.png)
About Us
The NCAAA
tHE NEBRASKA COMMISSION ON AFRICAN AMERICAN AFFAIRS WAS ESTABLISHED IN 2020 TO ADVISE THE EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE BRANCHES OF GOVERNMENT, AND TO ENGAGE WITH community leaders TO PROMOTE POLICY AND LEGISLATION THAT WOULD POSITIVELY AFFECT THE AFRICAN AMERICAN COMMUNITIES OF NEBRASKA.
Our Vision
We envision a state where African Americans have access to the resources and opportunities necessary to experience prosperity and to contribute to their community.
Our Mission
The mission of the Nebraska Commission on African American Affairs is to improve the social, economic, and political status of African American diaspora in the state of Nebraska through legislation, advocacy, education, and community engagement.
Commission Functions:
- Promote state and federal legislation beneficial to the African American community in Nebraska;
- Coordinate programs relating to the African American community in Nebraska regarding housing, education, welfare, medical and dental care, employment, economic development, law and order, and related problems;
- Work with other state and federal government agencies and federal and state elected officials in the development of programs in areas mentioned in subdivision (2) of this section;
- Keep the Governor's office apprised of the situation in the African American community in Nebraska;
- Administer sections 1 to 7 of this act;
- Provide the public with information and education relevant to African American affairs in Nebraska; and
- Develop programs to encourage the total involvement of African American people in activities for the common benefit of the African American community.
FAQ
Commission Transparency Center
The Commission on African American Affairs is committed to transparency and accountability. Below we’ve provided information about our operations.
Commissioner Appointment
What process is used to select Commissioners?
Residents of Nebraska can apply to become Commissionersthrough the Governor's official website. After an application is submitted, Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen reviews each submission and appoints Commissioners in accordance with the relevant statutory guidelines. Please note that the NCAAA does not handle or review applications, nor does it make Commissioner appointments.
Who is on the Commission and when were they appointed?
- Chairman Tim Clark appointed July 2024 (Executive Committee)
- Vice Chairwoman Terri Crawford appointed January 2025 (Executive Committee)
- Treasurer Johnny Nesbit appointed January 2025 (Executive Committee)
- Secretary Ted Lampkin appointed January 2025 (Executive Committee)
- Member at Large Gwen Easter appointed July 2021 (Executive Committee)
- Commissioner Glenn Freeman appointed July 2021
- Commissioner Connie Edmond appointed July 2021
- Commissioner Clarice Jackson appointed July 2021
- Commissioner Laban Njuguna appointed July 2021
- Commissioner Quentin Brown appointed February 2024
- Commissioner Trevon Brooks appointed February 2024
- Commissioner JoAnna LeFlore-Ejike appointed January 2025
Commission’s Committee Leadership & Selection
What Committees does the Commission have?
- Executive Committee – Chair Tim Clark
- Finance Committee – Chair Johnny Nesbit
- Legislative Committee – Chair Terri Crawford
- Strategic Planning Committee (ad hoc)- Chair JoAnna LeFlore-Ejike
- Policy Committee (ad hoc) – Chair Quentin Brown
Who is on the Executive Committee?
- Chair – Tim Clark elected January 22, 2025
- Vice Chair – Terri Crawford elected January 29, 2025
- Treasurer – Johnny Nesbit elected January 29, 2025
- Secretary – Ted Lampkin elected January 29, 2025
- Member at Large – Gwen Easter elected October 2021 re-elected January 29, 2025
What are the duties of each Committee?
Executive Committee
In accordance with the statutory language the Executive Committee may supervise all programs relating to the affairs of African American people instituted and authorized by the commission. Additionally, the committee has the authority to enter into contracts for consultation services, supplies, and equipment, provided that the contract value does not exceed two thousand dollars per individual agreement. Furthermore, the Executive Committee collaborates closely with the Executive Director to ensure the successful achievement of the commission’s goals.
Finance Committee
The NCAAA Finance Committee is responsible for proactively overseeing the financial health and management of the Commission, in alignment with the fiduciary duties and responsibilities of the full Commission. The committee evaluates and reports on the Commission's financial status.
Legislative Committee
The NCAAA Legislative Affairs Committee is responsible for evaluating and monitoring proposed legislation and regulations that may impact African Americans in Nebraska, both positively and negatively. The committee will regularly report its findings and recommendations to the full Commission as necessary.
Strategic Planning Committee (ad hoc)
The NCAAA Strategic Planning Committee is responsible for guiding the long-term vision and strategic direction of the Commission, ensuring that its initiatives and resources are aligned with the evolving needs of African American communities across the state. The committee reviews and monitors the Commission’s strategic plan development, which serves as a roadmap for achieving its mission and goals.
Policy Committee (ad hoc)
The NCAAA Policy Committee is responsible for overseeing and recommending refinement to the internal policies, procedures, and bylaws that govern the operations of the Nebraska Commission on African American Affairs. The committee will regularly report its findings and recommendations to the full Commission as necessary.
Will the Commission have more Committees in the future?
Yes, we intend to establish additional committees across each of our key pillar areas: health and wellness, housing, criminal justice, economic development, and education. Furthermore, as we develop our strategic plan and incorporate insights from our environmental scan, we will identify specific needs and form committees tailored to those areas. The Commission also aims to create opportunities for non-Commissioners to actively participate in these committees.
Finances
How has the Commission spent its money since its inception?
Since the Commission is a government agency, its financial information is publicly accessible on a government website. To view this information, please visit statespending.nebraska.gov. Scroll down to the section below the graph and select 'Fiscal Year Expenditures.' From there, choose 'African American Affairs' as the 'Agency Name,' select the desired fiscal year, and click 'Submit.'
Please note that all Commission spending must be approved by the state.
Office Location
Why is the Commission’s office located in Lincoln?
The Commission’s office is typically located in the State Capitol; however, due to ongoing construction, the Capitol will remain inaccessible until January 2026. In the meantime, our temporary office is situated just a few blocks away. We will relocate to the Capitol once construction is completed.
Office Address: 1327 H St., Suites 306-308, Lincoln, NE 68508
Public Meetings
Why were Commission meetings historically held in Lincoln?
Historically, Commission meetings have been held at the State office, reflecting the Commission's status as a state government entity with its office located in Lincoln. However, under Chairman Clark's leadership, we held our January 29th and March 11th meetings in Omaha. We plan to host more meetings in Omaha and other locations across Nebraska moving forward.
Will there be more Commission meetings in Omaha?
Yes, the Commission will hold more meetings in Omaha than in its earlier years. As the Commission serves African Americans throughout Nebraska, meetings will not be limited to just Lincoln or Omaha. Following the completion of our environmental scan, we will strategically host meetings in locations that best meet the needs of the communities we serve.
Strategic Plan & Programming
Does the Commission have a strategic plan and/or programming?
The Commission selected a strategic plan proposal, which will incorporate various initiatives and programs. The strategic plan will include an environmental scan to identify areas where African Americans in Nebraska have the greatest need for programming. This may involve developing new programs or supporting organizations that already provide such services.