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
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
The Kountze Place Golf Club, established in North Omaha during the 1890s, was a brief yet significant recreational venture for the affluent, lasting only three years before its land transitioned to educational use. Continue reading A History of the Kountze Place Golf Club
B.J. Scannell (1861-1960) significantly impacted North Omaha’s development as a businessman and community leader. Continue reading A Biography of B.J. Scannell
The historical Prairie Park neighborhood in North Omaha was built and mostly demolished in the 20th century. Learn why… Continue reading A History of the Prairie Park Neighborhood
This is an image of a NorthOmahaHistory.com banner over the intersection of 24th and Lake filled with people walking along the streets. Continue reading Power through Our History
This article explores the parallels between Tom Dennison, a shadowy political boss in early 20th century Omaha, and Donald Trump, the present-day fascist president of the United States. Continue reading Don & Dennison: Birds of a Feather in Old Omaha and Today’s America
From 2000 to 2025, Omaha’s African American community experienced significant growth, civic achievements, and challenges like systemic racism. Key milestones included new leadership, cultural initiatives, and protests for racial justice, culminating in the election of the first Black mayor. Continue reading The Last 25 Years in Omaha Black History
Deepening my exploration of Omaha’s history is in the near future, and includes prioritizing community engagement, critical analysis, and challenging established narratives to empower and educate, fostering collective identity and community pride. Continue reading The Future of NorthOmahaHistory.com
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
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
Edmae Swain (1916-2008) was Omaha’s first African American woman principal, a dedicated educator and community leader who championed integration and left a lasting legacy in North Omaha. Continue reading A Biography of Edmae Swain
This is a history of Omaha’s African American service members in World War 1 by Adam Fletcher Sasse for NorthOmahaHistory.com. Continue reading A History of Omaha’s African American Service Members in World War I
This is a history of a tiny operation called the Lakeside Raceway in Carter Lake, Iowa, that was open from 1971 to 1982. Continue reading A History of the Lakeside Raceway
Following are some of the articles I’ve researched and written related directly to Black history in Omaha. When I share these on social media, I use the tag #omahablackhistory. See the author’s note at the end of this article for additional details. Continue reading Focus: Black History in Omaha
This is a history of Mayper’s Store of Omaha, Nebraska, which opened in 1917 and closed in 1967 after 50 years in business. Continue reading A History of Mayper’s Store in North Omaha
This is a history of North Omaha’s Ideal Cement Stone Company, which operated in the neighborhood from 1905 through 1988. Continue reading A History of the Ideal Cement Stone Company
This episode of the North Omaha History Podcast is called “The Far Corners of Florence.” Its hosted by Adam Fletcher Sasse and produced by Steve Sleeper. Continue reading The Far Corners of Florence
This is a biography of Charles Storz (1859-1932), an early German immigrant and one of the businessmen who helped build North Omaha. Continue reading A Biography of Charles Storz
This is a biography of William W. Williams, aka Bill the Photographer, the most important photographer in a generation of the Black community in Omaha, Nebraska. Continue reading A Biography of Bill the Photographer