Governor Pete Ricketts, Directors Smith, Goins and Frakes: Formally working with African-American & North Omaha communities
Published: June 15, 2020
10 Point Plan officially approved and released on May 22, 2020
Governor Pete Ricketts agrees to partner with African-American and North Omaha communities to prevent the spread of COVID 19 and address economic gaps.
A group of leaders representing hundreds of African-American led and North Omaha organizations, businesses, neighborhoods, churches, faith communities and thousands of residents have met with Governor Pete Ricketts and key department leaders over the past two months to identify ways to work together to prevent the spread of the COVID 19 Coronavirus and address long-term economic issues.
Governor Ricketts recognizes that in Douglas County a disproportionate number African-Americans, Hispanic/Latinos, Asians and other people of color have been severely impacted by the Coronavirus.
The North Omaha and South Omaha communities have the highest number of documented cases in Douglas County.
The leadership groups and Governor Ricketts have also discussed the economic gaps, health disparities and underlying conditions that existed well before the virus and in some cases have been in place for decades.
Both groups acknowledge some important progress has been made during the previous 10 years, but much work lies ahead to fully close economic and health gaps.
Building on successful gains made in Omaha through collective work and the historic collaboration now occurring in North Omaha, Governor Ricketts and his team have agreed to work with the community in the following specific areas including, but not limited to:
Tracking of data by race, ethnicity and geography; assuring residents with COVID related illness have access to health care; expanding testing efforts; increasing access to masks; partnering with community-based health organizations and entities; engaging with North Omaha media; sharing plans designed to prevent the spread of the virus in prisons and jails; and assuring organizations and businesses in areas hit hardest by the virus receive equitable funding from federal, state and county allocations and investments.
Governor Ricketts has assigned Directors Dannette Smith – Health and Human Services, Anthony Goins – Economic Development and Scott Frakes – Corrections, to work with the African-American and North Omaha communities.
For more details, please review the 10 Point Action Plan, Commitments and Initial Actions. (Below)
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Official Press Release (May 22, 2020)
Gov. Ricketts Highlights Progress on Partnership with Omaha Communities on Coronavirus Response
LINCOLN – Today, Governor Ricketts provided an update on the State of Nebraska’s efforts to help communities in Omaha combat coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Since early May, Governor Ricketts has been engaging leaders in North and South Omaha during the current public health emergency to help slow the spread of the virus.
“Throughout the country, our minority populations have been disproportionately impacted by the coronavirus ,” said Governor Ricketts. “We are working with leaders in communities of color throughout the state to ensure all Nebraskans have access the health care, education, and resources for this public health emergency. Thank you to the leaders in North and South Omaha for working with the State to help address the issues that are most prevalent in their communities.”
The ten-point plan includes the following initiatives:
· Data Reporting: Tracking health data related to coronavirus based on race, ethnicity, and geography across the State.
o The State is working with local public health departments to track cases by race and ethnicity in statewide data reporting.
· Access to Care: Working with health care leaders in the community and with the State of Nebraska to ensure that no one is denied coronavirus related health services.
o Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has been working with healthcare providers in the community to assure them that they will be reimbursed for coronavirus related expenses. The Governor’s Office is working with community leaders to inform the public that testing is free even if an individual does not have health insurance and that no one will be denied treatment for coronavirus because of an inability to pay.
· Supporting Community Providers: Providing resources through healthcare facilities in North and South Omaha.
o The State is engaging directly with Charles Drew and One World Health to ensure testing and other resources are being provided to the community.
· Testing: Expanding testing in Omaha.
o In addition to working with community federally qualified health centers (FQHCs), the State is deploying Test Nebraska testing sites in Omaha to increase testing capacity and assist in alleviating the burden on local healthcare providers in the community.
· Masks: Increasing availability of masks for the community.
o DHHS and Governor’s Office are partnering with community leaders to increase messaging regarding the importance of wearing masks when out in public.
· Tracking Funding: Providing and tracking State and Federal coronavirus related funding for North and South Omaha.
o The State is working with Omaha leaders to establish a guideline for tracking coronavirus related funding as it relates to the communities of North and South Omaha.
· Corrections: Updating the community on the State’s plan to prevent spread of coronavirus in the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services (NDCS).
o NDCS Director Scott Frakes participated in a call with Omaha leaders to address their concerns regarding the virus’ impact on the State’s correctional system.
· Unemployment: Assuring timely response regarding unemployment applications.
o Nebraska Department of Labor (NDOL) Commissioner John Albin and NDOL have improved access to unemployment benefits by contracting with North End Teleservices to create a new call center for unemployment benefit claimants, with multiple bilingual customer service representatives available. NDOL has provided additional access to the unemployment program by teaming with Metro Community College (MCC) to create an access point at the Fort Dodge campus of MCC.
· Public Awareness: Collaborating with the Omaha community to expand messaging and education regarding coronavirus.
o The Governor’s Office has been working directly with the Black Media Collaborative/North Omaha Media Collaborative to deploy coronavirus messaging as part of a month-long communications campaign. The Governor’s Office is also working with Spanish media outlets to get messaging to those in which English is not their primary language.
· Future Growth: Partnering with leaders to address long-standing economic and health issues in North and South Omaha.
o Governor Ricketts has directed Nebraska Department of Economic Development Director Tony Goins and DHHS CEO Dannette Smith to work closely with the communities of North and South Omaha to address these issues. To date, task forces have been established that involve state, local, and industry leaders to focus on both of these areas.
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The North Omaha groups consist of hundreds of organizations, businesses, churches, neighborhood associations, media outlets and others representing and serving thousands of residents.
10 Point Action Plan to Prevent the Spread of COVID 19 and Work to Begin Addressing Short-term and Long-term Economic and Health Issues in North Omaha.
Developed with North Omaha Leaders/COVID Task Forces in partnership with Governor Ricketts and leaders from State Departments (April – May 2020; approved May 15, 2020)
1. Tracking data by race, ethnicity and geography across the state in a similar format to what Douglas County is currently implementing.
Commitment: Governor Ricketts agreed to have the Department of Health and Human Services to work with county officials to collect this important data.
Initial Action: The first report was released on May 30, 2020. Douglas County has gathered and reported data by race, ethnicity and geography from the beginning.
2. Working with Health systems CEO’s, DHHS and others to assure that no one facing Coronavirus issues is denied health services during this time.
Commitment: Governor Ricketts agreed to have his team work with CEO’s and other health organizations to assure that no Nebraskan will be turned away from health services related to COVID. And, Governor Ricketts made the commitment that health organization would be reimbursed for services provided to those with COVID related sickness.
Initial Actions: Meetings have been held with health organizations and this message has been communicated. No Nebraskan will be refused access to healthcare related to COVID 19. Cares funding also assures no one will be turned away because of COVID 19.
3. Provide funding to support Charles Drew Health Center, One World Health Center, Center for Holistic Development and North Omaha Area Health clinic who all provide culturally specific and valuable leadership and health services in North and South Omaha. The funding opportunities will address physical and mental health.
Commitment: Governor Ricketts agreed to identify funding opportunities for communities most impacted by COVID 19 including North and South Omaha.
Initial Actions: Governor Ricketts and his team are identifying opportunities that can be connected to North and South Omaha and other areas severely impacted by COVID 19. Follow up meetings are scheduled to identify and secure specific funding through grant application processes and direct allocation to communities most impacted. Several meetings have been held with HHS Mental Health team. A proposal is under consideration by DHHS.
4. Increase the access to testing. Reinforce the need for testing.
Commitment: Governor Ricketts agreed to the importance of expanded testing.
Initial Actions: Governor Ricketts launched TestNebraska, a major statewide initiative which will help identify geographic areas to focus on and lead to contact tracing to prevent further spread. The state of Nebraska will partner with Charles Drew and One World in the local community. The One World implementation started on Thursday, May 14th. Charles Drew implementation has also started.
5. Push for more masks and face coverings to be made available in North and South Omaha.
Commitment: Governor Ricketts agreed to support efforts in Douglas County to make more masks available.
Initial Actions: Douglas County and others have made over 26,000 masks available within the past two weeks for North and South Omaha. African-American and North Omaha leaders will be working with Douglas County and other to make more masks available.
6. Identify the funding allocated for Nebraska through the Federal Cares program which has made $1.099 billion available to the State and $160 million to Douglas County to address COVID 19 issues. Assure that North and South Omaha receive equitable funding from Federal and State sources. And, use scorecards for tracking and reporting purposes.
Commitment: The State has agreed to track by category and department the amount allocated and invested/spent with North and South Omaha organizations.
Initial Actions: A draft tracking report has been created and a diversity and inclusion scorecard. The State of Nebraska has identified plans to allocate the funds by category.
7. Formally address the plan to prevent spread of COVID in State Corrections without sharing sensitive safety procedures.
Commitment: Governor Ricketts agreed to have Director Scott Frakes share plans without sensitive safety procedures. Governor Ricketts also committed to testing incarcerated individuals if an incident occurs.
Initial Actions: A follow-up conference call with State Corrections Director Scott Frakes and DC Jail Director Michael Myers was very productive. As of June 13, 2020, nine state employees have been diagnosed with COVID and have been quarantined. One incarcerated individuals has tested positive in State Corrections. All institutions have comprehensive plans in place. As of June 11th, all incarcerated individuals can be tested within the state corrections system.
8. Assure that unemployment claims are met on a timely basis.
Commitment: Governor Ricketts and his team were already working to increase staffing to support faster service. Staff has increased from 35 to over 160. Governor Ricketts was open to a proposal to help increase capacity in Douglas County with emphasis on Heartland Workforce Solutions.
Initial Actions: Staff has been increased from 35 to over 160. Barriers are being reduced. Governor Ricketts is considering additional funding to support Heartland Workforce Solutions to assist with unemployment work in North and South Omaha.
9. Working with North and South Omaha media to spread the Stay Home, Stay Safe and Support the Village campaign which also incorporates the Governor’s six point plan to Stay Healthy. (campaign should include physical and mental health)
Commitment: Governor Ricketts agreed to support PSA’s and personal participation with radio interviews. The communications team is reviewing COVID 19 funding to assess the ability to invest in education campaigns. Governor Ricketts also committed to assuring communications materials for education, resources and promotional materials will be culturally specific.
Initial Actions: Governor Ricketts has been a special guest on three African-American radio stations in North Omaha. In addition, the State of Nebraska has actively participated with the communications strategy in North Omaha and South Omaha. The leadership group working with Black/North Omaha media and Hispanic/South Omaha media are presenting a long-term communications and outreach plan. The State of Nebraska has started advertising campaigns on the three radio stations.
10. In addition to the 10 Point Plan, Governor Ricketts and his team will work with North and South Omaha on an expanded short-term and long-term economic and health transformation strategy to address long-standing issues and gaps. Make the state of Nebraska a thriving and prosperous state in every county for all people including all races, ethnicities and zip codes in rural and urban communities with a special and intense focus on North and South Omaha which have suffered decades of health disparities driven by socio-economic issues.
Commitment: Governor Ricketts agreed to partner with the North and South Omaha leadership groups to develop and implement strategies to address short-term and long-term economic and health issues that addressed before COVID 19. Some of the immediate needs are directly related to the success of small businesses.
Initial Actions: Governor Ricketts and Tony Goins, Director of Economic Development for the State of Nebraska have created task forces to specifically address COVID related business issues.
Governor Ricketts has agreed to on-going planning and strategy sessions to work with the North Omaha and South Omaha leadership groups to implement targeted strategies.
Governor Ricketts is working with African-American leaders to implement the programs and Anthony Goins, Director of Economic Development, Dannette Smith, Director of Health and Human Services and Scott Frakes, Director of Corrections are working directly with leaders to move things forward.
Community News
“One of the largest and best ever” 13th Annual Christmas in the Village 24th & Lake
Over 7,000 attend the annual community celebration and holiday tradition in North Omaha
The Empowerment Network’s 13th Annual Christmas in the Village at 24th and Lake was one of the largest and best ever according to both the visitors and hosts.
Watch the Highlight Video from the 13th Annual Christmas in the Village at 24th and Lake Here
“Christmas in the Village just keeps getting bigger and better every year,” said an attendee that has made the event a holiday tradition for their family.
The event is hosted annually by the Empowerment Network and Omaha Economic Development Corporation and dozens of organizations and businesses to officially kick off the Christmas season. Major sponsors include: American National Bank, Douglas County Visitor Improvement Fund, Nebraska Arts Council, KETV, Revive Omaha and Veridian Credit Union.
It has become the largest holiday event in North Omaha but attracts visitors from throughout the region. Guests have come from as far away as Minneapolis, Des Moines, Kansas City and St. Louis to participate in the event.
“It was such a blessing to see so many come down to 24th and Lake…the vision has become reality,” said Vicki-Quaites-Ferris, VP of Community Development for the Empowerment Network and event director. “All of the partners had great activities and the families enjoyed all of them.”
The atmosphere is full of joy, excitement, smiles, hugs and laughter. Children visited Santa, Mrs. Claus, live animals including a camel and donkey and even take pictures with the Grinch.
“The children and families loved the Grinch,” said Imani Murray, owner of Ital Vital Living. “And, we sold out of special holiday smoothies and other items right at the end of the day. It was amazing.”
There were also opportunities to make Raku pottery, create crafts and play games with prizes.
Families enjoyed free carriage rides down 24th Street, visited with Cartoon characters and received free family photos, hot cocoa, apple cider, cookies and popcorn.
For those looking to purchase holiday gifts and support local businesses, a stop at the Empowerment Network’s Holiday BoutiQue, Omaha Star’s store, Unionmade Artist Market, NOMA’s holiday market or any of the local businesses including the Styles of Evolution, Revive Center, Doll House Fashions, Carver Legacy Center and Fair Deal Village were all available.
Small Black businesses and vendors were excited about the event. “Many of them reported generating thousands of dollars in sales in just five hours and some sold completely out of merchandise,” said Aisha Conner, Village Community Manager for the Empowerment Network and host for the Holiday BoutiQue. “The entrepreneurs said the crowds were large and attendees were very supportive of them.”
Attendees could visit the Community Partners Fair tent in the parking lot of OEDC.
Northend Teleservices presented Santas Sweet Shop and gave out Stocking Stuffers. The entry of the tent was elegantly decorated in a festive way.
Face painting and health assessments were available at Mt. Moriah Baptist Church and the Washington Branch Library presented their Mobile Free Book Giveaway.
One of the main attractions is the holiday concert in Dreamland Park where some of Omaha’s top gospel and jazz artists present Christmas music and local children’s groups and choirs provide entertainment.
A consistent and popular participant is the Pear Tree Performing Arts group that always has a special performance just for Christmas in the Village and the park was packed.
New this year was the Guiding Light Foundation, I Heart Dance teams and Central Step Team. Zions Children Choir also returned singing Christmas songs.
The Great Plains Black History Museum was able to serve 850 visitors featuring a balloon artists and a national exhibit from the Smithsonian Institute.
It was a festive celebration in the historic heart of North Omaha. A great way to kick off the holiday season, celebrate community, support small businesses, and continue the reemergence of the arts, culture, entertainment and business district at 24th and Lake.
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Message from Willie Barney, CEO and Founder of the Empowerment Network
There’s nothing quite like it! The spirit of Christmas in the Village at 24th and Lake is absolutely energizing and refreshing and just plain old fun! So much positivity with thousands of people coming together to celebrate the season. Hugs, smiles and laughter everywhere.
It was inspired by my own memories of celebrating Christmas with my family in Mississippi. We would travel from 438 to Greenville to the old downtown area with my grandmother, mother, uncles, aunts and cousins. Some of the greatest memories of my life. Yolanda and I had also attended highly successful holiday events in Davenport, Chicago and Orlando. We wanted to bring something like that to North Omaha.
Thank you Vicki Quaites-Ferris, Stacy Henry, Michael Maroney, Deb Bunting and Yolanda Barney for stepping out in faith with me that first year with only weeks to plan the first Christmas in the Village!
We wanted to bring people back to 24th and Lake and use what we had to create an experience where the community could see what was possible. 13 years later over 100 small businesses, organizations, ministries, artists and musicians come together to make it happen. New businesses and developments are coming to the district bringing jobs, housing, services, cultural venues and economic activity.
I want to thank Vicki Quaites-Ferris, VP of Community Development and Event Director and the amazing Empowerment Network team, Aisha Conner, Billana Mekoum, Jonathan Chapman, Ricky Smith, Nadia Spurlock and Sharlon Rodgers and our Step-Up year round coaches. What a year!!!
Thank you Yolanda and all of the 24th and Lake partners. Thank you volunteers, sponsors, singers, entrepreneurs, dancers, musicians, site hosts, vendors, media and most importantly all of our guests!
There’s no limit to what is possible when we come together. Thank God for the blessing of a beautiful day in the Village! We choose to build together.
More Photos:
Events
Willie and Yolanda Barney honored as 176th ‘Faces’ by Omaha Press Club
Omaha community builders & entrepreneurs, Willie and Yolanda Barney,
176th Face on Barroom Floor on Thursday, Dec. 14
By Tom O’Connor, Omaha Press Club Communications
Faces Drawing by Jeff Koterba
Willie and Yolanda Barney wear many different hats while striving for one key goal – to help make Omaha a stronger, safer and more vibrant community.
The Barneys work out of the heart of North Omaha, where they have worked with many others to spearhead a variety of entrepreneurial initiatives aimed at such things as reviving Black businesses, providing employment opportunities for youth, enhancing career advancement and leadership skills, helping the community build wealth, and even reducing gun violence.
For their many contributions to Omaha, the Barneys were recognized by the Omaha Press Club on Thursday, Dec. 14, as the 176th Face on the Barroom Floor.
The ‘Faces’ honors newsmakers and leaders who have made an impact in the community and are recognized regionally and nationally for their work. Over the years, civic leaders, business executives, athletes, media personalities, entertainers, philanthropists and others have been recognized.
“The Barneys are special people,” said Roger Humphries, chair of the Face on the Barroom Floor Committee. “They have truly made a difference in our community. The magnitude of their efforts is almost mind-boggling. They have a relentless devotion to making Omaha better, and their many endeavors have positively impacted the entire spectrum of our society.”
Douglas County Treasurer John Ewing, who along with his wife, Viv, was the 165th Face in 2021, praised the Barneys for “their commitment to faith and how they live it out through their community service.” He added, “Willie and Yolanda are passionate about making Omaha the great city we want it to be. Their goal is to do it in neighborhood by neighborhood in every zip code.”
The Barney’s were roasted by Jonathan Chapman, Vice-President of Collaboratives for the Empowerment Network; John Ewing, Douglas County Treasurer and Viv Ewing CEO of Children’s Square; and Candice Price, Co-owner of Home Team Auto. Over 130 friends, co-workers, civic leaders and community partners joined in the celebration.
The Barneys, who have been married for 25 years, came to Omaha in 2000. They each have a strong media background.
Born in Hollandale, Mississippi, and living near Arcola, Mississippi, along Highway 438, Willie has more than 30 years of business experience. He worked for Lee Enterprises in Davenport, Iowa, for 10 years rising to senior level positions in strategic planning, marketing and communications before joining the Omaha World-Herald in 2000.
Yolanda, a native of Tacoma, Washington, has 29 years of media and publishing experience. She held key positions in advertising, sales and new product development with the Kansas City Star, Dallas Morning News, Atlanta Journal-Constitution and Quad City Times.
Willie is a graduate of St. Ambrose University in Davenport with a double major in economics and business administration. He also has received advanced training through the Summer Leadership Institute for Community Development at Harvard University and through the Executive Leadership and Management Training Program at the Northwestern University Media Center in Chicago.
Yolanda earned her college degree in mass communication from the University of Missouri-Kansas City.
Working together as a team the Barneys launched a number of businesses and organizations. Willie is probably best known in Omaha for his work with the Empowerment Network:
- The Empowerment Network, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is a community-based collaborative including hundreds of leaders and organizations and thousands of residents. Launched by Willie with the support of Yolanda and other leaders in 2007, the network seeks to improve the economic condition and quality of life for African-Americans, North Omaha residents and citizens of Omaha.
It has been recognized as one of four model communities in the nation by the Obama Foundation, and the U.S. Department of Justice honored the network with its National Community Service Award for its work in helping to reduce gun violence by nearly 70 percent. It has garnered national media attention from among others ABC News, CNN and The Washington Post.
Some of the network’s most well-known collaboratives are:
- Step-Up Omaha!, a youth employment and entrepreneurship program which has connected 8,000 youth and young adults to career exploration, jobs and internships.
- Omaha 360, a violence intervention and prevention collaborative;
- Cradle to Career, an education collaborative;
- African-American Leadership Conference and Rebuilding the Village Conference;
- Christmas in the Village and other cultural events at 24th and Lake; and
- North Omaha Village Plan/Transformation Plan.
With a dynamic team, board and dedicated partners, Willie leads the Empowerment Network, a nonprofit that is all about collaboration, he said.
On the business side, the Barneys are strong believers in entrepreneurship and have launched a number of enterprises in Omaha:
- WDB Resultants, launched in 2003, a national consulting firm founded by Willie Barney and co-owned by Yolanda, who serves as vice president. The company specializes in strategic planning, communications, research, facilitation, and community-building through its work with clients in the small business, corporate, nonprofit, and faith-based sectors across the country.A sought-after public speaker and thought leader, Willie Barney is a strategist, facilitator and catalyst with a proven track record of working effectively with partners to get things done and accomplish strategic visions.
- SMB Enterprises, also launched in 2003, is a company that provides positive events, media and entertainment in the greater Omaha area. One of the primary products of SMB is Revive Omaha, a print/online magazine focused on family lifestyle and empowerment for African-Americans. It was founded by the Barneys in 2008. The magazine highlights the positive work and outcomes of community leaders, businesses, students and families through a number of special editions, including the North Omaha Community Guide, Black Business Guide, and the student-focused Salute to Excellence. Yolanda is responsible for the publishing and print division of the company, producing local and national custom publishing products. She also oversees the online magazine.
- Revive Black Business Network, which was established by the Barneys 10 years ago through Revive Omaha. Through monthly luncheons and summits, the network has brought together more than 350 Black business owners and entrepreneurs for networking, business exchange, capacity-building, expositions and expansion.
- In 2019, the Barneys expanded SMB with the launching of the Revive Center Omaha. A center which provides a platform for chefs, cooks, creatives and entrepreneurs to introduce their products and services to the community.
- Carver Legacy Center, a Black-owned financial institution created in 2020 by the Barneys in partnership with Martin and Lynnell Williams with the support of John and Wende Kotouc to help build Black wealth and create strong economies in the North Omaha communities. It is located at 24th and Lake streets.
Yolanda and Willie have received numerous awards. Yolanda was recognized for her efforts including the Mildred D. Brown Torch Bearer Award as well as the National Coalition of Black Women Economic Empowerment Award. Willie was recognized by Creighton University, University of Nebraska Omaha, and the Department of Justice. In 2020, the National Education Association presented Willie Barney and the Empowerment Network with the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Award.
The Barneys have a son, Nehemiah, 22, who is studying film at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and a daughter, Priscilla, who is a junior at Omaha Central High School. In the family’s spirit of entrepreneurism, both children also have launched their own small business enterprises.
Active in their faith, the Barneys serve as associate ministers at Launch Church International.
Events
We Choose to Build Together…300 leaders convene for Summit & Business Expo
The Empowerment Network’s African-American Leadership Summit and Revive Black Business Expo held at the Hilton Omaha on November 6th were both highly successful. Over 300 local and national leaders from every sector convened for a day of inspiration, development, networking and capacity-building. The theme of the event was “We Choose to Build Together.”
“We normally have a Leadership Conference in the fall but decided to switch things up this year because of so many major things happening in the community,” said Willie Barney, CEO & founder of the Empowerment Network.
“Our goals were to build on our collective work, encourage the tangible support of Black-owned businesses, introduce our national partner cities and launch the next round of capacity-building cohorts,” said Barney. “We choose to do business together. Build community together. Intentionally.”
Thirty small businesses and organizations were visible at display tables and most reported doing great business during the Summit generating thousands of dollars in sales collectively. A new tool was utilized through a Summit app to track sales during the day.
“I did very, very well,” said one of the small business vendors. “It was an exceptional day for my business.”
“The attendees at the Leadership events always do a great job supporting the small businesses,” said Yolanda Barney of Revive Omaha and manager of the Revive Black Business Expo. “Many of them typically sell out of merchandise. We need to keep this going year-round.”
The Summit also featured a panel of small businesses discussing the impact of intentional support from the Empowerment Network and other organizations. Gladys Harrison, owner of Big Mama’s Kitchen and Catering; Jason Fischer, CEO of Surreal Media Lab; Lewade Milliner, national musician and artist based in North Omaha; and, Don McPherson, owner of Styles of Evolution, all shared specific examples of how the Network and its partners have supported their businesses.
All of the small business owners also highlighted their vision for the future and the number of jobs they could create in the community with additional support.
“Imagine what we could do if all of the churches, organizations, neighborhoods and corporations supported these businesses in the same way,” said McPherson.
In addition to the small businesses and panels of local and national speakers, the Empowerment Network introduced representatives from Kansas City, Missouri; Tulsa, Oklahoma; Lansing, Michigan; and Columbus, Georgia. These are cities in the process of starting Empowerment Network and 360 initiatives in their communities. New Orleans, Louisiana and Davenport, IA/Quad-Cities are also part of the national partnerships.
Klassie Alcine, Executive Director of KC Common Good (KC 360 in Kansas City)
City Councilor Vanessa Hall-Harper, Tulsa, OK
“I really want to thank the Network team for the incredible amount of work they put into pulling this off in less than four weeks,” said Barney. “And, thank you to the sponsors, speakers, volunteers and all in attendance. We need to build on this momentum.”
Capacity-Building Cohorts Launched at Summit
The Empowerment Network’s national strategic partners were present to help launch or continue capacity-building cohorts regarding career advancement, leadership development, storytelling, fund development and wealth building.
Dr. Randal Pinkett opened the registration for the 5th cohort and a national edition of the Redefine the Game Institute. Pinkett shared insights regarding the changes in the field of diversity and inclusion and what it will take to be successful with career advancement moving forward.
Dr. Pamela Jolly is working with the Network to launch the 3rd cohort of the Legacy Wealth initiative. Jolly challenged attendees to build on the closed loop economy that has launched in Omaha.
Suzan Hart’s cohort will leverage her internationally recognized approach to strategic, collaborative leadership and storytelling. Hart shared her personal journey towards full empowerment as she found purpose by unleashing the power of her own story.
Anna Barber is launching a cohort to help leaders with fund and donor development strategies to make visions a reality. Barber shared insights from her experience of developing hundreds of millions of dollars in contributions including the African-American History Museum in Washington D.C.
Obama Foundation and Department of Justice Attend Summit
Dr. Adren Wilson, Executive Director of My Brother’s Keeper and Vice-President of the Obama Foundation, was present to celebrate Omaha as one of four model communities.
Karhlton Moore, Director of the Bureau of Justice Assistance representing the Department of Justice, attended the Leadership Summit to learn more about the Empowerment Network’s approach to addressing root causes and mobilizing sectors of the community.
Dr. Will Moreland, one of the Network’s national strategic partners had the crowd fully engaged as he emphasized the key message of the Summit: “Be Intentional!”
Dozens of Local Leaders Highlighted Their Commitments
Local speakers emphasized the importance of collaboration and supporting black businesses.
Kimara Snipes, new executive director of One Omaha, highlighted the role of neighborhoods in using asset-based development and specific ways neighborhoods support small businesses.
Pastor Brian Page, Senior Pastor of Pleasant Green Baptist Church, represented churches and highlighted the impact local churches continue to have in serving the community and providing leadership in partnership with community-based organizations.
Tamera Spurlock and Andrea Walker, co-leads with Amplify, PayPal’s Black Employee Resource Group provided powerful examples of what they do to help employees achieve success while also serving and volunteering in the community. Amplify is also very intentional about supporting Black businesses.
Deputy Chief Sherie Thomas of the Omaha Police Department illustrated the power of working together to make change happen in the community. Thomas also noted the way the Black Police Officer’s Association supports small businesses and hosts impactful events with youth and the community.
Barney and State Senator Justin Wayne, Willie Hamilton, President of Black Men United and Leo Louis, business owner and board chair of the Malcolm X Foundation, shared perspectives on what it takes to get past divisions to make a positive impact in the community.
Jonathan Chapman, Vice-President of Community Collaboratives for the Empowerment Network hosted a panel with State Senator Terrell McKinney, Aja Anderson, Executive Director of the LiveWell Partnership, Racquel Henderson, Navigator at Metropolitan Community College and Marisa Hattab, Director of Diversity, and Inclusion for Douglas County. The panel focused on ways to build on the foundation of collective work in Omaha to create the future desired by the community.
The final session of the day featured Nadia Spurlock, a recent graduate from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln and the newest member of the Empowerment Network team and Denzell Dial, a senior at the University of Nebraska Omaha, majoring in aviation.
Both Spurlock and Dial spoke about the impact of their families, the community organizations they were a part of while they were growing up in North Omaha and their hopes for the future as they both lead efforts to help the next generation. They were joined by other young men and women who are working to build out the MBK Omaha initiative for young men and Empowered Young Women’s groups.
“We encourage everyone to stay engaged throughout the rest of the year and into 2024,” said Jonathan Chapman, Vice-President of Community Collaboratives for the Empowerment Network. “Stay connected via our website and Facebook page. There’s something for everyone to do.”
