75 CENTS
Omaha Star
The
Proudly Serving Our Community for Over 80 Years
Dedicated to the Service of the People that NO Good Cause Shall Lack a Champion and that Evil Shall Not Go Unopposed
Nebraska’s Only Black Owned Newspaper Vol. 83 - No. 5 Omaha, Nebraska
Friday, March 5, 2021
75 cents
Community advocates honored
Retirement
Peggy J. Hunter As I close an important chapter of my life and prepare to write a new one, the Old Testament offers relevant guidance: “To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under the heaven.” It is with a heavy heart to tell you that I am retiring from the Omaha Housing Authority, 1823 Harney Street on February 27, 202l. I consider myself privileged to have been an employee at O.H.A. since December 16, 1971. As a Receptionist, my job wasn’t only about greeting and smiling, but it included having dignity, respect, and compassion toward everyone that I met. Yes, my time has been marked by both challenges and triumphs, but I will cherish the many friendships I have made along the way that will endure forever. I hope, in my own small way, I have touched you on your life’s journey. I will always be grateful for the opportunity I had to work at O.H.A., and the Omaha Community. It is my hope that our paths will cross again in the future, and “To God be the glory for the things He have done.” Peggy J. Hunter
2021 Virtual Black College Tour
This is the first time in over thirty years that we will not be able to take a bus load of high school students on the Black College Tour. Due to the pandemic, we will be doing a Virtual Black College Tour. College tours can give you first-hand experience of what it’s like to be a student on campus and help connect you with valuable resources. During this experience, you’ll see why historic black colleges and universities are so widely regarded for their ability to
support and elevate minority students. On March 9th from 1:00pm – 3:00pm will be Morehouse College and March 11th from 1:00pm-4:00pm will be Grambling State University, Lincoln University, and Alabama State University. Please call Rachelle Tucker at 402-2101568 or email her at rachelletucker0327@ gmail.com or call Kathy J. Trotter at 402658-1259 for registration information You do not won’t to miss this opportunity. Space is limited and it is FREE to attend. Prizes and Raffles will be included!
Sherie Thomas Honored
Sherie Thomas, a lieutenant with the Omaha Police Department, took center stage during last year’s protests and civil unrest. She received a special honor for helping bring the community together. Her speech included an emotional statement telling those on hand that police are listening and willing to work with the community to improve things. In January 2021 Kim Bell Balark Sherie Thomas was named Omaha’s ‘Living the Dream’ winner at the city county’s Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration. This award honors the vision of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and recognizes the achievements of community leaders. Lieutenant Sherie Thomas is a member of the Omaha Graduate Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Next Issue: March 19, 2021 Information due March 12, 2021
The Omaha (NE) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated hosted its 6th Annual Red Dress® luncheon virtually via Zoom Webinar. The event is held annually by the Chapter to punctuate the message from the American Heart Association’s Go Red For Women national campaign and bring awareness that heart disease is the #1 killer of women. “It was a pleasure presenting this year’s event virtually to safely reach so many in our community,” said Mamie Bryan, President of the Omaha (NE) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated. During the event, more than 60 African American women attendees learned that approximately 80% of Ira Combs cardiac events can be prevented through education on how to prepare and maintain a healthy diet, lifestyle changes and signs to look out for. This year’s event featured keynote speaker, Dr. Kimbra Bell Balark, a board-certified internal medicine physician on staff with Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago, Ill. Balark also serves as Central Area Health and Human Services Chair for The Links, Incorporated. Her message, “Why Eat Healthy Especially During A Pandemic?” was delivered in homage to David Letterman’s ‘Top Ten’ style, also incorporating interactive audience engagement. As an alternative for the signature healthy lunch typically served at the event, Guest Chef Dr. Laura Ferguson Mimms, put on a live cooking demonstration, leaning on Jo Giles her fun-loving charisma. She prepared a Salmon Po’ Boy recipe with Remoulade sauce. Prior to the event finale, Mistress of Ceremonies Jo Giles presented three awards to recognize champions in the community who are working to fight heart disease by sharing their personal journey, through advocacy and through education. The Women’s Health Advocate Award was presented to Dr. Bell Balark for her significant outreach in health and human services. A second award, the Community Health Advocate Award, was presented to Ira Combs, founder of North Omaha Area Health (NOAH), an organization making a difference in the lives of underserved and underrepresented groups. The final Kim Bell Balark program honoree, Ramona Ash-Saulter, a heart failure survivor, received the Heart Health Ambassador Award. The award is given to a survivor who has promoted awareness about heart disease by sharing a personal story of triumph and healing throughout the community. The centerpiece of the Go Red for Women campaign is the Red Dress®, which stands as the national symbol for women and heart disease awareness. The Red Dress® serves as a “red alert,” giving women the message, “Heart Disease Doesn’t Care What You Wear—It’s the #1 Killer of Women.” This year, the Omaha (NE) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated is celebrating 70 years of friendship and service.
Publisher’s Pen
By Terri D. Sanders
March is Women’s History Month. This celebration began as a day, a week and now a month (sound familiar?). FACTS: In 1980, President Jimmy Carter designated the first official National Women’s David Turnbo Photography History Week, beginning on March 8 of that year. Schools, universities and local governments came to realize that this period of time allowed them to not only celebrate the achievements of women, but look critically at equality and opportunities for women, and educate people on women’s history. It was only a matter of time before the week became a month. According to the National Women’s History Alliance, states began declaring the whole month of March as Women’s History Month all the way up until 1986, when a more national push finally made headway. The following year, Congress declared March 1987 as the first official Women’s History Month. Besides International Women’s Day, March holds a few more important milestones for women’s history: • Title IX, which prohibits sex discrimination in all federally funded education programs, was passed by the Senate on March 1, 1972. It became law later that year. In fact, the educators who formed the first Women’s History
Daylight Savings Time Turn clocks forward one hour Sunday, March 14, 2021
Week a few years later did so to help schools comply with Title IX. Title IX as the legislature that advanced women athletes’ rights in high schools and colleges. • The Equal Rights Amendment, a constitutional amendment which guarantees rights regardless of sex past those assured by the 19th Amendment, passed the Senate on March 22, 1972. • Earlier in the 20th century, two significant women’s suffrage events took place in March. The first major suffragist parade took over Washington, DC, on March 3, 1913, and the National Woman’s Party, a political group dedicated to women’s suffrage, was officially formed in March 1917. NOTE: Women did not receive the right to vote until the 19th Amendment (1920). ON ANOTHER NOTE: COVID-19 is still with us (March 2020 we acknowledged its existence) and changing its form. Yes, vaccinations are available. The spread seems to be lessening. It is still important to wash your hands (did we not learn that in kindergarten). On a personal note, do not get close- remain socially distant and WEAR A MASK. Did you know the state of IOWA has dropped the mask mandate? The race is not over until we cross the finish line, seeing the finish line does not declare you the winner, you have to cross the line. Do what is right for YOU. Remember when your mother told you: Everyone else is playing on the freeway are you going into the traffic too? Think about that! Wash your hands, social distance, and wear a mask. The staff of the Omaha Star Newspaper works diligently to provide you with news and information that is relevant. Follow us on social media for updates and certainly we thank ALL our readers and subscribers for your support.
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