Category: Race Equity

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The more you know! SWANA Heritage Month

Celebrating SWANA Heritage Month

Hello, I’m Sara Al-Rishawi, an Iraqi American and proud Lincoln native. I’ve grown up navigating both my cultural heritage and my Nebraska roots, and every April, SWANA Heritage Month becomes a special reminder of where I come from—and how important it is to celebrate that. It’s a time to reflect on the histories, cultures, and contributions of people from Southwest Asia and North Africa, and to share those stories with others. In this post, I want to offer a glimpse into what SWANA means, why this month matters, and how anyone can be part of it.

What is SWANA?

SWANA stands for Southwest Asian and North African and its heritage appreciation month takes place in April. It refers to a large, diverse region that includes countries such as Iraq, Syria, Egypt, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestine, Yemen, Iran, Sudan, and more. Many people use the term SWANA instead of “Middle East and North Africa” (MENA) because it shifts away from Eurocentric language and focuses on geography rather than colonial framing. 

From the poetry of Al-Mutannabi to the warmth of Arabic coffee shared between family and friends, the SWANA region is home to a wide range of languages, religions, traditions, and histories that span generations. As an Iraqi American, these traditions are deeply personal to me as they shape the food I eat, the holidays I celebrate, and the values I carry.

SWANA Communities in Lincoln

Lincoln has long been a refugee relocation site for families fleeing war, displacement, and instability—including many from SWANA countries like Iraq, Syria, Sudan, and Afghanistan. These communities have made Lincoln their home, contributing to the city’s cultural richness while also navigating challenges of resettlement, language, and identity.

As someone who grew up here, I’ve seen firsthand how SWANA families have built businesses, served as interpreters, enriched our schools, and brought traditions that deepen the fabric of Lincoln. Recognizing SWANA Heritage Month also means recognizing the experiences of refugee and immigrant families who are part of our neighborhoods, classrooms, and local economy.

Everyday SWANA Contributions to the World

Even if you’re unfamiliar with the term “SWANA,” chances are you’ve experienced the region’s influence in your everyday life:

  • Coffee as we know it today traces its roots to the Arab world.
  • Algebra (from the Arabic word al-jabr) and many math and science foundations originated in the Islamic Golden Age.
  • Words like “sugar,” “cotton,” and “lemon” come from Arabic and Persian languages.
  • Art and design, including geometric patterns and intricate tilework, have inspired architecture around the globe.
  • Cuisine like hummus, falafel, shawarma, baklava, and tabbouleh are now common in grocery stores and restaurants worldwide.

These contributions show how deeply SWANA cultures have shaped the world and continue to do so.

Why SWANA Heritage Month Matters

SWANA Heritage Month is about more than recognizing culture, it’s about making space. Too often, SWANA communities are misunderstood, misrepresented, or left out of broader cultural conversations. This month gives us a chance to reclaim our narratives and proudly celebrate who we are.

It also creates opportunities for connection, whether it’s hearing a familiar song, seeing your language represented, or just knowing you’re not alone in your experiences. For many SWANA-identifying people, especially in places like Nebraska, that visibility matters more than people may realize.

How You Can Support

You don’t have to be from the SWANA region to join in. Some simple and meaningful ways to support SWANA Heritage Month include:

  • Learning more about the cultures and histories of the region
  • Supporting SWANA-owned businesses, artists, and authors
  • Attending community or cultural events when available
  • Asking questions and showing genuine interest in people’s stories
  • Sharing SWANA voices and resources on your platforms

As an Iraqi American growing up in Lincoln, I’ve always held onto the beauty and strength of my culture. SWANA Heritage Month gives people like me a chance to be seen and celebrated, and it invites others to learn and grow alongside us. I hope you’ll take the time to listen, engage, and uplift SWANA voices this month.

Happy SWANA Heritage Month!

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New Year, New Perspectives: Join Our Virtual Film Series!

 

Join community leaders from across Nebraska who are fostering inclusive spaces of connection and growth! 

The New Year is here – what better way to kick it off than by deepening our understanding of the diverse stories that make Nebraska home?

Join Nebraska Is Home: “Through our Neighbors’ Eyes”, a virtual film series showcasing short films that celebrate the journeys, dreams and experiences of immigrant and refugee neighbors. Together, let’s create spaces for belonging and connection as we step into their stories. 

Save the Dates!

These three inspiring films will be followed by insightful discussions with the filmmakers and local Nebraska leaders. Bring your cocoa, settle by the fire (virtual or real!), and join us for a meaningful start to 2025. 

Save the dates now and register for the series!


(You can register for the series and attend whichever dates work for you!)

Film Series Schedule:

January 21, 7-8 PM CT (6-7 PM MT)
Film 1: To the State of the Good Life

Discover Raúl Arcos Hawkins’ journey as a DACA recipient and his hopes and challenges as a community leader in Grand Island, NE.

Featuring: Raúl Arcos Hawkins, executive director of the Multicultural Coalition of Grand Island, and Robert William Stevens, storyteller, filmmaker will join us for discussion following the film screening! 

January 28, 7-8 PM CT (6-7 PM MT)
Film 2: Cultures in the Crossfade: Lincoln

Explore how local musicians find harmony in Nebraska, mixing cultures and creating new music.

Featuring: Hasan Khalil, musician, barber and community builder and Josh Kun, author, academic and music critic will join us for discussion following the film screening. 

February 4, 7-8 PM CT (6-7 PM MT)
Film 3: The Healing of Harman

Follow Harman Doski, a Kurdish refugee, as he navigates hope, faith, and forgiveness in his new life in the U.S.

Featuring: Julie Uribe, writer, will join us for discussion following the film screening. 

Please let us know what you need to be able to participate!

We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that allow all participants to engage fully. To request an accommodation or for inquiries about accessibility, please contact Christa Yoakum (402-438-8853 x114, cyoakum@neappleseed.org) or Eric Garcia-Mendez (402-438-8853 x113, egarciamendez@neappleseed.org). We will try our best to accommodate requests. 

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We Went All In for Welcoming Week 2024…and Beyond!

Welcoming Week 2024 has been a beautiful celebration of Nebraska’s cultural richness, inclusion, and building bridges through connected communities – with a few more events still to come! This year, creative Welcomers across Nebraska hosted over 70 events in more than 9 communities across the state from Scottsbluff and North Platte to Crete and South Sioux City. Events included local business tours, community celebrations, cultural festivals and performances, main street parades, learning events and conversations, citizenship ceremonies, multilingual storytelling, and neighbors coming together to share space in art, music and food, all to ensure everyone in our community can feel a sense of belonging! 

Check-out these photos of a few more of the #WelcomingWeek2024 events that have happened across Nebraska:

Celebrando Siouxland with Unity in Action and many local partners!

Mural Painting with Literacy Council of Grand Island & Naturalization Ceremony with Grand Island Welcoming Initiative

Columbus Welcome Wagons & Heritage Festival with Centro Hispano, Columbus Public Libraries, and other local Columbus partners!

Celebrate Crete with Doane University and Crete in Motion!

Harvest Moon Festival and Lincoln Unites with Lincoln Welcoming Week! 

Check out more photos from partners across the state:

Beyond Welcoming Week events to come!

Establishing a welcoming culture in any community requires ongoing, consistent work to foster equity and inclusion. In many ways, Welcoming Week provides an opportunity for us to cultivate the awareness and energy that’s needed to sustain those year-long welcoming efforts.

There are still a few more events to catch! And then Nebraska communities’ local inclusion and belonging work continues! Take a moment to reflect on your Welcoming Week and the opportunities to build upon it – whether inviting someone new you met to another community event, continuing your personal learning, expanding community learning, or maybe just regrouping with other Welcomers to say “What’s next?” 

Thank you to all for celebrating Welcoming Week 2024 and for being an integral part of what makes Nebraska home for so many! Please reach out to us to support additional welcoming and belonging efforts throughout the year.

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Welcoming Week events across Nebraska! September 13-22

Welcoming Week 2024 is here!

Welcoming Week: September 13-22 and beyond!

Welcoming Week is a great opportunity to get to know neighbors – new and old – to embrace the universal values of welcoming places, and to celebrate culture, helping everyone to belong and feel at home – because our communities are strongest when everyone knows they belong. This year’s Welcoming Week theme “We’re All In” aims to go deeper and spark individual reflection on how and why belonging occurs, and ways we can break barriers to foster belonging for all, including immigrants and refugees.

Here in Nebraska and across the country and globe, community members are practicing what makes welcoming places and fosters belonging for all people.

Here’s how to participate:

Find local Nebraska events NEAR YOU! Nebraskans are hosting cultural performances, learning events, festivals and parades, and sharing food and stories of belonging and more! See this calendar of more than 50 events in communities across the state!

Join a virtual event or participate in a Welcoming Week event outside Nebraska if you are traveling – Welcoming Week is being celebrated around the world!

Print a Welcomer sign for your office/business, post on social media, or use a virtual Welcomer background in your next video call! 

Engage on social media! Share your photos and experiences with welcoming on social media using the hashtag “#WelcomingWeek2024”. Follow Nebraska Is Home and Welcoming America on Facebook or @WelcomingUSA and @NebraskaIsHome on Instagram and Twitter. 

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Nebraska Welcoming Session 2 on July 19! We’re All In For Language Access

Language access is foundational to creating communities and spaces where everyone feels they belong. We’ve heard from people across the state how important communication is and yet how hard it is. 

For the second session of the annual Nebraska summer welcoming convening we will welcome Brittany Ford! She will share best practices for providing language access at the local level and offer helpful resources. Additionally, she will inform us about who is required to provide language access. Join us to learn more about language access and to connect with welcoming leaders across the state on July 19th starting at 10am CT (9AM MT)! 

Meet Brittany Ford

Brittany has been immersed in welcoming and inclusion work since she led the nationally recognized initiative Welcome Toledo-Lucas County (TLC) and led the project for Lucas County to become the second county in the U.S. designated Certified Welcoming with strong local inclusion practices. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she served as the Language Access Coordinator for Lucas County’s emergency services and public health departments.  

Brittany is the Client Principal and Co-Owner of Language Equity & Access Partners (LEAP) LLC, a consulting firm founded in 2021 to support language access program design, immigrant and refugee community engagement and strategic planning. 

Look Forward to Lived Expertise on Local Boards

Be sure to also mark your calendar to join us August 9, 10:00-11:30 am CT (9:00-10:30 am MT) for Session 3: We’re All In for Lived Expertise on Local Boards. 

It’s not too late for friends and co-workers to register! You are welcome to share!

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Nebraska Welcoming Session 1 on June 7! Welcoming Week & Belonging Events

See you at Session 1: We’re All In for Belonging & Welcoming Week 2024

Friday, June 7th from 10:00-11:30 am CST (9:00-10:30 am MT) on Zoom

Join community members from across Nebraska who are building thriving communities of belonging!

We hope to see you at the first session of this year’s 10th-annual (virtual) statewide welcoming convening series, where we’ll share ideas and inspiration for Welcoming Week 2024 as well as community inclusion efforts throughout the year! Every September, communities across Nebraska and the country host Welcoming Week events, and it is an opportunity to celebrate and embrace belonging work.

In this session, we’ll get to hear about Welcoming Week ideas and tips from local Nebraska leaders, while also sharing and getting feedback on our own ideas for spaces to bring neighbors together to build belonging. 

Together, we’re all in for:

Learning about positive practices and purpose for Land Acknowledgements at our Welcoming Week and belonging events. We’ll hear from Renee Sans Souci, scholar and Umoⁿhoⁿ woman, about making Land Acknowledgements meaningful, and how to go beyond a single statement to other steps that create change and continue to honor Indigenous peoples as the original stewards of the land and recognize their important ongoing relationship with the land.

Dreaming big with Unity in Action from South Sioux City, as they share how the Celebrate Siouxland festival started small and incrementally grew to the BIG celebration with many community partners that it is today.

 

 

Celebrating Nebraska’s rich history of welcoming immigrants with Chris Hochstetler from the Stuhr Museum in Grand Island. Learn about the deep work going on in Grand Island, as the community embraces its immigrant history. 

 

 

Please let us know what you need to be able to participate!

We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that allow all participants to engage fully. To request an accommodation or for inquiries about accessibility, please contact Christa Yoakum (402-438-8853 x114, cyoakum@neappleseed.org) or Eric Garcia-Mendez (402-438-8853 x113, egarciamendez@neappleseed.org). We will try our best to accommodate requests. 

During these summer sessions, you will have the opportunity to hear and learn from experienced local leaders, participate in workshops, and network with peers, all with the aim of enhancing our collective knowledge and skills. Hope to see you for the following Fridays!

Remember to mark your calendars and plan to join us for the rest of the series as well:

  • July 19, 10:00-11:30 am CT (9:00-10:30 am MT) – Session 2: We’re All In for Language Access
  • August 9, 10:00-11:30 am CT (9:00-10:30 am MT) – Session 3: We’re All In for Lived Expertise on Local Boards
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Register Now! ‘We’re All In for Belonging’ Welcoming Convening Series

Join community leaders from across Nebraska who are building vibrant communities of belonging! 

Join our (virtual) annual statewide welcoming convening series – which brings together community leaders from all over Nebraska to share experiences, insights, and strategies for building welcoming and inclusive communities. 

During these summer sessions, we will have the opportunity to hear and learn from experienced local leaders, participate in workshops, and network with peers, all with the aim of enhancing our collective knowledge and skills. We hope you will join us on the following Fridays as we work toward building belonging for all. 

Save the dates now and register for the series!

(You can register for the series and attend whichever dates work for you!)

June 7 10:00-11:30am CT (9:00-10:30am MT)
Session 1: We’re All In for Belonging & Welcoming Week 2024

Every year, communities across Nebraska host September Welcoming Week events as one way of building communities of belonging. These events – large and small – are a great way to bring neighbors together to learn about one another and celebrate what they love about their community. In this session, we’ll share tips and ideas on hosting neighbor-to-neighbor events and building strong inclusion practices any time during the year, and especially as we prepare for Welcoming Week 2024! This year’s theme, We’re All In, invites communities to showcase how they’re building places that value all perspectives, backgrounds, experiences, and cultures. Learn what others are all in on and hear from leaders who have hosted successful Welcoming Week events across the state! Are you all in on civic participation? Or sharing culture? Or healthy communities? 

July 19 10:00-11:30am CT (9:00-10:30am MT)
Session 2: We’re All In for Language Access

Being able to communicate is foundational to belonging. Language Access furthers organizational and community change efforts that advance equity and access for culturally and linguistically diverse communities. Together, we’ll learn the significance of Language Access, best practices and resources, and where to start with a plan as we strive to provide more equitable access to health care, local government and services. 

August 9 10:00-11:30am CT (9:00-10:30 MT)
Session 3: We’re All In for Lived Expertise on Local Boards

We know that people who have lived expertise as immigrant community members, leaders of color, and other diverse backgrounds bring fresh perspectives and experiences that enrich decision making, and can deepen understanding of community dynamics, but how do we ensure new members and the board are prepared? What are the expectations and duties of board members? How will the board receive new ideas? We’ll explore how to prepare new board members and the boards themselves.  

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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!