Ben Salazar: Chicano Activist, Storyteller, and Advocate for Justice
Ben Salazar has spent more than five decades as one of Nebraska’s most visible Chicano activists, community advocates, and storytellers. Born in Scottsbluff, he earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology and a juris doctorate from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. His activism began in the late 1960s, when he worked alongside farmworker organizers to fight for dignity and fair treatment.
Over the years, Salazar’s career has stretched across legal, nonprofit, and advocacy roles. He has worked with Legal Aid in Phoenix, the Lincoln Action Program, Chicanos Por La Causa, the public defender’s office, and the Arizona Attorney General’s Office. But his most enduring contribution may be through journalism: he founded and publishes Nuestro Mundo, a bilingual Spanish-English newspaper based in Omaha that continues to shine a light on Latino voices, culture, and struggles.
Salazar has never hesitated to speak out against injustice. In 2023, he joined former State Senator Ernie Chambers in challenging what they called a “sexist and racist” $10 million bond set for a Hispanic woman before trial. He has also filed discrimination complaints to challenge systemic barriers, such as youth programs that excluded Latino applicants. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he led Q&A sessions in South Omaha, helping families navigate the crisis with accurate information and trust.
In 2024, Salazar put his name on the ballot for the Nebraska Legislature, running to represent District 7. His campaign drew from decades of activism and a conviction that Nebraska needs Latino voices at the policymaking table.
For Salazar, the work is always about community. Whether through protest, print, or politics, he has carried forward a lifelong mission: to ensure that Nebraska Latinos are seen, heard, and valued. His story is one of persistence, conviction, and an unshakable belief in justice.
Do you know someone whose story should be told — a mentor, educator, entrepreneur, veteran, artist, or advocate who has made a lasting difference in the Latino community? Please share their name and a little about their journey with us.
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