Nebraska Black Senators

Three Senators of Interest

Nebraska now has three Black Senators in the Unicameral. This is proof of racism breaking down. But what do they advocate? Are they on the left or where?

Ashlei Spivey is an American politician from Omaha, Nebraska, who has served in the Nebraska Legislature representing the 13th district since 20254. Born on August 15, 1986, in Omaha, Spivey has deep roots in her community2.

Spivey's educational background includes:

• Graduate of Omaha North High Magnet School in 2004

• Bachelor's degree in Communications and Marketing from Jackson State University

• Graduate studies in Urban Social Planning at the University of Texas Arlington12

Professionally, Spivey has made significant contributions:

• Founder of I Be Black Girl, a nonprofit focused on maternal and child health

• Experienced nonprofit executive with a focus on economic development and public health1

Her political career began when she was elected to the Nebraska Legislature in 20242. Spivey's priorities as a legislator include expanding access to quality education, ensuring affordable healthcare, delivering tax relief for working families and seniors, and prioritizing investments in affordable housing, childcare, and good-paying jobs1.

Spivey has received numerous awards and accolades, including:

• USA Today 2024 Nebraska Woman of the Year

• 2023 J.M. Kaplan Innovation Prize Awardee

• Recognition in Forbes and Essence magazines

• Urban League Young Professional Advocacy Award

• Midlands Business Journal 40 under 401

She has also held leadership positions in various organizations:

• Board Member of the Women's Funding Network

• Former Board President of ACLU of Nebraska

• Member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.1

Spivey brings a unique perspective to the Legislature, focusing on people-first policymaking and lifting up the voices and experiences of her community35.

Citations:

1. https://www.ashleifornebraska.com/about-me

2. https://nebraskalegislature.gov/senators/landing-pages/index.php?District=13

https://www.ashleifornebraska.com

1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ashlei_Spivey

https://update.legislature.ne.gov/?p=37555

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Victor Rountree is an American politician from Bellevue, Nebraska, who has served in the Nebraska Legislature representing the 3rd district since 20256. Born on June 16, 1959, in Wilson, North Carolina, Rountree has had a diverse career spanning military service, pastoral work, and public office3.

Education and Military Career

Rountree graduated from Elm City High School in 1977 and later pursued higher education while serving in the military. He holds:

• A Bachelor of Science degree in business management and accounting from the University of Maryland European Division (1993)

• Two Associate degrees from the Community College of the Air Force in financial management (1990) and personnel management (2001)3

Rountree served in the U.S. Air Force from 1980 to 2010, retiring as a Chief Master Sergeant after over 30 years of service. He was deployed to the Middle East after 9/11 under Operation ENDURING FREEDOM4. During his military career, he also served as Budget Officer at Offutt Air Force Base, supporting multiple deployments and operations through financial management and budgeting4.

Professional and Community Service

After his military service, Rountree has been involved in various roles:

• Senior pastor for 12 years, leading community initiatives such as donating school supplies to local schools4

• Program delivery manager for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)3

• Substitute teacher3

Political Career

Rountree was elected to the Nebraska Legislature in 2024, winning a close race against Republican Felix Ungerman for the 3rd District seat1. His campaign focused on issues such as:

• Lowering the cost of consumer goods and health care

• Supporting public education

• Fixing the state's system of property tax evaluations1

In the Legislature, Rountree serves on several committees, including General Affairs, Judiciary, Urban Affairs, and State-Tribal Relations3.

Personal Life

Rountree has been married to Cheryl James since January 6, 1983. They have three children: Isaac, Rachel, and Naomi34.

Victor Rountree brings a wealth of experience in financial management, community service, and leadership to his role as a state senator, drawing on his military background and pastoral work to serve his constituents in Nebraska's unicameral legislature.

Citations:

1. https://nebraskaindependentnews.com/politics/democratic-candidate-wins-the-final-uncalled-seat-in-nebraska-legislature/

2. https://nebraskavoterguide.com/candidates/victor-rountree

3. https://nebraskalegislature.gov/senators/landing-pages/index.php?District=3

https://rountreeforlegislature.com

1. https://dlcc.org/candidates/victor-rountree/

2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Victor_Rountree

3. https://justfacts.votesmart.org/candidate/biography/215014/victor-rountree

4. https://www.legistorm.com/person/bio/521230/Victor_B_Rountree.html

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Terrell McKinney is an American politician serving as a Nebraska State Senator representing District 11 since 2020. Born on August 17, 1990, in Omaha, Nebraska, McKinney has deep roots in his community23.

Education and Early Career

McKinney graduated from Omaha North High Magnet School in 2008, where he excelled in wrestling, becoming the Nebraska state wrestling champion in 2007 and 200823. He continued his education at Maryville University, earning a Bachelor of Science in sports business management in 2014 and becoming an NCAA Division II Wrestling All-American in 201023. McKinney further pursued his studies, obtaining an MBA from Midland University in 201823. As of 2025, he is attending Creighton University School of Law2.

Professional Experience

Before entering politics, McKinney worked as:

• A community organizer and hunger action advocate for Nebraska Appleseed23

• A career specialist23

• A career navigator at Metropolitan Community College7

Political Career

McKinney was elected to the Nebraska Legislature in 2020, representing District 1112. He is the 14th African American legislator elected from North Omaha since 18921. In the legislature, he serves on several committees:

• Business and Labor Committee

• Judiciary Committee

• Urban Affairs Committee

• Reference Committee

• Executive Board2

Community Involvement

McKinney is actively involved in various community organizations:

• Board member of Black Men United

• Member of Policy Research Innovation

• CD2 representative for the Nebraska Democratic Black Caucus

• Finance chair of the Black Agenda Alliance23

Personal Life

McKinney has one child named Sana'a McKinney23. His background as a community organizer, athlete, and advocate has shaped his approach to public service, focusing on issues that affect his district and the broader Nebraska community.

Citations:

1. https://northomahahistory.com/2023/01/03/a-biography-of-terrell-mckinney/

2. https://nebraskalegislature.gov/senators/landing-pages/index.php?District=11

3. http://news.legislature.ne.gov/dist11/biography/

4. http://www.peopleforterrellmckinney.com/about.html

5. https://omahamedical.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Terrell-McKinney-Bio.pdf

6. https://justfacts.votesmart.org/candidate/biography/190089/terrell-mckinney

7. https://www.linkedin.com/in/terrell-mckinney-106b4b7a

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