African American Leadership Conference marks 20 years of collaboration and impact in Omaha

OMAHA, NE, UNITED STATES, October 14, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — The Empowerment Network marked its 20th anniversary at the African American Leadership Conference and Revive Black Business Expo, bringing more than 450 people to CHI Health Center Omaha for programming focused on entrepreneurship, business growth, wealth building, career advancement, health and civic engagement.

Held Sept. 30–Oct. 2 under the theme “This Is Our Season,” the conference recognized two decades of work by residents, leaders and community partners to expand opportunity for African-Americans, North Omaha and the City of Omaha. Conference programming explored entrepreneurship and business growth, wealth building, career advancement, leadership development, health and civic engagement. The Revive Black Business Expo connected attendees with participating businesses and organizations.

“We have invested in this conference, recognizing the people and partnerships that helped produce measurable results the last 20 years. Now we’re building on that momentum to look at what we can create over the next 20 through even deeper collaboration,” said Willie Barney, CEO and founder of the Empowerment Network. “That starts with walking in faith and purpose, investing in ourselves, supporting our businesses and strengthening our communities. When we bring that commitment together with partners willing to work shoulder to shoulder with us, there is no limit to what we can do. We now know what is possible!”

Featured speakers included keynote speaker Simon T. Bailey, CEO of Simon T. Bailey International; James Bailey, president and CEO of the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurship; Dr. George Fraser, CEO of FraserNet; Dr. Pamela Jolly, CEO of Torch Enterprises; Dr. Randal Pinkett, managing partner of BCT Partners; and Jaylen D. Bledsoe, chief executive business officer of The Potter’s House.

Barney, Board President Timothy Christian and Omaha Mayor John Ewing recognized the community leaders and partners who have sustained the collective work over two decades. He emphasized the importance of listening to residents and working alongside the community to improve public safety and create thriving communities.

“We brought together people who were committed to this community, and we’ve been partnering together for 20 years,” said Omaha Mayor John Ewing. “So I just want to say thank you to all of you because dreams don’t happen unless people do the hard work.”

Through Transformation 2025 and its partners’ efforts, more than $1.5 billion has been committed to revitalizing North Omaha. More than 3,000 adults have been connected to employment and 3,000 housing units have been built or renovated. Step-Up Omaha has also connected more than 9,000 young people with employment, internships, career exploration, entrepreneurship and other opportunities. Transformation 2030 will build on this progress.

Looking ahead, Barney introduced the 4-3-8 strategy, an economic empowerment approach that emphasizes investing in the community, supporting Black businesses, and strengthening institutions. He described reconnecting people, reviving businesses and rebuilding communities as central to the work ahead, including the Revive Black Business Network, Empowerment Network and Pastors & Faith Collective.

While it started locally, the collaborative approaches have expanded to Kansas City, Missouri; New Orleans, Louisiana; Lansing, Michigan; Tulsa, Oklahoma; Syracuse, New York; and emerging partnerships in St. Louis, Missouri; Durham, North Carolina; Minneapolis, Minnesota; Atlanta, George; Oklahoma City and other cities from across the nation.

The conference also recognized young people and adults participating in Step Up, Youth 360, My Brother’s Keeper and Skill Up, alongside community leaders, strategic partners and longtime volunteers whose contributions have helped sustain the Empowerment Network’s work.

The Revive Black Business Expo allowed businesses and organizations to network, meet customers, make connections and generate revenue.

The Empowerment Network will carry the conversations and connections from the conference into its work with residents and partners across Omaha. Beyond the Conference, the work will continue, including capacity-building cohorts and collaborative initiatives. More information is available at empoweromaha.com.

About Empowerment Network
The Empowerment Network is a nonprofit organization committed to advancing economic, social and civic progress within Omaha’s African American community, North Omaha and the region. Celebrating 20 years of collaboration and impact, the organization works to create opportunities for empowerment and transformation in every zip code and neighborhood in Omaha and in partner communities across the country. Empowerment Network is supported by sponsors and partners, including the Weitz Family Foundation, City of Omaha, Charles E. Lakin Foundation, Revive, Obama Foundation’s My Brother’s Keeper Alliance, Nebraska Department of Economic Development, American National Bank/Associated Bank, CHI Health, Mutual of Omaha, Omaha Economic Development Corporation, Carver Legacy Center, Nebraska Medicine and PRPP Innovations.

Vicki Quaites-Ferris
The Empowerment Network
+1 402-502-5153
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