Human Rights and Relations City of Omaha

Childcare providers: Please sign up to join us for a focus group this Thursday June 25: https://tinyurl.com/5n6eeabc

Combatting Retaliation: Know Your Rights

People may hesitate to report discrimination because they fear negative consequences. However, both federal law and Omaha's municipal code prohibit retaliation against individuals who exercise their who exercise their right to equal employment opportunity.

Examples of unlawful retaliation include termination, demotion, reduced hours, disciplinary actions, harassment, intimidation, or other actions intended to discourage someone from asserting their rights.

Everyone deserves to be able to report discrimination and participate in investigations without fear of punishment or backlash.

Learn more about retaliation and your rights:
🔗 https://humanrights.cityofomaha.org/what-is-retaliation

Economic liberation means more than earning a paycheck, it means having the opportunity to participate fully in your community, pursue your goals, and thrive.

This Juneteenth, we reflect on the ongoing work of building a community where all Omaha residents are free from discrimination, have a voice, and can flourish economically.

Through civil rights investigations, accessibility efforts, restorative justice, small business development, poverty elimination initiatives, and public education, the Omaha Human Rights & Relations Department is committed to advancing that vision every day.

🏳️‍🌈 Pride Month: Know Your Rights:

Did you know? Omaha's municipal code prohibits discrimination in employment, housing, and places of public accommodation based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and other protected classes. Chapter 13 of the Omaha Municipal Code helps ensure that all residents have equal access to housing, employment opportunities, and public spaces free from unlawful discrimination.

To learn more about your rights or to file a discrimination complaint, visit: https://humanrights.cityofomaha.org/civil-rights

📢 Help Shape the Future of Early Childhood Services in Omaha

The City of Omaha Human Rights and Relations Department is pleased to announce that the Poverty Elimination Action Plan (PEAP) Early Childhood Working Group is launching a series of community focus groups this June and July to support the PEAP Early Childhood Needs Assessment.

We are seeking input from:
👩‍🏫 Childcare Providers & Educators
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Parents & Caregivers with children currently enrolled in childcare and early learning programs

These focus groups will help us better understand the experiences, challenges, and needs of families and early childhood professionals across our community. The feedback gathered will directly inform future strategies and recommendations to the City of Omaha aimed at strengthening early childhood systems and reducing barriers for Omaha families.

📅 Registration Deadline: June 12, 2026

📲 Register today!: https://forms.gle/XkfF8FpLY7nGWwrz5

For questions, please contact:
Adriana Rodriguez
PEAP Coordinator, City of Omaha Human Rights and Relations Department
[email protected]

Featured AAPI Artist: ...CIARA FORTUN...

Ciara Fortun is an Omaha-based freelance artist and designer whose work spans fashion, mixed media painting, tattoo design, cover art, and merchandise design. Known for her abstract, collage-style pieces inspired by music, dreams, faith, and personal reflection, Ciara’s work explores creativity, identity, and purpose through bold visuals and layered storytelling.

Featured AAPI Artist: Lew Lunbeck

Lew Lunbeck is an Omaha-based Impressionist painter, toy maker, and former art gallery proprietor whose passion for art began at a young age. After spending years traveling across the United States, riding freight trains, busking with his guitar, and living on the road, Lew returned to Omaha with a renewed focus on building a career through his art. His work reflects creativity, individuality, and a lifelong dedication to artistic expression.

Featured AAPI Artist: Makayla Leiting (Elem by ML)

Born in the Philippines and raised in Omaha, NE, Makayla is a Filipino-American fashion designer whose work blends contemporary fashion with cultural storytelling. Her designs draw inspiration from her Filipino heritage, art, travel, and timeless design while exploring identity, craftsmanship, and modern femininity.

The pieces featured in this year’s display incorporate handwoven textiles from Mindanao, Philippines, honoring generations of women artisans and the rich tradition of Filipino weaving. Through combining heritage fabrics with contemporary silhouettes, Makayla’s work celebrates culture, individuality, and the stories woven into each piece.

Featured AAPI Artist: Seng

Seng is a tattoo artist at Brightside Tattoos whose work blends bold creativity with striking visual storytelling. Alongside tattooing, Seng also creates incredible digital artwork that showcases their unique artistic style and perspective. We’re excited to feature their work as part of this year’s AAPI Heritage Month display!

In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, we have been privileged to host a celebration of the rich cultures, histories, and contributions of AAPI communities through this year’s display in the foyer of the Omaha/Douglas Civic Center. The display features artwork from talented local AAPI artists whose pieces highlighted creativity, culture, identity, and community.

Over the next few days, we will continue highlighting the featured artists in individual posts. Tomorrow is your last chance to stop by and experience the exhibit in person!