Some days it real some not but if told you a kid that was born in the 90s on Victor Street would become a state senator would you believe me?
#anythingispossible
#allpowertothepeople
✊🏾
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln will dissolve its Office of Diversity and Inclusion and eliminate the vice chancellor position that directed its efforts, administrators said Tuesday.
It was good to see Senator Ernie Chamber’s today at the Justice For James Scurlock Anniversary Event! PS: a little known fact but he’s a gifted artist.
#allpowertothepeople
It would be great if the state of Nebraska legalized marijuana and pardoned those convicted of marijuana related offenses not when the rest of the world does but proactively as a leader… wishful thinking!
I presided over the legislature today for the first time and also prioritized LB451 to end hair discrimination in the workplace which was voted out of the business & labor committee unanimously!
#district11
#freethehair
SPECIAL SESSION alert --
@TeamPillen
column for the week says 'To any state senator reading this -- clear your schedule from July 26 to August 15. We have the people’s work to do.' Curious what his plan will be, because I'm not hearing consensus on one.
Nebraska is building a new prison that does not replace NSP. It’ll stay open, too. It’s 2023; people are still cool with building plantations to house black people disproportionately. Not much has changed since 1619, and it’s both sides still!
Being black America we’re always forgotten no surprise here, which is why I’m here to be a voice for those that our government conveniently forgets about apologies don’t erase actions!
Introduced my first bill this morning: LB349 - Create El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz, Malcolm X Day and establish a holiday. Once I know the hearing date I’ll share it with you all. ✊🏾
Just imagine if our state fought as hard as they did to get
@HuskerFBNation
back against racial injustice, oppression, racism, poverty, and mass incarceration maybe just maybe our state wouldn’t be perpetually last to the party...
Why do we vote to retain judges & not vote them in? Where’s the info about them & their decisions? Prisons are overcrowded, Douglas county built a kids jail, & the state wants a new prison. How can you hold them accountable? They don’t campaign or engage with the public?
THREAD 1/9 The City of Omaha and Heritage Services have been working since at least
April 2019 on a plan to privatize OPL and significantly reduce the services offered. We have
documents, released in a public records request.
Attorney general opinions are opinions not law. Individuals with felonies have been voting for years now. This is wrong and hypocritical especially if you will be voting for Trump in November. It’s voter suppression in 2024!
We can’t be living in the same state. People who support stuff like this don’t realize it will affect them more than they think. I don’t support any of the 3 let’s legalize marijuana, let people place bets on their phones, & tax the rich. Also, let’s get a Townhall in Omaha!
“THE OMAHA POLICE DEPARTMENT WASTED TAXPAYER MONEY FOLLOWING ME BECAUSE I STOOD UP FOR THE PEOPLE, AGAINST RACISM, OPPRESSION, AND BRUTALITY. I HOPE IT WAS WORTH IT,”
Just a reminder that Nebraska is constructing a new prison set to be overcrowded day one, & it won’t replace the current state penitentiary. We often discuss funding, let’s not overlook the impact of failed prison & criminal justice policies on how our tax dollars are allocated.
The
@omahaPOA
is racist and having a black president means nothing to change my opinion. FYI if they are opposing you 10/10 you’re doing the right thing especially if you’re a black candidate. If defunding, transparency, and accountability strikes a nerve keep striking it!
We live in a society where a lot of people are okay with spending 40k+ per person on imprisonment rather than 40k+ per person on prevention & economic investment in high poverty communities. Also spending 230m+ on a building instead of 230m+ on prevention & economic development!
Best part of the day my grandma got to vote for me, we did this thanks to everyone that supported me now it’s time to get to work - All Power To The People ✊🏾
A photo from my visit to Tecumseh State Correctional Institution having a conversation with one my cousins and a couple childhood friends about the conditions of the facility.
I am deeply grateful for Senator Ernie Chambers' steadfast dedication to our community and state. His exceptional service and commitment to advocating for those in need have been invaluable. I look forward to our continued collaboration to further improve our community.
Black history month is always hard for me because when I drive down 30th or 24th Street, I can’t help but ask myself where’s the progress? A huge part of my time in the leg will be devoted to changing that!
If you’re worried about what’s going in Florida I would advise you to pay attention to this interim study the hearing is July 31st at 1:30pm in the education committee room 1525 invited testimony only sadly but you can submit a online comment
One day we’ll realize that giving a $160+ million to the police and only devoting $20 million to community is an issue. Over policing and being tough on crime doesn’t work and has never worked. Our people just keep dying or going to the pen. We have a role to play as well…
I can’t think of anyone that I’ve known that’s been indicted and afforded the luxury to turn themselves in whenever.. instead OPD commenced raids and public humiliation especially in front young kids with no cares in the world but that’s our injustice system where’s Jake Gardner?
I understand Ernie more everyday. Being black in politics you are misunderstood while having to push back against liberal white America who thinks you’re supposed to agree with everything & not have an opinion. While your community continues to have the worst outcomes.
A water main breaking doesn’t justify a new prison and not keeping up maintenance doesn’t either, invest in people and keep up the maintenance that you have money for!
A waste of money, the root causes have been unaddressed so common sense would tell you this problem would happen. Nebraska loves building jails and prisons to avoid solving the core issues!
Built to hold up to 64 young people, Douglas County's new downtown juvenile detention center will open next summer. But will it be large enough? Last week, 89 youths were in the current center.
My office extends it thoughts and most heartfelt sympathies to Mayor Stothert and her family in the loss of her husband, Dr. Joseph Stothert.
As we allow them time to process and grieve, we also acknowledge the many lives Dr. Stothert has both touched and saved.
Just because you struggled, had to pay something, or went through something doesn’t mean the next is supposed to especially if it’s clearly wrong, not fair, disproportionate, and etc. We have to stop recycling trauma, pain, and struggle!
I love emails telling me marijuana legislation is bad and that Malcolm X having a holiday is a bad idea. Thanks for the motivation - Senator McKinney ✊🏾
Happy birthday brother Malcolm X, your work still lives on today and still inspires many. The work continues but you left us with many gems to guide us along the way.
#malcomx
Today I woke up with my brother on my mind actually I went to sleep late thinking about him. Senator Wayne and I are trying to get 450m to North Omaha one of my main reasons is to prevent another young black man and women from leaving us early.
I visited Tecumseh state correctional institution today & it was a eye opener but a much needed visit to see the conditions first hand, the staffing issues are extremely bad, I saw so many people that I knew which was bitter sweet I plan to visit others facilities soon as well.
I’m open to any questions or concerns but I hope yall are going to be just as passionate about protecting black kids from bad police bills as you are about protecting them from private school scholarships.
There should be a rule that any individual on any board that authorizes drug test for cannabis/weed should be restricted from investing in cannabis/weed stocks or businesses since it’s so bad!
Visited two slave castles today and it was a lot to take in the trans-Atlantic slave trade was the worst atrocity in history the blood and feces of our ancestors are still there today. This is why black history needs to be taught in its purest form.
New plantation announced on my bday, perfect timing. Not a replacement—decommissioned ≠ closed, just adjusting capacity. People still will be housed there. More tax $ for incarceration, not rehab or corrections no sentencing reforms considered either y’all don’t care though!
New @ FFP: A year after the completion of a controversial juvenile detention center in downtown Omaha, the $27 million facility remains empty. And it may never be used for its original purpose.
Read full story 👉
Sens.
@JustinTWayne
and
@SenMcKinneyLD11
are seeking $400M in COVID funds to finance a 'North Omaha Recovery' that includes 100 new residences and 200 rentals, & preserving 200 homes.
@GovRicketts
budget sets aside $12M, but his aides say Omaha and Douglas County have money too
What’s the point of tasers if they are never used? What’s the point of de-escalation training if they never do it? I have daughter so seeing a little girl wearing the same shoes that are in her room dead from being shot by the police hits different.
It’s funny how people care about the economic vitality of the state now because of possible Covid-19 mandates but over look the fact that north omaha has been neglected economically with no real intentional efforts from the state, county, and city. Who cares or cared about us?…
FYI: the local primary election is next Tuesday April 6, 2021 use this weekend to get educated on the candidates, send your ballot back, or find your polling place if you haven’t. Our city and district needs changes in order to make this city what we want it to be.
Hearing shots every night and fighting for changing… My optimism tells me that it’ll change in my lifetime. The fight in me is trying to change it every day. Everyone be safe tonight and I hope those injured make it through. ✊🏾
Omaha Housing Authority is planning to get rid of youth football for approx: 100 kids in our community. During a time when our county and state is proposing a youth jail and prison. Reach out to OHA to express your feelings. 100 youth not on the field = 100 youth in the streets!
Some days it’s tough to wake up as a black man because we’re fighting multiple battles with us and them the repeated trauma we see on social media makes me want to delete all these apps but it’s all a tool if utilized right to unite us all against the obstacles we face.
America was built on racism and oppression, still perpetuates it today and many are rich off of free labor of enslaved Africans and unjust laws end of study!
The chair of the Nebraska Legislature's Education Committee is planning to study the use of critical race theory and other controversial subjects in the classroom.
Tonight there was an officer involved shooting. I am calling on the
@OmahaPolice
for a complete and transparent investigation. This is another instance why we need a citizens review board!
Everything is unconstitutional I guess except for a new prison that will be over crowded day 1. Laws that try to address the issues can’t pass or when passed get challenged. Our criminal justice system has a negative ROI, not fiscally responsible, and are inhumane.
I am disappointed with America. And there can be no great disappointment where there is not great love. I am disappointed with our failure to deal positively and forthrightly with the triple evils of racism, economic exploitation, and militarism.
Congrats to the candidates that advanced to the general election. Also thank you to the candidate’s that didn’t advance for stepping up and putting yourselves out there. Keep your heads up and keep fighting!
Thinking through legislation and bill ideas puts a big smile on my face because if you know me I’m going to fight hard for our community unapologetically also doing something you love as a job is a great feeling!
I am profoundly thankful to the people of the district for their steadfast support. As we enter the general election, our focus remains dedicated to addressing the needs of our community. I am committed to building upon the significant progress we've achieved and advancing
Affordable housing doesn’t exist in North Omaha; Exhibit A: the poverty level has never been below 31.9% in my lifetime. The city of Omaha, Douglas County, & the state of Nebraska. Has neglected the north omaha community and left it to philanthropy and non profits to do whatever!
My older brother and I visiting my dad in prison all smiles not knowing one day I’d be fighting for those inside… it’s bigger than politics!
#prisonreformnow
The response to Sha’Carri is why many from our community don’t speak on their trauma and mental health. She didn’t make any excuses but her story has more context and deserved more than saying she dumb and etc. Also whether you use or not cannabis, weed, and etc should be legal.
My only issue today at the Juneteenth Parade is that state probation was out there hoping to arrest black people during the Juneteenth parade, which is celebrating black freedom… they had a van parked behind the OOIC building.
LB451 will be on the agenda tomorrow, you can still support by sending a email to your Senator to let them know why it’s important to you!
#freethehair
I oppose the prison. Even more so if we’re not prioritizing criminal justice changes and re-entry; if you didn’t know, it’d take 4-5 years to build, and it’ll be overcrowded from day 1!
Until we intentionally invest in people mentally, spiritually, and economically the streets will stay on fire that’s why I oppose any prison youth or adult also why we need someone new to represent district 2 in city council that 2.5 billion didn’t touch the people!
34 years on this earth—it’s wild to think about all the memories. I’m just grateful to still be here and to feel the love. Life is life, and each day is a blessing. Too many people who would’ve called or been with me today aren’t here anymore. If I can share anything, it’s this: