Omaha, Douglas County mark MLK Day with 'Aspire to Inspire' awards and calls for community action

City officials and community leaders gathered Jan. 20 for the 2026 City of Omaha and Douglas County “Aspire to Inspire” celebration, marking Martin Luther King Jr. Day with musical performances, remarks on civil-rights history, and awards to three local residents.

Caitlin Dehelios, director of the City of Omaha Human Rights and Relations Department, opened the program and framed the event’s theme — “Voices for Justice, Agents for Change” — urging attendees to choose listening and action over silence. Mayor John W. Ewing Jr. offered opening remarks, calling the civil-rights journey “one of the most important journeys that this country has ever gone on” and announcing a yearlong “year of the neighbor” initiative intended to lift everyday acts of inclusion across the city.

Douglas County Commission Chair Roger Garcia tied King’s 1967 book Where Do We Go from Chaos or Community? to present challenges, warning against retreating from civil-rights progress and urging unity. Garcia criticized recent political rhetoric he said discourages exercise of protest rights and emphasized sustained nonviolent engagement: “Nonviolent direct action will continue to be a significant source of power until it is made irrelevant by the presence of justice,” he said.

Mariam Sano, founder of Let’s Talk About It Coaching, addressed immigrant and multicultural communities and urged individuals to overcome the silence that can feel like protection: “Doing what is right rarely comes with perfect timing. It comes with courage,” she said.

The program recognized three award recipients. Deputy Chief Sheree Thomas of the Omaha Police Department presented the City of Omaha Aspire to Inspire award to Lieutenant Antoine Finch, noting his long record of mentoring and community programs, including Project Manhood, the Black Student Leadership Council college tour, and the gun-violence prevention program “Before the Casket.” Finch, who was raised in North Omaha, thanked city and county leaders and said the award was “an honor and a privilege” that reflects a lifetime of community service.

Robert Caesar of the Douglas County Youth Center presented the Douglas County Aspire to Inspire award to Commissioner Roger Garcia, praising his work with youth centers, the Juvenile Assessment Center, and his visibility during local federal enforcement actions. Garcia accepted the award and reiterated his message about everyday acts of compassion and civic responsibility.

Thomas Warren, chief of staff to Mayor Ewing, presented the community award to Houston Alexander, founder of the Houston Alexander Foundation. Warren said Alexander’s Culture Shock Tour has visited hundreds of Nebraska schools and that his foundation provides mentoring, anti‑bullying education and programs aimed at reducing violence. Alexander thanked supporters and framed the honor as recognition of collective community work.

Dehelios closed the event by asking attendees to reflect on one concrete action to “do what is right” in the coming year, and invited the audience to refreshments and to return for next year’s celebration.

The program combined speeches, music and recognition rather than formal votes or policy decisions; no motions or legislative actions were taken.