Tag: Omaha

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New Americans share their stories at World Refugee Day 2015

I could list many things that I love about Nebraska. The beautiful countryside, the bike paths, and the friendly neighbors are just a few. After attending Omaha Benson High School’s World Refugee Day Celebration last week, it reaffirmed another thing that I love about my state: diversity.

New to Omaha
Appleseed Intern Olivia Rask (left) speaks with two recent refugees to Omaha at World Refugee Day.

Many may not be aware of the diverse refugee population that has been settled in Nebraska since the middle of the 20th century and long before. For decades, refugees have transitioned from their war-torn, conflicted, or otherwise dangerous homes to a life in Lincoln, Omaha, and the tri-cities area of central Nebraska. As a native Nebraskan, I love the opportunity to eat food from countries around the world, meet friendly people who have started a new life here, and learn about life from the perspectives of these new Nebraskans. At the celebration for International Refugee Day, I was able to witness a handful of the wonderful contributions that these people make to our state.

One of my favorite parts of the event was the welcome and naturalization ceremony. Groups of young people from Burma and different countries in Africa presented traditional dances from their countries. Audience members were also instructed on the basic ways in which refugee resettlement works in Nebraska. Of course, the naturalization ceremony of 30 new American citizens from all over the world was also a very powerful experience to share.

Throughout the day, a number of organizations in the Omaha area presented information to passersby in Benson High’s hallways. A group of Sudanese women had handicrafts for sale as a fundraiser for their organization. Various non-profits provided information for refugees regarding health care, housing, and other important services available to them in the community. Nebraska Appleseed’s table had a tree on which patrons would write something that is welcoming to new residents in Omaha. As an intern with Appleseed, I enjoyed meeting native Nebraskans and new Nebraskans alike as they shared their favorite things about Omaha.

I’m so glad I was able to attend this event. In addition to meeting new people who are interested in similar work within the community, I met friendly people who love their new country. It was such a pleasure spending the Saturday at International Refugee Day.

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Holocaust survivor’s story told in Omaha with ‘Fabric of Survival’ quilt project

This is a guest post from Rachel Peric, Deputy Director of Welcoming America and a board member of Art and Remembrance.

In 1977, at the age of 50, my grandmother, Esther Nisenthal Krinitz, decided she wanted her family to see what her childhood home in Poland looked like. A survivor of the Holocaust, my grandmother had lost almost everyone she loved in the world. Out of her family, only she and her sister had survived.

Beginning with an image of her home, and later, a dream from the war, my grandmother began to tell her story through the medium she knew best – sewing.   Stitch by stitch, she brought to life the family that she had lost and the story of her survival. Before she passed away in 2001, my grandmother created a series of 36 embroidered fabric panels that narrate and depict life before the war and her harrowing experiences of living through the Holocaust.

Coming To AmericaThe exhibit of her work, Fabric of Survival, is now on exhibit in Omaha at the Kaneko Gallery, thanks to the support of the Institute for Holocaust Education, in partnership with Art and Remembrance.

After surviving the war, my grandmother made her way to America with her new family.   Not only a Holocaust story, my grandmother’s story is an immigrant story.  And much like my grandmother, today in Omaha, a new generation of immigrant youth who have extraordinary experiences of their own are also finding their voice and stitching their own remarkable artwork through a project called The Quilted Conscience, on display at the Joslyn Art Museum, KANEKO, and the W. Dale Clark Main Omaha Public Library.

For many Jews like myself, the powerful act of remembrance is lived out when we are exposed to stories like my grandmother’s, or other survivors still living here in Omaha.  But we can also find even greater healing and deeper meaning when we encounter the stories of newcomers to Omaha and discover universal connections to our own past.

Gallery GoersThe same strength, resilience, and creativity that my grandmother brought with her to America is evident in the stories of immigrant youth here today in Omaha. For this reason, perhaps the Jewish community can play a unique role today in helping to bring forward these newer stories of courage, and welcome the next generation of youth from around the world to Nebraska.

Fortunately, initiatives like Nebraska is Home, hosted by Nebraska Appleseed, and part of the national Welcoming America network, are here to help.  In Omaha, and across the state, Nebraska is Home is fostering more inclusive communities – places where regardless of where you are born or what you look like, you are valued and welcomed.

Nebraska is Home and The Quilted Conscience will be helping to bring diverse community members to see Fabric of Survival, creating a new generation exposed to this powerful story, and also empowered to share their own. Together, they will create a new rich tapestry that weaves together the old with the new, the past with the present – and, it is my hope,  a uniquely Jewish story of survival and immigration with the story of newcomers to Omaha today.  I hope you will join us.

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Three Omaha openings this week for the Quilted Conscience Project

Quilted ConscienceColorful quilt display unites new immigrants and long-time Nebraska residents

Omaha gallery patrons will have the chance this week to attend several openings of “The Quilted Conscience Project,” a moving and meaningful art project that features beautifully colored displays and fosters cross-cultural bonds across generations.

The Quilted Conscience Project works with immigrant and refugee children, newly arrived in the United States, and traditional-American communities, here for many generations, who don’t yet know their newest neighbors. Together, the groups form bonds and discover similarities through sharing their dreams and memories via quilting. It encourages creativity, respect, and friendship.

Quilts on display in Omaha this week are works produced by students in Lincoln, Omaha, and Grand Island.

You can view the results of The Quilted Conscience this week in Omaha:

Thursday, February 5 – 6:30 p.m.
Joslyn Art Museum
2200 Dodge St.
See the Karen Dreams and Memories quilt from Omaha Public Schools and Newcomer Quilts from Grand Island Public Schools at this public reception.

Friday, February 6 – 6:00 p.m.
KANEKO
1111 Jones St.
See the Sudan Dreams and Memories quilt from Grand Island Public Schools at this public reception.

Dale Clark Main Omaha Public Library
215 S. 15th St.
See the Dreams and Memories quilt created by Lincoln Public Schools from Myanmar.

The quilts will be on display through April 25 at those locations.

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Free screening of “I Learn America” film in Omaha

The children of immigration, here to stay, are the new Americans. How we fare in welcoming them will determine the nature of this country in the 21st century and beyond. Schools have a unique role in bridging divides between newcomer and longer term students and families and helping all students succeed.

You’re invited to a special screening of “I Learn America,” a must-see new film on the experiences and challenges faced by a group of young immigrants adapting to their new country.

What: “I Learn America” screening
When: Thursday, December 5 – 6pm Dessert Reception, 7pm Film Screening
A new storytelling website tool – ideal for teachers and local community members – will be demonstrated during the reception.
Where: Joslyn Art Museum, 2200 Dodge Street, Omaha

“I Learn America”  follows five students as they strive to master English, adapt to families they haven’t seen in years, confront the universal trials of adolescence, and search for a future they can claim as their own. Through these five vibrant young people, their stories and struggles, and their willingness to share their lives with us, we “learn America.”

Watch the trailer:

This film is sponsored and brought to you free of admission charge by: Omaha Public Libraries, SSCA Omaha, You’re Welcome In Omaha, and Nebraska Appleseed.

A new Immigrant Nation storytelling website will be demonstrated at the reception preceding the film, sharing local stories of immigration through the decades. The interactive project includes a web platform where you can record your own immigrant story.

As many of our immigrant stories fade into memory, Immigrant Nation creates an opportunity to harness our shared history to create a bridge between those who have lived in the U.S. for generations, and immigrants who have just arrived.

We hope you can join us Thursday, December 5th in Omaha.

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You’re Invited – Omaha Welcoming Community Dialogue

youre_welcome_logoOmaha is a stronger, safer, and better community when we welcome people from all backgrounds and places of origin.

You are invited Monday evening to join Nebraska Appleseed, Inclusive Communities, and You’re Welcome in Omaha for a dialogue about making Omaha a more welcoming community for all people.

What: You’re Welcome In Omaha Community Dialogue
Where: Urban Abbey coffee shop
1026 Jackson St. Omaha
When: Monday, July 29, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.

The event will be an informal conversation between Omaha neighbors, both those whose families have immigrated to Omaha generations ago and those who have immigrated more recently. Sharing experiences, identifying common goals and shared values will lead to greater respect among all neighbors.

Please join us at Urban Abbey Monday evening to participate in a conversation about how we can make Omaha an even better community by making everyone feel welcome.

We hope to see you there!

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Quilted Conscience screenings November 13 & 15

Quilted Conscience is a documentary about the welcoming of cultural diversity in Grand Island. This documentary portrays a remarkable bond formed between a group of 16 Sudanese-American girls and a quilter’s guild, coming together to create something spectacular.

Join us at one of two special screenings with John Sorensen, the film’s director, and artist Peggie Hartwell.

Lincoln, NE
Date: Tuesday, November 13
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Student Union, 1400 R Street

Omaha, NE
Date: Thursday, November 15
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Creighton University, at the Center for Service and Justice in the Harper Center, 2500 California Street, Suite 2067

Peggie Hartwell, a master quiltmaker, helps to “stitch” these two groups together in creating a quilt, depicting the girl’s memories of Africa and their dreams of America. Quilted Conscience shows the incredible experience of two groups of women coming together and understanding that they have more similarities than differences through the work in their hands.

The film’s director John Sorensen, director and founder of the Abbott Sisters Project, and master quilt maker Peggie Hartwell are coming to Nebraska for these special screenings of Quilted Conscience next week.

Join us in welcoming and celebrating cultural diversity!

A special thanks to the Creighton Center for Service and Justice and UNL students for hosting the screenings!

Coordinated by You’re Welcome in Omaha and Nebraska Is Home

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Omaha Celebrates National Welcoming Week

During Omaha Diversity Week and the first ever National Welcoming Week, activities in Omaha and around the country recognized efforts of inclusivity and inspiring others to welcome immigrant neighbors into the workplace and the community.

Throughout Omaha, in business, in city government, and in community celebrations and social groups, Omahans recognized the contributions of immigrant community members.  Hundreds of beautiful You’re Welcome posters created by Omaha artists went up in Omaha Public Schools, on college campuses, in the Omaha Public libraries, businesses and local coffee houses.

Throughout the week, the people of Omaha promoted the contributions of new Americans and the value of cultural customs. South Sudan Community Association (SSCA Omaha) held open houses, Mayor Jim Suttle gave speech about the economic benefits of family-owned businesses in the south Omaha neighborhood that has long been enriched by immigrant families, and the El Grito festival invited people of all cultures to come together in celebration of shared independence.

Jack Koraleski, President and CEO of Union Pacific Railroad, said attracting the most capable people, regardless of gender, race or ethnicity has been critical to the success of his company.  Similarly, Kirk Kellner, Wells Fargo Regional President, said successful and competitive companies value each person for their culture, skills and talent.

Later in the week, Mayor Suttle spoke of the vitality and productivity of South 24th Street.  He said the efforts of hardworking families and new entrepreneurs who have immigrated to Omaha has brought millions of dollars of revenue to the city.

Bookending the week, the 2012 National Immigrant Integration Conference drew hundreds of community leaders to Baltimore this year to discuss the social and economic benefits of integration as well as creative strategies for communities, institutions, and local governments to promote inclusion and a stronger future for all.

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You’re Welcome in Omaha Celebrates National Welcoming Week

This week, You’re Welcome in Omaha will join Welcoming America affiliates across the country to celebrate the first National Welcoming Week. Across Omaha, throughout schools, public places and businesses, posters designed by local artists will spread a message of “Welcome” in many languages. Other community activities will be posted at NebraskaIsHome.org

More than 20 Omaha organizations and businesses have signed on in support of this growing movement recognizing and promoting the contributions immigrants bring to the city and developing efforts to welcome them.

Omaha Public Schools will be posting You’re Welcome posters throughout the district’s 85 schools in honor of National Welcoming Week. Volunteers will also post the colorful designs in public places and businesses around town.

During the week of September 15-22, across the country, longtime residents and immigrant neighbors will join together in local activities promoting meaningful connections and a spirit of unity.

National Welcoming Week is coordinated by Welcoming America, an Atlanta-based national nonprofit collaborative that works to promote mutual respect and cooperation among foreign-born and U.S.-born Americans. Welcoming Week will bring together efforts around the country that recognize our communities are strongest when everyone who lives in them feels welcome.

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The Economic Dividends of Welcoming Immigrants

You’re Welcome celebrates diverse communities that welcome both immigrant and non-immigrant neighbors. But it’s not just our communities that are enriched when all people are welcome, it is also true that local businesses and economies thrive when all people are able to work together.

Forbes magazine recently published an article discussing the business opportunities that immigrants contribute to in our communities. David Lubell, founder of Welcoming America, is quoted in the article stating, “we want to recognize communities that welcome newcomers because we know that those places will be better positioned to attract global workforces and global investment. They’ll be better positioned to succeed in a 21st-century economy. They’ll be better able to help the public understand that our communities are strongest when everyone who lives in them feels welcomed. And as Americans, that’s something that we can all benefit from.”

The article discusses immigrant Americans’ contributions as entrepreneurs and business owners, employees, investors, and consumers. It also highlights the unique leadership opportunity for businesses to pave the way for integration in communities – uniting everyone as vital contributors.

The same concept is true here in Omaha – more than 20 non-profit organizations and professional groups have already partnered with You’re Welcome in Omaha to promote inclusion, diversity, and connectedness. For more information or to get involved, contact Christa Yoakum at cyoakum@neappleseed.org

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You’re Welcome Kick-Off Event Huge Success

Thanks to everyone who made it out to House of Loom Friday night for Omaha’s You’re Welcome kick-off event! The evening started off with DJ Brent Crampton mixing some tunes as early arrivers viewed vibrant, original screen-prints and art created by Omaha artists. Christa Yoakum, coordinator of You’re Welcome and Nebraska is Home, welcomed the diverse crowd, encouraging them to mingle and enjoy the festivities. It wasn’t long before the venue was filled with people from all over the city as well as from numerous community organizations who co-sponsored the event.

Felicia Webster roused an emphatic response from the crowd with her spoken word poetry, which included themes such as community, togetherness, and change.

Conversations abounded, and people congregated around delicious food catered by Itzel Lopez of Taqueria El Palenque / Maria Bonita and by Marlon Okereke and his family of Sholiz African Restaurant.

Designer Justin Kemerling brought together graphic designers and other artists for a visual display of what makes Omaha a welcoming and inclusive community, with screen prints by Megan Bergman, Nicholas Burroughs, Tyson Reeder, and Joe Sparano, and other mixed-media art by Sally Deskins, Shane Bainbridge, Wendy Jane Bantam, John Henry Muller, John Hobbs, Rachel Boshart, Carrie Ratcliff, Jester Thakolo, and Justin and Katie Kemerling. As they enjoyed the art and music, guests also created their own welcoming messages.

And it wasn’t only art, food, and conversation that made the event. People got out on the floor for gypsy jazz trio Manouche Moustache. The party was well underway by then. Following Manouche Moustache, Portland/Kansas City DJ duo TACTIC turned out beats late into the evening, and the dance floor was full.

At the conclusion of the night, more than 200-300 guests had met new people and learned more about their Omaha neighbors. The one question repeatedly asked was, “How can we be involved in the next steps?” To get involved, contact Christa Yoakum at cyoakum@neappleseed.org.

See more event photos from Christine Elizabeth

More about You’re Welcome:
You’re Welcome — part of Nebraska is Home — is an locally-led initiative founded on the idea that immigrants settling into a community have a far better chance of integrating if the others in that community are receptive to welcoming their new neighbors.

Nebraska Is Home is affiliated with Welcoming America, a national grassroots-driven collaborative to promote mutual respect and cooperation among foreign-born and U.S.-born Americans.