Coming Events
ET Eric Thomas returning to Omaha for Sept. 27th African-American Leadership Conference
OMAHA, Neb. (August 31, 2024) – On Friday, Sept. 27, the Empowerment Network will kick off the 12th Annual African American Leadership Conference (AALC), featuring the Revive Omaha Black Business Expo. Held at the CHI Health Center Omaha & Hilton Omaha Downtown, Eric Thomas, Ph.D., New York Times best-selling author, educator, motivational guru and international business phenomenon, will headline this year’s event. Thomas recently headlined the 17th Annual Rebuilding the Village Conference.
Thomas, widely recognized as a leading voice in motivational speaking, will bring his dynamic energy and transformative insights back to Omaha, where he will inspire attendees with a message of empowerment, self-assessment and consistent execution. His proven approach to personal and professional growth has made him a trusted consultant to Fortune 500 companies, NBA and NFL teams, and educational institutions worldwide.
“We are excited to welcome Eric Thomas back, this time as the keynote speaker for the African American Leadership Conference,” said Willie Barney, CEO and founder, Empowerment Network. “Supported by our strategic partners and sponsors, this year’s conference will be a transformative experience, offering a dynamic mix of sessions designed to inspire, educate, and connect leaders committed to advancing their careers, creating wealth, building successful businesses and making a difference in their communities.”
The AALC was designed to empower and uplift the African American community by focusing on critical components essential to personal and professional growth. This is done through expert-led sessions, networking opportunities, and targeted workshops. This conference aims to provide attendees with valuable skills and knowledge to enhance attendees’ careers, improve their health, expand their businesses, and engage more deeply in their communities.
Past conference keynote speakers have included: Earvin Magic Johnson, entrepreneur and hall of fame athlete; Teddy Riley, grammy award winning artist, Soledad O’Brien, broadcast journalist and executive producer; Dr. Randal Pinkett, speaker and media personality; and Adewale Adeyemo, president, Obama Foundation, along with prominent local Omaha business executives and community leaders.
“I am honored to be welcomed back to Omaha by the Empowerment Network as the keynote speaker for the African American Leadership Conference,” said Thomas. “This event is a powerful platform where leaders can ignite their passions, build on their strengths, and take intentional steps towards success. I plan to leave attendees feeling empowered, with actionable strategies to elevate both their personal and professional lives.”
This year’s conference, themed “Intentional,” promises a diverse lineup of influential speakers and comprehensive sessions. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn from leaders across various industries, including:
- Chet Fortune – founder, Coach Chet; Overcoming Adversity
- Frank Hayes – CEO, Hayes & Associates; Keys to Financial Success
- Racquel Henderson – director, EPIC; Preparing Successful Youth
- Melody McClellan – president and chief wellness Strategist, Unwrap You; Balance and Joyful Living
- David Stevens – founder and principal, Stevens Capital Partners; Financial Investments and Portfolios
- Mynesha Spencer – CEO, All of Us Together; Creating Thriving Work Environments
- Jay Warren– director of diversity, BCBS; Strategic Leadership
- Aileen Warren – executive director, ICAN; Professional Development
Additional topics include: maintaining mental and physical health, powerful storytelling, world-class nonprofit management and leadership, and innovations in education and youth development.
In addition to the keynote and breakout sessions, the AALC will host the Revive Black Business Expo, featuring local entrepreneurs and businesses, offering a platform for networking, exposure, and economic development.
The conference is supported by key sponsors and strategic partners, including:
American National Bank, Charles Lakin Foundation, CHI Health, Mutual of Omaha, My Brother’s Keeper Alliance, Nebraska Department of Economic Development, Omaha Public Power District, Revive! Omaha, and Weitz Family Foundation.
Supported by the My Brother’s Keeper Alliance (MBK Alliance), a program of The Obama Foundation, the Empowerment Network is committed to building safer environments for all residents by increasing educational and career success while reducing violent crime. These efforts are seen through programs like Omaha 360, Step Up Omaha and the AALC.
The MBK Alliance seeks to shift outcomes for boys and young men of color through strategic programming, which addresses six critical milestones, cradle to career, during a young person’s life. This work also expands the implementation of evidence-based practices and impact across the MBK Milestones in communities across the country. The MBA Alliance leads a cross-sector national call-to-action focused on creating supportive communities for boys and young men of color, ensuring they feel valued and have clear pathways to opportunities.
To register and learn more, visit https://www.aalcomaha.com/.
Dr. Will Moreland
CEO of Moreland Enterprises
Afternoon Keynote and National Strategic Advisor
Suzan Hart
CEO – Hartzone Enterprises
Afternoon Keynote and National Strategic Advisor
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