The Robert M. Spire Founders Service Award serves as the ACLU of Nebraska’s lifetime achievement award.
This year, we are proud to be honoring A’Jamal-Rashad Byndon, for decades of service, mentorship, and unwavering commitment to equity and justice in Nebraska. Born in Hastings and raised in a family of 14, A'Jamal is a lifelong advocate for People of Color and low-income families. He is one of the founding members of Omaha Table Talk, an organization that, at its height, brought over 600 residents in Metro Omaha together for dinners at various homes and community sites. He has taught multicultural and Black Studies classes at the University of Nebraska and Metro Community College, started the first diversity course at Nebraska Methodist College in Omaha, and even developed the first academic poverty class at the UNO Honor program and taught it three times before it was discontinued. He was also one of the first African Americans to serve on the board of the Latino Center of the Midlands, then known as the Chicano Awareness Center, over 30 years ago. He is currently serving as the chairman of the Board of the Movement in Omaha for Racial Equity, and continues to provide staunch advocacy for system accountability, transparency and equitable use of resources, especially through his work to ensure access to legal services in under-resourced communities in North and South Omaha, as well as across the state to ultimately end Nebraska’s “legal deserts”
A’Jamal served two years in the Peace Corps in the Republic of Botswana after graduating from UNL, was the Public Policy Senior Director at Catholic Charities for 25 years, and currently has 4 adult children with college degrees!
The ACLU of Nebraska is happy to honor A’Jamal’s lifetime of service with this award!
Genocidal Rhetoric
Baking Women
Stacey McClain Hunnicutt is the owner of Building Our Own LLC, which operates several community-centered businesses such as Essential Gathering Place, The Essential ‘Shop, Essential Eatz, and Essential Hauling. She had some comments on Facebook that illustrate that she is working with community members who are embarking on changing the status quo of the current regimes. What is interesting is her work with local entrepreneurs and grassroots leadership. We invited her to talk about their programs and the challenges she faces in working in the African American
community.
Learning Community, 1612 North 24 th Street. It will be from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on various Saturdays of each month. The topics are listed below. The presentations are open to the community, agencies, African American families, and others interested in the various issues. The suggested age range is high school students and beyond. We aim to foster an appreciation for historical challenges and solutions in Nebraska, a society dealing with historical Black experiences.
Learning Community, 1612 North 24 th Street. It will be from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on various Saturdays of each month. The topics are listed below. The presentations are open to the community, agencies, African American families, and others interested in the various issues. The suggested age range is high school students and beyond. We aim to foster an appreciation for historical challenges and solutions in Nebraska, a society dealing with historical Black experiences.
We Are Dying in Silence — Love, Fear, and Survival in Botswana”
This conversation began the way modern women gather, around a table, over a meal, sharing quiet truths. What was meant to be an intimate talk became something much larger: a panel of courage, where four Botswana women found the strength to say aloud what so many have been whispering for years. Recorded in Mmankgodi, this Selalelo panel brings together four Botswana women — Thabiso Patlakwe, Basebi Makwatse, Daphney Phama, and Kemmy Mpinang — for a profound dialogue hosted by Merapelo Letebele. They respond to two thought-provoking videos and explore the everyday realities of Botswana women; from cultural expectations to emotional labor and the crisis of gender-based violence. Presented with support from MORE (Movement in Omaha for Racial Equity), this conversation challenges silence and calls for change — for a Botswana where women live not in fear, or survival mode. They want freedom, happiness and a new society. This unfiltered reflection of truth is the kind that refuses to be quiet any longer. The resounding truth: we want to live as our authentic selves.
“He Almost Killed Me — and They Told Me to Go Back”
In this deeply moving episode of Selalelo Conversations, host Merapelo Letebele speaks with Kemmy Mpinang, a woman whose life has been defined not by tragedy but by transformation. Orphaned as a girl, abused by caretakers, and trapped in an early marriage that nearly cost her life — she refused to let her story end there. She turned her pain into purpose, writing The Journey, a book that is now being adapted into a film. Today, she is a gender activist and advocate against gender-based violence, fighting for the dignity and safety of women everywhere. 🔸 Watch as she shares the truth behind her survival. 🔸 Listen to her message for women still trapped in silence. 🔸 And join us in breaking the generational cycle of gender-based violence. #SelaleloConversations #GenderBasedViolence #TheJourney #WomenRise #BotswanaWomen #EndGBV #SurvivorStories “He Almost Killed Me — and They Told Me to Go Back”
Dr. Lerlean N. Johnson shares her experience of growing up in Omaha and becoming an educator in GA.
Dr. Lerlean N. Johnson shares her experience of growing up in Omaha and becoming an educator in GA. This is an interview with one of the successful people who grew up in poverty and became an educator and role model for students and African Americans seeking opportunities. Dr. Johnson shares tips and experiences that can help people take the high road when dealing with racism and other impediments that tend to lock others out of achieving meaningful goals.
ACLU in Nebraska: Jason N. Witmer share the activities that they are working on for Nebraskans.
Jason N. Witmer, Policy Strategist for the ACLU, shares his experience of being in the criminal justice system and the evolution of his advocacy work, which aims to help Nebraskans understand the need for policy changes to support marginalized groups in our state. This interview covers a wide range of topics and addresses the need for increased community engagement in pressing issues of the day.
Omaha Inland Port Authority and Garry Clark, CEO outlines challenges improving business for many.
Garry Clark the new director of Omaha Inland Port Authority provides a overview of its evaluation, and development to help creates business opportunities for many in the community. This endeavor has empirical benchmarks to demonstrate economic opportunities via its reporting process. WE also talk about racial issues and the need to bring various racial groups together.
From Orphan to Empowerment: Daphney Phama on Resilience, Womanhood & Botswana’s Future
In this powerful Selalelo interview, Botswana educator and empowerment strategist Daphney Phama shares her journey from losing both parents in high school to becoming a devoted mother, teacher, entrepreneur, and community leader. Daphney speaks with raw honesty about grief, resilience, and the determination to build a life of dignity and purpose — not just for herself, but for the children and communities she serves. She discusses: ✨ Surviving orphanhood and choosing strength ✨ Womanhood beyond marriage and motherhood ✨ Raising children with love and truth ✨ The crisis facing Botswana’s youth — drugs, entitlement & lost values ✨ The collapse of traditional initiation systems and the impact on society ✨ Her entrepreneurial journey and why financial independence matters for women ✨ Hope, faith, and the importance of women supporting each other Daphney’s story is a reminder that adversity can be a seed for greatness — when watered with determination and purpose. A must-watch for young women, educators, parents, and anyone passionate about Botswana's social future. 🇧🇼 👉 Subscribe to Selalelo for more conversations rebuilding Botswana’s moral and cultural foundation. 👉 Join the movement to empower Batswana youth and revive purposeful community values. 🎤 Featured Guest Daphney Phama — Teacher, Entrepreneur & Women Empowerment Strategist 💬 Hashtags #Selalelo #BotswanaWomen #WomenEmpowerment #EducationInBotswana #YouthDevelopment #OrphanToLeader #BojaleIgnite #BogweraRising #Botswana
Dr. Lerlean N. Johnson shares her experience of growing up in Omaha and becoming an educator in GA.
Dr. Lerlean N. Johnson shares her experience of growing up in Omaha and becoming an educator in GA. This is an interview with one of the successful people who grew up in poverty and became an educator and role model for students and African Americans seeking opportunities. Dr. Johnson shares tips and experiences that can help people take the high road when dealing with racism and other impediments that tend to lock others out of achieving meaningful goals.
Voices from Exile: Rev. Dr. Rupert Hambira Demands Justice for the Herero Genocide from Germany
In this thoughtful and timely conversation, Selalelo founder Merapelo Letebele sits down with renowned economist Sennye Obuseng to examine Botswana’s economic crossroads and the future we must build beyond diamonds. Botswana’s diamond industry , once the backbone of national prosperity, is facing global headwinds and unprecedented decline. What comes next will demand courage, innovation, and the strengthening of our democratic foundations.
2ND ANNUAL OMAHA BLACK HISTORY EVENT.
Portugal’s Unspoken Crimes Africa
The 1659 Cape War and the Dutch Betrayal of the Khoikhoi
Bogwera Rising
Social Justice For Fairer A Botswana
Social Justice For Fairer A Botswana
The Forgotten Genocide Next Door
Botswana’s Agricultural Surrender
The Taboo Broken
Colonial Reckoning
State of Womanhood
Omaha Black History Book Review
By: A’Jamal Byndon
The book: The Revolution Will Not be Funded, with focus on Omaha, by Karen and A'Jamal, comments
This program is about the incompetence of many nonprofits to fulfill their mission by being co-opted by the funders and white supremacy mentally. Many of the directors have not advocated against racism or taken any public position to help the oppressed in the community. Some are imports with the mentality that they try to act like they are friends of the community when, in fact, they are friends of the system. Most are working against the salvation of low-income community members. The dark skin or hand-picked leaders have no discernible advocacy track record, and many are illiterate, able to read a book from cover to cover, except for Facebook. We drop names and ask why they are in non-profits when they are for-profit businesses, as seen under the current administration and their excessive salaries.
Lynching in Nebraska and its relationship to the deep South lynching of African Americans.
Dr. Brent Campney shares his experience in writing about the historical racial violence inflicted upon African and Mexican Americans. Those incidents were committed in certain parts of the country, such as the Midwest, and oftentimes, white institutions and scholars do not share that violent history that is American as cherry pie. Violence today is inflicted by law enforcement on People of Color, as justified by the county attorneys. Yet many are not aware that in certain areas, racist Texas Rangers were known for killing Mexican Americans, and there were few, if any, cases where these white supremacist personalities were brought to justice. We discuss why it is necessary to study history and the importance of understanding its impact on the current climate, particularly in the context of whitewashing history in many publicly funded institutions. Plus, it creates trauma in People of Color, where they are afraid to push back because of the many historical incidents.
Dr. Kendra Ratnadpradipa talk about cancer research and how to deconstruct the research for groups.
We talk about the challenges and need to include more diversity in research, and by acknowledging the historical shortcomings, and most of all, to include credible messengers instead of the traditional folks who have not always understood those various social challenges that keep participants from helping their respective group or population members. This is one of the first times in Nebraska that a community person or advocate offered questions from the perspective of a cancer survivor and someone with grassroots lived experiences. This program should be required viewing for many folks working in the community and dealing with cancer.
Breaking Barriers Yvonne Chilume & Marang Keorapetse on Womanhood, Law, and the Future of Botswana
Join Selalelo for an inspiring conversation with two of Gaborone’s female attorneys, Yvonne Chilume and Marang Keorapetse, as they share their journeys navigating the legal profession in a male-dominated field. In this interview, they discuss: The challenges and triumphs of being women in law The intersection of patriarchy, motherhood, and career Social equity and advocacy for women and marginalized groups Lessons and guidance for the next generation of Batswana women Discover their personal insights, professional experiences, and vision for a Botswana where women’s voices are equally represented and respected at every table.
Dr Tenner and treatment of cancer, clinical research and the need for People of Color.in studies
Dr. Laura Tenner, an oncologist with a focus on gastrointestinal cancer, talks about her research studies, the need to include more People of Color in Nebraska in such studies, and some of the challenges she faces in helping with community education. This interview allowed the participants to ask direct questions related to their experiences.
A Dirty, Wicked Town: Tales of 19th Century Omaha, an interview with author David L. Bristow.
A'Jamal Byndon interviews David L. Bristow about his book, which outlines how Omaha evolved — or did not — in terms of its wicked town mentality. As cited in the interview, some things have changed, while others remain the same. David offers insight into how he came to write the book and why it remains popular 25 years later. Many love to hear the evolution of early Omaha and the dirt that would not wash away. The newspaper and media have roots in bias and, as they call it, yellow journalism that helps in maintaining the oppression of People of color, as cited in one of his last chapters dealing with the lynching of George Smith.
African American and the Legal system in Racist Nebraska: Questions we should be aware of today.
Potso Mahlangeni-Byndon. ESQ talks about the racism and Eurocentric elite legal system that does not adequately serve People of Color and particularly African Americans by their lack of adequate legal representation within the judicial system. Many fundamental questions require legal input, but the attorneys of color are nowhere to be seen in community forums, because some of us are sleeping with the enemy in a literal and figurative fashion.
Lessons in Inclusion: Empowering Women & Building Black Unity | Selalelo x Inclusive Communities
In this interview, Selalelo learns from Cammy, Executive Director of Inclusive Communities in Omaha, about building inclusive societies, fostering leadership, and empowering women in patriarchal systems. We discuss practical strategies Selalelo can apply in Botswana, including: Amplifying the voices of Batswana women Challenging cultural and structural patriarchy Creating spaces for dialogue and inclusion Strengthening networks for Black unity across Africa and the diaspora Leadership and community-building lessons for lasting social impact This conversation is a bridge between local action and global insight, showing how collaboration, dialogue, and empowerment can transform communities. Subscribe to Selalelo to stay updated on our initiatives, including youth programs, women’s empowerment campaigns, and social justice discussions. #Selalelo #InclusiveCommunities #WomenEmpowerment #BlackUnity #Botswana #SocialJustice #CommunityLeadership #Leadership #Empowerment"
Movement in Omaha Founders talk about racism in Omaha and the dysfunction of Gatekeeper and Clowns
This program is about calling out the system folks who have never busted a grape for dealing with racism in Omaha. Many of them have limited ability to challenge the system because they are on the payroll, and will stop the mean white girls' behavior within the toxic workplace. Meanwhile, the masses of oppressive folks are counting on the NEOC or City of Omaha Human Relations Department to help African Americans, and they won't have honest dialogues with Victims of American Democracy (Black Folks), as Malcolm X called this system.
Adam Fletcher Sasse - #OmahaBlackHistory and MORE Throwing Down Some Heavy Light
Adam Fletcher Sasse outlines the history of North Omaha and the impact of African Americans on the city's racist history. He shared many incidents, leaders, and professionals who were more than entertainment or athletic jocks playing sports for the elites. A'Jamal raises serious questions about the public institutions' inability to write or help promote the actual struggle that African Americans played in changing the scope of social justice issues. This program will be utilized to challenge the fake degrees and nonwriters about their respective history. Adam starts out by acknowledging his role in writing about Black History as a white person, but more importantly, he throws down the mike to say, Put up or shut up, if we can produce substance about the topic. Many of the public institutions are racist and full of apologists, such as the Omaha Police Department, the Omaha Plantation Schools, and the University of No Opportunity.
From Tradition to Tomorrow
From Tradition to Tomorrow
Silent Strength
We Demand A Society Where Equity Replaces Patriarchy
Borders Exclusion
South African Dialogue
Dogs of an Empire
BOYS OF RESPECT SEMINAR SUMMARY
A Century of Contradiction: How America Aligned with White Power in South Africa
From the Boer War to Elon Musk, U.S. sympathy has consistently favored Afrikaner interests
over the Black majority.
Four Centuries of Theft and Unfinished Reckoning in South Africa
THE CENTRAL AFRICAN SLAVE TRADE
The ongoing struggle for racial justice often seems like an exaggeration to those who remain ignorant of history.
Scholars discuss the racism and chaos mentality of the Trump Administration and white supremacy.
Dr. Patrick Velasquez and A'Jamal Byndon talk about the racism and dysfunctional aspect of the national government to destroy People of Color by enacting policies and cuts and creating the promulgation of Uncle Toms, collaborators, and sellouts in educational institutions and systems that are bent on supporting white privilege and white supremacy in local, state and federal government.
The Sum of Us Book Discussion at Washington Branch Library. Omaha Ne. is a book that gives examples of racism being harmful to everyone, including white people. It helps dispel the false idea of the zero-sum paradigm that one person or group has to suffer for another to succeed. Our goal is to build social capital around the themes of The Sum of Us. This book is available at the public library and the other book supply sources.
Reflections on Power, Racism, and Historical Parallels: Trump, Musk, and the Legacy of Apartheid
The White Man’s Dirty Fingerprints in CKGR.
Elon Musk’s Ancestors
Position Statement:
Support for Undocumented and Mixed Status Migrants and Families
MORE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
MORE Research & Policy Report, 2024
THE STATUS OF HISTORICALLY UNDERREPRESENTED STUDENTS OF COLOR AT OMAHA METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY COLLEGE: INDICATORS OF RACIAL EQUITY
Primary Author: Patrick Velasquez, Ph,D Chair, MORE Data/Research Committee
Contact: moreinfo@moreomaha.org
WHAT’S NEXT FOR MORE?
African American Legal Issues & Anti-racism in Nebraska ft. Attorney Potso Mahlangeni
This program is about racism in the legal community in Nebraska and the failure of the law schools to educate African Americans to use the legal system to their advantage. Since there are so few practicing African American lawyers in Nebraska. Participants asked questions during the session. We also cover the problem of the various institutions that do not provide justice to African Americans in this apartheid city and state, such as Nebraska ACLU, Legal Aid of Nebraska, and the so-called advocacy organization that does not file cases on behalf of the African American community. Many do not have board members of Color who have a track record of working in our communities.
MORE’s 2023 End-of-Year Wrap-Up!
MORE's End of Year Letter!
MORE's End of Year Letter!
Read what MORE was up to in 2023 and look forward to 2024!
Nebraska Examiner Articles on MORE
JOIN OUR TEXT GROUP!
Movement in Omaha for Racial Equity Research & Policy Report, September 2023
THE STATUS OF HISTORICALLY UNDERREPRESENTED STUDENTS OF COLOR AT THE UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA, OMAHA: INDICATORS OF RACIAL INEQUITY
Primary Author: Patrick Velasquez, Chair, MORE Data/Research Committee
Racism and Societal Collapse
Primary Author: Jack Dunn
MORE STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
We are working on a report on the effectiveness of these civil rights organizations, such as the city’s Omaha Human Rights and Relations Department, in addressing their mission. It’s come to our attention that they have little to no empirical data on the success of addressing racism, and historical discrimination and, most of all, engaging communities of Color with the transformation of the problems into reasonable solutions. When a public fund organization does work have little or any social capital with oppressed African Americans and other People of Color, it is time to ask for change. What good are third-string quarterbacks who can’t play in the Superbowl of anti-racism? Can we point to one success story and whom they helped in the valley of the struggle that can offer testimonials to outcomes?
Got any questions regarding anti-racism, race equity, or community advocacy but have never seemed to be able to get any answers? Or incidents handled by Nebraska Equal Opportunity Commission , Nebraska Urban League, or any government funded organizations. -
Text or Email A’Jamal at 402-212-7083 or email moreinfo@moreomaha.org
Mail + Donations via Check
For all mail, or donations via check please mail to:
608 N. Saddle Creek, #31542
Omaha, NE 68132
402-212-7083
EIN: 27-0666026
ices.
“It truly was an ‘a-ha’ moment of my personal view of white culture.”
— MORE workshop attendee