Black History Month

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Chronicle: Celebrating Black History Month Part 1



Chronicle BHM 1

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Chronicle: Celebrating Black History Month Part 3

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Chronicle: Celebrating Black History Month Part 2

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A look at the first Black-owned business in Florence



’It Was A Challenge': A look at the first Black-owned business in Florence

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Black owned businesses you can support during Black History Month and year-round

February is nationally recognized as Black History Month, where we observe annually historical Black figures, events and the contributions made by the African diaspora. We’re taking time to shine a light on Black-owned businesses you can support, not just during Black History Month, but year-round, especially when shopping for Valentine’s Day, for your home, and for the holidays.

PetPlate
Kona
54kibo
Fenty Beauty
Oui the People
Luna Magic
Uncle Keith’s Gourmet Foods
Pattern Beauty
Zach & Zoe Sweet Bee Farm
BLK & Bold
Buttah Skincare
Spoken Flames
Golde
Ayesha’s Kitchenware
Scotch Porter
Black History Month 2023 Theme

The theme of this year's Black History Month is "Black Resistance." According to the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, this theme highlights "African Americans resisting historic and ongoing oppression, in all forms, especially the racial terrorism of lynching, racial pogroms and police killings."

Since 1976, every American president has designated February as Black History Month.

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Chronicle: Black History Month - Part 1


Chronicle: Black History Month - Part 2


Chronicle: Black History Month - Part 3

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'Through wars, civil unrest, COVID we are still here':
Omaha Star newspaper marks 85 years in business
The publication is Nebraska's first black newspaper

When you talk about the Omaha Star, the conversation has to start with founder Mildred Brown. "She saw the opportunity for good news and she started The Omaha Star based on the good news, that was in 1938," said Terri Sanders, publisher of The Omaha Star. The paper has always been in North Omaha, moving to its current location on North 24th Street around 1940. Then, Omaha had ten Black newspapers, including the Star. It's the only one that's stood the test of time. "Through wars, through civil unrest, through COVID we are still here," Sanders said.

Black History Profile: The Omaha Star

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Black fashion designer shares her story to inspire women and girls



For many business owners across America taking a risk and believing in themselves is how they got their start. That's also true for local business owners in the metro too. Almost one year ago a young fashion designer took a major leap in starting her own custom clothing designing business. For Cherish Perkins she knew the risks in starting her business, for her it was all worth it. All to live her dream that she's had since she was five years old.

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BBB Tip: How to support Black-Owned Businesses During Black History Month
Join Jacqueline Fernandez at the Alert Center every Friday at noon



As you recognize Black history throughout the month of February, take time to support and highlight the Black entrepreneurs leading trustworthy businesses and providing opportunities in your neighborhood. The continued success of Black-owned businesses is crucial to building thriving communities. Here are five pieces of advice from the Better Business Bureau on how to support Black-owned businesses in your community:

1. Be more intentional about your purchases.
2. Leave a review for the business.
3. Share their social media posts.
4. Buy gift cards for friends and family.
5. Support organizations that foster Black entrepreneurship.

Black History Month is a great time to highlight Black-owned businesses, but you can make an even greater impact by making it a habit to support Black entrepreneurs year-round. When consumers support businesses that make a positive impact, the whole community is stronger.

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'I feel proud of it': The rise of Nebraska's only Black female-led construction company
Ashely Kuhn and Maranda Adams started Blair Freeman in 2015



Maranda Adams and Ashley Kuhn, are good friends, who've now become major business partners. "It feels bold," Kuhn said. "It took a lot of work to get here and I also feel proud of it." The two are joint CEOs of Blair Freeman, the only Class A contractor in Nebraska run by Black women. It all started when Adams, who has a background in real estate, ran into some trouble with a construction project in North Omaha; she needed some help from her friend, Kuhn, who has a background in commercial development. The two found success thanks to their collaboration. It was the "ah-ha" moment that lead them to start Blair Freeman. The construction company specializes in projects that serve lower-income neighborhoods. Oftentimes, these areas come with challenges that can turn other construction companies away. "How many people run into roadblocks with projects stop," Adams said.

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Students showcase influential figures during Black History Month art contest

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Omaha small business owners to battle it out in Pitch Black finale



$10,000 is on the line for five small business owners.

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University of Nebraska Omaha celebrates Black History Month



Feb. 1 marks the start of Black History Month, and the University of Nebraska Omaha helped kick off the celebrations. KETV found dozens of people taking part in the event. UNO partnered with African Culture Connection. The group put on a performance, showcasing African singing, dancing and drumming.

"We try to have our passions for the work that we do and celebrating the richness of identities on campus shine through these events," Sierra Roseby, the assistant director of student leadership, involvement and inclusion at UNO, said. She encouraged the community to be intentional about finding tokens of appreciation throughout Black History Month.

"Growing up, I never really got to see my culture represented in schools. So just seeing this happen is it just like warms up my heart." Marie Claire-Broohm, a UNO student, said. UNO will be holding several events throughout February to celebrate African culture.

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Divine Nine encompasses historic Black fraternities and sororities that paved through racial injustice



In honor of Black History Month, KETV NewsWatch 7 wanted to introduce the community to nine fraternities and sororities that shaped society and the communities that exist today.

"Explain to them the history of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated and say that, hey, Reverend, Dr. Martin Luther King was a member of this fraternity," said Jeffrey Kemp a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

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Black fraternities, sororities continue a legacy of service in Omaha



KETV NewsWatch 7 dove into the history of Black Greek Letter organizations and the fight they endured for a seat at the table. Now over 100 years later fraternities and sororities within the Divine Nine continue that legacy right here in Omaha. Proving it's a lifetime commitment of service to all mankind.

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The history and passion behind soul food:
An Omaha chef's perspective



Many American foods like chicken and mac-n-cheese have ties to slavery. The African community adopted these foods during the Transatlantic Slave Trade. Chef Duane Moore cooks food in his mobile kitchen, Chef Duane's Soul Creation. He said it's something he has enjoyed doing since his childhood. "So, my passion came from a very young age. When I was around six years old," Moore said.

He said what makes his food different is his crucial ingredient, something he calls love. "What it means to me is I always cook everything with love. I love seeing people's expressions when they eat my food," he said. Moore specializes in making soul food. Soul food mainly originated from states like Georgia, Mississippi, and Alabama in the deep south. Enslaved African people were given meager food that was low in quality and nutritional value.