Nebraska
JANUARY 2026
-
Omaha just made history by electing its first Black mayor, John Ewing Jr.
In the 2025 mayoral election, Douglas County Treasurer John Ewing Jr. defeated incumbent Jean Stothert, marking not only a leadership change but a milestone for representation in the city. Ewing’s victory signals a new chapter in Omaha politics and reflects a broader shift in the community’s priorities.
Event Reported: May 13th, 2025
-
Jewel Rodgers is making history as the first African American Nebraska State Poet.
At just 27, the Omaha‑born spoken word artist finally stepped into the official role in January 2025 — using poetry as a way to elevate community voices, push conversations forward and share art across Nebraska. Rodgers first felt her calling as a poet at age 11 and now travels the state performing, leading workshops and inspiring others with her work and new collection Wax Over Water about womanhood and life in a historically redlined community.
Event Reported: February 20th, 2025
-
Nebraska’s State Auditor just released a tough audit on the Nebraska Commission on African American Affairs, exposing operational problems and questionable practices that raise concerns about public trust and accountability.
The report found issues like repeated changes in leadership, open meetings violations, misrepresented appointments and questionable expenditures, prompting calls for stronger oversight and improvements so the commission can better fulfill its mission of advancing rights and policy for African Americans in the state.
Event Reported: July 11th, 2025