By Brandon Smith bsmith@nebraska.tv Twitter @NTVBrandonSmith
For one family in Central Nebraska, although their town isn't diverse, diversity presents itself in their household. The Hamik's of Blue Hill are foster parents, and already with two biological daughters of their own. They added to their family with an adoption of a black child. Prior to having Takiyah placed in their family her mom admits a little concern crept through her mind.
"The awareness I guess people have and the stereotypes there are," said mother Kim Hamik. "Just so many stereotypes are there that I think part of not being educated or aware that she is just like the rest of my kids."
Although a native of Philadelphia, Takiyah has spent the majority of her life in central Nebraska, and the lack of diversity isn't a concern to her.
"It's nothing against those people, but there's not times I think that of that," said Takiyah Hamik.
But for her mom their were things she had to familiarize herself with Takiyah's hair.
"Biggest adjustment was finding someone that would do ethnic hair, extensions, and chemically straighten. Different things like that and living in a small community they just weren't experienced with that, said her mother.
And for Takiyah she gets a kick out out of some of the things her friends ask her.
"Some people ask me if I sunburn and I tell them no and I had another friend ask me if I tan," she said.
For the Hamik's and the community of Blue Hill the novelty of their family dynamic has been nothing but positive.
"I would say 99% of the community just opened up their arms and welcomed
her just like anyone else," said her mother.
