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Nebraska’s Only Black Owned Newspaper Vol. 82 - No. 17 Omaha, Nebraska
Friday, August 21, 2020
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Family of the Week:
Kamala Harris, VP Nominee University of California, Hastings, she began her career in the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office. In 2003, Harris became the District AttorCalifornia Sen. Kamala Harris is Joe Biden’s ney of the City and County of San Francisco. Among her achievements as District Attorney, choice for vice president. Following months of speculation and debate Harris started a program that gives first-time drug offenders the chance to over whether Biden should earn a high school diploma pick a Black woman as his and find employment. running mate, Harris was Having completed two named Tuesday as Biden’s terms as the District Attorney choice. of San Francisco, Kamala Biden reportedly had called was elected as the first AfriRep. Karen Bass (D-Calif.), can American and first womformer Ambassador Susan an to serve as California’s Rice, and three other candiAttorney General. In this dates to inform them on Tuesrole, she “worked tirelessly day morning that they were to hold corporations accountnot his pick. able and protect the state’s Harris had routinely been most vulnerable people,” acseen as the top pick, but her cording to her biography. clashes with Biden during the Over the course of her nearDemocratic debates appeared ly two terms in office, Harris to give Biden pause. Howwon a $25-billion settlement ever, Biden had been pho- Sen. Kamala Harris for California homeowners tographed in recently weeks hit by the foreclosure crisis, with talking points which Highlights: defended California’s landnoted not to hold a grudge • Born In Oakland, Ca to mark climate change law, against Harris. Immigrant Parents From protected the Affordable Care Sworn in as Senator in Jamaica And India 2017, Harris became the sec- • Married To Lawyer Doug Act, helped win marriage equality for all Californians, ond African American womEmhoff, With Two Stepand prosecuted transnational an and the first South Asianchildren gangs that trafficked in guns, American senator in history. • First African American drugs, and human beings. She has said that her life as And Southasian IndianSince taking office, she has a prosecutor and fighting American Woman Vp introduced and cosponsored justice was inspired by her Pick By A Major Party legislation to raise wages for mother, an Indian American • Former Prosecutor, Vocal working people, reform our immigrant, activist and breast Critic Of Donald Trump cancer researcher. • Serving First Term In The broken criminal justice system, make healthcare a right Growing up in Oakland, Senate for all Americans, address Harris had “a stroller-eye • Member Of Aka Sorority the epidemic of substance view of the Civil Rights And Hbcu Graduate Of abuse, support veterans and movement,” according to her Howard University military families, and expand official biography. • Kamala Means “Locust” access to childcare for workThrough the example of courageous leaders like Thurgood Marshall, ing parents. Earlier Tuesday, President Donald Trump Constance Baker Motley, and Charles Hamilton Houston, Harris said she learned the kind suggested that “some men are insulted” that of character it requires to stand up to the pow- Biden had long ago narrowed his search to erful and resolved to spend her life advocating women. However, Trump’s statements were seen as a last-minute bid to rattle the Demofor those who could not defend themselves. After earning an undergraduate degree from crats. Women’s groups and the civil rights See Harris continued on page 2 Howard University and a law degree from the By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
The McMorris Family
Back Row: Makayla McMorris, Kenny McMorris. Front Row: Carla GarlandWesley, Kenny McMorris, Jr., Makenli Savanna, Marie Trammel.
The McMorris Family represents GERNERATIONS in our Community. Makayla is the Executive Director of the University Nebraska-Omaha’s Office of University Communications. Kenny McMorris is the Charles Drew Health Center Chief Executive Officer. Both are natives of Omaha and are committed to the success of our community. Kenny is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity and
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OMAHA STAR
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Makayla is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. Kenny Jr. is 10 years old and is in the 5th grade at Crestridge Elementary School., a dual language school. Makenli is 6 years old and is a first grader. Both are fluent in Spanish. Carla Garland-Wesley is Makayla’s mother and Marie Trammel is Kenny’s mother.
From the iPublisher’s Pen By Terri D. Sanders COVID-19 rages on worldwide. Locally we have a mask ordinance. So much has gone on locally and nationally that will potentially have an impact on our everyday lives. Presidential candidate Vice President Joseph Biden has named Senator Kamala Harris as his running mate. The #blackwomenlead is in full effect. Divine Nine Greek organizations and Social organizations have gone into full fund raising mode to support this ticket. If you are in a Greek organization or a Social organization then there is great pride in our culture related to this announcement. Imagine the “step” that will go on at the White House, by Sororities. We at the Mildred D. Brown Memorial Study Center, a David Turnbo Photography 501(c)3 organization, are committed to the news in our community and communicating, sharing the field of Journalism with young people, and preserving the stories through archiving o of the Omaha Star Newspaper. This is why we exist. If you know a young person who is interested in the field of Journalism, please contact: publisher @omahastarinc.com. In the month of September we will begin sharing information virtually on photograph for publishing, and how to write a descriptive paragraph. Students who participate will have their work published in the paper. This will be the beginning of the Junior Journalism Program. Journalism is not only newspapers and television. It is social media, podcasts, blogs, video blogs, and more. We want to look at all the ways that we communicate in our community to provide students with the skill set needed to be a success on the communication highway. We will utilize current professionals, hobbyists, educators and other students to provide this information to participants. Stay tuned, there are changes coming!
Would you like to be family of the Week? Contact: publisher@omahastarinc.com
Next Issue: Are you a high school August 28, 2020 Information submission by August 20, 2020
student interested in photography?
Contact: publisher@omahastarinccom
LOCAL/NATIONAL NEWS August 21, 2020 THE OMAHA STAR, INC. North And South Omaha Small THE VOICE OF THE BLACK COMMUNITY Businesses Awarded Grant Funding MAILING ADDRESS: To Help Impact Of Covid-19
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DISCLAIMER The United States provides opportunities for free expression of ideas. The Omaha Star has its views, but others may differ. Therefore the Omaha Star ownership reserves the right to publish views and opinions by syndicated and local columnists, professional writers and other writers whose opinions are solely their own. Those views do not necessarily reflect the policies and position of the staff and management of the Omaha Star newspaper. Readers are encouraged to email letters to the editor commenting on current events as well as what they would like to see included in the paper. Those emails should be sent to: publisher@omahastarinc.com and must include the writer’s name, address, email address and telephone number. The ownership has editorial rights and does not guarantee that all submissions will be published. Please be advised that the Omaha Star ownership does not employ staff writers who charge for preparing and submitting articles for the general public. Should you encounter such, please advise Terri D. Sanders at 402346-4041.
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Seven local small businesses were recently awarded grants by The Community CONNECT – Investing in Small Business 2020 initiative to help alleviate the impact of COVID-19 on their businesses. The grants were made possible by a collaboration of Catholic Charities, Omaha Economic Development Corporation, Mutual of Omaha, and CIT Bank for the purpose of supporting entrepreneurs and economic growth in the North and South corridors of the Omaha community. The 2019 Community CONNECT collaboration featured a start-up pitch competition held in the fall of 2019. When COVID-19 struck earlier this year, plans for the 2020 “shark tank” event were postponed, and a decision made to move to an online, grant competition format in order to continue support of small businesses when they most need it. Catholic Charities and the Omaha Economic Development Corporation have experienced firsthand the devastating impact of COVID–19 on their business clients and graduates as they have sought support and advice on how to keep their businesses afloat during these turbulent times. Last month, The Community CONNECT issued a Request for Proposals soliciting proposals from graduates of Catholic Charities’ Microbusiness and Asset Development Program and Omaha Economic Development Corporation’s small business innovation space with the goal of providing one-time funding support to help alleviate the impact of the COVID–19 pandemic on their business. A panel of judges comprised of community business leaders selected the following small businesses to receive a grant in the amount of $3,000 each: The grants were made possible by funding from CIT Bank, Mutual of Omaha, and the Nebraska Hispanic
“CIT is committed to empowering small business owners and entrepreneurs in our communities, and our support is needed now more than ever,” said Stephanie Couser, Community Development Leader at CIT. “Through our collaboration with The Community Connect, we’re able to help Omaha small business owners and entrepreneurs focus on navigating through the pandemic by providing much- needed financial support in this unprecedented time.” To learn more about The Community CONNECT, please contact Kathleen Berg at 402.829.9233 or Annette Artherton at 402.871.8365. About Catholic Charities: Catholic Charities ministers to the greatest and most fundamental needs of our community, serving over 80,000 people in need every year regardless of race, religion, creed, or socioeconomic status.
Since 1926, Catholic Charities has had a rich tradition of serving and advocating for the voiceless, hungry, addicted, abused, and forgotten individuals and families throughout the Omaha Archdiocese’s 23 counties. Through our Microbusiness and Asset Development Program, Catholic Charities helps hundreds of budding entrepreneurs build, launch, and grow their dream businesses. This program offers formal training, technical assistance, micro loans, financial education, and counseling – key ingredients that help lowincome individuals achieve self- sufficiency and financial freedom. THAT’S THE POWER OF COMMUNITY! For more information on Catholic Charities, visit www.ccomaha.org. About Omaha Economic Development Corporation: Founded in 1977, the Omaha Economic Development Corporation began as a vision in the hearts of community residents and activists to address blight and poverty in the City of Omaha. Our focus addresses the immediate physical evidence of community deterioration and the socio-economic challenges of poverty. Our specific economic strategies and community revitalization projects provide diversified, environmentally responsible housing options; affordable commercial/retail spaces; jobs; job skill and small business development training; and business ownership opportunities. Our success stems from the commitment of the community we serve and strong local and national partnerships that fortify our mission to provide opportunities to live with dignity and fulfillment; build assets and a healthy economy through full time employment; and jointly support those unique cultural activities that reflect our residents. For more details about our work, visit our website at www. oedc.info.
signed the open letter are Dr. Johnnetta B. Cole, Maya Cummings, Dr. Hazel Dukes, Suzanne DePasse, Valeisha Butterfield Jones, Cora Masters Barry, Melanie Campbell, and Karen BoykinTowns. “We are the highest propensity voters in this nation. We are a coalition of Black women leaders, who, in this inflection point of the Black liberation movement, where people around the world are galvanized to action, know that the time for Black women in the United States is now,” the women penned in the letter. Earlier, 100 prominent Black men including Sean “Diddy” Combs, Charlamagne Tha God, NBA Star Chris Paul, Bakari Sellers, and rapper Doug E. Fresh, signed a letter of solidarity calling for Biden to select a Black woman. “As someone who has said through-
out the campaign that VP Joe Biden needs to choose a Black woman VP, the urgency for that pick has gone from something that should happen to something that has to happen. It disgusts us that Black women are not just being vetted in this VP process but unfairly criticized and scrutinized,” the men wrote in the missive. “Was Joe Biden ever labeled ‘too ambitious’ because he ran for president three times? Should President Obama not have made him the VP because he had to worry about his ‘loyalty’ when he clearly had ambitions to be president himself? Why does Senator Kamala Harris have to show remorse for questioning Biden’s previous stance on integrated busing during a democratic primary debate?”
Chamber of Commerce Foundation. “A diverse, vibrant, small business environment in North and South Omaha is essential to the overall health of the Omaha community,” said Annie Messersmith, VP Controller Division, Mutual of Omaha Insurance Company and Catholic Charities Board member. “The Catholic Charities Microbusiness and Asset Development Program and Omaha Economic Development Corporation small business innovation space are providing the much-needed support to help these entrepreneurs build, grow and sustain their businesses.” - Lion Construction LLC - Ortiz Construction LLC - Quick Bites Soul Food - Still Poppin Gourmet Popcorn - Tachitos Daycare LLC - Tipico Helado LLC - White Rhino Productions
Harris continued from page 1 community in recent days had blasted media members and individuals on social platforms for racist and sexist attacks against Harris and others who were considered in the vice-presidential sweepstakes. In an open letter by nearly 700 Black women leaders, the attacks were roundly denounced. “Black women are many things. We are business executives, political strategists, and elected officials, philanthropists, and activists,” the letter, circulated throughout the media and posted to various social media accounts, read. “We are health and wellness practitioners. We are entertainers and faith leaders. We are wives, mothers, daughters, educators, and students. We set and shift culture. We build power, and we are powerful.” Counting among the many Black women who
No Bridge Too Far - Remembering Congressman John Lewis and the Fight Still Ahead It comes to this: Americans are being cut out of the process by other Americans. A great victory, fought for on bloody streets and across bloody bridges, a score settled and signed into law all those years ago has been compromised in the courts. Time to despair? Nope. It sounds to me like it’s time again for some good trouble. The legendary planners of the 1963 March on Washington meet in New York City in 1963, including (left to right): John Lewis, Whitney Young, A. Phillip Randolph, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., James L. Farmer Jr. and Roy Wilkins. (Photo provided by UAW) “The vote is precious. It is almost sacred. It is the most powerful non-violent tool we have in a democracy.” - Congressman John Lewis This month marks the 55th anniversary of the passage of the Voting Rights Act (VRA), one of the most powerful pieces of civil rights legislation in our history. The passage of the VRA into law was the result of decades of struggle and sacrifice and was truly a shining moment in our history. Unfortunately, the struggle to ensure that all Americans have the right and opportunity to vote not only continues today, we have actually suffered significant losses on this front over the past decade. Some of the most critical protections of the VRA, designed to remove legal barriers at state and local levels that prevented African Americans from voting, were essentially gutted by a devastating 2013 Supreme Court decision. With one stroke of the pen, the Court set us back decades and created an environment where we’ve seen numerous court challenges to voting rights and other legal measures designed to further weaken the protections of the VRA. All resulting in suppression of Af-
rican American and minorities participating in the process. Add to this this the fact that many states are imposing strict voter ID laws, cutting voting times, restricting registration, and purging voter rolls. These efforts have kept significant numbers of eligible voters from the polls in recent elections, hitting all Americans, but placing special burdens on racial minorities, poor people and young and old voters. Adding to these now restored obstacles are new impediments — polling places consolidated in urban areas to make lines longer (and scarier given the poorly contained reach of the deadly coronavirus) and attempts to throw shade on mail-in ballots. Despite the fact that the evidence shows us that absentee voting is safe and secure. Time for Good Trouble It comes to this: Americans are being cut out of the process by other Americans. A great victory, fought for on bloody streets and across bloody bridges, a score settled and signed into law all those years ago has been compromised in the courts. Time to despair? Nope. It sounds to me like it’s time again for some good trouble. Good trouble was what American hero and Congressman John Lewis called the struggle for this all-important right of every American. Lewis, a Democrat from Georgia, served in the House of Representatives from 1987 until his death last month, spent decades working as an organizer and activist, was a found-
ing member of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, and original freedom rider. He helped organize the March on Washington in lockstep with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and A. Phillip Randolph. He walked into a beating from Alabama state troopers who cracked his head bloody and gassed him along with hundreds of marchers in the cause of voting rights on the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama in 1965. He witnessed and rejoiced in the passage of the VRA alongside
his fellow freedom marchers and years later, would have to see the Supreme Court decimate the act. Lewis knew that the court’s decision would reopen the door to voter suppression, but he refused to give in to defeat. Here is what he had to say about our struggle: “Do not get lost in a sea of despair. Be hopeful, be optimistic. Our struggle is not the struggle of a day, a week, a month, or a year, it is the struggle of a lifetime. Never, ever be afraid to make some noise and get in good trouble, necessary trouble.” Now, It’s Up to Us So, I say we cannot afford to let go of making good trouble. When
U.S. Senator Doug Jones of Alabama said at Lewis’ memorial service, “It is the young among us in Alabama and across this nation who can heal what we have failed to heal in our lifetimes, no matter how hard John tried,” Senator Jones made note that Lewis had been heartened by today’s young activists. “He confidently looked around and said, ‘All is well,’” said Jones. “‘It is time for the torch to be passed. It is time for me to let go.’” That torch, brothers and sisters, is for us. And I would say we have taken hold of it. Today you are seeing it in our protests against police brutality and racism. People standing up for their inherent civil rights. For the right to live, to move about, to vote. You see the numbers and the strength and the outrage. Today you are seeing it in the House of Representatives, which most recently passed the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, a bill intended to restore the vote to Americans — mostly Black, Latino, and Native Americans — who were disenfranchised by the 2013 decision. The Voting Rights Advancement Act restores the full protections of the original, bipartisan Voting Rights Act of 1965. It also creates a new coverage formula that applies to all states and addresses measures that have historically been used to discriminate against voters. A time for action, not despair Predictably, full passage has been stalled in the Senate, but “our struggle is not the struggle of a day,
a week, a month, or a year,” right? We are fighting the long fight and making good trouble. And we need to see the numbers and the strength and the outrage at the polls. In a few months, we will be voting in one of the most important elections of our time. You need to make your voice count. Make it count in spite of those who would stop you. Voting is necessary to make the real change we need in this country. We must unite and come together to elect leaders who are committed to reform and to working people. The only way to do that is to vote. More than 30 states have approved ballot initiatives to allow absentee voting without an excuse. Check out your situation in your state and however you choose to vote, please make your voice heard this November. Those who read my column know that I am a union man. I can say unequivocally as far as the UAW is concerned, we are not new to John Lewis’ fight. For decades, the UAW has fought alongside freedom marching men and women to ensure that individual rights are honored. At a time when far too many eligible voters are wrongly turned away from the polls – or simply don’t have access to them – we must rededicate ourselves to increasing participation among eligible voters. John Lewis said at the 1963 March on Washington in front of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and UAW President Walter Reuther, “I appeal to all of you to get into this great revolution that is sweeping this nation. Get in and stay in the streets of every city, every village and hamlet of this nation until true freedom comes, until the revolution of 1776 is complete.” In that idea, Congressman Lewis is still right here standing before more bridges that need crossing. Only by voting, can we get to the other side.
LOCAL NEWS
August 21, 2020
THE OMAHA STAR
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COVID-19 VACCINE RESEARCH STUDY
VOLUNTEER & MAKE A DIFFERENCE Every modern vaccine and medicine we have today was first tested in clinical trials involving hundreds to thousands of people before becoming available to the public. This COVID-19 vaccine study will enroll up to 30,000 adults, and each and every person involved plays a powerful role. By choosing to volunteer, you will represent people like you – in age, gender, race, ethnicity, and the communities where you live. Involving people from all backgrounds will improve the development of this vaccine for everyone. Joining a clinical trial is an important and personal decision. We hope it is one you will consider.
WHAT TO EXPECT PARTICIPANTS WILL BE
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AT THE CLINIC
PARTICIPANTS WILL TRACK THEIR HEALTH AND REPORT ANY COVID-19 SYMPTOMS FOR
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PRAISE, WORSHIP, DEVOTION, OBITUARIES & INSPIRATION
Bring Thy Son Here
Deaths & Funerals
(Luke 9:37-42)
By Velma Jean Sanders One can hardly read this passage without being moved by the pleas of a father’s desperate cry for his son. This child which should have been a source of pride and contentment, had instead been used to bring continual sorrow and pain to the heart of a loving father. Now, in the presence of Jesus Christ, he despairingly cries, “He is mine only child!” And then, “A spirit taketh him!” Finally, “The spirit will not leave him!” Sadly, he reports, “I brought him to your disciples and they could not help!” Having found no remedy or relief, he says, “Master, I beseech thee, look upon my son!” And with those words, healing and deliverance are set in motion. Jesus instructs this father to, “Bring thy son here.” During Jesus’ earthly ministry, there are times when He would go to a home and administer healing and at other times He would heal from a distance. But Jesus purposes to strengthen and restore the soul of this man to his privileged position of father. So, in spite of the severity of the son’s condition, the father is commanded to bring his son to Jesus. This means that for a moment, the father must leave the Savior and the comfort of His presence, and go get his son. Faith has come and hope has been renewed. We do not know the state of the child when the father reached him. But whatever it was, the father had been strengthened and given all of the power he needed to bring his son to Jesus. Luke recorded that the evil spirit, “takes him, and he suddenly cries out; and it tears him so that he foams again and, bruising him, hardly departs from him!” In spite of this, the father and the son are on their way to Jesus. “And as he was coming, the demon threw him down, and tore him!” The spirit is doing all that he can to cause the father to let go of the child. Nevertheless, the humiliation, strain and pain of the moment does not deter the father of his goal to see his son well. Tiresome though the journey may be, regardless of how many times he had to stoop and pick his son up from the ground, the father kept on moving forward to Jesus. With each struggling step, the son was closer to healing and deliverance
August 21, 2020
Jimmy Ray Barfield Mr. Jimmy Ray Barfield, age 63, passed away, Saturday, August 15, at a local hospital. Arrangements are pending. Arrangements by Thomas Funeral Home Norma Smith Mrs. Norma Smith, age 89, passed
away in Charlotte, NC, Wednesday, July 29. Survived by daughters: Debra (Daryl) White, Dale Hollingsworth, Christina Clark; sons: Brian (Tiffany) Hollingsworth, Biff (Yvette) Clark; sister: Iris Clark; 5 bonus sons and daughters; 14 grandchildren, 6 bonus grand- children, 24 great-grand; 3 great-great-grand, a host of nieces,
nephews, and other relatives. Funeral Service was held 12 pm, Monday, August 10, at Zion Baptist Church, Rev. Kenneth A. Allen, officiated. Interment: Mt Hope Cemetery Arrangements by Thomas Funeral Home
Living on Purpose
Our highest quest is to know God By Dr. William Holland The Christian worldview of life is about learning what God requires and willingly accepting the call to become a devoted disciple of Christ. This life-changing decision has everything to do with yielding mind, body, and soul to the Creator of heaven and earth. It’s definitely worth considering since He has promised with all certainty that He is the way, the truth, and the life. Most Bible scholars are convinced there are two categories of judgment and are commonly referred to as the saved and the unsaved. Even though there are levels of good and bad behavior, the basic concept describes a certain number of souls who are spiritually born-again and are declared as being a child of the Most High and on the other side of the fence there are those who willingly reject the invitation to become a member of God’s family and thus are referred to as spiritually lost. The deeds that were committed or omitted are known to God but the book of life will declare the eternal destination that only God has the perfect wisdom to address. I consider myself as a student of God’s truth and much of the time a philosopher as well as a minister. It’s humbling to wade into the deeper waters of reason and purpose, and helping others in their relationship with Christ is a serious responsibility. I’ve listened to spiritual leaders and noticed that individuals who are committed to being His messengers are sincere, bold, and disciplined, yet at the same time they are rational thinkers filled with
sorrow over a fallen humanity. Christ was filled with compassion and mercy while also being honestly blunt and the huge difference is that He was not a hypocrite as humans tend to be. I’ve made mistakes and taken some hard falls and it’s only with His endless mercy and grace that I live and move and have my being. I do not want to be remembered as someone who could talk about God but could not live for Him. What do you desire to be known for? I realize my righteousness is as a dirty rag and if I have accomplished anything in my life that has eternal value; it was manifested through me by the one and only holy God. What is my message? To cry from the housetops and stand in the middle of a busy highway if need be to warn a world being held in bondage about how Jesus Christ can set them free. To plead with all whom God will arrange with divine appointments about the dangers of accepting the default life and becoming satisfied to trade seventy or eighty years on earth for an eternity of terrible disappointment. The red devil with a pitchfork might be portrayed as a joke, but the holiness of the Almighty God who demands honor, reverence, and respect is very real. One of the most essential questions at the end of life is how much truth did the seeker find and even more important is how much of it did they comprehend and demonstrate? To sum up the meaning of life, we can say that, “God is absolute truth and our highest quest is to know Him, love Him, and obey Him.” Read more about the Christian life and watch Billy’s brand new video at billyhollandministries.com
New Exhibition Series at The Union “Uplifts & Elevates” Local Black Artists Union is pursuing new ways to bring art and artists to the public. “We’re in this strange moment when we – as individuals This August, The Union for Contemporary Art begins a and as a culture – are so desperately in need of the honesty new program that seeks to innovate the means by which art and perspective of artists, but we’re also unable to safely is experienced while also supporting the creative practices come together in the spaces where art and performance usually live,” notes Union Communications Director of local and regional artists of the African diaspora. The program, Uplift & Elevate, reflects a new stage Patrick Mainelli. in The Union’s long standing mission of promoting the Uplift & Elevate serves to meet this need, presenting development and vision of artists who have traditionally the work of socially conscious artists outside traditional been underrepresented in gallery spaces. In light of the gallery spaces. Union Program Coordinator Mary Lawson ongoing threat to public health posed by COVID-19, has served as chief curator for the program which, particularly within the North Omaha community, The beginning August 15, will highlight the work of numerous artists, including poets, photographers, painters, numerous musicians, and more. Lawson notes: “I feel this moment in time is a nexus of needs. By us honoring space for artists to share their work as we all move through the chaos and uncertainty -- we are providing an opportunity of witnessing art that could lead to healing.” While The Union’s 1,600 square foot exhibition space, The Wanda D. Ewing Gallery, will remain closed to the public during the outbreak of COVID19, the gallery’s street-facing windows will be activated for public presentation of artwork. Currently on view, the photography of N8 DeVivo and the poetry of Uganda-born Ikran Hamza fill the windows which face the heavily-trafficked North 24th Street. The artists’ work was selected to compliment one another, adding a new dimension of expression when presented together. “Putting the work in the windows,” notes Mainelli, “means that people can experience it safely outdoors, but also in a way that’s even more accessible than coming in the gallery.” Other visual artists presenting through November include Alajia McKizia, DeAndre Rhodes, Patty Talbert, and Kat Wiese. University of Nebraska at Lincoln Professor of Literature, Kwame Dawes will also contribute works of poetry to the ongoing exhibition. Photos by N8 DeVivo, now on view at The Union for The Uplift & Elevate program also includes a Contemporary Art By Patrick Mainelli WC: 698
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robust and evolving virtual component, highlighting the work of local musicians, including Kiwi, J. Crum, RIA GOLD, HAKIM, Lakaiya, John Evans, DEATHGOD, Jacoby, and Mars. The musicians will present various aspects of their work and practice via The Union’s social media channels and wider online presence. Virtual concerts are also in the works throughout the fall with the first scheduled on Saturday, August 29th, featuring RIA GOLD, J. Crum, and Kiwi of Bound. Lawson says, “The practice and performance of Black musicians in Nebraska has never been recognized, documented, and celebrated in a way that is sustainable. By including their work in this program we are helping to lift our local collective consciousness in reclaiming music as an ever-changing and evolving art form.” Uplift & Elevate is part of The Union’s larger, organization-wide response to the COVID-19 crisis and its impact on the local community of working artists. Their multifaceted Radical Hearts initiative includes both virtual arts offerings and multiple concrete actions that serve to alleviate the social impact of the pandemic, including sharing free produce grown in The Union’s Abundance Garden with the North Omaha community. 100% of the funds used to support all artists contributing to Uplift & Elevate have been sourced through public donations made during The Union’s Black Lives Matter poster printing initiative. “We see this project as a direct way to re-invest those funds in working Black artists within our community. As an organization, we are committed to contributing however we can to the current social uprising for justice – recognizing it as part of a long and ongoing struggle for equality in this country,” Mainelli says. Uplift & Elevate is on view now with the work of N8 DeVivo and Ikran Hamza in The Union gallery windows at 2423 North 24th Street in Omaha. Learn more at u-ca.org.
PRAISE & WORSHIP DIRECTORY
August 21, 2020
ALLEN CHAPEL A.M.E.
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
MOUNT CALVARY COMMUNITY CHURCH
Page Five
ST. MARK BAPTIST CHURCH
“Jesus is the Light of the World” Bishop Kevin Chambers, Senior Pastor (Elect) www.m3comaha.org 5112 Ames Avenue Omaha, NE 68104 (402) 457-4216 Church Phone (402) 453-4084 Pastor’s Office
THE OMAHA STAR
Pastor Jarrod S. Parker
3616 Spaulding Street, Omaha, NE 68111 Phone: 402-451-0307 Email: smbcsecretary@ stmarkbaptist.org Bishop Kevin Chambers
Services: Sunday School .................................................... 9:30 a.m. Sunday Morning Worship Experience ......... 11:00 a.m. Word On Wednesday (WOW) ........................ 7:00 p.m.
Pastor Jarrod S. Parker
Sunday School – Sunday 9:00 a.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.
“Where Life is for Everyone”
MT. MORIAH MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH
Drs. Martin & Lynnell Williams
Dr. Ralph B. Lassiter, Pastor 2602 N. 24th St. Off: (402) 451-8800 Fax: (402) 451-8522 mtmoriahomaha.net pastorlassiter@gmail.com
Founders & Lead Pastors
WEDNESDAYS Prayer 6:00 PM Worship 7:00 PM
SUNDAYS Prayer 9:00 AM Worship 10:00 AM
www.ambassadorswc.com 402-341-1866 5417 N 103rd St. Omaha, NE 68134
CLAIR MEMORIAL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Rev. Portia A. Cavitt, Pastor
Sunday School………………………8:45 a.m. Sunday Worship Experience………...10:00 a.m. Wednesday Bible Study….…….…….6:00 p.m.
Wednesday Bible-Prayer Service 11:30 a.m. & 6:30 p.m
First United Methodist Church is a welcoming and inclusive community, inspired to grow with and in God.
Rev. Kent H. Little
Fr. Dave Korth
Mass Schedule: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday - 8:00 am in Rectory (2218 Binney) Thursday - School Mass 8:10 am in Church
MT. NEBO MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH
Saturday - 5:00 pm Sunday - 8:15 am and 10:30 am
“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
SALEM BAPTIST CHURCH
Services on Sundays at 8:30 am & 10:50 am 7020 Cass Street, Omaha, NE 68132 402.556.6262 www.fumcomaha.org
2207 Wirt Street Omaha, NE 68110 Phone: 402-451-5755
Sunday School .............................................. 9:30 a.m. Sunday Worship ..........................................10:45 a.m. Overcomers in Christ......................Sunday 7:00 p.m.
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.
Rev. Kent H. Little, Lead Pastor
SACRED HEART CATHOLIC CHURCH Fr. Dave Korth
Pastor Terry L. Arvie
FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Our Mission: “To exalt the Savior, edify saints, evangelize sinners and elevate society.”
Rev. Ralph Lassiter, Sr.
“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
Televised Broadcast – Sundays at 6:00 p.m., KPAO Cox Channel 22 & CenturyLink Channel 89
Serving God and One Another in the Spirit of Excellence Rev. Dr. Selwyn Q. Bachus Senior Pastor 3131 Lake Street Omaha, NE 68111 402-455-1000 www.salembc.org
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.
PLEASANT GREEN BAPTIST CHURCH
“Where CHRIST is Preeminent and the Word Prevails!”
TABERNACLE OF FAITH CHURCH
Pastor Brian Page 5555 Larimore Avenue Church: 402-346-8427 www.pleasantgreenomaha.org
Pastor Barbara Mitchell 2404 Fort Street, Omaha, NE 68111 402-455-1800 Church 402-455-3390 Fax
Pastor Brian Page
Wednesday: Prayer Power Hour ......................................12:00 p.m Thursday: Youth For Christ ............................................6:00 p.m Prayer & Bible Study ....................................6:30 p.m
Charles Galloway - President, Rev John Deang - Pastor, Dr John Beasley - Elder
HOPE LUTHERAN CHURCH
Sunday: Sunday School.................................................9:00 a.m. Morning Worship..........................................10:15 a.m. Televised Broadcast Sunday @ 10pm on KPAO Cox Communication channel 22 & Century Link channel 89
Missouri Synod 2721 N. 30th Street 402-453-1583 Sunday School................................10:00 a.m. Church Service...............................11:00 a.m. YOU ARE ALWAYS WELCOME
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
JOY OF LIFE MINISTRIES COGIC
Pastors Eric and Cynthia Butler
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
Rev. Vitalis Anyanike
&
HOLY NAME CATHOLIC CHURCH
Pastor Eric Butler and Co-Pastor Cynthia Butler
Pastor Barbara Mitchell
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
ZION BAPTIST CHURCH Rev. Kenneth A. Allen, Pastor ST. BENEDICT THE MOOR CATHOLIC CHURCH
6401 N. 56th Street Omaha, NE 68104 Ph: 402-399-9628 E-Mail: Jolpastor@aol.com
Rev. Dr. Selwyn Q. Bachus
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 Pastor: Rev. Vitalis Anyanike
2215 Grant Street Omaha, NE 68110 Ph: 402-346-1502 Fax: 402-344-2720
Pastor Kenneth A. Allen
SUNDAY Sunday Morning Worship……………10:00 A.M. Sunday School……………………….. 9:00 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)
THE WORSHIP CENTER
North 24th Street Church of God “Presenting the Never-Changing GOD to an ever-changing World!”
MORNING STAR BAPTIST CHURCH 2019 Burdette Street Omaha, NE 68110 Ph: 402-342-0018 Worship Service .............10:00 a.m. Sunday School .................8:45 a.m. Excluding First Sunday Tuesday Evening Service.........7:00 p.m. Live Streaming Sunday Service-10:00am on Morning Star Baptist Church-Omaha Facebook Page
Dr. Stan Rone - Senior Pastor 2021 N. 24th Street • Omaha, NE 68110 (402) 341-4297 Dr. Stan Rone Senior Pastor
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
Page Six THE OMAHA STAR
HEALTH & WELLNESS/LIFE & STYLE
R.E.A.C.H.
How to Wear a Mask During COVID-19 Racial and ethical approaches to community health (REACH) is a periodic column featuring articles that focus on reducing health disparities in the African American community. It will include topics submitted by Creighton University Health Sciences Multicultural and Community Affairs (HS-MACA) department and is supported by the COVID -19 agreement with Douglas County. By Richard L. Brown, Ph.D., FACHE Wearing a mask when in public places is not only a safe public health practice during the coronavirus pandemic, but has become a fashion statement. There are many colors being worn with various messages. People choose the color of their masks to match the color of their different outfits. While this helps to encourage the practice, we must not ignore the proper way to wear masks for proper protection. The Center for Diseases Control and Prevention recommends the following safety tips. • Wash your hands before putting on your mask • Put it over your nose and mouth and secure it under your chin • Try to fit it snugly against the sides of your face • Make sure you can breathe easily • CDC does not recommend use of masks or cloth masks for source control if they have an exhalation valve or vent • Wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth to help protect others in case you’re infected with COVID-19 but don’t have symptoms • Wear a mask in public settings when around people who don’t live in your household, especially when it may be difficult for you to stay six feet apart • Wear a mask correctly for maximum protection • Don’t put the mask around your neck or up on your forehead • Don’t touch the mask, and, if you do, wash your hands or use hand sanitizer to disinfect Follow Everyday Health Habits • Stay at least 6 feet away from others • Avoid contact with people who are sick • Wash your hands often, with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds each time • Use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available “The virus is real, It’s only mission is to kill”
DRIVE UP COVID-19 TESTING BY APPOINTMENT ONLY (402) 451-3553
August 21, 2020
Studies in Dietary Guidelines Report are Almost Entirely on White Populations, Do Not Reflect the Diversity of The United States More than 90% of the systematic reviews in the Scientific Report by the 2020 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee did not account for race, ethnicity, and/ or socio-economic status. Moreover, they relied on predominantly white populations that are questionably generalized to the broader US population. These findings come from an in-depth analysis by the Food4Health Alliance on the report’s 56 systematic review questions where the evidence was graded “Strong,” “Medium,” or “Limited.” (The findings do not include some 125 questions where there was insufficient evidence and the grade was “Not Assignable.”) The report is available for download. The disturbing implication is that the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) will be questionably appropriate for historically disadvantaged populations. “These guidelines are a great effort, but my concern is it appears the majority of evidence reviewed does not include the experiences of low-income black and brown communities. These communities suffer most disproportionately from preventable, chronic health conditions often linked to inequitable access to foods that support long-term health and well-being. Before these guidelines are accepted as the national standard, the lack of data and insight for low-income, minority Americans should be addressed,” said Lisa K. Fitzpatrick MD, MPH, MPA, Founder and CEO of Grapevine Health. Congress intended for the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) to be for the “general public,” which, today, is more than one quarter (26%) non-white, including nearly 13% black/African American and 17.6% Hispanic/Latinx. Yet these populations are seldom included or accounted for in the studies reviewed in the Advisory Committee’s report. “I appreciate that the Advisory Committee recognized the health inequities in
the Hispanic community, and acknowledged the lack of diversity in the studies they reviewed. But this is not enough. We must do better to meet the dietary needs of the general population, including Hispanic Americans, America’s largest minority group,” stated Dr. Elena Rios, MD, MSPH, FACP, President and CEO of the National Hispanic Medical Association. In its public meetings, the 2020 Advisory Committee spoke frequently of the need to account for race and ethnicity in policy recommendations. Committee Chair Barbara Schneeman stated, “flexibility is needed for different age groups, different ethnic groups, and the choices people make.”[i] At another point, she added, “Focus on patterns and food intake are especially useful as we think about dietary guidance that can apply across the life span, and that can be tailored for various racial/ethnic preferences and socioeconomic levels.”[ii] However, the Committee also recognized that in many cases they were working from an evidence base that was often limited in achieving these goals. This impression is confirmed by the Food4Health analysis. Dietary Guidelines that do not reflect diversity in race, ethnicity or socio-economic status cannot be considered responsive to the needs of all Americans. Food4Health also continues to object to the fact that the Dietary Guidelines’ exclusively address the needs of healthy Americans, as this narrow focus is not applicable to the 60% of Americans diagnosed with one or more chronic disease, such as diabetes, obesity, or hypertension. Because minorities are twice as likely to suffer from these diseases, Food4Health believes the Guidelines especially underserve racial and ethnic communities in the US. For more information on the Alliance, please visit our website at www.food4health.org.
New French Toast Inspired Girl Scout Cookie Joins Lineup for 2021 Season 29TH ANNUAL FORT OMAHA
VIRTUAL
HEAR OUR VOICES Saturday, Sept. 12, 2020 1-5 p.m. EMCEE
Whitney Rencountre II, Hunkpati Dakota from the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe Co-Founder of Social Distance Powwow
ARENA DIRECTOR Roger Coleman Eagle Elk, Lakota/Winnebago
HEAD MAN DANCER Carlos Benally, Dine/Dakota
HEAD LADY DANCER Lestina Saul-Beltran, Sissetonwan Dakota
HOST NORTHERN DRUM Upstream, Rapid City, South Dakota
HOST SOUTHERN DRUM Whitetail Boyz Macy, Nebraska
www.mccneb.edu/powwow FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Contact powwow@mccneb.edu or 531-MCC-2253 for more information.
REIGNING PRINCESS Naomi Ike, Omaha Nation
While cookie lovers will have to wait until February to try the new flavor, girls don’t have to wait to The Toast-Yay! cookie will be available from Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska once cookie season begins, offering a delightful moment of joy while supporting girl entrepreneurs. Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska and Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) kicked off a countdown to the 2021 Girl Scout Cookie season with the announcement of a new cookie in Nebraska and other select areas: Toast-Yay!™, a French toast–inspired cookie dipped in delicious icing and full of flavor in every bite. When Girl Scout Cookie season returns, Toast-Yay! will be available alongside other favorites like Thin Mints® and Caramel deLites®. And though social distancing measures may keep families and friends apart, cookie customers will be able to share joy and stay connected this season through a giftbox option that ships directly to others via the Smart Cookie online platform. Join Girl Scouts. Sports and other activities may be canceled, but Girl Scouts is going strong. Troops are forming now, and girls can choose from in-person or virtual activities, depending on their families’ preference. To learn more or join Girl Scouts, visit GirlScoutsNebraksa.org. Consumers will delight in knowing that their cookie purchase is an investment in girl leadership in their own community. With every sale, the Girl Scout Cookie Program teaches girls to think like entrepreneurs as they run their own small businesses and learn goal setting, people skills, and decision making — which are imperative for any leadership role. And girls decide how to use their portion of the proceeds for unforgettable leadership experiences and community projects, while Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska depends on the funds to deliver life-changing Girl Scout programming to nearly 12,000 girls in Nebraska. As the COVID-19 pandemic became widespread during the 2020 cookie season, many girl entrepreneurs quickly changed their emphasis to virtual sales as they experienced the same challenges as other businesses. In the 2021 season, Nebraska Girl Scouts will again embrace their entrepreneurial spirit by selling cookies through online platforms and innovative “virtual cookie booths” on social media (with parental supervision). Many girls will offer socially distant or contactless sales and delivery options. If local guidelines allow, in-person sales may also be available, keeping girls’ safety a top priority. “Girl Scout Cookies are the sweetest little bit of comfort food,” said Denise Moore, chief product program and retail officer for Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska. “The ToastYay! is a tasty addition to the Girl Scout Cookie line-up and is sure to be a favorite.” Cookie season kicks off Feb. 12 in Nebraska; contact us at MemberSupport@girlscoutsnebraska.org for more information about sales dates and specific cookie availability. About Girl Scouts and the Spirit of Nebraska Council Girl Scouts Spirit of NebrasCaring for someone with ka is the largest girl-serving organization in the state and Alzheimer’s isn’t easy. 19,000 members strong. Nationally, there are 2.5 million Reaching us is. girl and adult members who believe that girls together can change the world. It began more than 100 years ago with one woman, Juliette Gordon “Daisy” Low, who saw the potential of every girl. Today, we uphold her vision of building girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place by helping them discover their inner strengths, passions and talents. We are the Girl Scouts. If you care for someone with Alzheimer’s disease, memory loss or dementia, you are not alone. We’re here day or night — whenever you need us — offering reliable information and support. We provide the opportunity Free 24/7 Helpline: 800.272.3900 for every girl to be someone Alzheimer’s and Dementia Caregiver Center: alz.org/care amazing. To volunteer, reconnect, donate or join, visit GirlScoutsNebraska.org or call 800.695.6690.
August 21, 2020
BUSINESS BITES/CLASSIFIEDS
THE OMAHA STAR
Page Seven
5 Tips To Focus Your Company’s Transformation As COVID Forces Change While the recession caused by COVID-19 has wreaked havoc on businesses of all sizes and industries, some are finding new ways to run daily operations, reach customers, re-shape their business, and stay relevant. But others are still trying to figure out how to transform, and an expert in the field says that launching a transformation begins with setting the right scope. “Over the years, I have seen an ill-defined program scope cause serious problems,â€? says Edwin Bosso (www. myrtlegroup.com), founder and CEO of Myrtle Consulting Group and the ForbesBooks author of 6,000 Dreams: The Leader’s Guide To A Successful Business Transformation Journey. “For example, the scope may drift from the originally defined target. The scope is the description of the transformation’s area of focus, and in most cases the scope is defined as a combination of categories. Examples are functional – sales, logistics, production, operations – and organizational – leadership, technology, processes, management systems. It’s most important that the scope is defined to address the challenges at hand and avoid distractions or wasted resources.â€? Bosso has five tips for companies to set the right scope for their transformation: • Articulate the problem. Which problem are you trying to solve? Bosso says that question is at the heart of a company transformation. “Defining the specific problem may take numerous discussions and disagreements,â€? Bosso says. “The human brain has a natural tendency to drift. Blurry lines sometimes separate root causes and
symptoms. This step is generally completed with a wellcrafted statement of the problem that the organization is setting up to solve.â€? • List the ways. “When properly conducted,â€? Bosso says, “this step helps in visualizing the solution. Listing possible solutions is a way of testing the definition of the problem. This step calls for honest questions and thorough analysis to identify the solution options.â€? • Identify the means. “This is the stage where you test the capabilities of the organization against solution options by identifying necessary means,â€? Bosso says. “It comes down to understanding internal means, or levers that would need to be pulled to solve the problem. Potential means available might include people, office space, computer systems, or technical expertise in sales, R&D, inventory management and procurement. The process allows organizations to match the correct means to solutions.â€? • Capture the enablers. Examples of enablers key to the transformation process are those in program management and data science. “Enablers cannot operate on their own to make something happen,â€? Bosso says. “They are, however, necessary or simply useful for that same thing to happen. For example, change management cannot improve the performance of the sales organization without some level of sales expertise. Once enablers are defined, it is important to capture the various ways in which each enabler supports the transformation program.â€? • Explore synergies and interdependencies. This step focuses on understanding the overlaps, synergy opportunities, and constraints caused by ongoing
Why You Should Know The ABCs Of Investing Before You Start Financial literacy in America has long been lacking, spanning the generations. It’s well-documented the problem begins with a lack of education on personal finance in youth and extends to the autumn working years, when many people are ill-prepared for retirement. Yet, it’s never too late to address this shortfall of important knowledge, and for those trying to formulate a retirement plan, it starts with grasping some basic investment terms that many people find slippery, says Bob Kaye (www.bobkaye.net), a personal wealth manager and the author of How to Avoid Not Having Enough Money To Live On After Retirement: Making Smarter and Simpler Decisions for Stress-free Retirement. “In my work with investors who are planning for retirement, I have found there is generally a limited understanding of investment terminology,â€? Kaye says. “They don’t want to appear unsophisticated, so they will not ask the questions they should ask. “The many types of retirement plans, tax statuses, etc., are complicated, and a simpler approach to learning them is needed. At the same time, there are conflicting theories, opinions and data in the investment field, and those factors can be detrimental to someone trying to plan for retirement.â€? Kaye explains some key investment terms and how knowing them can help one avoid mistakes in retirement planning: • Risk. People sometimes think an investment is risky if its value can go down. But Kaye says that logic may get you in trouble. “The stock market, which goes up and down, might be less risky over the long term than a savings account, which never goes down,â€? Kaye says. The reason: Based on historical averages, the stock market can increase eight times its value in a 20-year period. “A savings account might increase only twice its value in the same period,â€? Kaye says. “That’s a big loss on the potential return for the person who chose the savings account. Often, the definition of risk to most people does not include short-term or longterm loss, which it should.â€? • Short-term investments vs. long-term investments. A failure to understand the distinction between short-term and long-term investments is responsible for a large portion of consumer unhappiness with investments, Kaye says. Examples of short-term investments are savings accounts, certificates of deposit, or fixed accounts.
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“Usually, any place to put money with a guaranteed rate is a short-term investment,â€? he says. “This is because you do not usually want money to fluctuate in value if you need it soon.â€? Kaye draws the line of demarcation between short term and long term at about five years, and he puts stocks in the latter investment bracket. “Due to the frequent ups and downs of stock investments, they are usually only a correct investment for the long term,â€? Kaye says. “Historically, after five years, the market may be up or even, but not significantly down.â€? • Mutual funds. “Some people get mutual funds and individual stocks mixed up,â€? Kaye says. “The risk can be significantly different. A mutual fund is usually a much safer way to invest than buying only one or two stocks. It is an arrangement in which someone invests in about 100 different stocks all at one time, requiring only one minimal investment. With such a diversified investment, even if one of the companies – and these are large companies – went completely under, you might barely notice the difference in your overall investment. Each company could be only 1 or 2% of your total investment.â€? “Knowing the basics of investing cannot be accentuated enough,â€? Kaye says. “An understanding of them is needed to navigate a field fraught with conflicting opinions and advice, and to build a stronger foundation for financial success.â€?
initiatives. “Start with a list of all current initiatives that the organization is running,� Bosso says. “The finance department is typically a good source for the information. Meetings should be held with each team, and it’s important to understand that each may be protective of its objective, ways, and means. This could set up turf battles and heated discussions, so explicitly setting the objective of the meetings to understand synergies can help alleviate disagreements and fears.� “Undergoing a major transformation is really the best hope for struggling businesses to survive in these difficult times,� Bosso says. “There is no time to waste. There are no resources to waste. To get your transformation on target, setting the right scope is critical from the outset.�
F.Y.I.
In order to be included in The Omaha Star, all articles and event calendar announcements must be typed in a Word document, using Times New Roman font, 10 pt, and must be received no later than two weeks in advance of the event. Articles must be e-mailed to: publisher@mdbmsc.org. by 3:00 p.m. on Monday. Any submissions that are received the same week as the current publication will not be included in the current week’s edition. The distribution day for The Omaha Star are Fridays on a bi-weekly schedule. The Omaha Star is not responsible for unsolicited pictures or articles submitted for publication.
Business Connection
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Page Eight THE OMAHA STAR
YOUTH/EDUCATION NEWS
August 21, 2020
Nelson Mandela Elementary Begins First Term Remotely Last Friday, August 7, 2020 Mandela followed Omaha Public Schools and decided to begin the 2020-2021 school year remotely. The safety of the scholars and team members at Mandela was the driving force behind the decision. School was originally slated to begin August 13, 2020. However, in talking to the teachers and paraeducators, principal Genevive Core realized that it would be best to delay the start of school until August 20, 2020 to give everyone time to prepare. The team spent the extra week in professional development, being thoroughly trained in the online platforms that Mandela would be using for instruction. Core States, “The Mandela team has worked incredibly hard to ensure they can continue to deliver the best possible education to our scholars, regardless of the method of delivery.” There is no question that the team at Mandela is dedicated to their scholars. Even though Mandela will begin remotely, the team is working to create as much of a routine as possible. Scholars are being asked to be available during the normal school hours of 8:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. They will not be online the entire day, but they will be engaged with various projects when they are not in front of a screen. They will also be in full uniform. Altogether, the hope is to help create a learning environment that closely resembles what would be happening if the scholars were attending school face to face. Nelson Mandela said, “Education is the most powerful weapon that you can use to change the world.” These words resonate more powerfully than ever as everyone faces challenges in the world today. In reflecting on this quote, Core shared, “I fully believe that our scholars will change the world someday, and I am grateful that the team and myself can be a part of their journey.”
Rasheeda S. Liberty Named 25th International President Of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. International African American Sorority Elects New Board of Directors in Preparation for Centennial Celebration Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., a leading historically African American Greek lettered Sorority, today announced that Rasheeda S. Liberty was elected the 25th International Grand Basileus of the organization during the 58th Biennial Boule. In her new role, Mrs. Liberty, a 26-year member of the renowned sorority, will lead the organization as it celebrates its 100th year. Mrs. Liberty, a regional finance director for Amazon, is a recognized corporate leader with over 28-years of experience in delivering results for Fortune 100 companies. A proven and dedicated mentor, she has spearheaded the growth of Sigma Gamma Rho in the Southeastern Region since 2016, serving in several leadership roles including international first vicepresident, Southeastern Region director, and as international editor in chief. Mrs. Liberty is lauded by her sorority for her stewardship of the organization’s mission of enhancing the quality of life for women and their families in the U.S. and globally. She is a member of numerous organizations including Top Ladies of Distinction, NAACP, Finance Executive Networking Group (FENG), and Jack & Jill of America. Mts. Liberty joined the Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority in 1994 at Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. “To be elected as the International Grand Basileus of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. is an exciting opportunity to unleash our collective potential, bring an unmatched vision to the forefront, move
in excellence towards our Centennial, and execute with a spirit of servant leadership,” said Mrs. Liberty. “The challenge ahead is great, but our vision, impact and purpose is greater. I look forward to working collaboratively with members, affiliates, partners, vendors, and staff on the road ahead.” As International President, Mrs. Liberty will provide leadership to over 100,000 sorority members and serve as Chairman of the Board of Directors, comprised of 38 national and regional officers who manage the sorority’s 500 chapters in the United States and in several countries. During the Biennial Boule, members of Sigma Gamma Rho also elected the following individuals to the International Board of Directors: • Marica Harris - International First Grand Vice-President • Te’Lor Allen - International Second Grand Vice-President • Rhonda Davis - International Recording Financial Secretary • Dr. Khalilah Shabazz - International Recording Secretary • Vanessa Tyson - International Treasurer • Richelle N. Jones - Editor-in-Chief of The Aurora, the sorority’s official magazine • Tamika Williams Clark – Historian About Sigma Gamma Rho Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. was founded by seven educators founded on November 12, 1922, at Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana. The sorority has more than 500 chapters in the United States, Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada, Germany, Korea, and the U. S. Virgin Islands. Members aim to enhance the quality of life within the community through public service, leadership development, and education of youth. Sigma Gamma Rho addresses concerns that impact society educationally, civically, and economically.
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