In meeting new neighbors and working toward creating inclusive communities, we cannot fully understand what another person is dealing with, and we are also often unaware of stories that don’t get big news headlines or scroll across our screens. Political unrest, violence, and war affect our neighbors in ways that most of us have never experienced. Our neighbors are not only navigating the new and complex society we share but they may be experiencing family separation, witnessing current political unrest or violence streamed from their home country, and fearing for family members who are left behind. Or they may have lost contact with those family members due to violence and lack of resources. We invited Nile to share his family’s story and how the civil war in Ethiopia affects his family living in Nebraska. – Christa Yoakum, Senior Welcoming Coordinator.

 ********************************

This is a guest blog post by Nebraska Appleseed’s Welcoming Intern, Nile Debebe. 

Hopeless

This is the one word I could use to describe how I am feeling about the safety of my family in the Amhara region of Ethiopia.

Continue reading “Hopeless: Civil War in Ethiopia & Impact on Neighbors”

November is Native American Heritage Month and it’s a time to celebrate the cultures, accomplishments, and contributions of Native Americans and Alaska Natives.

Telling stories and sharing culture through dance, family traditions, art, and music, we can learn contemporary diversity and the long history of Indigenous peoples across the land we now call the United States. 

On our continuous journey to learn more and to honor and respect people, you are invited to celebrate the history, culture, and traditions of American Indians and Alaska Natives. But perhaps the best way to honor Indigenous people this month and year-round is to rethink history and question our history books, to shine a light on truth, acknowledging our painful history and aspiring for a more just society that seeks to lift, not erase, the lives, traditions, and cultures of the people who were here first. 

Continue reading “Honor Native American Heritage Month”

We know that understanding our country’s racial history is a vital step toward ensuring our state is committed to building strong, inclusive communities for all Nebraskans. Which is why we sent a letter in opposition to resolution Addendum VII-1 to the University of Nebraska Board of Regents.

For years, we have worked closely with community partners and educators across the state to build inclusive communities, where everyone can feel safe, respected, and valued.

Continue reading “Advancing Racial Equity Benefits Us All”