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 or 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 also worked as a lawyer. She represented the 11th District in the Nebraska State Legislature from 2009 to 2013. She took over from Ernie Chambers, who could not run again because of term limits. In 2012, Council lost her bid for reelection. She also faced issues with how her campaign funds were handled.
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Brenda Council's Career Journey
Brenda Council began her legal career 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 different law firms, including Kutak Rock Law Firm and Polk, Waldman, Wickman & Council.
Serving the Community in Omaha
Council was a member of the Omaha School Board. She also served on the Omaha City Council. She ran for mayor of Omaha in 1994 and 1997. She lost both elections by a small number of votes.
She was once the western regional president of the National Caucus of Black School Board Members. Council was featured in Ebony Magazine three times. This showed her importance as a leader in Omaha. She was also a regular guest on Kaleidoscope, a Sunday morning talk show on Omaha's KETV television.
Entering the Nebraska Legislature
In February 2008, Council decided to run for a seat in the Nebraska State Legislature. This seat was being left open by Senator Ernie Chambers. He had been a state senator for 38 years. However, a new term limits law meant he could not run again.
In November 2008, Brenda Council was elected to the Nebraska Legislature. She ran for reelection in 2012. But she lost to Ernie Chambers. He was able to run for the legislature again after taking a four-year break.
Brenda Council's Personal Life
Brenda Council went to Omaha Central High School. After that, she attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She graduated from there in 1974. She then earned her law degree from Creighton University School of Law in 1977. She is married to Otha Kenneth Council.
Awards and Special Recognitions
Brenda Council has received many awards and honors for her work. These awards show her dedication and impact in Nebraska.
- 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 chosen as one of the RAD Women of Omaha. She has been featured in three different editions of Ebony magazine.
