by Ashanti Allen, reporter
OMAHA – The candidates on the ballot will look a little different this year for district 11. Terrell McKinney says his inspiration to run for district 11 came from other residents expressing their thoughts about the neighborhood as a community, activist McKinney points out the lack of growth and diversity in North Omaha.
In 1979 Jimmy Carter was President, gas was only $.86, the Omaha Public Schools headquarters, also known as the tac building, was Tech Highschool and Nebraska Senator Ernie Chambers graduated from Creighton University School of Law.
Four decades later, campaigning looks significantly different instead of canvasing the neighborhood…30 year -old Terrell McKinney uses social media and Zoom video to talk to constituents. Malcolm X was among those leaders he credits with his perseverance.
The Former UNO all American wrestler said like his predecessor, said he wants to be the voice of underserved communities. Perhaps more than any other, Terrell’s mother has been a source of inspiration.
Ernie Chambers is the state’s longest serving senator and after 46 years representing North Omaha, Nebraska’s law on term limits means he won’t be returning to Lincoln in January. Meanwhile, he’s given his support to Terrell, the youngest candidate running for the office.
Kojo Allen serves as a pastor in North Omaha and said, “He sees the power in what the youth can do.” He believes that a younger candidate can bring fresh and new innovations and incentives to the community. Allen says that young people are very experienced and creative to make change.
As a youth wrestling coach, Terrell sees a similar note McKinney says Omaha’s younger population is being left out of the conversation. With their voice and his leadership, he believes change isn’t far behind. Among McKinney’s campaign promises are repurposing 24th street for small black owned businesses transformation of Nebraska’s criminal justice system, and police accountability.
