
Carver Legacy Center, a Black-owned financial and wealth building system, opens in North Omaha
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Published: Tuesday, May 3, 2022
The Carver Legacy Center, an innovative collaborative approach to building black businesses and thriving communities was publicly announced on August 30, 2020 and formally opened on April 4, 2022.
Carver Legacy Center Owners and Partners with Elected Officials and Strategic Collaborators (April 4, 2022 Soft Opening)
After nearly five years of behind the scenes work to develop formal partnerships, the collaboration is bringing new life to the historic Carver building located in the village at 24th and Lake.
Co-founders and co-owners Willie and Yolanda Barney and Martin, and Lynnell Williams have created a joint venture with American National Bank to make it happen.
The focus of the Center is creating wealth for African-Americans and North Omaha residents through business ownership, home ownership and community ownership.
“18 months ago we stood before the community and promised to renovate the historic Carver building and launch a new financial center, develop a Hub and Accelerator for small businesses where they can launch, scale and grow, and create a store and pop-up incubator where Black businesses and North Omaha entrepreneurs can feature their products and services. Today, we are back to have you experience it for yourself. Welcome to the Carver Legacy Center,” said Willie Barney, co-owner and co-founder.
“For over 22 years, Yolanda and I have worked to launch, support, promote and expand black businesses.”
“We are excited to partner with Martin and Lynnell Williams and American National Bank. To be able to do this in the historic building where the first Black-owned financial institution in Nebraska was opened 78 years ago, the place where Whitney Young launched a program to increase Black homeownership and the building that housed the offices of some of Omaha’s history-making black leaders is especially meaningful to all of us.”
The Carver Legacy Center will have several components.
Carver Legacy Center Co-owners and Co-Founders: Willie and Yolanda Barney and Lynnell and Martin Williams. Carver Savings and Loan, the first Black-owned financial institution in the state of Nebraska opened in 1944 and closed in the mid 1960’s. The Carver Legacy Center owners purchased the building and partnered with American National Bank to bring financial services, hubs and accelerators and wealth building systems back to 24th and Lake.
CARVER LEGACY FINANCIAL SERVICES
The Carver Legacy Financial Services Center, a joint venture with American National Bank, will bring banking services to 24th and Lake, and provide increased access to credit and capital for Black businesses and North Omaha residents.
With the joint venture with American National Bank, individuals, families, organizations, churches and businesses can open accounts and make deposits at any American National Bank location by designating a Carver Legacy Account. American National Bank is a member of the FDIC which means deposits are insured.
Loans leveraged by these deposits will benefit Black businesses and individuals, and North Omaha residents and businesses.
In Phase III to come later, the Carver at 24th and Lake is working to become a full service branch which will allow all banking services to be provided at that location.
“We are excited about partnering with the Barney and Williams families to make this happen at this historic location,” said John Kotouc, Co-chairman of American National Bank. “We are bringing our banking experience, expertise and considerable investments to this collaborative approach.”
“American National Bank is committed to supporting this Black-owned business and initiative and we want this to serve as another catalyst for further community-based development in North Omaha.”
Kotouc also emphasizes that this is not an exclusive situation. “We will play a role, but we challenge and encourage other financial institutions to also get involved with this project. It will benefit the entire community.”
In addition to the financial center, the Carver Legacy Center will house three other important components: Hub & Accelerators; Revive Omaha Store and Pop-Up Incubator; and Legacy Wealth Center.
HUB AND ACCELERATORS
The Hub will be the new home for Revive Omaha and the Revive Black Business Network. It will also feature shared office and meeting space for the DreamBusiness Accelerator and other business collaborators.
“Nine years ago, we created the Revive Black Business Network which has connected with over 300 black owned businesses,” said Yolanda Barney, co founder and Vice President of SMB Enterprises.
“One of the things we have heard most consistently is we need more funds to launch and expand our business. We can’t get loans. Entrepreneurs have also told us they would like support with finance, sales, technology, admin, marketing and branding.”
While the Financial Center will help bring funding together, the Hub will be a place to help entrepreneurs with connecting with other business owners and resources, launching their vision and provide technical assistance to help take their businesses to scale.
The Accelerators run by the Barneys and Williams will also connect black businesses to supplier diversity and procurement opportunities with major companies.
“We are excited to be open for business at the Carver Legacy Center. The process of building and introducing this financial services center was a work of passion and commitment to our community,” said Martin Williams, co-owner and co-founder.
“We have worked for the past 30 years on cultural approaches to launch and grow successful businesses.”
He and his wife Lynnell are founders and strategic leaders of Ambassador Worship Center and have established several businesses nationally and internationally, including Barak II which is the partner with the Carver.
“Using what we have learned by helping others to launch million dollar businesses, we are blessed to be a part of bringing the Carver back to life and helping families to build generational wealth.”
The Hub will utilize a collaborative approach that all three families have dedicated themselves to over many years. The Revive Black Business Network will operate a start-up accelerator and the Williams will facilitate a scale-up accelerator through their DreamBusiness program.
Other businesses will bring their specific expertise to the table. Hayes and Associates and Advance Tax Solutions will support businesses with finance, accounting and tax services. Technology Consulting Solutions and others will assist with technology.
Business Seals and others will assist with business plans and financial forecasts. PPRP Innovations will support market research, pricing and market growth strategies. Other black owned businesses will assist with social media, branding, marketing, HR and operations.
“We wanted to create one place where an entrepreneur can go from idea to launch and then to scale and expansion,” said Willie Barney.
“We are also finalizing partnerships with other specialists and organizations who will offer services at the Center.”
REVIVE OMAHA STORE AND POP-UP INCUBATOR
Another key component to the Center will be the Revive Store and Pop Up Incubator. The space where Big Mama’s sandwich shop operated will be multi-use.
It will feature products created by African-Americans and North Omaha residents. The space will also serve as a pop-up incubator for businesses that would like to introduce their products to the community.
“It’s a perfect space for a small business to host an event to showcase their products while also giving them a chance to test market and gather valuable experience” said Yolanda Barney.
“Our goal is to help them step out into their entrepreneurship journey and then hopefully locate a business in the 24th and Lake District or another key corridor in North Omaha.”
LEGACY WEALTH CENTER
The final piece of the four part strategy is the Legacy Wealth Center. A core element in the vision is financial empowerment and community ownership. The team wants to see residents save, improve credit scores, purchase insurance, invest in stocks, purchase land and homes, become business owners and pass wealth to future generations.
The Legacy Wealth Center will feature workshops, special events and classes to help residents with accomplishing their financial goals. We will have guest speakers and experts in their fields share their time and talent with members. Participants will learn more about turning their gifts and talents into revenue producing businesses and multiple streams of income.
“This is the part that gets me most excited,” said Lynnell Williams. “We want to teach families everything we have learned about building wealth. That starts with breaking cycles and implementing discipline in the areas of finance.”
“Carver Legacy Center is committed to bridging the gap for all ages and ensuring that our young ones get a head start on understanding money matters! Our future depends on how well we financially prepare our youth.”
The Carver Legacy Center will also house the Revive Black Business Network which has national strategic advisors, including Dr. Pamela Jolly, Dr. Randal Pinkett and Tawanna Black. They will also support and offer wealth building classes and sessions.
As the Carver Legacy Center moves through the phases, the team will also work with local and national partners to create collective investment opportunities. This will be a platform to pool and leverage resources.
“We believe the reopening of the Carver is like digging up the wells that made North Omaha a great place to live, worship, work and own homes and businesses,” said Martin Williams. “As we move forward, we will work with others to help residents to create wealth and ownership.”
COLLABORATION
Other local collaborators include: Omaha Economic Development Corporation, Nebraska Enterprise Fund, Family Housing Advisory Services, Omaha 100, Shift Omaha, Creighton University, Metropolitan Community College and the University of Nebraska – UNO.
“American National Bank is committed to helping to develop strong communities and we are very supportive of many organizations in North Omaha,” said Wende Kotouc.
“We have worked with Willie and Yolanda and Martin and Lynnell for many years and they have consistently worked with others to produce measurable results. They have shown again and again they know how to make things happen. We are excited to be involved in this effort. Earnest White who has a long history of community involvement will be our ambassador to Carver.”
Willie Barney added, “We want to specifically thank Michael Maroney, Ben Gray, the City of Omaha Mayors Office and Planning Department, Lorie Lewis, Ernest White, Ryan Meyer, Steph Gould, Jackie Vinci, Patti Kuhre, Pamela Jolly and Katie Weitz for their support as we have worked to develop this Center.”
“We believe the Carver will be an important piece of accelerating progress at 24th and Lake, in North Omaha and for African-American communities.”
“Omaha is known for wealth, we want it to be known for creating Black wealth as well and rebuilding a thriving North Omaha.”
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NEWS
LB 531 Approved: Bill to Fund Projects in North & South Omaha gains approval; now to Governor Pillen

Some estimate as much as $500 million will be invested in North and South Omaha as a result of the historic and unprecedented legislation and other related bills
Published: Thursday, June 1, 2023
The bill to provide funding for North Omaha and South Omaha cleared a significant hurdle and won final approval from the Nebraska State Legislature today. The legislation once referred to as the North Omaha and South Omaha Economic Recovery plan, LB1024 in 2022 and LB531 this year won approval today on a 37-8 vote.
“We got it across this finish line,” said Senator Terrell McKinney. “I’m looking forward to the projects getting started and doing what we said we were going to do.”
Read the most up to date bill here: LB531.pdf (nebraskalegislature.gov)
It now expected to be signed into law by Governor Jim Pillen.
With support from the community and nearly 50 testifiers in 2022, State Senators Justin Wayne and McKinney introduced the legislation and worked with South Omaha senators Tony Vargas and Mike McDonnell to gain approval of $335 million in 2022.
Senators Wayne and McKinney reviewed plans developed by the community over the years and put together the North Omaha Recovery Plan. South Omaha then developed a proposal and it was added to the original North Omaha legislation and the bill became the North and South Omaha Recovery Plan. As the plan was making its way through the state senate last year, Sen. Wayne added funding elements to include high poverty census tracts from around the state.
Some projects were identified in the legislation to move forward immediately through an RFP process implemented by the Department of Economic Development. Projects including internships, IHUB, the airport business park planning grant, tourism and others were approved for funding.
For the remaining funds, $225 million, the state legislature instructed the Economic Recovery Committee to contract with an engineering firm to put together a master plan. The North and South Omaha communities were then engaged in stakeholder meetings, planning sessions and then submitted over 367 applications.
Olsson, the engineering firm which was selected to collect the submissions and develop the master plan, reviewed the proposals and made recommendations to approve 37 of the plans for funding. Other projects were identified as high scoring and listed as supplemental plans that could be funded if more dollars were allocated by the State. Find the Olsson report here: https://www.nebraskalegislature.gov/pdf/reports/committee/select_special/econrec/LB1024_2023.pdf
After some concerns were voiced by the community, small group meetings and two large town halls were held to attempt to address additional high priorities that were not among the initial recommendations.
Groups and individuals representing small businesses, contractors, the Malcolm X Foundation, Charles Drew, arts and culture organizations, immigrants and refugees, and potential economic development projects along the corridors of Ames, Sorensen and 30th Street all made their case to be considered for funding. The community also recommended an additional $200 million in funding and a desire to have an accountability committee.
State senators agreed to take the additional amendments to the Economic Recovery committee for consideration. With that agreement, nearly 50 residents, leaders, small business owners, neighborhood representatives, organizational leaders and others traveled to Lincoln to support the legislation. Others wrote letters, sent emails and made phone calls.
State Senator McKinney has said he shared the other suggested amendments with the committee but had difficulty gaining support with the limited time available and the filibustering that has taken place during the entire session.
Three amendments were introduced. One for a museum tied to an individual listed in the hall of fame. A second for federally qualified health centers. And, a third for a cultural museum was introduced by Senator McDonnell.
Senator McKinney said the best way for the other groups to be considered is to resubmit their proposals to the Department of Economic Development once the bill is approved in the final round and signed by Governor Pillen.
“This gives everyone another opportunity,” said McKinney.
What happens next?
The process moving forward after the legislative vote and Governor’s signature is that DED will issue RFPs and accept proposals as early as July. DED will then review and score the proposals.
State Senators are encouraging DED to use the recommendations and amendments identified in the Olsson report, but the current understanding is that DED will review and score everything again using the criteria outlined in the legislation with a heavy emphasis and focus on economic development, entrepreneurship, job creation, housing and tourism.
State senators are recommending that all proposals that were submitted to Olsson be considered eligible for funding and those recommended should receive priority.
Because of the filibustering that has occurred this session, State Senators have been combining bills into “mega bills” incorporating as many as 5-25 bills in one vote.
Even LB 531 passed with multiple amendments and bills included. In addition, the current legislation has switched funding from ARPA to general funds to allow more flexibility and more time for projects to get completed. The use of ARPA funds comes with more restrictions than general funds. And, the ARPA funds must be used by 2026.
State Senators representing the Economic Recovery Plan and Governor Pillen agreed the switch to general funds was a good move.
The legislative update regarding LB531 can be found here: http://update.legislature.ne.gov/?p=34381
The Economic Recovery program can be tracked here: https://opportunity.nebraska.gov/programs/recovery/
The funding allocated can be tracked at https://opportunity.nebraska.gov/programs/recovery/#dashboard
NEWS
Update on LB531: Bill to Fund Projects in North & South Omaha gains second round approval

Published: Tuesday, May 23, 2023
The bill to provide funding for North Omaha and South Omaha continues to make its way through the Nebraska State Legislature. The legislation once referred to as the North Omaha and South Omaha Recovery plan, LB1024 in 2022, LB531 this year and now amendment AM 1880 received 2nd round approval on Thursday, May 18 with a 37-3 vote. AM1880 was submitted by Senator McKinney and incorporates more funding and additional projects.
Read the most up to date bill here: https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/108/PDF/Final/LB531.pdf
The third and final vote should occur sometime this week and is expected to be signed into law by Governor Jim Pillen.
With support from the community and nearly 50 testifiers in 2022, State Senators Justin Wayne and Terrell McKinney introduced the legislation and worked with South Omaha senators Tony Vargas and Mike McDonnell to gain approval of $335 million in 2022.
Some projects were identified in the legislation to move forward immediately through an RFP process implemented by the Department of Economic Development. Projects including internships, IHUB, business park planning grant, tourism and others were approved for funding. The process to approve these funds has been slow, but dollars are starting to reach the community.
The Economic Recovery program can be tracked here: https://opportunity.nebraska.gov/programs/recovery/
The funding allocated can be tracked at https://opportunity.nebraska.gov/programs/recovery/#dashboard
For the remaining funds, $225 million, the state legislature instructed the Economic Recovery Committee to contract with an engineering firm to put together a master plan. The North and South Omaha communities were then engaged in stakeholder meetings, planning sessions and then submitted over 300 applications.
Olsson, the engineering firm which was selected to collect the submissions and develop the master plan, reviewed the proposals and made recommendations to approve 35 of the plans for funding. Other projects were identified as high scoring and listed as supplemental plans that could be funded if more dollars were allocated by the State. Find the Olsson report here: https://www.nebraskalegislature.gov/pdf/reports/committee/select_special/econrec/LB1024_2023.pdf
After some concerns were voiced by the community, small group meetings and two large town halls were held to attempt to address additional high priorities that were not among the initial recommendations.
Groups and individuals representing small businesses, contractors, the Malcolm X Foundation, Charles Drew, arts and culture organizations, immigrants and refugees, and potential economic development projects along the corridors of Ames, Sorensen and 30th Street all made their case to be considered for funding. The community also recommended an additional $200 million in funding and a desire to have an accountability committee.
State senators agreed to take the additional amendments to the Economic Recovery committee for consideration. With that agreement, nearly 50 residents, leaders, small business owners, neighborhood representatives, organizational leaders and others traveled to Lincoln to support the legislation. Others wrote letters, sent emails and made phone calls.
State Senator McKinney has said he shared the other suggested amendments with the committee but had difficulty gaining support with the limited time available and the filibustering that has taken place during the entire session.
Three amendments were introduced. One for a museum tied to an individual listed in the hall of fame. A second for federally qualified health centers. And, a third for a cultural museum in a district introduced by Senator McDonnell.
Senator McKinney said the best way for the other groups to be considered is to resubmit their proposals to the Department of Economic Development once the bill is approved in the final round and signed by Governor Pillen.
What happens next?
The process moving forward after legislative approval is that DED will issue RFPs and accept proposals as early as July. DED will then review and score the proposals.
State Senators are encouraging DED to use the recommendations and amendments identified in the Olsson report, but the current understanding is that DED will review and score everything again using the criteria outlined in the legislation with a heavy emphasis and focus on economic development, entrepreneurship, job creation, housing and tourism.
State senators are recommending that all proposals that were submitted to Olsson be considered eligible for funding.
Because of the filibustering that has occurred this session, State Senators have been combining bills into “mega bills” incorporating as many as 10-25 bills in one vote.
Even LB 531, now has multiple amendments and bills included. In addition, the current legislation has switched funding from ARPA to general funds to allow more flexibility and more time for projects to get completed. The use of ARPA funds comes with more restrictions than general funds. And, the ARPA funds must be used by 2026.
State Senators representing the Economic Recovery Plan and Governor Pillen agreed the switch to general funds was a good move.
The legislative update regarding LB531 can be found here: http://update.legislature.ne.gov/?p=34381
NEWS
President Obama names Omaha a national Model Community; Empowerment Network leads MBK Omaha

President Obama hosts panel with leaders from Tulsa, Newark, Yonkers and Omaha, including Empowerment Network CEO and Founder, Willie Barney. Photo Credit: Obama Foundation
President Obama Names Omaha a My Brother’s Keeper Alliance Model Community
The New Obama Foundation Initiative Will Provide Additional Support to Boys and Young Men of Color in Omaha
My Brother’s Keeper Alliance, a program of the Obama Foundation, has announced that Omaha is one of four MBK Model Communities, a new initiative that seeks to expand the implementation of evidence-based practices and impact for communities across the country.
Omaha was selected from a network of hundreds that have an evidence based track record of success in positively shifting outcomes for boys and young men of color. Each MBK Model Community represents a tangible example of the systems-level impact that communities can have when working to achieve the MBK Milestones.
The MBK Milestones are six key life milestones that research shows are especially predictive of later success, and where interventions can have the greatest impact.
Willie Barney, CEO & Founder of the Empowerment Network, joined President Obama onstage at an MBK Impact in Action event to share the city’s efforts to reduce violence and address root causes. The Empowerment Network facilitates and leads MBK Omaha!
“In 2014, in the wake of Trayvon Martin’s death, I challenged every community in the country to implement strategies to help boys and young men of color,” said President Obama.
“Today, I’m proud to see the incredible impact My Brother’s Keeper Alliance communities are having – helping hundreds of community leaders across the country solve problems for the next generation.”
Thanks to the tireless efforts of MBK communities, cities like Omaha have changed the odds – creating opportunities for our young people to achieve their full potential. – President Obama
“The MBK Model Communities initiative represents the next phase of the MBK Alliance’s work to help communities take on their biggest challenges – and I look forward to continuing this work alongside them for years to come.”

President Obama joins the My Brother’s Alliance Impact in Action convening in Chicago, IL on May 10, 2023. Photo Credit: The Obama Foundation.
Model communities means the city has demonstrated measurable outcomes with at least one of the milestones and the Obama Foundation is committed to working with the community to deliver excellence and results in all six milestones in the next five years.
“We are incredibly honored by this recognition and the investment and support from President Obama, Obama Foundation and MBK,” said Barney. “The collaborative efforts of hundreds of organizations and thousands of residents is reflected through the Empowerment Network, Omaha 360, Step-Up Omaha, City of Omaha, Omaha Police Department, foundations and the MBK partnership.”
“We want to thank and recognize all of our partners, especially those on the front lines, doing the work every day with our youth and families.” – Willie Barney
“Through comprehensive collaboration across all sectors of the community, we are starting to return to 40 year lows in gun violence by addressing collaboration, prevention, intervention, enforcement, reentry and focusing on root causes. We know there’s a lot more work ahead to continue reducing gun violence and we’re excited to build on and expand this amazing partnership with the Obama Foundation and MBK in Omaha and across the country.”

Willie Barney speaks from stage as The My Brother’s Keeper Alliance hosts an Impact in Action convening in Chicago, IL, on May 10, 2023. Photo Credit: The Obama Foundation
Each selected MBK Model Community has achieved significant impact in at least one of the six MBK Milestones by instituting programming and initiatives that have positively shifted outcomes in the educational or violence reduction ecosystems throughout their municipal areas. Omaha was chosen because of their demonstrated impact in MBK Milestone Six: Remaining Safe from Violent Crime – All youth and young adults should be safe from violent crime.
In Omaha, Nebraska, city-wide homicides were reduced by 30 percent from 2011 to 2022. Prior to the pandemic, Omaha had experienced a 50% reduction in homicides and 60% reduction in non-fatal shootings. In 2023, Omaha is currently returning to 40-year lows in homicides.
“Omaha is honored to be recognized as a model city by President Obama and the My Brother’s Keeper Alliance,” said Mayor Jean Stothert. “One city can definitely set an example and make a difference in the lives of boys and young men of color. We are proud to be that city.”
“The successful strategies and partnerships we have created in Omaha to significantly reduce gun violence, improve police-community relations, and fund summer youth employment programs can be adapted for other communities to have similar impactful and sustainable outcomes. Thank you for this great recognition and the opportunity to build on the progress we have made with the Empowerment Network to make Omaha a safe city.”
The African-American Empowerment Network will lead the Model Communities initiative for MBK Omaha. The Obama Foundation’s MBK Alliance will provide MBK Omaha with the necessary support to continue implementing systems-level change in these areas and to grow their impact in other areas within their municipal infrastructure. Specifically, the MBK Alliance will provide MBK Omaha with:
- Access to direct coaching, evaluation support, and peer-to-peer learning
- Direct resources, including an $800,000 grant ($400,000 a year for two years)
- Ongoing technical assistance for their work
“As we strive to build safe and supportive communities for boys and young men of color across the country, the My Brother’s Keeper Alliance is proud to recognize Omaha as an MBK Model Community,” said Dr. Adren Wilson, MBK Alliance Executive Director. “Omaha has demonstrated a commitment to Milestone Six: All Youth Should Remain Safe from Violent Crime, achieving a 30 percent decrease in city-wide homicides from 2011 to 2022.”

The My Brother’s Keeper Alliance hosts an Impact in Action convening in Chicago, IL, on May 10, 2023. Photo Credit: Obama Foundation
“By providing direct coaching, peer-to-peer learning, financial resources, and evaluation support, the MBK Alliance is confident that Omaha will continue to serve as a beacon of hope and best practices for other communities to follow. Together, we can ensure our boys and young men of color have access to the opportunities they need, including the opportunity to remain safe from violent crime.”
By investing in and spotlighting Omaha as an MBK Model Community, the MBK Alliance intends to seed other communities across the country with knowledge, best practices, and resources so that they too can achieve systems-level impact in the lives of boys and young men of color.
“This is an immense honor for the Omaha community to be named a model city by the Obama Foundation! The synergy of community partnerships, led by the Empowerment Network, Omaha 360 and embraced by the OPD has forged a new Omaha. Thank you to the Obama Foundation, the Omaha community and all the Omaha police officers!
– Police Chief Todd Schmaderer
Beyond the reductions in violence, the Empowerment Network had the opportunity to present other positive changes at the national event held in downtown Chicago. Prior to the pandemic, African-Americans in Omaha saw increases in employment, improvements in education and reductions in poverty. The collective and collaborative work also served as a catalyst for unprecedented public/private investments in North Omaha.
Empowerment Network/MBK Omaha Delegation for Obama Foundation Model Communities Announcement in Chicago, IL:
John Ewing, Jr, Vice-President of Empowerment Network Board; Wende Kotouc, Co-CEO and Co-Chair, American National Bank, 1st Business Partner; Katie Weitz, Executive Director, Weitz Family Foundation; Vicki Quaites-Ferris, Vice-President of Community Development, Empowerment Network; Thomas Warren, Sr., Chief of Staff, Mayor Jean Stothert’s Office; Willie Barney, CEO and Founder, Empowerment Network; Yolanda Barney, Vice-President, Revive Omaha!; Chief Todd Schmaderer, Omaha Police Department; Ricky Smith, Omaha 360 Director; Empowerment Network; Denzell Dial, MBK Omaha, Step-Up and Mentoring Participant; Tim Christian, Board President of the Empowerment Network; Jennifer Green, Grants and Operations Manager, Charles E. Lakin Foundation; and, Jonathan Chapman, Vice-President of Community Collaboratives, Empowerment Network.
TRENDS:
Non-fatal gun assaults have been reduced measurably in Omaha since 2007 and 2008. Prior to the pandemic, Omaha experienced a 63% reduction in non-fatal gun assaults. After an increase in 2020 during the first year of the pandemic, Omaha is starting to see a decline once again.
Homicides in Omaha were decreased to the lowest level in 40 years prior to the pandemic. Similar to most major cities, homicides increased the first year of the pandemic, but have decreased the last three years.
____________________
Full Statements and Quotes:
“We are incredibly honored by this recognition and the investment and support from President Obama, the Obama Foundation and MBK. The collaborative efforts of hundreds of organizations and thousands of residents is reflected through the Empowerment Network, Omaha 360, Step-Up Omaha, City of Omaha, Omaha Police Department, and the MBK partnership.
“Model city doesn’t mean we’re perfect or have it all solved and figured out, but it recognizes the great collaborative work that is happening here in Omaha and the collective outcomes that have been generated.”
We want to thank and recognize all of our partners, especially those on the front lines, doing the work every day with our youth and families. Through comprehensive collaboration across all sectors of the community, we are starting to return to 40 year lows in gun violence by addressing collaboration, prevention, intervention, enforcement, reentry and focusing on root causes. We know there’s a lot more work ahead to continue transforming Omaha into a safe and thriving city in every zip code and we’re excited to build on and expand this amazing partnership with the Obama Foundation and MBK.”
– Willie D. Barney, CEO and Founder of the Empowerment Network
“Omaha is honored to be recognized as a model city by President Obama and My Brother’s Keeper Alliance. One city can definitely set an example and make a difference in the lives of boys and young men of color. We are proud to be one of those cities.
The successful strategies and partnerships we have created in Omaha to significantly reduce gun violence, improve police-community relations, and fund youth employment programs can be adapted for other communities to have similar impactful and sustainable outcomes. Thank you for this great recognition and the opportunity to build on the progress we have made with the Empowerment Network to make Omaha a safe city.”
– Mayor Jean Stothert
“The Empowerment Network Board of Directors is excited for our continued partnership with the The Barack Obama Foundation / MBK Alliance. This new phase of our partnership is significant as The Empowerment Network is now an official MBK Model City. MBK’s investment over the next two years will allow The Empowerment Network to build on the tremendous work we’re currently doing and continue our goal of creating a measurable blueprint for cities around the country.”
– Timothy L. Christian, President, Empowerment Network Board and CEO of NightFox Entertainment
“As one of the original criminal justice covenant leaders and first board president I’m excited that we have this amazing opportunity to partner with the Obama Foundation to move this important work forward. Willie Barney and I have discussed the power of bringing our community together and partnering with the Omaha Police Department and so many other partners to impact lives. To reduce gun violence and homicides and laying a foundation for better economic, educational outcomes, increasing home ownership, improving medical outcomes and increasing employment and entrepreneurship opportunities. We always believed this could be a national effort to impact lives across this country and this partnership gives us that opportunity. We are proud to be a Model City and we look forward to partnering with other communities across America.
– John Ewing, Vice-President of the Empowerment Network Board, Douglas County Treasurer and former Deputy Chief for Omaha Police Department
“It is great to see that the work the Empowerment Network has done in working with and facilitating cradle-to-career partners to transform our city over the past 16 years, has resulted in the Obama Foundation now recognizing Omaha as a Model City.”
– Teresa Hunter, CEO of Family Housing Advisory Services, Board Member of the Empowerment Network