Connect with us

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.

___________________________

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:

Related Topics:
Continue Reading

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

Continue Reading

Community News

Ashlei Spivey running for State Senate, marches towards general election

Published:  July 21, 2024

Ashlei Spivey is running to be the next representative for Nebraska Legislative District 13. She is a mother, wife, small business owner, community advocate, and lifelong resident of LD 13.  She advanced to the general election by the slimmest of margins.

“Our democracy is at a crossroads. We deserve elected officials that represent the experiences and can uplift the voices of everyday residents to create policy that betters the lives of all communities,” said Spivey.

Her background in nonprofit leadership has fueled her dedication to advocating for access and opportunity in education, healthcare, and economic well-being.  She has worked hard to develop strong relationships in Omaha and across the state.  Her passion for her community comes through as she pushes for change.

“Growing up in North Omaha, I have witnessed firsthand the challenges the community faces as well as the beauty and potential of the district,” she continued.

Ashlei has worked with others to solve some of the community’s most pressing and complex issues.  As a representative, Spivey says she will champion policies that directly benefit the district and state.

Her areas of focus include:

  • Property Tax Relief
  • Affordable Housing
  • Accessible Public Health Systems
  • Protecting and Advancing Reproductive Rights
  • Thriving Public Schools
  • Economic Wellbeing
  • Continued Investment in Small Businesses

Spivey is the Founder and Executive Director of I Be Black Girl, an impactful non-profit organization leading measurable change in the community.  She has a background which includes non-profit leadership, entrepreneurship, philanthropic investments and advocacy.  Spivey is also a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.

Ashlei graduated from Jackson State University with a degree in communications and marketing and continued her education at the University of Texas Arlington, for her master’s degree in urban social planning.  She returned to Omaha and immediately engaged with her community working to help identify assets and address gaps.

Spivey is nationally recognized for her leadership and has received numerous Awards and Accolades:

  • Board Member, Women’s Funding Network
  • Former Board President, ACLU of Nebraska
  • MIT REAP Participant (2022)
  • Ten Outstanding Young Omahans
  • The Chamber YP Changemaker
  • Urban League YP Leadership Award
  • WCA’s Tribute to Women
  • 2023 J.M. Kaplan Innovation Prize Awardee

She has been featured in Forbes and Essence magazines, identified by USA Today as the 2024 Nebraska Woman of the Year and celebrated by the Midlands Business Journey 40 under 40.

“I am ready to hit the ground running day one, bringing my community back to the Capitol. I am the right next choice for legislative district 13 and look forward to earning votes and trust,” said Spivey.

Learn more about Ashlei and her priorities:

Continue Reading

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.

###

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

Continue Reading