NEWS
President Obama names Omaha a national Model Community; Empowerment Network leads MBK Omaha
President Obama hosts panel with leaders from Tulsa, Newark, Yonkers and Omaha, including Empowerment Network CEO and Founder, Willie Barney. Photo Credit: Obama Foundation
President Obama Names Omaha a My Brother’s Keeper Alliance Model Community
The New Obama Foundation Initiative Will Provide Additional Support to Boys and Young Men of Color in Omaha
My Brother’s Keeper Alliance, a program of the Obama Foundation, has announced that Omaha is one of four MBK Model Communities, a new initiative that seeks to expand the implementation of evidence-based practices and impact for communities across the country.
Omaha was selected from a network of hundreds that have an evidence based track record of success in positively shifting outcomes for boys and young men of color. Each MBK Model Community represents a tangible example of the systems-level impact that communities can have when working to achieve the MBK Milestones.
The MBK Milestones are six key life milestones that research shows are especially predictive of later success, and where interventions can have the greatest impact.
Willie Barney, CEO & Founder of the Empowerment Network, joined President Obama onstage at an MBK Impact in Action event to share the city’s efforts to reduce violence and address root causes. The Empowerment Network facilitates and leads MBK Omaha!
“In 2014, in the wake of Trayvon Martin’s death, I challenged every community in the country to implement strategies to help boys and young men of color,” said President Obama.
“Today, I’m proud to see the incredible impact My Brother’s Keeper Alliance communities are having – helping hundreds of community leaders across the country solve problems for the next generation.”
Thanks to the tireless efforts of MBK communities, cities like Omaha have changed the odds – creating opportunities for our young people to achieve their full potential. – President Obama
“The MBK Model Communities initiative represents the next phase of the MBK Alliance’s work to help communities take on their biggest challenges – and I look forward to continuing this work alongside them for years to come.”
President Obama joins the My Brother’s Alliance Impact in Action convening in Chicago, IL on May 10, 2023. Photo Credit: The Obama Foundation.
Model communities means the city has demonstrated measurable outcomes with at least one of the milestones and the Obama Foundation is committed to working with the community to deliver excellence and results in all six milestones in the next five years.
“We are incredibly honored by this recognition and the investment and support from President Obama, Obama Foundation and MBK,” said Barney. “The collaborative efforts of hundreds of organizations and thousands of residents is reflected through the Empowerment Network, Omaha 360, Step-Up Omaha, City of Omaha, Omaha Police Department, foundations and the MBK partnership.”
“We want to thank and recognize all of our partners, especially those on the front lines, doing the work every day with our youth and families.” – Willie Barney
“Through comprehensive collaboration across all sectors of the community, we are starting to return to 40 year lows in gun violence by addressing collaboration, prevention, intervention, enforcement, reentry and focusing on root causes. We know there’s a lot more work ahead to continue reducing gun violence and we’re excited to build on and expand this amazing partnership with the Obama Foundation and MBK in Omaha and across the country.”
Willie Barney speaks from stage as The My Brother’s Keeper Alliance hosts an Impact in Action convening in Chicago, IL, on May 10, 2023. Photo Credit: The Obama Foundation
Each selected MBK Model Community has achieved significant impact in at least one of the six MBK Milestones by instituting programming and initiatives that have positively shifted outcomes in the educational or violence reduction ecosystems throughout their municipal areas. Omaha was chosen because of their demonstrated impact in MBK Milestone Six: Remaining Safe from Violent Crime – All youth and young adults should be safe from violent crime.
In Omaha, Nebraska, city-wide homicides were reduced by 30 percent from 2011 to 2022. Prior to the pandemic, Omaha had experienced a 50% reduction in homicides and 60% reduction in non-fatal shootings. In 2023, Omaha is currently returning to 40-year lows in homicides.
“Omaha is honored to be recognized as a model city by President Obama and the My Brother’s Keeper Alliance,” said Mayor Jean Stothert. “One city can definitely set an example and make a difference in the lives of boys and young men of color. We are proud to be that city.”
“The successful strategies and partnerships we have created in Omaha to significantly reduce gun violence, improve police-community relations, and fund summer youth employment programs can be adapted for other communities to have similar impactful and sustainable outcomes. Thank you for this great recognition and the opportunity to build on the progress we have made with the Empowerment Network to make Omaha a safe city.”
The African-American Empowerment Network will lead the Model Communities initiative for MBK Omaha. The Obama Foundation’s MBK Alliance will provide MBK Omaha with the necessary support to continue implementing systems-level change in these areas and to grow their impact in other areas within their municipal infrastructure. Specifically, the MBK Alliance will provide MBK Omaha with:
- Access to direct coaching, evaluation support, and peer-to-peer learning
- Direct resources, including an $800,000 grant ($400,000 a year for two years)
- Ongoing technical assistance for their work
“As we strive to build safe and supportive communities for boys and young men of color across the country, the My Brother’s Keeper Alliance is proud to recognize Omaha as an MBK Model Community,” said Dr. Adren Wilson, MBK Alliance Executive Director. “Omaha has demonstrated a commitment to Milestone Six: All Youth Should Remain Safe from Violent Crime, achieving a 30 percent decrease in city-wide homicides from 2011 to 2022.”
The My Brother’s Keeper Alliance hosts an Impact in Action convening in Chicago, IL, on May 10, 2023. Photo Credit: Obama Foundation
“By providing direct coaching, peer-to-peer learning, financial resources, and evaluation support, the MBK Alliance is confident that Omaha will continue to serve as a beacon of hope and best practices for other communities to follow. Together, we can ensure our boys and young men of color have access to the opportunities they need, including the opportunity to remain safe from violent crime.”
By investing in and spotlighting Omaha as an MBK Model Community, the MBK Alliance intends to seed other communities across the country with knowledge, best practices, and resources so that they too can achieve systems-level impact in the lives of boys and young men of color.
“This is an immense honor for the Omaha community to be named a model city by the Obama Foundation! The synergy of community partnerships, led by the Empowerment Network, Omaha 360 and embraced by the OPD has forged a new Omaha. Thank you to the Obama Foundation, the Omaha community and all the Omaha police officers!
– Police Chief Todd Schmaderer
Beyond the reductions in violence, the Empowerment Network had the opportunity to present other positive changes at the national event held in downtown Chicago. Prior to the pandemic, African-Americans in Omaha saw increases in employment, improvements in education and reductions in poverty. The collective and collaborative work also served as a catalyst for unprecedented public/private investments in North Omaha.
Empowerment Network/MBK Omaha Delegation for Obama Foundation Model Communities Announcement in Chicago, IL:
John Ewing, Jr, Vice-President of Empowerment Network Board; Wende Kotouc, Co-CEO and Co-Chair, American National Bank, 1st Business Partner; Katie Weitz, Executive Director, Weitz Family Foundation; Vicki Quaites-Ferris, Vice-President of Community Development, Empowerment Network; Thomas Warren, Sr., Chief of Staff, Mayor Jean Stothert’s Office; Willie Barney, CEO and Founder, Empowerment Network; Yolanda Barney, Vice-President, Revive Omaha!; Chief Todd Schmaderer, Omaha Police Department; Ricky Smith, Omaha 360 Director; Empowerment Network; Denzell Dial, MBK Omaha, Step-Up and Mentoring Participant; Tim Christian, Board President of the Empowerment Network; Jennifer Green, Grants and Operations Manager, Charles E. Lakin Foundation; and, Jonathan Chapman, Vice-President of Community Collaboratives, Empowerment Network.
TRENDS:
Non-fatal gun assaults have been reduced measurably in Omaha since 2007 and 2008. Prior to the pandemic, Omaha experienced a 63% reduction in non-fatal gun assaults. After an increase in 2020 during the first year of the pandemic, Omaha is starting to see a decline once again.
Homicides in Omaha were decreased to the lowest level in 40 years prior to the pandemic. Similar to most major cities, homicides increased the first year of the pandemic, but have decreased the last three years.
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Full Statements and Quotes:
“We are incredibly honored by this recognition and the investment and support from President Obama, the Obama Foundation and MBK. The collaborative efforts of hundreds of organizations and thousands of residents is reflected through the Empowerment Network, Omaha 360, Step-Up Omaha, City of Omaha, Omaha Police Department, and the MBK partnership.
“Model city doesn’t mean we’re perfect or have it all solved and figured out, but it recognizes the great collaborative work that is happening here in Omaha and the collective outcomes that have been generated.”
We want to thank and recognize all of our partners, especially those on the front lines, doing the work every day with our youth and families. Through comprehensive collaboration across all sectors of the community, we are starting to return to 40 year lows in gun violence by addressing collaboration, prevention, intervention, enforcement, reentry and focusing on root causes. We know there’s a lot more work ahead to continue transforming Omaha into a safe and thriving city in every zip code and we’re excited to build on and expand this amazing partnership with the Obama Foundation and MBK.”
– Willie D. Barney, CEO and Founder of the Empowerment Network
“Omaha is honored to be recognized as a model city by President Obama and My Brother’s Keeper Alliance. One city can definitely set an example and make a difference in the lives of boys and young men of color. We are proud to be one of those cities.
The successful strategies and partnerships we have created in Omaha to significantly reduce gun violence, improve police-community relations, and fund youth employment programs can be adapted for other communities to have similar impactful and sustainable outcomes. Thank you for this great recognition and the opportunity to build on the progress we have made with the Empowerment Network to make Omaha a safe city.”
– Mayor Jean Stothert
“The Empowerment Network Board of Directors is excited for our continued partnership with the The Barack Obama Foundation / MBK Alliance. This new phase of our partnership is significant as The Empowerment Network is now an official MBK Model City. MBK’s investment over the next two years will allow The Empowerment Network to build on the tremendous work we’re currently doing and continue our goal of creating a measurable blueprint for cities around the country.”
– Timothy L. Christian, President, Empowerment Network Board and CEO of NightFox Entertainment
“As one of the original criminal justice covenant leaders and first board president I’m excited that we have this amazing opportunity to partner with the Obama Foundation to move this important work forward. Willie Barney and I have discussed the power of bringing our community together and partnering with the Omaha Police Department and so many other partners to impact lives. To reduce gun violence and homicides and laying a foundation for better economic, educational outcomes, increasing home ownership, improving medical outcomes and increasing employment and entrepreneurship opportunities. We always believed this could be a national effort to impact lives across this country and this partnership gives us that opportunity. We are proud to be a Model City and we look forward to partnering with other communities across America.
– John Ewing, Vice-President of the Empowerment Network Board, Douglas County Treasurer and former Deputy Chief for Omaha Police Department
“It is great to see that the work the Empowerment Network has done in working with and facilitating cradle-to-career partners to transform our city over the past 16 years, has resulted in the Obama Foundation now recognizing Omaha as a Model City.”
– Teresa Hunter, CEO of Family Housing Advisory Services, Board Member of the Empowerment Network
Community Features
Experienced Community Banker, Karnetta Rushing joins the Carver Legacy Center team
Community Features
Confirmation and Momentum: May 2025 was a historic and unprecedented time
On a personal and professional level, the month of May 2025 was incredibly confirming. Game changing. Unprecedented. Historic. It was a time of confirmation, transition and transformation.
I had the opportunity to present in New York at a national Black economic summit that featured Governor Wes Moore, Killer Mike – musical artist and entrepreneur, CEO’s, investors, funders, researchers, media execs and many others. The keynote presentations and points of emphasis all completely confirmed the models we have been implementing for the past 18 years and the next phase we are preparing to launch.
I then woke up at 3 am to board a flight after the two-day event to get back in time to facilitate a leadership meeting and then a separate conversation about voter turnout and mobilization. More confirmation about the expansion of the model.
My friend and one of the original members of the Empowerment Network and Omaha 360, John Ewing was elected as Mayor of Omaha. The first Black mayor elected in the city! A committed leader and man of God, who has served this community with passion and excellence for 40+ years. We have worked together for over 20+ years and the visions we discussed are becoming reality. Great things ahead.
The next day was the start of our 18th Annual Rebuilding the Village Conference with national guests from eight different cities focused on creating safe, thriving, and prosperous communities. This year was different as we redesigned and dedicated the conference to elevating deeper collaboration, rediscovering economic self-sufficiency, building wealth, pooling, and investing resources and working together toward community transformation.
One of the most significant moments was having the opportunity to facilitate a panel featuring representatives from some of the most successful Black Wall Streets in the history of this nation. A long-held vision! For years I have researched Black Wall Streets and now have the opportunity to document the keys to success. Absolute confirmation.
I was also blessed to have the opportunity to recognize JoAnna LeFlore Ejike and the Malcolm X Foundation for their work and in celebration of the 100th anniversary of Malcolm X’s birth. JoAnna shared some key information regarding why Malcolm’s dad moved to Omaha, and I have always appreciated Malcolm’s message of self-help.
We also celebrated our National Empowerment Champion, Ryana Parks Shaw, Mayor Pro Tem from Kansas City. She has led many projects and she’s an incredible champion for the Empowerment Network, KC 360 and KC United for Public Safety. She introduced and led the approval of a $30 million fund to support community-based violence prevention and intervention efforts in KC. She shows what’s possible through strong leadership skills, effective policy making and commitment to community.
A week later, my daughter graduated from high school. What an incredible blessing. My son, mother and stepfather joined us along with many members of Priscilla’s village. She had a great experience at Central and is now headed to UNL.
Then last week, after an intense 360 meeting that I’ll speak more on very soon, we loaded a bus to Tulsa’s Black Wall Street to present the collective action plan that I have facilitated with the engagement of 250+ Black leaders and change makers we’ve convened collectively with a planning team. It is already producing fruit.
In addition, we took 25 Omaha entrepreneurs, community builders and national strategic partners to Tulsa this past week. I had the opportunity to introduce the comprehensive model that I have been developing, piloting, and evolving for nearly 35 years. The response to the models and framework has been overwhelmingly positive.
While in Tulsa, we launched the next phase of the Revive Black Business Network and Empowerment Network. We focused intensely on relationship development, business connections and exchanges, fund development and access to capital, housing and development, history and cultural tourism, and education and youth development. We had the strongest feedback of any session we have facilitated. Let me just say some strategic business relationships were established and expanded.
History was made again. We met with Mayor Monroe Nichols in Tulsa, Oklahoma home of Greenwood’s Black Wall Street on our Rebuild and Transform Tour. The first Black Mayor of Tulsa. He was also part of our State of Black Tulsa Summit.
104 years after the massacre with two survivors in the audience. He announced the establishment of the Greenwood Trust which will include an initial $105 million to help begin to address home ownership, business loans and other economic development initiatives to further reinvest in rebuilding Greenwood!
As he met with us on Friday, May 31st, he sees the Tulsa Empowerment Network as a key partner on the journey. Congratulations to all of our friends and partners in Tulsa. Thankful to be a part of this next phase.
It was truly a transformational month. I finally feel free to speak more openly about the bigger picture and I am incredibly encouraged by the confirmation coming from thousands of participants, partners, and supporters from across the country and even internationally.
I am now preparing to release some significant pieces including an article I have been working on and updating for five years. The article will be an introduction to some upcoming books. Thank you, Jesus!
Momentum is building and accelerating. Grateful to so many supporters and partners in Omaha and across the country. Walking in faith. Walking in purpose.
Get engaged. Stay engaged! Let’s build together.
Community Features
95% increase in the number of Black-owned businesses with employees in Omaha
A recent story by the Brookings Institution highlights a 95% increase in the number of Black-owned businesses with employees in the Omaha metro.
The Brookings reports leads with the statement that Black-owned businesses are driving economic growth in America.
The report uses data from the Census Bureau’s Annual Business Survey showing an increase of 182 Black-owned businesses with employees in Omaha from 2017 to 2022.
That is great news for the organizations and businesses working to increase the number and size of Black-owned businesses.
“This is incredible. A 95% surge in Black-owned businesses with employees in Omaha is more than a statistic—it’s a testament to resilience, innovation, and economic empowerment,” said Frank Hayes, CEO and Founder of Hayes & Associates. “This growth fuels generational wealth, strengthens communities, and drives the local economy forward. When Black businesses thrive, Omaha thrives!”
The Brookings report shows that minority businesses are driving economic growth in the entire country.
Some neighboring cities in the Midwest and partner cities also performed very well when it comes to increasing the number of Black owned businesses.
“We set a goal in 2015 to work together to help create or scale 250 more Black-owned businesses with employees by 2025,” said Willie Barney, CEO of the Empowerment Network and co-owner of the Revive Black Business Network and Carver Legacy Center. “We’ve partnered with many organizations to host expos, markets, workshops, networking events and assist with raising capital and securing investments.”
“Even with the pandemic, we have collectively made substantial and measurable progress. This proves what can be accomplished in just five years and we want to help create or scale 250 more businesses before 2030.”
Locally, there are many support organizations and the entrepreneurs working to make things happen in Omaha:
- Nebraska Enterprise Fund
- Grow Nebraska
- Omaha 100
- Start Center
- Omaha Economic Development Corporation
- Revive Black Business Network
- Empowerment Network
- Carver Legacy Center
- Metro Omaha Women’s Business Center
- Hayes & Associates
- Business Seals
- Small Business Administration
- DreamBusiness
- Greater Omaha Chamber
- Urban League of Nebraska
- Midlands African-Chamber
- and others are focused on entrepreneurship and business growth.
“When we invest in small businesses, we invest in the heartbeat of our communities. These businesses don’t just provide services, they create jobs, generate local spending, and fuel economic growth. By empowering entrepreneurs in low to moderate-income communities, we build ecosystems of opportunity where every dollar earned circulates locally, strengthening neighborhoods and paving the way for generational prosperity,” said Veta Jeffery, CEO of Jeffery Consulting.
“These achievements are encouraging and proof that the focus on building an entrepreneurial economy-system is vital to building vibrant communities,” said Jim Reiff, Executive Director of Nebraska Enterprise Fund. “While a confirmation of our collective efforts, I see this as a call to action for the next five years and beyond. Each small business that expands or successfully starts improves all of the community.”
MOVING FORWARD
“The timing is perfect for this report as we turn our attention to Transformation 2030,” said Barney. “This should be a celebration point for Omaha and other cities and also inspire us all to push even harder after seeing what is possible.”
Investments through the North and South Omaha Recovery Program and other sources should help accelerate the pace of growth even more in Omaha over the next five years.
The additional funding is made possible through the partnership of the community and leadership of Senators Justin Wayne and Terrell McKinney to gain passage of LB1024 and LB531.
After a nearly unanimous vote in the Nebraska State Legislature and the signatures of former Governor Pete Ricketts and current Governor Jim Pillen, the legislation became law.
Awards were announced in January 2024 and The Department of Economic Development has led the allocation of funding and many Black-owned businesses benefitted from grants ranging from $50,000 to $2,000,000.
The future $30 million investment in the IHUB and $90 million business park in North Omaha will also make an impact.
These funds and other strategic investments will support the continued progress and help to increase the number of Black-owned businesses with employees. It also has an impact on future generations.
“When young people grow up seeing businesses start and thrive around them, they begin to dream bigger, knowing they, too, can build and contribute. This cycle of inspiration and opportunity fuels long-term economic resilience, ensuring that thriving businesses lead to thriving communities for generations to come,” said Jeffery.
Read the full Brookings report here: Driving prosperity: How Black-owned businesses fueled recent economic growth
For a listing of Black-owned businesses in Omaha. Revive Black Business Guide – Revive! Omaha
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More Details by Sector:
Analysis by Raheem Sanders, CEO of PPRP Innovations.
The growth in Black-owned businesses has not been confined to a single industry – it has been spread across multiple sectors of Omaha’s economy, with every major industry seeing increases. A U.S. Census Business analysis noted that from 2017 to 2019, the number of Black-owned firms grew in all sectors of the U.S. economy, and this broad-based growth has been reflected in Omaha as well.
Growth by Sector:
- Health Care & Social Assistance has been the #1 industry for Black-owned businesses in Omaha by total count of firms. In 2022, there were about 75 Black-owned health care/social assistance firms with employees, making up roughly 20% of all Black-owned employer businesses in Omaha. This sector saw about +56% growth from ~48 firms in 2017 to 75 in 2022. Nationwide, health care is also the top industry for Black business owners (49,872 such firms in 2022) (4).
- Professional & Technical Services and Construction each account for ~10–12% of Omaha’s Black-owned firms. By 2022, there were roughly 45 Black-owned professional service firms and 37 construction companies in Omaha – both nearly doubling since 2015.
- Other Services (personal services, nonprofits, etc.) nearly doubled to 30 by 2022.
- Transportation & Warehousing saw explosive growth from about 12 to 37 firms (~200% increase). Nationally, transportation/warehousing was the fastest-growing sector for Black owned businesses (nearly +150% from 2017–2022) (4).
- Administrative & Support Services also doubled (from ~15 to 30).
- Retail Trade and Accommodation/Food Services each expanded significantly (~100% growth).
- Real Estate doubled from ~6 to 15 (≈+150%), mirroring a national real estate surge (~102% growth) (4).
- Finance & Insurance remains the smallest category (growing from ~2–3 to ~4).
(Data Sources: Estimates for 2015–2017 are based on available Census percentages (1) and Omaha’s share of statewide data. Actual 2022 figures from Census/Brookings Institution (3)(4). 2025 is a projection assuming continued growth. All figures rounded.)