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Omaha Native, JeRonelle featured on Fox’s The Four

Photos: ©2019 Nehemiah Barney, Revive Omaha

Character. Integrity. Faith. Family. And, a captivating voice with an incredible range that will stop you in your tracks.

Revive Omaha was blessed to have a conversation with native Omahan JeRonelle about his experience on the hit tv show, The Four last year. Immediately following his performance on the show, reactions came in from around the world. He blew the celebrity judges and the international audience away with his gift of range, style and a falsetto that generated over 3,000,000 views on social media.

“Saaaaang.”
—Maxwell

“Excellent.”
—John Legend

“Amazing.”
—Omaha Family and Friends

It appears that he has blown up on the national scene overnight. But behind the scenes, JeRonelle has been “praying, preparing, grinding” and stepping out in faith since a very early age. “I started singing when I was 3,” said JeRonelle. His name was formed by combining the names of Jesus, his father Ron and his mother Michelle.

Actually, it was earlier, but 3 was the age that he could officially join the children’s choir at his family’s church, Salem Baptist Church. It was there at church and at home that he began to discover his God-given gift for music and singing. “I began to notice people’s reaction when I opened my mouth to sing and realized it was more than just me singing. It would have an impact on them.”

JeRonelle with consistent and unwavering encouragement and support from his mother Michelle, family members, and friends continued to sing through elementary, middle school and high school.

“I was the kid who was always in somebody’s talent show. Singing in the choir. I was always around music.”

He initially had not planned to go to college, he wanted to pursue music immediately after high school. His mother had other plans. “She wasn’t having that,” he said with a big smile as he thought about that life-changing moment. She insisted that he take at least one year of college. He agreed and was accepted at Clark Atlanta University and earned a music scholarship.

“One year turned into two, two into three and then four,” said JeRonelle. It was there that he had the opportunity to further develop what God had given him.

Immediately after graduation, he moved to Los Angeles to pursue his life long dream.

“It’s been tough. There have big highs and lows sometimes multiple highs and lows in the same day.”

Auditions. Rejections. Evictions. Bills.

Through it all JeRonelle consistently went back to the foundation that makes him more than a powerful voice. He called on his faith. He called on his family.

“This journey the past three years in Los Angeles has really helped me to develop even greater faith. My family has prayed for me. They have encouraged me with scripture. They have been there in the rough moments. God has always come through. Even when I was asking what now God? What’s going on? How am I going to do this? This journey has shown me how he comes through every time and everything is working for my good.”

Photos: ©2019 Nehemiah Barney, Revive Omaha

Last summer, just about anyone watching the show and listening to him sing Maxwell’s rendition of “This Woman’s Work” on the Fox show, The Four recognized instantly that they were listening to one of the most gifted voices we had ever heard. Even the other talented members of The Four reacted with awe.

From the first note, people in the audience and around the world gasped with their mouths wide open in complete shock as JeRonelle flawlessly sang. JeRonelle “kilt it” and “shut it down” as many said on his social media which collectively have gained more than 50,000 followers since his first appearance on the show.

His first song was exceptionally strong right out of the gate and was enough to earn him a chance to challenge one of the other chair holders. The audience was responding to him with great energy and feeling his stirring rendition of “Too Close” by Alex Clare.

But when he stood and delivered “This Woman’s Work,” Sean “Diddy” Combs, DJ Khaled and Meghan Trainer instantly knew JeRonelle had won the battle and earned his seat as one of the Four.

“Presence means everything and you, you were on point”, said Diddy.

Trainer who was obviously pulling for the other artist said, “I know JeRonelle has won tonight.”

“You got to be hungry,” said DJ Khalied. “JeRonelle, he came to eat.”

Now it was up to the audience. “On television, it appears that the vote comes back in 15 seconds. It actually takes three minutes,” recounted JeRonelle.
He could hear people in the audience: “We love you”. “We voted for you.”

He was praying. Thinking about what this moment could mean for him. Thinking about the encouragement from friends and family. Thinking about the sacrifices, long nights, highs and lows, the challenging and difficult circumstances and obstacles.

Thinking about all of the auditions and working for, praying for, grinding for a moment to break through. Thinking about the “we really love your voice, but you are not what we are looking for” moments he had experienced when applying in previous years for The Voice, American Idol, and even The Four.

And then, the decision came in.

“JeRonelle you have won the battle and you are now the newest member of The Four.”

The breakthrough moment. His gift has certainly made room for him and brought him before great men. With his voice, range, faith, character, integrity, and humbleness, there’s no question God has great things in store for JeRonelle.

The words of one of his original songs capture the essence of the moment;
“Seeds in the ground. New kid in town”

Although he lost his seat to fellow competitor James Graham, he is the first to tell you this was just one step on the front end of the journey. He is preparing now for his next season and what God has for him.

He is working on new music and focused on the opportunity to do some touring. Maybe, just maybe Maxwell or John Legend, or someone else will recognize the gift and come calling.

Follow and support JeRonelle on Instagram.

JeRonelle Talks Omaha, Los Angeles and The Four

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Community News

Step-Up Omaha interns gain valuable work experience at UNMC

Front row from left: Evelyn Grixby, UNMC employee relations programs coordinator; Alona Wilson; Jennifer Esqueda; Amari Johnson; Lakeisha Bonam of Step-Up Omaha; and Linda Cunningham, associate director for UNMC Human Resources. Back row from left: NeRae Davis; Niara Bowie-Berry; Randy Smith; Mukundaha Devanaboyina; Julia Livingston of Step-Up Omaha; and John Skradski of Step-Up Omaha.

 

Published:  July 21, 2024
WRITTEN BY Jeff Robb, UNMC strategic communications

Step-Up Omaha interns are back at UNMC for another summer of work experience and learning opportunities around the academic medical center.

Step-Up Omaha is an initiative of the Empowerment Network, the City of Omaha and community partners to give youths summer job training and work experience.

Since 2016, UNMC has participated by hosting interns in a variety of departments, centers and offices around the campus. This year, the program, which started June 17, has eight interns.

Evelyn Grixby, employee relations programs coordinator in UNMC Human Resources and the Step-Up Omaha program coordinator, said UNMC’s Step-Up internship program is a coordinated effort with the worksite partners to invest in the interns and intentionally provide them valuable outcomes by the end of summer.

The interns receive job shadowing, mentoring, career guidance and networking opportunities, Grixby said.

“In the short period of time that the interns are on campus, they gain soft skills training that leave them feeling empowered, inspired, connected and more confident about their career interest,” she said.

Linda Cunningham, associate director for UNMC Human Resources, said the department is excited to welcome the 2024 interns to UNMC.

Cunningham credited Grixby for her dedicated efforts to the program. She also thanked participating UNMC departments, saying they are mentoring future leaders while also embracing the fresh, new perspectives shared by the interns.

Said Cunningham, “Our campus remains committed to providing thoughtfully designed and impactful learning experiences for our Step-Up interns in a supportive environment that exceeds their expectations and hones their curiosity for career exploration and success.

“We encourage each of them to take full advantage of the rich opportunity, resources and connections available to them during this experience.”

Intern Randy Smith is back at UNMC for a fourth summer through the program, this time working with the UNMC Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research. Smith, who is studying psychology at Metropolitan Community College, said he was drawn by UNMC’s environment of friendly people.

“It’s great working along with people who are like-minded, driving towards a better future in technology and health care,” he said.

This summer’s interns and their departments are:

  • Jennifer Esqueda, UNMC Human Resources
  • Alona Wilson, UNMC Human Resources and the Office of the Chancellor
  • Randy Smith, UNMC Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research
  • NeRae Davis, UNMC Facilities Management and Planning
  • Amari Johnson, UNMC Office of Inclusion
  • Mukundaha Devanaboyina, Munroe-Meyer Institute community engagement
  • Ajay Repakula, Munroe-Meyer Institute Trailblazers Program and administration
  • Niara Bowie-Berry, UNMC Global Center for Health Security

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Community News

Ashlei Spivey running for State Senate, marches towards general election

Published:  August 20, 2024

As Nebraska’s Legislative District 13 prepares for a new season, Ashlei Spivey is running for office to become the clear choice to lead this truly resilient and diverse community.

A lifelong resident of North Omaha, Ashlei epitomizes the spirit and core of the district’s culture, rich history and vast potential. With a deep commitment to her community along with a proven track record of advocacy, Ashlei is campaigning to be the leader District 13 needs.

Growing up in North Omaha, Ashlei didn’t just witness the challenges her neighbors faced, she lived them. This personal connection fueled her passion for social justice and inspired her to dedicate her life to serving others.

With degrees in Communications, Marketing, and Urban Social Planning, Ashlei brings a unique blend of vision, intelligence, and Omaha grit to the table. Ashlei believes her educational background, coupled with her vast experience in nonprofit leadership, equips her with the necessary tools to create meaningful change.

Ashlei is a leader on a mission. Having founded the nonprofit, I Be Black Girls and currently sitting as its Executive Director, her impact has driven significant change, notably in Black maternal health. Her tireless work led to the creation of Nebraska’s first statewide Black maternal health coalition, transforming healthcare delivery for Black women across the state.

But Ashlei’s vision extends beyond healthcare. Her goal is to make a measurable difference in the lives of Nebraskans.  She plans to tackle head-on issues affecting her constituents, like public safety, economic development, lowering property tax, and improving education. “Residents of District 13 deserve the opportunity to thrive in a safe community,” she said. My commitment is to fight for the things that matter, such as affordable housing, quality healthcare, and well-funded schools accessible to all.

Ashlei’s heart is on full display when you examine her professional work and personal life. Having worked alongside many in the district, she has built strong relationships with local community organizations, businesses, and residents alike.

Her unwavering commitment to the region she calls home is palpable. Her ability to listen, empathize, and act on behalf of her constituents is what she says sets her apart and prepares her to bring the voices of District 13 to the Capitol.

Given the successes under her belt, her talent has not gone unnoticed. Ashlei has been nationally recognized, earning such distinctions as the Ten Outstanding Young Omahans Award, the Chamber YP Changemaker Award and she has been featured in Forbes and Essence.

Ashlei Spivey is not just running for political office but for the many neighbors who rely on her to make a difference. She wants to empower the residents of District 13 to ensure they have a voice at the highest levels of their government.

“I am ready to hit the ground running on day one,” Ashlei says, “and I look forward to earning the vote and trust of Legislative District 13.”

To learn more about Ashlei Spivey’s vision for Nebraska Legislative District 13, visit https://www.ashleifornebraska.com/

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Careers

Curtis Morgan to lead MBK Omaha programs for Empowerment Network

Published:  July 21, 2024

The Empowerment Network is pleased to announce the addition of Curtis Morgan as the My Brother’s Keeper (MBK) Omaha Program Manager. Morgan brings a wealth of experience in public administration, youth development, community engagement, and nonprofit management to his new role.

Morgan has spent more than a decade working in various leadership roles, demonstrating a deep commitment to fostering community development and youth empowerment.

He previously served as program coordinator for TeamMates, a school-based mentoring program from Omaha Public Schools, where he recruited community members to mentor students in schools across the district. Morgan has also served as the re-engagement specialists for D2 Center, where he helped high school students with chronic absenteeism and truancy find a path to graduation. Additionally, he’s managed and facilitated after-school programming for elementary and middle school students in North and South Omaha. As a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., he also volunteers as the director of the Omaha Kappa League.

“I am humbled and truly honored to join the Empowerment Network team as the MBK Omaha program manager,” said Morgan. “I’ve had the pleasure of volunteering and participating in several Empowerment Networks events and collaborations over the last decade. Now I’ll have the opportunity to lead a collaborative effort with a mission that is closely related to my passion for mentoring and youth advocacy. Together, we will fill the voids that exist for young men of color in our community and provide them the tools they need to be successful.”

In his new role, Morgan will work with Jonathan Chapman, vice president of community collaboratives, and the Cradle to Career director, to lead the MBK Model Community initiatives for the city of Omaha. This initiative aims to achieve a measurable shift in outcomes for boys and young men of color. This role will play a pivotal part in strengthening local collaborations and establishing new partnerships to help the community achieve the six key milestones to success identified by the Obama Foundation’s MBK Alliance.

“We are excited to welcome Mr. Morgan as the MBK Omaha Program Manager,” said Willie Barney, founder and CEO, Empowerment Network. “His dedication to fostering community development and youth empowerment aligns perfectly with our mission, and we look forward to the innovative and impactful programs he will help us create and implement.”

Supported in part by the My Brother’s Keeper Alliance, a program of The Obama Foundation, the Empowerment Network is dedicated to building safe and thriving communities through economic, educational and social success. Programs like Omaha 360 and Step-Up Omaha exemplify these efforts. My Brother’s Keeper Alliance promotes supportive communities for boys and young men of color, ensuring they feel valued and have clear pathways to opportunity.

With Bachelor’s degrees in Sociology and Psychology from Nebraska Wesleyan University, and a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Bellevue University, Morgan is currently completing his certification in Fundraising Management at University of Nebraska-Omaha.

To stay connected with the Empowerment Network and learn about upcoming events, visit https://empoweromaha.com/. Follow Empowerment Network on Facebook at Facebook.com/EmpowermentNetwork.

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About the Empowerment Network
The Empowerment Network is a nonprofit organization committed to advancing economic, social, and civic progress within Omaha’s African American community, North Omaha and the region. Through collaborative efforts and innovative initiatives, the Empowerment Network strives to create opportunities for empowerment and transformation in every zip code and neighborhood in Omaha and beyond.

Vicki Quaites-Ferris
The Empowerment Network
402-502-5153

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