EMPOWERMENT EVENTS & ACTIVITIES
 

____________________________________________________________________

PAST NETWORK COMMUNITY EVENTS

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!

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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. 

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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!

____________________________________________________________________

“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

____________________________________________________________________
 

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!

____________________________________________________________________

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. 

____________________________________________________________________

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.

____________________________________________________________________

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.

____________________________________________________________________

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

____________________________________________________________________

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