Minority Students Visit Nebraska State Capitol, Seek Diversity in Legislature

The dimly lit intricate mosaics, high ceilings with tall beams, wide murals and hanging chandeliers decorating the Nebraska State Capitol, along with the sounds of chitchat and the walking foot-taps of adults — mostly white and wearing suits and ties — are typical in the State Capitol.

Thursday looked a little different: More than 150 minority Nebraska students, primarily from Lincoln and Omaha, congregated in the Rotunda and stared 112 feet up.

The students spent a day in the Capitol for the Black and Brown Legislative Day to learn the ins and outs of the bill-making process and to engage elected officials to make their voices heard.

This year’s program was organized by multiple nonprofits including Coalition for a Strong Nebraska, Urban League of Nebraska (Omaha, NE), Women’s Fund of Omaha, ACLU and the Nebraska Civic Engagement Table. The Peter Kiewit Foundation funded the program.

The first Black and Brown Legislative Day was in 2017. About 30 students attended the first session, according to Ja Keen Fox, advocacy chair for the Urban League of Nebraska Young Professionals.

In Nebraska, only four of 49 state senators are people of color: Ernie Chambers, Justin Wayne, Tony Vargas and Tom Brewer.

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