Category: Race Equity

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Understanding Ramadan

Hello, I’m Amany Al-Barakat, a Muslim who has been observing Ramadan for the last couple of years. Ramadan is not just a month on the Islamic calendar; it is a profound spiritual journey that holds deep significance for Muslims worldwide. In this blog post, I’d like to share with you the essence of Ramadan, its practices, and its transformative impact on the lives of those who observe it.

What is Ramadan?
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and is considered the holiest month for Muslims. It is a time of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community. The fast, known as Sawm, begins at dawn (Suhoor) and ends at sunset (Iftar). During this period, Muslims abstain from eating, drinking, smoking, and engaging in sinful behaviors.

The Meaning and Significance of Ramadan:
Ramadan holds a special place in the hearts of Muslims as it commemorates the revelation of the Quran to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). It is a month of spiritual purification, self-discipline, and increased devotion to God. Fasting during Ramadan is not merely about refraining from physical needs but is also about cultivating inner qualities such as patience, gratitude, and empathy towards others.

What Do Muslims Do During Ramadan?
During Ramadan, Muslims engage in various acts of worship and good deeds to draw closer to God and seek His forgiveness. Apart from fasting, Muslims also increase their recitation of the Quran, engage in extra prayers, and give to charity (Zakat and Sadaqah). The atmosphere is filled with a sense of community and solidarity as families and friends gather to break their fasts together and share meals (Iftar).

Laylat al-Qadr: The Night of Power
One of the most significant events during Ramadan is Laylat al-Qadr, often referred to as the “Night of Power.” It is believed to be the night when the Quran was first revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). The exact date of Laylat al-Qadr is uncertain, but it is most commonly observed on the odd nights during the last ten days of Ramadan. 

Laylat al-Qadr is a night of immense blessings, forgiveness, and spiritual enlightenment. Muslims spend the night in prayer, supplication, and recitation of the Quran, seeking God’s mercy and guidance. It is a time of deep reflection and introspection, as Muslims strive to maximize their worship and good deeds on this auspicious night, believing that the rewards are multiplied manifold.

Support friends, colleagues and neighbors during Ramadan:
As Ramadan is a significant time for Muslims, showing support and understanding can mean a lot to those observing this sacred month. One of the best ways to show support is by being curious and learning more about Ramadan. Educating oneself about the practices and significance of Ramadan can foster understanding and respect. Additionally, sharing well wishes such as ‘Ramadan Kareem’ (Noble Ramadan) and showing grace and patience to Muslim colleagues and friends during this time is important. Your kindness and consideration will be greatly appreciated and will help create a supportive and inclusive environment for everyone during this special time.

Eid al-Fitr: The Festival of Breaking the Fast
After a month of fasting, prayer, and self-reflection, Ramadan culminates in the celebration of Eid al-Fitr, the Festival of Breaking the Fast. It is a joyous occasion that marks the end of Ramadan and the beginning of Shawwal, the next month in the Islamic calendar.

Eid al-Fitr is a time of celebration, gratitude, and unity. Muslims gather in mosques or open spaces to perform the special Eid prayer, followed by festive meals, gatherings with family and friends and the exchange of gifts. It is a day to express gratitude to God for His blessings and to rejoice in the spiritual growth achieved during Ramadan.

In conclusion, Ramadan is a sacred month that offers Muslims an opportunity for spiritual rejuvenation, self-improvement, and increased devotion to God. It is a time of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community, culminating in the celebration of Eid al-Fitr. Ramadan Kareem to all!

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Join us at the 2024 Welcoming Interactive in Dallas, Texas!

As we all navigate the path towards fostering inclusivity and belonging for all in our communities, here’s an exciting opportunity on the horizon – the Welcoming Interactive happening from April 10-12, 2024 in Dallas, Texas.

The Welcoming Interactive provides a unique platform to learn from successful practices and inspiring examples of immigrant inclusion. 

In Dallas, we will have the chance to connect together with other Nebraskans – including government officials, nonprofit leaders, educators, and more –  from across the country to learn together, share successes and challenges, and gain valuable insights into positive practices for building more welcoming and inclusive communities. Interactive sessions focus on immigrant inclusion, programs, policies, and partnerships on economic development, civic engagement, government leadership, and more!

To sweeten the deal, there is an early bird registration rate of $350 available until January 26. I believe that your participation in the Welcoming Interactive will contribute significantly to our collective ongoing efforts to foster a more welcoming community.

More than 30 Nebraska leaders attended the 2023 Welcoming Interactive in San Jose, California.

For more information about the Welcoming Interactive and registration details, please visit the website.

If you are planning to attend, please let Christa know, so we can connect in Dallas!

Looking forward to your participation and the positive impact it will bring to the community!

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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!

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Celebrating We Are Still Here: Reflections from a Native American Author

“And the next time you sit down for your Thanksgiving feast, consider saying a word of thanks to the original people of the lands you now call home for allowing you to live, work, and raise your children on their homelands.” 

Celebrating That We Are Still Here gives a perspective to reflect on for the Thanksgiving holiday this week.

This blog was first posted by ACLU Nebraska during the pandemic. The author Kevin Abourezk is a local journalist and Deputy Managing Editor at Indian Country Today. His words about gratitude and remembrance are relevant today. 

November is Native American Heritage Month and an opportunity to honor the vast contributions of Native American writers. This link to the American Authors Museum provides podcasts and articles by Native American poets and authors.

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Photos + Videos from Your Welcoming Week!

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Welcoming Week events across Nebraska: September 8-17!

Get ready for Welcoming Week 2023:
September 8-17 and Beyond! 

Welcoming Week is here! Join community members across Nebraska and the world in celebrating the values that unite us as neighbors, parents, and colleagues to make our communities more welcoming to all! 

We invite you to participate by finding an event near you to celebrate diversity, community and all the different people who call Nebraska home!

Find local events NEAR YOU! Nebraskans are hosting festivals, parades, learning events, cultural performances with music and dance, sharing food and stories of belonging, and more! 

Join the virtual launch of Welcoming Week in Nebraska at the statewide convening Fostering Inclusion & Belonging via Zoom. We will focus on positive practices and tips for storytelling and how to use storytelling locally to promote belonging!

Join a virtual event or include a Welcoming Week event if you are traveling this week. 

Print a Welcomer sign for your office, business or to post on social media! 

Engage on social media! Share your photos and experiences with welcoming on social media using the hashtag #WelcomingWeek2023 Follow Nebraska Is Home and Welcoming America on Facebook or @WelcomingUSA and @NebraskaIsHome on Instagram and Twitter. 

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Celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month! 

The month of May was chosen to celebrate AAPI heritage and culture to commemorate the first Japanese immigrants who arrived in the United States on May 7, 1843. May is also the anniversary of the 1869 completion of the transcontinental railroad, which was built mostly by Chinese immigrants.

Today, the Asian Americans and Pacific Islander community continues to face discrimination and barriers to opportunities, despite their role in building this country.

Our communities are strongest when everyone feels safe, valued, and respected. The Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Island population in Nebraska is growing, contributing greatly to our communities as business owners, faith leaders, artists, students, teachers, and in many other roles.

This month, there are many ways you can learn more about and be more inclusive of our AAPI neighbors and co-workers.

Community Events

Sunday, April 30, 1:00 – 5:00 PM, Lancaster Event Center, 4100 N. 84th Street, Lincoln
The Asian Community and Cultural Center kicks off Asian American and Pacific Islander month with the AAPI Heritage Celebration featuring performances, family games, multi-cultural demonstration, Asian cuisine and more!

Saturday, May 27, 1:00 – 6:00 PM, Antelope Park, 1650 Memorial Drive, Lincoln
The Karen Society of Nebraska will close out AAPI Month with the AAPI Festival 2023. Everyone’s favorite DMNV Lion Dancers will perform. Other performers include the Pole Dance, vocalists and musicians.

Learn Throughout the Month

Untold Migrant Stories, a program at the Asian Community & Cultural Center
Find stories by local AAPI youth about their lives, their families’ journey – opportunities and struggles – in their own words.

Food

Visit local Asian restaurants, try flavors new to you, or learn to cook a new recipe.

Learn to cook Pad Thai from our friends at the Karen Society of Nebraska

  • Insta Pot Chicken Biryani, Biryani is a popular Indian one-pot dish. It’s generally made with rice and some kind of meat and flavorful spices.
  • Japchae, a Korean warm pasta salad, with naturally gluten-free pasta (sweet potato vermicelli) and a ton of vegetables.

Books

Music

Take Action

Write or call your state senator and ask them to support LB298 with Amendment 1188. This bill prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, religion, sex, disability, or national origin in schools, nor can schools policy prohibit a student from wearing attire, including religious attire, natural and protective hairstyles, adornments, or other characteristics associated with race, national origin, or religion; or require a student’s hair be permanently or temporarily altered.

Write or call your state senator and ask them to vote for LB138 with Amendment 837, which would provide and authorize a “driving privilege card” for Ukrainian refugees who have settled in Nebraska yet are ineligible for a “operator’s permit” (ordinary drivers license).

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Growing Up as a Black Woman in White America

This is a guest blog post by Nebraska Appleseed Immigrants & Communities Program Intern Kenzie Spigner

I remember one Spring day my junior year of high school, I was sitting in the back of my math class. I asked Michael, the boy that I had a crush on at the time, for help on an assignment, and I will never forget the words he said to me next. He said “only if you give me $5 and pick my cotton”. Not only did he have the audacity to throw centuries of my people’s oppression and enslavement in my face, but he did so in the same breath that he asked for $5 that just as easily could have been found in the street.

You might be wondering what I said next. Did I raise Hell and scream at him with every fiber in my body? Did I take to social media and try to cancel him in front of all our peers? Or did I report him to the office? Well, I did none of this. I sat there in shock and horror as the rest of my class turned their attention to me. I can still feel the stares of everyone in the room waiting for my next move, but to both their surprise and mine, there wasn’t one. All I could do was look at my teacher for some sign of empathy or justice. I had hoped she would say something to him and immediately send him to the office for one of the most egregious things he could have possibly said to me. Instead, she immediately broke eye contact with me and looked down at her papers as though she had heard nothing. I turned back to my assignment, still confused and choking back tears at the sheer embarrassment of what had just transpired. It was at that moment, that I knew I was utterly alone.

Being on the other side of prejudice is not a great feeling. That’s something nearly everyone can agree on, but what people don’t know is how lonely it truly is. I grew up in the affluent, white suburbia of West Omaha. As a child, I was afforded many opportunities through my education. I was fortunate enough to grow up with parents that supported my every ambition. Yet, as I made my way through high school, the evils of the world that my parents tried to shield me from as a child started rearing their ugly heads.

I learned quickly how I was perceived in this world. I was either the token Black girl who made the school seem diverse, or I was the helpless Black girl who was probably uneducated and wouldn’t succeed in high school on her own, or I was the angry Black girl who was quick tempered and aggressive. So, I didn’t know where I fit into the puzzle at school, but even at home, I never felt Black enough. Throughout high school, I constantly struggled with my identity, something most teenagers are probably familiar with. However, my own identity crisis was exacerbated by the fact that I didn’t know how a key part of my identity, one that I couldn’t change, fit into who I was. I constantly searched for what it meant to be Black, but growing up in such a predominantly white environment, I didn’t have much to reference. I, of course, had my parents, but I didn’t see them as Black, I saw them as my parents. I didn’t have much to refer to in the media. I didn’t get to grow up with a mentor that looked like me, who could help explain why the color of my skin made me so different compared to my peers. Further, I didn’t have a mentor who could explain why that difference made some people so angry.

When I got to college, I started being able to forge my own experience. The pressures I felt suddenly lifted as I made a conscious decision to pursue endeavors that made me happy. While being Black is a huge part of my identity, one that I could never separate from myself, I am far more diverse than just that. I’m a musician who can play beautiful chords on the violin. I am an athlete who, even after ending her official athletic career, still brings back that fervor and competitiveness in friendly games of spike ball. I am an older sister who is a mentor for her younger sister. I am my mom’s best friend. I am someone who enjoys servicing the community, and making people smile in whatever way I can.

Being Black is not just about the color of my skin, or about the music that we produce. It isn’t just the fact that this entire country was built on our backs. It is about the experiences that we collectively share.

The story that I just shared is not a unique one. In fact, it is more common than I would like to admit, but what’s more important is what this story means to little Black boys and girls across the nation.

What Michael said to me was not just a racist comment he threw out there to be funny, it was an attack on my identity. It was the fact that he was the physical manifestation of every microaggression, every insecurity, every humiliation that I experienced in regards to my Blackness. That day happened nearly 5 years ago, but it is still something I carry with me to this day. In fact, this is a moment I will surely carry with me for the rest of my life. That moment, that feeling of both embarrassment and isolation, I vowed to never feel that way again. I promised myself that I would be a better advocate for both myself and the Black community.

After being able to look outside of my experience and reflect on the isolation and solitude I felt, I realized that it was important for me to share my story. Being able to tell people my own experience was empowering in and of itself, but it is also educational for bystanders and white allies that don’t truly understand what it means to be discriminated against or face prejudice. So, I hope for this Black History Month, I was able to give you more perspective on what it is like to grow up as a Black woman in white America.

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As Black History Month concludes but our learning continues, here are some additional resources the author suggests:

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MLK Day – How will you strengthen your community?

MLK QuoteToday is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. This is the only federal holiday designated as a National Day of Service. This holiday has become one day each year when people across the country step up to make communities more equitable and take action to help fulfill Dr. King’s dream.

Together, we can strengthen ties to our communities and to one other while we address critical issues that divide us. 

How will you strengthen your community?

    • Engage with your community and create constructive action
      • Host a discussion on Dr. King’s life and teachings or his principles of nonviolence. 
      • Attend or organize a local event – see a list of possible events below!
    • Act on Dr. King’s legacy of social justice and equity
    • Recommit by volunteering to serve others. You can clean up a public space, mentor a young person, or help those who are food insecure. 
      • Serve meals at a homeless shelter.
      • Remove graffiti and litter from a park or neighborhood.
      • Organize a coat drive or a blood drive.

Join one of the many events across the state to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr:

28th Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Youth Rally (Lincoln) – January 16th

    • The Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Youth Rally and March is proud to announce the 2023 theme MLK to Me • “Walk Together.” This experience will be live-streamed Monday, January 16, 2023, with the “Pre-Rally Program” beginning at 9:30 am (CST), followed by the 28th Annual “Call to Action Program” beginning at 10:00 am.
    • All “live” components will take place at 14th and “R” Street • Centennial Room • Student Union • The University of Nebraska Lincoln.

MLK Week UNL (Lincoln) – January 16th-24th

    • The Office of Diversity and Inclusion presents a week-long celebration of the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Events are designed to facilitate both reflection and action toward a better appreciation of and respect for the dignity of every person. While each of us has the power to make a difference ourselves, we can make the biggest impact when we work together. Find a complete list of activities in the link above.

UNK MLK Day of Service Luncheon (Kearney) – January 25th

    • Join UNK Student Diversity & Inclusion in celebrating the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with a featured keynote Dr. Bernard Lafayette, Jr., followed by the 3rd Annual MLK Day of Service Project from 2-5pm.
    • Dr. Lafayette co-founded the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee [SNCC] in 1960 with his college roommate, Rep. John Lewis. He was a leader of the Nashville Movement Lunch Counter Sit-ins in 1960, and the 1961 Freedom Rides, and directed the Selma, Alabama Voter Registration Project (as depicted in the 2014 Academy Award-Winning motion picture “SELMA”)

Creighton University MLK Week (Omaha) – January 13th and 18th

    • Guest speakers Latasha Morrison, author and certified trainer in cultural intelligence and unconscious bias and Jonathan C. Augustine, reconciliation scholar, ordained minister and professor.

Doane University MLK Week (Crete) – January 16th-20th

    • A week’s worth of programming including a march, lunch and learns and service projects and movies under the theme “UNITY, commUNITY, opportUNITY.”
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Hate

The three separate acts of violence over the past weekend are symptomatic of larger and deeper issues of anti-Blackness and anti-Asian sentiments in the United States. Harmful conspiracy theories have steadily gained visibility in mainstream rhetoric, media, and politics feeding hatred and promoting White Nationalism.

While we mourn the loss of life and pain inflicted on Buffalo, Laguna Beach, and Dallas, we are also angry that while motivation in each situation is not entirely clear, it is true that in each case the shooters left their home with the intent to do harm to people with a specific skin color or ethnic background.

Every person deserves to live without fear of harm or death because of the skin they exist in.

We are frustrated because we are here once again. We must make real our opposition to the political terror taking place around the country. It is not enough to grieve or to become angry. We must and can take action.

Humans need a sense of belonging and will seek that out if they don’t find it. Creating strong and inclusive communities, and knowing our neighbors can prepare us to provide support for communities of color and identify those drawn to White supremacy groups.

 WATCH: PBS Newshour “How America Can Respond to White Nationalist Violence”

This manual provides a guide for those who want to “do something” about hate, not only for the immediate aftermath of a hateful act, but for years to come to improve their community.
A Community Guide For Opposing Hate

Concerned about someone you know?
Confronting Conspiracy Theories And Organized Bigotry at Home: A Guide for Parents and Caregivers 

Hate crimes, an attempted crime, or a hate incident – threats, assault, and violence, or graffiti that is targeted because of race, religion, disability, gender, or sexual orientation – should be reported. Take photos if possible, write down details taking note of any words said or symbols. Even if these words or symbols don’t make sense to you, they may be helpful to the police.

Resources to learn more about hate groups:

Additional resources in multiple languages: