Category: Welcoming

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Tea Time with Khenda

A quarterly newsletter celebrating Welcoming and Inclusive communities across the state of Nebraska

My name is Khenda Mustafa, Welcoming Coordinator with Nebraska Is Home. Even as the Coronavirus pandemic brings uncertainty for us all, we can come together to support one another in continuing to build a welcoming and inclusive culture across our state.

This is the first issue of a quarterly newsletter called Tea Time with Khenda, where we will share resources, stories, and events to celebrate and build welcoming communities together.

Why Tea Time?

Growing up, I was taught the importance – and joy – of welcoming others and making them feel comfortable, safe, and valued. With hospitality playing a major role in Kurdish culture, our family entertained guests quite a lot. I remember being younger and helping my mother brew a large pot of ceylon tea whenever we had company over. When the tea was ready, I would pour the piping hot liquid into glass cups and serve it along with sugar in its various forms — sometimes dates, sugar cubes, and even toffee. As the conversations flowed, so did the tea.

It seems that all around the world, people have great conversations over hot beverages, and it is in this spirit of hospitality and communion that Nebraska is Home brings you Tea Time

Grab a Cup of Your Favorite Brew and Have a Seat…

Turkish tea

We’re All In This Together… Separately

As we adapt to the new environment brought about by this pandemic, here are some questions that we can be asking ourselves in the process:

  1. How are we including the whole community in our efforts today?
  2. In what ways are we thinking about coming together as a community after collectively getting through this?

We might not have the answers right away, but we should keep asking ourselves these questions and discussing together what kind of community we want to be, coming out of this.

Resources

Now more than ever, it is important to remember to take care of ourselves. Have a look at these tools for self-care and community wellbeing:

  • Tired of only bad news? Check out this heartwarming news story from right here in the state
  • #StayAtHome. This is the single most effective thing we can do to stop the spread of Coronavirus. Here are activities for health, wellness, and connectedness that you can do to care for yourself and others from home
  • How is your breathing? Here is a helpful short talk and guided meditation for coping with fear in times of pandemic
  • What’s going on in your town? This is a Restaurant guide for delivery, curbside, and drive-through services in Lincoln. Send us other local business guides from your community!
  • You can find more useful tools for communities and inspiring stories of neighbors coming together to help each other – while staying apart – on Welcoming America
  • Check out Nebraska Appleseed’s blog for policy updates and actions you can take to promote inclusive solutions for the health and wellbeing of all community members

Upcoming (Virtual) Events

This year’s Statewide Welcoming Convening is going online! Over the next few months, we’ll be exploring new ways to hold local community conversations, particularly around race equity using the video series Cracking The Codes. – Stay tuned, we’ll be reaching out soon.

Have an event? Send us information on your virtual events and we’ll share them! We’ll be glad to share your in-person events too, once we are able to get together again, so keep us informed!

What Can I Do?

  • Find local COVID-19 response efforts and get involved. For example:
    • Support the work of schools, faith groups, and local organizations 
    • Check in on friends and neighbors – see ideas here!
  • Complete and share the Census – Every individual in our community counts! All you need is your address to help ensure Nebraska receives accurate representation and resources for our growing communities! Complete the Census TODAY and encourage your friends, family, and neighbors to complete theirs too! You can complete the Census:

Send us your stories and events to share in a future issue of Tea Time!

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Keeping our communities inclusive, safe, and healthy

Caring for one another in this moment will take urgent and deliberate action

As the Coronavirus (COVID-19) spreads across our state and country, it is important to keep our communities inclusive, safe, and healthy.

Welcoming communities can and will play an important role, modeling how our values drive the decisions we make going forward, and we applaud the leadership already being demonstrated by so many on the local level in this moment.

The health and safety of all our neighbors is our top priority. Caring for one another in this moment will take urgent and deliberate action. Health and safety are rooted in working together, ensuring all of us are seen part of the solution, rather than stigmatized as the source of the problem.

Local Health Departments will have the most current information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) and they will know what is happening in your community. 

Please share information from your health department or other trusted sources with the whole community. When certain groups are prevented from fully participating in the solution, communities risk the health and safety of all people. The uncertainties of Coronavirus, our susceptibility to bias, and the impact of isolation will make it all the more important that we use our voice and power to maintain norms of cohesion and cooperation, especially across lines of difference.

All of us have the power to make choices now that will not only reduce the impact of Coronavirus but make ourselves more resilient against deliberate efforts to spread disinformation and fear of one another.

We urge you to: 

  • As we practice social distancing, double down on virtual interaction and solidarity.
  • Engage with local partners on a whole-of-community response to stem the spread of the virus.
  • Call out discrimination where you see it.
  • Focus on education and on elevating positive, values-based messages.

Together, we can ensure that we act with resilience and strength.

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Immigrant Heritage Month 2018 – World Refugee Day celebrates unity creating stronger Nebraska

June is Immigrant Heritage Month. Throughout the month, we’ll be celebrating both our diversity and our shared American heritage by telling the stories of individuals that, together, comprise a uniquely American narrative.

This is a guest post from intern Allie Christianson.

With June coming to a close, Immigrant Heritage Month has brought many stories and celebrations of our neighbors, including the recent celebration of World Refugee Day at the Joslyn Art Museum in Omaha. The event was full of not only kind and talented people and beautiful works of art in the galleries and booths, but also with the laughter and friendship among them. It was inspiring to hear speakers share their stories at the speaker series and heartwarming to see the warm welcome from everyone around.

At our welcoming booth, community members signed a canvas with words of welcome and appreciation for all of our neighbors and thought of ways that they would welcome someone new into their neighborhood. Kids drew pictures and wrote how they would welcome someone new at their school and how they would want someone to make friends with them. We had heartfelt messages on the canvas and wonderful conversations with folks who shared their stories with us.

While I was at the welcoming booth for the majority of the event, I was able to go to the speaker series and hear Feroz speak about his experience as a refugee and the situation in Afghanistan. In his speech, I was struck by two prominent experiences as a refugee, first as a child and then as a father.

He opened my eyes to the feelings and awareness that had been so different in each. Feroz brought a gritty sense of humanity to a subject that is often stripped of the real experiences that refugees have. His experiences detailed a life that we often do not associate with refugees but one that I think we should: before coming to the U.S., he and his wife led successful careers and were happy in Afghanistan.

Hearing stories from refugees like Feroz brings a light to the issue and reveals the human experiences behind it. Sharing these experiences is necessary to build understanding that will help foster more welcoming and inclusive communities.

World Refugee Day provided a space for the Omaha community to come together and celebrate refugees’ unique contributions to our shared history and culture and a space to forge a brighter, more welcoming and inclusive Nebraska. I look forward to next year’s World Refugee Day and to continue hearing more stories of those who truly make Nebraska home.

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Immigrant Heritage Month 2018 – Prague Spring 50: A Reminder of Nebraska’s Tradition of Welcoming Immigrants

June is Immigrant Heritage Month. Throughout the month, we’ll be celebrating both our diversity and our shared American heritage by telling the stories of individuals that, together, comprise a uniquely American narrative.

Lee Kreimer

This spring, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln had the honor of hosting a convening of authors, playwrights, engineers, and academics from Czech Republic who live and breathe the impact of the Prague Spring in 1968 and the effects it had on the decades following.

With one of the largest populations of Czech Americans in the United States and a strong tradition of celebrating Czech culture — from kolaches for sale at farmers markets, summer Czech festivals across the state, polka music playing in restaurants and meeting halls, and the strong Czech language and culture program at UNL — Nebraska is a logical home for this unique event. As a descendent of Czech immigrants myself, I’m not surprised. My family’s story and our state history shows a long tradition of welcoming refugees and immigrants that has existed for generations. In 2016, Nebraska continued that tradition by welcoming the largest number of refugees per capita in the U.S.

The Prague Spring 50 event posed a rich opportunity for presenters, the University, and the larger community to discuss the impact of the uprising of Prague Spring and its longstanding after effects – the invasion of Czechoslovakia, and 20 years later, the social movement led by Vaclav Havel that led to freedom from totalitarianism. For his work and leadership, Havel remains a human rights hero around the world.

Attending this event was an important reminder for me about the importance of history. Not only is it important for us to learn from our past, but it’s equally important for us to recognize where we came from.

Czech Republic has a long history of human rights achievements. I am proud and intrigued to be a descendent of a country that has demonstrated strength in so many ways. At the same time, I’m equally proud to be the daughter of my parents and the granddaughter of my grandparents, farmers in Central Nebraska and Czech Americans.

It’s incredible to live in a place with such a rich variety of cultures, stories, languages, and experiences. Cultural events such as the Prague Spring 50 that celebrate the diverse history and background of Nebraska are one of the many reasons why I’m happy to call Nebraska home.

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Immigrant Heritage Month 2018 – Raul Arcos

June is Immigrant Heritage Month. Throughout the month, we’ll be celebrating both our diversity and our shared American heritage by telling the stories of individuals that, together, comprise a uniquely American narrative.

Raul Arcos

Raul Arcos, whose family is originally from Mexico, is now a young leader in the Columbus Chamber of Commerce.

I originally came to the United States because of my mom. She wanted my brother and I to have greater opportunities and better education than we could have in Mexico. So, we moved to Idaho when I was eight years old.

We first moved to Idaho because my extended family lived there. While there were many seasonal job opportunities for work, it was very difficult to find a full-time position. Eventually, one of my cousins moved to Schuyler, Nebraska. They liked it a lot and then convinced the rest of my family to move there. After two years in Idaho, we moved to Schuyler when I was 10.

Two years later, my mom, my brother, and I moved to Madison, Nebraska. Perhaps because of my small school, I felt like a part of the community. There were at least 10 other Latino families living there, and my teachers were very welcoming. They made me feel like I belonged there. I felt like Nebraska was home.

That sentiment has continued. A couple of years ago, I moved to Columbus for work. With better jobs and higher wages, I had better opportunity there.

At this point, I’ve lived in the United States for 25 years. I have grown to be deeply invested in my community here. The work that we do at my job with the local Chamber of Commerce has been amazing. And, the moments of success in this work are what I cherish the most.

I love seeing GED participants get their GED because of the effort, dedication, and sacrifice they make. I also enjoy helping Business Development participants open their business and assisting them with technical issues. I get to see the growth in the process with all of the work that we’re doing in Columbus. I can’t imagine living anywhere else. Nebraska is home!

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Immigrant Heritage Month 2018 – Mohamed Warsame

June is Immigrant Heritage Month. Throughout the month, we’ll be celebrating both our diversity and our shared American heritage by telling the stories of individuals that, together, comprise a uniquely American narrative.

Mohamed Warsame

After moving to Nebraska from Somalia, Mohamed joined many other immigrants who found work in a meatpacking plant near South Sioux City.

Seven years later, Mohamed is one of the go-to employees for any job at the plant, but has made an even greater impact by helping newcomers adjust to important details of life in the U.S. through his business, Sugal Consulting.

“A lot of people here, especially those from Muslim countries, they would like to buy a house or a business, but they don’t have a credit score,” he says. “So they come to me: ‘Mohamed, is there a way you can help?’”

Read more about Mohamed’s impact on his community at New American Economy.

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Immigrant Heritage Month 2018 – Saaehmoo Marvel

June is Immigrant Heritage Month. Throughout the month, we’ll be celebrating both our diversity and our shared American heritage by telling the stories of individuals that, together, comprise a uniquely American narrative.

Saaehmoo Marvel

Originally from Thailand, Saaehmoo is now a U.S. citizen and an integral part of the Lincoln community.

My name is Saaehmoo Marvel. My family is originally from Burma, but I was born and raised in Thailand. I have had a passion for working to help my community for a long time. Before I came to the U.S I was working with the humanitarian organizations along Thai-Burmese border to help refugees by providing interpretation and translation. At that time, I really wanted to go back to live in Thailand. But, my heart told me that I should go to the U.S because I dreamed of a better future. Back in Thailand, it was so hard to live. I worked but I could not afford to go to school or buy a car, a home, good food or good clothing.

I resettled in the U.S as a Karen refugee with my husband in 2007. I was crying a lot in the first year living in the United States due to language barriers, new cultures and work discrimination. After a couple months, due to financial difficulty, I sought work and I got a job as a prep cook in one of the casinos in New York. After a few years, my husband and I moved to Nebraska for better work opportunity and cost of living. We’ve been here ever since.

As I look back on these struggles, they slowly fade away. After that difficult time, I wanted to go back to school so I could gain more experiences and not live behind others. I came to the U.S for freedom and I really found freedom. Because of the education system, I have been able to earn the degrees for my career. I earned a bachelor’s degree in Organizational Communications and then a master’s degree in Management.

We have settled down here in Lincoln. People in Nebraska are very friendly, and those who I’ve connected with are very nice to me and my community. And our Karen community is very close here. As a community, we help if someone is sick or in need. We support each other. The people in my community are very reliable and we are pretty close. Whenever we need help, we go to each other.

My husband and I bought a house a few years ago. And I really like my job in-home healthcare. I get to help my community directly by hiring caregivers from our community to care for those that need it. I am fortunate to be able to work directly with them.

I am blessed and I am thankful for the opportunities in the U.S. Being a person without a country is very hard because I never had a place to belong. In 2015, I became a U.S. citizen. I am thankful to be an American.

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Nebraskans will celebrate National Immigrant Heritage Month in June

***For Immediate Release***
June 1, 2018

Contact, Christa Yoakum
Nebraska Is Home Coordinator
Office: (402) 438-8853
Cell: (402) 890-5662
Email: cyoakum@neappleseed.org

 

Nebraskans celebrate Immigrant Heritage Month

Local events will recognize contributions made throughout Nebraska’s history by immigrant families

LINCOLN — In June, Nebraskans will celebrate our state’s proud history, which continues today, of immigrants making valuable contributions to our state during National Immigrant Heritage Month.

Through festive community events and telling stories of shared history, Nebraskans from all backgrounds will recognize how immigrant families of many different origins are united through the ways, big and small, that they enrich Nebraska every day.

“National Immigrant Heritage Month allows us to celebrate the long-standing tradition of immigrant Nebraskans making valuable contributions to our state,” said Christa Yoakum, Coordinator of Nebraska Is Home. “During National Immigrant Heritage Month, Nebraska families across our state can share their own family’s story, and recognize that no matter where your family is from, we’re all united as Nebraskans. Both long-time residents and families that recently have come to Nebraska can stand side by side to celebrate each other’s contributions to our culture, our state’s history, and the current steps we’re taking together to build a strong future for Nebraska.”

Events Include:

June 2 – North Lincoln Summerfest, 11:00 am-6:00 pm, LUX Center, 2601 N 48th Street, Lincoln

June 7-10 – Santa Lucia Italian Festival, Lewis and Clark Landing, Omaha

June 8-10 – Loup City Polish Days, Loup City, NE

June 16 – World Refugee Day, 10:00 am-4:00 pm, Joslyn Art Museum, 2200 Dodge Street, Omaha

June 12-16 – New American Dish, 11:00 am- 2:00 pm, Cafe Durham (inside Joslyn Art Museum, 2200 Dodge Street, Omaha

June 16 – “What We Carried: Lincoln,” a storytelling project by photographer Jim Lommasson, highlighting the journey of the Yazidi community from Northern Iraq to the Lincoln with a focus on the items brought with them on their journey. Joslyn Art Museum, 11:00 am.

June 15-17 – Stromsburg’s 66th Annual Swedish Sommar Festival

June 19-20 – Oakland Swedish Festival, Oakland, NE

June 22-24 – Clarkson Czech Festival, Clarkson, NE

Also during National Immigrant Heritage Month, Nebraskans will have stories of their families’ recent and distant immigrant backgrounds featured at NebraskaIsHome.org.

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3rd annual Lincoln Unites! celebrates Lincoln’s strength through diversity

Lincoln held its third-annual and largest-ever Lincoln Unites! festival this May, where Lincoln families celebrated a welcoming community and enjoyed the rich cultural diversity of Nebraska’s capital city.

A moving citizenship ceremony in the morning celebrated 30 new American citizens, who were originally from Liberia, Mexico, China, and other countries, together with many friends, family, and neighbors in attendance.

In the afternoon, hundreds of Lincoln residents of all ages paraded through activities, food, and performances at the Nebraska History Museum on Centennial Mall. Kids had a chance to try pupusas from El Salvador,falafel from Iraq, and to see dancing from South Sudan.

“One of my favorite parts of living in Lincoln is the opportunity to learn and experience a whole tapestry of cultures through my neighbors,” said Lee Kreimer, Welcoming Associate at Nebraska Appleseed. “On Saturday, I traveled the world just by heading over to Lincoln Unites!”

Afternoon performances included Lion Dancers from Vietnam, musicians and dancers from Fiesta Mexicana of the Heartland, and more music from Edem Soul Music and Elias Eedo. Colorful and thought-provoking student art decorated the walls from the “Many Faces, One Lincoln” art contest hosted by the LUX Center for the Arts.

“It has been exciting to see this festival grow in just three years,” said Christa Yoakum, Nebraska Is Home Coordinator. “It is truly a collaborative effort by local nonprofits, businesses, and the city of Lincoln, and it showcases something really special about our community. It was so much fun to see Lincoln neighbors enjoying one another’s cultural heritages.”

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Nebraska communities celebrate largest Welcoming Week ever

Nebraskans showed their commitment to strong, inclusive communities with events across the state that brought together new and long-time neighbors during Welcoming Week 2017, the largest ever in Nebraska.

From South Sioux City to Lexington, from Crete to Omaha – Nebraskans hosted potluck meals, film screenings and community festivals.

This year there were more than 700 events across the country where community members came together to recognize that being a welcoming community for all makes us stronger economically, socially, and culturally. Nebraskans volunteered with citizenship clinics, learned struggles of young people learning English and preparing to graduate from public schools, and gathered in support of young Nebraska DREAMers.

We recognized that being a Nebraskan is what unites all of us while coming together over music, food and fun!

Neighbors came together to share potluck meals in Hastings and Sioux City (where the event crossed state borders with neighbors from Nebraska, South Dakota, and Iowa). In Lincoln, people gathered to share an Ethiopian meal and learn about the food, the hospitality, and the story of the chef. They finished with dessert at a Turkish bakery owned by a young Yazidi refugee who learned to make the delicious treats after fleeing Iraq and living in Turkey. Neighbors shared dance, culture and great food at United by Culture in Lexington.

Refugees exchanged stories with their neighbors at the Omaha South Library. More neighbors learned about the challenges and triumphs of students learning a new language and the education system in a new culture.

Across the state community members showed that inclusion starts where you live and shared their own welcoming messages that included “Bienvenidos,” “A Welcoming Nebraska is the best Nebraska,” “From one immigrant to another: You are welcome and loved here,” and “You make our community complete.”

See more Welcoming Week photos on our Facebook page