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. 84 - No. 20 Omaha, Nebraska
Friday, September 30, 2022
75 cents
Person of the Week:
Congratulations Dr. Logan:
OPS Superintendent Cheryl Logan Wins McGraw Prize in Education
Dr. Cheryl Logan The McGraw Family Foundation and the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education (Penn GSE) named Superintendent Cheryl Logan, Ed.D., a recipient of the 2022 Harold W. McGraw, Jr. Prize in Education. Dr. Logan is the sole honoree nationally this year in Pre-K-12 education. “The McGraw Prize was established in 1988 to honor my father’s commitment to literacy and education and to shine a spotlight on innovative and dedicated educators who empower our students and enhance our society,” said Harold McGraw III, former Chairman, CEO and President of The McGraw-Hill Companies. “I salute this year’s winners who meet the highest standards of excellence and who have changed the lives of so many by their leadership and passion.” In announcing the 2022 winners, organizers noted, “Dr. Cheryl Logan, superintendent of Omaha Public Schools since 2018, has spent her career building engagement and alignment among all the key stakeholders in student success. Her innovative leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic and commitment to providing opportunities for students to achieve their highest potential embody the essence of the McGraw Prize. Logan led the district through a groundbreaking SARS-CoV-2 testing pilot study with the University of Nebraska Medical Center, enabling Omaha to be one of the first large, urban school districts in the nation to return to in-person learning in 2020.” Prior to her work in Omaha, Dr. Logan’s efforts in the School District of Philadelphia founded the first and only early college program in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. In a letter to Omaha Public Schools and families announcing the award, Board of Education President Shavonna Holman, Ed.D. said, “From the excitement of a new Strategic Plan of Action to the challenges of leading through a pandemic, Omaha Public Schools is stronger because of Dr. Logan’s student-centered service and leadership. We are proud to share our heartfelt congratulations.” “These inspiring education leaders have changed the lives of so many individuals through their work. Each represents the best in our field and what it means to be an educator. Their impact is profound, and we are so proud to honor their outstanding contributions,” said Pam Grossman, dean of Penn GSE and a leading expert on teacher quality. To learn more, visit https://www.mcgrawprize.com/winners.
The MAC Foundation Inaugural Gratitude Gala Omaha, NE– Midlands African Chamber, Inc (“MAC”), and the MAC Foundation are pleased to announce the launch of their inaugural Gratitude Gala on Saturday, November 5th, 2022 from 6 pm to 10 pm at the Metropolitan Community College Culinary Arts Institute - Fort Omaha Campus, 5370 N 30th St, Omaha, NE 68111. MAC aims to improve the thriving business environment for African and African Americans in Nebraska and the Midwest. The MAC Foundation offers a vehicle for establishing, managing, and funding projects that align with the MAC’s objectives. In addition, the MAC Foundation supports programs such as Pitch Black Accelerator, Rising CEOs, and Suit Up. For additional information, visit www.fundmac.org. The Gratitude Gala seeks to honor exception MAC members, volunteers, partners, organizations, and people who have mentored and assisted our members’ companies in succeeding and supported our community through remarkable efforts in the DEI field. Below are a few things to look forward to during the gala: ● Awards Ceremony: The nominees will be acknowledged and awarded in categories, such as Inclusion leader, Non-Profit or Philanthropic Star of the Year, Partnership/ MAC Champion, Large Business of the Year (25+ Employees), Small Business of the Year (1-24 Employees), Volunteer of
COVID is ever present in our society. Masks UP and be safe. Our community has a great financial opportunity through our state government for multimillion dollars in funds to build structures and businesses. Credit: Eric Robinson, Atlanta Deadline for proposals is October 9, 2022. No, that is not long, but it is enough time to get it together, get it on paper, and make your submission. ALL are welcome. For more information go to the website: omahaeconomicrecovery.com. That way you are not operating on what someone overheard, another person’s opin-
ion, or misinformation. A lesson that life has taught me is KNOW for yourself. I have been blessed to be in rooms where I never thought that I could be in, but nevertheless I am. This week has been the week for the Congressional Black Caucus gathering. The pandemic has prevented this meeting of powerful People of Color in our nation’s capitol. There are power leaders and organizations here and the Omaha Star is in the mix. I am getting information to bring home and deploy. On another note, one of the programs of the MDBMSC is Junior Journalism. This is a communications bootcamp for young persons. Journalism is not only radio, tv, and newspapers. Journalism is TOTAL communications: blogs, videography, photography, social media, blogs, podcasts, and more. We have an inhouse computer lab in the offices and are ready to share information with students and
“The time is always right to do what is right.” Martin Luther King
Jam Sessions at NOMA
Are you a musician looking to test your tunes? Meet at NOMA, 2510 N 24th Street and sit in to JAM…Mondays features Jazz and Tuesdays is Contemporary. Come Jam or come and enjoy good music, by some of Omaha’s finest and some guests from time to time.
Publisher’s Pen
By Terri D. Sanders
the Year, Founders Award. ● Raffles, Live, and Silent Auction: Several exciting items and trips to bid on such as a vacation to Mexico, Orlando Florida, hotel passes, a personal training package, and several other items. ● Celebration: We will have a wine pull and music by DJ Herman. Tickets are available at www.fundmac.org. The funds generated through sponsorships, donations, and ticket sales will allow us to build our support educational programs, such as Rising CEOs and Suit Up, and expand the Pitch Black Accelerator. The Gratitude Gala gives an excellent opportunity for networking and connecting with business, and organization leaders of diverse sectors, in a fun and festive atmosphere. For more information, contact us at Info@fundmac.org.
Publisher’s Pen continued on page 2
Voices of Omaha Messiah rehearsal
Voices Of Omaha will begin Messiah rehearsals at 2 p.m. on Sunday, October 9, 2022, at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church, 7706 South 96th Street, for the 3 p.m., Sunday, November 20, 2022 performance at the Holland Performing Arts Center. Voices of Omaha is a choral group of volunteer voices who for 53 years has presented a free presentation of Handel’s Messiah at 3 p.m. on the Sunday before Thanksgiving. There is no audition however there is a membership fee of $40 and if needed a $25 choral score. Membership is free as well as a choral score if needed to high school and college students and military. Registration is online at www. VoicesOfOmaha.org or in person from 1 to 2 p.m. Sunday, October 9, 2022. Justin Payne is the Artistic Director and Paul Koenig is Conductor. Soloist this year are Justin Payne, Tenor; Kyle Sandall, bassbaritone; Shelby Van Nordstrand, soprano; and Janet Carlsen Campbell, mezzo-soprano.
“Have a vision. Be demanding.” Colin Powell