Embracing Diversity: Lincoln Community Unites at School Board Meeting for Inclusive Education

As we all are actively creating opportunities for immigrant community members to engage with local governments, we wanted to share this recent example with you.

In a powerful display of unity and advocacy, a diverse group of community members – hailing from various backgrounds including immigrants, refugees, and indigenous people – came together at a recent Lincoln school board meeting to champion the cause of inclusive education. 

The meeting served as a platform for these passionate individuals to share their stories, voice concerns, and urge the school board to adopt policies that celebrate diversity and foster a more inclusive learning environment, where every student and their families can belong.

Kicking off the public comment portion of the Lincoln Board of Education meeting on November 28, 2023, Lisa Guill, Lincoln’s Welcoming Communities Coordinator, presented recommendations from the Lincoln / Lancaster County Welcoming & Belonging Strategic Plan. The room buzzed with a palpable energy as individuals from different walks of life united in their commitment to creating a more inclusive and equitable school system. Suggestions ranged from incorporating diverse perspectives into the curriculum to providing training for educators on culturally responsive teaching methods.

Nyabuoy Chan, who works with the Asian Community and Cultural Center as the Family Resource Program Coordinator, spoke as someone who came to the community as a refugee, a parent of 5 children who attend LPS, and as a community advocate, urging, “I would love to see all of our lovely teachers to be educated about cultural competency.” Chan shared examples of unfortunate incidents that occurred within LPS that she says could be prevented if faculty receive training on cultural competency.

The school board listened attentively as community leaders presented evidence-based proposals for implementing inclusive practices. Community leaders made a compelling case for the school board to lead the way in creating a safe, welcoming, and inclusive space for all students.

Steve Laravie Jr., who is the Executive Director of the Lincoln Indian Center, raised a concern that the community has about “the aspects of American Indian history and culture being interwoven into the curriculum.” The request from the community that he relayed is to ensure that there is an indigenous voice in the development of the curriculum, “as we do not want to lose another five years of misinformation concerning our history.” Leravie expressed that he felt an obligation to be present at the meeting as a representative of the original peoples of this land.

Haroon Al Hayder, speaking as an immigrant and community advocate, acknowledged the transformative power of education in fostering a profound sense of belonging in Lincoln. His testimony focused on what he defined as one key pillar in achieving the vision for a more accessible, inclusive, and equitable education system: diversity in school faculty and administrators. He presented a well-researched fact that diverse educators offer a wealth of experiences and perspectives to the classroom, which “strengthens cultural understanding among students and creates an environment where everyone’s story is acknowledged and respected.” Additionally, diverse staff can serve as role models for the youth, as well as “break down stereotypes, open doors, and encourage students of New Americans to pursue their dreams regardless of their backgrounds.”

Community members emphasized the importance of continuous professional development for teachers and staff, incorporating training on implicit bias, institutional racism, and cultural competency – coupled with policy changes to attract and retain diverse administrators and educators – all while utilizing targeted data to address educational disparities.

As the meeting concluded, there was a shared sense of optimism and determination among attendees. The call for inclusivity had been sounded, and community members left the school board meeting with a renewed sense of purpose, knowing that they had planted the seeds for a more inclusive and equitable future in education. The community members that I spoke to reflected that this is just the beginning for them, and they are eager to continue advocating for inclusion locally. You can watch the video of the meeting here (public comment begins at the 23:00 minute mark).

Local school boards are a great place for community members to become involved in local decision making, and it’s vital for local school board members to hear from many voices in the community. School boards approve curriculum, which guides what students learn and talk about in the classroom, and they develop a budget for teacher pay as well as building or playground spaces that may be used for the whole community.

We encourage you to think about getting involved in your local school board or other decision making space – if you’d like ideas of where to start, please reach out!

Photos + Videos from Your Welcoming Week!

Lincoln and Lancaster County launch a Strategic Plan for Inclusion and Belonging!

How I make someone feel welcomeWe all have the power to make our neighborhoods, workplaces, and schools more welcoming. We’re thrilled that Lincoln and Lancaster County launched their community-wide Welcoming & Belonging Strategic Plan!  The plan is supported with funding awarded by the American Immigration Council.

“The plan includes a data report that highlights the crucial role that New Americans play in the community, and outlines action steps to facilitate equitable access to services for all residents,” said Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird in the launch press conference.

Nebraska is Home participated in the development of this plan, and one of the most impressive aspects of the process was how inclusive it was every step of the way. Stakeholders from many different cultural backgrounds and sectors came to the table to discuss and plan how to co-create a vibrant Community of Belonging, inclusive of and drawing on the strengths of all residents. Community members made recommendations in areas of equitable access, safe and healthy communities, civic engagement and community connections, education, economic opportunities, and affordable and quality housing.

The process started when the city and county received the Gateways for Growth Challenge, a competitive opportunity offered by Welcoming America and New American Economy (now American Immigration Council). Gateways for Growth provided research and technical assistance, and was awarded to the community because of the strong collaboration of area nonprofits and supportive local government. This month, Lancaster County accepted a $15,000 grant from American Immigration Council to support implementation.

This plan seeks not only to improve the quality of life of New Americans, but also to make the whole community stronger and more vibrant for all.

Check out the plan to read the recommendations for programs and policies that foster a community where everyone feels they belong!

The plan also includes spotlight stories! See below to read the stories of some members of the community, Solinee Phan, David Manzares, and Maysoon Shaheen.

Soulinnee Phan

Celebrate and recognize the history of Juneteenth

Celebrate and recognize the history of Juneteenth

The impact of recognizing Juneteenth as the federal holiday with the passing of the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act cannot be understated. Yet many people don’t know the meaning and significance of Juneteenth

While it took two and a half years for word of the Emancipation Proclamation to reach Texas, it has taken 156 years for Juneteenth to be recognized as historically significant. 

We celebrate Juneteenth and all it means with the knowledge and reality that we have much more work to do. We must seek to know the history and the barriers and structures of racism that carry forward in order to learn from our mistakes as a country and as individuals to do better in the future. This is a day to reflect and to deeply consider the wound of racism. 

Continue reading “Celebrate and recognize the history of Juneteenth”

Celebrating Immigrants! June Is Immigrant Heritage Month

Celebrating Immigrants! June Is Immigrant Heritage Month

This is a guest blog post by Zeke Rouse, Appleseed’s Immigrants and Communities Welcoming Intern.

Two Muslim women holding up prints of the “We the People” series.

June is an opportunity to share stories and recognize the impact that different immigrant Nebraskans have in shaping our communities. Storytelling gives us an opportunity to celebrate the diversity of experiences, perspectives, and people that call Nebraska home. 

Since June of 2014, Immigrant Heritage Month has given people across the United States an opportunity to annually explore their own heritage and celebrate the shared diversity that forms the unique story of America.

Continue reading “Celebrating Immigrants! June Is Immigrant Heritage Month”

Celebrating Nebraska Immigrants: Two Cultures in One Chile Relleno

This blog is written by Nebraska Appleseed summer intern Vivian P. Alvarado.

Patricia Vazquez Leyva and her husband Antonio de la Rosa own Durango Style, a food stand in Lincoln’s Haymarket. They immigrated to the United States at different times and their stories and experiences are different. Yet, they both immigrated to the United States to give their son the best education and opportunities. Continue reading “Celebrating Nebraska Immigrants: Two Cultures in One Chile Relleno”

Lincoln enacts hate-intimidation ordinance, affirms all Lincolnites belong

Lincoln, NE — On Monday, June 15, 2020, the Lincoln City Council unanimously enacted a city hate-crime ordinance, Ordinance 20-71, which creates a separate offense when a crime is committed with the intent to intimidate another person due in part or in whole to that person’s actual or perceived race, color, religion, physical or mental disability, national origin, age, ancestry, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. Omaha passed a similar ordinance last week.

Nebraska is Home Welcoming Coordinator, Khenda Mustafa, issued the following response:

“I have been reflecting on what it means to be part of a community, and how hard it is for people to feel like they belong when fear and intimidation are present. After September 11, 2001, I remember how my family started receiving hate, intimidation, and sometimes violence, from others at school and in our neighborhood. I remember how sad and afraid it made me feel. Even though I didn’t know it at 11-years-old, the existence of intimidation fractured my sense of connection to my community.

That is why I am happy and proud to hear that the Lincoln City Council has passed Ordinance 20-71. This ordinance affirms that all Lincolnites belong here and that hate has no place in our city. We thank Mayor Gaylor Baird and the Lincoln City Council for their leadership in standing up against hate and intimidation. This makes our community stronger.”

First Lincoln Unites! festival celebrates strength of diversity

Lincoln did indeed unite this past weekend in a new festival celebrating the city’s vibrant mix of cultures with activities for all ages. If you missed the day’s African drumming, henna tattoos, delicious food, and moving citizenship ceremony, read on for a vicarious experience and mark your calendar to watch for the 2nd annual event next spring!New Friends

The day began with 29 new Americans taking their oath of citizenship. Mayor Chris Beutler read a city proclamation affirming Lincoln’s commitment to continue fostering a welcoming environment for all residents – including immigrants – in order to create a stronger community for all. Judge John Gerrard asked the new citizens to keep their heritage, teach their children multiple languages, cherish their customs, and add to the richness of the United States.

Mayor SpeaksThese new citizens came from 14 different countries including Burma, India, Mexico, Guatemala, and Canada.

Following the ceremony, Lincoln community members celebrated together with live music, dance and interactive activities. Performances included Afro-Caribbean music, Folklorica dancers, Karen dancers, African drummers, Peruvian music and more local talent. When the Kurdish band played, dancers of all ages filled the dance floor.

Booths ranged from fun to informative. Families, children, and neighbors of all backgrounds could interact with a variety of cultural traditions as they learned African drumming or stopped by the photo booth, food carts, and other activities. The UNL Define American Chapter asked people to define what it means to be American, and Nebraska Is Home talked with people about what they could do to welcome new friends.

Karen Dancers New Voter

Lincoln Unites! media coverage:

LJS editorial: A welcome celebration

10/11: Naturalization ceremony welcomes 29 new American citizens

Naturalized citizens love their new country

Mayor’s Proclamation:

Whereas, Lincoln has long been recognized as a hospitable and welcoming place where people, families and institutions thrive and the contributions of all are celebrated and valued; and

Whereas, Lincoln is a refugee resettlement community and has been recognized nationally for its welcoming efforts;

Whereas, Lincoln is committed to continue building a welcoming and neighborly atmosphere in our community, where all are welcome, accepted and integrated; and

Whereas, fostering a welcoming environment for all individuals, regardless of race, religion, ethnicity or place of origin, enhances Lincoln’s cultural fabric, economic growth, global competitiveness and overall prosperity for current and future generations; and

Whereas, Lincoln is committed to creating an environment that is receptive to immigrants and that strategically positions our Star City as a globally competitive 21st century leader

It is hereby decreed on this 30th day of April, 2016, that Lincoln, Nebraska is a Welcoming City that embraces a rich diverse culture with acceptance and inclusion.

Quilt of Dreams and Memories

NE_Appleseed_Icons_Community-128Lincoln High School students told the stories of their memories and journeys to Lincoln from Myanmar and Thailand, as well as the stories of their dreams for the future through quilting when the new exhibit “Quilt of Dreams and Memories” opened Sunday at the Sheldon Museum of Art.

As the quilt was unveiled, students described their rural homes in Myanmar or the refugee camps where their families lived in Thailand. The Karen American students shared their plans to become teachers, doctors and nurses as well as the hope for peace in their countries in the colorful quilt that brought together traditional Karen weaving and American story quilting.

Lincoln Journal Star: Final product of Karen group’s quilt project unveiled at Sheldon

In her own words, Paw Spai Moo, a Lincoln High student, described the small confinement of the refugee camp she lived in for fourteen years contrasted with the freedoms she experiences here: “When I was one year old my parents moved to the refugee camp. I lived for long time, about 14 years. We have a difficult time. We can’t go in the outside. We just have to live in the little same area.” Now, Paw Spai dreams of a future with equal rights and peace for all people.

You can view the Quilt of Dreams and Memories and along with other immigrant student art at the Nebraska Mosaic Art Show at the Lux Center for the Arts, April 1-30, 2014.

This Lincoln project was modeled on the documentary The Quilted Conscience. Filmmaker John Sorensen created the first project honoring the work of Nebraska native Grace Abbott who advocated for children and immigrants throughout her career.

Welcoming City: Karen Community shares culture with Lincoln community

DSC05487Lincoln is among the first Welcoming Cities in the country who recognize the contributions immigrants make to creating a vibrant culture and a growing economy.

On Saturday, January 4 Lincoln Mayor Chris Beutler joined the celebration of the new year hosted by Karen Society of Nebraska.

“It is important to me to welcome you to this place as your new home,” Mayor Beutler said through an interpreter.

The city is lucky people from many different cultures have decided to make their homes in Lincoln, he said.

“We encourage you to share your culture with the entire community, like the event you’ve planned today,” Beutler said. “It’s important we all continue working to build bridges with people who come from old and rich traditions.”

Karen people came to Nebraska primarily from Thailand refugee camps after fleeing Burma’s civil war. Celebrations like this New Year’s celebration create opportunities to share and to learn about the culture of new neighbors.

Read more in this story from the Lincoln Journal Star: “Lincoln’s growing Karen community celebrates New Year