A few weeks ago, a student asked me why we decided to name this magazine Revive! I was grateful for the question and the opportunity to share with the class the purpose, meaning, and reason behind Revive! Revive! Omaha Magazine is the result of a lifelong walk towards fulfilling the call that God has on our lives.

In the first edition of the magazine, we presented these words: Why Revive? Revive means coming back to life. Revive means returning to those things that are truly most important. Revive means reconnecting with neighbors. Revive means bringing back the faith, spirit, and passion that we once had. Revive means breathing new life into important relationships that have gone off track. Revive means returning to the purpose that God has for your life. Revive means looking out for each other and helping, encouraging, and supporting one another. If we’ve ever needed a Revival, now is the time.

Yes, we are facing tremendous challenges and disparities with regards to poverty, education, health, economics, housing, and a recession that has deepened. But in reality, we have faced greater problems in the past and have always overcome and persevered. We need only look at our history and know that with God on our side we can and will be successful and prosperous - spiritually, emotionally, physically, and financially.

Sometimes we need a reminder of the way we supported each other in the past. Things weren’t perfect. There were major issues and disparities even during those times. Still, there seemed to be more of a sense of connectedness. A sense of expectation. A sense of “we’re in this together”. That’s what we’re looking to see Revived! A sense of working together. Not only African-Americans, but the entire city working together to improve conditions and make this a great city for all citizens.

Our goal with Revive! Omaha Magazine is to help usher in a Total Revival in the Greater Omaha area! Not just a seasonal or three night revival (as much as I personally enjoy and look forward to them), but an all year, every day revival in every area of life. The magazine will be part lifestyle and part community empowerment, celebrating and encouraging African-Americans to continue pressing toward prosperity and success.

Eight issues later, we are more focused than ever on seeing a great Revival in our city. Though the pressures and realities of recession are all around us, we continue moving forward. God has blessed us to celebrate a one year milestone and the magazine continues to grow. We’re consistently amazed at the response to Revive! Omaha Magazine. We’re thankful that the content has resonated with thousands of people.

Inside this issue, we hope that you’ll be inspired to stay focused on the dream, vision and mission that you’ve committed yourself to living. We pray that you will be revived, renewed, and reenergized. The cover story interview with Thomas Warren, Sr., President and CEO of the Urban League is one that everyone should read. His personal journey and rise to become Omaha’s first African-American Chief of Police is a textbook case of what it will take to Rebuild the Village. Read it with your eyes and ears wide open. Consider the powerful impact of having positive influences throughout the community.

Also in this edition, we begin to take a closer look at diversity in Omaha. We want to continue challenging the stereotypes and assumptions that have been made regarding race in Omaha. What would happen in Omaha if we were to see our diversity as a strength and not a weakness? What would happen if we were to move past traditional racial barriers? What would happen if we appreciated and celebrated our differences? What if our neighborhoods, workplaces, and centers of worship were more inclusive and diverse?
An article by Tawanna Black, Director of Diversity for Cox, shares some insights on ways to improve corporate diversity. And, a Q & A with Thomas Warren sheds light on the Urban League’s approach to improving diversity in the workforce.

Let’s pull together, Omaha, and live life in a way that exemplifies a new spirit of inclusiveness. It’s time for a Revival!

Sincerely,
Willie Barney, President/Publisher

©2009 Revive! Omaha Magazine. All rights reserved.