Santee Sioux senior citizen challenges racism in Lincoln, Nebraska

LINCOLN, NEBRASKA—Jim James is enrolled in the Santee Sioux Tribe, Nebraska: a respected tribal elder: retired owner of Isanti Construction having built thousands of HUD homes, hospitals, and schools across Indian country: recipient of national HUD awards and a former Tribal President.

Now relocated to Lincoln to be close to family, Jim enjoys a weekly outing. “During the daytime,” he chuckled “because I don’t drive at night anymore.”

What Jim likes is playing keno; watching sports on a big screen T.V. and enjoying a nice meal – three things which can be rolled into one at one of his favorite places, Big Reds Keno in Lincoln.

What he does not like is the feeling of being discriminated against because he is Native American, elder or Vietnam Veteran. Thus, he recently contacted Native Sun News Today to share his experience of July 14th at the Big Reds Keno establishment.  “Racism is alive and well in Lincoln, Nebraska,” he commented. “But we do not have to take it lying down. At least I sure didn’t”

“I have been a good customer there for years,” he reported. “Probably even spent too much money playing Keno, because you have to bet big to win big.”

Recently, he has started proudly sporting a baseball cap emblazoned with the logo “Native Veteran,” a Christmas gift from his daughter. A highly decorated Vietnam era Veteran who even gained secret security clearance, James said “What the heck! I earned the right to wear that and am proud to do so.”

However, on July 14, he felt horribly treated, having to wonder if it was because of his Native, Elder, or Veteran status. Perhaps all three.

According to James the following happened: “It was early in the day at Big Reds Keno and the place was kind of dead. Normally, customers wait in line to be seated by a host.  The young host that day told me to seat myself, which I did, selecting one of many empty tables close to the bar, where the Keno results are shown and there is a better view of the big screen TVs. My vision isn’t what it used to be.

Suddenly, a young Caucasian woman, the assistant manager as she informed, approached to ask what I was doing. After I explained, she said I had to go to the back of line and wait my turn. By then there was a line and I waited for about fifteen minutes to get to the front. When I asked the host, who by the way is a young black person, he replied “Leave me alone, this is up to management.”

He then seated me at the most rear table where it is difficult to see the TVs and Keno board. I then left Big Red’s Keno joint and decided to protest this very rude treatment.”

With that James called the Big Red’s hotline to register his complaint. The person manning that phone promised a return phone call from someone who could investigate the matter. 

James fretted and stewed for a few days, but he did receive a call from Becky Pence, Big Red’s corporate headquarters. He demanded a remedy: either a full apology from the young assistant manager or that she be discharged.

Ms. Pence promised to fully look into the matter and got back to James very promptly, in another few days, which she did. “I have taken care of the situation,” she reported. “I had a good discussion with all the staff at that Big Red’s location.”

Big Red’s is a chain which has a near monopoly on Keno in Lincoln and other major cities according to James who researched the matter.

“When I asked specifically what was being done, Ms. Pence went into ‘lawyer speak’,” he said.  “She would not say exactly what had been done to solve the issue but said “I am looking forward to meeting you Mr. James and welcoming you back to Big Reds.”

James advised Pence that he was going to seek media coverage of this episode. “Not just for myself,” he said, “but for all Native or minority folk, elders or Vets who might receive similar treatment. But I will tell how responsive you have been,” he promised.

James provided Ms. Pence’s direct line to NSNT. However, despite repeated calls and messages, she did not return an inquiry or comment, apparently deciding the issue needed the attention of higher-ups.

Thus, Bill Harvey, part owner of Big Red’s Keno and Chief Counsel did call NSNT to express his deep concern about this incident.  “This just makes me sick,” he said.  “I do not want anyone who comes into our business to feel uncomfortable or mistreated.”

Mr. James was right not to let this slide. I will not stand for any discrimination at all. I am glad that he brought this to our attention and extend my personal apology. We have talked extensively with staff to ensure that this type of thing does happen again. Mr. James has been a good customer and we hope he will come back. We will be in contact with him again as soon as possible.”

It remains to be seen as to what steps Big Red’s Keno will take to deal directly with Mr. Jim James.  Perhaps a follow-up story will be in order.

Jim James apparently rattled their cage.

James has not yet decided whether he will return to Big Red’s Keno.  “There are other more friendly places to spend my money,” he said.

Ironically, a few years back, as a regular at the Lincoln VA Medical Center (another reason he relocated), he was asked to participate in a ZOOM training session for prospective psychiatrists. The specific topic was the unique needs of Native Veterans, of which he is one. 

“Some of those young hopeful psychiatrists were surprised that Natives are still around,” he recalls. James, a very well-spoken person recommended that the VA develop and require diversity training for the staff, which has since been incorporated into several VA facilities across the Nation.

“We are not going to stop discrimination against Natives in border towns next to reservations, cities such as Lincoln, where many of us live, shop or enjoy entertainment, including our relatives from the reservation,” he noted.

“But we must stand up for ourselves. In today’s political climate, if this had happened to a black person, for example, there might be a lawsuit or even a picket line.

The fact is that in Lincoln, Natives are a significant minority. Most of us are very responsible, good-paying customers and we have the right to always be treated with respect and courtesy. Being required to “sit in the back” is an old discrimination trick which even started the civil rights movement.”

As a youngster, James experienced discrimination in off-reservation border towns; however, in later life as a successful businessman he was better treated. While conducting business on reservations, he fired employees who were prejudiced against tribal people. “Down the road they went,” he affirmed.

He also remembers the days when his father, a WW11 Veteran told of signs posted at establishments: “No Indians or dogs allowed.”

“Those days are over,” he said. “I encourage all Native people who feel that they have been treated unfairly in a business establishment to pursue it. Do not let it go.” 

(Contact Clara Caufield at acheyennevoice@gmail.com)

 

The post Santee Sioux senior citizen challenges racism in Lincoln, Nebraska first appeared on Native Sun News Today.

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