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Tea Time with Khenda: Creating Communities of Belonging

Welcome, I’m glad you’re here. The thing about brewing a good cup of tea is you can’t rush the process. You have to put the tea leaves in and pour the water slowly so as to not make a mess. Then you have to wait a couple of minutes to allow that tea to steep, because boiling would burn the tea leaves and extract too many tannins, which are what give teas their bitterness. If you want a quality cup of tea, there is no way around the waiting and allowing the process. In that way, it is a lot like building welcoming and inclusive communities, which requires a lot of patience and waiting for results to unfold once you have added the leaves and poured the water.

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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. 

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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.

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Summer 2021 series: Creating Communities of Belonging

Please note: We are currently in the 4th session of the Creating Communities of Belonging series. Join us by registering at the link below!

Join community leaders from across Nebraska who are building inclusive and vibrant communities

This virtual series will provide collaborative sessions, presentations, and networking with Nebraskans who are committed to creating communities where everyone, including immigrant neighbors, feels valued. 

In lieu of an in-person statewide welcoming convening this year, join us for this monthly series of virtual sessions. The series will continue through the summer on the second Friday of each month. All sessions will be virtual and are free.

We are excited to introduce the speakers for the event series!

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You’re invited! Creating Communities of Belonging and Welcoming Interactive

I hope you can join us virtually for the Welcoming Interactive conference May 5th & 6th, and also for our Nebraska Is Home: Creating Communities of Belonging series beginning in June! See more information below.

It’s not too late to register for the Welcoming Interactive 2021!

Join us and other Nebraskans for the conference & virtual coffee breaks!

Welcoming Interactive

The Welcoming Interactive is virtual this year and open to all those who are seeking inspiration and practical strategies for creating a more welcoming, inclusive society. Join the growing movement of practitioners in local communities across the country, share best practices and connect with a network of peers.  Continue reading “You’re invited! Creating Communities of Belonging and Welcoming Interactive”

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We cannot heal until Black community members are safe

As the trial of Derek Chauvin has captured the attention of many people across the country and around the world, we are feeling a deep sense of grief. One single trial or one verdict cannot erase the rightful grief, fear, and anger experienced by Black men, women, and children across the country, as our communities are ripped apart. The fact that police killings disproportionately impact Black community members is a clear indication of a deep-rooted systemic problem. 

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Join us for the Welcoming Interactive 2021!

Welcoming Interactive

Inclusion. Belonging. Equity.

Welcoming Interactive 2021 is going virtual! That means we’re inviting you to join us to take a deep dive into immigrant inclusion best practices, hear from peers across the country, and be inspired by keynote speakers john a. powell (lowercase intentional) and Dr. Gail Christopher on belonging and equity.

The Welcoming Interactive is open to all those who are seeking inspiration and practical strategies for creating a more welcoming, inclusive society.  Whether you’re an expert or new to the issue, if you are seeking inspiration and practical strategies for creating a more welcoming and inclusive society, the Welcoming Interactive invites you to join the growing movement of practitioners in local communities across the country, and to share best practices and connect with a network of peers.

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Supporting our Asian-Americans Friends and Neighbors

Our communities are strongest when everyone feels valued, safe, and respected. The Asian-American and Pacific Islander population in Nebraska is growing, and contributes greatly to our local communities as faith and business leaders, artists, students, teachers, and in many other roles. Unfortunately, our Asian-American friends and neighbors are also experiencing increased discrimination based on misplaced anxiety and fear related to the pandemic.

Asian AmericansThe recent uptick of discrimination and intolerance against Asian-Americans – nationally as well as within Nebraska – has certainly been fueled by racist rhetoric and messaging, including from top government leaders who wrongly referred to the COVID-19 pandemic using false names that stoked unfounded fears and perpetuated stigma about Asian Americans. These actions have been extremely harmful to our community at large.

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