Over 1,100, including 400 youth participate in 3 day national Empowerment Network conference in Omaha, Nebraska.
By Willie Barney
It’s hard to believe it has already been a week. Thank you, Omaha and national friends. The Empowerment Network team and our partners went all in for the 16th Annual Rebuilding the Village Conference. Omaha responded. 23 cities from across the country responded.
When I was in prayer after last year’s event, the words “Run It Back” came into my spirit! Bring Magic back and build on the experience.
GOD has blessed in amazing ways. We stepped out in faith and followed what we believed He was telling us to do.
Some wondered. Would people come back? Would the community support it? Could it be bigger and better?
Over 1,100 participated, including 400+ youth and the experience was even more magical!
Magic took things even higher than last year providing even more wisdom, full ride scholarships, internships in Los Angeles and business opportunities with his companies. Plus, he unexpectedly raised $90,000 to support the Network!
The six national keynote speakers were phenomenal, and the sessions were well attended. Made for a difficult decision about which breakout to attend. The feedback has been off the charts.
Representatives from over 20 cities attended including partners from Kansas City, Tulsa, New Orleans, Columbus GA, Denver, Little Rock, Atlanta, Chicago, Davenport/QC, Sacramento, Washington DC and other communities.
20 major sponsors invested. Dozens of volunteers supported it.
50+ local and national speakers shared their wisdom and insights to help build safe and thriving communities.
We had over 400 youth engaged in the event. They joined us for panels, main stage sessions and the Step-Up Omaha Interns and Youth 360 also had their own summit within the conference in partnership with J Shannon, David and Next.
The federal government including USDA, Dept of Justice and Health and Human Services all had key leaders in attendance.
The 4 tours (Black owned trolley and bus companies), three covering North Omaha and one citywide were well received.
30+ Black businesses benefitted directly. We supported Black restaurants and organizations.
The Village at 24th and Lake reception was well attended and featured music, food, shopping and visits to the museums and new businesses.
Businesses throughout the whole city experienced economic benefit including hotels, airlines, transportation, shopping, food, and entertainment.
We cannot thank you all enough.
Thank you, Magic. Thank you to the Empowerment Network team.
Thank you to the board.
Thank you, speakers, panelists, sponsors, and volunteers.
Thank you to our national guests. Thank you, Omaha, for being amazing hosts.
Thank you to my wife, son and daughter who helped in so many ways and have sacrificed greatly over the years. Love you and appreciate you!
Let’s Win Together Omaha! Let’s win together national partners. Let’s build safe and thriving communities in every zip code.