Vol. 80 - No. 2

75 CENTS

OMAHA STAR

Justice for Jasmine

THE

Celebrating 80 Years

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1938 2018

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. 81 - No. 2 Omaha, Nebraska

Friday, January 25, 2019

75 cents

Diane Nash, Freedom Fighter, Receives Lifetime Achievement Award

By Amanda Paris Public Relations Chair OS-NCNW

Kamala Harris is Right Choice to ‘Save our Country’

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Correspondent @StacyBrownMedia

The Omaha Section, National Council of Negro Women Inc., presented a Lifetime Achievement Award to Diane Nash, keynote speaker, civil rights activist and freedom fighter, at the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance (IMA) 2019 MLK Luncheon, for her outstanding contributions to civil rights. Omaha Section President Viv Ewing, Ph.D., presented the award to honor Diane Nash.

As Keynote Speaker, Nash surprised the audience with her soft voice, sense of humor, and a big message of how to effect change.

She said, “The oppressed allows the oppressor.”

We cannot be oppressed unless we become a willing participant. During the civil rights movement, we decided as a people we were no longer accepting oppression and that is when it changed. She revealed 6 steps to effect change: 1) Investigation, 2) Education, 3) Negotiation, 4) Demonstration, 5) L to R: IMA President Rev. Tony Sanders, Resistance, and 6) Diane Nash & Viv Ewing, Ph.D. Prevention of Reoccurrence.

It was the lynching, institutionalized segregation, and deprivation of voting rights in the South that inspired Diane Nash, despite concerns for her own safety, to push for equality for Black people. Diane, who came from a middleclass family in Chicago, attended Howard University and transferred to Fisk University in Nashville, and discovered extreme levels of segregation in Nashville.

See Nash continued on page 2

That Democratic California Sen. Kamala Harris announced her candidacy for president on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is no coincidence.

For her supporters and those who know her well, Harris has long been a fighter for freedom, justice and equality and she’s often invoked the spirit of Dr. King in talking about what America needs today.

“I think we all know when Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. talked about the Dream, it wasn’t about being asleep,” Harris said during the recent Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Annual Legislative Conference. “It was about being awake.”

On a day to honor King, and in a brief video from her campaign that was released on social media Monday morning at the same time that she appeared on ABC’s “Good Morning America,” Harris called on her supporters to join with her to “claim our future.”

“Justice. Decency. Equality. Freedom.

Democracy. These aren’t just words.

They’re the values we as Americans cherish. And they’re all on the line now,” Harris said in the video, teasing her official kickoff in her birthplace of Oakland next Sunday.

“The future of our country depends on you and millions of others lifting our voices to fight for our American

Two New Members Elected to OPS Board, Officers Chosen Two new Board of Education members were sworn into service Jan. 7 at the first board meeting of the school year for Omaha Public Schools.

Nancy Kratky, 81, representing subdistrict 6, took her position with 6,275 votes into subdistrict 6.

Kratky, a retired educator, previously served on the OPS board from 1994-2013. Her term will last four years. She will serve an area representing seven OPS schools in West Omaha. These schools include: Catlin Magnet Elementary, Colombian Elementary, Crestridge Magnet Elementary, Joslyn Elementary, Oak Valley Elementary, Beveridge Middle Magnet, and Omaha Burke High School.

Kimara Snipe, 44, was elected during the general elections held Nov. 6, with 2,965 votes in subdistrict 8. Snipe is most notably recognized for her work leading the Highland South-Indian Hill Neighborhood Association. Her term will cover 12 area OPS schools in South Omaha, including: Early Childhood Center, Early Childhood Educare (Indian Hill Elementary), Ashland Park/Robbins Elementary, Chandler View Elementary, Gateway Elementary, Gilder Elementary, Highland Elementary, Indian Hill Elementary, Pawnee Elementary, Wilson Focus, Bryan Middle, R.M. Marrs Magnet Middle, and Omaha Bryan High School.

At the Board meeting, both Kratky and Snipe were given the opportunity to take photos with audience members before proceeding with the agenda. Among those present to congratulate Snipe were members of Clair Memorial United Methodist Church led by Rev. Portia A. Cavitt.

Marque A. Snow and Shavonna L. Holman were elected Board of Education President and Vice President respectively. The two will serve in the roles during calendar year 2019. OPS elects board officers in January, generally at the first board meeting held during the start of the calendar year.

Snow said his mission in 2019 is to get a head start addressing pension challenges and to help with initiatives led by Superintendent Dr. Cheryl Logan, who is entering her 7th month as the leader of the largest school district in the state.

Enjoy an Omaha State of Mind – Jan. 31.

See In the Village for details.

Kimara Snipe (Left) and Nancy Kratky (Right)

Marque A. Snow

Shavonna L. Homan

“I will continue to work on our retirement pension plan to find a solution within the first year. I also plan to expand our dual language program in OPS to North Omaha and re-align the OPS Strategic Plan to help guide our new Superintendent Dr. Cheryl Logan,” Snow said during the meeting.

During Holman’s term, she shared that she looks forward to focusing on recruitment and retention of teachers and administrators. Additionally, she hopes to increase efforts in providing alternative education programming and opportunities for underachieving, high-ability students.

Kamala Harris

values,” said Harris, the first AfricanAmerican woman, and the third woman overall, to announce her candidacy for the 2020 election.

Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) have also announced that they will run.

Harris said she’s running to “lift those voices, to bring our voices together.”

“On Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) salutes the outstanding courage and leadership of Sen. Kamala Harris as she upholds and embodies the spirit and courage of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by announcing her candidacy for President of the United States,” said NNPA president and CEO Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr. NNPA Chair, and the editor and publisher of the Crusader newspapers in Chicago and Gary, Indiana,

Dorothy R. Leavell, also applauded Harris’ announcement. “I am excited that Kamala Harris has entered the presidential race for 2020 and look forward to her mounting a vigorous campaign,” Leavell said.

“She is imminently qualified, having come through the ranks of politics in the Bay area and has served admirably in the United States Senate these last two years. Just last March (2018), under the leadership of Amelia Ward, who serves as Chairman of the National Newspaper Publishers Association Foundation and is the publisher of the San Francisco Sun Reporter, Harris was honored as our ‘Newsmaker of the Year,’” Leavell said.

She continued: “She has a close relationship with the Black Press and respects its commitment as an institution of the Black community. She is energetic, smart and works hard to be See Harris continued on page 2

Support Your Mind and Soul

By Dawaune Lamont Hayes In the basement of a modest building that sits adjacent to the birth site of Malcolm Little, famously known as Malcolm X, rests the headquarters of a low-power FM radio station with high-powered aspirations.

101.3 FM Mind and Soul Radio, housed in the Malcolm X Memorial Foundation, is celebrating their second anniversary on-air.

In preparation for an ambitious new year, the producers and hosts of the station’s flagship show, Michael and Michelle in the Morning, are seeking public support to continue providing quality programming for the North Omaha community.

I was invited to join the crew for the morning broadcast. As I got comfortable, I couldn’t help but notice the playful energy in the studio. Before going live at 7:00 a.m., there were laughs and smiles as the team prepared. Dalamar McTizic, aka BLK (black) Xcellence, is the lead sound engineer and producer of the show. He also serves as the announcer, opening the broadcast with a charisma-filled greeting that could make anyone hop out on the right side of the bed.

“Got to get up ERRRRLY in the morning to catch Michael and Michelle in the Morning!

I’m BLK Xcellence, holdin it down on the boards. Doin what I do, attemptin t’do it well, how are you guys a’doin?”

Michael Scott and Michelle Troxclair then pick up the reigns. Scott’s voice bellows in with a rich tambour that is complemented by Troxclair’s smokey-smooth delivery.

Born and raised in New York City, son of Jamaican immigrants, Michael Scott began television reporting in Tucson, Arizona in 1977. He went on to anchor numerous news markets including Denver, Dallas, and Los Angeles on Entertainment Tonight. His work brought him to Omaha multiple times in the 80s and 90s where he anchored for KETV and

Service is the price we pay for the space we occupy. Begin mentoring a youth. January is National Mentoring Month.

Scott & Troxclair

KMTV. He developed a strong reputation and deep love for the city. “Omaha is a great place to live. I’ve left Omaha and come back,” said Scott. He even left a second time and came back in 2015, semi-retired.

That’s when Mind and Soul Radio was just getting started and program director Paul Allen IV was looking for strong talent to develop a flagship morning show. Allen met with Scott who was then connected with Michelle Troxclair.

One of many trades and talents, during the day Troxclair runs creative writing programming out of the Douglas County Youth Center and has been engaged in community development from a young age.

Well-known for her social activism, poetry education background, and spoken word events, Troxclair was an obvious pick to sit opposite Scott. The two have been working together since the show’s launch in 2016.

The content of Michael and Michelle moves from local to national news, political to pop culture, and of course morning weather and traffic. “We extend the broadcasting through the day, we try to grab the audience and bring them through,” said Scott, who also announces upcoming programming and local headlines to run throughout the day.

On some days the trio is joined by a guest See Mind and Soul continued on page 2

Clair Cares – Feb. 16.

See In the Village for details.

Page Two

LOCAL NEWS

THE OMAHA STAR

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Harris continued from page 1 prepared for the duties she undertakes. We are certain that she will be a formidable candidate and wish her the best in the campaign.”

“It is quite appropriate that on the day that the nation honors Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a fresh and vibrant new face announces her run for the Presidency,” said Rosetta Miller Perry, Publisher of the Tennessee Tribune Newspaper.

“California Senator Kamala Harris is everything the current holder of the office isn’t,” Perry continued. “She is honest, a champion of equality and opportunity, and someone who will stand up and fight against the forces of hatred and bigotry.

Her candidacy is a breath of fresh air in an environment spoiled by the toxic and incompetent individual whose administration is running the country.”

According to CNN, Harris’ campaign will be headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland – giving aides an East Coast hub in a racially diverse city that has struggled with wide

Disturbed by the segregation and Jim Crow laws, Diane along with others sought to test the 1960 Supreme Court ruling that segregation of interstate transportation facilities including bus terminals was unconstitutional. This came to be known as the Freedom Rides. Many people lost their lives in an effort to overturn unconstitutional laws. Nash went on to successfully challenge many of the Southern norms via the voting rights campaign, integrating lunch counters through sit-ins, serving on the committee that promoted the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, just to name a few.

Many strategic acts were displayed by Nash in the quest for freedom and equality. Some landed her in jail, but all served to further the civil rights movement. Nash is to be applauded for her bravery and unwavering efforts for civil rights. She jeopardized her life and freedom to fight for equality.

The Omaha Section invites the community to attend its 2019 Harambee Brunch on March 30 at 10 a.m. at the Metropolitan Community College-South. Tickets are available now on Eventbrite, search Harambee Brunch Omaha or by contacting Perlie Whitley at pwhitley29295@q.com or 402-320-0375. For membership, contact Pam Battle King at 402-210-7980.

Mind and Soul continued from page 1 from the community to discuss issues or events related to them but every show winds down with a “Michelle Soapbox Moment” where Troxclair sounds off on subjects on her mind. That day in the studio it was about a Guatemalan girl who died in U.S. Border Patrol custody. During the moment though, she made a minor factual error, and that’s where Scott steps in, “I’m supposed to be the big boy that brings journalism on the air. She’s a very opinionated woman, I think we balance each other.”

“We are arguably, probably the only progressive voice in radio here in Omaha, or in Nebraska even. So we’re hoping as we grow, as the station grows, we can reach more people and be one of the voices that helps to swing people to progressive ideas and values,” said Troxclair.

Progressivism in this case does not shy away from discussing and criticizing the current president of the United States. Scott often reads national headlines regarding President Trump, his behavior, and policy decisions. Although the duo have received some pushback from people who disagree with their political stances, Troxclair believes the information and discussion is important, “An educated and informed public and citizenry do better at making decisions for their own lives with reference to government and how it functions.

We feel like it is our charge that we do that,” she said.

Informing the masses comes at a cost though, one the 100 watt station is seeking community support to maintain and ultimately boost. Paul Allen has aspirations to expand the station to 100,000 watts, similar to that of 8.97 FM The River based out of Iowa Western Community College. “Unfortunately, it depends on when the FCC makes those licenses available,” said Allen. In the meantime the station is available online via Tune-in and other platforms, but the team wants to continue to raise the profile of the station with quality programming to galvanize public financial contributions.

Troxclair says community-supported radio is simple math, “If we got 1000 people in our community to give ten bucks a month, there you have it and we are not dependent on outside entities coming into our community putting down their dollars and telling us what to do.”

The Malcolm X Memorial Foundation, the station’s fiscal agent, is a non-profit that is able to receive grants and tax-deductible donations. Although the station has been successful in acquiring some grant funding, Troxclair says she speaks for the crew when she stresses public participation, “I hope that people see the value in what it is that we do and support us. I want our community to be involved and invest in us so that we can continue and then grow!”

101.3 FM Mind and Soul Radio is a key partner in the development NOISE. Since the inception of the initiative, the station has supported the creation of the NOISE Report, a weekly news brief featuring soundbites and headlines from around the community. The report runs at the top of every hour Monday through Friday after Mind & Soul News and can be found on noiseomaha.com.

Omaha Star Publishing dates 2019

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February

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income disparities – and Oakland, where Harris was born to immigrant parents who came to the US to advance their academic careers.

Harris chose to announce on Monday to honor the legacies of two of her heroes.

Forty-seven years ago this week, Shirley Chisholm, the first black woman to ever run for president, launched her campaign.

And Dr. King has been a role model for Harris throughout her life as a result of what she views as his “aspirational fight for progress.”

Harris chose yellow and red for her campaign logo in a nod to Chisholm’s bid for president with its red and yellow campaign buttons, CNN reported.

Her signs will carry her campaign theme “Kamala Harris for the people,” the words that she spoke each time she rose in the courtroom as a prosecutor.

Meanwhile, Amelia Ward the NNPA Foundation Chair, who also counts as a personal friend of Harris, said her fellow

Nash continued from page 1

Hy-Vee Supermarket

Youngblood’s Barbershop

January 25, 2019

February 8, 2019 February 22, 2019

March 8, 2019 March 22, 2019

April 5, 2019 April 19, 2019

May Friday Friday Friday

May 3, 2019 May 17, 2019 May 31, 2019

June Friday Friday

June 14, 2019 June 28, 2019

July Friday Friday

July 12, 2019 July 26, 2019

Bay Area resident is a great choice to put the country back on solid footing.

“Senator Kamala Harris has long been a champion for the people of the San Francisco Bay Area and the state of California. The Sun-Reporter has supported her since her successful run for San Francisco District Attorney in 2003, and also her campaigns for California Attorney General and U.S. Senator,” Ward said.

“As a junior senator, Harris hit the ground running in Washington, D.C., becoming an instant force and outspoken critic of President Trump and his regime,” she said.

Ward continued: “Now is the time for a national leader like Senator Harris to come forward to help save our country. I believe that now as a candidate for President of the United States, she has the opportunity to connect with Americans across this country and emerge as the people’s choice to put our country back on track.”

NC100 Black Women of Greater Omaha Inducts New Members The National Coalition of 100 Black Women of Greater Omaha, under the leadership of President Dr. Idalene Williams, inducted several phenomenal women during the holiday season. 17 outstanding women joined the Coalition. New members inducted were Rev. Dr. Jessiline Anderson, Rev. Dr. Angela D. Washington, Avis M. Roper, Denise Scales, Nicole Beasley, Valyn Beasley, Judy Pearl-Lee, Peta Sheerwood, Christine Holmes, Malena Rousseau, Pamela Herndon Bell, Jerri Maxwell, Michella Blankman, Patricia Nabal, Jennifer Brantley, Taina Evans, and Dr. Orlanda Whitfield.

The induction was celebrated with a candle light ceremony including new and current members. The National President of the NC100 of Black Women, Virginia Harris, conducted the special induction services. The ceremony ended with the Coalition’s annual Christmas party. To learn more about the Coalition, visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ncbwgreateromaha/ website.

United Way-Funded Program Will Help More Than 6,000 Individuals File Taxes for Free

Filing income taxes can be overwhelming, and not everyone can afford to pay for expert advice to ensure they’re filing accurately and taking full advantage of available tax refunds. To assist these individuals, the Omaha Earned Income Tax Credit Coalition – a program funded in part by United Way of the Midlands – will oversee five free tax preparation sites in the metro area.

The Coalition, which is operated by Family Housing Advisory Services, prepares more than 6,000 tax returns for local residents annually. In doing so, it helps low-income individuals receive refundable credits such as the earned income tax credit (EITC), child tax credit and the additional child tax credit (CTC/ACTC) and the American opportunity tax credit (AOTC). In 2017, the EITC alone put approximately $305,000,000 back into the hands of Nebraska residents, an average of $2,360 per household.

The Coalition offered a drop-off tax preparation service at its 3605 Q St. site Jan. 22-25 from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Beginning Monday, at least one of five sites will be open every day throughout tax season until April 15. The Q Street location is open year-round to assist taxpayers.

Free Tax Preparation Sites: • Omaha EITC Coalition, 3605 Q St. • North Acres Community Center, 5449 N. 108th Plaza • Al-Huda Islamic Center, 4735 NW Radial Hwy • Timbercreek Mercy Housing, 6816 S. 137th Plaza • Habitat for Humanity, 1701 N. 24th St. Individuals seeking more information about tax preparation sites and hours are invited to contact United Way of the Midlands’ 2-1-1 Helpline by dialing 2-1-1 or texting their zip code to 898211 (Standard msg and data rates may apply when texting). Helpline specialists are available Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. - 8 p.m. and on Saturdays, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. They can assist individuals in more than 100 languages through the use of their tele-interpreter service. More information is also available at www.omahaeitc.org.

Coalition Organizes to Raise Awareness of Racial Violence

The Omaha Community Council for Racial Justice and Reconciliation held a press conference on Jan. 14 at the Great Plains Black History Museum to announce the Equal Justice Initiative Community Remembrance Project.

The Omaha Community Council for Racial Justice and Reconciliation is a grassroots coalition of organizations and community members formed to coordinate efforts to memorialize victims of lynching and raise awareness of the legacy of racial violence and injustice in Douglas County. Under the leadership of the Omaha Branch of the NAACP, council members include individuals from: Black Votes Matter, City of Omaha, Creighton University, Great Plains Black History Museum, University of Nebraska-Omaha, Omaha Public Schools, Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Urban League of Nebraska, and Women’s Fund of Omaha.

Sept. 28 will mark 100 years since the brutal lynching of Will Brown in Omaha. Brown was a young African-American man who was falsely accused of a crime and subsequently murdered, his body burned and dragged through town by a racist mob. Omaha had also seen the lynching of another falsely accused man, George Smith, in 1891.

At the national level, efforts to redress lynching and the history of racial violence in America have gained momentum. Recently, the U.S. Senate passed the first federal Anti-Lynching Bill. The Equal Justice Initiative (EJI) released a comprehensive report, “Lynching in America,” which documented more than 4,400 lynchings nationally, including those of George Smith and Will Brown. To recognize the horrific legacy of lynching, slavery and other forms of racial violence, terror and injustice, EJI opened The National Memorial for Peace and Justice, the first national site of its kind, in 2018.

Each community in which these violent incidents occurred bears responsibility of its own. To emphasize this, EJI is accepting applications for local historical markers and memorial monuments to lynching victims, the latter in the style of its own Memorial’s large metal coffin-like canisters. The Council has engaged with EJI to state its intention to apply for a marker and monument for Douglas County. In an effort to confront and recover from tragic histories of racial violence and terrorism, EJI is joining with communities across the nation to implement “Community Remembrance Projects”.

The Council and community partners engage in discussion at open monthly meetings. Ongoing conversations with members from diverse organizations have been key to recognizing interest in establishing these memorials and planning an appropriate commemoration, which will take place this fall.

The Council intends to continue their work after the events of 2019 have come to a close, as it identifies other opportunities for moving toward racial justice.

January 25, 2019

PRAISE, WORSHIP, DEVOTION, OBITUARIES & INSPIRATION THE OMAHA STAR Page Three Kids Talk About God What if it is True?

Why Did God Make Us?

By Carey Kinsolving And Friends “God made us because he was tired of seeing dinosaurs on the world,” says Austin, age 7. “He didn’t like the dinosaurs,” adds Colton, 6. Are you guys saying we’re God’s Plan B? Think again.

“I think God created us because God thought we would be special, and it turns out we are special!” says Chelsea, 8. Now, we’re on the right track. Being created in God’s image is as special as it gets.

“I think God made us because he was bored of just sitting up in heaven looking down at nothing,” says Jordan, 10.

The Scriptures portray God as full and overflowing with life. We are the ones who succumb to boredom when we try to live apart from the One who is the source of life.

Describing those who trust in God, King David wrote: “They are abundantly satisfied with the fullness of your house, and you give them drink from the river of your pleasures” (Psalm 36:8).

Wait a minute. Isn’t God against pleasure?

Wrong.

“I think God made us because he wanted to see somebody playing and having fun,” says Sara, 8.

King David danced, leaped and shouted before the Ark of the Covenant as he brought it back to Jerusalem. When was the last time you saw people so filled with the Lord’s life that they danced, leaped and shouted before the Lord? Probably never. That’s why God called David a man after his own heart.

We try to squeeze a few drops of pleasure out of life while God waits with a river of pleasure for all who trust him. We settle for too little pleasure when we try to make ourselves the center of the universe.

“God has created all things for his own pleasure, but not in the sense of selfish gratification, but in the sense of purposeful and meaningful activity,” writes Bible scholar G.W. Bromiley.

God created us because “he wanted someone to play with,” says Sarah, 7, or “to talk and walk with him,” says Carri, 9.

After Adam and Eve sinned, they hid from God when they heard him “walking in the garden.” It appears that “walking and talking” were things God did regularly with Adam and Eve. “God created us to rule the Earth,” says Katharyn, 9. “He also wanted us (or Adam) to name the animals. He needed us to take care of the fruit tree. He also wanted us to

pray to Him and to be with Him.” Some people associate work with the curse God placed on the ground after Adam and Eve sinned. Before Adam sinned, however, God told him to “tend and keep” the garden.

God intended for people created in his image to rule over the Earth in perfect harmony with his will (Genesis 1:26).

“God made us for his own glory,” says Cody, 7, or “to live in his glory,” concludes Ross, 11.

On the night before Jesus offered himself as a sacrifice for our sins, he offered a prayer regarding his Father’s glory “that they [that is, Jesus’ disciples] may be one just as we [Jesus speaking of himself and his Father] are one” (John 17:22).

Jesus revealed the eternal glory, oneness and love that he had always enjoyed with his Father. They, and those after them who entered into that eternal fellowship, would never be the same.

Point to ponder: God made us for his glory and pleasure.

Scripture to remember: “At your right hand are pleasures forevermore” (Psalm 16:11).

Question to consider: From what do you derive your purpose and pleasure?

Rev. Andre Beatty: Millennial Minister Speaks Out in Honor of Dr. King

By Defender News Service Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. began his socially conscious ministry at 26, an age we now consider a millennial. With that in mind, the Defender sought out four millennial members of the clergy to get their take on the big issues of the day, and how those issues impact how they do ministry.

Rev. Andre Beatty, The Kingdom Culture Center, shares his thoughts.

Defender: What are the challenges unique to a young minister?

Andre Beatty: The greatest challenges, I believe, in being a young minister/pastor relate to being able to experience your youth, to live and experience life and at the same time, carry the weight of the responsibility of ministry. Being that ministry is such a serious work, many young ministers are pulled into this feeling of having to abandon their youth and their age to do the work. I was like that. I have since learned better.

Defender: What are the opportunities unique to a young minister?

Beatty: There are many. However, I think the greatest opportunities lie in serving people and learning how to lead those you serve with integrity and with a humble approach. Ministry is the business of people. So, minsters are spiritual, and sometimes natural public servants. Young minsters have the opportunity to impact the lives of all ages regularly and should understand the magnitude of that opportunity.

Defender: How do politics and social issues (police brutality, Black Lives Matter, immigration reform, #MeToo, LGBTQ issues, healthcare access, etc.) frame and/or impact your approach to ministry?

Beatty: Every one of these are at the forefront of our nation and are a part of the heartbeat of most of our churches. To preach a gospel absent of conversing about the social needs and issues of our congregants, discussing rights and solutions to the problems of prejudice, inequality and judgementalism is irresponsible. As an African American Pastor, BLM and police brutality should be spotlighted and a part of regular conversation. As a human being in general, immigration, #MeToo and LGBTQ must be a part of weekly care as ministries in our church. These makeup the faces we preach to every week.

Defender: What is the biggest (most important) political issue impacting the U.S. and/or members of your congregation?

Beatty: I believe the issue of respect for black life and money are of the biggest issues. When our black family members are afraid of dying in police traffic stops, we have to endure bogus 911 calls and we have 1.5 trillion dollars in spending power in this country, but our neighborhoods are constantly being gentrified and black businesses beg for support, there are major problems. However, there are so many issues that affect us. It can be hard to narrow it down.

Defender: What are your thoughts and positions on the current president, his administration and his policies?

Beatty: I am not a supporter of our current president nor his administration at all. I am not in agreement with his policies, his disregard of DACA and immigrants, his sexist and misogynistic views nor his lies spoken as truth.

Defender: How big or small a role does your blackness (black history, pride and heritage) and attacks upon your blackness (white supremacy/racism) have in your approach to ministry?

Beatty: All of these makeup much of my platform. My wife and I started a non-profit The Black Dollar Movement. The intent was to encourage black entrepreneurs to start black businesses and for black consumers to direct their dollars to those creations. This teaches pride. I believe that our ancestors and predecessors intended for

us to continue the fight for justice and fairness.

This is the evidence of heritage. Jesus was a man of social conscious.

How can we preach the gospel of Christ and then turn a blind eye to being conscious of societally?

This is the difference between cliché and constructive preaching.

Defender: For Rev. Dr. MLK Jr., a young minister who became a pastor at 26, fighting for civil rights and later economic Photo by: defendernetwork.com equality were big drivers Rev. Andre Beatty of his ministry. Is there one or two political or social or cultural issues that drive your ministry?

Beatty: The drivers for The Kingdom Culture Center are black economic/ entrepreneurial support and construction. The civil rights movement was a group of black people who knew the power of pooling their efforts and money and even withholding their money to create change. Again, 1.5 trillion dollars within the US is the spending power of African Americans. Think of the power we could possess to create change in our communities and cities if our dollars stayed in them longer than 6 hours. Think of the power we could see surge in our people if we encouraged them to open businesses that they knew would be supported and financially undergirded by our own. How much do you need to ask for from a government when you can supply financial freedom and certainty for your own?

Defender: How do you balance commitment to your ministry with your marriage (relationships)?

Beatty: Thankfully, my wife was a PK (preacher’s kid). She understands the grind and the call to serve people. She’s often right there to assist and serve along with me. But, more importantly, we know how to hang out. We date. We kick it. We still show PDA (public displays of affection) often. We laugh with each other. We travel. I’m not so much a preacher that I’m not her boyfriend still.

Defender: If a parent, how do you balance commitment to your ministry with parenting?

Beatty: I balance parenting and marriage similarly. I am a dad and a husband more than I have to show the people that I am their Bishop, if that makes sense. I am their comedic partners too. I play video games, go to movies with them and show them that ministry is about how you live it to people, not how you preach it.

Defender: With society in general becoming less religious (less committed to a particular denomination; less committed to one specific church home; etc.), how does this impact your ministry?

Beatty: It can be tough! Social Media makes it easy for people to NOT commit. When they can just “catch it online” some people can become a bit inconsistent. Growing up, you had to BE there. There was no tuning in while you’re doing something else. However, one of the main reasons why some become not as committed to church is because, we are still trying to resolve modern problems with archaic approaches. We have great prayer ministry, but no counseling or therapy options for people. We are great with themes for our churches and poor with practice. If we’re going to ensure the church is maintained by the coming generation, we have to change how we present Jesus.

(This article originally appeared in the Defender News Network.)

Life is filled with thoughts and ideas. Many spend their time trying to keep busy because they do not want to think about what God expects from them. The strategy is to live in a state of distraction so their conscience will never have the occasion to pause and ponder about the true meaning of life. Everyone is unique and that’s what makes life interesting but I was thinking the other day about how many are always on the go and never sit still for a moment unless they are forced to stop. Somewhere down the line, there will come a time when we will not be able to run or hide behind a distraction. On the other hand, there is another group that enjoys the quiet and peace of God’s presence and sincerely desires to listen and obey his voice simply because they love him. Whichever group you belong to it can be said that we only have one life and one chance to get it right, so whether we choose to live in denial or embrace our spiritual reality, one day truth will be revealed.

The Bible is clear about our destiny and the definition of true salvation which includes surrendering our plans and being transformed into a completely different person. Sadly, it’s common that most people do not take their spiritual life seriously. God is not obligated to give us unlimited windows of mercy to embrace his truth but he does so because he is filled with patience and love. His intention all along has been for us to love him back but most of the human race simply ignores him.

The masses are convinced that eternity and this “God thing” is no more than a slight chance of being true and they are perfectly content with rolling the dice. It seems that many have come to this conclusion; if God is really filled with mercy, then why should I worry? This is another one of those ideas that makes it easy to accept that it matters not what a person does or does not do because they are covered by that highly popular religious word called grace. In this way of thinking they can relax and trust that everything will all work out in the end.

For those who are convinced they were given the gift of life to do whatever they want, they are living in a fantasy world. We were born to know, worship, and serve God. Most people want blessings and heaven but have not really decided to seriously investigate about their purpose or responsibility because they have no interest or intention of accomplishing it. I was behind a car the other day that had a bumper sticker which said, “What if it is true?” and it did exactly what it was meant to do; it caused me to think. I thought about the gospel of Jesus and prayed that everyone would believe it is true. It’s a brand new year and he is inviting everyone to make a brand new start. God is waiting to forgive and deliver us but before we can embrace the cross as our ransom, we must humbly acknowledge that we were the reason he had to go there.

(Read more at billyhollandministries.com.)

Clair Cares Food Pantry

Clair Memorial United Methodist Church 5544 Ames Avenue (402) 451-8322 Open the 3rd Saturday of Every Month from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Please bring boxes or bags to carry your food.

Our Mission is to provide food to the community in need!

In partnership with

AND

THOMAS FUNERAL HOME

THE BLACK CHURCH:

TRADITION • RESPECT • DIGNITY

THE BLACK PRESS

Forest Lawn Funeral Home Cemetery & Crematory

By Dr. William Holland

& Cremation Services

Serving all cemeteries Pre Planning Discounts Beautiful Repast Area Available

And Both Black - Owned.

A Tradition of Caring Since 1939

7909 Mormon Bridge Rd 402-451-1000.

Free Space for Veterans www.forestlawnomaha.com

Together, The Press And the Pulpit Can Give Us Full Citizenship Immediately

3920 North 24th St. Omaha, NE 68110 402-453-7111 www.omahathomasfh.com

Both Born Out of Necessity For Self-Expression

Page Four

PRAISE & WORSHIP DIRECTORY

THE OMAHA STAR

Rev. Benjamin R. Finnell

Rev. Benjamin R. Finnell Presiding Elder and Pastor Tammi Tate, Public Relations Chairperson 2842 Monroe St. Ph: (402) 502-8003 Fx: 934-8581 Sunday School....................................9:00 a.m.

Sunday Worship...............................10:00 a.m.

Thursday Bible Study..........................8:00 p.m. via teleconference, dial-in number 563-999-2090 and access code 576989

ST. MARK BAPTIST CHURCH

MOUNT CALVARY COMMUNITY CHURCH

ALLEN CHAPEL A.M.E.

January 25, 2019

“Jesus is the light of the world” mtcalvarycommunitychurch.org

Pastor Jarrod S. Parker 3616 Spaulding Street, Omaha, NE 68111 Phone: 402-451-0307 Email: smbcsecretary@stmarkbaptist.org

5112 Ames Avenue Omaha, NE 68104 Ph: 402-457-4216

Sunday School – Sunday 9:00 a.m.

Sunday School .................................................... 9:30 a.m.

Sunday Morning Worship Experience ......... 11:00 a.m.

Wednesday Food and Fellowship.................... 6:00 p.m.

Wednesday (WOW) Word On Wednesday... 7:00 p.m.

Worship Service – Sunday 10:15 a.m.

Children’s Church (except 2nd Sunday) Holy Communion every 1st Sunday Prayer and Bible Doctrine Study Midday - 12:00 noon; Evening – 7:00 p.m.

Pastor Jarrod S. Parker

Televised Broadcast – Sundays at 6:00 p.m., KPAO Cox Channel 22 & CenturyLink Channel 89 Our Mission: “To exalt the Savior, edify saints, evangelize sinners and elevate society.”

“Where Life is for Everyone” Drs. Mar n & Lynnell Williams

MT. MORIAH MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH

Founders & Lead Pastors SUNDAYS Prayer 9:00 AM Worship 10:00 AM

WEDNESDAYS Prayer 6:00 PM Worship 7:00 PM

Dr. Ralph B. Lassiter, Pastor 2602 N. 24th St. Off: (402) 451-8800 - Fax: (402) 451-8522 mtmoriahomaha.net pastorlassiter@gmail.com

www.ambassadorswc.com 402-341-1866 5417 N 103rd St. Omaha, NE 68134 Rev. Ralph Lassiter, Sr.

Sunday School ...................................... 9:30 a.m.

Sunday Worship ..................................10:45 a.m.

Overcomers in Christ...............Sunday 7:00 p.m.

Wednesday Bible-Prayer Service 11:30 a.m. & 6:30 p.m

Pastor Rordy Smith Pastor Ramona Smith

Weekly Services Sunday Morning Worship Service ..................................8:30 a.m. & 11:30 a.m.

Children’s Church (2nd & 4th Sunday) .............................8:30 a.m. & 11:30 a.m.

Life Development (Sunday School) .....................................................10:15 a.m.

Wednesday Word and Worship (WWW) ............................................ 6:30 p.m.

MT. NEBO MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH “The Church Where Fellowship is Real” Pastor Terry L. Arvie 5501 N. 50th Street Ph: 402-451-4245 Fx: 402-451-2130 office@mtneboomaha.org www.mtneboomaha.org

TABERNACLE OF FAITH CHURCH

Sunday Morning Worship ...................................9:00 a.m.

Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting .....................7:00 p.m.

Wednesday Night Church School ......................7:30 p.m.

Youth/Children Ministry Focus (Wed.) ............7:30 p.m.

CLAIR MEMORIAL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

Pastor Barbara Mitchell 2404 Fort Street, Omaha, NE 68111 402-455-1800 Church 402-455-3390 Fax

Pastor Terry L. Arvie

“Come Get Your Hilltop Experience” Rev. Portia A. Cavitt, Pastor 5544 Ames Avenue, Omaha, NE 68104 Telephone: 402-451-8322 • Website: www.cmumc.net Email: clairumc@cumc.omhcoxmail.com Sunday School………………………8:45 a.m.

Sunday Worship Experience………...10:00 a.m.

Monday Bible Study…………………6:00 p.m.

Wednesday Bible Study….…….…….7:00 p.m.

Pastor Barbara Mitchell

Rev. Portia A. Cavitt, Pastor

3131 Lake Street Omaha, NE 68111 402-455-1000 www.salembc.org

Rev. Dr. Selwyn Q. Bachus

BIBLE TRUTH MINISTRIES “Strengthing Families for Victorious Living” Pastor Rordy Smith Pastor Ramona Smith PO Box 1703 2402 Franklin St. Bellevue, NE 68005 402-292-9499 Web: www.BibleTruthMinistries.org Sunday School..................................9:00 a.m.

Sunday Worship Service...............10:00 a.m.

Wednesday Prayer & Bible Study......6:00 p.m

SALEM BAPTIST CHURCH Serving God and One Another in the Spirit of Excellence Rev. Dr. Selwyn Q. Bachus Senior Pastor

PLEASANT GREEN BAPTIST CHURCH

8:30 am Early Sunday Morning Worship 9:30 - 10:15 am Sunday Morning Breakfast 10:15 - 11:15 am Sunday School 11:30 am Sunday Morning Worship 6:30 pm Wednesday Bible Study 8:00 pm Friday Night Service Noon day prayer Thursday - Saturday

“Where CHRIST is Preeminent and the Word Prevails!”

Pastor Brian Page 5555 Larimore Avenue Church: 402-346-8427 www.pleasantgreenomaha.org

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH Rev. Kent H. Little, Lead Pastor Services on Sundays at 8:30 am & 10:50 am

Rev. Kenneth A. Allen, Pastor

Wednesday: Prayer Power Hour ......................................12:00 p.m

7020 Cass Street, Omaha, NE 68132 402.556.6262 www.fumcomaha.org First United Methodist Church is a welcoming and inclusive community, inspired to grow with and in God.

ZION BAPTIST CHURCH

Pastor Brian Page

Thursday: Youth For Christ ............................................6:00 p.m Prayer & Bible Study ....................................7:30 p.m Rev. Kent H. Little

Televised Broadcast Sunday @ 10pm on KPAO Cox Communication channel 22 & Century Link channel 89

Sunday: Worship..............................................8:00 a.m.

Sunday School..................................9:30 a.m.

Worship............................................11:00 a.m.

2215 Grant Street Omaha, NE 68110 Ph: 402-346-1502 Fax: 402-344-2720 SUNDAY Sunday Morning Worship……………9:00 A.M. Sunday School……………………...11:15 A.M. WEDNESDAY 11:00 A.M. ~ Hour of Power Bible Study Wednesday is Family Night!

6:00 P.M. ~ Prayer & Praise Service 6:30 P.M. ~ Feast & Fellowship (Light Meal) 7:15 P.M. ~ Discipleship Academy (Classes for ages 5 & up)

Pastor Kenneth A. Allen

ST. BENEDICT THE MOOR CATHOLIC CHURCH 2423 Grant St. Omaha, NE 68111 Ph: 402-348-0631 • Fax 402-342-4451 Sunday Mass: 9:00 a.m.

Reconciliation: Sunday after Mass or by appointment

Charles Galloway - President, Rev John Deang - Pastor, Dr John Beasley - Elder

HOPE LUTHERAN CHURCH Missouri Synod 2723 N. 30th Street 402-453-1583 Sunday School................................10:00 a.m.

Church Service...............................11:00 a.m.

YOU ARE ALWAYS WELCOME

Rev. Vitalis Anyanike

& HOLY NAME CATHOLIC CHURCH

2901 Fontenelle Blvd. 68104 Ph: 402-451-6622 • Fax 402-457-6901 Mass Schedule: Mon. - Fri. 8:30 a.m., Sat. 8:30 a.m. & 5:00 p.m.

Sun. 8:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m. & Noon (Spanish) Reconciliation: Sat. 4:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. or by appointment

JOY OF LIFE MINISTRIES COGIC Pastors Eric and Cynthia Butler 6401 N. 56th Street • Omaha, NE 68104 Ph: 402-399-9628 E-Mail: Jolpastor@aol.com Sunday School...................................9:30 a.m.

Sunday Worship...............................10:30 a.m.

Sunday Evening Worship.................6:00 p.m.

Wednesday Night ..............................7:00 p.m.

Bible Study and Youth Ministries

Pastor: Rev. Vitalis Anyanike

Pastor Eric Butler and Co-Pastor Cynthia Butler

MORNING STAR BAPTIST CHURCH “Where Christ Jesus Is the Center of Attention” Rev. Dr. Leroy E. Adams, Jr. Senior Pastor 2019 Burdette Street Omaha, NE 68110 Ph: 402-342-0018 Fx: 402-346-9300 Radio Broadcast: 101.3 fm 9:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. each Sunday Worship Service .............10:00 a.m.

Rev. Dr. Leroy E. Adams, Jr.

Sunday School .................8:45 a.m.

Excluding First Sunday Tuesday Evening Service.........7:00 p.m.

THE WORSHIP CENTER

Dr. Stan Rone Senior Pastor

North 24th Street Church of God “Presenting the Never-Changing GOD to an ever-changing World!”

Dr. Stan Rone - Senior Pastor 2021 N. 24th Street • Omaha, NE 68110 (402) 341-4297 Sunday Kingdom Academy 9:00 a.m.

Worship Celebration 10:15 a.m.

Tuesday Prayer Hour 7:00 a.m. & 12:00 noon Wednesday Power Hour (Prayer/Bible Study) 6:30 p.m.

Youth and Children 6:30 p.m. www.theworshipcenter24cog.org

COMMENTARY

January 25, 2019

Black Votes Matter

By Preston Love Jr. UNO Adjunct Professor Prestonlovejr.com Black Lives, Black Poverty and Black Votes Matter Did You Know that He (She) had a Stroke?

Did you know that he (she) had a stroke? The aforementioned, menacing question is being asked in every city, every social circle and every family, every day. Most recently, this haunting question has been asked about me, 76 years old, 225 pounds, 6’4,” and by all appearances in great health, but I, indeed, had a stroke. I had a stroke on the third day in 2019, and I am writing because of my experience, to increase the awareness of my community to its dangers, and to provide some facts and precautions related to strokes. I am hoping that this article will increase the knowledge and the dialogue about strokes within our community. Maybe it will serve as an aid to stroke prevention and give encouragement to others who are suffering from the effects.

Let me begin by saying that since my stroke, I have been in intensive rehabilitation, with miraculous improvements and – God willing – hope to surface and return to my work in the first part of February. I surely want to give encouragement from my experience and knowledge. I am the beneficiary of prayer, and the expertise of a vast medical community.

Strokes do not have to be totally debilitating, and your life is not over after a stroke.

Let me just share with you some facts about strokes: • Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States.

• More than 140,000 people die each year from stroke in the United States.

• Stroke is the leading cause of serious, longterm disability in the United States, causing more people to have to quit their jobs, and possibly need to have a full-time care taker or live in a nursing home.

• Strokes can and do occur at ANY age. Nearly one fourth of strokes occur in people under the age of 65.

• Average age in the state of Nebraska is 42.

• Stroke death rates are higher for AfricanAmericans than for whites, even at younger ages.

• On average, someone in the United States has a stroke every 40 seconds.

• The statistics are staggering – in fact, African-Americans are more impacted by stroke than any other racial group in America. AfricanAmericans are twice as likely to die from stroke as Caucasians and their rate of first strokes is almost double that of Caucasians.

• Strokes in this population tend to occur earlier in life. As survivors, African-Americans are more likely to become disabled and experience difficulties with daily living and activities.

• For men between the ages of 45 and 54, the risk of ischemic stroke – the most prevalent type of stroke, which is caused by a blood clot that blocks an artery – is three times higher in African-Americans than in Caucasians. I learned, in speaking with heath care providers, that African-American men need to be more trusting, conversational, and aggressive when dealing with medical professionals, when seeking information on stroke prevention.

• For African-Americans between the ages of 20 and 44, the risk of stroke is nearly two-and-ahalf times higher than for Caucasians.

• According to the National Stroke Association, stroke or heart disease will claim the lives of half of all African-American women.

• African-Americans have more severe strokes that are also more disabling.

• 80% of all strokes can be prevented.

• Stroke is the 5th leading cause of death and the leading cause of disability.

• Over 800,000 occur each year Below are listed some of the causes of strokes: 1. High levels of bad cholesterol 2. High blood pressure affects 45% of Black males and 46% of Black Females. It is the number one risk factor for stroke for AfricanAmericans.

3. Diabetes and lack of control of our sugar levels.

4. Stress, lack of proper rest, alcohol or drug use, and any various combinations of all the above listed The following are some myths about stroke: MYTH: Stroke cannot be prevented. FACT: Up to 80 percent of strokes are preventable. With modification of risk factors: high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, obesity, drug use and high cholesterol MYTH: There is no treatment for stroke.

FACT: At any sign of stroke call 9-1-1immediately. Treatment may be available. Time is most important when a stroke occurs. Every minute we wait we lose 1.9 million brain cells – we never gain these back MYTH: Stroke only affects the elderly. FACT: Stroke can happen to anyone at any time.

Strokes are no longer an “old person” disease MYTH: Stroke happens in the heart. FACT: Stroke is a “brain attack.” It affects your brain by either having a blood clot that doesn’t allow the blood to flow throughout your vessels or a vessel bursts causing bleeding in the brain.

MYTH: Stroke recovery only happens for the first few months after a stroke. FACT: Stroke recovery is a lifelong process. Depending on where your stroke is located, how large the stroke is and how long you waited for treatment can affect your recovery.

MYTH: Strokes are rare. FACT: There are nearly 7 million stroke survivors in the U.S. Stroke is the 5th leading cause of death in the U.S. MYTH: Strokes are not hereditary. FACT: Family history of stroke increases your chance for stroke.

MYTH: If stroke symptoms go away, you don’t have to see a doctor. FACT: Temporary stroke symptoms are called transient ischemic attacks (TIA). They are warning signs prior to actual stroke and need to be taken seriously.

In summary I am hoping that this article will provide information, education, maybe even prevention and understanding for our community, as it relates to strokes. My personal experience has been that we have a vast amount of expertise and support systems for strokes, in and around north Omaha. Treatment may require physical therapy (PT), occupational therapy (OT) and speech therapy. I required all. My personal experience is with the Immanuel In-patient Rehabilitation Center, but I recommend that you carefully evaluate your options as to hospitals, rehab and recovery services. I should also mention that Charles Drew Health Center has aggressive stroke programs and I recommend that you consider them as a resource. Review their “Fathers for a Lifetime” Program,” and website (https://charlesdrew.com). Also be aware of “Together to End Stoke Ambassadors,” President Theola Cooper. I also firmly want to commend Pastor Portia Cavitt, Clair United Methodist Church, who is an aggressive advocate for stroke information and prevention and collaborated with me on this article. My final comment, let’s together increase stroke awareness in our community because we need all our people assets at 100%.

(Statistics and facts are from the National Stroke Association)

Trump Falsely Cites Black People To Justify His Border Wall

By Bruce C.T. Wright

The president was apparently so desperate for support for his beloved border wall, he decided to try to appeal to two core demographics that he’s routinely disrespected: Blacks and Hispanics.

It was a transparently sad attempt to make good on an undeliverable campaign promise that has resulted in about 800,000 federal workers being held for hostage going on three weeks now.

Trump took to the prime time airwaves Tuesday night to plead his feigned innocence over shutting down the government while also trying to prey on xenophobic fears that he called “a growing humanitarian and security crisis at our southern border.”

The nine-minute-long speech had barely begun before he tried to falsely show how even Black and brown folks were concerned about immigration partly because they were losing out on earning money. “[A]ll Americans are hurt by uncontrolled illegal migration. It strains public resources and drives down jobs and wages,” he said from behind his desk. “Among those hardest hit are AfricanAmericans and Hispanic Americans.”

Regardless of the accuracy (or lack thereof) of that statement, “African-Americans and Hispanic Americans” are precisely the same people who Trump has routinely tried to criminalize in order to stoke the flames of xenophobic fear. That same fire was raging when Trump referred to white nationalist Nazis who assaulted Black people in Charlottesville as “fine people.” And it was all but kindled when he declared his candidacy for president by falsely accusing Mexicans of

“bringing drugs, they’re bringing crime. They’re rapists and some, I assume, are good people.”

And so it would follow that to absolutely no one’s surprise, the president during his speech Tuesday night exaggerated the threat of illegal immigration driving down jobs and wages, according to NPR, which fact-checked Trump’s speech.

“As for the president’s claim that illegal immigrants drain public resources,” NPR wrote in part, “many studies have concluded that while illegal immigrants may also drive up the cost of government services in some places, they also make up for it by paying taxes.”

To be completely clear, Black people aren’t worried as much about undocumented immigrants as they are worried about the growing white nationalism that has been fueling the spate of rising hate crimes. That trend that can be traced directly back to the election and presidency of Trump, who had a lot of nerve trying to use Black and brown communities to justify his false data points.

In short, Black folks have bigger fish to fry.

What “Teleprompter Trump” conveniently left out of his speech was how there were also Black immigrants legally in America who were suffering because of the president’s irrational immigration policies that could send tens of thousands of Haitians back to a country ill-equipped to handle such an influx of people after by a series of devastating earthquakes and consequent disease.

While Trump’s speech was brief, the social media reactions were anything but that after Trump used “African-Americans and Hispanic Americans” in a futile attempt to secure taxpayer funding to build a wall he always said Mexico would foot the bill for.

THE OMAHA STAR Page Five

Don’t let Predatory Tax Loans take your Refunds

By Charlene Crowell For many consumers, the New Year brings an annual effort to file taxes early enough to help pay off big bills, replace major appliances or tuck away a few bucks for the proverbial ‘rainy day’.

With a continuing federal shutdown, this year there are also an estimated 800,000 federal workers who have not had a payday since December. For these consumers, an early tax refund could cover basic living needs like housing, food, child care and utilities.

And across the country, advertising – particularly on urban radio – tempts listeners with easy ways to get a loan against anticipated tax refunds. But just like other predatory lending products, what is advertised is not quite what consumers receive.

Convenient tax-related loans almost always come with a price that takes a big bite out of consumers’ money.

The bigger the refund, the more attentive and helpful “tax preparers” will be in helping with e-filing, the electronic processing that typically results in refunds in two to three business days.

Once the size of the refund is known, these preparers encourage unsuspecting consumers to take out a short-term loan like a Refund Anticipation Loan (RAL). Depository institutions like banks sell a ‘service’ known as a Refund Anticipating Check (RAC) that is most appealing to consumers who lack a bank account.

Neither product is as helpful as they appear.

RALs are usually marketed as an ‘advance’ instead of a loan. Instead of interest, many of these loans come with “fees” or a “finance charge.”

Conversely, a Refund Anticipation Check or RAC is sold as a temporary bank account that exists exclusively to receive the IRS refund. Once the refund reaches the consumer’s bank account, either a prepaid card or a check is issued by the depository institution. And once again, fees taken

out of the refund reduce the amount of monies that consumers actually receive.

The biggest target for both of these products are consumers with the largest refunds, especially those who are eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credits (EITCs), one of the few tax break programs available to low-to-moderate income consumers, and/or the Additional Child Tax Credit.

To be eligible for EITC, earned income and adjusted gross income can be as low as $15,270 for a single filer or head of household to as high as $54,884 for a married couple with three dependent children. This year, eligible EITC consumers could receive as much as $6,431 for families with three or more qualifying children to $519 for single filers.

Similarly, the Child Tax Credit is available to eligible filers with children under the age of 17. For each dependent child meeting the age requirement, filers receive a $2,000 credit that like EITC reduces the amount of taxes owed.

In 2017, 1.7 million RALs were sold, and another 20.5 million RACs valued at a half billion dollars were also sold, according to the National Consumer Law Center (NCLC). “Tax-time is hard enough for most Americans, but they also face consumer protection challenges,” noted Chi Chi Wu, staff attorney at the National Consumer Law Center. “They need to avoid incompetent and abusive preparers and decide whether to choose financial products of varying costs.”

So how much financial sense does it make to purchase an ‘advance’ or open a temporary bank account when the Internal Revenue Service can deposit the full refund into a checking account within two to three business days?

Just because a refund-advance product isn’t called a loan, or doesn’t have an interest rate, doesn’t mean it’s free, said Scott Astrada, the Center for Responsible Lending’s Director of Federal Advocacy. “Carefully read the terms and conditions and ask plenty of questions.”

Everyone who works for a living should be entitled not only to a paycheck but 100 percent of their tax refunds.

What are Your Plans for Your Tax Refund?

More than 70% of tax returns filed with the IRS last year resulted in a refund, so odds are you could get some money back.

While it can be tempting to blow through the “bonus money” of your refund, that cash can help you advance your goals. Some financial experts suggest spending 20% of your refund on something fun, while reserving the other 80% for something else. Here are some good options: • Build your credit. You can use your refund to get a secured credit card. Using it for purchases can help establish or increase your credit score.

• Pay off debt. If the interest rate on your debt is higher than the interest you can earn investing, you’ll come out ahead by paying off loans. Start with the highest interest rate and pay down as much as you can until your debt or your refund is gone.

• Invest it. If you don’t need the money right now, let it grow for a few years in a CD or other investment. You could also make contributions

to an IRA or other retirement accounts.

• Save it. The rule of thumb is that you should have a cushion of at least three months’ worth of expenses saved up in case you lose your job or have another emergency – and most Americans don’t. If you’re working toward a big purchase like a car or a home, your refund can put you closer to that goal too, especially if you qualify for a match savings program.

Regardless of what you plan to do with your refund, avoid anticipation loans from tax preparation services. While you may have to wait a few days or weeks longer to collect from the IRS, you’ll get the full amount you’re due without the middleman taking his cut.

If you could use some financial advice, Veridian is here to help. We’re a not-for-profit credit union now with branches in Council Bluffs, Omaha and Papillion. Simply stop by a Veridian branch or call 800-235-3228 and ask to speak to Areli to schedule a one-on-one consultation today.

Mentoring Matters DLR Group Gives Back: Mentoring in January & Beyond

By Debra L. Shaw Article submitted by Erin Van Zee Brand Communications Manager | Associate In addition to being the month in which many people commit or recommit to resolutions, January also happens to be National Mentoring Month. The benefits of mentorship are wide and vast – for every $1 invested in mentoring, $8 comes back to local communities in some way, shape, or form. Studies also show youth with mentors are more likely to be successful in school, to be leaders in their communities, and to enter young adulthood with opportunities for ongoing education and career choices. Yet, 16 million American youth – one in three – will reach the age of 19 without having had a mentor of any kind.

In recognition of National Mentoring , design firm DLR Group is teaming up with MENTOR Nebraska to increase awareness about the power of mentorship. The partnership seeks to reduce the mentoring gap and is indicative of DLR Group’s already robust mentoring culture. “Mentorship is an engrained part of DLR Group’s culture,” explains DLR Group Principal Curtis Johnson, AIA, LEED AP. “Whether internally or externally, our employees understand the value of supporting and guiding others.”

DLR Group, whose offices include locations in Des Moines, Lincoln, and Omaha, as well as national and international studios, is actively involved in numerous mentorship programs, including the ACE Mentor Program of America, Inc. (ACE), a nationwide organization that helps mentor and encourage high school students to pursue careers in design and construction.

In Des Moines, employees are involved in

the Boys and Girls Club of Central Iowa, Junior Achievement of Central Iowa, and the Iowa Governor’s STEM Advisory Council. In addition, the office is available for use by the Waukee High School Aspiring Professional Experience (APEX) Program, providing students with space where they can collaborate and learn from real-world business professionals. The Des Moines Studio also supports Pi515, a non-profit organization that teaches STEM and Tech Science to underserved groups in the community through after school programs for middle school and high school students. Several Des Moines employees provide mentorship at the collegiate level within Iowa State University’s College of Architecture.

Locally, members of the Lincoln office work with students at University of Nebraska College of Architecture and various high school student job shadows. Professionals within the firm’s Omaha office have been involved with Explorers Post for more than 30 years, an effort that provides Omaha and surrounding area high school students the opportunity to job shadow architects, engineers, and interior designers over a 10-week period.

Several Omaha employees provide mentorship as Goal Buddies in Partnership 4 Kids, by participating in the Teammates Mentoring Program, and as volunteers in the Society of American Military Engineer’s (SAME) mentoring initiative.

“We are incredibly grateful for each of our employees who dedicate their time and resources to mentoring,” said Johnson. “National Mentoring Month is a great opportunity to highlight the work we do throughout the year to positively impact a young person’s personal, academic, and professional growth.”

Visit Mentor Nebraska at http://mentornebraska. org for more details and activities for National Mentoring Month which is a city-wide initiative designed to encourage support for all mentoring programs.

Mentoring Matters!

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LIFE & STYLE/HEALTH & WELLNESS January 25, 2019 Missy Elliott becomes First Jennifer Hudson will star in Woman Rapper inducted into Aretha Franklin Biopic

By NewsOne Staff Songwriters Hall of Fame

Page Six

THE OMAHA STAR

By NewsOne Staff Missy Elliott is a visionary who has and continues to shape music. She’s graced us with pivotal albums like Supa Dupa Fly, Under Construction and The Cookbook, and has penned songs for some of our favorite artists. Elliott – whose real name is Melissa Arnette Elliott – has hit a major career milestone. According to Entertainment Weekly, she will be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

The honor is historic, making her the first woman rapper to ever be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, the news outlet writes. She’s the third rapper to be inducted. Jermaine Dupri and Jay Z received the honor two years ago. Elliott is humbled by the accolade. “I want to CONGRATULATE all the AMAZING songwriters who have been inducted into the 2019 “Song Writers Hall of Fame,” she posted on Twitter. “Also those who were nominated because their body of work is AMAZING. I AM SO HUMBLY GRATEFUL to now be inducted also.”

Nile Rodgers, who serves as the chairman of the Songwriters Hall of Fame, said that the honorees this year are some of the most impactful songwriters in music Missy Elliott history. “The first thing you need to know is it’s about the song, the second thing you need to know is it’s about the song, the third thing you need to know is it’s about the song,” Rodgers said in a statement according to the news outlet.

“That’s true now more than ever but it has always been about the song so I’m very proud that in my first year as Chairman of the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame that we are recognizing some of the culturally most important songwriters of all time. The 2019 slate of inductees represents diversity and unity across genres and gender, highlighting our dedicated mission to honor music creators who have enriched our lives.”

Other individuals who were inducted with Elliott include Dallas Austin, Jack Tempchin, John Prine and Yusuf Islam. The induction ceremony is slated to take place in June.

The biopic of the late, great Aretha Franklin is in full swing and has landed its star – Jennifer Hudson. The Oscar, Grammy and Golden Globe winner will portray the Queen of Soul for an MGM film.

According to Deadline.com, the biopic will be titled “Respect” and directed by Liesl Tommy, the first Black woman to receive a Tony Award nomination for Best Direction of a Play. Tommy said, “The story of Aretha Franklin’s journey Aretha Franklin Jennifer Hudson from child prodigy in Detroit to international supernova is rife with struggle and triumph, making her life one of the great American stories of all time. As a filmmaker there is no greater gift than to be able to bring this transcendent chronicle of a woman’s fight for self-realization to visual life with the enormous talents of the soulful Jennifer Hudson, Callie Khouri, and our incredible producers.” Khouri is the screenwriter who is best known for writing the iconic “Thelma & Louise.”

Hudson told Deadline.com, “It is an absolute honor to be a part of bringing Ms. Franklin’s story to audiences who adore her around the world. She is one of the most iconic and talented artists of all time and what a dream come true it is to portray her extraordinary life on screen. I could not be more excited to be working alongside Liesl Tommy, a brilliant and thoughtful director, who is no doubt the perfect choice to lead the film.” The 37-year-old was handpicked by Franklin to play her in the biopic.

Aretha Franklin, whose unmatched singing voice helped her create timeless hits like “I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You” and “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman,” died Aug. 16, 2018, in Detroit. She was 76. Franklin experienced worldwide singing success for the better part of 60 years, releasing dozens of studio albums and becoming the first woman to ever be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987.

She was known for her awesome four-octave vocal range that lifted her to the top of the charts with “Respect” in 1967 before enjoying a string of other songs landing in the top 10 spanning decades.

Aretha Louise Franklin was born on March 25, 1942, in Memphis to a father who was a minister and gospel singer and a mother who was also a gospel singer. After moving to Detroit and singing in a church there with her father following her parents’ split, she went on to sign a record contract with Columbia Records in 1960 and released her debut album, “The Great Aretha Franklin,” when she was just 18.

Erykah Badu Tries to Clarify Defending R. Kelly at her Concert in Chicago

By NewsOne Staff Erykah Badu has received a heap of backlash after defending R. Kelly at Aragon Ballroom in Chicago on Jan. 19. Now, she is trying to clarify her comments.

Recently she wrote on Twitter, “I love you.

Unconditionally. That doesn’t mean I support your poor choices. I want healing for you and anyone you have hurt as a result of you being hurt. Is that strange to you? That’s all I’ve ever said. Anything else has been fabricated or taken out of context.”

It would be hard to take what she said out

of context, especially when it’s on video. The 47-year-old said, “I dunno how everybody else feel about it but I’m putting up a prayer right now for R. I hope he sees the light of day if he done all those things that we’ve seen on TV and heard those ladies talk about. I hope he sees the light of day and comes forward.”

The “On and On” singer was quickly booed with gasps from the audience. She didn’t stop there, “What y’all say, f*ck him? That’s not love.

That’s not unconditional love. But what if one of the people that was assaulted by R Kelly grows up to be an offender, we gonna crucify them?”

She clearly knew this was going to trend and

Black Women Face More Obstacles in Breast Cancer Prevention A study newly published in the journal Ethnicity & Health suggests that AfricanAmerican women at high risk of breast cancer are less likely than white women to pursue potentially life-saving preventive care, and racial disparities in health care and elsewhere are to blame.

Tasleem Padamsee, an assistant professor of health services management and policy at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital, is the lead author of the study and says that while racial disparity is well known in many other cancers, this is the first study to look at differences in proactive prevention decision-making and to drill down beyond those differences in an effort to explain why high-risk black women might make different choices than white women with the same risk.

Among findings, researchers discovered: • High-risk black women were less likely than white women to have genetic testing, take medications to protect them against cancer and to have or consider having their breasts or ovaries removed as a preventive measure.

• 67 percent of white study participants said they or a relevant family member had undergone genetic testing, while just 20 percent of black women reported a history of genetic testing.

• African-American women were less aware of their options and at a disadvantage when it came to getting access to information about prevention. Only three of the black women in the study, or 15 percent, had seen a specialist for their breast health. Meanwhile, 70 percent of the white women had consulted with a provider with special training.

For more information on the study, visit www.tandfonline.com.

also added, “They ’bout to R Kelly me to death on the internet, I’m like g**d***. I just want peace and light for everybody and healing for those who are hurt because everyone involved has been hurt, victimized in some kinda way.

Love for everybody.”

The comments from the singer-songwriter clearly were not welcomed, especially when R. Kelly’s own daughter called him a monster.

Executive produced by Dream Hampton, the docu-series “Surviving R. Kelly” detailed accounts from people in Kelly’s circle, including the singer’s brother, Bruce, who said Kelly had a “preference” for young women and singer

Erykah Badu

Sparkle (the aunt of the 14-year-old in the sex tape) who testified against him in court, and countless journalists. There is reportedly a criminal investigation against Kelly in Georgia.

Creighton Cupboard Opens To Combat Food Insecurity Among College Students Creighton University students have established a new food pantry on campus. Creighton Cupboard, which opened on Jan. 16 in the lower level of McGloin Hall on campus, will provide complete meals for undergraduate, graduate and professional students who identify as food insecure.

A University of Wisconsin HOPE Lab study found 36 percent of students at four-year institutions identify as having low food security, meaning reduced quality, variety or desirability of diet, or very low food security, meaning there are multiple indications of disrupted eating and reduced food intake, as defined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Creighton joins more than 650 on-campus food pantries in the

United States, according to a recent study by the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO). The GAO study shows demographics for college students have changed dramatically over the past decade.

The image of a student between the ages of 18-22 entering college from their parental home is no longer the majority, and the number of first-generation and lowincome students is steadily rising.

Sometimes students have to decide between feeding their families and staying in college.

“There is a national conversation on college campuses about food insecurity.

Acknowledging that Creighton enrolls students nationally and internationally who may struggle similarly, the Division of Student Life wanted to look at

how we could help remove a barrier to student success,” said Michele Bogard, PhD, Creighton University associate vice provost for Student Engagement.

“We want to ensure that students have at least a nutritious meal in their stomach so that they can achieve in the classrooms, clinics, labs, work, etc. As a Catholic Jesuit institution, we are called to be men and women who are for and with others, opening a food pantry on campus is one small way that we can walk in solidarity with our students who face low and very low food insecurity.”

Students must register first to receive assistance from Creighton Cupboard. While it is funded by the Division of Student Life, the pantry does accept donations.

Suicide Prevention Among Nebraska Veterans is Goal of Grant Whether it is military culture, the atrocities of war, or multiple deployments, the simple fact is the rate of suicide among the nation’s veterans has been on the rise since 9/11.

The increase is hitting those in the 18 to 34 age range the hardest, said Brent Khan, Ed.D., principal investigator of a three-year $375,000 Mental Health Awareness Training Grant aimed at suicide prevention among veterans in Nebraska.

“It’s pretty bad right now,” said Dr. Khan, who also is co-director of the Behavioral Health Education Center of

Nebraska (BHECN) at the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

“The combination of the stress involved in military service, traumatic events experienced and a lack of support and stigma has led to the rates of trauma and mental illness being excessively high,” he said.

The goals of the grant are to: • Foster alliances with veterans, families of veterans and local and state agencies to create effective recruitment methods and provide veterans culturally specific mental health training and referral pathways for services;

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• Train families, caregivers and service providers to recognize the signs and symptoms of mental illness; and • Give trainees and other nonbehavioral health professionals the ability to have a heightened sense of mental health awareness and knowledge to respond safely.

The grant allows BHECN to partner with public health agencies, veteran groups and mental health agencies across the state to provide training.

There are 130,000 veterans living in Nebraska.

Some live in poverty, some suffer

with alcohol and substance use abuse and others live in rural areas with little access to primary health care, let alone behavioral health services, Dr. Khan said.

“A lot of vets don’t access their VA benefits, so they are just out there,” he said.

More needs to be done to help them transition back into civilian life once their tour and, more likely than not, multiple tours of duty are done.

BHECN was created in 2009 when the Nebraska legislature passed LB 603 to address the statewide crisis in mental

health access. Since then, BHECN has received two national awards and is considered a best practice for innovative programs to recruit and retain licensed mental health professionals in rural and urban communities. Housed at UNMC, BHECN has a unique partnership with all of the graduate behavioral health training programs in Nebraska and is dedicated to improving access to behavioral health care across the state.

For more information about BHECN, visit www.unmc.edu/bhecn or follow it on Facebook and Twitter.

Foundation Launches Campaign to Help Poor & Disadvantaged Youth Overcome Stuttering Charleston, SC (BlackNews.com) – In an effort to empower children from poor and disadvantaged families to overcome stuttering, a Charleston woman has launched a new foundation that is setting out to transform these kids’ lives, making them more confident and successful.

Sherrikka Myers, who grew up stuttering and later overcame it, says Every 1 Voice Matters, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, is designed to initially assist children ages 5 to 10 to build self-esteem and confidence. She is partnering with local pathologists, schools and churches to offer children free and low-cost services.

She plans on expanding the program to students in middle school and high school.

“I remember stuttering as a kid and it was so hard,” said Myers, 43, who said her 8-yearold grandson stutters. “I remember not being able to speak and being ashamed of who I was. I was bullied, teased and made fun of.

It was really hurtful. So, I know what kids go through. And I want to help them live their best lives.”

In the U.S., more than three million Americans stutter, most of whom are males and about 5 percent of all children stutter for a period of six months or more, according to The Stuttering Foundation Every 1 Voice Matters is focusing on helping kids in four key areas: • Stuttering or fluency: Helping kids with stuttering or fluency disorders to find their voice.

• Hands-on activities: Providing individual and group therapy, communication skills, mindfulness training, desensitization strategies, educational counseling, life skills building, tutoring, workshops and mentorship.

• Speech Assessments: Teaching fluency strategies in small group and individual settings.

• Public Speaking: Incorporating public speaking skills in a fun, interactive way to build confidence and self-esteem.

“I want each and every one of these children to feel loved, appreciated and confident about who they are,” Myers said. “Thank goodness

for the family members in my life who stood by me. I’m hoping Every 1 Voice Matters will do that for thousands of children throughout Charleston and the rest of the country over time. My ability to help others who are experiencing what I’ve gone through is a blessing.”

The Foundation is currently offering several programs: • Health and Wellness: Partnering with therapists and doctors to ensure parents are attending their scheduled speech and healthcare appointments • Find Your Voice: Provides an environment to empower youth to develop speech and stuttering goals • Fluency Techniques: Participants who are receiving speech therapy will learn fluency stabilizing techniques to cope with the psychological aspects of stuttering.

Anyone interested in learning more about the program, partnering with the foundation or donating, can go to the website at www.

Every1VoiceMatters.org.

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January 25, 2019

In The Village!

Things to do, people to see, places to go.

Jan. 28 – Be proactive about your social media pages! Get help curating content for your Instagram or Facebook page during this crash course to be held at EBE Films, 501 S. 16th St., from 6:30-8:45 p.m. More info and tickets are available at www.ebefilms.com.

Jan. 30 – Entrepreneurs connect, learn and grow with your peers at 1 Million Cups with Lisa Janvrin, YouthfulNest. This networking event will be held at MCC at Do Space, 7205 Dodge St., from 8-9 a.m. Tickets are available at Eventbrite.

Jan. 30 – Omaha Public Library will host Nick Bruel, New York Times bestselling author of the “Boing!” and “Bad Kitty” books, from 4:30-7 p.m. at W. Dale Clark Main Library, 215 S. 15th St. The author will be available to greet fans and sign books, 4:30-6 p.m., followed by a “Bad Kitty” storytime featuring a special visit from the Kitty costume character. For more info, phone 402-444-4800.

Jan. 31 – Ed Archibald will host Omaha State of Mind album release party at the Ozone Lounge, 7220 F St., from 6:30-9:30 p.m. There will be a live performance featuring songs from the album. For tickets, visit www. archmoments.com.

Feb. 2 – Omaha Table Talk (OTT) will host a facilitation training from 9 a.m. - noon at Barbara Weitz Community Engagement Center, 6001 Dodge St. Learn how to facilitate at OTT, and improve your personal facilitation skills.

Tickets are available at Eventbrite.

Feb. 2 – The Beauty Box Salon will host a brunch to address the importance of self-care and the need for community. The brunch will be held at the Beardmore Event Center, 3750 Raynor Pkwy, in Bellevue at 10 a.m. Hope Valentine, a longtime Mental Health Therapist in the Omaha area, as well as Dr. Tamara FullerEddins, an OB/GYN specialist from Sioux Falls, SD, will be among the speakers. Tickets are

available online at Eventbrite.com. For more info, contact Karen Fox at 402-507-0302.

Feb. 7 – Sacred Heart School’s Kindergarten Roundup and New Family Enrollment will be held from 6-8 p.m. Interested kindergarten parents should bring their child for assessment, in addition to their original birth certificate and updated immunization records. All families should R.S.V.P. at 402-455-5858 or by emailing Lisa Jackson at ljackson@shsomaha.org Feb. 7 – The final meeting for the Black College & Cultural Enrichment Tour in conjunction with Morning Star Baptist, Salem Baptist and Urban League of Nebraska will be at Salem, 3131 Lake St., at 6 p.m. in the Watson Conference Room. This is the last day to pay and reserve your seat for the tour. For info, contact Rachelle Tucker at 402-210-1568 or Kathy J. Trotter at 402-658-1259.

Feb. 8 –“I Am...” Girls Conference, presented by The Urban League of Nebraska, is a day-long event that empowers all girls between the 7th and 12th grades to excel in their education and their individual lives. These girls will meet successful female professionals and attend motivational workshops. The conference will be held from 8:30 a.m. till 3:00 p.m. at the College of Saint Mary. For more info, phone Nicole Mitchell at 402-451-1066 ext. 137.

Feb. 12 – Joslyn Art Museum hosts Omaha Table Talk. Delve into the power dynamics and imbalances that lead to and perpetuate racial discrimination in America, a central theme of Joslyn’s “30 Americans” exhibition. Guests may explore the exhibition (5 p.m.), then enjoy a light meal (5:45) and panel discussion (6:00). This free event is open to the public. Registration is required. For more info, visit Eventbrite.

Feb. 16 – Clair Cares food pantry will be open from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at 5544 Ames Ave. To pick up food be sure to take bags or boxes.

For more info, phone 402-451-8322.

Nominations Open for Urban League’s African-American Leadership Awards

A Soul Food luncheon will be held to honor and celebrate the legacy of Jean Floyd Bell on Feb. 22 from 11 a.m. till 3 p.m. on the second floor of the Center Mall, 1941 S. 42nd St. Attendees will select their choice of one meat, two sides, and one dessert from the menu. Menu items include smoked brisket, smothered, baked or fried chicken, mac & cheese, candied yams, black-eyed peas, potato salad, collard greens, cornbread, peach cobbler, banana pudding, and pound cake. Tickets are available for purchase online via Eventbrite: http://bit.ly/jfbsoulfoodluncheon or at the door.

Jean was a City of Omaha employee for over 25 years. She worked tirelessly to defend people of color who were discriminated against or received unequal treatment on the basis of race or gender while working as a Civil Rights Investigator for the Human Relations Department.

Jean was active civically and supported the campaigns of Bell many local politicians who were also advocates for equality and shared her ideas of social justice. She even served as a Nebraska delegate at the Democratic National Convention. But more than her civic involvement, Jean was an agent of change in her community and was a true drum major for social justice and equality. She annually coordinated the City of Omaha’s Martin Luther King, Jr. program and supported the Annual Native American Pow-Wow. All donations and proceeds from the luncheon will go towards the Jean F. Bell Memorial Scholarship fund, which will provide book and academic scholarships to deserving high school students matriculating to college. Donations can be mailed to: PO Box 4031, Omaha, NE 68104 or electronically submitted through PayPal: paypal.me/JeanBellScholarship.

Attendees can dine-in or take out their lunches. All questions should be directed to Monika Bell at 402.708.6555 or visit the Facebook event page https://www.facebook.com/events/605996133179586/ / to learn more information.

Volunteers will be Available to Help File Taxes at Omaha Public Library Volunteers from AARP and Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) will be assisting individuals with filing their federal and state tax returns at Omaha Public Library’s Milton R. Abrahams Branch, 5111 N. 90th St., 402444-6284. There will be at least two volunteers available each Friday, Feb. 1 through April 12, noon to 4 p.m., to help patrons with their taxes at each session on a first come, first served basis.

There are no age or income restrictions, but volunteers will not help with business returns or returns with complexities that exceed their scope of knowledge. Services are limited to federal and Nebraska resident returns. Filings will be securely filed electronically through TaxSlayer.

Participants must bring the following: • Proof of identification (photo ID) • Social Security cards for you, your spouse and dependents • Wage and earning statements (Form W-2, W-2G, 1099-R,1099-Misc) from all employers • Proof of foreign status, if applying for an ITIN • Birth dates for you, your spouse and dependents on the tax return • Interest and dividend statements from banks

For more information, please call (402) 934-6615.

OMAHA FIRE DEPARTMENT RECRUITMENT EXPO Learn about a career with the OFD January 30th 5:30 - 7:00 PM Omaha Public Library Washington Branch 2868 Ames Ave.

(Forms 1099) • Health Insurance Exemption Certificate, if received • A copy of last year’s federal and state returns, if available • Proof of bank account routing and account numbers for direct deposit such as a blank check • To file taxes electronically on a married-filingjoint tax return, both spouses must be present to sign the required forms • Total paid for daycare provider and the daycare provider’s tax identifying number such as their Social Security number or business Employer Identification Number • Forms 1095-A, B and C, Health Coverage Statements • Copies of income transcripts from IRS and state, if applicable A full list of things to bring to a VITA meeting before attending one of these sessions can be found at irs.gov/individuals/checklist-for-freetax-return-preparation.

Visit omahalibrary.org for information about additional programs and services offered at Omaha Public Library’s 12 metro locations.

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Legacy Of Jean Floyd Bell To Be Celebrated

The African-American Leadership Awards Planning Committee of the Urban League of Nebraska is accepting nominations for the 2019 African-American Leadership Awards.

The awards recognize the accomplishments and achievements of individuals in the African- American community who have made significant contributions to the City of Omaha in the following categories: Business, Community, Education, Faith, Government, Health, Young Professional (age 21-40) and Youth (age 15 to 18) and Someone Special. Awards may be made posthumously. For a list of past winners, visit www.urbanleagueneb.org/hall-of-fame A nomination packet is available at http://www.urbanleagueneb.org/aala-nominations/. The packet includes nomination criteria and a nomination form. The deadline for nominations is Feb 22.

Award recipients will be honored at the African-American Leadership Awards Gala the evening of May 31 at the Hilton Omaha. A cocktail reception begins at 5:30 p.m. and is followed by the awards ceremony at 7. Individual general admission tickets and reserved tables of ten are available.

For questions about nominations or the awards gala, contact Kayla Toney, Marketing Specialist at the Urban League of Nebraska, 402-453-9730 ext. 24 or kayla.toney@urbanleagueneb.org.

“This is America” – Film Streams’ winter repertory series – corresponds with Joslyn Art Museum’s “30 Americans” exhibit, on view from Feb. 2 till May 5 – the first major exhibition in Omaha to survey the work of contemporary African-American artists, featuring work created over the past three decades by nationally and internationally recognized artists of color. “30 Americans” offers a challenging – and at times disconcerting – account Family Housing Advisory Services, Inc. (FHAS) is hiring a of race in the United States, and how our shared history continues Development Director to oversee fundraising and implementation to shape the ways we interact and of strategies to increase private support for the organization.

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Page Eight

YOUTH/EDUCATION NEWS

THE OMAHA STAR

January 25, 2019

Rodgers Scholarship Luncheon Held At MCC Omaha Youth-Led Day of Service Honoring For many students, going to college is a goal.

“I look at myself as a little dog at work and I For some, that goal can be hard to achieve due to wanted to be the big dog in management,” Hughes MLK Memory is a Successful Tribute financial setbacks or challenges. said. “This scholarship is helping me financially. I At Metropolitan Community College, there are many scholarships available to help students lighten the financial strain college may cause.

Students who received the Johnny Rodgers Career and Technical Education Scholarship were treated to a luncheon on Jan. 14 as a celebration of their hard work. The luncheon was held at the Institute for the Culinary Arts on the Fort Omaha Campus. The scholarship helps students pay for tuition, fees and books if they are in a career or technical program at MCC. Scholarship recipient Ashley Hughes, a student in the Health Information Management Systems at MCC, said being in the workforce for a few years and not moving up at her job pushed her to go to MCC.

Ashley Hughes

am a single parent so this helps.”

Rodgers spoke at the luncheon, telling students that this scholarship could be the start of big changes in their lives.

“Congratulations to all of you,” he said. “This could be the best year of your life. Anything is possible.”

Rodgers said scholarship recipients shouldn’t take this lightly. When they come to MCC, he said, put your best effort forward.

“I want you to take this seriously. Do this for yourself and do it now. We are here to help. We give you all the tools, but you have to do the work yourself,” Rodgers said.

To learn more about or donate to scholarships at MCC, visit mccneb.edu/scholarships.

To honor the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., middle and high school students from Partnership 4 Kids (P4K) youth mentoring program teamed up with students from the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) to perform service projects benefitting organizations across the city, on Monday, Jan. 21.

The day of service kicked off at Together Inc., 812 S. 24th St., with the fifth-annual pancake breakfast hosted by P4K middle school students and students from UNO’s Thompson Learning Community (TLC) from 7:30-11:30 a.m. Nearly 100 people stopped in to support the effort and enjoy a hot and hearty breakfast. All donations will support Alliance for a Better Omaha’s nutrition education programming provided for food pantry clients.

This event is the culmination of a larger service project, spearheaded by UNO’s Service Learning Academy (SLA), which focuses on improving the lives of those living in poverty. Partnership 4 Kids middle school students began working in collaboration with the SLA to develop this year’s anti-poverty campaign earlier this fall. They implemented phase one of this community campaign by making blankets for the homeless and advocating for those needing services from one of the Alliance for a Better Omaha locations.

“We need to work together to become a better community,” said P4K eighth-grader Fatima Ibrahim. “The world isn’t going to be better if people don’t work together.”

From 10 a.m. - 1 p.m., P4K high school students took the day of service even further by participating in additional service projects at the Barbara Weitz Community Engagement Center, 6001 Dodge St., and the ABIDE Omaha campus, 3223 N. 45th St.

Rodgers with group

USA Track & Field Nebraska Provides Scholarships to Seniors

USATF Scholarship Recipients with Scot Rainbolt

Ebone’ Stingley and Christopher Gray with Scot Rainbolt The USA Track and Field Nebraska Association (Nebraska USATF) held its annual awards banquet Sunday at the DC Centre in Omaha. The association hosted nearly 300 guests and recognized almost 100 youth athletes who are involved in the sport of track and field. Recognition was given for stellar and record setting performances during the 2018 summer track season.

The second annual Nebraska USATF scholarships were awarded during the heavily attended event. Nebraska USATF scholarships are geared towards assisting Nebraska graduating high school seniors with transitioning to college life. The Nebraska Association promotes the benefits of continued involvement with track and field

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Kindergarten Roundup and New Family Enrollment will kick off on Feb. 7 from 6-8 p.m. Interested kindergarten parents should bring their child for assessment, in addition to their original birth certificate and updated immunization records.

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Youth from ages eight to eighteen years old participate in summer track and field meets, starting in March and ending in August at a national level meet. For Cross Country runners, the year continues until October and November.

If you have a child who wants to become involved, visit the Nebraska USATF website for more information at http:// nebraskausatf.org.

The annual Nebraska USATF Scholarship recipients recognized at the 2019 banquet were Christopher Gray of Omaha Roncalli High School and Ebone’ Stingley of Omaha North High School.

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Kindergarten Round Up, New Family Enrollment Night at Sacred Heart

beyond high school participation by offering sport and scholarship assistance.

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