| Explore the role of Nebraskans in the history of civil rights |
| January 19, 2012 |
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Omaha Public Library (OPL) is pleased to host the “We the People: The Nebraska Viewpoint” exhibit at W. Dale Clark Main Library, Michael Phipps Gallery, 215 S. 15th St., February 1-March 31. All are invited to attend an exhibit opening reception on Sunday, Feb. 5, 2-4 p.m. Refreshments will be served. The exhibit explores who “we” are in Nebraska and what role the state played in the evolving notion of who is protected under the United States Constitution. The multi-paneled exhibit discusses civil rights and liberties and helps us to better understand the past so we can look to the future. Landmark legal cases are featured, including the trial of Standing Bear establishing American Indians as people under the law. The struggle of many groups for inclusion is interpreted through historic photographs and evocative artifacts, such as a Nebraska-made voting booth designed by a woman before women had the right to vote. Another section of the exhibit interprets the shadow of intolerance and both legal and vigilante actions that are a part of Nebraska’s past, including Omaha’s 1919 riot. “We are delighted to present this exhibit,” said OPL Executive Director Gary Wasdin. “It provides an opportunity to explore Nebraska’s history in the development of civil liberty.” The exhibit coincides with many other civil liberties related programs at OPL. As part of the The Nebraska Center for the Book’s One Book One Nebraska program, OPL will host a series of events and book discussions on “I Am A Man: Chief Standing Bear’s Journey for Justice,” by Joe Starita. A full schedule is available at omahalibrary.org. Black History Month will be celebrated throughout February with special programs including a presentation by Amy Forss discussing The Omaha Star founder Mildred Brown on Saturday, Feb. 11, 2:30-4 p.m., at W. Dale Clark Main Library. In honor of Women’s History Month, Judge Laurie Smith Camp will present “Women and Civil Liberties” on Sunday, March 25, 2:30-4 p.m., at W. Dale Clark Main Library. "We the People: The Nebraska Viewpoint" is funded in part by the Nebraska Humanities Council and the Nebraska Cultural Endowment. Additional support is provided by the Cooper Foundation and the Woods Charitable Fund, Inc., via the Nebraska State Historical Society Foundation. Visit omahalibrary.org for information about additional programs offered at Omaha Public Library’s 12 metro locations. |
