It’s an understatement to say that everyone at Civic Nebraska is honored and humbled that our organization is receiving the Freedom Fighter Award from the Omaha Branch of the NAACP.

The honor, which will be presented on Nov. 11 at the Association’s annual Freedom Fund Banquet, is in recognition of Civic Nebraska’s partnership and efforts on issues of justice, equity, and inclusion. Director of Voting Rights Heather Engdahl will lead our delegation and accept the award on Civic Nebraska’s behalf.

Having worked alongside the NAACP on several issues over the years on voting rights issues, this is an incredible honor for our democracy-building organization. We have witnessed firsthand the NAACP’s powerful advocacy for the city’s African American community, and we have deep respect for its rich history of activation for political, economic, and social power through community organizing, education, and protest.

We’re also looking forward to the banquet, which is entitled Thriving Together and features a keynote address from Dr. Wendell Anthony, longtime president of NAACP Detroit and member of the national board of directors. Anthony also is the originator of the Take Your Souls To The Polls voter mobilization program, and we’re eager to hear what motivation and wisdom he will share.

As we celebrate our 15th year – just a few years behind the Omaha NAACP, which celebrates its 105th in 2023 –  we accept this award with humility, because we know none of us can do this alone. We learn together and gain wisdom, insight, and motivation from community leaders and our partners, and we share this on their behalf. We’re grateful for this recognition, and we pledge to uphold its principles and values today, tomorrow, and beyond.