A Social Justice Fourth of July

The “Rage Board” is an art project first mounted at the Beyond the Ballot rally hosted by Change of Omaha this Fourth of July. Photo courtesy of jeffformayor.

By Madison Johnson

In light of recent events including the killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and James Scurlock, the meaning of Independence Day is being called into question by many. In response, several Black Lives Matter events were held this weekend as alternative July 4th celebrations.

There was a “social justice gathering” in Benson Park, Friday night (July 3rd). As well as a poster-making party held by Change of Omaha in The Production Room, on Harney Street.  Attendees could make signs and air their frustrations through creation, then put those signs to use the next day at the Change of Omaha rally, The Ballot and Beyond, July 4th at Memorial Park.

The ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union) also provided signs for the rally. On Saturday the 4th, poets and speakers such as Malik Cotton, Alisha Shelton and Jenny Heineman shared words. Among other things, they talked about the importance of voting, as the League of Women Voters stood by to register voters. 

Brianna Full, talked about the importance of using your vote to speak out on measures being voted on soon;  such as the end of cash bail, reforming mandatory minimums, requiring anti-bias training for the OPD, ending policing in our schools, and legalizing medical marijuana. She also noted that Nebraska’s senate seats were up for reelection. She went on to say that about 40% of Omaha’s yearly budget goes to the police when that money could go to better housing, mental health help, youth services, and health care.

Jenny Heineman is the second cousin of Jake Gardner, the man who killed James Scurlock. She spoke about “well-meaning white people”, and how they can do better. Heineman emphasized that white people need to actively work against white privilege and that the most needed conversations may be uncomfortable but aren't something you can remain indifferent to. 

There was also a “Rage Board”, for people to view and add to. Cans of spray paint were provided for people to use to get out any emotions they were feeling or put up messages that needed to be heard. Despite being named after rage, the wall was adorned with imagery of hearts, peace signs, and filled with love, as Kay Smith of Change of Omaha put it.

Change of Omaha was founded on June 1st, 2020, by LaShawn Woodward, Charita Dailey, and Kiiya Rollag. They aim to bring positive change to Omaha through community revitalization, fighting systemic racism, and eradicating food insecurity. For community revitalization, they do community clean-ups every Saturday. To help with food insecurity, they've done a food drive with Abide Omaha and are setting up community gardens. The July 4th rally was an example of their fight against systemic racism.