st governor of the great State of Nebraska, and I am excited to work with each one of you to serve the people of Nebraska. We have long attracted the very best: those with a pioneering spirit, drive for innovation, and an appetite for risk-taking and hard work. Our forefathers came from places of fewer opportunities and fewer freedoms to build better lives for themselves and their children right here in Nebraska. Over the last two years, I’ve had the privilege of meeting Nebraskans across our great state in their homes, farms, ranches, businesses, churches, and community gatherings in all 93 counties. I can tell you with absolute certainty: Wherever you travel, you won’t find more innovative, hardworking, and God-fearing people. I love Nebraska. There truly is no place like it. Since the beginning, when pioneers settled the territory of Nebraska, our strength has come from our people, not government. Our people bring their best every single day. We work to earn a good living, do our jobs to the best of our ability, raise our families, look after our neighbors, and build something better for our grandkids. We all do the hard work of keeping Nebraska great. Growing up, our family would come to Lincoln once a year. My brothers and I were always so excited to be the first one to spot the Capitol as we drove into town. As incredible as this building and chamber are, we don’t look to this building for prosperity—prosperity comes from private-sector farmers, ranchers, and business leaders who work hard, innovate, and take risks. We don’t look to government for our rights and freedoms—those are endowed to us by God Almighty. And we don’t want to be handed anything—we want to earn it. But we do expect government that does well in those limited functions that only it can perform. We expect low taxes, carefully controlled spending, transparency, and accountability. We expect the business of the people to be handled like business. We expect good schools, quality roads, and safe neighborhoods. We expect a government that promotes opportunity instead of limiting it. And we expect the leaders we elect to work together to find real solutions to difficult challenges. Great people want limited government that respects
their freedoms, does its job, and then gets out of their way. Great people want the opportunity to succeed through grit and determination. Great people want to live and work around other great people, and they want their children to do the same. That’s why great people want to live in Nebraska. The demand for the Good Life is as strong as ever, but today, we have real obstacles to overcome. Too much of our talent leaves the state. We have to do a better job of keeping our kids here, equipping them with the skills they’ll need, and attracting even more top-tier talent from across the nation. Our broken tax code is burdensome and uncompetitive. It weighs on all Nebraskans, and it limits our state’s economic potential. That’s why we have to achieve transformational tax change now. Our state education funding formula is outdated and unfair to far too many of our students. State aid to education must be modernized so that it is more equitable, meeting the needs of communities across Nebraska. All Nebraskans agree: Our kids are our future. We can never give up on our kids. These are not easy feats to accomplish, and there will be even more to do this session. The question for us today, in this chamber, is whether we can live up to the example set for us by those we serve—whether we can come together and do the big, difficult things that are required to secure a more prosperous future. As I look to the members of the 108th Nebraska Legislature, the answer is clear: we can do big things by working together. Together, we can. Together, we can and must build productive working relationships of trust and good will. Together, we can and must achieve attitudinal change and put our focus not on what’s best just for your community, or for mine, but on what’s best for the future of our entire state. And together, we can and must rise to meet any challenge, overcome any obstacle, and do the hard work of keeping Nebraska great for generations to come. I’m here to do my part: to bring my knowledge and experience to the table, and to listen to all Nebraskans. To advocate for the values and interests of our citizens, from the Missouri River to Harrison and everywhere in between. To hold our cabinet agencies to the highest standards of performance and continuous improvement. And to treat tax dollars as I treat my own. My dad taught me that every nickel matters, so we treat nickels like manhole covers, making decisions with fiscal conservatism and the constant drive to do more with less. I will work hard as a good-faith partner with my fellow constitutional officers, the judiciary, and the Legislature in doing the people’s work. As we embark on a new chapter of Nebraska’s history, I want to thank all of you for answering the call to public
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Where Is The Gracious Mistress Of The Parsonage? Dr. James L. Snyder Our family’s Christmas this year was the best one yet. But, of course, The Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage says that every year. I completely agree with her this year. Our great-granddaughter served as the focal point of our Christmas this year. She assumed that position because she was born two weeks before Christmas. The Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage came to my office on Monday morning as I was working and said, “I’m going to visit my great-granddaughter, and I prepared lunch in the refrigerator for you in case I don’t get back in time.” It was a relatively quiet morning. I stopped to check the time and realized it was time to eat. When I entered the kitchen, it was completely dark and quiet. I then recalled her mentioning going to the g r e a t - g r a n d d a u g h t e r ’s house. Because I had not heard any sounds coming from the other rooms of the house. I decided to check on the infamous greatgrandmother. She wasn’t anywhere in sight. I hoped she didn’t have an accident because I didn’t know where she could be. That started to worry me. She’s never been known to leave the house for an
extended period without sending me a text or making a phone call. Did she have a problem of some sort? I was ready to text her on my cell phone when I heard her pull into the driveway. Then, as she entered the door, she said, “I forgot what time it was. I was having so much fun….” Then she began story after story of time with her greatgranddaughter that day. When I woke up the following morning, her side of the bed was vacant. I assumed she awoke early to prepare breakfast. There was no one in the kitchen when I went there. Looking around, I noticed a note on the refrigerator, “My great-granddaughter needed me this morning, so I dropped everything to go and help her. Make your own breakfast.” When I stopped midway through the morning while working in my office, I heard no noise coming from the other parts of the house. Unless there was an emergency involving the great-granddaughter, I assumed that my wife should have returned home by this point. I started to worry about the welfare of that tiny infant. Why would The Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage be so preoccupied with her if nothing was wrong with
her? Where is The Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage? Then I heard her drive in the driveway, exit the car, and enter the house. Then, I asked, “Is the greatgranddaughter having any problems?” “Oh, the greatgranddaughter is doing great,” she said, beaming one of those smiles in my direction. “I spent the entire day with her and had a great time.” She then began a series of stories about herself and her great-granddaughter, giggling while she told me various details about that young baby. After a few weeks, whenever I ask myself, “Where is The Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage?” I only have to think about that great-granddaughter. That’s where she is. I believe Solomon in the Old Testament had it right when he said, “Children’s children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers.” (Proverbs 17:6). Children are truly a blessing from God. But grandchildren and greatgrandchildren are beyond blessing. It is God’s reward He gives to those faithful parents.
service. I thank your families, and mine, for providing the support we will all need to do the work that lies ahead this year. I thank our state teammates for all their efforts. I want to thank the brave men and women of our armed forces, law enforcement, and first responders for all they do to keep us safe and free. And, most of all, I want to express my thanks to the people of Nebraska for placing their trust in us. May we always prove worthy of their faith and confidence. Today, I’m joined in the chamber by my wife, Suzanne, and our incredible family. We’re so proud of our children, Sarah, Brock, Polly, and Izic; our son-inlaw, Jerod, and daughter-in-law, Sarah; and our seven grandchildren: Will, Halle, Eloise, Henry, Harrison, Ava, and Thomas. They are my inspiration to work every single day to create a brighter future for all Nebraska’s children—one grounded in faith, rooted in the values of family and freedom, and abundant in prosperity. Together, we can make that vision a reality by putting in the work, day by day. The great Nebraska statesman and my mentor, Coach Tom Osborne, taught me and my teammates that nobody ever just stays the same. Every day, we either decide to put in the effort to get better or we allow ourselves to get worse. We never stay the same… We never stay the same. Let’s all commit to getting better each day, aspiring to the greatest examples of our forefathers. When we do, we will look back on the first session of the 108th Nebraska Legislature with pride for all we’ve accomplished together. May God guide all of us in our work and bless us and our families. And may God continue to bless the great State of Nebraska. Thank you.
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PRAISE & WORSHIP DIRECTORY
January 13, 2023
KING SOLOMON MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH
ALLEN CHAPEL A.M.E.
Rev. Jacqueline Ford, Pastor 2842 Monroe Street Omaha, NE 68107 Off: (402) 734-3399 Email: admin@allenchapelomaha.org Sunday School...........................9:00 a.m. Sunday Praise & Worship.....10:00 a.m. Thursday Bible Study..............8:00 p.m. via teleconference, dial-in number 563-999-2090 and access code 576989
Rev. Jacqueline Ford
Pastor Albert Jonathan Wagstaff
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
kingsolomonbaptist@yahoo.com kingsolomonomaha.org
Sunday School......8:45 a.m. Sunday Morning......10:00 a.m. Bible Study, Tuesdays......6:00 - 7:30 p.m. Prayer Service, Wednesdays......12 noon
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ST. BENEDICT THE MOOR CATHOLIC CHURCH
3202 Evans Street Omaha, NE 68111 Ph: 402-455-0358 Fax: 402-455-0801
Journey to Tomorrow, Our Next Step Judges 18:4-6
SUNDAYS 10:00 AM
THE OMAHA STAR
&
Rev. Michael Voithofer
ABLAZE HOUSE OF PRAYER
11501 Fairview Road, Springfield, NE 68059 Ph: 402-451-6622 • Fax 402-457-6901 Contact Ablaze: email: ablazeworshipministry@gmail.com Pastor: Rev. Michael Voithofer
awcchurch.org 402-341-1866 5417 N. 103rd St. Omaha, NE
SACRED HEART CATHOLIC CHURCH Fr. Dave Korth
2207 Wirt Street Omaha, NE 68110 Phone: 402-451-5755
Founders & Lead Pastors
MORNING STAR BAPTIST CHURCH BETHEL MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH Rev. Dr. Lorenzo S.L. Fincher Senior Pastor 5318 South 30th Street Omaha, NE 68107 Phone: (402) 731-1840 “Large enough to serve you, Small enough to know you”
Rev. Dr. Lorenzo S.L. Fincher Senior Pastor
Sunday School .............................................. 9:30 a.m. Worship Services .............................................. 10:45 a.m. Wednesday Prayer Services ..........................................6:30 p.m. Wednesday Bible Study.....................7:00 - 8:00 p.m. Biblically Based, Family Oriented, Dynamic Fellowship
Church of the Living God “A great place to call home.”
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Worship Service .............10:00 a.m. Sunday School .................8:45 a.m. Excluding First Sunday Tuesday Evening Service.........7:00 p.m.
Weekly Services
Mass Schedule: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday - 8:00 am in Rectory (2218 Binney) Thursday - School Mass 8:10 am in Church Saturday - 5:00 pm Sunday - 8:15 am and 10:30 am
Live Streaming Sunday Service-10:00am on Morning Star Baptist Church-Omaha Facebook Page
SALEM BAPTIST CHURCH
Serving God and One Another in the Spirit of Excellence Rev. Dr. Selwyn Q. Bachus Senior Pastor
MOUNT CALVARY COMMUNITY CHURCH
“Jesus is the Light of the World” Bishop Kevin Chambers, Senior Pastor www.m3comaha.org 5112 Ames Avenue Omaha, NE 68104 (402) 457-4216 Church Phone (402) 453-4084 Pastor’s Office
Overseer Dr. Claude White
Come and hang out with us on our corner
Fr. Dave Korth
2019 Burdette Street Omaha, NE 68110 Ph: 402-342-0018
3131 Lake Street Omaha, NE 68111 402-455-1000 www.salembc.org
Bishop Kevin Chambers
Services: Sunday School .................................................... 9:30 a.m. Sunday Morning Worship Experience ......... 11:00 a.m. Word On Wednesday (WOW) ........................ 7:00 p.m.
Rev. Dr. Selwyn Q. Bachus
Weekly Services Sunday Morning Worship Service .....................8:30 a.m. & 11:30 a.m. Children’s Church (2nd & 4th Sunday) ................8:30 a.m. & 11:30 a.m. Life Development (Sunday School) .........................................10:15 a.m. Wednesday Word and Worship (WWW) ................................ 6:30 p.m.
Sunday School ———————- 9:30 a.m. Morning Worship —————— 10:45 a.m.
TABERNACLE OF FAITH CHURCH Pastor Barbara Mitchell 2404 Fort Street, Omaha, NE 68111 402-455-1800 Church 402-455-3390 Fax
CLAIR MEMORIAL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
“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 Rev. Portia A. Cavitt, Pastor
Sunday School………………………8:45 a.m. Sunday Worship Experience………...10:00 a.m. Wednesday Bible Study….…….…….6:00 p.m.
FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Pastor Barbara Mitchell Rev. T. Michael Williams
Dr. Ralph B. Lassiter
Elder Howard Dixon
MT. MORIAH MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH
“Transformed People Everywhere” 2602 N. 24th St. - PO Box 11593 www.mtmoriahomaha.net Off: (402) 451-8800 Sunday Worship ..........................................10:45 a.m. Live Stream: Facebook.com/mtmoriahomaha Please call for Prayer and Transformation Group Bible Study Schedule
Rev. Morita Truman, Lead Pastor Services on Sundays at 8:30 am & 10:50 am 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.
Sundays:
In Person Service 11:30 am and LIVE on Facebook
Wednesday Night LIVE on Facebook 6:30 pm Friday Night LIVE on Facebook 7:00 pm
ZION BAPTIST CHURCH Rev. Kenneth A. Allen, Pastor 2215 Grant Street Omaha, NE 68110 Ph: 402-346-1502 Fax: 402-344-2720
MT. NEBO MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH “The Church Where Fellowship is Real”
Rev. Morita Truman
Pastor Terry L. Arvie 5501 N. 50th Street Ph: 402-451-4245 Fx: 402-451-2130 office@mtneboomaha.org www.mtneboomaha.org
Pastor Kenneth A. Allen
Pastor Terry L. Arvie
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.
SUNDAY Sunday Morning Worship……………10:00 A.M. Sunday School……………………….. 9:00 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)
Pictured: (left) President Calvin Webster and (right) Pastor Rev. John C. Deang
HOPE LUTHERAN CHURCH You Are Welcome
PLEASANT GREEN BAPTIST CHURCH
Missouri Synod 2721 N. 30th Street, 402-453-1583
“Where CHRIST is Preeminent and the Word Prevails!”
Sunday School................................10:00 a.m. Church Service...............................11:00 a.m. Thursday Bible Study...............................5:00 p.m.
Pastor Brian Page 5555 Larimore Avenue Church: 402-346-8427 www.pleasantgreenomaha.org
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
Pastor Brian Page
JOY OF LIFE FAITH MINISTRIES COGIC
Wednesday: Prayer Power Hour ......................................12:00 p.m
Pastors Eric and Cynthia Butler 6401 N. 56th Street Omaha, NE 68104 Ph: 402-399-9628 E-Mail: Jolpastor@aol.com Sunday Morning Worship.....10:00 a.m. Sunday Evening Worship.......5:00 p.m. Wednesday Academy .............7:00 p.m. Bible Study and Youth Ministries
THE WORSHIP CENTER
Thursday: Youth For Christ ............................................6:00 p.m Prayer & Bible Study ....................................6:30 p.m Sunday: Sunday School.................................................9:00 a.m. Morning Worship..........................................10:15 a.m. Pastor Eric Butler and Co-Pastor Cynthia Butler
Televised Broadcast Sunday @ 10pm on KPAO Cox Communication channel 22 & Century Link channel 89
Dr. Stan Rone Senior Pastor
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 Eight
BUSINESS CONNECTION
THE OMAHA STAR
January 13, 2023
“The time is always right to do what is right.” Dr. Martin L. King, Jr.
Attorney
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Timothy Ashford
Business Connection
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RELIGION/OBITUARY
January 13, 2023
THE OMAHA STAR
Page Nine
Obituaries Thomas Funeral Home, Omaha
Sabrina D Young
April 6, 1970 ~ December 28, 2022 (age 52)
Simon Curtis Tunstall
Luis Pierce
Born April 6, 1970, in Omaha Nebraska to Janie Mae and Wesley L. Hughes. Raised in Mississippi by Rudy Thomas. She left behind three brothers; Wesley L. Thomas, Quincy Hughes, and her baby brother Nathaniel Hughes (Markeisha Hughes). Mother of three strong sons her first born Robert Earl Thomas, second born Edward Young Jr.( Ieshia Young),and her baby boy Demetria Dante Young. She was also a loving grandmother of six and a loving auntie, to too many. She was a wonderful strong women. We just want to say thank you all for the love and support through this tough time. We really love our mom. We are going to miss her everyday. She was always at my house having fun. If she was not at Edward’s house, she was at the casino with Robert Thomas and also taking care of Demetria Young. All she wanted was to have a close bond with her family. A lot of people knew our mom from the WIC office where she once worked, drill team or her job at Omaha steaks. She also helped people learn how to read. She was a good loving woman. We Love you Mom we are going to miss you everyday. Fly like a butterfly! Love your sons Robert, Edward and Demetria.
A Tradition of Caring Since 1939
Please send cards to: Doris Adkins 131 London St. San Francisco, CA. 94115
Thomas Funeral Home & Cremation Services 3920 North 24th Street Omaha, NE 68110 402-453-7111 www.omahathomasfh.com
Accomplishing God’s will is our purpose Billy Holland It’s disappointing to God that most people are usually more concerned about what they want in life than asking Him what He requires of them. Since our eyes were opened in the garden, our fleshly nature specializes in the skills of compromising and justifying. Self-deception is common Only a few will take the responsibility to obey Him and get serious about dedicating their lives to being a living sacrifice for Him. Yes, included with the blessings of this life is being accountable.
are mentioned in chapters two and three. There is no beating around the bush on His disappointment and He is warning them about trying to make the Christian life into a comfortable social club. By His judgment of their works, He makes it clear this is a dead church. What does this mean and can it happen today? Definitely. Whenever the members of an assembly see themselves as independent, materialistic, and selfsufficient, they have already slipped into a state of religious indifference.
mean we are to rely on them more than our faith. Instead of being proud of what we have accomplished let us realize that everything we have has been graciously given to us by the one who owns everything. In modern language, God offers us salvation through Christ and this gift of grace allows us to be transformed into a new person. Our spiritual identity goes from being blind and lost, to being filled with hope and joy that we have been rescued to do His will. Changing our mind changes our attitude.
You might have heard the unpopular verse found in Revelation 3:16 where John relays what Jesus thinks about the church at Laodicea. “So then, because you are lukewarm and neither cold nor hot, I will spew you out of my mouth.” We realize parables and analogies are common in the Bible, and without trying to explain the different interpretations of what this verse means, let’s just say that we want our coffee hot and our iced tea, well...cold. Within the context, Jesus is referring to their attitude. In short, He was saying their hearts were in a state of being lackadaisical, apathetic, and lethargic. And, not just this certain group, He is using them as an example of the dangers of backsliding when anyone takes their eyes away from His truth and drifts into the temptations of carnality.
Jesus continues to be more specific using cutting words such as “wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked.” Their lukewarm faith had become hypocritical. The lifeless atmosphere of the services, was the result of a lack of enthusiasm and passion for Christ in their minds and hearts. They had become backslidden and maybe there were a number of individuals that had never been converted, and were just pretending to be Christians. It’s not an exciting topic but there is such a thing as People who practice a form of religion, but their conscience is one of self-righteous complacency. They claim to be taking up their cross and following Jesus, but their hearts are unchanged, and their game-playing is sickening to God.
A common defense of being lukewarm is that it does not matter. This is not true! Being backslidden is a big deal. When we lose our sensitivity and no longer feel convicted by the Holy Spirit, we are in serious danger. Becoming spiritually numb causes us to not care how our sin affects those who see it including God Himself. We do not realize the impact our halfhearted attempt of being a follower of Christ has on everyone. If demonstrating God’s character and accomplishing His will is not our purpose, what is? Accepting Christ is not all there is to salvation, it’s just the beginning. It’s an opportunity, a privilege to serve Him. Like Laodicea, the Lord is demanding for us to repent and get back on the straight and narrow. He is long-suffering toward the lukewarm and forgiveness is available today, but we must see our need and call on Him.
Let us not forget that He is speaking to members of an established Christian church who were supposedly followers of Jesus and His teachings. This letter to Laodicea is the harshest of the seven churches that
Many of us have been blessed beyond measure, but having daily quiet times where we pray and worship God, can help us remain humble and aware of the holy respect of His presence that is so vital to our intimate relationship with Him. Just because we have resources, does not
Read more about the Christian life at billyhollandministries.com
TRADITION RESPECT DIGNITY
What Can We Learn From Jesus Washing His Disciples’ Feet? “Before the Passover, Jesus said to Peter, ‘Let me wash your feet,’” says Mary Jane, 8. “Peter replied, ‘I’m not worthy.’” In respectable homes of ancient Judea, slaves or servants washed the feet of guests. People wore sandals as they walked on dirt roads mixed with horse dung and sewage thrown into the street. Indoor plumbing didn’t exist. The idea that the Son of God would humble himself to the job of a lowly servant was too much for the Apostle Peter. This type of menial work didn’t fit Peter’s idea of God’s chosen Messiah. It doesn’t fit our idea either. We want to see our Messiah as a conquering general riding on a white horse or flying in on his private jet surrounded by TV cameras as he walks off the plane. Jesus is the counterintuitive Messiah! “Jesus is giving Judas a chance,” says Jubilee, 8. When Jesus washed the feet of Judas, he didn’t object. More remarkably, Jesus didn’t say anything negative to Judas, whom he knew would betray him that very night. Other than the cross on which Jesus died for our sins, there’s no better illustration of God’s one-way love than Jesus washing Judas’ feet. Most love that we experience is two-way. I scratch your back and you scratch mine. We take our experience of two-way, reciprocal love and impose it on God. We delude ourselves when we presume we can earn God’s favor. God’s love doesn’t depend on our behavior at all. It depends on God’s
character. “God is love,” (I John 4:8b). God has the capacity to love his enemies. Guess who his enemies are? We come into this world kicking and screaming as rebels. Feed me now or I’ll cry and scream! We use our feet to run from God, but he keeps pursuing us. Thank God for Romans 5:8: “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” “Jesus wasn’t washing his disciples’ feet to make their feet clean, but to forgive their sinful ways,” says Samuel, 7. Samuel has done some thinking. When Peter refused Jesus’ foot washing, Jesus said if he didn’t receive it, he would have no part with him (John 13:8). Peter reversed course immediately. He asked Jesus to bathe his head as well as his feet. “Jesus said to him, ‘He who is bathed needs only to wash his feet, but is completely clean; and you are clean, but not all of you’” (John 13:10). Here’s the analogy! When you believe in Jesus as your savior, you are completely forgiven of all your sins (past, present and future). This is like your bath. As Christians living in this world, we live in a forgiven but unperfected state. When we sin, it’s like getting our feet dirty. We need to remind ourselves of God’s one-way love. When we forget God’s love, we seek something less than God, which never fulfills. Think about this: When Christians sin, they should go back to the cross of Christ by confessing their sins to God and start
living in the reality of God’s forgiveness and one-way love. When we’re filled with God’s unconditional love, we’re free to give to our neighbor without expecting anything in return. Memorize this truth: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness,” (I John 1:9). Ask this question: Are you enjoying the love and acceptance that you have in Christ? =================== Kids Talk About God is designed for families to study the Bible together. Research shows that parents who study the Bible with their children give their character, faith and spiritual life a powerful boost. To receive Kids Talk About God three times a week in a free, email subscription, visit www. KidsTalkAboutGod.org/ email. COPYRIGHT 2023 CAREY KINSOLVING
Page Ten
THE OMAHA STAR
YOUTH
January 13, 2023
Legacy Matters: What Are You Passing on to Black Boys? Ron Walker
Little did I realize that as a boy, I was being passed an invisible baton at different stages of my life that would grow to become what I hope will one day be my legacy. My early memories of how it was passed to me revolve around my mother. She loved education, reading, and especially the power of the written and spoken word. I recall in her hands Langston Hughes’ poem “Mother to Son.” She read and recited it to me. As I matured, I realized that this “baton” represented the resilience that I would need to persevere when the trials and tribulations of being Black and male would appear. My parents, family elders, concerned neighbors, fictive kin, loving teachers, and “OG’s” passed a baton regularly as I grew from boy to man in Philly. It was often initiated by the statement, “I see something in you that you don’t see in yourself.” It was the baton of belief. Knowing that others whose opinions mattered thought well of me gave me a standard to uphold. Knowing that others whose opinions mattered thought well of me gave me a standard to uphold. Through these individuals — and in community with those I valued and who valued me — I learned time-tested rituals and traditions that I am committed to keeping alive. Today, I fear that such traditions have been marginalized, deemed irrelevant, disintegrated, or have been altogether forgotten. Malidome Some, an African writer and spiritual leader powerfully stated “that where rituals are absent, the young men are restless or violent, there are no real elders and grownups are bewildered.” The future is dim without the legacy baton of respect being passed. Without the practice of passing what is sacred from one generation to another, the prospect of having a Beloved Community, about which Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. visioned, cannot be realized. When the legacy baton is passed, a collective community is actualized. The village that is required to raise children into strong adults is preserved and strengthened, and all that is needed to serve as the incubator for the positive growth and development across the youth’s lifespan — social, emotional, spiritual, and academic development — is available and sustained. The community benefits. And ultimately, when the social justice and equity baton is passed and received with integrity across boundaries that now divide us, the whole of society benefits. As it stands,
there are gaps along the way. When the legacy baton is dropped or not passed with sincere integrity of purpose at any stage, the impact is that we all lose, as a society, including generations of those yet unborn. Without the practice of passing what is sacred from one generation to another, the prospect of having a Beloved Community cannot be realized. Legacy matters. It matters as a tradition of hope in the present, and it undergirds us in stewarding a future that remains unseen. Legacy is the protective envelope that holds the stories, rites of passage, and elements for freedom dreaming. During this time of year, many of us are introspective as we evaluate where we’ve been as we embark on a new year. I hope that I have fashioned a legacy of service, education, and determination, forged by family, friends, mentors, and others who reminded me, as did my mother, to never turn back. Moreover, I also hope that my deep faith in the Most High and in the call that was placed in my spirit from birth is evident. Finally, it is my hope that this notion of passing a legacy baton will inspire, remind, and exhort people, especially those who are concerned about the current state of society. Now is the time to look into the mirror and ask essential questions of our collective selves. Why does legacy matter? How can the passing of legacy batons change and alter the course that we are currently on for the better? When legacy baton passing becomes a collective, communal act, success stories emerge. These success stories will become the narrative for the freedom-dreaming possibilities that emerge into a new generation of healers, inventors, builders, educators, etc. We see horrific evidence of what happens when the baton is dropped, and there is no proverbial village. An absence of a sense of place and a lack of belongingness is rampant when we become indifferent, disinterested, or cynical. The African proverb “The child who is not embraced by the village will burn it down to feel the warmth,” is true. These success stories will become the narrative for the freedom-dreaming possibilities that emerge into a new generation of healers, inventors, builders, educators, etc. When the members of the Village (city, state, nation, and world) see the evidence of authentic and sincere baton passing as an act of love, respect, tradition, and future, I envision a bold and bright future strengthened by the wisdom of the elders and the energy of the young. There is pain before progress. So surely given the pain of the last few years, especially, progress is imminent. A conscious ritual of passing the legacy baton must take hold as an ingrained habit. As the young folks say, let’s normalize it.
Now is the time for intergenerational conversations where we listen to the wisdom of the griots among us and use the technology that can connect us more powerfully and globally than ever before so that we move swiftly from pain to the promise that is at hand. Ron Walker has served in the noble profession of education for five decades. During this time, Ron has served as a teacher, assistant principal, co- director of a national school transformation organization. In 2007, Ron began his service as the founding Executive Director of the Coalition of Schools Educating Boys of Color (COSEBOC). The mission of COSEBOC has remained constant, the affirmative social, emotional, cultural and academic development of boys and young men of color.