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“We’re in it for the long-haul,” said NFL Hall of Famer, and Central High graduate Gale Sayers during a special reception last week to benefit the Wesley House. Local businessman, Paul Bryant has gained wide public and corporate support for a major renovation project at Omaha’s Wesley House, where Bryant is executive director. Not only is it the oldest community service organization in Nebraska, but the Wesley House has also served as an incubator for successful Omaha businesses. According to Bryant, the first local African-American-owned development corporation, radio station, credit union, and banks were a result of men and women originally working out of the Wesley House. That extraordinary record of accomplishment is what inspires Bryant, at least in part, to begin developing strong leadership among a group of north Omaha students. “Smart people win,” he said, “whether in sports, backgammon or the board room.” The Wesley House Leadership Academy of Academic and Artistic Excellence will help students excel in technology, the arts and academics. Metro Community College and UNO engineering departments have joined forces to construct a new board of director’s room on-site for youths to meet in. The field training also provides real-time training for degree students at both schools. The Wesley House project includes a photographic element (SNAP) that was established by Omaha native Ardie Sayers. The international program, sponsored by Kodak provides school students with cameras and artistic licenses to document their hopes and expectations for the days ahead. Youths will capture candid photos based on their personal essays about the urban lifestyle – it’s challenges and it’s potential. It is that stereotypical lifestyle that was addressed years ago in the 1971 movie “Brian’s Song” in which actor Billy D. Williams portrayed the life of Gale Sayers and his close relationship with white teammate Brian Piccolo of the Chicago Bears – the first time black and white NFL members roomed together. Piccolo died of cancer at age 26. Sayers attended a unique public viewing of the made-for-television movie at Omaha Central High School auditorium recently, following a special reception where Omaha Mayor Mike Fahey presented Sayers with a key to the city. KETV-7 sports director Jon Schuetz served as master of ceremonies. “Gale Sayers has embraced the Wesley House and supports its mission,” Schuetz told the audience. “The reason we’re here is to demonstrate a vested interest in our kids.” The file screening precedes the Gale Sayers Golf Classic fundraiser to be held at the Players Club on June 17. Sayers is the youngest player to be inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame. “Paul’s helping raise up future leaders in this community,” Sayers said. His wife Ardie, of more than three decades, was born and raised in Omaha and strongly influenced his decision to back Bryant’s work with the Wesley House. |
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