Community Features
Omaha visit to Black Wall Street, Greenwood and North Tulsa; Expanding Relationships
Empowerment Network, Revive Black Business Network and Church on Purpose visit Black Wall Street, Greenwood and North Tulsa for collaboration, business exchange, cultural and historic tours and development opportunities
OMAHA, Neb. (September 1, 2024)
By Willie Barney (photos by Nehemiah Neo Barney)
Monumental. One of the best and most meaningful experiences of my life. A God-given vision coming to life.
Leaders from Tulsa, Oklahoma reached out in 2022 to learn more about our collective work here in Omaha. Since then, I have been blessed with the opportunity to establish relationships with leaders, business owners, developers, non-profit execs, elected officials, social justice activists, cultural pioneers, pastors and others from Greenwood and Black Wall Street. The collaboration though early in the process is growing, expanding and producing much fruit.
Over 50 leaders from Tulsa have visited Omaha in the past two years. It was our turn to travel. The relationships culminated recently into a powerful and inspiring three-day partner city visit with nearly 100 friends, family members and partners from Omaha traveling to Tulsa via chartered buses.
Prior to this trip, over the past two years, I’ve had the opportunity to travel to Tulsa, Greenwood and Black Wall Street six times for various meetings and events. We have formed powerful connections.
Just like everyone else, I had read about and heard about Black Wall Street which was one of the world’s most economically successful communities before being destroyed in the massacre. I was able to walk the streets where it all happened, see the historic sites, meet one of the few living survivors and discuss strategy with many descendants involved in rebuilding efforts. I have been profoundly impacted by every aspect and reenergized by the spirit of Greenwood.
Yolanda joined me for the third trip when I was invited to be a keynote speaker. We visited Oasis Fresh Market and spent time on Greenwood Avenue. Ben Gray joined me for two of the trips as we shared about the early stages of forming a community collaborative and toured new developments.
Ben and Jonathan Chapman joined me in July 2024, and we were introduced to Black History Saturday and attended services at Historic Vernon AME church. It was an incredibly spiritual, emotional, transformational and thought-provoking trip.
We agreed while still at the church that we should bring a bus of Omaha partners and church members back to experience what we had experienced and to show Tulsa how much we appreciated them and their resiliency. In less than three weeks, we returned to Tulsa with nearly 100.
The purpose and goals of the site visit: build stronger relationships, celebrate the people of Tulsa and their rebuilding efforts, network with leaders involved in development, experience cultural tours, explore black history, attend service at Historic Vermont AME, and facilitate intentional business exchange. It has been described by attendees as a life changing and soul stirring trip. We are already working on the next one.
We started with the Empowerment Network Team, Revive Business Network members and community partners who are primarily engaged in economic development, revitalization, entrepreneurship and home construction. We are working with other cities to launch youth employment programs, violence prevention collaboratives, business networks and other initiatives. In Tulsa, the initial work is focused on community and economic development.
We were joined on the trip by Church on Purpose leaders and members the second and third day for Black History Saturday, tours of the Black community’s rebuilding efforts, visit to Oasis Fresh Market, shopping in the historic Greenwood/Black Wall Street Business District, church service at Historic Vernon AME and ended with more historic tours at Greenwood Rising and the basement of the church.
There are far too many Tulsa friends to thank but we greatly appreciate the support and hospitality of Councilor Vanessa, Charles, Damali, Kristi, Brandon, BerThaddeus, Rose, Tyrance, Tracey, Heather, Lana, Terrell, LaShan, Roselyn, AJ, Freeman, Angela, Pastors and so many others. We love and appreciate the powerfully resilient people of Greenwood, Black Wall Street and Tulsa! You are an example for the nation and world.
Thank you to all who stepped out in faith with us. This is complete confirmation of a long time God-given vision and just a taste of the future and what’s to come. We are walking in purpose. A growing national network, mobilized to Rebuild the Village together. We choose to Build together. Empowerment Network. Revive Black Business Network. Omaha. Tulsa. Greenwood. Black Wall Street. More to come!
Check out this amazing recap video from our friends Charles Harper and Damali Wilson at World-Won Development:
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.
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
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