North Omaha and People of Color Convention look to build on historic vote and momentum
Based on data provided by the Douglas County Elections Commission, over 21,000 North Omaha residents cast their votes in November, the highest total in the last four election cycles.
The vote total was even higher than the number that turned out when President Barack Obama was elected.
The People of Color Convention, which was planned and hosted by a number of organizations in the Voter Registration, Education and Mobilization Collaborative (VREM), seeks to build on that momentum, not only in North Omaha, but around the city.
“We know we had a historic vote here in North Omaha. It’s vitally important that we participate at the same level in the city elections,” said Precious McKesson, president of the North Omaha Neighborhood Alliance and the host moderator for the event.
“Local elections are very important and impact all of us instantly. We want to have the same level of success going forward as we did last fall when we were able to elect people up and down the ballot.”
The event attracted current elected officials and provided the platform for candidates to share their vision, goals and plans virtually to the 300 plus in attendance through Zoom and Facebook Live.
All candidates were invited to submit videos highlighting their priorities. Participating City Council candidates for District II included Ben Gray, Jonathan Lathan and Cornelius Williams. Cammy Watkins running to represent District 3 also shared a video. Naomi Hattaway, Candidate for District 6, was also in attendance.
Mayoral candidates Jasmine Harris, Kimara Snipes, RJ Neary and Mark Gudgel also shared their platforms via video presentations.
State Senators Terrell McKinney and Tony Vargas provided important updates on a number of legislative bills that are under consideration at the Nebraska Unicameral. Both advised attendees to stay informed and engaged by connecting with them on Facebook and tracking the bills on the state website.
Brad Christian-Sallis, with Civic Nebraska reminded everyone of the importance of their vote and reaching out to elected officials.
“State Senators are state senators. They don’t just represent their district…reach out to them all,” said Christian-Sallis.
He also spoke about the importance of stopping the disenfranchisement of ex-felons by restoring voting rights immediately instead of the current two year waiting period. “We are over represented in these systems, so when we are not allowed to vote, it’s hurting our community.”
Another critical topic discussed was the number of attempts nationally to restrict voter participation. Republican lawmakers across the country, including in Nebraska, are attempting to reduce voter participation with a series of bills and legislation. It appears to be in response to the outcome of the national election and highly focused on reducing the impact of the black and brown vote in urban communities.
“The issue in 2021 is voter suppression,” said Preston Love, Jr. of 4Urban.org and Black Votes Matter.
“There are 43 states, who have legislation, over 200 pieces of legislation to suppress the vote, that includes Nebraska. In Nebraska, there are a number of voter suppression bills and others that are trying to make voting easier and more successful.”
The convention included breakout sessions where attendees could interact with key leaders and elected officials on topics including criminal justice, education and advocacy.
Breakout panelists and speakers included: Edward Ventura – Nebraska Education Association; Lisa Fricke – State Board of Education; JaKeen Fox; Chris Carithers, Douglas County Election Commission; Preston Love, Jr., Krystal Fox; Mark Foxall; Alex Mitchell; Dr. Franklin Thompson; and others.
McKesson took time to recognize the lead organizer behind VREM, Barry Thomas, and the heroic work going on behind the scenes by many organizations.
“The goal is to educate our community locally so that we are recognized as a political force to be respected and adhered to throughout,” said Barry Thomas, Political Action Chair for the Omaha NAACP.
Thomas continued, “We have too many examples, in the modern republic and throughout all history, to ignore the power possessed when the fingers realize they are actually on the same hand. And that hand is a needed part of the body. North Omaha and the Black community can become the fist that powers change for our people.”
McKesson recognized a number of organizations including the Heartland Workers Center, led by Sergio Sosa.
Gabriela Pedroza, community organizer representing the Heartland Workers Center, had this to say: “This is an amazing collaboration. We are working to get out the vote, increasing voting in areas where we see voter turnout is low. We are phone banking and we will start canvassing when the weather permits. It’s a lot of work but it pays off. If people want to volunteer, they can join our team.”
Also instrumental in planning and executing the event was Alex Mitchell, a student at the University of Nebraska-Omaha.
“It’s great to see the next generation leading the way,” said Preston Love, Jr. Love has dedicated his life to engaging generations in the political process and now focuses on helping youth to understand the significance and importance of their role.
The event was presented by the Voter Registration, Education, and Mobilization (VREM) collaborative. VREM is made up of a number of organizations including UNO’s Black Excellence, the League of Women Voters, NAACP, Black Votes Matter, North Omaha Neighborhood Alliance, Heartland Workers Center, the Omaha Pan-Hellenic Council, Civic Nebraska and others centered on civic engagement.
Watch the full event here.
If you would like to stay connect and receive information, please email us at voterem@gmail.com
