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Omaha Star
Proudly Serving Our Community for Over 80 Years
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Nebraska’s Only Black Owned Newspaper Vol. 84 - No. 15 Omaha, Nebraska
Friday, July 22, 2022
75 cents
Nuptials for Sanders and Townsend
Our families, The Sanders and Townsends joined Symone and Shawn in their nuptials on Friday, July 15, 2022. The historic Larz Anderson House, Washington, D.C. was the site for the festivities. Symone was escorted by her brothers Daniel Jose and Daniel Edgar II. A circle of close family and friends filled the hall lined with florals by third generation Lee’s Florist. After the vows, written by the couple, were exchanged all then proceeded to the ballroom for a private dinner and toasts. The bride and groom changed their Gucci custom designed attire to receive more guests at “A Toast to Townsend” where they announced that they were married in an earlier ceremony. There was a photo booth area complete for photos with the couple. The grounds were filled with love and well wishers from near and far. The next day was a brunch at the Ivy City Smokehouse. Where guest dined on a menu of smoked meats, fresh fruits and libations. Brunch music was provided by The Backyard Band and a fantastic DJ. The afternoon included a live painting of the couple by their favorite artist Demont “Peekaso” Pinder. The couple will reside in the Washington, D.C. area.
Publisher’s Pen By Terri D. Sanders
COVID has a new cousin in the family and it seems that we will be wearing masks again for protection from Credit: Eric Robinson, Atlanta this strain of the virus. Why is family history important? I had a chance to have a conversation with my brother, W. Juan McAlister, who now resides in Las Vegas. We were both in Washington, D.C. to attend the wedding of Symone. My brother is sixteen years my senior and there is not another sibling between us. We were like two only children. Each raised in the same household but in different eras. Juan grew up with multiple generations of our family tree…he knew not only our grandmother, but also our great grandmother and great grandfather. He shared stories of them as well as stories about their children which were siblings of our grandmother. Some of them I knew and others I did not. Both of my parents are deceased as is my husband. We both remarked how proud everyone would
be of the accomplishments of my children. My family tree began in Lexington, Tennessee at Parker’s Crossing. I remember in my early years going to visit aunts and uncles that did not have indoor plumbing and using an outhouse in the country (Tennessee). When you are five years old traveling in a station wagon on a road trip this seemed like fun times. He shared some information that I did not realize and was maybe in the back of my mind…my great grandmother was born a slave. His point was that while she was born a slave her great-great granddaughter, Symone Danielle Sanders, worked in the White House and had walked the halls with the President and Vice President of the United States. What a piece of family history and a piece of the story we should never forget. He told me that our great grandmother always said to him you had better get something in that head (education). We can proudly say that our family tree has branched out and we have gotten something in our heads and our hands are busy for good. Mary and Chris (our great grandparents); Opal and James (our parents); and Daniel(my husband) are our heavenly ancestors and we know that they are peacock proud where they are of what is going on in this family in 2022.
Lost time is never found again. ~Thelonious Monk, Jazz Pianist WE HAD THE DIFFICULT CONVERSATIONS ABOUT THE VACCINE. IT WORKS. Facts at: douglascountyhealth.com/covid-19
Couple with artist and painting
Built on a Solid Foundation By LaQuinte Campbell Since 1927, the Urban League of Nebraska has been empowering the community and transforming lives through programs and services such as college tours, financial literacy workshops, the Whitney M. Young Girls STEAM Academy, and the Urban League of Nebraska Young Professionals (ULNYP). For over 90 years, the Urban League of Nebraska has remained aligned to the national mission, “to help African Americans and others in underserved communities achieve their highest true social parity, economic self-reliance, power and civil rights”. There are many shining examples of the reach and impact of this organization, and it brings great joy to the community to share in and celebrate the success of those whose lives have been changed through their connection, especially that of Ms. Rianna Gunter. Ms. Gunter first became engaged with the Urban League of Nebraska as a student at Omaha North High School in 2014. As a program participant she was able to receive additional support in academics, became involved in multiple community service projects, and had the opportunity to build the leadership skills
Rianna Gunter and Davielle Phillips that would guide her to success in life and her chosen career. In 2018, during her senior year of high school, she earned a scholarship through the Urban League of Nebraska. She also earned the African American Leadership Award in the Youth category, an award that recognizes the accomplishments and achievements of African American youth in the Omaha community that have made significant contributions to the city. From there, she enrolled in college at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln majoring in Architecture. Ms. Gunter remained connected to the Omaha community through her involvement in Solid Foundation continued on page 2
Some people dream of great accomplishments, while others stay awake and do them. ~C. Neman