75 CENTS
OMAHA STAR
THE
Celebrating 80 Years
Give Your Mother a Great Mother’s Day Gift
1938 2018
Dedicated to the Service of the People that NO Good Cause Shall Lack a Champion and that Evil Shall Not Go Unopposed
Vote on May 15!
Nebraska’s Only Black Owned Newspaper Vol. 80 - No. 9 Omaha, Nebraska
Friday, May 4, 2018
75 cents
African American Candidates Make History By Preston Love Jr. and Krystal Fox 2018 continues to be a record setting year in the political arena. Thirteen local Black and African American candidates are running for office in this most important May 15 election. There also appears to be a record number of Black women running as well. With the election of Donald Trump to the Presidency, ultra-right wing and racist factions, feel that they have been given approval to exercise political and non-political acts against women, and people of color without any impunity, and quite frankly with encouragement from the Trump administration. This administration is without any advocates and persons of color who would be attempting to enact a human rights agenda, instead they are continually un-raveling the legislative and policy gains from the Civil Rights and Obama eras. Key elements of the 1965 Voting Rights Act are also under attack. Black communities all over this nation have been awaken and are fighting back. We are fighting back with a renewed awareness that Black Votes Matter. Recently here in Omaha, the Black community made history, by organizing and conducting the first ever North Omaha Political Convention, an event designed to increase that awareness. Now, a record number of people of color are running for office. The award-winning Omaha Star, is taking leadership with this issue showcasing our Black candidates. North Omaha is challenged to recognize that now is the time for us to “vote like crazy,” make history, and elect our own and others who will work with us to grow our community. Detailed candidate bios and their positions are available from the League of Women Voters online: https://www.omahalwv.org/. Hard copies are available at the Black Votes Matter office, 2518 N. 24th Street (402-905-9305), or at Omaha public libraries.
Our Candidates: Mike Hughes, Douglas County Sheriff Mike wants to change the face of law enforcement to a more positive one through education, increased visibility and events that bring law enforcement and civilians together. He also wants to work with state lawmakers on juvenile justice reform - changing a system too focused on punishment to one focused on rehabilitation.
Vanessa Ward, Governor My top priorities, when elected Governor of Nebraska, are to lessen the pressures that are weighing on the families of Nebraska; by balancing the budget to assure that the tax payer’s money is being responsibly and fairly managed and not misappropriated. Vote Vanessa Ward for Governor of Nebraska 2018! The People’s Voice!
See more candidate profiles continued on page 6
Legendary Omahan Cathy Hughes to be the Next Face on the Barroom Floor Cathy Hughes, who went on to become a legendary figure in the media world after leaving her humble beginnings in Omaha, will be honored May 18 as the Omaha Press Club’s 157th Face on the Barroom Floor. In 1980, Hughes founded Radio One Inc., the largest AfricanAmerican owned and operated broadcast company in the nation and the ninth highest earning AfricanAmerican business in the U.S. The company, now known as Urban One, has holdings in radio, cable television and digital media. The scope of Urban One is immense. The company owns and operates 55 radio stations in 16 U.S. markets offering hip-hop, rap, rhythm & blues, talk radio and news; has a television network (TV One) that reaches more than 57.4 million people, and has a digital company (Interactive One) that reaches more than 18 million unique monthly users through more than 80 national and local brands. “Cathy Hughes is one of the most remarkable women to come from Omaha, who also happens to be an African-American entrepreneur,” said Johnny Rodgers, a Heisman Trophy winner at Nebraska, who is the 102nd Face on the Barroom Floor. “She’s a perfect example of what someone can become. She’s as good as it gets. I’m so proud of her.” While at Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart at the age of 17, Hughes became pregnant and had a son, Alfred Liggins III. After two
years of marriage to Alfred Liggins Jr., Hughes divorced and moved to Washington, D.C., with her young son. She soon landed a job as a lecturer at Howard University, and went on to become the general sales manager of WHUR, Howard University’s radio station. Her son was always by her side and eventually became her business partner. Hughes began her radio career in Omaha at KOWH-AM, a station owned by a group of AfricanAmerican professionals. She also worked at the Omaha Star newspaper. Hughes said her humble beginnings in Omaha were not a deterrent to her success, but rather part of the catalyst that fueled her ambition to empower African-Americans with information and to tell stories from their perspective. Hughes, the daughter of William and Helen Woods, turned 71 on April 22. She grew up near 32nd Street and Paxton Boulevard, and on May 17 a stretch of Paxton Boulevard will be named in her honor. The streetnaming ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. at the Fontenelle Park Pavilion, 4405 Fontenelle Blvd. On May 18, Hughes will be the keynote speaker for the Empowerment Network’s 11th annual ReBuilding the Village Conference Economic Empowerment Luncheon at Hilton Omaha Downtown, 1001 Cass St. Reservations can still be made for the Face on the Barroom Floor event on May 18. Phone 402-345-8008 to make a reservation. The event
Cultural Humility Workshop – May 8. See In the Village for Details.
Mina Davis, State Legislative District 8 The reason I am running is we need more authentic and genuine working class voices in the legislature. I also could not wait for someone else to speak on issues that were important to many, such as student loan debt reform, fair scheduling and affordable housing. You can read more about me at www.minadavis2018.com and follow along on my www. facebook.com/minadavis2018.
Spencer Danner, Secretary of State My top priority is to preserve the integrity and security of our elections. We must modernize voter registration. We must remove partisan and racial gerrymandering of voting districts and develop an independent redistricting commission that builds confidence with Nebraska voters.
Cathy Hughes
is open to the public. Cost, which includes dinner, is $50 for members and $60 for non-members. You will be asked for a membership number or credit card number when you make your reservation. Johnny Rodgers, who is now founder/CEO, Johnny Rodgers Youth Foundation, will serve as emcee. Roasters will include: • Theresa Glass Union, AT&T, Nebraska Department of Health & Human Services (retired) • Elmer J. Crumbley, educational consultant/Minnesota Humanities Center, educator, Omaha Public Schools, former principal, Skinner Magnet School (retired) • Dr. Blandina Rose Willis, educator/counseling psychologist, president, Humanistic Solutions, LLC; and • Al Goodwin, economic development director, Omaha Economic Development Corporation (retired).
Large Candidate Showing for NAACP Forum
The Omaha NAACP Candidate Forum - Primary Election was held April 21 at Love’s Jazz and Arts Center. Hosted by the NAACP Political Action Committee (PAC), this is the first of a series of forums to educate voters in the community. The premise of the event provided an opportunity for individual candidates to introduce themselves and their platforms as they relate to North Omaha. Each candidate was given two minutes to explain their qualifications and what they hoped to accomplish once voted into office. Candidates expressed concerns regarding Medicaid expansion, gentrification, expanding opportunities for diverse populations, and charter schools. The Omaha Branch had an overwhelming response from candidates. Of the 34 candidates that confirmed, 28 participated in Saturday’s forum. Those in attendance: Jack Heidel, Chris Janicek, Brad Ashford, Kara Eastman, Bob Krist, Vanessa Ward, Spencer Danner, Mina Davis, Josh Henningson, Larry Bradley, Elizabeth O’Connor, Barbara Weitz, Robert Meyers, Deborah Neary, Michael Hughes, Kris Pierce, Jennifer Hernandez, Nyok Kuoiloi, Dennis Womack, Dustin Jennings, Mark Treinen, Tom Barrett, Eric Williams, Mark Hoeger, Erik Servellon, Marlon Brewer, Marque Snow and Kimara Snipes. As part of the forum, Omaha Chapter President, Vickie Young, shared branch history and the importance of civic engagement, and acknowledged the number of candidates of color. Chris Carithers, PAC Chairperson, shared information regarding voter registration and the importance of voting. MC Brenda Council reiterated the importance of being an educated voter and exercising your right to vote at the polls. “We were pleased by the candidate involvement and are looking forward to an expanded candidate forum on Sept. 15, prior to the general election,” said Carithers. Young added “Once the community is knowledgeable of each candidate’s platform, they’ll respond to those who give attention to the community, particularly the underserved. I believe voters will turn out in greater numbers.” The main goal of the Omaha NAACP PAC is to protect and enhance voting rights and fair political representation at all levels of the political process, and to advocate for the protection of democracy, enhancing equity and increased civic engagement. NAACP is a non-partisan organization. For more information on upcoming forums or branch initiatives, phone 402-345-6227.
Salute to Graduates Explore the Issue – June 29. Hood – May 12. Send Photos to Phyllis Hicks by June 12 phyllis@omahastarinc.com
See In the Village for Details.