Son of civil rights figure coming to Omaha for documentary on father, voting rights

OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) - On Saturday, the Women of Color Network will host a free screening of the film “Dying to Vote” at its bi-annual luncheon in Omaha.

It’s the story of civil rights leader Vernon Dahmer, who helped Black people in Mississippi register to vote.

In January 1966, he died after Ku Klux Klan members firebombed his home.

“There was efforts through intimidation to get African Americans not to exercise certain rights, and one of those was our right to vote,” said LaVon Stennis-Williams, who’s the founder of the Woman of Color Nebraska Caucus. “That was probably one of the rights that was most targeted because people understood the power of the vote.”

It’s a power Stennis-Williams believes many neglect.

“In the past, it was suppressed through intimidation,” she said. “And now, it’s suppressed through apathy. Many people who are not voting, especially African Americans, they really don’t see a change in their lifestyles by voting.”

However, it’s an attitude she said needs to change.

“The vote is so important that this gentleman offered to pay the entire the polling tax. He lost his life for it. And it would all be in vain if we did not continue the efforts that he was continuing to bring about by removing the barriers to voting in Mississippi.

She said it ties into Black Votes Matter’s ongoing efforts to increase voter participation in North Omaha.

To help push the message, Saturday’s screening will also include a discussion with Dahmer’s son Dennis, who survived the firebombing.

“Nobody can tell that story better than a son or an eyewitness,” Stennis-Williams said. “He was 11 years old when the house was firebombed. He remembers history before and history after the bombing. And he has spent most of his adult life helping to keep his father’s legacy alive.”

The screening is happening at noon at the Double Tree Hotel, 1616 Dodge St. All are welcome to attend.

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