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One of the direct and measurable outcomes from Christmas in the Village at 24th and Lake is the involvement and engagement of black businesses, artists and creatives.

Between the businesses located in the district and the vendors, food trucks, artists, musicians, contractors and service providers that take part, over 60 Black businesses generate income by being part of Christmas in the Village.

“It’s a great example of keeping money circulating in the community,” said Willie Barney, president of the Empowerment Network and owner of several businesses with his wife, Yolanda.

Many businesses have reported in the past that the event represents their highest day of sales for the year.

The sales were not as high this year, but even with the cold weather, thousands were in attendance at the 12th Annual Christmas in the Village at 24th and Lake.  History shows that many of the visitors will come back once they realize the stores and businesses are in the community.

The Empowerment Network’s Holiday Boutique was held in a heated Big Tent on the northeast corner of 24th and Lake.  It housed 20 businesses in a new setting that presented some challenges with the weather but served the need when the normal venue was not available.

“Most of the businesses did well and some sold out or nearly sold out of their merchandise,” said Aisha Conner, manager of the Village Empowerment Center and coordinator of the Boutique.

Styles of Evolution, Ital Vital Living, Revive Center, Omaha Star, Carver Legacy Center, 95.7 The Boss Radio Station and others located in the Village also benefit by creating awareness of their products and services and generating sales.

“We had a really great day of sales,” said Imani Murray, co-owner of Ital Vital Living.  “We had over 400 come to our store.”

Eight additional businesses are located at the Fair Deal Marketplace.  The innovative small business center made of shipping containers is now full including three new businesses that are currently undergoing grand openings.

Locally owned food trucks including SoCo Cafe, Boiling Claws, Haven Express Omaha and Smokin’ Guns served up wings, BBQ, seafood, soul foods and other tasty dishes.

“We had a good day,” said Devaute Nunn, co-owner of Haven Express.  “We really appreciate the Empowerment Network creating this opportunity for us.”

Creatives, artists, musicians and sound engineers also benefit from Christmas in the Village through the Holiday Concert in Dreamland Park.

This year included another impressive line-up with the following artists:  Big Wade and musicians, Gus McNair, The Arvies, Jarron Taylor, Millicent Crawford, Kathy Tyree and Eric and Doriette Jordan.

The artists receive honorariums for their dedication of time and using their gifts to provide beautiful holiday music for the event.

“The Holiday Concert has always been a major part of the event,” said Barney.  “Not only is there amazing music, singing and dancing, we want to provide this platform for the artists and make sure they are compensated for their time and using their gifts.”

Dozens of other contractors, entrepreneurs and businesses ranging from photography, videography, branding, security, marketing, design, print media, radio and other industries are paid for their services as part of the event.

While the primary focus is bringing kids and families together for a cultural celebration and holiday tradition, creating opportunities for businesses to generate income, create jobs and recycle money in the community are also important goals.

 

Comments from some of the Holiday Boutique Vendors:

Dawawn

Owner, It’s Not a Game Apparel

One of the best and most successful events I have attended in a while. I will definitely will be there next year. Thanks for the opportunity.

 

Sarah

Owner of Kreative Ways

The event gave a great opportunity for my business to be highlighted and show the community that Kreative Ways exist. Everyone that came to the table loved it and I ran out of business card. Gave out 250 to people.

I was able to connect with all customers, first time customers that patronized me four years ago when I started and also met new ones that loved my products.

 

Rehab Luka

Owner of Yass Beautiful

The Holiday Boutique was amazing. This is a great way to get exposure for my local business. I was so grateful to be there because I didn’t know how to get myself out there for the community to know about my business.  I want to thank you so much for doing this for the community.

 

Ida Causevic

Owner of Moss Lady

I feel it was great exposure…All and all it was definitely worth it.

Coming Events

Coming Dec. 7th…14th Annual Christmas in the Village at 24th and Lake

Shop, Play, Eat, Sing, and Celebrate! 

The Empowerment Network is inviting you to the 14th Annual Christmas in the Village at 24th and Lake on Saturday, December 7th, 2024 from Noon to 5 PM – a magical day filled with festive fun for the entire family!

Presented by the Empowerment Network and Omaha Economic Development Corporation, in partnership with dozens of 24th & Lake Partners, this one-of-a-kind cultural celebration is the largest holiday event in North Omaha, drawing over 7,000 visitors from across the region!

From the dazzling arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus in a horse-drawn carriage to the lively entertainment, holiday shopping, and delicious eats – this is the holiday event you don’t want to miss!

Here’s what’s in store:

Watch the 2024 Preview Commerical Here

• Kick-off with Santa and Mrs. Claus plus all your favorite cartoon characters!


• Live performances by local artists, choirs, and dancers.


• A live nativity scene with real animals (yes, there will be a camel!).


• Free carriage rides, toys, face painting, and balloon art!


• Over 30 vendors in the heated Holiday Boutique tent, perfect for holiday shopping.

• Visit the Grinch at Ital Vital Living!


• Delicious food from local restaurants and food trucks!

Whether you’re here for the holiday boutique, the music, or the family-friendly activities, there’s something for everyone. Plus, businesses in the district will be offering special discounts and holiday treats.

Make this your new holiday tradition! With over 70 businesses, organizations, and artists coming together, this will be the BIGGEST and BEST Christmas in the Village yet.

Plan ahead for street closures starting at 10 AM at 25th to 22nd on Lake Street and from 24th & Maple to 24th & Burdette. Streets reopen at 5:30 PM.

Don’t miss this unforgettable experience! Bring your family, friends, and holiday spirit to Christmas in the Village at 24th and Lake.

 

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Coming Events

Aaron Johnson, owner of Oasis, nationally-recognized black-owned grocery store to speak at AALC

Aaron Johnson, owner of Oasis Fresh Market in Tulsa, Oklahoma, home to Black Wall Street, to speak at the Empowerment Network’s 12th Annual African-American Leadership Conference on Friday, September 27, 2024.

Johnson will share what it has taken to launch and grow the successful grocery store and more about his entrepreneurial journey.

Tickets available here:  2024 African-American Leadership Conference (aalcomaha.com)

Johnson is blazing new trails as one of the most innovative and successful black-owned grocery stores in the nation.

With the support of City Councilor Vanessa Hall-Harper and Rose Washington, CEO of TEDC, he established Oasis, a fresh food market in North Tulsa after a 14-year drought in an area considered a food desert.

People from across the country are flocking to Oasis to learn more about the model and how it can be replicated in their communities.

Johnson’s leadership style is highly enthusiastic and contagious.  The energy in the store is amazing. Plenty of high fives to go around for customers and employees.  He has also built a pathway where student employees head to college after high school.

He partners frequently with Charles Harper and Damali Wilson of World Won Development to host large events to connect Oasis customers to services including employment, job training, health and more.

The food selection and quality available in the store make it one of the best in the nation.  Always full with fresh fruits and vegetables.

Aaron Johnson

Aaron “AJ” Johnson is the Founder of Oasis Fresh Markets, the first full-service grocery store in North Tulsa’s historically black-neighborhood (once called Black Wall Street) in 14 years.

Growing up in Milwaukee, AJ saw the tremendous differences between resourced and under-resourced communities. After moving to Oklahoma, he learned that residents in North Tulsa neighborhoods have a life expectancy 11 years shorter than those living in other Tulsa communities.

Whether it was the school systems, playgrounds, or even access to grocery stores, many North Tulsa residents had to travel for miles to enjoy the same resources that non-distressed communities have readily available.

AJ also launched a non-profit called The Oasis Projects to provide wrap-around services, including rental and utility assistance, support for single parents, banking, workforce training, and health-related educational classes.

AJ believes the Oasis model provides a blueprint for under-served communities by equipping people for every aspect of a healthy life.

The African-American Leadership Conference which attracts hundreds of leaders will feature keynote, Eric ET Thomas, one of the nation’s top motivators, influencers, and New York Times best-selling author along with dozens of local and national speakers.

Tickets available.  2024 African-American Leadership Conference (aalcomaha.com)

The African-American Leadership Conference is presented by the Empowerment Network of Omaha and features local and national leaders along with allies from every sector.

Tickets available.  2024 African-American Leadership Conference (aalcomaha.com)

For more information on the Empowerment Network, please go to empoweromaha.com

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Coming Events

Frank Hayes, Founder of Hayes & Associates to share financial wisdom at AALC

Frank Hayes will share financial principles he has learned during his 40 years of advising clients at the Empowerment Network’s 12th Annual African-American Leadership Conference on Friday, September 27, 2024.

Tickets available here:  2024 African-American Leadership Conference (aalcomaha.com)

Hayes is the founder of one of the oldest and most successful Black-owned businesses in the state of Nebraska. Through his leadership, Hayes had established accounting and consulting offices in several states and has clients across the country.

Frank and his team have assisted thousands of businesses and customers over the years with establishing a solid financial foundation.  Through Hayes and Associates, clients have attained success through growth and expansion.

Beyond their day to day work with clients, Frank and his team have dedicated themselves to investing back into the community as volunteers, board members and support for churches, non-profits and small businesses across the community, but especially in North Omaha.

The African-American Leadership Conference which attracts hundreds of leaders will feature keynote, Eric ET Thomas, one of the nation’s top motivators, influencers, and New York Times best-selling author along with dozens of local and national speakers.

Tickets available.  2024 African-American Leadership Conference (aalcomaha.com)

 

Frank Hayes

Hayes is the owner and President of Hayes & Associates, LLC, a CPA and consulting firm he founded in 1983 in Omaha, Neb. He has more than 40 years of experience in the financial services industry, including previous roles as the Director of the tax department at Grant Thornton CPAs and an internal revenue agent for the Internal Revenue Service.

Hayes earned his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Creighton University in Omaha. He also is a graduate of the Small Business Executive Education Program at Clark Atlanta University and the Minority Business Executive Program at Dartmouth College.

Hayes has received numerous honors during his career including induction into the Omaha Business Hall of Fame in 2009. He was recognized by the 100 Black Men of Omaha as one of its Men of Honor in 2013.

He has also received the Nebraska Society of CPA’s Public Service Award; the Otto Swanson Spirit of Service Award, sponsored by the NCCJ; the Distinguished Leadership Award from the Community Leadership Association of America; the Rotary Club of Omaha Free Enterprise Award; and the Western Heritage Museum African American Award for Corporate and Community Leadership.

Hayes currently serves on the Creighton University Board of Trustees as well as the Business Ethics Alliance, Great Plains Black Museum, Kaneko. He is a member of the Board of Directors at Mutual of Omaha Bank and the Companion Life Insurance Company.

The African-American Leadership Conference is presented by the Empowerment Network of Omaha and features local and national leaders along with allies from every sector.

Tickets available.  2024 African-American Leadership Conference (aalcomaha.com)

For more information on the Empowerment Network, please go to empoweromaha.com

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