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Published:  June 15, 2020

By:  Willie Barney, Co-Publisher Revive Omaha

Beyond the Flames:  Why I Believe 2020 is a Turning Point

Where Do We Go From Here?

Harlem.  Watts.  Newark.  Detroit.  Omaha.  Los Angeles.  Ferguson.  Baltimore. Minneapolis.

“If we don’t learn from history, we are destined to repeat it.”
– Philosopher George Santanya and Winston Churchill

In 2014, as I watched the fires burning in Ferguson, Missouri, I wrote a piece entitled “Beyond the Flames:  Will We Get It Right This Time?”  Ferguson was burning in response to the devastating scenes following the killing of Michael Brown by a police officer.  I was so impacted and moved that I had to write down on paper what became a speech I gave at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

This followed the 2012 vigilante killing of Trayvon Martin and preceded the 2015 death of Freddie Gray in police custody which ignited the flames in Baltimore.   The frustrating and devastating list goes on and on and continues today.

There have been other shootings of unarmed black men and black women when police officers received no repercussions from their crime.  This list also includes Omaha after the officer-involved shooting of Vivian Strong in 1969 that resulted in the destruction of North 24th Street.  The once thriving corridor is just now in the process of being rebuilt.

No justice for Eric Garner, New York, 2014.  No justice for Sandra Bland, 2015, southeast Texas.  No justice for Philando Castile 2016, suburban Minnesota.   No justice.

African-Americans have tried to send a message for decades that we are suffering.  Suffering from the lingering impacts of slavery, Jim Crow and segregation effects that were never fully addressed.  Suffering from unemployment, lack of investment, neglect, poor educational outcomes, low access to capital, over policing, poor housing conditions and so much more.  There have been small attempts to fix the situation, but nothing substantial and sustained.

A temporary reconstruction period followed the abolishment of slavery where some progress was made, but abandoned just at the time when freed slaves were finally starting to become integrated into American life.  No Justice.

There were promises made beyond the elimination of slavery.  Promises for land, property and finances for the freed slaves to get a new start at becoming full citizens.    Policies were changed to finally recognize African-Americans as being 100% human, correcting the Constitution which had declared us as 3/5ths of a man.

The original constitutional declaration allowed America to benefit economically for over 250 years from free labor through inhumane conditions.  It is referred to as the worst form of enslavement in modern history.  African-Americans helped build this country and were paid nothing for it.  No Justice.

What’s happening today is not new.  Racial tensions have raged before. There has always been a spark which kindled the flames.

These flames have come as city after city and community after community across the nation have been destroyed.

Before Richard Nixon was elected in 1968 on the promise to be a law and order president, President Lyndon B. Johnson (LBJ) commissioned a group to find out why the cities across the country were burning.  The commission produced a document which became known as the Kerner Report.

Rather than identifying African-Americans as the cause, the report shined the light on white America.  The Kerner Commission presented the case that the blame for the riots should be placed squarely on the shoulders of underlying conditions of injustice, neglect, disinvestment, unequal treatment and systematic racism.

The report clearly states the priorities that must be addressed:  1. Unemployment and low wages.  2.  Poor educational systems.  3.  Poor housing conditions.  4. Bad relationships between police and the community.  5. Lack of services for those in poverty and the structure of welfare system.

The most important conclusion to address the injustice?  America needed to make a significant investment to right the wrongs of the past.

Little did I know until recently that the former Mayor of Omaha, A. V. Sorensen, had reached the same conclusion in 1968.  He said then that Omaha needed to bring together people from all sectors to form a coalition that would oversee a massive investment to address African-American poverty.  Nothing was done.

He left office realizing the city did not have the will or appetite to fully address the issue.  The city and nation continued redlining and driving interstates through the heart of black communities under the guise of urban redevelopment.

America chose to make small investments to address the injustice, but with a costly Vietnam War occurring at the same time, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. declared that the nation had given black America a blank check.  He said the easy part of the Civil Rights Movement was getting legislation passed for voting rights; the hard part was securing the funds to address the economic issues.  This was going to cost the nation money, King said.

For a time, mostly through programs enacted by President Johnson, some investments were made through the so-called War on Poverty.  The investments were not sustained and were not implemented anywhere near the level required.

One of the most significant statements and conclusions from the Kerner Commission was “to mount programs on the scale equal to the dimension of the problems.”  “These programs will require unprecedented levels of funding and performance…”

The report emphasized that if America didn’t respond on a large scale, we would see the creation of two America’s.  One black. One white.  Separate. Unequal.

Across the nation, we have inherited the promise.  Two Americas.  One white.  The other, everyone else (black and brown).

I wrote in the speech, after watching the flames in Ferguson, that in 1968, the nation had a decision to make.  Do we finally invest in helping African Americans become economically sound and full citizens or do we invest more in police, expanding the criminal justice system and building more prisons?

President Richard Nixon answered the question for America.  Law and order.  No Justice.

For decades, African-Americans have asked for additional investments to address employment, education, housing, health and other needs.  Funding was never available at the scale of the problem.  Communities were not rebuilt.

African-Americans asked for the promised 40 acres and a mule.  African-Americans presented plans such as the Freedom Agenda under Dr. King which proposed to end poverty in 10 years. African-Americans asked for reparations.

It is important to note reparations have been granted across the world after a specific race, ethnic group or nation was on the wrong end of injustice. The answer to these requests for African-Americans?  No funds available.  No justice.

Where would America ever come up with trillions of dollars to right this wrong?  We were always told, it would be absolutely impossible. We were told there is absolutely no way America could ever come up with trillions of dollars to address its original sin.  It’s been over 400 years since enslaved Africans were brought to these shores.

But, no recompense.  No Justice.

Instead we are told, pick yourself up by your bootstraps and help yourself.  Instead we are told, forget about slavery.  Instead we are told, you’ve had a black President.  Instead we are told, it’s a post-racial society and racism doesn’t exist.  Help yourselves, we are told.  There will be no hand up, we are told.

Cue the Coronavirus.

The virus may not be racist, but the impact surely is disproportionately destructive to African Americans and other people of color.  Health and economic inequities have been laid bare. Consequently, the virus called for a critical response.  A national response.

What does COVID-19 have to do with this justice and systemic racism?  As soon as the nation began to experience the negative economic and health impacts of the virus, immediate legislation was drafted and approved by Congress.  The Treasury Department rewrote the rules.  Trillions of dollars were miraculously found and infused into the economy to address suffering corporations, small businesses and most U.S. citizens.

In a moment of crisis, leaders can find the money.

The message this sends is that it matters who is suffering.  African-Americans have been suffering for centuries. Native Americans have been suffering for centuries.  However, when the unemployment rate for white Americans hit the same level as the African-American unemployment rate which has languished for decades, Congress and the Treasury department have taken actions to produce what is estimated at seven trillion dollars of economic activity.

The question is where did the money come from in this instance?  It’s been made abundantly clear that the nation could have made the right decision in 1865.  We could have made the right decision in 1918.  We could have made the right decision in 1968. We could have made the right decision in 1992 after Los Angeles and Rodney King.  We could have made the right decision after Ferguson in 2014.  We could have made the right decision after Baltimore in 2015.

No justice.   No peace.   Fast forward.

Cue the final spark.

Watching an unarmed black man, George Floyd, die a horrific death with the knee of a white police officer on his neck, and 2 other officers on his prone body behind the car, the image was finally too much. African-Americans have experienced police brutality and violence for decades, but this was filmed, became a viral moment on social media, and impossible to ignore, deny or cover up.  Breaking point.

In the midst of a pandemic which has killed over 100,000 Americans and disproportionately impacted African Americans and people of color, we once again are face to face with injustice and racism.

After being locked away in their homes for nearly three months and watching the video from Minneapolis and dozens of other racial events within a few weeks, cities across the country and internationally have erupted with protests and flames are once again burning in America.

What to do now?  Where’s the hope?

We know what needs to be done.  We have known for decades.  Case study after case study, commission after commission and book after book, have boiled down to economics, education, housing, equal access to health care and people working together to address poverty and systemic racism.

 Be sure to check out Part II:  Moving Forward with Solutions

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Events

Magic Johnson inspires and invests in Omaha at Rebuilding the Village Conference

Over 1,100, including 400 youth participate in 3 day national Empowerment Network conference in Omaha, Nebraska.

By Willie Barney

It’s hard to believe it has already been a week.  Thank you, Omaha and national friends.  The Empowerment Network team and our partners went all in for the 16th Annual Rebuilding the Village Conference.  Omaha responded. 23 cities from across the country responded.

When I was in prayer after last year’s event, the words “Run It Back” came into my spirit!   Bring Magic back and build on the experience.

GOD has blessed in amazing ways.  We stepped out in faith and followed what we believed He was telling us to do.

Some wondered.  Would people come back?  Would the community support it?  Could it be bigger and better?

Over 1,100 participated, including 400+ youth and the experience was even more magical!

Magic took things even higher than last year providing even more wisdom, full ride scholarships, internships in Los Angeles and business opportunities with his companies.  Plus, he unexpectedly raised $90,000 to support the Network!

The six national keynote speakers were phenomenal, and the sessions were well attended.  Made for a difficult decision about which breakout to attend.  The feedback has been off the charts.

Representatives from over 20 cities attended including partners from Kansas City, Tulsa, New Orleans, Columbus GA, Denver, Little Rock, Atlanta, Chicago, Davenport/QC, Sacramento, Washington DC and other communities.

20 major sponsors invested.  Dozens of volunteers supported it.

50+ local and national speakers shared their wisdom and insights to help build safe and thriving communities.

We had over 400 youth engaged in the event.  They joined us for panels, main stage sessions and the Step-Up Omaha Interns and Youth 360 also had their own summit within the conference in partnership with J Shannon, David and Next.

The federal government including USDA, Dept of Justice and Health and Human Services all had key leaders in attendance.

The 4 tours (Black owned trolley and bus companies), three covering North Omaha and one citywide were well received.

30+ Black businesses benefitted directly.  We supported Black restaurants and organizations.

The Village at 24th and Lake reception was well attended and featured music, food, shopping and visits to the museums and new businesses.

Businesses throughout the whole city experienced economic benefit including hotels, airlines, transportation, shopping, food, and entertainment.

We cannot thank you all enough.

Thank you, Magic.  Thank you to the Empowerment Network team.

Thank you to the board.

Thank you, speakers, panelists, sponsors, and volunteers.

Thank you to our national guests.  Thank you, Omaha, for being amazing hosts.

Thank you to my wife, son and daughter who helped in so many ways and have sacrificed greatly over the years.  Love you and appreciate you!

Let’s Win Together Omaha!   Let’s win together national partners.  Let’s build safe and thriving communities in every zip code.

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NEWS

Celebrate North Omaha! Native Omaha Days returns July 24 to July 31

Celebrating 47 years of memories, culture and community spirit in North Omaha!  

The Native Omaha Days Organizing Committee, Native Omahans Club, Omaha Economic Development Corporation, Empowerment Network, and community partners present…The 24th Biennial Celebration.

The Native Omahan Club has once again joined forces with the Omaha Economic Development Corporation, Empowerment Network and dozens of community partners engaged in the Native Omaha Days Organizing Committee to develop and present their 24th Biennial Celebration.  Attracting thousands, the Native Omaha Days Festival will once again help to accelerate the positive momentum in the community.  The events have a major economic impact and now has expanded to venues city-wide.

Event organizers are preparing for the biggest and best celebration to date, featuring traditional events: Gospel Fest at Morning Star Baptist Church; Stroll Down Memory Lane in the Village at 24thand Lake; Native Omaha Days Homecoming Parade along North 30thStreet; Native Omaha Day Event, Omaha Day Classic Golf Tournament; Sunday Worship Services; Blue Monday and more!

In addition to the long-standing traditional events, this year’s full week of activities will again include:  trolley tours, golf outings, jazz and gospel music, class and family reunions, Culture Fest with children’s activities and something for all ages and more!  The parade, always a crowd favorite, is planned for Saturday morning between 10 am and noon from 30th and Lake to 30th and Sprague.

Attractions added in 2021 are back including the Village Festival Square at the Bryant Resource Center at 24th & Burdette with food trucks and small business vendors for locals and visitors to shop and explore unique crafts. 

New this year…Excellent exhibits and an African American Book Signing will be featured at the Great Plains History Museum.  The Culxr House will present Divisible Documentary – film that explores the impacts of redlining in Omaha; specifically in Near North Side.  All activities and updates will be posted at nativeomahadays.org

The Food Vendor Informational Meeting hosted by the Native Omaha Days Organizing Committee will be held again this year.  The event will be held on Saturday, June 10, 2023 from 10 am to 11 am at American National Bank, 3147 Ames Avenue.  It will serve the purpose of having food vendors learn the requirements and guidelines to obtain a food permit.  Representatives from the Douglas County Health Department will be on hand to share information.  Go to nativeomahadays.org for update information on date and location.

“We are excited to see the community partnering again to make this a tremendous community event,” said Michael Maroney, President and CEO of Omaha Economic Development Corporation.  “We are working with the Native Omaha Days Organizing Committee, Omaha Police Department and dozens of other organizations to make this a safe, fun and enjoyable experience for the entire community.  We’re also looking forward to showcasing more of the projects that have come to fruition since the last Native Omaha Days celebration.”

The organizers are calling on the whole community to play a role in making the Native Omaha Days celebration a major success. 

For more information and a complete schedule of activities, please go to www.nativeomahadays.org.

Click here to register for the Parade

Click here to Advertise in the Native Omaha Days Guide

Click here to Become a Vendor

Click here to Become a Volunteer

Initial List of Events (Full list will be available at nativeomahadays.org

Monday, July 24

GREAT PLAINS BLACK HISTORY MUSEUM

Great Plains Black History Museum invites you to attend their African American Author’s Book Signing, Help support our local authors and Museum by stopping by.

Where:  2221 North 24 Street
Time:  12:00-3:00 p.m.
Contact:  Eric Ewing @ (402) 932-7077
Gpblackhistorymuseum.org

 

 

Tuesday, July 25

GREAT PLAINS BLACK HISTORY MUSEUM

Great Plains Black History Museum invites you to attend their African American Author’s Book Signing, Help support our local authors and Museum by stopping by.

Where:  2221 North 24 Street
Time:  12:00-3:00 p.m.
Contact:  Eric Ewing @ (402) 932-7077
Gpblackhistorymuseum.org

 

 

Wednesday, July 26

FESTIVAL SQUARE (Food & Retail Merchants)

GospelFest at Morning Star

6:00 pm

 

 

Thursday, July 27

FESTIVAL SQUARE (Food &  Retail Merchants)

 

DIVISIBLE DOCUMENTARY

Presents a screening of Divisible, an educational documentary film that explores the impacts of redlining in Omaha, specifically the Near North Side.

Where:  Culxr house
3014 North 24 Street
Time:  7:00 p.m.
Contact: Lizzy Barrett
(607) 220-8927
Website:  DivisibleDoc.com

 

NATIVE OMAHA CLUB
Social Mixer

 

TECH HIGH DANCE

Classes of 1975, 1976 and on.  School dance featuring Ed Archibald
Where:  Highlander
2120 North 30 Street
Time:  6:30 p.m.
Cost:  $15
Contact:  Darlene Brown @ (402) 880-3929

 

Friday, July 28, 2023

Omaha Days Golf Classic

 

FESTIVAL SQUARE (Food & Retail Merchants)

 

Stroll Down Memory Lane
24th and Lake
Presented by:  OEDC and Empowerment Network
6:00 to 9:00 PM

 

 

Saturday, July 29, 2022

Native Omaha Days Parade
10:00 AM
North 30th from Lake to Sprague

 

Native Omaha Days
Day Party
Native Omahan Club
North 30th from Lake to Sprague

 

FESTIVAL SQUARE (Food & Retail Merchants)

_____________________________________________

Native Omaha Days Festival

Presented by:  The Native Omaha Days Festival is presented by the Native Omaha Days Organizing Committee, Native Omahan Club, Omaha Economic Development Corporation and Empowerment Network.  

The Native Omaha Days Organization Committee and community partners include: Omaha Star Newspaper, EverGreen Capital Management, 24th and Lake Businesses, American National Bank, Omaha Police Department, Bryant Resource Center, Vickie Young, YouTurn, Freedomtainment, North End Teleservices, Revive! Omaha Magazine, Great Plains Black History Museum, Leo Louis II, NONA, Ital Vital, nocredevelopmentgroup, Long School Neighborhood Association, North Omaha Business Improvement District, MAYS and the North Omaha Village Revitalization Plan.

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NEWS

Paul Bryant returns to Omaha to keynote at Conference featuring Magic Johnson

Paul Bryant will be one of the national keynote presenters during the Empowerment Network’s 16th Annual Rebuilding the Village Conference in Omaha, Nebraska on Friday, June 9th.  The conference features Earvin Magic Johnson as the luncheon keynote, six national speakers including Bryant and representatives from 20+ regional and national cities.

Bryant is the Vice President of External Affairs for the H.J. Russell & Company, the largest African American owned business in the state of Georgia and the 14th largest Black business in America. He plays a significant, public-facing role extending the Russell brand into communities they work, build, and invest.

Bryant will return to Omaha to share national best practices in a keynote entitled:  The Herman J. Russell Story…Building Community through the Intersection of Public Policy, Partnership and Scaling of Black Businesses in Atlanta.  He will then lead a breakout session to walk through the key principles required to scale Black businesses in today’s environment.

Paul Bryant is an Omaha native.  He is a recognized innovator and leader who has invested greatly in creating the next generation of talented young men and women.  In Omaha, he held key leadership positions in both the corporate sector and non-profit arena.

In the corporate sector, Bryant launched major initiatives in the banking and research industries.  He encouraged Gallup to field important polls regarding Black and urban communities.

He started the groundbreaking Wesley House Leadership Academy where he focused his attention on the development of young Black men well before other national programs started to launch their efforts. Bryant was also one of the founders of the Striving for Succes:  Black Male Summit in partnership with the Empowerment Network, Urban League and 100 Black Men of Omaha.

Bryant has lectured at Morehouse College, Creighton University, and the University of Nebraska-Omaha.  He is a Pulitzer Prize nominated author of 3 books and his leadership influence extends to more than ½ million students through an international network of over 1,500 schools.  He relocated to Atlanta, Georgia where he and his wife have both excelled in new positions.

No stranger to leadership, Paul previously served as the CEO of three nonprofit agencies:  The United Minority Contractors Association; Urban League of Nebraska; and, United Methodist Community Centers, Inc.

His corporate career also includes a Senior Vice President post with The Gallup Organization; and Officer Positions with Wells Fargo and the First National Bank of Omaha.

Paul earned two master’s degrees from the University of Nebraska and attended Creighton University school of law.

Paul is the recipient of numerous awards:

  • The 2017 Mentor of the Year – 100 Black Men of Atlanta
  • The City of Omaha’s Martin Luther King “Living the Dream” award.
  • The University of Nebraska’s Alumnus Achievement award.
  • The Teacher of the year for the Creighton University “Upward Bound program”
  • Named “Facilitator of the Year” by INROADS Inc.
  • Named “Achiever to watch in the Millennium Success Guide”
  • Named a Black Achiever by the YMCA
  • One of the Ten “Outstanding Young Omahans by the Junior Chamber of Commerce

Paul is also a member of the prestigious Benson High School Hall of Fame, along with another noted Omahan, investor Warren Buffet.

Paul and wife Robin have been married for over 30 years and have 3 children.  He is an unapologetic believer in God and says his most cherished accomplishment was having his family recognized as the Community Service Family of the year, by the Heartland Family Service.

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