EMPOWERMENT EVENTS & ACTIVITIES

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PAST NETWORK COMMUNITY EVENTS

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Thank you for attending the
Rebuild North Omaha...Block by Block!

North Omaha Village Zone
Connecting a Rich History with a Promising Future

Community Visioning and Planning Session
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Omaha North High School - Viking Center
6 pm to 9 pm  (light dinner available at 5:30 pm)

It's Time to DREAM Again. 

a comprehensive, collaborative development initiative in partnership with the Empowerment Network, North Omaha Residents and Stakeholders, Alliance Building Communities, City of Omaha, North Omaha Development Project, Omaha Housing Authority, and Nebraska Investment Finance Authority

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SPECIAL EVENT

Thank you to all of those who attended our first Education Super Summit!  Over 200 parents, students, teachers, administrators, college and university representatives, community organizations, early childhood specialists, after school workers, and others participated.
 

GET READY TO
S.O.A.R.
(Seize Opportunities And Resources)
 

EDUCATION SUPER SUMMIT!
Saturday, November 21, 2009

Omaha North High School
Viking Center, Auditorium, and Classrooms
8:00 AM to 3:30 PM

GREAT OPPORTUNITIES:  (All in one place...don’t miss this event!!!)

• Get Information on Scholarships and Financial Assistance
• Learn about Jobs and Job Training Opportunities
• Gain Access to Valuable Resources and Opportunities
• Attend Informative Sessions and Get Your Questions Answered by School Representatives and Community Groups
• Enjoy Free Breakfast and Lunch
• Chance to Win Prizes and Drawings (for participants)
• Learn more about special opportunities for parents, families and students from over 40 community groups, organizations, and elected officials

Hosted by the Empowered Schools: Ready by 21 Cradle to Career Initiative
Empowering African-American and North Omaha Parents, Families and Students to S.O.A.R.

SPONSORS, PARTNERS & PARTICIPANTS…(more organizations and groups are joining daily)
Over 40 community organizations, colleges, and universities…plus educators, elected officials, and specialists to answer your questions and provide valuable information.
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Thank you to all that participated in the 2009 Housing Summit!

Empowerment Network Monthly Community Meeting and HOUSING SUMMIT

Saturday, November 14, 2009
Skinner Magnet

8:30 am  Breakfast and Networking
9:00 am  Network Meeting

10:30 am to 12:30
Housing Summit
presented by Family Housing Advisory Services,
Alliance Building Communities,
and the Empowerment Network

TOPICS:
Homeless Prevention
Housing Development
Home Ownership
Financial Stability
Community Involvement
Forming a North Omaha Housing Alliance

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MOBILIZE:  Empowerment Challenge

Thank you to all that participated with the Small and Emerging Business Ordinance.  It was passed by the City Council on a 6-0 vote!

City Council - Public Hearing

Tuesday, October 27, 2009
2:00 PM

Legislative Chambers - 1819 Farnam - Omaha, Nebraska

Your participation in this public hearing made a big difference!!!

Item of focus:
Small and Emerging Business Ordinance

The Ordinance will help create opportunities for small and emerging businesses that have a direct impact on areas of high poverty.  The ordinance has the possibility of generating millions of dollars for companies and contractors that do business in, are located in, or hire employees from North and South Omaha!  The entire city will see a positive impact!

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Thank you to everyone that participated in our first VIP Week...

Violence Intervention and Prevention Week
Sunday, October 18 to Saturday, October 24, 2009

SAFE OMAHA!
NO MORE Gun Violence!

Homicides in Omaha are down 27%.  Felony Assaults are also down this year.  We want to stay on this path of decreasing gun violence.  One life lost to gun violence is one too many.  Let’s come together to Keep Omaha Safe!

If you’re tired of shootings, gun violence, and funerals, let’s work together to end gun violence!  We’ve lost too many lives to senseless death.  Enough is Enough.  No More Gun Violence!

Empower Omaha! and its partners are asking individuals, families, neighborhoods, organizations, faith institutions, businesses, and others to participate in Safe Omaha…VIP WEEK!  Our purpose is to increase awareness and bring a stop to gun violence.  This is just one part of a 24/7, 365 day comprehensive, collaborative plan.

Sunday, Oct. 18                               Safe Omaha! Day
 

Monday, Oct. 19         6:00 pm       Safe Omaha!  Family Night At Home
                                                            No TV Night - Spend time talking with family about keeping your
                                                            home and neighborhood safe.  Discuss what to do in case of  
                                                            emergency.  Special opportunity for home owners…please call
                                                            444-3560 for a free smoke or carbon monoxide detector. (while they last)

Tuesday, Oct. 20         6:00 pm      Safe Omaha!  Neighborhood Night
                            Talk to your neighbors about ways to keep the neighborhood safe.
                            Join your neighborhood association or neighborhood watch efforts.

Wednesday, Oct. 21    2:00 pm     Safe Omaha! News Conference
                                                            Collaborative Efforts to Stop Gun Violence
                                                            24^th and Lake – Lake Point Building

                                        7:00 pm     Safe Omaha! Prayer Vigil at Church Services
                                                            Pray for a Safe City and Pray to Stop Gun Violence!

Thursday, Oct. 22 5:00-6:00pm   Safe Omaha!  Rally Against Gun Violence – Please join us…
                                                            24^th & Lake, 30^th & Lake, 24^th & Ames, 30^th & Ames, 42^nd and Ames,
                                                            24^th & L, 72^nd & Dodge, or in your own neighborhood.

Friday, Oct. 23             6:00 pm     Meet me at 24^th and Lake – Safe City Event
                                                            Come to 24^th and Lake.  Participate in positive events at Lake Point,  
                                                            Chef Mike’s Café, and the Love Jazz Arts Center

Saturday, Oct. 24  4:00-6:00 pm  Safe Night Out – FREE Event – Northeast Precinct
                                                            30^th & Taylor – Candy and Games for Kids


                                6:00-8:00 pm    Hope Skate Event – FREE Admission
                                                             Presented by the STD Omaha/HIV Awareness

                 

If you would like to volunteer, contribute, or support efforts to stop gun violence in our communities and city, please e-mail us at info@empoweromaha.com  or call us at 402-502-5153.

Omaha 360 is an initiative of the Empower Omaha Violence Intervention and Prevention Collaboration


Safe Omaha!  No More Gun Violence!

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Thank you to everyone who participated in the...

Empower North Omaha! 

Unite and Rebuild
Community Meetings

Held on Saturday, August 8, 2009 and Saturday, September 12, 2009 at Omaha North High School in the Viking Center

Over 300 participants have worked together to updated and develop strategies for North Omaha.  We thank all of the elected officials, residents, community organizations, neighborhood associations, educators, law enforcement representatives, business leaders, pastors and ministers, philanthropists, and other partners that participated. 

More details are coming soon.

Do your part...Live the Covenant.  Stay involved.  Spread the word.

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Thank you to everyone who participated in the...

Empower North Omaha! 

Unite and Rebuild
Community Meeting

Held on Saturday, July 11, 2009
at Omaha North High School in the Viking Center

Hosted by The Empowerment Network, Coalition of Elected Officials, North Omaha Neighborhood Groups and Residents, North Omaha Pastors and Ministers Coalition and City-wide Churches, North Omaha Funding Coalition, and others.

We had a productive meeting on Saturday, July 11, 2009.  Over 120 leaders and residents joined together to prioritize next steps to help Rebuild North Omaha.  North Omaha Neighborhood Associations and residents were well represented.  Elected Officials Councilman Ben Gray, Councilman Pete Festersen, Commissioner Chris Rodgers, Douglas County Treasurer John Ewing, Senator Tanya Cook, School Board Member Freddie Gray, Metro Board Member Fred Conley, and Learning Community Councilor Justin Wayne participated in all aspects of the event.  Mayor Jim Suttle and his Chief of Staff, Steve Oltman, worked with groups to identify key issues and potential solutions.  We had one of our most diverse groups including youth and young adults, neighborhood residents, pastors, ministers, law enforcement, educators, non-profit organizations, violence prevention specialists, social agencies, philanthropists, business executives, and others present. 

Consensus was developed on key issues, opportunities, and next steps.  A North Omaha Neighborhood Alliance is now in development.  A North Omaha Funding Coalition is also in the works.  Results from the meeting will be posted on the web-site.  We will work to provide a survey online for those that were not able to attend the meeting.

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GREAT SUMMER JOBS PROGRAM 2009
an initiative of the Empowerment Network Covenant...
 

The Great Summer Jobs Program 2009 was officially launched on June 1, 2009.  The program is in its second year and represents a partnership between the Empowerment Network, Omaha Public Schools, Impact One Community Connection, Omaha Economic Development Corporation, The Minority Community Development Fund, Eastern Nebraska Community Action Program, Center for Holistic Development, 100 Black Men, New Community Development Corporation, Metro Community College, and over 40 different businesses and community organizations.  Over 150 youth and young adults are participating in a range of educational, training, and work experience opportunities.  During the morning, participants are engaged in educational and training sessions including summer school, GED, college prep, and entrepreneurship.  Afternoons include intensive training on life skills, employability, history and culture, managing money, customer service, vocational careers, housing rehabilitation, urban farming, marketing and communications, media development, and community research.  The final piece of the puzzle is on the job work experience in over 20 different fields including banking, health, culinary, automotive repair, special projects, and green jobs. 

Thank you to our partners.  Thank you to everyone involved.  If you would like to support this effort, please call 402-502-5153 or e-mail us at vqferris@empoweromaha.com
 

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HARMONY WEEK…
Safe Summer Kick-off 2009
From Violence to PEACE in the City…No More! Violence

Empower Omaha! and its partners are asking individuals, families, organizations, faith institutions, businesses, and others to participate in Harmony Week!  Let’s come together all over the city to
kick-off a safe summer!

Saturday, May 16                            Help Your Neighbor Day  (Serve someone in your neighborhood)

                                                            Participate in a Neighborhood Clean-up     
                                                            Network Partnership with Highlander Neighborhood Association
                                                            Meet at 29^th and Charles at 8:00 am

Sunday, May 17       3:00 pm         Music, Food, and Activities at Fontenelle Park – 42^nd and Ames
                                    4:00 pm         Safe Summer Prayer Rally and Service at Fontenelle Park

Monday, May 18       6:00 pm        Family Night At Home
                                                           No TV Night - Spend time talking about being safe during the  
                                                           summer.

Tuesday, May 19      6:00 pm         Neighborhood Night
                                                            Host an event in your home and discuss ways to improve the    
                                                            neighborhood.

Wednesday, May 20  8:00 pm      Harmony Week Prayer Vigil
                                                           Host a Prayer Vigil at your church (After Wednesday Worship Service)    
                                                           or in your neighborhood .

Thursday, May 21                          Listen and Serve:  Reach out & Connect Youth w/ Seniors Day!
                                                           Create an opportunity for youth to listen to and serve seniors
                                                            in the neighborhood and/or in senior housing.

Friday, May 22   After 3:00 pm    Neighborhood Block Parties
                                                            Host an event at your church or neighborhood.  Provide positive  
                                                            activities for children and youth on the last day of school. 

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TIME FOR CHANGE

Saturday, December 13, 2008

2nd Annual State of African-Americans & North Omaha:
Focus:  Violence Prevention, Jobs, Careers, Business and Education

Over 100 community leaders and residents participated in the 2nd Annual Summit.

PRESS RELEASE...

            On Saturday, December 13, 2008, the Empowerment Network and Urban League of Nebraska will jointly release the first part of a new report produced by the Pew Partnership for Civic Change. 

            The summary overview will be presented at the Second Annual State of African-Americans Summit, hosted by the African-American Empowerment Network, at the Tip Top Ballroom and Conference Center in Omaha, Nebraska.  The summit will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and include the annual Empower Omaha! update, Pew Partnership Presentation, and feature interactive roundtable discussions and action plan development focused on economics, jobs, business development, and violence prevention.  An informal networking session starts at 10:30 am.

            Pew is an internationally known research and community engagement firm that specializes in analyzing communities and providing customized best practice recommendations for making short-term and long-term improvements.  The Pew Partnership Report takes a fresh look at the history and current state of African-Americans, North Omaha, and the greater Omaha area. 

The purpose of the Pew Partnership report is three-fold: first, to document the challenges facing the African American community in Omaha; second, to present the impact of these challenges on the community as a whole; and third, to recommend next steps that the community must embrace for the situation to improve.  The report was funded by African American business owners and senior corporate executives along with key business and philanthropic leaders.  The funding effort was lead by Dick Davis, President and CEO of Davis Companies.

            Omaha boasts some of the best public schools in the nation, but has received national attention regarding the overall poor performance of some of its African-American students.  Omaha has typically maintained an unemployment rate of less than 4 percent; however, African-American unemployment ranges from 12 to 18 percent.  And now with the current recession, African-American unemployment could reach more than 20 percent and certain census tracts in North Omaha already have 35 percent or higher unemployment.  Omaha has evolved into what the Kerner Report (Report of the National Advisory Commission on Civil Disorders 1968) projected, “two societies, one black, one white – separate and unequal."           

            With an outside-in perspective, Suzanne Morse, President of the Pew Partnership for Civic Change, seeks to analyze how Omaha has produced a community that ranks in the top five in the United States, regarding African-American poverty, while simultaneously creating a much documented economic rebirth in other parts of the city. 

            The report doesn’t stop with just issues, facts, and data.  The Pew Report provides additional insights that will help the community understand how things got the way they are and also presents creative, best practices for closing educational and economic gaps.  Many of the findings confirm and shine new light on reports that have been released over the past two years in the Empowerment Network’s “State of African-Americans” report, Omaha World-Herald’s “Poverty in Black and White” series, and the Building Bright Futures Community Action Plan.

            “I’m most excited about moving forward.  It’s good to know the history.  It’s good to know the data.  But, most importantly, we are prepared to take these recommendations and move forward,” said Thomas Warren, President and CEO of the Urban League of Nebraska.  “We need to build on the good things that have already started.”

The report also discusses the development of strong capacity building efforts and highlights the importance of accessible credit and incentives for entrepreneurship.  “The Pew report reveals that creating pathways to entrepreneurship helps build personal wealth, generate employment and is a vehicle to grow the larger economy as well” says Ed Cochran, executive director of the north Omaha development project.  “We must indentify gaps in service and investment and effect performance driven strategies and self help mechanisms to address the challenges we face.”

            In addition, the report also introduces the “Thriving Communities Index,” a Pew Center exclusive model, which allows cities to make valuable comparisons with other urban areas.  The Index identifies key variables that help determine how a city is performing with regards to economics and quality of life.  The report compares Omaha to selected Midwestern and other “high-performing” cities on 12 different components. 

            Morse writes in the report:

             “Based on data collected through a national regression model, Thriving Communitiesä, Omaha has a strong economy and a good quality of life. This analysis suggests that Omaha has all the building blocks in place to go from a very strong community to a national model. What is missing is a laser focus on the issues that affect Omaha’s most disadvantaged populations.

            “The analysis of the 387 cities in the Thriving Communities model shows that the strongest cities in America—those that have the most productive economy and the highest quality of life do two very significant things: first, they create a vibrant economy of high wage jobs and low unemployment using four interrelated approaches: build on strengths, develop key assets, generate a positive reputation, and attract job generators. To enhance their quality of life they focus on six variables: safe neighborhoods, highly educated workforce, healthcare access for all, affordable and available housing, arts and recreation, and civic engagement.”

            The report ends with immediate, short-term, and long-term recommendations to help Omaha become a model for the rest of the nation.  A few of the solutions that are highlighted include: developing a comprehensive, multi-year development plan for youth; creating a new approach to workforce development; creating new pathways for entrepreneurship and access to capital.

            “It’s great to see that this report, compiled and written by an internationally respected research organization, confirms some of our earlier findings,” stated Willie Barney, President and Facilitator of the Empowerment Network. “The recommendations are totally compatible with the strategies that the community has focused on with the Empowerment Covenant, Building Bright Futures and the North Omaha Development Project. 

            “The Pew report gives us a much needed framework and context for future solutions.  It also provides a different perspective for how Omaha compares to other cities and what can be implemented right away to make a real, tangible difference.”

            Omaha is well positioned to finally close gaps that have produced a divided community.  The Pew Partnership report strongly recommends that success will only come when silos are removed, walls are broken down, self help strategies are initiated and the entire city makes addressing these disparities a priority. 

            Morse concludes in the Pew Report, “Poverty and underachievement costs the nation and communities like Omaha untold millions of dollars. These issues must be addressed immediately.  Omaha has the opportunity to be a model for the rest of the nation, but there is no time to waste.”

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Stop the Violence Conference
Crime Prevention Summit
Friday, May 9 and Saturday, May 10, 2008

Black Men United, National Hip Hop Political Convention, ACLU, Douglas County, Malcolm X Foundation, African-American Association (UNO), Circle of Brotherhood, and Empowerment Network hosted the First Stop the Violence Conference and 2nd Annual Crime Prevention Summit.  The event attracted over 100 leaders, community advocates and youth for two days of planning and networking.  Five national speakers were on hand to share information, success stories, and strategies for reducing youth violence.  Local experts also presented best practice strategies and successful ideas.

Elected officials, police officers, faith leaders, non-profit organizations, crime prevention specialists, parents, students, and others worked together to generate ideas to reduce violence.  Strategies are in development and the Empowerment Network Crime Prevention Covenant will be updated to reflect recommendations from the national consultants and speakers.  It's time to work the plan!

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Neighborhood Clean-up
April 26, 2008

The Empowerment Network partnered with the Highlander, Prospect Place, and Prospect Hill Neighborhood Associations during their annual clean-up day.  Partners from throughout the city worked alongside neighbors to fill up several city dump trucks.  We helped to remove trash, brush, furniture, and other items from the neighborhood.  Thanks to all of the volunteers.  Other efforts are being planned for later this year.

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Rebuilding the Village Conference
April 4, 2008

On Friday, April 4, 2008, the Empowerment Network and Empower Omaha! presented the 2^nd Annual Rebuilding the Village Conference.  Three nationally known speakers were on hand to deliver five power-packed sessions featuring real-life examples of how neighborhoods have been transformed through partnerships, networks, and various community-based efforts.  George Fraser, President/CEO of FraserNet, Denise E. Gilmore, President/CEO of the Jazz District Redevelopment Corporation (Kansas City), and Kenneth Dobson, an international Community and Economic Development Consultant, proved to be an incredible line-up. 

A diverse audience of over 160 leaders and community advocates, representing over 70 different organizations, participated.  All areas of the Empowerment Covenant were present, including disciplines of education, business, faith, crime prevention, cultural arts, political empowerment, economics, housing, youth development, health, healthy families, neighborhood development, and media. 

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National Night Out...Empowerment Outreach

Thanks to all who attended the National Night Out...Empower Omaha Community Outreach on Tuesday, August 7th.  It was one our first ventures out into the streets...a successful start to our Neighborhood Partnership Plan. 

Thanks to the Empowerment Network Crime Prevention Leaders and Stacy Henry for providing leadership and helping pull things together in a very short amount of time with the National Night Out.

In the end, God held off the rain, volunteers served in every capacity, and groups came forward to help make the event a success.  We had a good turnout and gave out over 200 servings of fish, 200 hamburgers, over 250 hot dogs, 500+ bottles of water and soft drinks.

Chef Mike - cooked hamburgers and hot dogs
Lutfi's - donated, cooked and served catfish and made a financial contribution
No Frills - donated hot dogs and hot dog buns
Charles Drew - handout out health related information and answered questions
Creighton University Youth Program - provided back packs for kids
Creighton University Medical Center - brought the portable health unit
Fire Department - brought out a fire truck and the Fire Mobile Command
Police Department - brought out the Mobile Command Unit
DJ Joe Parks - played a mix of gospel, jazz and a little bit of old school
Pastor Teran and his team allowed us to use his church parking lot and many church volunteers joined in to help.
Pepsi - helped with soft drinks
Wells Fargo - helped with bottle water
Eagle Haven/Rainbow of Hope - provided the No More Tears Ribbons
We handed out copies of the covenant and discussed it with residents, played games and activities with the children in the neighborhood, talked to residents about needs and ideas to help improve the community.  We had many conversations with neighbors about how to help stop the violence.

Many organizations, groups, and individuals were present, including; African-American Achievement Council, Don't Get it Twisted, OEDC, Charles Drew, Creighton, Juvenile Probation, Weed & Seed, Totally Motivated, Eagle Haven, Rainbow of Hope, Omaha Urban Area Health Education Center, Target, Christian Couples Fellowship International., Aframerican Bookstore, Black Men United, Clark Connection Group, 100 Black Men, Chef Mike, Lutfi's, Freedom Assembly, Afresh Anointing Church, Agape Church, Salem Baptist Church, representatives from OHA, representatives from all of the Neighborhood Associations, Fire Chief Dahlquist and representatives from the Fire Department, Chief Warren and representatives from the Police Dept....and representatives from every area of the Covenant.  (and I'm sure I'm missing others)

It was just the beginning of our community outreach efforts.  We will meet this Saturday to continue putting the covenant into action.  Enough is Enough...it's time to Be About It!!!!  We've planned.  We've met.  We now have a road map.  It's time to do the work!

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“It’s Time to Work Together!”
Community Summit, Update and Planning Sessions

Held on SATURDAY, JULY 21, 2007
Omaha North High School
9:00 AM to 3:00 PM

On Saturday, July 21^st, over 150 leaders and community representatives came together for the Empower Omaha! Community Summit, Update and Planning Session.  Participants discussed the State of African-Americans in Omaha, reviewed solutions that have been identified, announced initial leadership projects, and participated in break-out sessions designed to help turn the Empower Omaha! Covenant into specific action plans.

The covenant seeks to help address challenges faced by African-Americans living in Omaha and provides a road map for what individuals, families and leaders can do to help improve the community.  The Empower Omaha! Covenant is a local plan that was created by the African-American Empowerment Network with participation from African-American leaders and with input from over 400 community members.  The call now is for everyone to “Do Their Part and Live the Covenant.”  It follows the model of the Covenant with Black America developed by Tavis Smiley and a panel of national experts.  An increasing number of individuals and groups are joining the Network every week.

SCHEDULE:

 9:00 a.m.  Networking Opportunities/Visit Displays/Information and Sign-up Tables
  (Free TMC Card w/Discounts & Special Values from African-American Businesses)

 10:00 a.m.  Community Update on the Empower Omaha! Covenant
          Update on the State of African-Americans in Omaha
          Update on the Empower Omaha! Covenants, Partnerships and other Major Projects
          Overview of Solutions and Ways for You to Get Involved and “Live the Covenants”

 11:00 a.m.  Community Q & A Session

 Noon  Lunch available for purchase from African-American Restaurants

 1:00—3:00  Break-out Sessions & Summits
          Share ideas on solutions and how we can work together to accelerate our progress.      
          (Areas:  Education, Economics, Crime Prevention, Housing, Health/Environment,
           Faith, Families, Voting/Politics, Arts/Cultural Activities, Media/Communications) 

Presented by:  The Empowerment Network and WDB Resultants, LLC

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On Friday, April 27, 2007, we hosted our Empowerment Network Lunch with George Fraser from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm at Chef Mike's Community Cafe - 24th and Lake.  At the luncheon, we launched the first phase of the Empowerment Covenants and held our first press conference.

We had great attendance at the event.  The opening conversation with George Fraser was a beautiful start to the day.  Mr. Fraser wasted no time getting to meat of his presentation.  He encouraged us to keep moving and doing what we've been called to do.

The press conference was well received.  The Omaha World-Herald featured the launch of the covenants on the front page of both the morning and evening editions.  Three television stations covered the event and presented coverage on their 5:00, 6:00, 9:00 and 10:00 news.  We want to thank the media for helping us to present this extremely important initiative to the community.  We plan to announce the Leadership Initiatives in mid-May.

After the press conference, we had the opportunity to enjoy a wonderful lunch prepared by Chef Mike.  We want to thank Mike and his team, Teresa Hunter and her staff, and all of those who helped to make the lunch portion of the day a success.

Then, it was back to George Fraser.  He picked up right where he had left off in the earlier session.  He continued to drop wisdom left and right.  He challenged us.  He encouraged us.  He inspired us.  We are working to make DVD's and CD's of the presentation available. 

Fraser is an internationally-known Author, Visionary, and Network Builder.  Founder and leader of the #1 Network for African-Americans in the World, Fraser has created a global movement to increase opportunities for people of African descent.  He is the author of Success Runs in our Race, SuccessGuides, and Founder/Host of the PowerNetworking Conference, featuring the most influential African-American leaders of our generation.

Thank you to all who attended and supported the event.  Now, it's time to take it higher and put the covenants to work!

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The Crime Prevention Summit was held Saturday, April 14, 2007, from 1:00 to 4:00 pm at Omaha North High School.  It was a very productive work session including groups, organizations and individuals who are dedicated to reducing crime and creating safe neighborhoods.  Part II is in the works. 

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Health and Healthy Family Summit - Very productive meeting on 3/31/07.  We held the Summit at Omaha North High School following the Black Family Health and Wellness Association's 9th Annual Health Fair.  We had a very positive response and gathered very valuable ideas, recommendations and feedback from the community and representatives of various organizations.  We had strong representation from a significant number of health and healthy family organizations.  We also have 90 in-depth feedback forms completed.

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Economics and Housing.  Great meeting on 3/24/07.  Strong representation from many areas...even with the rain.  Business and organizational leaders from for-profit and non-profits were all present.  New participants have joined the effort.  We're working towards a follow-up meeting to identify our key initiatives. Subcommittees are being formed.

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AFRICAN-AMERICAN EMPOWERMENT SUMMIT and FORUM - Part II

Held on March 10, 2007

Thank you to all who attended the March 10 Empowerment Summit.
We presented the updated Empowerment Covenant, issued an Empowerment Challenge, kicked-off the Month of Empowerment, gave out a free card that allows participants to receive great discounts from African-American businesses, provided updates and meeting dates for your participation on solution teams, and announced future plans for converting the covenant into action!  Thank you to our panelists, speakers, presenters and all who attended.

More updates are coming.  Summits for Economics, Health and Healthy Families, Education and Youth Development and Crime Prevention are coming soon.  Visit the site for updates.

Presenters and Panelists:

                Elaine Adams
                Principal - Boyd Elementary School

Femi Awodele
                Executive Director/Founder - Christian Couples Ministries International, Author

                Dr. Richard Brown
                President/CEO - Charles Drew Health Center

                Paul Bryant
                Executive Director - Wesley House Leadership Academy

                Deb Bunting
                Nebraska Arts Council

                John Ewing
                Douglas County Treasurer 

                Dell Gines
                President - District 2 Neighborhood Association

                Carol Woods-Harris
                State Board of Education

                Teresa Hunter
                President/CEO - Family Housing Advisory Services

                Michael Maroney
                President/CEO – Omaha Economic Development Corp.
                Steering Committee- North Omaha Economic Development Project

                Pastor Jeremiah McGhee
                Senior Pastor – Mt. Sinai Church; President – Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance

                Dr. Rubens Pamies
                Vice-Chancellor – Dean of Academic Affairs – University of Nebraska Medical Center

                Chris Rodgers
                Douglas County Commissioner

                Pastor Vanessa Ward
                Senior Pastor - A Fresh Anointing Church

                Thomas Warren
                Omaha Chief of Police

                Tommie Wilson
                President – NAACP

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AFRICAN-AMERICAN EMPOWERMENT SUMMIT, FORUM

and COMMUNITY PLANNING SESSION - PART I

Held on December 9, 2006.

PRAYER/WELCOME               Minister John Ewing – Douglas County Treasurer

OPENING REMARKS/             Willie Barney
PRESENTATION                      State of African-Americans in Omaha –Overview
                                                Empowerment Network – Vision, Covenant & Strategic Plan

PRESENTATIONS                    Education and Youth Development
                                               Ben Gray – AA Achievement Council

            Economics
                        Michael Maroney – OEDC/North Omaha Economic
                        Teresa Hunter – FHAS (Housing)

            Health/Environment
                        Dr. Richard Brown – Charles Drew Health Center

            Healthy Families
                        Femi Awodele – Author, Christian Couples International

            Voting/Politics
                        Chris Rodgers – Douglas County Commissioner

                                                Crime Prevention/Justice
                                                Dell Gines – District 2 Neighborhood Association

            Arts/Cultural Activities/Entertainment
                       Deb Bunting – Nebraska Arts Council

INTRODUCE THE PANEL        Willie Barney, Tim Clark and Willie Hamilton
                                                Moderators

PANEL DISCUSSION               Questions from the Audience
(on index cards to Moderators)

BREAK-OUT PLANNING SESSIONS/COMMUNITY INPUT
(Opportunity to provide input on issues, solutions, groups/organizations and ask questions)

DECEMBER 9, 2006 SUMMIT & FORUM
Panelists/Speakers:

                Femi Awodele
                Christian Couples Ministries International, Author

                Rev. Dr. Selwyn Q. Bachus
                Senior Pastor - Salem Baptist Church

                Dr. Richard Brown
                President/CEO - Charles Drew Health Center

                Deb Bunting
                Nebraska Arts Council

                John Ewing
                Douglas County Treasurer-elect

                Bishop John Ford
                Church of God in Christ

                Ben Gray
                KETV Host/Co-Chair - African-American Achievement Council

                Dell Gines
                President - District 2 Neighborhood Association

                Carol Woods-Harris
                State Board of Education

                Teresa Hunter
                President/CEO - Family Housing Advisory Services

                Michael Maroney
                President/CEO – Omaha Economic Development Corp.
                Steering Committee- North Omaha Economic Development Project

                Chris Rodgers
                Douglas County Commissioner

                Pastor Vanessa Ward
                Senior Pastor - A Fresh Anointing Church

                Thomas Warren
                Omaha Chief of Police

                Tommie Wilson
                President – NAACP

Moderators/Hosts

                Willie Barney - Facilitator of the Empowerment Network
                President -WDB Resultants, LLC./SMB Enterprises, LLC.

                Tim Clark - President – Clark Connection Group
                Vice-President of Membership – Omaha Chamber

                Willie Hamilton - Leader – NANOSO Voter’s Coalition and Black Men United