Events
We Choose to Build Together…300 leaders convene for Summit & Business Expo
The Empowerment Network’s African-American Leadership Summit and Revive Black Business Expo held at the Hilton Omaha on November 6th were both highly successful. Over 300 local and national leaders from every sector convened for a day of inspiration, development, networking and capacity-building. The theme of the event was “We Choose to Build Together.”
“We normally have a Leadership Conference in the fall but decided to switch things up this year because of so many major things happening in the community,” said Willie Barney, CEO & founder of the Empowerment Network.
“Our goals were to build on our collective work, encourage the tangible support of Black-owned businesses, introduce our national partner cities and launch the next round of capacity-building cohorts,” said Barney. “We choose to do business together. Build community together. Intentionally.”
Thirty small businesses and organizations were visible at display tables and most reported doing great business during the Summit generating thousands of dollars in sales collectively. A new tool was utilized through a Summit app to track sales during the day.
“I did very, very well,” said one of the small business vendors. “It was an exceptional day for my business.”
“The attendees at the Leadership events always do a great job supporting the small businesses,” said Yolanda Barney of Revive Omaha and manager of the Revive Black Business Expo. “Many of them typically sell out of merchandise. We need to keep this going year-round.”
The Summit also featured a panel of small businesses discussing the impact of intentional support from the Empowerment Network and other organizations. Gladys Harrison, owner of Big Mama’s Kitchen and Catering; Jason Fischer, CEO of Surreal Media Lab; Lewade Milliner, national musician and artist based in North Omaha; and, Don McPherson, owner of Styles of Evolution, all shared specific examples of how the Network and its partners have supported their businesses.
All of the small business owners also highlighted their vision for the future and the number of jobs they could create in the community with additional support.
“Imagine what we could do if all of the churches, organizations, neighborhoods and corporations supported these businesses in the same way,” said McPherson.
In addition to the small businesses and panels of local and national speakers, the Empowerment Network introduced representatives from Kansas City, Missouri; Tulsa, Oklahoma; Lansing, Michigan; and Columbus, Georgia. These are cities in the process of starting Empowerment Network and 360 initiatives in their communities. New Orleans, Louisiana and Davenport, IA/Quad-Cities are also part of the national partnerships.
Klassie Alcine, Executive Director of KC Common Good (KC 360 in Kansas City)
City Councilor Vanessa Hall-Harper, Tulsa, OK
“I really want to thank the Network team for the incredible amount of work they put into pulling this off in less than four weeks,” said Barney. “And, thank you to the sponsors, speakers, volunteers and all in attendance. We need to build on this momentum.”
Capacity-Building Cohorts Launched at Summit
The Empowerment Network’s national strategic partners were present to help launch or continue capacity-building cohorts regarding career advancement, leadership development, storytelling, fund development and wealth building.
Dr. Randal Pinkett opened the registration for the 5th cohort and a national edition of the Redefine the Game Institute. Pinkett shared insights regarding the changes in the field of diversity and inclusion and what it will take to be successful with career advancement moving forward.
Dr. Pamela Jolly is working with the Network to launch the 3rd cohort of the Legacy Wealth initiative. Jolly challenged attendees to build on the closed loop economy that has launched in Omaha.
Suzan Hart’s cohort will leverage her internationally recognized approach to strategic, collaborative leadership and storytelling. Hart shared her personal journey towards full empowerment as she found purpose by unleashing the power of her own story.
Anna Barber is launching a cohort to help leaders with fund and donor development strategies to make visions a reality. Barber shared insights from her experience of developing hundreds of millions of dollars in contributions including the African-American History Museum in Washington D.C.
Obama Foundation and Department of Justice Attend Summit
Dr. Adren Wilson, Executive Director of My Brother’s Keeper and Vice-President of the Obama Foundation, was present to celebrate Omaha as one of four model communities.
Karhlton Moore, Director of the Bureau of Justice Assistance representing the Department of Justice, attended the Leadership Summit to learn more about the Empowerment Network’s approach to addressing root causes and mobilizing sectors of the community.
Dr. Will Moreland, one of the Network’s national strategic partners had the crowd fully engaged as he emphasized the key message of the Summit: “Be Intentional!”
Dozens of Local Leaders Highlighted Their Commitments
Local speakers emphasized the importance of collaboration and supporting black businesses.
Kimara Snipes, new executive director of One Omaha, highlighted the role of neighborhoods in using asset-based development and specific ways neighborhoods support small businesses.
Pastor Brian Page, Senior Pastor of Pleasant Green Baptist Church, represented churches and highlighted the impact local churches continue to have in serving the community and providing leadership in partnership with community-based organizations.
Tamera Spurlock and Andrea Walker, co-leads with Amplify, PayPal’s Black Employee Resource Group provided powerful examples of what they do to help employees achieve success while also serving and volunteering in the community. Amplify is also very intentional about supporting Black businesses.
Deputy Chief Sherie Thomas of the Omaha Police Department illustrated the power of working together to make change happen in the community. Thomas also noted the way the Black Police Officer’s Association supports small businesses and hosts impactful events with youth and the community.
Barney and State Senator Justin Wayne, Willie Hamilton, President of Black Men United and Leo Louis, business owner and board chair of the Malcolm X Foundation, shared perspectives on what it takes to get past divisions to make a positive impact in the community.
Jonathan Chapman, Vice-President of Community Collaboratives for the Empowerment Network hosted a panel with State Senator Terrell McKinney, Aja Anderson, Executive Director of the LiveWell Partnership, Racquel Henderson, Navigator at Metropolitan Community College and Marisa Hattab, Director of Diversity, and Inclusion for Douglas County. The panel focused on ways to build on the foundation of collective work in Omaha to create the future desired by the community.
The final session of the day featured Nadia Spurlock, a recent graduate from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln and the newest member of the Empowerment Network team and Denzell Dial, a senior at the University of Nebraska Omaha, majoring in aviation.
Both Spurlock and Dial spoke about the impact of their families, the community organizations they were a part of while they were growing up in North Omaha and their hopes for the future as they both lead efforts to help the next generation. They were joined by other young men and women who are working to build out the MBK Omaha initiative for young men and Empowered Young Women’s groups.
“We encourage everyone to stay engaged throughout the rest of the year and into 2024,” said Jonathan Chapman, Vice-President of Community Collaboratives for the Empowerment Network. “Stay connected via our website and Facebook page. There’s something for everyone to do.”
Coming Events
Aug. 1st Revive Black Business Summit, Luncheon and Exchange
The next Revive Black Business Summit, Luncheon and Exchange, hosted by Willie and Yolanda Barney, will focus on Investments for Business Owners and Creating National Brands with local, national and global experts in the field.
Registration is Open: Click Here
Please join us on Friday, August 1 at the Revive Center at 24th and Lake from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm for a special Native Omaha Days edition.
The summits are a great way to exchange business, network, learn from leaders in the field and get connected with resources including finances and technical assistance. Let’s keep building together!
Guest Speakers:
David Stevens, President, Stevens Capital Partners. David was recently highlighted in Inc Magazine as one of the fastest growing privately held companies. Stevens Capital Partners is one of the top 10 Black-owned registered investment advisor firms in the nation. As head of the Private Client division, he works closely with entrepreneurs, executives, and multi-generational families to navigate the complexities of significant wealth.
Kim Roxie, CEO of Lamik Beauty. Roxie has established an international beauty brand featured in Ulta and other premium and luxury stores and sites. Her mission-driven approach to beauty—rooted in wellness, sustainability, and inclusivity—has earned her a spotlight in Forbes and recognition as one of American Business Journal’s Young Executives to Watch.
LAMIK, which stands for Love and Makeup In Kindness, has graced the faces of influential women including Gayle King, Meghan Markle, Tabitha Brown, and even Omaha native Cathy Hughes.
The Summit will also include updates from special guests including Hometeam Auto Co-owner, Candice Price and native Omahan, Wendy Muhammad, an international business leader.
Price and her business partner, Ron Devers, have recently purchased a $2 million headquarters to expand their business.
Muhammad is leading major development efforts across the country and globally with over $600 million in completed projects.
The Revive Black Business Exchange has helped to establish a strong system in Omaha where business owners are doing more business together and now forming partnerships in Tulsa, New Orleans and other national cities.
Business resources will also be presented by: Malinda Williams, CEO of Omaha 100; Davida Stewart, Client Relationships with Hayes & Associates; Karnetta Rushing, Business Development Officer, Carver Legacy Center; Ernest White, Senior Vice President of American National Bank and Ambassador of Carver Legacy Center; and April Hibbler, Nebraska Opportunities Exchange.
We’ve had a great response with the summits and luncheons with over 400 Black businesses, entrepreneurs and support organizations participating during the past 12 years.
The location for the in-person event will be the Revive Center at 24th and Lake.
Lunch and Networking will start at 11:00 am.
Lunch will be provided by a local, Black-owned business, ONE Potato & BBQ. Salads, loaded potatoes, wings and more.
Events
Aug. 24th…Black Business Summit
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.
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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.
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