North Omaha and People of Color Convention look to build on historic vote and momentum
Based on data provided by the Douglas County Elections Commission, over 21,000 North Omaha residents cast their votes in November, the highest total in the last four election cycles.
The vote total was even higher than the number that turned out when President Barack Obama was elected.
The People of Color Convention, which was planned and hosted by a number of organizations in the Voter Registration, Education and Mobilization Collaborative (VREM), seeks to build on that momentum, not only in North Omaha, but around the city.
“We know we had a historic vote here in North Omaha. It’s vitally important that we participate at the same level in the city elections,” said Precious McKesson, president of the North Omaha Neighborhood Alliance and the host moderator for the event.
“Local elections are very important and impact all of us instantly. We want to have the same level of success going forward as we did last fall when we were able to elect people up and down the ballot.”
The event attracted current elected officials and provided the platform for candidates to share their vision, goals and plans virtually to the 300 plus in attendance through Zoom and Facebook Live.
All candidates were invited to submit videos highlighting their priorities. Participating City Council candidates for District II included Ben Gray, Jonathan Lathan and Cornelius Williams. Cammy Watkins running to represent District 3 also shared a video. Naomi Hattaway, Candidate for District 6, was also in attendance.
Mayoral candidates Jasmine Harris, Kimara Snipes, RJ Neary and Mark Gudgel also shared their platforms via video presentations.
State Senators Terrell McKinney and Tony Vargas provided important updates on a number of legislative bills that are under consideration at the Nebraska Unicameral. Both advised attendees to stay informed and engaged by connecting with them on Facebook and tracking the bills on the state website.
Brad Christian-Sallis, with Civic Nebraska reminded everyone of the importance of their vote and reaching out to elected officials.
“State Senators are state senators. They don’t just represent their district…reach out to them all,” said Christian-Sallis.
He also spoke about the importance of stopping the disenfranchisement of ex-felons by restoring voting rights immediately instead of the current two year waiting period. “We are over represented in these systems, so when we are not allowed to vote, it’s hurting our community.”
Another critical topic discussed was the number of attempts nationally to restrict voter participation. Republican lawmakers across the country, including in Nebraska, are attempting to reduce voter participation with a series of bills and legislation. It appears to be in response to the outcome of the national election and highly focused on reducing the impact of the black and brown vote in urban communities.
“The issue in 2021 is voter suppression,” said Preston Love, Jr. of 4Urban.org and Black Votes Matter.
“There are 43 states, who have legislation, over 200 pieces of legislation to suppress the vote, that includes Nebraska. In Nebraska, there are a number of voter suppression bills and others that are trying to make voting easier and more successful.”
The convention included breakout sessions where attendees could interact with key leaders and elected officials on topics including criminal justice, education and advocacy.
Breakout panelists and speakers included: Edward Ventura – Nebraska Education Association; Lisa Fricke – State Board of Education; JaKeen Fox; Chris Carithers, Douglas County Election Commission; Preston Love, Jr., Krystal Fox; Mark Foxall; Alex Mitchell; Dr. Franklin Thompson; and others.
McKesson took time to recognize the lead organizer behind VREM, Barry Thomas, and the heroic work going on behind the scenes by many organizations.
“The goal is to educate our community locally so that we are recognized as a political force to be respected and adhered to throughout,” said Barry Thomas, Political Action Chair for the Omaha NAACP.
Thomas continued, “We have too many examples, in the modern republic and throughout all history, to ignore the power possessed when the fingers realize they are actually on the same hand. And that hand is a needed part of the body. North Omaha and the Black community can become the fist that powers change for our people.”
McKesson recognized a number of organizations including the Heartland Workers Center, led by Sergio Sosa.
Gabriela Pedroza, community organizer representing the Heartland Workers Center, had this to say: “This is an amazing collaboration. We are working to get out the vote, increasing voting in areas where we see voter turnout is low. We are phone banking and we will start canvassing when the weather permits. It’s a lot of work but it pays off. If people want to volunteer, they can join our team.”
Also instrumental in planning and executing the event was Alex Mitchell, a student at the University of Nebraska-Omaha.
“It’s great to see the next generation leading the way,” said Preston Love, Jr. Love has dedicated his life to engaging generations in the political process and now focuses on helping youth to understand the significance and importance of their role.
The event was presented by the Voter Registration, Education, and Mobilization (VREM) collaborative. VREM is made up of a number of organizations including UNO’s Black Excellence, the League of Women Voters, NAACP, Black Votes Matter, North Omaha Neighborhood Alliance, Heartland Workers Center, the Omaha Pan-Hellenic Council, Civic Nebraska and others centered on civic engagement.
Watch the full event here.
If you would like to stay connect and receive information, please email us at voterem@gmail.com
Events
Teen Summit hosted by Black Police Officers Association builds bridges, provides insights
Saturday, March 25, 2023
In its ninth year, the Teen Summit hosted by the Black Police Officers Association (BPOA) is producing great fruit and providing important insights from youth.
After a few years of hosting virtual events because of the pandemic, the Teen Summit returned to in person sessions and moved to the Village Empowerment Center. The impactful event was co-founded between BPOA and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
“We love having the opportunity to engage with the youth in the community in a positive way,” said Marcus Taylor, one of the event organizers and co-founder of the BPOA.
“Hosting the event in person allows for a lot more interaction,” said Ken Fox, another organizer and co-founder of the program.
All youth participants not only walked away with knowledge and new tools to prevent and solve problems, but great gifts ranging from iPads and chrome books to big screen televisions.
“We like to give them an opportunity to reflect on the day and think about what they have learned,” said Curtis Morgan, co-organizer and facilitator of the student panel and discussions. “The gifts also are a fun way to end the day and send them home with something unexpected.”
Students had the opportunity to attend sessions focused on what they called “real topics.”
One of the participants said, “These are the types of issues we should be talking about at school.”
In a panel discussion at the end of the event others agreed and offered their suggestions to improve the community and outlined priorities they would focus on if they were principals in their schools.
These are suggestions from students in attendance:
- Schools should have more activities and clubs for Black students.
- More opportunities to open up to discuss feeling and challenges.
- Kindness Club. Intentionally tell students what is good about them. More messages to show appreciation.
- More black teachers. Understand our culture.
- More student voices included in decision-making.
- Girls should be able to play all sports including football.
- Create QR Codes that capture student input and then respond to what students are saying.
- Explain why things are in place. Example. No Gum Policy. Why?
- Create assemblies on topics they students are actually interested in. Discuss issues that are actually impacting us. Like what we did today.
- Should make community announcements at school. Kids are dealing with problems at school and at home. Speak reality during the announcements at school.
- More people in student government that actually reflect what students want.
Issues that need to be addressed:
- School too traditional. Need to innovate.
- No events at school that touch on tough issues like this and there’s no communication about events like this.
- These are different times as we are growing up.
- We can look up the answers through technology quicker than it is being taught. Need to new teaching methods.
- Mental health.
- Everybody is struggling with something. Need to talk about it. Therapy sessions are needed with every student
- Gun violence.
- How to balance things. Home. School. Work. Family.
- Depression. Childhood Trauma. People aren’t acknowledging the issues we are facing.
- Addressing the “beauty” standard. Clear skin. Light skin. Dark skin.
“It’s great to see the event return to in person and continue giving our youth a platform to learn and give input on issues important to them,” said Jermaine Ballard, one of the keynote speakers.
He encouraged the students telling them they have already shown leadership.
“You could have stayed in bed or played video games all day, but you chose to come here to learn. You are all leaders.”
The Teen Summit is hosted annually by the Black Police Officers Association. Event organizers include: Marcus Taylor, Curtis Morgan, Ken Fox and David Preston. Guest speakers included Jermaine Ballard, Keith Station, Jennifer Clark, Jeff Williams, Galat Toung, Johnny Nesbitt and others.
For more information, please go to: https://bpoaofomaha.com/
NEWS
Branding Leaders Deliver Powerful Messages at Black Business Summit
Revive Black Business Summit
Saturday, March 25, 2023 at the Revive Center Omaha
Black entrepreneurs, business owners and support organizations gathered together at the Revive Black Business Summit for a powerful, inspiring and action filled morning of networking, business exchange and sharing insights regarding Branding, Marketing and Resources.
Attendees raved about the experience as national and global branding experts shared their wisdom and experience on delivering on the promise.
George Fraser, CEO and Founder
FraserNet and PowerNetworking Conference
Dr. Fraser jump started the morning with a powerful introduction to branding. Fraser has worked with Fortune 500 companies and traveled the world teaching about branding, marketing and building strong black communities. A Black Business Hall of Fame member, Fraser talked about the challenges and opportunities facing Black Businesses nationally.
“The pandemic has forced hundreds of thousands of Black businesses to close, yet there are opportunities for those who are remarkable,” said Fraser. “Being good is not enough, we must be remarkable and excellent.”
Fraser also emphasized that a brand is a promise. “We need to find joy in what we do, be comfortable failing our way to success and have faith in the things we do.”
“Are you a brand or a logo,” said Fraser. “What is your promise and are you delivering on that promise?”
Fraser and his team are preparing for the 22nd annual PowerNetworking Conference which will be held August 2nd – 5th in Houston, Texas, rated by Forbes Magazine as the best conference in the nation for Black-owned businesses.
Devin Owens, Founder
Devin Owens was then passed the baton and took the group further down the path of branding and marketing. She began by reflecting on her own personal journey towards simplification and thus the launch of her business, Less the Agency.
She has worked with over 65 global clients and some of Omaha’s most recognizable Black-owned businesses and organizations, I Be Black Girl, the ACLU of Nebraska, STATUS Luxury Goods, Best Burger and others.
She pointed to the importance of brand consistency, voice, compass, promise and the connection between what we say and what we actually do.
One of the key messages was verbal identity: “An integrated system of words and messaging that differentiate your brand and make it recognizable across channels and touch points.”
Monique Farmer, CEO and Founder
Farmer has won national awards for her innovative leadership with branding, communications and PR. She has vast experience with corporate, public sector and small business marketing, communications and branding campaigns.
Farmer reminded the audience that in addition to our business brand, we also have a personal brand.
“What do people say when you are not in the room,” said Farmer. “That is your personal brand. What are you known for?”
Farmer walked the participants through some key components of branding:
- Brand reputation
- Experience
- Research
- Visual representation
- Embedding the story
- Brand promise
Farmer is also a college professor for the University of Texas at Austin and has a compelling and engaging style of presenting.
Teddy Young, Co-Founder
Young is the Co-Founder of Stable Gray with his business partner, CharDale Barnes. Young is known for his creative and industry leading approach to branding focused on understanding the emotional connections and problem-solving approach to business.
Stable Gray was named Small Business of the Year by the Greater Omaha Chamber and recently opened a second location in the heart of the historic 24th and Lake District.
Young brought a fresh approach by introducing the attendees to the importance of the emotional connections to brands.
“What does life look like when customers experience your product?”
To become better at branding and marketing, Young said business must understand how customers feel. What are their pain points? What do they want? What is the customer’s problem that you can help solve?
“How does your business help solve that problem and how does it leave the customer feeling?”
Farmer and Young tagged team and provided a list of questions for businesses to answer in order to conduct a meaningful audit of the brand.
The summit ended with a panel presenting local resources, funding and opportunities available through the Grow Nebraska Women’s Business Center, Small Business Administration, Nebraska Enterprise Fund and the Carver Legacy Center in partnership with American National Bank. Click here for more information on these resources and funding opportunities.
Resource Panel: Ernest White, Carver Legacy Center Ambassador and Vice-President for American National Bank; Jim Reiff, Executive Director with Nebraska Enterprise Fund; April Hibbler, Small Business Administration; and Eden Butler, Grow Nebraska Women’s Business Center.
Mark Your Calendar. The next Revive Black Business Summit will be Saturday, April 22, 2023!
Click here for more information.
PHOTO GALLERY:
Mark Your Calendar. The next Revive Black Business Summit will be Saturday, April 22, 2023!
Click here for more information.
Events
City of Omaha receives $34 million for Lead Remediation
City of Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert and Deputy Administrator Edward Chu, EPA Region 7
Regional leaders from the Environmental Protection Agency and Housing and Urban Development joined together to renew their commitment to helping the City to Omaha to remove lead from the soil and paint in North Omaha.
EPA is investing nearly $30 million and HUD added $4 million.
