The Omaha Star is a weekly paper Next edition: December 2, 2022
Send to: publisher@omahastarinc.com
November 25 thru December 6
Vol. 84 - No. 23 Omaha, Nebraska
Friday, November 25, 2022
75 cents
Organization of the Week:
Omaha Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc
Seventy-five years ago on November 24, 1947, the Monday before Thanksgiving, seven sophisticated alumnae members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. desired to serve the Omaha community and took up the torch of our beloved 22 founders and chartered the then Gamma Xi Mixed Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. in the home of Katherine Louise Clark Fletcher at 2722 Binney Street. Our charter members were: Thelma Major Costen, Kathryn Taylor Favors, Katherine Clark Fletcher, Beatrice Robinson Mosley, Jewel Jones Robinson, Alyce McCarroll Wilson, and Ester Lester Woods, all professional women making an impact in the community through their work as educators and social workers, yet wanted their esteemed sorority in Omaha. Katherine Clark Fletcher served as the inaugural chapter president. In later years Delta changed nomenclature with alumnae chapters names reflective of their respective community yet retaining the original charter; therefore, on July 1, 1981, Omaha Alumnae came into existence. The chapter name of Gamma Xi was retained by the collegiate chapter serving Omaha area undergraduate women. The Omaha Alumnae Chapter has proudly served the Omaha community by providing service through Delta Sigma Theta Sorority,
Incorporated’s five-point programmatic thrust of Physical and Mental Health, Economic Development, Educational Development, International Awareness, and Political Awareness and Involvement. Through the years, Deltas have provided Omaha with thousands of dollars of scholarships, mentoring of youth, stellar programming, and more. Our current chapter president is Dr. Viv Ewing. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated is an organization of college-educated women committed to its members’ constructive development and public service with a primary focus on the Black community. A private, not-for-profit organization whose purpose is to provide assistance and support through established programs in local communities throughout the world, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. currently has approximately 1,000 collegiate and alumnae chapters located in the United States, Canada, Japan (Tokyo and Okinawa), Germany, the Virgin Islands, Bermuda, the Bahamas, Jamaica, West Africa, Southern African, United Arab Emirates and the Republic of Korea. Throughout our 75th year, we are hopeful that the Omaha community will join us in celebration.
“I above all believe in work--systematic and tireless.” ~W. E. B. DuBoise, Educator
Fellowship Artist Showcase at the Union
Asia Nared
The 2022 season’s fellowship program at the Union for Contemporary Arts is coming to an end, but not before the artists get a chance to showcase their work to the public. Friends and family gathered Monday Nov. 14 to showcase their final pieces. Each fellow prepared a piece of art that is their speciality. Jus B., Carina DuMarce, MaKayla Harrie, Doriette Jordan, and Prentiss Matthews III were the fellows for the 2022 season. The Union has supported over 50 artists since its inception in 2012. This program consisted of the artists creating individual work and group pieces. The artists were supported by the Union with workshops and one-on-one assistance. The fellows were also each given an office that allowed them to expand their artistry skill. This program allowed for the artists to create connections with each other and many others in this field. The evening was filled with the reading of “The Golden Loc” by Prentiss Matthews III, a monologue from her upcoming piece “The Bergamot Headache” by Doriette Jordan, and “MaKayla” a dance performance by MaKayla Harris. Carina shared words of personal history, a reading from their writings, and a self portrait. Jus B. shared words regarding how the program has helped him and shared a new Christmas song that displays his “crooning” music style focus. Each fellow shared words of gratitude to the Union, Denise Chapman, Celeste Butler, and Kathy Lee. They also gave thanks to their family members, friends and even each other for the support that was received during the 10 months of the program. Although their time during this season’s fellowship has ended, they will continue to create. Keep an eye out for these artists. This year’s application has closed, but we all can look forward to the next set of artists that will be in the fellowship for 2023.
Publisher’s Pen
Terri D. Sanders Watch out as you travel to and fro in these winter months, COVID-19 and all the other respiratory illness are waiting in the winds. Wash your hands, use hand sanitizer, and do not linger too close when someone is coughing. Have you had your vaccinations and boosters? Something to ponder… As the holidays come on our calendars please remember there are those in our community where we live who are homeless, mentally unstable, hungry and in general in need. Children, adults and families are not celebrating the holidays, because there is a deficiency in their lives. For many it is not because they do not want to do better but life has happened and face it they have no HOPE. I learned that “but for the grace of God, there go I” We should not be so cavalier, disregard for the rights of others, and think we are better than… What can we do to help our fellow man? Can you be a listening ear? Actually listening when people are talking to you. What is that person trying to convey to you. We are such an instant society and self-absorbed that we do not take time for others. Elders, children, neighbors and sometimes total strangers…it costs you NOTHING to be nice. In the past couple of years people have lost loved ones, lost jobs, lost their self-esteem and just feel mentally lost. Is this YOU? As long as you have breath and life you have an opportunity to do more. Let us not be consumed in the negative, but look for a bit of light in every situation. You feel better when you give service. There are many agencies in our community that provide for the needs of others during this festive time of year. What if you volunteered? There is a liberation in service and serving. A love for humanity is serving…As you go through this festive season, how can you serve? Yes, service and serving costs it may cost your time, talent or treasure, in this season will you yield, will you be willing to serve. As you consider your service to mankind or humankind what is your capacity? Something to ponder…
“You’ve got to give to get. And if you do not plan on given’, then you better not plan on gettin’.” ~Joe Clark