Help send Janet Banks to Philly!

My name is Pastor Janet Goodman Banks. I am a delegate to the Nebraska State Convention asking for your support and vote to become a National Delegate to the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, PA.

I “BELIEVE IN SENATOR BERNIE SANDERS” and, his “PEOPLE’S AGENDA!” Bernie wants to see change happen in this country of ours. From Social Justice, Health Care, Minimum Wage, Equal Pay for Women, Free Education from our Community Colleges and so much more. Bernie is the “TORCH BEARER FOR THIS MOVEMENT” for such a time as this…..I am honored to have helped with and encourage people concerning voter registration here and in Indiana during the caucus and primary.

Early on, I came from a middle class family. I am next to the oldest of ten children. My mom and dad were lifelong democrats and hard working people. Both of my parents worked the polls at election time when I was a little girl. My mom continued to do so until this past year. My mom, the late Mrs. Johnnie Lee Goodman McNeil was very adamant about helping and encouraging others to register to vote. As a little girl growing up in Indiana during the civil right era, I witnessed social injustice at an early age. Both of my parents were originally from Arkansas.

My parents were sincerely “NON NEGOITIABLE” when it came to education. Just like Bernie. It was a “MUST” that we all complete high school. I knew from the time I was around the age of three years old that, I was going to attend college. Why? Because my daddy told me so! He realized the importance of a college education. My dad, the late Roy Lee Goodman, Sr. placed that goal to attend college and to succeed early on. Most in my family have attended college. Some are starting for the first time, some have graduated, including myself and returning to college to further my education.

I am a former Underground Coal Miner, an Ordained Pastor, I have a B.S. in Biology, I am a Breast Cancer Outreach Nurse at The Malone Community Center (The African-American Center in Lincoln, Nebraska), a Community Health Worker and a Lay Ambassador with DHHS. I have received awards for my Advocacy/Activism for Social Justice and Human Rights. I am appointed by Mayor Chris Beutler of Lincoln, Nebraska to serve on three different Advisory Boards. I am a member of the MAC (Multicultural Advisory Committee) which tries to help advise Mayor Chris Beutler, The Keno board which distributes over a million dollars each year to various non-profit organizations in order to empower and, better our communities. I actively take part in deciding in the distribution of those monies. I also serve on the Star Tran City Bus Transit Transportation for the City of Lincoln. I listen very carefully to the concerns and needs of the citizens of Lincoln. I always vote according to what I believe is best for the citizens and weight various option concerning the budget in meeting those needs for our patrons.

I am also a 7 year Breast Cancer Survivor. I was diagnosed in November of 2008 right after the election. I had 3 surgeries (Two at the beginning and one towards the end of all treatments). I had previously phone banked, “STOMPED” ("ON THE STUMP!") in Lincoln, Omaha, Indiana- (Numerous times on my own dime) and, in Florida while on vacation (NO VACTION!).”I LOVED EVERY MINUTE OF IT!”. After being diagnosed with Stage 2 Left Side Breast Cancer, I phoned banked for various city and state officials while doing many rounds of chemo. I also was chosen (While doing chemo) by my then, State Senator Ken Haar to do the opening prayer at the unicameral in 2009. I had opportunity to go to Washington, D.C to testify on Capitol Hill concerning the Affordable Care Act. I stopped my radiation treatment with more than half to complete just to testify for this very important and urgent bill which, is now law. My radiologist was "NOT VERY HAPPY ABOUT MY DECISION" to do so. I made many trips to our Nation’s Capitol concerning that bill and others.
Prior to the above, in March of 2007 I lost my dad to Lymphoma. I recently lost my dear mom to liver cancer in January of this year.

I am so very proud to be a nurse. I was made even prouder after watching the “HEROICS” of all the first responders. Included are those “AWESOME” dedicated nurse’s who, helped in the cares concerning the shooting victims in Orlando, Florida. The picture on the bottom to the right are those Nurses and staff.

I will continue to focus on voter registration, phone banking here in Nebraska and, Indiana. I will also volunteer for Anna Wishart’s Campaign. Last, but not least, I will continue to lend my voice and, a hand for those causes that I and Senator Bernie Sanders are so passionate about.

Respectfully submitted,

Pastor Janet Goodman Banks
(Voter registration card: Janet M. Banks).