Omaha Star Newspaper, Vol 85, no 18, May 5, 2023, Omaha, NE by The Omaha Star

75 CENTS

Omaha Star

Malcolm X Birthday Celebration Events

The

Proudly Serving Our Community for Over 80 Years

Dedicated to the Service of the People that NO Good Cause Shall Lack a Champion and that Evil Shall Not Go Unopposed

Nebraska’s Only Black Owned Newspaper Vol. 85 - No. 18 Omaha, Nebraska

Friday, May 5, 2023

75 cents

Home grown: Author Spotlight: Alexandra Warren Excerpts from interview by Hopeful Heartbreakers Book Blog 2022

Innovator Award: The Malcolm X Innovator Award acknowledges individuals who have made great strides to enhance community connectedness and engagement in innovative ways through Inventing, Entrepreneurship and/or Grassroots Organizing. Equity Award: The Malcolm X Equity Award acknowledges a change agent and/ or community organization representative who is essential in the fight for social justice either at a national or regional/local level.

When she’s not in front of her computer, she enjoys traveling, spending time with family, watching sports, and clearing her DVR. Alexandra is a proud native of Omaha, Nebraska, but she currently calls Houston, Texas home.

1. Where did you get your love of books/storytelling/reading/writing/ etc come from? Since I was younger, I’ve always enjoyed reading. And as a high schooler, I remember writing little fictional stories that featured my friends as characters. But it wasn’t until after college, when I was finally able to read for fun again, that I fell completely in love with reading Black romance novels specifically and then writing them once I tried my hand at it. 2. Any author(s) that you feel influenced your writing? I wish I had a better memory so I could name names. But all of the authors I read who were writing Black romance in first-person before it became as common as it is today definitely allowed me to see what was possible when it came to crafting my style of storytelling. 3. Are there therapeutic benefits to modeling a character after someone you know? It’s actually not very often that I model characters after specific people that I know. But looking back on older works, I do find it therapeutic that I was able to honor my grandmother

Panelists: Dr. Franklin Thompson, Professor and Chair of Vivian Strong Historic Designation Committee Sherman Wells, Relative of Vivian Strong - Community Activist Community Awards (Names of awardees to be shared later):

Alexandra Warren is a contemporary romance author with over thirty works to date, all of which intentionally center Black love. She is also the co-founder of Girl, Have You Read…, a digital platform dedicated to Black romance written by Black authors.

Learn more about Alexandra by visiting her website www.actuallyitsalexandra.com.

FRIDAY, MAY 19th - 11am-1pm Luncheon Panel & Community Awards This year’s theme is “Celebrating the Champions of Tomorrow” which reminds visitors to recognize the collective social justice efforts of North Omaha’s past while honoring the impact of our future work together. This year we recognize these efforts through a luncheon featuring local historians who will take us back to the era of the late 1960s in recognizing the impact that the death of Vivian Strong had on our community; and additionally offer a charge to the community to seek out new ways to engage in social justice efforts in 2023.

Shabazz Courage Award: The Shabazz Courage Award acknowledges an individual who has been key in encouraging both social and academic change /progress and shown exemplary courage to ignite change in their community. Rowena Moore Award: The Rowena Moore Award acknowledges an individual or group who has pioneered social improvement and activism for by modeling a few different characters after her before she passed away. 4. What is the most difficult part of your writing process? Simply having the discipline to sit down at the computer every day and get the words out is a task in itself lol. But besides that, the most challenging part of the writing process for me is dealing with any scenes that are heavily emotional. They’re just as taxing to write as they are for y’all to read! 5. How do you research for your books? Google and YouTube are my best friends during the writing process. Or if there’s someone I know who has experience in a subject I’m trying to include in a book, then I’ll go to them with a list of questions. 6. What is your work schedule like when you’re writing? It varies depending on what stage of a project I’m in. In the beginning when it’s more free-flowing, I find it pretty easy to write without many parameters schedulewise. But as I get deeper into a project, it helps for me to write in 30-minute sprints with a 5-minute break in between for a few hours in the morn-

“If you want to achieve greatness, stop asking for permission.” ~Unknown

ing and then do the same thing in the afternoon. 7. If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be? Stay consistent, and your tribe will find you <3 8. Which one of your books is your favorite? OMG that’s like picking a favorite child! But if I HAD to choose, my favorite for the moment is my most recent release, Two Minute Warning.

Instagram: @booksbyalexandra TikTok: @actuallyitsalexandra Twitter: @__actuallyalex Facebook: /authoralexandraw YouTube: Alexandra Warren ★

SATURDAY, MAY 20th - 6-8 pm One-Time Performance Reading of the play “The Meeting” A one-time script reading of the play “The Meeting” by Jeff Stetson which takes the audience through a dialogue with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X. Admission is free, but RSVPs encouraged to provide light appetizers and accommodation seating (limited to 100). Cast: Shomari Huggins --- Allen Stevenson --- Marquis Jefferson Directed by: Denise Chapman --SUNDAY, MAY 21st - 2-4 pm Bring Em’ Home Reentry Panel A Second Look at Justice and Reentry Efforts feat. relevant voices on issues around supporting returning citizens and prison reform activism. Panelists: Sterling McKoy, Founder - In the Trenches Paralegal Services - Returning Citizen served 17 years in Federal Prison Precious Jackson, Founder - Tillage Village - Returning Citizen served time in Federal Prison Also enjoy cultural performances and exhibits plus educational tours throughout the weekend. Light appetizers served at both the play reading and re-entry panel. For accessibility accommodations please contact joanna@malcolmxfoundation.org. ★

EDWARD POINDEXTER 277677 PO Box 22800 Lincoln, NE 68542

Publisher’s Pen Terri D. Sanders

😊

Transformation Change Agent Award: The Transformation Change Agent Award acknowledges a citizen returning from incarceration who has transformed their own life and/or reached back into the community and behind the walls to help others make positive life transformations. This award may also be given to individuals who have not been incarcerated but have made extremely significant contributions to serving this population in our community.*******

If you would like to send Ed Poindexter an encouraging word this is his address:

9. Can you tell us what you are working on now? I’m actually torn between a couple different ideas for what my next project will be. But once I decide, you can be one of the first to know by following me on social media 10. Where can readers find out more about you & your work? To learn more about me and my work, readers can visit my website, www.actuallyitsalexandra.com, or follow me on all the social media platforms listed below

the melanated community and the community at large.

sage in the music?

What’s going on…Marvin Gaye is one of my favorites and I play him on a regular rotation on ALEXA. Yes, II m ol’school and I listen to what the words are saying and what is the mes-

To know what is going on we have to communicate. Talk to each other, have an exchange, without judgement. The young should communicate with the old heads so each can know what is going on. Each has something to share relevant to the other. Back in the day is good, what about the future? Mercy mercy me… things ain’t what they used to be.. In communities we have storytellers. There are those who remember WHEN... and we can learn from when so that errors are not repeated with the same old results. What did you hear through the grapevine? Check it out. There is valuable informa-

MEMBERSHIPS

tion in the grapevine. We have to use discernment. Everything is not for everybody, but it is for someone. We have two ears and one mouth, listen and talk less, so you can learn…When it comes to community, listen. Opportunities are often heard. Keep your ears open. There is a lot going on in the community. Many opportunities. Be vigilant and remain on the post. Where do you fit in? How can you assist? This summer, what are the opportunities. Can you help a young person learn something? A skill, a trade, a business… Where can you go to get some of this? The Fair Deal Café used to be known as Black City Hall. Everyone young, old, politician, retired, working man/woman would come through and if you would sit and listen you could learn what’s going on. I feel like that time is back. Jackson’s Fair Deal is the spot in the community that people gather for food and the place where people meet up. Check it out. Sometimes you just have to give it up. Enjoy life. We only get one chance. We got to keep on dancin’… ★

“The only thing standing between you and your goal is the story you keep telling yourself as to why you can’t achieve it.” ~Jordan Belfort

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LOCAL NEWS

THE OMAHA STAR

THE OMAHA STAR, INC.

The 85 CLUB

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Mildred D. Brown founded The Omaha Star on July 9, 1938, and since then, we have never missed a publication in our 85 years of service to the community. We provide weekly print and digital products, as well as merchandise, and invite you to join the 85 CLUB by making a monthly contribution. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, and listen to our daily podcast, the Omaha Star Morning News Bytes, on Apple and Spotify. By supporting The Omaha Star, you are investing in our collective future, and we appreciate your commitment to our mission of sharing the stories of our community. We cover topics relevant to everyone, from babies to seasoned adults, with information you can use. Thank you for considering a contribution to the 85 CLUB.

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Sincerely, Terri D. Sanders, Publisher ★

Mildred D. Brown: Founder, July 9, 1938 Dr. Marguerita L. Washington: Publisher, 1989 - 2016 Phyllis Hicks: Publisher/Managing Editor, 2016 - 2019 Terri D. Sanders, Publisher Calvin Lacy: Retail Distributor THE OMAHA STAR believes that America can best lead the world away from racial and national antagonism when it accords every man, regardless of race, color or creed, his human and legal rights. Hating no man, fearing no man in the firm belief that all are hurt as long as one is held back.

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 402-346-4041.

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May is Mental Health Month May is Mental Health Awareness Month and we are working to increase awareness around mental health in our community. About half of the people across Douglas, Cass, Sarpy, and Pottawattmie counties have experienced a mental health condition. Join The Wellbeing Partners, the Regional Health Council, and various organizations in wearing green on Wednesdays in May, lighting buildings green, and talking about mental health. This May, buildings across the region will be turning green, the color of mental health awareness, to encourage the public to start conversations and reduce stigma. We are excited to have the following places turning green: ● Bellevue University ● Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge ● Bridges Trust ● Do Space ● The Rose Theatre ● UNO Barbara Weitz Community Engagement Center Ways to take action this May: 1. On Wednesdays in May, join us by wearing green in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month. The Wellbeing Partners and RAYGUN are selling a limited-edition “Be Kind to Your Mind” t-shirt. $10 for every shirt sold goes to The Wellbeing Partners.

Order yours during the month of May by visiting https://www.raygunsite. com/products/be-kind-to-your-mind 2. Use our toolkit in your businesses and organizations to bring attention to mental health. We offer tips on talking about mental health, sample workplace policies, and suggested social media copy and graphics. Find our toolkit at https://thewellbeingpartners.org/

Where did the other action steps go? The Wellbeing Partners is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization that seeks to build wellbeing into the way our communities and businesses grow through advocacy, collaboration, and education. Relying on expertise and evidence in worksite wellness and public health, The Wellbeing Partners bridges the good work between worksite wellness initiatives and community health collaboration for the greatest impact on the community. ★

Nebraska Legislative Update Though proceedings have been slowed by filibustering, progress has been made. In the last two weeks, five bills have received final approval, and 14 are in line for a final vote. Within some of those bills are many other measures. A committee often adds numerous proposals to a designated priority. A subsequent amendment can add even more. So, floor consideration and debate goes to 16 or 21 or whatever number of proposals in one. All have had full committee hearings; all get full explanation and debate. This is just a mechanism to move legislation during extended debate. Such progress, though, does not mean that the remainder of the session will proceed smoothly. As you are aware, the Chamber issued a public statement addressing the issue that is at the core of the delays. This is primarily LB 574, legislation that would restrict medical treatment for transgender people under the age of 19. Chamber leadership issued this statement not only because the filibustering has extended to so many of the unrelated proposals that Nebraska needs to adopt to further economic development efforts, including workforce attraction and development. It is also because this debate is damaging Nebraska’s efforts to be known as a welcoming and safe place. The tenor of the debate has not demonstrated “the best of Nebraska.”

Welcome to budget week.

The Appropriations Committee released its recommendation for a two-year state spending plan. A bulk of the spending will come through LB 814, known as the mainline budget. Current General Fund outlays for FY22-23 are $5.16 billion. That is expected to grow by two percent or two and a half, maybe three. Senators are also free to vote on amendments that add or adjust funding for particular programs. Though discussion often surrounds the General Fund (sales tax, individual income tax, corporate tax, and miscellaneous taxes), the mainline bill also directs revenues from other sources such as the highway cash funds (fuel, registration, vehicle purchases, and other user fees) as well as federal funds. This will include federal ARPA distributions for development projects. State revenue projections also play a major role. Last week, the Nebraska Economic Forecasting Board met to discuss the state of the economy and the outlook for General Fund revenues. The forecast is used by the Legislature as a guide for approving appropriations. This also plays a role in revenue policy such as income tax

rates. Though the Board did lower estimates for the current fiscal year (ending June 30), revenues are predicted to increase in following years. Changes to tax policy will follow budget debate. Awaiting second round consideration are LB 754 (which includes lowering the two top individual and corporate income tax rates to 3.99 percent) and LB 243 (which would increase property tax credits, replace community college general fund levies with state funding, and further limit school district property tax growth). LB 754 also contains provisions such as eliminating taxation of occasional visitors to the state. Waiting in the wings is LB 727, an omnibus tax proposal with 21 measures rolled in. These include bonding authority for highway construction, extending UNMC’s NExT project, and extending R&D tax credits, all Chamber priorities. Other Chamber priorities are advancing either individually or as part of a larger package. One example is a provision to allow Department of Labor training funds to be utilized for employee retention. That is part of a Business and Labor Committee priority package (LB 191). Days and evenings over the next few weeks are bound to be long. Afternoon sessions have often been running to 9:00 p.m., and some of those upcoming are likely to extend well beyond that. Be assured your Public Policy team is always there. ★

May 5, 2023

NEWS YOU CAN USE

THE OMAHA STAR

In Your Community

Nominate an Exceptional Nebraska Volunteer Age 50+ for the AARP Andrus Award for Community Service The AARP Nebraska Andrus Award for Community Service is AARP’s most prestigious and visible state volunteer award! It recognizes individuals who are sharing their experience and skills to enrich their communities in ways that reflect AARP’s purpose, vision, and commitment to volunteer service, and that inspire others to volunteer. The recipient will be honored in Fall 2023 and given the opportunity to designate a nonprofit organization to receive a $2500 donation in their name. Nominations for this year’s award will be accepted through July 15, 2023 at aarp.org/AndrusAward. /aarpne

@aarpne

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THE OMAHA STAR

OUT AND ABOUT

Marshall Taylor Celebration

Taking our newspaper into the future

OMAHA STAR MORNING NEWS BYTES A PODCAST

May 5, 2023

OUT AND ABOUT

THE OMAHA STAR

Page Five

2023 CUASA

NCNW at Jackson Fair Deal

Save the Date Dinner Theatre

Marshall Taylor Street Naming

Carver Legacy Center

Legacy Center Anniversary Celebration

Candice Price, TD, Willie Barney, Carver Legacy center First Anniversary Celebration

THE OMAHA STAR

NEWS YOU CAN USE

May 5, 2023

June 10 7:30 PM

Page Six

July 8 7:30 PM

dreion enjoli & timeless

August 12 7:30 PM

héctor achondo band

It’s Your Time to Path Forward EARN A CAREER CERTIFICATE IN LESS THAN A YEAR

BETTER FUTURES FOR ACTIVE MILITARY and VETERANS We’re here to support you as you advance your current career or pursue a new one. April 28 – May 21 By Charlayne Woodard Directed by Breanna Carodine

Affordable tuition, plus financial aid available

Flexible scheduling

Career counseling at no cost

Veteran education benefits

Online classes delivered in ways that work for you at no cost

OPEN HOUSE! May 20 • 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Fort Omaha Campus Learn more at mccneb.edu/Events.

(402) 553-0800 | 6915 Cass St. | OmahaPlayhouse.com Media Sponsor:

To learn more about our Veterans and Military Resource Center, visit mccneb.edu/VeteransCenter or call 531-MCC-4770.

PRAISE & WORSHIP DIRECTORY

May 5, 2023

ALLEN CHAPEL A.M.E.

KING SOLOMON MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH

Rev. Jacqueline Ford, Pastor 2842 Monroe Street Omaha, NE 68107 Off: (402) 734-3399 Email: admin@allenchapelomaha.org Sunday School...........................9:00 a.m. Sunday Praise & Worship.....10:00 a.m. Thursday Bible Study..............8:00 p.m. via teleconference, dial-in number 563-999-2090 and access code 576989

Rev. Jacqueline Ford

THE OMAHA STAR

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

3202 Evans Street Omaha, NE 68111 Ph: 402-455-0358 Fax: 402-455-0801

Pastor Albert Jonathan Wagstaff

kingsolomonbaptist@yahoo.com kingsolomonomaha.org

Sunday School......8:45 a.m. Sunday Morning......10:00 a.m. Bible Study, Tuesdays......6:00 - 7:30 p.m. Prayer Service, Wednesdays......12 noon Journey to Tomorrow, Our Next Step Judges 18:4-6

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Rev. Michael Voithofer

ABLAZE HOUSE OF PRAYER

11501 Fairview Road, Springfield, NE 68059 Ph: 402-451-6622 • Fax 402-457-6901 Contact Ablaze: email: ablazeworshipministry@gmail.com Pastor: Rev. Michael Voithofer

SACRED HEART CATHOLIC CHURCH Fr. Dave Korth

2207 Wirt Street Omaha, NE 68110 Phone: 402-451-5755

MORNING STAR BAPTIST CHURCH BETHEL MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH

Rev. Dr. Lorenzo S.L. Fincher Senior Pastor 5318 South 30th Street Omaha, NE 68107 Phone: (402) 731-1840 “Large enough to serve you, Small enough to know you”

Rev. Dr. Lorenzo S.L. Fincher Senior Pastor

Sunday School .............................................. 9:30 a.m. Worship Services .............................................. 10:45 a.m. Wednesday Prayer Services ..........................................6:30 p.m. Wednesday Bible Study.....................7:00 - 8:00 p.m. Biblically Based, Family Oriented, Dynamic Fellowship

Church of the Living God “A great place to call home.” Pastor Overseer Dr. Claude White 2029 Binney Street Omaha, Nebraska 68110 402-451-4742

Worship Service .............10:00 a.m. Sunday School .................8:45 a.m. Excluding First Sunday Tuesday Evening Service.........7:00 p.m.

Come and hang out with us on our corner

Mass Schedule: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday - 8:00 am in Rectory (2218 Binney) Thursday - School Mass 8:10 am in Church Saturday - 5:00 pm Sunday - 8:15 am and 10:30 am

Live Streaming Sunday Service-10:00am on Morning Star Baptist Church-Omaha Facebook Page

SALEM BAPTIST CHURCH

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

MOUNT CALVARY COMMUNITY CHURCH

“Jesus is the Light of the World” Bishop Kevin Chambers, Senior Pastor www.m3comaha.org 5112 Ames Avenue Omaha, NE 68104 (402) 457-4216 Church Phone (402) 453-4084 Pastor’s Office

www.facebook.com/cotlg33.org

Overseer Dr. Claude White

Fr. Dave Korth

2019 Burdette Street Omaha, NE 68110 Ph: 402-342-0018

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

Rev. Dr. Selwyn Q. Bachus

Weekly Services Sunday Morning Worship Service .....................8:30 a.m. & 10:00 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.

Weekly Services Sunday School ———————- 9:30 a.m.

TABERNACLE OF FAITH CHURCH

Morning Worship —————— 10:45 a.m.

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

CLAIR MEMORIAL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

“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 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.

Rev. T. Michael Williams

Dr. Ralph B. Lassiter

Elder Howard Dixon

MT. MORIAH MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH

“Transformed People Everywhere” 2602 N. 24th St. - PO Box 11593 www.mtmoriahomaha.net Off: (402) 451-8800 Sunday Worship ..........................................10:45 a.m. Live Stream: Facebook.com/mtmoriahomaha Please call for Prayer and Transformation Group Bible Study Schedule

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

Sunday Morning Service 11:30am Wednesday Bible Study In Person 6:30pm Friday Night on Zoom Saturday Prayer at Noon We are the church where everybody is somebody!

ZION BAPTIST CHURCH Rev. Kenneth A. Allen, Pastor

Rev. Morita Truman, Lead Pastor Services on Sundays at 8:30 am & 10:50 am

2215 Grant Street Omaha, NE 68110 Ph: 402-346-1502 Fax: 402-344-2720

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.

Pastor Barbara Mitchell

Rev. Morita Truman

Pastor Kenneth A. Allen

Sunday Morning Worship ��9:00 a.m. Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting �� 6:00 p.m. Wednesday Night Church School �� 6:30 p.m. Youth/Children Ministry Focus (Wedneday) �� 6:30 p.m.

Join us on Facebook or Youtube @mountneboomaha

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)

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

HOPE LUTHERAN CHURCH

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

THE WORSHIP CENTER

“Where CHRIST is Preeminent and the Word Prevails!”

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

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

Dr. Stan Rone - Senior Pastor 2021 N. 24th Street Omaha, NE 68110 (402) 341-4297

Pastor Brian Page

JOY OF LIFE MINISTRIES COGIC

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

Pastors Eric and Cynthia Butler

Thursday: Youth For Christ ............................................6:00 p.m Prayer & Bible Study ....................................6:30 p.m

6401 N. 56th Street Omaha, NE 68104 Ph: 402-399-9628 E-Mail: Jolpastor@aol.com Sunday Morning Worship.....10:00 a.m. Sunday Evening Worship.......5:00 p.m. Wednesday Academy .............7:00 p.m. Bible Study and Youth Ministries

PLEASANT GREEN BAPTIST CHURCH

Sunday: Sunday School.................................................9:00 a.m. Morning Worship..........................................10:15 a.m. Pastor Eric Butler and Co-Pastor Cynthia Butler

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

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

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BUSINESS CONNECTION

THE OMAHA STAR

May 5, 2023

America doesn't respect anything but money...What our people need is a few millionaires. ~Madame C. J. Walker Attorney Attorney

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In the community, for the community

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Offering screenings for STDs, HIV, High Blood Pressure and Diabetes Limited Care for Chronic Illnesses Services are Free but donations accepted Download our mobile APP, gets $2 off

primusjonesservices@gmail.com

5620 Ames Ave • Omaha NE 68104

SERVICE AT ITS BEST

Phone: 402-933-0737 www.noahclinic.org

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to schedule consultation fnfproductions21@gmail.com

Insurance Information

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Insurance Insurance

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Kim Robinson, M.B.A. 1913 Military Avenue Omaha, NE 68104 402-999-8357 (office) 402-502-0253 (fax) robinsoninsurance@omhcoxmail.com

3932 N 90th Street Omaha, Nebraska 68134 SR-22, Auto, Home, Life, Health, Commercial, Annuities

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NEWS YOU CAN USE

May 5, 2023

THE OMAHA STAR

Page Nine

omaha star morning news bytes

daily on SPOTIFY and apple podcasts with TD Sanders, Publisher www.theomahastar.com

Quality Childcare Partnership Specialist About NECC:

Nebraska Early Childhood Collaborative is a nonprofit that supports parents and childcare providers by giving them the resources they need to give children the education they deserve. Our programs and services reach more than 500 childcare business owners in Nebraska, creating impact for children, families, and communities across the state.

• Support the program offerings of the NECC and QCCP in collaboration with others. • Respond to individual inquiries and connect them to all available NECC and community resources as appropriate. • Collaborate with internal departments and external partners to further the growth and development of NECC, QCCP, and the Childcare Network.

What it’s like to work here:

About you:

NECC provides its employees with a casual work environment (no traditional dress code policies here!), excellent benefits, and all the technology and tools needed to do the mission-focused work that we do. We know that to best serve our mission, our employees need a healthy work-life balance. We provide work-from-home flexibility, 9 holidays off per year, a lengthy winter break, plus Summer Fridays. (Be sure to ask about Summer Fridays during your interview – they’re awesome!) Since we’re all about children here, we encourage creativity, learning, and fun in the workplace! We hold frequent employee events as well as multiple training and development opportunities throughout the year. We also take Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion seriously here at NECC; we currently have several DEI initiatives underway. Ultimately, NECC is a forward-thinking organization that hires mission-driven people who are dedicated to using their various talents to serve families and children in our community; we hope you’ll be one of them.

About the job:

We currently have an opening for a Quality Childcare Specialist. The QCCP Specialist aids and mentors childcare programs in accessing supports, programs, and initiatives to further their growth as a small business owner.

Duties include:

• Provide information and help potential participants determine whether opening their own childcare business is the right choice for them. • Recruit family childcare providers to participate in the Business Training Series (BTS). • Train family childcare providers utilizing the All Our Kin BTS model. • Serve as a contact for future and/or potential childcare providers seeking licensure; recruit potential childcare programs to participate in the Licensing Toolkit program. • Assist individuals in navigating the childcare licensing process and perform mock inspections to ensure childcare spaces are set up properly and meet state health, safety, and quality standards. • Support new childcare providers in obtaining their state licenses and successfully opening their childcare programs. • Assist in enrolling childcare providers in the Wonderschool platform and provide on-going technical assistance. • Conduct Quality and Safety Vision mentoring sessions with childcare providers. • Aid childcare providers in accessing all QCCP services.

We are looking for the following qualifications: • Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Business Administration, or related field required; bachelor’s degree preferred. • Minimum two years’ experience in early childhood education, adult education, or related field required. • Prior experience working with family- and/or center-based programs highly preferred. • Prior experience working with Omaha childcare programs highly preferred. • Prior experience or education in business, economic development, entrepreneurship, small business development, management, adult education, or related field preferred. • Skilled in teaching classes to adult learners. • Knowledge of best practices and community resources for early care and education. • Mission-driven with a commitment to making high-quality early care and education available to all children. • Strong written and oral communication skills, along with good listening skills. • Strong interpersonal and relationship building skills. • Ability to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds. • Demonstrated flexibility and willingness to learn. • Highly motivated, taking initiative to achieve goals. • Strong creative problem-solving skills, highly organized, and independent. • Ability to multitask in a fast-paced work environment. • High degree of discretion dealing with confidential information. • Ability to work individually as well as collaboratively in a team environment. • Proficiency in Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, Outlook) and other forms of technology. • Ability and willingness to travel in-state and to work some evenings and weekends. ***An equivalent combination of education, work experience, and lived experience will be considered if the above qualifications aren’t fully met, so long as that combination is sufficient to successfully perform the duties and responsibilities of the job. If you’d like to be part of something special, please apply!

Page Ten

EDUCATION

THE OMAHA STAR

May 5, 2023

Children’s Art Show Educare of Omaha, Inc., in collaboration with the Union for Contemporary Arts, hosted an art show during The Week of the Young Child, at the Union. The art displayed was the work of students at the Educare centers in Omaha. Families and staff alike, toured the gallery, discussed the importance of art in early childhood, and took pictures with their young artist. The Week of the Young Child is an annual celebration sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). The purpose of the Week of the Young Child® is to focus public attention on the needs of young children and their families and to recognize the early childhood programs and services that meet those needs. At Educare, we believe everyone deserves a fair chance to achieve their dreams, and it starts by leveling the playing field from the day our young children are born. As one of the nation’s most effective early childhood networks of schools, we ensure young children from underserved communities have the best possible chance for success in life. The Educare of Omaha, Inc. approach extends beyond the classroom to help children, families and communities thrive. We are very appreciative of the parents who entrust the care and education of their children to us each and every day.ˮ ★

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