Multiple organizations are partnering to create a book highlighting the experiences of new Nebraskans.
Organizers of the Lincoln Lancaster County Welcoming Plan, University of Nebraska Press, the Asian Community and Cultural Center, and the New Americans Task Force are partnering for the project, and a group of new Americans came together at a May 4 event at the Asian Community and Cultural Center to share their stories and lived experiences in Lincoln.
The stories included their experiences resettling in the U.S.
Most of the individuals who participated in the event have lived in Lincoln for more than a decade.
This book covers the untold stories, challenges and accomplishments of refugees and immigrant communities in Lincoln.
Lisa Guill, Welcoming Communities Coordinator for the Cultural Centers of Lincoln and Communications Director for the Asian Community and Cultural Center, said many of the stories detailed hardships, as well as hope and gratefulness.
“We are finding folks that are wanting to share those personal things and some of the hard things that they've been through that and they found it helpful for them to be able to share parts of those stories," she said.
Matthew Bokovoy, senior editor of Native American and Indigenous Studies at the University of Nebraska Press, hopes the stories will raise awareness.
“This collection will foster greater awareness of experiences that immigrants and refugees have had not only relocating from their home countries, but also relocating to the United States," he said.
According to the Lincoln/Lancaster County Welcoming & Belonging Strategic Plan, Lincoln is home to more than 30,000 immigrants and refugees.
Guill said sharing the stories has been significant in terms of community building.
There is an online platform for community members to share their stories. They can be written in whichever language is preferred and the deadline for the submission is early September 2024.
The funds for this project come from the city of Lincoln, Lancaster County and the University of Nebraska Press.