Ninety years after his death, Black activist George Wells Parker is finally getting his due thanks to the efforts of Nebraska Public Historians (NPH). The group’s successful 2020-2021 Go Fund Me campaign raised money for a gravestone that now memorializes Parker (1882-1931), whose major achievements as a scholar and thought-leader were tinged by tragedy.
Read MoreThe warriors inside the B&B Sports Academy boxing gym move to an internal rhythm. Their energy builds, ebbs and flows as they punch bags, shadow box or spar in the ring, skip rope, press pushups, crunch sit-ups. When spent, they stop to catch their breath, arms hanging at their sides. Blood, sweat and tears get spilled, pride and will is tested. Only the sound of coaches barking instructions, occasional belly laughs and the blare of recorded music breaks the intense spell.
Read MoreOften, discussion of African Americans in Nebraska defaults to North Omaha. After all, for generations, it’s where the vast majority of this demographic has resided. But a sizable contingent, a fraction of North Omaha’s, has called South Omaha home for more than a century.
Read MoreBlood memories. Memories that can harbor joy, pain, heroic courage, sloshing rage, and everything in between. These memories are ones that have an impact on you; carrying layers of intricate meaning. Groundbreaking African American Choreographer, Alvin Ailey’s voice, work, and expression inform the newly released Sundance documentary entitled AILEY, wherein the theme of blood memories run deep.
Read MoreMany know about Woodstock, the 1960s music celebration. What you may not know about, is that in the summer of 1969, there was a more melanated music celebration happening in New York City. About a hundred miles south of Woodstock, The Harlem Cultural Festival was an exuberant celebration for families and open to everyone.
Read MoreOmaha Opportunities Industrialization Center, which enjoyed a long run of success before a protracted decline marked by debt and lawsuits. Started with great fanfare in 1966, OOIC offered vocational ed classes and hosted community events as an affiliate of the national OIC of America. Things went well for almost two decades before funders lost faith. Programs and activities diminished. The building it long called home grew debilitated in the face of neglected repairs. Under pressure from the state of Nebraska, OOIC ceased operations and closed its doors to the public. When the OOIC board listed the building for sale, questions arose about what would become of this landmark. Meanwhile, a local interest group working with that national office intends to bring OIC training back to Omaha. The group is being mentored in its efforts to revive OIC with a new board and new programs that reflect community concerns and needs.
Read MoreMuhammad Ali, then, Cassius Clay was a smooth, confident brother from the bluegrass state of Kentucky. His swagger, quick jabs, and “pretty” face were on full display alongside, Sam Cooke, Jim Brown, and Malcolm X. In Regina King’s directorial debut, she finesses the film written by Kemp Powers who created the original screenplay of the new film. There is so much to unpack here in this film. Get comfortable and get ready for the exploration of themes and reflections from “One Night In Miami.”
Read MoreTake a deep dive with Ashley Salem as she discusses the layers, successes, and challenges of Disney Pixar’s “Soul”.
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Breakout success for 23-year-old Da’Dreion Murrell, who plays piano and drums, may not be far away. Music from his debut EP I Am Life is sampled in the new feature film Foster Boy that dramatizes the ills of the foster care system. “I feel sharing my story could help a lot of people here. A lot of them can relate to things I’ve lived through. “ – Leo Adam Biga