Friday, January 10, 2025

Jewel Rodgers named the 2025-2029 Nebraska State Poet

The Nebraska State Poet is a designation that recognizes and honors a Nebraska poet of exceptional talent and accomplishment. The State Poet serves a five-year renewable term as an advocate for poetry, literacy, and literature in Nebraska. The duties of the State Poet include giving public presentations and readings, leading workshops and discussions, and providing other outreach in schools, libraries, literary festivals, and various venues in rural and urban communities throughout the state. To accomplish this, the State Poet joins with the Nebraska Art Council’s Nebraska Touring Program and the Humanities Nebraska Speakers Bureau. The first poet to hold the position of Nebraska State Poet was William Kloefkorn, who served for 29 years, until his death in May 2011.

The Nebraska State Poet is selected based on artistic excellence, exemplary professionalism demonstrated by significant publications and special honors, an established history of community service in the advancement of poetry in Nebraska, and the ability to present poetry and interact effectively with a public audience. In addition, the Nebraska State Poet must be a legal, full-time resident for at least three years prior to the application deadline and must maintain Nebraska residency during the full term of office.

About Jewel Rodgers

Jewel Rodgers has been a spoken word poet for more than a decade and has performed in schools, festivals, community settings, conferences, public events and other venues. She has written and performed for the city of Omaha, University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL), University of Nebraska – Omaha (UNO) and upon request for public officials like Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert, Congressman Don Bacon and Gov. Jim Pillen.

Rodgers has been a three-time Omaha Entertainment and Arts Awards nominee for best performance, and a three-time TEDx speaker. She has received numerous accolades, including being a 2022 Union for Contemporary Art Fellow, a 2023 Andy Warhol Populus Fund Grantee, and a 2024 finalist in the Blackberry Peach Poetry Slam. She is also a teaching artist with the Nebraska Writers Collective and cohosts the Nebraska Poetry Society’s monthly Vocal Fry Open Mic. Some of her works include, Impossible Ain’t Nothin’, King’s Legacy and They Love You.

“To me, this appointment is not about being the best poet there ever was, but rather, expanding where, how and to whom poetry can matter,” said Rodgers.

In her letter of consideration, Rodgers said she hoped to use her role as state poet to expand on her experiences using the spoken word to make poetry accessible and relevant to all Nebraskans. She said she has three key initiatives: education through poetry, increasing access to diverse communities and nurturing more Nebraska writers.

“Jewel has received numerous honors and awards for her presentations. As someone who excels at speaking, as well as writing, she will be a great ambassador for Nebraska in the role of state poet,” said Gov. Pillen. “Jewel joins the ranks of other notable writers and poets from Nebraska who have distinguished themselves and inspired future generations through their creativity.”

Rodgers received a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln (UNL). She has a master’s degree in real estate development from New York University.

Sen. Cory Booker Reintroduces Legislation to Form Commission for Study of Reparation Proposals for African Americans

U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) led colleagues in reintroducing S.40, the Commission to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans Act, legislation that would establish a commission to consider proposals for reparations for African American descendants of slavery. 

The Commission will study the impact of slavery and the continuing discrimination against African Americans and will make recommendations on reparation proposals for the descendants of slaves.

“We as a nation have not yet truly acknowledged and grappled with the ways slavery, racism, and white supremacy continue to disadvantage African Americans,” said Senator Booker. “Commissioning a study to better understand where our country has fallen short will help lawmakers better address the racial disparities and inequalities that persist today as a result of generational injustices.” 

The legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Peter Welch (D-VT), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL),  Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Ed Markey (D-MA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tina Smith (D-MN), Patty Murray (D-WA), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Jeff Merkley (D-OR).

To read the full text of the bill, click here.

Monday, January 06, 2025

Chicago Congressman Jonathan Jackson says he should be next Democratic National Committee chair

The Democratic National Convention put Chicago in the center of the political spotlight last fall, but DNC Chairman Jaime Harrison announced he would not seek a new term, opening the door for new leadership.

Congressman Jonathan Jackson, son of famed civil rights leader Reverend Jesse Jackson, believes he would be a good replacement.

Sunday, January 05, 2025

The Maplewood Strollers to Hold Auditions for "The Colored Museum" by George C. Wolfe

The Maplewood Strollers are holding auditions for The Colored Museum by George C. Wolfe on Monday, January 13 and Tuesday, January 14, 2025 at the Burgdorff Center. Auditions will take place from 7:00pm to 10:00pm both nights. Callbacks will take place on Wednesday, January 15th at 7:00pm. The production will be Directed by Victoria Lauture Duncker with Musical Direction by Ebony Wiggins.

The Colored Museum is a powerful and satirical exploration (in the spirit of “In Living Color!”) of African American identity through a series of 11 “exhibits” (scenes and songs). This thought-provoking play challenges stereotypes and celebrates Black culture with humor and heart.

Please prepare a 90-second monologue and 16 bars of a gospel or a R&B inspired song (with clearly marked sheet music) in the style of the show. Material should show range and an understanding of dramatic satire.

Casting Requirements: Actors who identify as African American, Black or of the African Diaspora with improvisational skills, who are familiar with the genre of satire and the ability to embody different characters are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Burgdorff Center is located at 10 Durand Road in Maplewood, New Jersey. Learn more here: www.TheStrollers.org.