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Life Itself XVI: Social justice, civil rights, human services, human rights, community development stories
Life Itself XVI:
Social justice, civil rights, human services, human rights, community development stories
Unequal Justice: Juvenile detention numbers are down, but bias persists
https://leoadambiga.com/2018/03/09/unequal-justice-…ut-bias-persists
To vote or not to vote
https://leoadambiga.com/2018/06/01/to-vote-or-not-to-vote/
North Omaha rupture at center of PlayFest drama
https://leoadambiga.com/2018/04/30/north-omaha-rupt…f-playfest-drama/
Her mother’s daughter: Charlene Butts Ligon carries on civil rights legacy of her late mother Evelyn Thomas Butts
https://leoadambiga.com/2018/01/28/her-mothers-daug…lyn-thomas-butts/
Brenda Council: A public servant’s life
https://leoadambiga.com/2017/06/26/brenda-council-a…ic-servants-life
The Urban League movement lives strong in Omaha
https://leoadambiga.com/2017/11/17/the-urban-league…-strong-in-omaha/
Park Avenue Revitalization and Gentrification: InCommon Focuses on Urban Neighborhood
https://leoadambiga.com/2018/02/25/park-avenue-revi…ban-neighborhood/
Health and healing through culture and community
https://leoadambiga.com/2017/11/17/health-and-heali…re-and-community
Syed Mohiuddin: A pillar of the Tri-Faith Initiative in Omaha
https://leoadambiga.com/2017/09/01/syed-mohiuddin-a…tiative-in-omaha
Re-entry prepares current and former incarcerated individuals for work and life success on the outside
https://leoadambiga.com/2018/01/10/re-entry-prepare…s-on-the-outside/
Frank LaMere: A good man’s work is never done
https://leoadambiga.com/2017/07/11/frank-lamere-a-g…rk-is-never-done
Behind the Vision: Othello Meadows of 75 North Revitalization Corp.
https://leoadambiga.com/2017/06/27/behind-the-visio…italization-corp
North Omaha beckons investment, combats gentrification
https://leoadambiga.com/2017/05/25/north-omaha-beck…s-gentrification
SAFE HARBOR: Activists working to create Omaha Area Sanctuary Network as refuge for undocumented persons in danger of arrest-deportation
https://leoadambiga.com/2017/06/29/safe-harbor-acti…rest-deportation
Heartland Dreamers have their say in nation’s capitol
https://leoadambiga.com/2018/03/24/heartland-dreame…-nations-capitol/
Of Dreamers and doers, and one nation indivisible under…
https://leoadambiga.com/2017/02/21/of-dreamers-and-…ndivisible-under/
Refugees and asylees follow pathways to freedom, safety and new starts
https://leoadambiga.com/2017/02/21/refugees-and-asy…y-and-new-starts
Coming to America: Immigrant-Refugee mosaic unfolds in new ways and old ways in Omaha
https://leoadambiga.com/2011/07/10/coming-to-americ…ld-ways-in-omaha
History in the making: $65M Tri-Faith Initiative bridges religious, social, political gaps
https://leoadambiga.com/2017/05/25/history-in-the-m…l-political-gaps
A systems approach to addressing food insecurity in North Omaha
https://leoadambiga.com/2017/08/11/a-systems-approa…y-in-north-omaha
No More Empty Pots Intent on Ending North Omaha Food Desert
https://leoadambiga.com/2013/08/13/no-more-empty-po…t-in-north-omaha
Poverty in Omaha:
Breaking the cycle and the high cost of being poor
https://leoadambiga.com/2017/01/03/poverty-in-omaha…st-of-being-poor/
Down and out but not done in Omaha: Documentary surveys the poverty landscape
https://leoadambiga.com/2015/11/03/down-and-out-but…overty-landscape
Struggles of single moms subject of film and discussion; Local women can relate to living paycheck to paycheck
https://leoadambiga.com/2014/10/24/the-struggles-of…heck-to-paycheck
Aisha’s Adventures: A story of inspiration and transformation; homelessness didn’t stop entrepreneurial missionary Aisha Okudi from pursuing her goals
https://leoadambiga.com/2014/07/10/aisha-okudis-sto…rsuing-her-goals
Omaha Community Foundation project assesses the Omaha landscape with the goal of affecting needed change
https://leoadambiga.com/2017/05/10/omaha-community-…ng-needed-change/
Nelson Mandela School Adds Another Building Block to North Omaha’s Future
https://leoadambiga.com/2016/01/24/nelson-mandela-s…th-omahas-future
Partnership 4 Kids – Building Bridges and Breaking Barriers
https://leoadambiga.com/2014/06/03/partnership-4-ki…reaking-barriers
Changing One Life at a Time: Mentoring Takes Center Stage as Individuals and Organizations Make Mentoring Count
https://leoadambiga.com/2014/01/05/changing-one-lif…-mentoring-count/
Where Love Resides: Celebrating Ty and Terri Schenzel
https://leoadambiga.com/2016/02/02/where-love-resid…d-terri-schenzel/
North Omaha: Voices and Visions for Change
https://leoadambiga.com/2016/02/29/north-omaha-voic…sions-for-change
Black Lives Matter: Omaha activists view social movement as platform for advocating-making change
https://leoadambiga.com/2016/08/26/black-lives-matt…ng-making-change
Change in North Omaha: It’s been a long time coming for northeast Omaha
https://leoadambiga.com/2015/08/01/change-in-north-…-northeast-omaha/
Girls Inc. makes big statement with addition to renamed North Omaha center
https://leoadambiga.com/2016/05/23/girls-inc-makes-…rth-omaha-center
NorthStar encourages inner city kids to fly high; Boys-only after-school and summer camp put members through their paces
https://leoadambiga.com/2015/06/17/northstar-encour…ough-their-paces/
Big Mama, Bigger Heart: Serving Up Soul Food and Second Chances
https://leoadambiga.com/2014/10/17/big-mama-bigger-…d-second-chances/
When a building isn’t just a building: LaFern Williams South YMCA facelift reinvigorates community
https://leoadambiga.com/2012/08/03/when-a-building-…-just-a-building/
Identity gets new platform through RavelUnravel
https://leoadambiga.com/2015/03/20/identity-gets-a-…ugh-ravelunravel/
Where Hope Lives, Hope Center for Kids in North Omaha
https://leoadambiga.com/2011/06/04/where-hope-lives…s-in-north-omaha/
Crime and punishment questions still surround 1970 killing that sent Omaha Two to life in prison
https://leoadambiga.com/2016/03/30/crime-and-punish…o-life-in-prison/
A WASP’s racial tightrope resulted in enduring book partially set in 1960s Omaha
https://leoadambiga.com/2015/10/28/a-wasps-racial-t…t-in-1960s-omaha/
Gabriela Martinez:
A heart for humanity and justice for all
https://leoadambiga.com/2018/03/08/16878
Father Ken Vavrina’s new book “Crossing Bridges” charts his life serving others
https://leoadambiga.com/2015/10/29/father-ken-vavri…e-serving-others/
Wounded Knee still battleground for some per new book by journalist-author Stew Magnuson
https://leoadambiga.com/2013/04/20/wounded-knee-sti…or-stew-magnuson
‘Bless Me, Ultima’: Chicano identity at core of book, movie, movement
https://leoadambiga.com/2013/09/14/bless-me-ultima-…k-movie-movement
Finding Normal: Schalisha Walker’s journey finding normal after foster care sheds light on service needs
https://leoadambiga.com/2014/07/18/finding-normal-s…on-service-needs/
Dick Holland remembered for generous giving and warm friendship that improved organizations and lives
https://leoadambiga.com/2017/02/08/dick-holland-rem…ations-and-lives/
Justice champion Samuel Walker calls It as he sees it
https://leoadambiga.com/2014/05/30/justice-champion…it-as-he-sees-it
![[© Ellen Lake]](https://i0.wp.com/www.crmvet.org/crmpics/64fs_gulfport1.jpg)
Photo caption:
Walker on far left of porch of a Freedom Summer
El Puente: Attempting to bridge divide between grassroots community and the system
https://leoadambiga.com/2012/07/22/el-puente-attemp…y-and-the-system
All Abide: Abide applies holistic approach to building community; Josh Dotzler now heads nonprofit started by his parents
https://leoadambiga.com/2014/12/05/all-abide-abide-…d-by-his-parents/
Making Community: Apostle Vanessa Ward Raises Up Her North Omaha Neighborhood and Builds Community
https://leoadambiga.com/2013/08/13/making-community…builds-community/
Collaboration and diversity matter to Inclusive Communities: Nonprofit teaches tools and skills for valuing human differences
https://leoadambiga.com/2014/05/09/collaboration-an…uman-differences
Talking it out: Inclusive Communities makes hard conversations the featured menu item at Omaha Table Talk
https://leoadambiga.com/2016/05/02/talking-it-out-i…omaha-table-talk/
Everyone’s welcome at Table Talk, where food for thought and sustainable race relations happen over breaking bread together
https://leoadambiga.com/2011/09/16/everyones-welcom…g-bread-together/
Feeding the world, nourishing our neighbors, far and near: Howard G. Buffett Foundation and Omaha nonprofits take on hunger and food insecurity
https://leoadambiga.com/2014/11/22/feeding-the-worl…-food-insecurity
Rabbi Azriel: Legacy as social progressive and interfaith champion secure
https://leoadambiga.com/2014/05/15/rabbi-azriel-leg…-champion-secure
Rabbi Azriel’s neighborhood welcomes all, unlike what he saw on recent Middle East trip; Social justice activist and interfaith advocate optimistic about Tri-Faith campus
https://leoadambiga.com/2014/09/06/rabbi-azriels-ne…tri-faith-campus/
Ferial Pearson, award-winning educator dedicated to inclusion and social justice, helps students publish the stories of their lives
https://leoadambiga.com/2011/08/25/ferial-pearson-a…s-of-their-lives/
Upon This Rock: Husband and Wife Pastors John and Liz Backus Forge Dynamic Ministry Team at Trinity Lutheran
https://leoadambiga.com/2014/02/02/upon-this-rock-h…trinity-lutheran/
Gravitas – Gravity Center for Contemplative Activism founders Christopher and Phileena Heuertz create place of healing for healers
https://leoadambiga.com/2014/04/01/gravitas-gravity…ling-for-healers/
Art imitates life for “Having Our Say” stars, sisters Camille Metoyer Moten and Lanette Metoyer Moore, and their brother Ray Metoyer
https://leoadambiga.com/2014/02/05/art-imitates-lif…ther-ray-metoyer
Color-blind love:
Five interracial couples share their stories
https://leoadambiga.com/2014/02/06/color-blind-love…re-their-stories
A Decent House for Everyone: Jesuit Brother Mike Wilmot builds affordable homes for the working poor through Gesu Housing
https://leoadambiga.com/2011/09/09/a-decent-house-f…ugh-gesu-housing
Bro. Mike Wilmot and Gesu Housing: Building Neighborhoods and Community, One House at a Time
https://leoadambiga.com/2013/04/27/bro-mike-wilmot-…-house-at-a-time/
Omaha native Steve Marantz looks back at city’s ’68 racial divide through prism of hoops in new book, “The Rhythm Boys of Omaha Central”
https://leoadambiga.com/2011/04/01/omaha-native-ste…of-omaha-central/
Anti-Drug War manifesto documentary frames discussion:
Cost of criminalizing nonviolent offenders comes home
https://leoadambiga.com/2013/02/01/an-anti-drug-war…nders-comes-home
Documentary shines light on civil rights powerbroker Whitney Young: Producer Bonnie Boswell to discuss film and Young
https://leoadambiga.com/2013/03/21/documentary-shin…e-film-and-young
Civil rights veteran Tommie Wilson still fighting the good fight
https://leoadambiga.com/2015/05/07/civil-rights-vet…g-the-good-fight
Rev. Everett Reynolds Gave Voice to the Voiceless
https://leoadambiga.com/2011/07/18/rev-everett-reyn…to-the-voiceless/
Lela Knox Shanks: Woman of conscience, advocate for change, civil rights and social justice champion
https://leoadambiga.com/2010/08/04/lela-knox-shanks…ocate-for-change
Omahans recall historic 1963 march on Washington
https://leoadambiga.com/2013/08/12/omahans-recall-h…ch-on-washington
Psychiatrist-Public Health Educator Mindy Thompson Fullilove Maps the Root Causes of America’s Inner City Decline and Paths to Restoration
https://leoadambiga.com/2012/07/04/psychiatrist-pub…s-to-restoration/
A force of nature named Evie:
Still a maverick social justice advocate at 100
https://leoadambiga.com/2010/06/16/a-force-of-natur…e-advocate-at-99
Home is where the heart Is for activist attorney Rita Melgares
https://leoadambiga.com/2012/07/20/home-is-where-th…ey-rita-melgares/
Free Radical Ernie Chambers subject of new biography by author Tekla Agbala Ali Johnson
https://leoadambiga.com/2012/12/05/free-radical-ern…bala-ali-johnson
Carolina Quezada leading rebound of Latino Center of the Midlands
https://leoadambiga.com/2012/05/03/carolina-quezada…-of-the-midlands/
Returning To Society: New community collaboration, research and federal funding fight to hold the costs of criminal recidivism down
https://leoadambiga.com/2011/07/02/returning-to-soc…-recidivism-down
Getting Straight: Compassion in Action expands work serving men, women and children touched by the judicial and penal system
https://leoadambiga.com/2013/05/22/getting-straight…and-penal-system
OneWorld Community Health: Caring, affordable services for a multicultural world in need
https://leoadambiga.com/2012/04/09/oneworld-communi…al-world-in-need
Dick Holland responds to far-reaching needs in Omaha
https://leoadambiga.com/2011/06/04/dick-holland-res…g-needs-in-omaha/
Gender equity in sports has come a long way, baby; Title IX activists-advocates who fought for change see much progress and the need for more
https://leoadambiga.com/2012/06/11/gender-equity-in…he-need-for-more/
Giving kids a fighting chance: Carl Washington and his CW Boxing Club and Youth Resource Center
https://leoadambiga.com/2013/12/03/giving-kids-a-fi…-resource-center/
Beto’s way: Gang intervention specialist tries a little tenderness
http://leoadambiga.com/2015/10/28/betos-way-gang-i…ittle-tenderness/
Saving one kid at a time is Beto’s life work
https://leoadambiga.com/2013/01/24/saving-one-kid-a…-betos-life-work
Community trumps gang in Fr. Greg Boyle’s Homeboy model
https://leoadambiga.com/2012/07/21/community-trumps…es-homeboy-model/
Born again ex-gangbanger and pugilist, now minister, Servando Perales makes Victory Boxing Club his mission church for saving youth from the streets
https://leoadambiga.com/2011/12/19/born-again-ex-ga…from-the-streets/
Turning kids away from gangs and toward teams in South Omaha
https://leoadambiga.com/2012/07/17/turning-kids-awa…s-in-south-omaha/
“Paco” proves you can come home again
https://leoadambiga.com/2012/04/09/paco-proves-you-…-come-home-again
Two graduating seniors fired by dreams and memories, also saddened by closing of school, St. Peter Claver Cristo Rey High
https://leoadambiga.com/2011/05/11/two-graduating-s…igh-in-omaha-neb/
St. Peter Claver Cristo Rey High: A school where dreams matriculate
https://leoadambiga.com/2010/08/29/st-peter-claver-…eams-matriculate/
Open Invitation: Rev. Tom Fangman engages all who seek or need at Sacred Heart Catholic Church
https://leoadambiga.com/2011/01/09/an-open-invitati…-catholic-church/
Outward Bound Omaha uses experiential education to challenge and inspire youth
https://leoadambiga.com/2012/04/26/outward-bound-om…nd-inspire-youth
After steep decline, the Wesley House rises under Paul Bryant to become youth academy of excellence in the inner city
https://leoadambiga.com/2011/08/27/after-a-steep-de…n-the-inner-city
Freedom riders: A get on the bus inauguration diary
https://leoadambiga.com/2010/10/21/get-on-the-bus-a…-ride-to-freedom/
The Great Migration comes home: Deep South exiles living in Omaha participated in the movement author Isabel Wilkerson writes about in her book, “The Warmth of Other Suns”
https://leoadambiga.com/2012/03/31/the-great-migrat…th-of-other-suns/
When New Horizons dawned for African-Americans seeking homes in Omaha
https://leoadambiga.com/2013/01/17/when-new-horizon…ericans-in-omaha/
Good Shepherds of North Omaha: Ministers and churches making a difference in area of great need
https://leoadambiga.com/2011/07/04/the-shepherds-of…ea-of-great-need
Academy Award-nominated documentary “A Time for Burning” captured church and community struggle with racism
https://leoadambiga.com/2010/12/15/a-time-for-burni…ggle-with-racism/
Letting 1,000 Flowers Bloom: The Black Scholar’s Robert Chrisman Looks Back at a Life in the Maelstrom
https://leoadambiga.com/2011/03/08/letting-1000-flo…in-the-maelstrom
Coloring History:
A long, hard road for UNO Black Studies
https://leoadambiga.com/2010/08/25/coloring-history…no-black-studies
Two Part Series: After Decades of Walking Behind to Freedom, Omaha’s African-American Community Tries Picking Up the Pace Through Self-Empowered Networking
https://leoadambiga.com/2016/02/13/two-part-series-…wered-networking
Power Players, Ben Gray and Other Omaha African-American Leaders Try Improvement Through Self-Empowered Networking
https://leoadambiga.com/2010/07/09/power-players-be…wered-networking/
Native Omahans Take Stock of the African-American Experience in Their Hometown
https://leoadambiga.com/2011/07/04/native-omahans-t…n-their-hometown
Overarching plan for North Omaha development now in place: Disinvested community hopeful long promised change follows
https://leoadambiga.com/2011/07/29/overarching-plan…d-change-follows/
Standing on Faith, Sadie Bankston Continues One-Woman Vigil for Homicide Victim Families
https://leoadambiga.com/2010/08/29/standing-on-fait…-victim-families/
Forget Me Not Memorial Wall
North Omaha champion Frank Brown fights the good fight
https://leoadambiga.com/2012/01/15/north-omaha-cham…s-the-good-fight/
Man on fire: Activist Ben Gray’s flame burns bright
https://leoadambiga.com/2010/09/02/ben-gray-man-on-fire/
Strong, Smart and Bold, A Girls Inc. Success Story
https://leoadambiga.com/2010/08/29/strong-smart-and…-girls-inc-story
What happens to a dream deferred?
John Beasley Theater revisits Lorraine Hansberry’s “A Raisin in the Sun”
https://leoadambiga.com/2011/06/14/what-happens-to-…aisin-in-the-sun
Brown v. Board of Education:
Educate with an Even Hand and Carry a Big Stick
https://leoadambiga.com/2012/07/07/brown-v-board-of…arry-a-big-stick/
Fast times at Omaha’s Liberty Elementary: Evolution of a school
https://leoadambiga.com/2012/07/05/fast-times-at-om…tion-of-a-school/
New school ringing in Liberty for students
https://leoadambiga.com/2010/06/06/new-school-ringi…rty-for-students
Nancy Oberst: Pied Piper of Liberty Elementary School
https://leoadambiga.com/2011/09/06/nancy-oberst-the…lementary-school/
Tender Mercies Minister to Omaha’s Poverty Stricken
https://leoadambiga.com/2010/05/31/tender-mercies-m…poverty-stricken/
Community and coffee at Omaha’s Perk Avenue Cafe
https://leoadambiga.com/2011/06/04/community-and-co…perk-avenue-cafe/
Whatsoever You Do to the Least of My Brothers, that You Do Unto Me: Mike Saklar and the Siena/Francis House Provide Tender Mercies to the Homeless
https://leoadambiga.com/2010/08/01/whatsoever-you-d…t-you-do-unto-me/
Gimme Shelter: Sacred Heart Catholic Church Offers a Haven for Searchers
https://leoadambiga.com/2010/05/31/gimme-shelter-sa…en-for-searchers
UNO wrestling dynasty built on tide of social change
https://leoadambiga.com/2011/03/17/uno-wrestling-dy…-social-change-2
A brief history of Omaha’s civil rights struggle distilled in black and white by photographer Rudy Smith
https://leoadambiga.com/2012/05/02/a-brief-history-…apher-rudy-smith/
Hidden In plain view: Rudy Smith’s camera and memory fix on critical time in struggle for equality
https://leoadambiga.com/2010/08/29/hidden-in-plain-…gle-for-equality/
Small but mighty group proves harmony can be forged amidst differences
https://leoadambiga.com/2016/11/14/small-but-mighty…idst-differences/
Winners Circle: Couple’s journey of self-discovery ends up helping thousands of at-risk kids through early intervention educational program
https://leoadambiga.com/2010/05/31/couples-journey-…-of-at-risk-kids
A Mentoring We Will Go
https://leoadambiga.com/2010/06/18/a-mentoring-we-will-go
Abe Sass: A mensch for all seasons
https://leoadambiga.com/2012/05/02/abe-sass-a-mensch-for-all-seasons
Shirley Goldstein: Cream of the Crop – one woman’s remarkable journey in the Free Soviet Jewry movement
https://leoadambiga.com/2011/09/05/shirley-goldstei…t-jewry-movement/
Flanagan-Monsky example of social justice and interfaith harmony still shows the way seven decades later
https://leoadambiga.com/2010/05/31/flanagan-monsky-…y-60-years-later/
A Contrary Path to Social Justice: The De Porres Club and the fight for equality in Omaha
https://leoadambiga.com/2010/05/01/a-contrary-path-…quality-in-omaha/
Hey, you, get off of my cloud! Doug Paterson is acolyte of Theatre of the Oppressed founder Augusto Boal and advocate of art as social action
https://leoadambiga.com/2011/06/03/hey-you-get-off-…as-social-action/
Doing time on death row: Creighton University theater gives life to “Dead Man Walking”
https://leoadambiga.com/2012/01/10/doing-time-on-de…dead-man-walking/
“Walking Behind to Freedom” – A musical theater examination of race
https://leoadambiga.com/2011/06/21/walking-behind-t…mination-of-race/
Bertha’s Battle: Bertha Calloway, the Grand Lady of Lake Street, struggles to keep the Great Plains Black History Museum afloat
https://leoadambiga.com/2010/05/11/berthas-battle
Leonard Thiessen social justice triptych deserves wider audience
https://leoadambiga.com/2017/01/21/leonard-thiessen…s-wider-audience/
Roger Garcia: Servant Leader
Garcia Makes Community Service his Life’s Work
©by Leo Adam Biga
Origiinally appeared in Omaha Magazne
Roger Garcia fits squarely in the mix of young professionals taking their turn at leading Omaha.
As a former special assistant to Mayor Jim Suttle on urban affairs and community engagement, Garcia kept close tabs on issues impacting Latinos. Today, he continues doing the same as a community volunteer and activist with his eyes set on earning a master’s degree in public administration to prepare for the non-profit leadership role he expects to assume one day.
His community focus right now extends to serving on the boards of Justice for Our Neighbors Nebraska,the Nebraska Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the Brown-Black Coalition of Greater Omaha. He also works with the Latino Academic Achievement Council and the South Omaha Violence Prevention-Intervention Initiative.
He chairs the Nebraska Democratic Party Latino Caucus, which actively addresses issues like redistricting and immigration.
He’s so busy he’s had to hand over the reins of the Omaha Metro Young Latinos Professional Association he founded and led.
His deep concern and involvement keep him attuned to what’s going on and to where he and the organizations he represents can help.
“I do need to know what’s going on in the community and to see where we can help out if at all possible,” he says.
Everywhere he looks, he sees young professional making a difference.
“It’s definitely a growing community that’s being sought after more and more. Lots of people are wanting to know where we stand and what our opinions are. They want us to get involved because we bring that new energy or new mind frame. Our technology-social media skills are in demand.
“I think it’s a population that will definitely gain in influence. Clearly, we’re the leaders of tomorrow.”
He’s glad the distraction of the mayoral recall election has passed and the city administration and the community can move forward as one.
“Luckily that’s over and we can focus on just bettering the community.”
For Garcia, there’s no higher calling than public service.
“I love working with people, I love trying to help people better themselves. It’s just something I truly enjoy doing. I’m blessed to have the opportunity to serve.”
Roger Garcia: A Young Man on the Move
©by Leo Adam Biga
Originally published in El Perico (el-perico.com)
Roger Garcia is a young man in a hurry.
He took a job in Mayor Jim Suttle’s office last June at age 22, a full year short of graduating from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Now, eight months into his position as Community Liaison this dual psychology and Latino/Latin American Studies major is slated to earn his bachelor’s degree in May.
He can hardly wait. Next up is an Omaha Board of Education bid and then either law school or pursuing his master’s in psychology, an educational-career path he said he chose “because of my love of interacting with people, which ultimately leads to a love of helping people and serving people.”
Growing up, first in Los Angeles, then in Schuyler and Columbus, Neb., Garcia was precocious, alway excelling in school and involved in community activities. His parents’ split-up in L.A. precipitated his Honduran immigrant mother Margarita coming to Neb. with Roger and his two older brothers. His mother had a cousin living in Schuyler.
The culture shock was profound.
“It was completely different going from a humongous city to a tiny Midwestern town of about 6,000 at that point,” said Garcia. “I had never seen snow, I had never seen cows. The demographics were completely different. I was just one of about three maybe four Latinos in my class. Today, if you go to Schuyler it’s like 95 percent or more Latinos in the elementary school. It’s pretty interesting how it’s changed.
“It did require adjusting but ultimately I truly liked the Nebraska lifestyle, even the small town lifestyle.”
After two years in Schuyler, where his mother worked in a meatpacking plant, the family moved to Columbus. The Garcias again found themselves part of a small minority community.
“Being a Latino newcomer, especially to those small towns, there’s a lot of good experiences and there’s a lot of bad experiences as well,” he said. “I don’t like to dwell on the bad experiences but they did happen. Of course, there’s a lot of racism in smaller towns, going as far as violent acts I saw towards my friends. Luckily no physical violence was done to me but there were things like random yelling at me and my family.
“But there’s a lot of good things that came from living in those small towns. It’s a great peaceful atmosphere. Most of my friends were Caucasian and I learned a lot from them and their families. And I am bicultural as far as having that small town Nebraska experience and learning the cultures of my parents.”
His father’s from Mexico and his step-father’s from Guatemala. His dad’s been out of his life for some time, his mother only remarried a few years ago and his brothers don’t share his passion for education. His mom pushed him to achieve.
“She’s always promoted my getting an education and she’s been there for me through my process,” he said. “She always wanted me to get those straight As and that really influenced my desire for knowledge in general, something that’s very big in my life. I love to read — history, literature. I have a passion for knowledge and learning.”
His interest in politics and government was stoked by the events of 9/11. He became a news junkie fixated on U.S. policies, issues. Upon graduating high school and enrolling at UNO his interest shifted to events closer to home. Two important figures in his life became UNO’s Lourdes Gouveia and Jonathan Benjamin-Alvarado, who gave direction to his social justice bent.
“They got me involved in some political and voter mobilization campaigns. I learned a lot about policy that directly affects the Latino community. So they’ve definitely been mentors to me. I appreciate both of them.”
Garcia became an advocate and organizer with grassroots initiatives aimed at overturning anti-immigrant legislation. His role: educating the community about the impact of bills and encouraging people to participate by letting their voices be heard.
“I have a passion and a drive to just help people, stand up for them, in an educated and professional manner of course. I need to be informed on the topics.”
He worked with the American Civil Liberties Union, the Office of Latino/Latin American Studies, the Anti-Defamation League and the United States Hispanic Leadership Institute. His interest and experience coalesced when he worked on the Suttle campaign doing bilingual phone calls, canvasing South 24th St. and connecting then-candidate Suttle with local Latino leaders.
After Suttle’s victory Garcia posed ideas to the new mayor and staff about interacting with the Latino community and they liked his ideas so much, he said, “they offered me a position.” He chairs the South Omaha Advisory Committee he created himself.
“One of my main objectives coming into this is just making sure people within the community have a direct line of communication to the mayor’s office,” said Garcia. “Some people feel detached from government, that it’s hard to get straight answers, so I wanted to make sure people felt they could contact us directly and they had a source that would reliably reply to them.
Since the mayor can’t be everywhere, as a community liaison I can go to meetings for him. That’s a big part of it, being in the community, seeing what the needs are, what the happenings are.
“That’s why it’s so important to meet so many organizations and people, so they can feel comfortable that if they have any question they can just call me and they will get an answer. Sometimes I’ll join a committee or a board just to be at the ground level in the community with some projects, helping out in whatever we can utilizing city services.”
There’s no where he’d rather be.
“Doing community service is just something I love to do, so to incorporate it into my job, that’s beautiful.”
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