See you at Session 1: Roots of Justice – Reflecting on the past, building our future
Wednesday, June 3rd from 10:30am-12:00pm CT (9:30-11:00am MT) on Zoom
Dear Jaimee,
We hope to see you at the first session of this year’s 12th-annual (virtual) statewide welcoming convening series, where we’ll share ideas and inspiration for community inclusion efforts throughout the year!
In this first session we will be exploring histories of race and racism in Nebraska through ‘Roots of Justice’ a profound examination of the state’s racial history — and powerful stories of diverse cultures in our state. This book challenges the long-held belief that Nebraska was free from racial prejudice. These less-known histories offer a nuanced perspective that reshapes our understanding that the history of Nebraska is ever unfolding.
The project has been guided by a nine-person Truth & Reconciliation Steering Committee. Teams of historians gathered well-documented and accurate accounts of five board groups in our state: Native Americans, African Americans, Latinos, Asian Americans and Refugees. This book is essential reading for those seeking truth and reconciliation. Two of the authors, Dr. Dewayne Mays and Dr. Emira Ibrahimpašić, will join us for this exploration and discussion.
Dr. Emira Ibrahimpašić
Dr. Emira Ibrahimpašić is Associate Professor of Practice, Assistant Director of Global Studies, and Director of the Museum Studies Certificate in the School of Global Integrative Studies at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. She holds a Ph.D. in Anthropology from the University of New Mexico and an MBA with a specialization in nonprofit management from UNL. Her interdisciplinary research and teaching focus on forced migration, refugee resettlement, and community-based approaches to immigrant integration, with a particular emphasis on Nebraska. She teaches courses on global studies and cultural anthropology, and collaborates with the International Quilt Museum on interdisciplinary, museum-based learning initiatives. She is co-editor and contributor to recent and forthcoming publications on refugee and immigrant experiences and the history of race and migration in the state, and remains actively engaged in community initiatives related to human rights and refugee support.
Dr. Dewayne Mays
Dr. Dewayne Mays is president of the NAACP Lincoln Branch where he is an outspoken advocate for education and job opportunities for young people of color. In addition to his role with Roots of Justice, Dewayne compiled the history of the branch for the centennial. Dewayne holds a PhD and is now retired from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. After leading work as a Special Consultant for the U.S. Agency for International Development in Botswana, Ghana, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, Dewayne has been dedicated to social justice and civic participation and has served on both board of directors of both ACLU of Nebraska and Nebraska Appleseed.
Curious to learn more about Roots of Justice?
Ahead of our conversation, we invite you to spend a little time with these short clips from the authors featured throughout this project!
Don’t worry if you aren’t able to watch everything or check out the book beforehand, you’ll still be able to fully engage and enjoy the conversation with us!
- Ness Sandoval, author of Latino History Chapter
- 10:52-12:24
- Sharon Ishii-Jodan, co-author of Asian Nebraskans Chapter
- 4:30–6:57
- Julia Riley, co author of Recent Arrivals Chapter
- 4:33–8:16
- Kevin Abourezk and Gabe Bruguier, co-authors of Native Peoples Chapter
- 8:04–9:00
- Preston Love Jr., author of African American Chapter
- 9:31–11:45
Curious to learn even more?
Buy the book | Download the book for free! | Roots of Justice Website
Save these dates!
More information on these sessions to come!
Session 2: Belonging Barometer: Tools for Building Community
- Wednesday, July 1st, 10:30am – 12:00pm CT (9:30 – 11:00am MT)
Session 3: The Value of Multisector Partnerships
- Wednesday, August 5th, 10:30am-12:00pm CT (9:30-11:00am MT)
Session 4: Arts for Wellness and Belonging
- Wednesday, September 2nd,10:30am-12:00pm CT (9:30-11:00am MT)
(You can register for the series and attend whichever dates work for you!)
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.
