Too often there are reports on young people murdered in north Omaha.
Thursday, activists are remembering children and teens killed in deadly violence with their Lights of Hope campaign.
The decorations at anti-violence group Abide, at 45th and Bedford, are meant to symbolize that north Omaha has much more positive things happening than negative.
A Christmas display that honors victims of violent crime while helping families cope this holiday season.
Five years ago Buffy Bush lost her sister to a north Omaha murder that remains unsolved.
"Despite the pain that we're going through, despite the pain that was given to us, we can still find our joy,” Bush said. “We can still be together and be strong together."
Bush now helps others dealing with grief like her own stay strong, as part of a larger effort to reduce violence in north Omaha.
"Just knowing that I have a purpose here, that's where my strength comes from,” Bush said. “I have a purpose to help other people. I have a purpose to show other families that you're not alone.”
KMTV interviewed Buffy Bush at Abide, an organization that's been working for 27 years to reduce violence in north Omaha.
They've been getting ready for their Lights of Hope display, an effort to reduce violence in North Omaha by showing the rest of the city that positive things are happening there.
"It's important to celebrate Christmas in north Omaha and it's important to celebrate life," said Josh Dotzler, CEO of Abide.
This local restaurant manager grew up in North Omaha and says Abide has made a difference with their anti-violence efforts.
"Those are always nice things,” he said. “Anything that makes the community look better is always a positive effort. We always love to see anything that's going to help our community."
For anyone who's lost a loved one, Buffy Bush has these words for them.
"To find the strength to breathe through every moment,” Bush said. “If you can get passed that, each additional breath, this too shall pass.”
The Christmas lights display and decorations will be on display Tuesday and runs through December 25, every night from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., where there will be hot chocolate at 45th and Bedford.
