20th century, 21st century, Architecture, Civic Infrastructure, Commercial vernacular, Cuming Street, Demolished buildings, Industry, North 24th Street1 Comment
This is a history of the Independent Telephone Company Exchange Building that stood at 926 N. 24th St. in North Omaha from 1909 to 2016 by Adam Fletcher Sasse for NorthOmahaHistory.com.

A History of the Independent Telephone Company Exchange Building

Adam Fletcher Sasse

This is a history of the Independent Telephone Company Exchange Building that stood at 926 N. 24th St. in North Omaha from 1909 to 2016, and was later used by the Steril Manufacturing Company and State Farm Insurance. It was written by Adam Fletcher Sasse for NorthOmahaHistory.com. Continue reading A History of the Independent Telephone Company Exchange Building

20th century, 21st century, Ames Ave, Ames Avenue, Barbershop, Biographies, Black barber, Black businesses, Black culture, COGIC, Culture, North 40th Street8 Comments
This was Youngblood's Barbershop at 40th and Ames in 2024. Pic courtesy of Marsullous Jones.

A Biography of Clyde “Youngblood” Deshazer

Adam Fletcher Sasse

Clyde “Youngblood” Deshazer (1944-2026) was an iconic barber in North Omaha whose barbershop left a lasting impact through mentorship and camaraderie, bridging familial and cultural ties in the community. Continue reading A Biography of Clyde “Youngblood” Deshazer

#PreserveThisPlace, 19th century, 20th century, Apartments, Architects, Biographies, Buildings, Commercial vernacular, Demolished buildings, Economics, Historic houses, Listed on National Register of Historic Places, Mansions and estates, Neighborhoods, Neoclassical or Classical Revival, Normal house history, North Omaha, Official Omaha Landmark, Styles, Wealth, White people, Wrecked buildingsLeave a comment
This is a 1934 Latenser family dinner at the Round House. Included are patriarch John, matriach Anna, and children John Jr (1888–1978), Frank, Josephine C. Latenser Kirkland (1899–1972) and George W Latenser (1903–1940). Pic courtesy of the Durham Museum.

A Biography of John Latenser, Sr.

Adam Fletcher Sasse

A massively important architect in Omaha for decades, John Latenser Sr’s designs are still especially important in North Omaha. This is a story of his life and work. Continue reading A Biography of John Latenser, Sr.

19th century, 20th century, Activism, African Methodist Episcopal, Biographies, Black churches, Black culture, Black History, Black ministers, Civil Rights Movement, Culture, Enslaved Person, Ministers, Near North SideLeave a comment
This is a biography of Rev. W.T. Osborne (1855-1932) of St. John's AME Church in Omaha, Nebraska by Adam Fletcher Sasse for NorthOmahaHistory.com.

A Biography of Rev. W.T. Osborne

Adam F.C. Fletcher

Rev. W.T. Osborne (1855-1932) was an influential leader in Omaha’s African American community. Over five decades, his ministry in the AME church spanned several states and touched thousands of lives. Continue reading A Biography of Rev. W.T. Osborne

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Black people, Cuming Street, Historic districts, Houses, Integration, Middle class, Neighborhoods, Neoclassical or Classical Revival, Normal house history, North 30th Street, Omaha & Council Bluffs Street Railway Co., Public housing, Queen Anne, Redlining, Segregation, White people1 Comment
This is a history of the Montclair Neighborhood by Adam Fletcher Sasse for NorthOmahaHistory.com.

A History of the Montclair Neighborhood in Omaha

Adam F.C. Fletcher

The Montclair Neighborhood in North Omaha, established in the late 19th century, transformed over time to ultimately face challenges like redlining yet keeps fostering a resilient community. Continue reading A History of the Montclair Neighborhood in Omaha

1888 Omaha Fair and Exposition, 1898 Trans-Mississippi and International Exposition, 19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Ames Ave, Ames Avenue, Belt Line, business, Culture, Government, Intersections, North 24th Street, Omaha & Council Bluffs Street Railway Co., Saratoga, White flightLeave a comment
This was the west side of the intersection of 24th and Ames Avenue in North Omaha, Nebraska, in 2009. Three of the four buildings pictured here have been demolished.

A History of the Intersection at North 24th and Ames Avenue

Adam Fletcher Sasse

The intersection of North 24th and Ames Avenue in Omaha started as the promising Saratoga settlement in 1854, thriving for more than a century before decline due to white flight and economic divestment. Today, it stands as a quiet, mostly vacant shell of its vibrant history. Continue reading A History of the Intersection at North 24th and Ames Avenue

19th century, 20th century, Ames Ave, Ames Avenue, Belt Line, Belt Line Railway, Commercial vernacular, Demolished buildings, Economics, Intersections, North 24th Street, Omaha & Council Bluffs Street Railway Co., Saratoga, TransportationLeave a comment
This is "A History of the 24th and Ames Streetcar Barn" by Adam Fletcher Sasse for NorthOmahaHistory.com.

A History of the Streetcar Barn at 24th and Ames Avenue

Adam Fletcher Sasse

Few innovations shaped the daily lives of North Omaha residents like the streetcar. As the city expanded northward into the old town of Saratoga, transportation became the lifeblood of working-class neighborhoods. This is a history of the streetcar barn at … Continue reading A History of the Streetcar Barn at 24th and Ames Avenue

20th century, business, Civic Infrastructure, Florence, Fort Street, Industry, Miller Park, Minne Lusa, North 30th Street, Railroads, Transportation1 Comment
This is "A History of Railroads & Streetcars in Florence" by Adam Fletcher Sasse for NorthOmahaHistory.com.

A History of Railroads and Streetcars in Florence, Nebraska

Adam Fletcher Sasse

The North Omaha neighborhood of Florence transformed from a struggling village to suburban industrial hub with the arrival of railroads in the late 19th century. A streetcar served the community too for the next 40 years. This is a history. Continue reading A History of Railroads and Streetcars in Florence, Nebraska

20th century, 4CL, Activism, Americans, Black culture, Black History, Black leader, Black ministers, Black people, Civil Rights Movement, events, Racism, SegregationLeave a comment
This is "A History of Malcolm X's June 30, 1964, Appearance in Omaha" by Adam Fletcher Sasse for NorthOmahaHistory.com.

A History of Malcolm X’s June 30, 1964, Appearance in Omaha

Adam Fletcher Sasse

In 1964, El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz returned to his Omaha birthplace to deliver a potent “Warning to White America.” While the Omaha Star highlighted his substance and self-defense advocacy, the World-Herald used sensationalism and bias to fuel decades of local resistance. This is an account of the occasion. Continue reading A History of Malcolm X’s June 30, 1964, Appearance in Omaha

18th century, 19th century, 20th century, African Methodist Episcopal, Baptist, Black businesses, Black churches, Black communities, Black culture, Black History, Black people, Black spaces and places, Culture, Enslaved Person, events, Geography, History of Nebraska, Lost history, Military, Ownership, Racism, Segregation, Settlements, society, weatherLeave a comment
This is a cornfield that resembles what would have covered the Minne Lusa neighborhood before 1916.

A History of Rural Black Nebraska

Adam Fletcher Sasse

The history of African Americans in rural Nebraska encompasses a resilient existence from the territorial period through the early 20th century. This article shares stories of migration, homesteading, and the establishment of all-Black towns. and explores the systemic racism and environmental challenges ultimately dismantled these communities. Today, the heritage of Black pioneers in Nebraska is largely forgotten. Continue reading A History of Rural Black Nebraska

20th century, Biographies, Black businesses, Demolished buildings, Harlem Renaissance, Hotels, Industry, Manufacturing, North 16th Street, North Downtown, OwnershipLeave a comment
This was an ad for the Kaffir Chemical Company at 817 North 16th St. in Omaha.

A History of the Kaffir Chemical Laboratories in North Omaha

Adam F.C. Fletcher

Kaffir Chemical Laboratories was founded in 1920 by African American entrepreneurs in North Omaha. Led by Madree Penn, it became a significant Black-owned business producing various products until its decline by 1925, representing a powerful chapter in Omaha’s Black business history. Continue reading A History of the Kaffir Chemical Laboratories in North Omaha

#PreserveThisPlace, 20th century, 24th and Lake, Black businesses, Black businesspeople, Black hotels, Historic houses, Houses, Near North Side, Segregation, Willis AvenueLeave a comment
This is a history of the Ashby Tourist Home at 2228 Willis Avenue in North Omaha, Nebraska, written by Adam Fletcher Sasse for NorthOmahaHistory.com.

A History of the Ashby Tourist Home

Adam F.C. Fletcher

This is a history of the Ashby Tourist Home at 2228 Willis Avenue in North Omaha. It was crucial for Black travelers in the city, offering them hospitality amid widespread racism. Its significance lies in fostering community and resilience during the Jim Crow era in Omaha. Continue reading A History of the Ashby Tourist Home

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Belvedere, business, Civic Infrastructure, Druid Hill, Economics, Environment, Florence, Florence Field, Fort Omaha, Gifford Park, Long School, Miller Park, Minne Lusa, Monmouth Park, North 30th Street, North Omaha, Ponca Hills, Streets4 Comments
These were rowhouses on North 30th Street in North Omaha. Pic courtesy of Joe Kinney.

A History of North 30th Street

Adam Fletcher Sasse

This is a history of N. 30th Street in North Omaha, extending from Dodge Street into the Ponca Hills, from 1854 to the present day. Continue reading A History of North 30th Street

20th century, 21st century, Black History, Buildings, business, Civic Infrastructure, Crime, Economics, Government, Historic districts, historic preservation, Lost history, Neighborhoods, Politics, Poverty, Racism, real estate, schools, Segregation, society, Streets, Wealth, White flight, White people, Wrecked buildings1 Comment
This is "A History of Gentrification in North Omaha" by Adam Fletcher Sasse for NorthOmahaHistory.com.

A History of Gentrification in North Omaha

Adam Fletcher Sasse

From the 1910s through today, there have been various agendas, plans and schemes focused on fixing up North Omaha. This is a history of gentrification in the community. Continue reading A History of Gentrification in North Omaha

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Black businesses, Black culture, Black History, Black organizations, Black people, Black spaces and places, Civic Infrastructure, Creighton University, Culture, Economics, Environment, Government, Lost history, lynching, Omaha Police Department, Ownership, Politics, Racism, Redlining, Rioting, Segregation, society, Wealth3 Comments
This is "A History of White Supremacy in Omaha" by Adam Fletcher Sasse for NorthOmahaHistory.com.

A History of White Supremacy in Omaha

Adam Fletcher Sasse

This article examines Omaha’s “doctrine of white supremacy” as a deliberate, engineered system rather than random prejudice. From 1850s enslavement to modern redlining and carceral pipelines, the city’s geography and institutions were built to extract Black wealth and agency, ensuring white success through a durable, structural architecture of exclusion. Continue reading A History of White Supremacy in Omaha

19th century, Biographies, Black History, Guest author, Laurel Hill Cemetery, Lost history, lynching, Poverty3 Comments
This is a jar of soil collected in honor of George Smith, who was lynched in Omaha in 1891. Image courtesy of the Omaha World-Herald.

A Biography of George Smith by Alan Welsh

Adam Fletcher Sasse

Adam’s Notes: Alan Welsh privately researched and wrote the following article and shared it with me so we can enrich, deepen, and otherwise learn more about the actual life of the first recorded lynching victim in Omaha. Shortly after the … Continue reading A Biography of George Smith by Alan Welsh

19th century, Abolition, Activism, Americans, Black activists, Black businesspeople, Black culture, Black leader, Black politicians, Crime, Culture, Economics, Lost history, Omaha, Pioneer era, Politics, Prince Hall Masons, Racism, Segregation, society, White peopleLeave a comment
This 1868 article details how Black people joined Omaha's Republican Party after Emancipation.

A History of Black Voting in Omaha Before 1870

Adam Fletcher Sasse

Before Omaha’s founding in 1854, white supremacy suppressed Black political participation. This is a story of how Black people in the city were betrayed by white leaders and still thrived, regardless of white supremacy. Continue reading A History of Black Voting in Omaha Before 1870

19th century, Abolition, African Methodist Episcopal, Black culture, Black History, Black spaces and places, Demolished buildings, Economics, Lost history, Neighborhoods, Politics, Racism, Segregation, societyLeave a comment
In 1865, a so-called “colored school” was open by the new Omaha school district and served at least twenty-seven students annually from 1865 to 1872. Shown here is an 1888 picture of 9th Street north from Farnam. The school was on 9th Street north of Dodge Street until 1872.

A History of Omaha’s First Black Neighborhood

Adam Fletcher Sasse

Before 24th and Lake existed, Omaha’s first Black neighborhood was established in the 1850s. It was around 10th and Dodge, and was a segregated enclave known as the Near North Side. It housed significant community leaders and institutions, witnessing early civil rights struggles and eventually leading to the area’s integration by 1872. Continue reading A History of Omaha’s First Black Neighborhood

20th century, Activism, Black activists, Black History, Black organizations, Civil Rights Movement, Organizations, Politics, Racism, Segregation, Social clubs, Students, YouthLeave a comment
This is a history of the Tomorrow's World Today Club in Omaha, Nebraska, from 1940 to 1945 by Adam Fletcher Sasse for NorthOmahaHistory.com.

A History of Tomorrow’s World Club in Omaha

Adam Fletcher Sasse

The Tomorrow World’s Club, founded in 1940 by young activists in North Omaha, challenged systemic racism through surveys and campaigns for Black teacher representation. Continue reading A History of Tomorrow’s World Club in Omaha

20th century, Activism, Black activists, Black History, Black leader, Civic Infrastructure, events, Integration, Scandinavians, Segregation, Students, YouthLeave a comment
The Omaha Bus Boycott was led by the DePorres Club from 1953 to 1954, in Omaha, Nebraska.

A History of the Omaha Bus Boycott

Adam Fletcher Sasse

The Omaha Bus Boycott from 1952 to 1954 was a crucial yet overlooked Civil Rights movement. It successfully challenged employment discrimination in public transit, inspiring a collective economic action that transformed labor dynamics in Nebraska and shaped future activism. Continue reading A History of the Omaha Bus Boycott

20th century, 21st century, Activism, Biographies, Black activists, Black attorneys, Black politicians, Integration, Law, North Omaha, PoliticsLeave a comment

A Biography of Omaha’s Fred Conley

Adam Fletcher Sasse

This is a political history about Fred Conley, Omaha’s first African American city council member, who has bridged civil rights activism and political leadership in Omaha for more than 50 years. Continue reading A Biography of Omaha’s Fred Conley

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Activism, Civic Infrastructure, Environment, Geography, Government, Industry, Missouri River, Ownership, Parks, Politics, Poverty, Racism, Redlining, Segregation, Water, weather, White flight, White peopleLeave a comment
This is "A History of the Climate Crisis and Environmental Racism in North Omaha" by Adam Fletcher Sasse for NorthOmahaHistory.com.

A History of the Climate Crisis and Environmental Racism in North Omaha

Adam Fletcher Sasse

North Omaha has suffered from deliberate neglect and environmental racism for over a century, leading to severe health disparities among its residents. Historical policies prioritized industrial growth over community wellbeing, resulting in toxic environments, high infant mortality rates, and persistent pollution. Recent efforts focus on addressing these inequities and promoting environmental justice. Continue reading A History of the Climate Crisis and Environmental Racism in North Omaha

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Black communities, Black History, Civil Rights Movement, Economics, History of Nebraska, Lost history, Racism, Segregation, societyLeave a comment
A History of African Americans in Grand Island, Nebraska, by Adam Fletcher Sasse for NorthOmahaHistory.com.

A History of African Americans in Grand Island, Nebraska

Adam Fletcher Sasse

Grand Island, Nebraska, holds a rich history of African American communities since the 1870s, establishing thriving neighborhoods and institutions. This story shows the community continues to be resilient with ongoing struggles for equality and acknowledgment. Continue reading A History of African Americans in Grand Island, Nebraska

Americans, Black History, Black people, events, History of Nebraska, Lost historyLeave a comment
This is Nebraska Black History by Adam Fletcher Sasse.

Nebraska Black History

Adam Fletcher Sasse

The history of African Americans in Nebraska showcases resilience amidst systemic racism and violence. Despite facing persistent discrimination, Black people have contributed significantly to civil rights, economic growth, cultural achievements, and much more, shaping Nebraska’s identity and legacy. This is Nebraska Black History by Adam Fletcher Sasse. Continue reading Nebraska Black History

Adam Fletcher Sasse, Black History, Black people, North Omaha4 Comments
This is Adam Fletcher Sasse on July 31, 2025, in an interview with A'Jamal Byndon of MORE: Movement for Omaha Racial Equity.

Heavy Light: An Interview on Omaha’s Black History

Adam Fletcher Sasse

In an interview with A’Jamal Byndon for his video series, Adam Fletcher Sasse discussed his journey in documenting African-American history in Omaha, starting from creating Wikipedia articles to launching NorthOmahaHistory.com. He emphasized the importance of local history, particularly marginalized narratives, and shared insights about notable black activists. Adam’s ongoing research includes a book on Omaha’s civil rights movement. Continue reading Heavy Light: An Interview on Omaha’s Black History

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Biographies, Black athletes, Black people, Sports2 Comments
This is a 1964 parade celebrating North Omaha legend Bob Gibson after the start of his professional career.

A History of Black Athletes, Black Teams, and Segregated Sports in Omaha

Adam Fletcher Sasse

Omaha’s sports history is significantly shaped by African American athletes who broke barriers across various disciplines. From early baseball pioneers to basketball legends and much more, these athletes carved paths of excellence, inspiring future generations and establishing a rich legacy in sports. Continue reading A History of Black Athletes, Black Teams, and Segregated Sports in Omaha

20th century, 21st century, Architecture, Civic Infrastructure, Culture, Government, Miller Park, Minne Lusa, North 24th Street, North 30th Street, Parks5 Comments
This is a pic of the Miller Park in North Omaha from the 1960s.

A History of North Omaha’s Miller Park

Adam Fletcher Sasse

The Miller Park in North Omaha has a long history. There is no single right way to write about it, and if, after you’re done reading this entire article, you disagree with the way I’ve written this history, I invite you to write your own version. This is a history of North Omaha’s Miller Park. Continue reading A History of North Omaha’s Miller Park

19th century, Activism, Black History, Black leader, Black people, Black politicians, Black spaces and places, Civic Infrastructure, Crime, Culture, Enslaved Person, General history, Government, Legislators, Omaha, Pioneer era, Politics, Racism, Reconstruction, SegregationLeave a comment
This is "A History of Early Laws Enforcing Racial Discrimination in Omaha" by Adam Fletcher Sasse for NorthOmahaHistory.com.

A History of Early Laws Enforcing Racial Discrimination in Omaha

Adam Fletcher Sasse

This is a history of early laws enforcing racial discrimination in Omaha. Continue reading A History of Early Laws Enforcing Racial Discrimination in Omaha

Activism, Art, Biographies, Black businesses, Black culture, Black History, Black organizations, Black people, Black performers, Black spaces and places, Black writers, business, Clubs, Culture, Economics, Harlem Renaissance, Jazz, music, nightlife, Social clubs2 Comments
The Harlem Renaissance in North Omaha by Adam Fletcher Sasse for NorthOmahaHistory.com

The Harlem Renaissance in North Omaha

Adam Fletcher Sasse

This is a history of the Harlem Renaissance in North Omaha, including the art, literature, and music that emerged from that period. Continue reading The Harlem Renaissance in North Omaha

20th century, African Methodist Episcopal, American Legion, American Legion Post #30, Americans, Biographies, Black doctors, Culture, doctors, Forest Lawn burial, SegregationLeave a comment
Dr. Wesley B. Jones (1891-1959) was a medical doctor in North Omaha, Nebraska, for 38 years. A recognized community leader, he was involved in the civil rights movement and other efforts to empower the city's African American community.

A Biography of Dr. Wesley Jones

Adam Fletcher Sasse

This is a biography of Dr. Wesley B. Jones (1891-1959), a medical doctor practiciin North Omaha, Nebraska, for 38 years. A recognized community leader, he was involved in the civil rights movement and other efforts to empower the city’s African American community. Continue reading A Biography of Dr. Wesley Jones

#PreserveThisPlace, Belvedere, Buildings, business, Demolished buildings, Drug store, Florence, Florence Field, Grocery store, Ice cream, Intersections, Miller Park, Minne Lusa, Neighborhoods, North 30th Street, Omaha & Council Bluffs Street Railway Co., real estate, Restaurants, shopping, TheatersLeave a comment
This is a history of N. 30th and Redick Ave. in North Omaha by Adam Fletcher Sasse for NorthOmahaHistory.com.

A History of the Intersection at North 30th and Redick Avenue

Adam Fletcher Sasse

Built to serve the Minne Lusa, Florence Field, Belvedere and Miller Park neighborhoods, this is a history of the intersection at North 30th and Redick Avenue in North Omaha. Continue reading A History of the Intersection at North 30th and Redick Avenue