Brenda Council facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Brenda Council
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| Member of the Nebraska Legislature from the 11th district |
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| In office January 7, 2009 – January 9, 2013 |
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| Preceded by | Ernie Chambers |
| Succeeded by | Ernie Chambers |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1953/1954 (age 71–72) |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Otha Kenneth Council |
| Residence | North Omaha, Nebraska |
| Alma mater | University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Creighton University School of Law |
Brenda J. Council, born in 1955, is a politician from North Omaha, Nebraska. She was also a lawyer for many years. She represented the 11th District in the Nebraska State Legislature from 2009 to 2013. During her time in public service, she worked to help the people of Nebraska. Later, she stopped practicing law due to issues with campaign funds.
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Brenda Council's Career Journey
Brenda Council began her career in law in 1977. She worked for the National Labor Relations Board in Kansas City. In 1980, she moved back to Omaha. There, she joined the legal team at Union Pacific Railroad. Later, she worked for other law firms, including Kutak Rock Law Firm and Polk, Waldman, Wickman & Council.
Public Service and Leadership Roles
Council has held several important public positions. She served on the Omaha School Board. She was also a member of the Omaha City Council. She ran for mayor of Omaha in 1994 and 1997. She was also a leader in a national group for Black School Board Members.
Brenda Council was recognized for her leadership in Omaha. She was featured three times in Ebony Magazine. She also regularly appeared on a local TV talk show called Kaleidoscope.
Time in the Nebraska Legislature
In 2008, Brenda Council decided to run for the Nebraska State Legislature. She aimed to represent the 11th District. This seat was previously held by Senator Ernie Chambers for 38 years. However, he could not run again due to new term limits laws.
In November 2008, Council was elected to the Nebraska Legislature. She served one term. In 2012, she ran for reelection. However, she lost to Ernie Chambers, who was able to run again after taking a break.
Brenda Council's Personal Life
Brenda Council grew up in Omaha, Nebraska. She went to Omaha Central High School. After high school, she attended the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. She graduated from there in 1974.
She then continued her education to become a lawyer. She earned her law degree from Creighton University School of Law in 1977. Brenda Council is married to Otha Kenneth Council.
Awards and Honors Received
Brenda Council has received many awards for her work and leadership. These awards recognize her contributions to the community.
- Outstanding Young Omahan and Nebraskan
- Nebraska State Bar Association's Professionalism Award
- Elizabeth Pittman Award
- Urban League of Nebraska National Prominence Award
- University of Nebraska Alumni Association Award
- Omaha Public School's A+ Award
- Durham Museum's African American Leadership Award
- Nebraska Association of Social Workers' Public Citizen of the Year Award
- NOCCC's Spirit of Advocacy Award
- Women on a Mission for Change Legacy Award
- NOAH's Champion of Change Award
- Nebraska's Voices of Children's Champion for Children Award
Council was also named one of the RAD Women of Omaha. Her achievements were highlighted in Ebony magazine on three different occasions.
Campaign Funding Issues
In 2012, Brenda Council faced issues regarding her campaign funds. It was found that some campaign money was not used correctly. This led to her no longer being able to work as a lawyer. In 2014, the Nebraska Supreme Court decided that she could no longer practice law. This decision was made because of how the campaign funds were handled.
