‘It was phenomenal’ Hundreds attend Fall Festival in the Village
It’s a beautiful thing when the village comes together. The weather was beautiful, too.
30 small businesses, venues and organizations came together to host the very first Fall Festival in the Village at 24th and Lake. The new event builds on the successes of Christmas in the Village and Native Omaha Days activities hosted at 24th and Lake.
“The goal since we launched Christmas in the Village ten years ago and developed the North Omaha Village Plan was to build towards having large monthly and weekly events at 24th and Lake to further advance the district,” said Willie Barney, CEO of the Empowerment Network and co-owner of the Revive Center and Carver Legacy Center.
“It was phenomenal,” said Terri Sanders, publisher of the Omaha Star. “They had a chance to have fun and learn about the history and see the future of the Omaha Star when they stopped by.”
“Seeing the kids having such a great time was the best,” said Cynthia Hume, site director for OEDC’s Fair Deal Village. “They were all enjoying the games and petting zoo and I remember one little girl skipping across the parking lot saying ‘this was so much fun’ as she was leaving. That’s what it is all about.”
The Empowerment Network, OEDC, Revive, FHAS, Omaha Star and others teamed together to host the first Christmas in the Village and new businesses and venues have joined in along the way in the historic district at 24th and Lake.
Barney started bringing the businesses and venues back together for additional planning in late August of this year following one of the most successful Native Omaha Days on record, planned and hosted by the Native Omaha Days Organizing Committee.
He felt this was the time to create a collective master schedule and calendar to keep the great things happening at 24th and Lake front and center. The initial planning team has continued to expand and now includes 30+ businesses, venues and organizations. Even more are joining now.
“The holidays are a significant time for most businesses. When we work together, 24th and Lake is a great location for music, food, shopping, connecting with history and celebrating black culture,” added Barney.
Fall Festival is a great example of this collective approach. Each business and venue agreed to take on a part of the event and offer something unique for children and families. The goal for the team was to start small just like Christmas in the Village and build as they go.
“We were blown away by the turnout,” said Brigitte McQueen, executive director of The Union of Contemporary Art. The Union provided free pumpkins, craft making, a new exhibit and introduced their Pursuing Legacy project with Denise Chapman.
“We ran out of pumpkins and produce, brought more out and ran out again because there were so many families,” added McQueen.
In addition to the face painting, cartoon characters, hula hooping and other free activities, families supported the small businesses in a big way.
“We were excited about all of the families that came out to support the event,” said Yolanda Barney, co-owner of the Revive Center. “We were pleasantly surprised about the number that attended. Our team is planning ahead for the Trunk or Treat event. We really appreciate the support of the community.”
“It was so amazing, such a great turnout,” said Imani Murry, co-owner of Ital Vital Living that offered the free face painting and food for sale by Little Ve’s and their own smoothies and juices. “It went so well for our business and Little Ve’s that we sold out of just about everything. Plus, we provided face painting for over 300!”
“This was definitely successful and I think we’ve found another annual event,” said Eric Ewing, executive director of the Great Plains Black History Museum. “We had nearly 200 go through the museum in just four hours. Guests learned a little history and the kids were able to get a treat, too.”
That is exactly the vision and goal for The Village at 24th and Lake. A long time theme for the village revitalization efforts has been “A Rich History & Thriving Future.”
The event went extremely well even though one of the main attractions ran into a major snag. The hayride was not available as the farmer coming from Springfield, who was providing the trailer, had a flat tire without a replacement.
Organizers said it was disappointing to not be able to host the ride for the community after all of the coordination, but they are now planning to add it to the Trunk or Treat on October 30th.
All of the other activities were in place and fully enjoyed by those in attendance.
“Being a community advocate and business owner, there was something magical in the air Saturday,” said Michael Young, president of Technology Consulting Services and co-owner of Rooted Synergy Gallery. “Live music, activities for all ages and the community coming together to support businesses is exactly what this district needs.”
Based on the attendance and all of the smiles, laughter and positive energy, the future is bright for The Village at 24th and Lake.
Connecting families, friends and community to outstanding events and a positive environment including music, food, activities, arts, culture and small businesses, all within the historic walking district, that’s a beautiful thing.
Stay connected with future events here.
Coming Events
Aileen Warren and Jay Warren-Teamer to present at AALC 2024
Aileen Warren and Jay Warren-Team will be co-presenters 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)
Aileen and Jay will share insights gained from their highly successful careers. The topic is Delivering on Your Promise with Excellence.
Both are trailblazers in their respective workplaces and impactful leaders in the community.
Aileen has an extensive career in human resources leading departments for First National Bank, FirstData and UNMC. She is now the Executive Director for ICAN a nationally recognized leadership development organization for women.
Jay worked as a leader in the non-profit realm with Partnership for Kids and United Way of the Midlands before transitioning to the corporate sector. She previously worked at Mutual of Omaha, and now at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska where she leads the Nebraska Blue Foundation and diversity, equity and inclusion.
Both Warren and Warren-Teamer are members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
The session will provide a roadmap for establishing your personal and professional brand of excellence and delivering on the promise.
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)
Aileen Warren
Aileen currently serves as the President and CEO of ICAN, the Institute for Career Advancement Needs. ICAN is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to develop inspired, authentic leaders to transform the organizations and communities they serve.
A UNO Goodrich Scholarship recipient, she attended and graduated from UNO where she earned bachelor’s and master’s degree in social work. She also holds a certificate in Organizational Development from the Fielding Institute. After graduation from college, Aileen began her professional career working at a variety of non-profit organizations including the YWCA and Urban League of Nebraska. During this time, she honed her leadership skills by participating in the ICAN Influence Program and the Omaha Chamber of Commerce Leadership Omaha Program. She went on to have a long career in Human Resources working for First National Bank, First Data Corporation (now Fiserv), and UNMC.
She is very active in the community and has an extensive record of involvement with numerous organizations including the Boys and Girls Club of the Midlands, Women’s Fund of Omaha, Omaha Home for Boys, and the Omaha Downtown Rotary. She is a Past President of the Omaha Downtown Rotary and former President of the Board of Directors of the Women’s Fund of Omaha. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc, and participates in the African American Empowerment Network. She is also a University of Nebraska Foundation Trustee and was recently appointed to the Omaha Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.
Aileen has been recognized for her community contributions by being selected as the 2006 Boys and Girls Club of the Midlands Woman of the Year, a 2012 Omaha North High Viking of Distinction, and 2018 Ak-Sar-Ben Court of Honor recipient. In 2020, she and her husband, Thomas received the honor of having their faces on the barroom floor at the Omaha Press Club. In 2021, she received the College of Public Affairs and Community Service Alumni Award from the University of Nebraska at Omaha.
She has been married to her husband Thomas for 39 years. They have three children – Jessica, Thomas Jr., and Alexandra. She also has three grandsons Evan, Kingston, and Princeton.
Jay Warren-Teamer
Jay Warren-Teamer is an Omaha native who has spent her personal and professional life serving our community. She received her B.S. in Child, Youth and Family Studies from the University of Nebraska- Lincoln and earned her Master’s in Public Administration from the University of Nebraska-Omaha. Currently, she is the Executive Director of the Nebraska Blue Foundation and DEI at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska.
With her childhood friend, Ashlei Spivey, Jay co-founded I Be Black Girl and leads the groups’ giving circle, IBBGives. Since launching in 2018, IBBGives has invested over $150k to projects supporting Black women, femmes and girls in the Omaha metro. Highly engaged in our community, Jay has served on the boards of Kids Can Community Center, Women’s Fund of Omaha and MENTOR Nebraska. She is also a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Recognitions and awards include:
- WCA’s Tribute to Women Young Leader Award (2009)
- Women’s Fund of Omaha Inner Circle honoree (2017)
- Greater Omaha Chamber YP Council Changemaker Award (2018)
- Urban League of Nebraska African American Leadership Award (2019)
- UNO Chancellor’s Commission on the Status of Gender Equity – Outstanding Community Service Award (2021)
- UNO College of Public Affairs and Community Service – Alumni Award for Excellence in Public Service (2021)
Her greatest joy is her family. Jay is married to her high school sweetheart, Shannon, and they have two sons.
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
Coach Melody McClellan will bring vital health and wellness message to Leadership Conference
Coach Melody McClellan a nationally recognized leader in the health and wellness field will present at the Empowerment Network’s African-American Leadership Conference on Friday, September 27, 2024.
Coach Melody’s health and wellness platform has continued to expand across the country. The work and calling is so strong for Melody, six years ago, she left her corporate sales position and went full time as a Health and Wellness Transformation Strategist.
The event 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)
Melody McClellan
Melody McClellan is CEO of Unwrap You, LLC. She is a published author of two books; Unwrap the New You Interactive Wellness Journal and Ohhmazing Wellness. Melody received the 2017 Excellence in Health Care Award and has over 20 years of experience in the health field, specifically in the areas of diabetes, cholesterol, obesity, and weight management.
Coach Melody creates and implements corporate wellness programs, develops personalized workshops, facilitates lunch and learns, and is a dynamic speaker. She engages groups of all ages in a variety of topics related to health and wellness. Her goal is to educate and improve health outcomes. In addition to her passion for health and wellness, Coach Melody is an ambassador for the American Heart Association, VP of Young Ambassadors for YWCA, Board Member of I AM ESTL The Magazine, and a life member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
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. For more information on the Empowerment Network, please go to empoweromaha.com
Coming Events
Moving Towards $1 Billion; David Stevens to present at Leadership Conference
One of the nation’s top investors and wealth management leaders, David Stevens, CEO and Founder of Stevens Capital Partners, will present on investments and portfolios at the Empowerment Network’s African-American Leadership Conference on Friday, September 27, 2024.
The event 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)
David Stevens
After spending nearly 20 years of his career at TD Ameritrade, where he ran the largest advice practice in the nation, David founded Stevens Capital PartnersTM, an SEC fee-only Registered Investment Advisory Firm (formerly known as Purposeful Wealth). David is a University of Nebraska at Lincoln graduate, a series 66 licensed (Investment Advisor), and holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designation. He is a proud member of the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors and is on the Board of Directors for the Financial Planning Association of Nebraska.
David has been a guest speaker and panelist at local and national conferences throughout the financial industry. David and the team focus on your life, family, and priorities to help you determine, navigate, and achieve your goals. His commitment to the fiduciary model of investment management is one of the pillars that support his work ethic and core values.
He and his wife, Natalia have four children and live in Omaha, where he enjoys attending and coaching their children’s academic, musical, and athletic events. He sits on several boards and enjoys making a positive impact in the lives of others. Part of that commitment is his pledge to donate 10 percent of the profits of Stevens Capital PartnersSM to his community.
Goal is to Delight and Deliver!
Our clients cover a broad spectrum but are mostly high-net worth families, business executives, professional athletes, institutions, churches, and non-profits. They rely on us for wealth management, comprehensive financial planning, and our ability to strategize with them on matters within and outside their financial needs.
Exceeding the expectations of our clients is too low a bar for us. We strive to delight.
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. For more information on the Empowerment Network, please go to empoweromaha.com