Build Up Omaha Award Spotlight: LD Richardson

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L D. Richardson, Sr. is the Senior Pastor of the Mount Zion Community Church located in South Omaha and the Chairman of the South Omaha Violence Intervention & Prevention Community Coalition (SOVIP).  The SOVIP Coalition is striving to bring community agencies, residents, and government officials together to address the needs and issues related to violence and gang activities in South Omaha.  LD believes wholeheartedly in being a part of the solution and not the problem. Vocationally, LD is Supervisor of the Youth Education Team at Nebraska Children’s Home Society where he oversees a team of facilitators who empower youth by using evidence based curriculum. He actively participates in many other community organizations. He has an innate passion to impact youth and is dedicated to do all he can to make the communities in which we live safer and more empowering.

As Chairman of SOVIP, LD has hosted the Strattford Square Back to School Bash promoting peace and community for the past four years. This free community event provides participants with free backpacks, school supplies, free bikes, free food, free health screenings and receive community resources to help them become model citizens. Under his leadership, SOVIP has also hosted Power in Parenting Community Forum, Bring Your “A” Game training for youth and adults, and the Promotion of Peace and Unity Community Gathering to foster the relationship between the Omaha Police Department and the community. LD is also the founder of Black Sunday, a play on Black Friday where participants receive a free Thanksgiving style dinner, free clothing; shoes, hats, coats, gloves and free small appliances along with community information, free health screenings and free hair cuts. He is a man who believes in reaching and transforming the community.

LD grew up in Duncan, Oklahoma in a community where everyone looked out for one another and many of the residents and leaders there impacted his life tremendously. He has a strong desire to see that type of love, concern, care and commitment return to our local communities. He is has dedicated his life to being a youth advocate, motivational speaker, and community leader. He believes that if we teach our youth to value community, they won’t destroy the community.

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6 years ago

Nicely Done LD! Nebraska Children’s Home Society is so proud of you and all you do to create a better community for children, youth and families to live, work and play.

Gary Nelson
6 years ago

Wow, what a man of action! This award is well deserved!!!

Locations

After School Programs

  • Sherman Elementary School

    5618 N 14th Ave.
    Omaha, NE 68110

  • Lewis and Clark Middle School

    6901 Burt St.
    Omaha, NE 68132

  • Lothrop Magnet Elementary

    3300 N. 22nd St.
    Omaha, NE 68110

  • Campbell Elementary School

    2200 Dodge St.
    Lincoln, NE 68521

  • Lincoln High School

    2229 J St.
    Lincoln, NE 68510

  • Lincoln Northeast High School

    2635 N. 63rd St.
    Lincoln, NE 68507