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Omaha Star
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Nebraska’s Only Black Owned Newspaper Vol. 83 - No. 13 Omaha, Nebraska
Friday, June 25, 2021
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Redefine the Game Institute Host 2020 and 2021 Graduation Classes By Sheila Fields MBA CPLC Redefine the Game (RTG), a management and career advancement program, hosted its annual graduation celebration for the 2020 and 2021 cohort participants on June 17, 2021, at the Venue. Graduates successfully completed an 11-month learning program based on the book, Black Faces in White Places, by Dr. Randal Pinkett and Dr. Jeffrey Robinson. The event is the result of on an institute that was born out of an Empowerment Network Leadership Conference and ultimate collaboration between BCT Partners and the Empowerment Damita Byrd, CDP Director Network. Damita Byrd CDP, Director of Culture, Diversity of Culture, Diversity, and Inclusion for BCT Partners, is the visionary and catalyst for the Inclusion for BCT Partners Redefine the Game Institute; she helped to establish Omaha, Nebraska as the inaugural l city for the first RTG cohort which has gained national notoriety. Dr. Randall Pinkett, CEO of BCT Partners, said, “RTG was created for such a time as this and the world is saying that it is time for a new generation of leaders to lead our society into a new tomorrow.“ He believes that RTG has challenged participants to strive to deeper levels and to live with a calling , purpose, and congruence. “For whom much has been given to you, much will be required,” Pinkett expressed.
There’s A New Troop in Town Girl Scout Troop 48563 was open for business in early May for girls in the North and Northwest Omaha community. Co-Leader Dr. Cynthia Gooch-Grayson and the cadre of Troop Support have enjoyed working with the girls and providing them with the Girl Scout Leadership Experience - a collection of activities and experiences they will have as they earn badges, go on exciting trips, explore the outdoors, create Take Action projects that make a difference and more. Gooch-Grayson shared “I participated in Girl Scouts as a child and had amazing leaders throughout the years like my mother Belle Gooch, along with Mary Frazier, Aquilla Simpson, Rosalie Williams, Betty Butler, Lillian Bell-Dacus, Marta Nieves and Sallie Hadley.” Gooch-Grayson served on the board but longed to do more. “How could I not provide such an opportunity that was provided to me? Since we began, we have involved the girls in a Girl Scout Investiture Ceremony, held meetings via ZOOM, participated in an outdoor activity, and earned badges and patches. Most recently, the girls were involved in an exercise learning about Juneteenth and another about learning their family histories.” A multilevel troop, the volunteers are intentional with beginning small and focus on friendships.
Publisher’s Pen By Terri D. Sanders
Redefine the Gam Institute Graduates of Cohort 1, 2, and 3. Chris Rodgers, a member of the institute inaugural class said, “There are three things that I got out of the cohort - a road map with lights, practical theory to figure out my way, and a safe room to really talk about experiences that we all had which gave me a renewed inspiration. It resulted in a network and a familial connection.” He stated, “ I know if I’m looking for people to put into a position, I can grab people from the RTG program with confidence.” While the event provided an opportunity for cohort members to reconnect, supporters of Redefine the Game Institute were on hand to applaud their efforts: • American National Bank • Omaha Public Power District • CHI Health • Creighton University • Omaha Police Department Graduation allowed supporters to offer reflections on the impact of the program while recognizing their respective employees. “Return on investment. As Omaha is the first to do redefine the game, we are the first to reap the rewards.” said, Todd Schmaderer, Chief of Police City of Omaha. “ The police department has sent employees to each cohort and the department has already seen promotions. Out of the six participants, Sherie Thomas, a member of the first cohort, has been promoted to Captain and Ana Colon has been promoted to Deputy Chief.” He noted that all other police department cohort attendees are making strides in the department as well. Wende Kotouc, Co-CEO and Co-Board President American National Bank , said “There are a lot of important strategic decisions that you make as CEO and in the last three years we have had a lot of changes. I knew that it would be a quality program. What I did not know was how it was going to impact me; we view you as incredible strategic assets. We have several David Preston, Jr. Homigraduates and this year American National was able to act cide Detective, and Anton promotions and career path changes because we saw the won Finch, Sgt. In Internal emotion, spirit, and drive that is fostered in the RTG institute.” Affairs, offer their perspec Dr Jeffrey Robinson, Co-founder of BCT Partners, announced tive as graduates of the the unveiling of a new book, Black Faces in High Places, which program. will be released in January 2022. The new book will build on the knowledge gained RTG and focus on performance the highest levels of the organization. “ We have the opportunity to not only succeed in our companies, but also in our communities.” Dr. Robinson insisted. He encouraged RTG continued on page 8
Next Issue: July 9, 2021
Information due: July 2, 2021
Like Marvin Gaye sings: “What’s Going on?” Native Omaha Days July 26- August 2, 2021,events are as follows: Wednesday, July 28, 2021, Native Omaha Days Gospel Fest, will be held at Morning Star Baptist Church, 2019 Burdette Street, featuring outstanding gospel singers from the Omaha area. David Turnbo Photography Friday, July 30, 2021, Stroll Down Memory Lane, 24th and Burdette to 24th and Ohio. Reminisce about the Good Old Days. Saturday, July 31, 2021, Native Omaha Days Parade, 30th and Lake to 30th and Sprague Streets. Beginning at 10AM. Saturday, Southern Blues Concert, Malcolm X Foundation, 7-11PM, featuring Pokey Bear and others. For those who have been wondering and calling, there it is, so make your plans accordingly. I am guilty of not having a sports reporter covering the swim trials that were held in Omaha this week and a Black female swimmer was outstanding. Charge it to my head not my heart. If a sports reporter wants to come forward and give me all the details on getting credentials and I write the check, I will be glad to address such. Help a Sister out please. We have an outstanding paper and we are looking to do more. In the next issue we will talk with the FIRST BLACK FEMALE Principal of Omaha Central High School. My friend, Elise Dionne Kirksey. We are making history here in Omaha! Do you have articles you would like to see in the paper, send them in. In the month of July the Omaha Star Priniting company will come alive, stay tuned!
Did you know? You can make a tax deductible donation to the Mildred D Brown Memorial Study Center? The Omaha Star Printing Company is coming soon? We have a program for young writers? Want answers to these questions, contact: publisher@omahastarinc.com
Native Omaha Days July 26, 2021 August 2, 2021
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