OMAHA- The Nebraska Commission on African American Affairs laid the groundwork Wednesday for what it hopes to accomplish as the state’s newest agency. “I hope for it to be a positive impact on, not just the African American community, but Nebraska as a whole,” said LaShawn Young, who was elected chair of the commission during its inaugural meeting. Young is a partner at Young and Young Attorneys at Law in Omaha. This meeting was about laying a foundation, she said.

The commission was created under a bill that was signed into law in August 2020. It’s tasked with doing “all things which the commission may determine to enhance the cause of African American rights and to develop solutions to problems common to all Nebraska African Americans.”

It is the first new agency to launch during Gov. Pete Ricketts’ tenure, according to the governor’s remarks. Members were appointed by Ricketts after a selection process. “It’s uncharted territory — and so you’ll have the ability to determine where you take this by being intentional,” Ricketts told the group.

The group heard remarks from Ricketts and briefings regarding the commission’s budget, the Department of Economic Development and the Department of Administrative Services. Near the end of the meeting, a majority of commissioners also voted to start each meeting with a prayer, pending affirmation that it would not conflict with state law.

During the meeting, commission members discussed the importance of economic opportunity and education.

“I really want this commission to really be about the business of ensuring that the African Americans in this great state feel included and they have the opportunities that the ‘Good Life’ should offer,” said Clarice Jackson, executive director of Voice Advocacy Center in Omaha.

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