A History of the First Car Phone in North Omaha
In 1920, a pair of young men in North Omaha faked creating a wireless car phone. This is the story of what actually happened. Continue reading A History of the First Car Phone in North Omaha
These are articles related to the culture of North Omaha.
In 1920, a pair of young men in North Omaha faked creating a wireless car phone. This is the story of what actually happened. Continue reading A History of the First Car Phone in North Omaha
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
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
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
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
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
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
This is a history of youth activism in Omaha, Nebraska, from the last 125+ years. Continue reading A History of Youth Activism in Omaha
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
This is a biography of an early baseball star from North Omaha named Dangerfield F. “Danger” Talbert (1878-1914). Continue reading A Biography of Danger Talbert
This is a history of the Afro Academy of Dramatic Arts in North Omaha, Nebraska by Adam Fletcher Sasse for NorthOmahaHistory.com. Continue reading A History of the Afro Academy of Dramatic Arts
This is a biography of North Omaha native Leroy C. Broomfield (1902-1971) who became a nationally renowned performer. Continue reading A Biography of LeRoy C. Broomfield
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
This is a biography of early Black baseball figure Vasco Graham (1892-1913) of Omaha, Nebraska. Continue reading A Biography of Omaha’s Vasco Graham
This is a biography of Frank J. Sapousek (1902-1993) was a noted muralist, landscape painter and art teacher in Omaha, Nebraska. Continue reading A Biography of Artist Frank Sapousek
This is a biography of Stanislav Stanley Jan Barta Letovsky (1890-1965), a pianist and composer from Florence, Nebraska, by Adam Fletcher Sasse for NorthOmahaHistory.com. Continue reading A Biography of Stanislav Letovsky
This is a history of early laws enforcing racial discrimination in Omaha. Continue reading A History of Early Laws Enforcing Racial Discrimination in Omaha
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
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
This is a biography of Jimmy Jewell, Jr., an entertainment scion in North Omaha who was once called the “wealthiest Negro in Omaha.” Continue reading A Biography of Jimmy C. Jewell
This is a history of the Omaha Eagles Baseball Team, a mostly Black squad in North Omaha. In the late 1950s and 1960s. Continue reading A History of the Omaha Eagles
This is a biography of Jacob Maag, a sculptor and stonecutter who lived in North Omaha, Nebraska. Continue reading A Biography of North Omaha’s Jacob Maag
This is a history of Black military service members in North Omaha, Nebraska. Continue reading A History of Black Military Service Members in North Omaha
Richard D. Curry (1831-1883) was a leader in Omaha’s pioneer Black community who made a LOT of things happen. Continue reading A Biography of Richard D. Curry
This is a history of The Omaha Whip, a newspaper published for just two issues in 1921. Continue reading A History of the Omaha Whip
In the 1950s, a culture of cruising muscle cars, jeans and white t-shirts, pony tails and carhops on roller skates took over America. As the home to a lot of Omaha’s suburban dreamscape, North Omaha had several drive-in restaurants starting in that decade and spreading into the 1960s. This is a history of drive-ins in North Omaha. Continue reading A History of Drive-Ins in North Omaha
This is a history of the Bali-Hi Lounge in North Omaha. Continue reading A History of the Bali-Hi Lounge in North Omaha
This is a proposal to establish an Omaha History Movement by Adam Fletcher Sasse for NorthOmahaHistory.com. Continue reading A Blueprint for an Omaha History Movement
Here’s the history of the convergence of a passenger railroad, several neighborhoods and streetcars that made N. 45th and Military a vibrant intersection in North Omaha for decades! Continue reading A History of the Intersection of North 45th Street and Military Avenue
This is an article about the Mines and Mining Building at the 1898 Trans-Mississippi and International Exposition. Continue reading A History of the Mines and Mining Building
The Florence Main Street is filled with several important buildings that tell the neighborhood’s history from 1856 until today. One of the most important has been a social hall, gymnasium, public library, and is now a college. This is a history of the original Florence Community Center, also called the Florence Building. Continue reading A History of the Florence Building
This is a biography of Preston Love, Jr., an influential community leader in Omaha for more than two decades. Continue reading A Biography of Preston Love, Jr.
This is a biography of North Omaha’s Frank “Red” Perkins, a longtime bandleader and musician in the community. Continue reading A Biography of Frank “Red” Perkins
This is a history of the Bryant Center in North Omaha, Nebraska, starting in 1966 and continuing to today! Continue reading A History of the Bryant Center
This is a history of African American firefighters in Omaha, Nebraska. Continue reading A History of African American Firefighters in Omaha
This is a biography of Terrell McKinney (b. 1990) of North Omaha, Nebraska, the 14th African American legislator to serve in the Nebraska Legislature since 1892. Continue reading A Biography of Terrell McKinney
This is a history of the 1898 Congress of White and Colored Americans in Omaha, Nebraska. Continue reading The 1898 Congress of White and Colored Americans in Omaha
This is a history of the YMCA Athletic Park, located in the Saratoga neighborhood of North Omaha, Nebraska, at the turn of the 20th century. Continue reading A History of the YMCA Athletic Park in North Omaha
This is a biography of one of the most prominent African American players to ever hit the ball in Omaha, a man named Dorcas Lewis who was also called Dorcas Thornton Continue reading A Biography of Dorcas Lewis, an Early Baseball Great in North Omaha
This is a biography of Josiah Waddle (1849-1939), a longtime bandleader and music teacher in North Omaha, Nebraska. Continue reading A Biography of Josiah Waddle
This is a history of the Pulitzer Field, aka Olson Field, aka Steele Field in East Omaha. Continue reading A History of an Air Field in East Omaha
This is a history of the Stuart Art Shoppe in North Omaha, a bastion of the Arts in the community during the Great Depression. Continue reading A Biography of Political Activist Andrew Stuart
This is a history of the Prince Hall Masons in Omaha, Nebraska. Continue reading A History of the Prince Hall Masons in Omaha
This is a history of the Sebastapol Amphitheater in North Omaha, Nebraska, where thousands were entertained in 1888. Continue reading A History of the Sebastapol Amphitheater in North Omaha
This is a history of the Jefferson Square Park, the first park and the site of the first school in Omaha, Nebraska. Continue reading A History of Jefferson Square Park
This is a history of Omaha’s first public park; first public school; it’s Native American neighborhood; and it’s “Hobo Park,” all wrapped up in one. This is a history of Jefferson Square in Omaha, Nebraska. Continue reading A History of the Jefferson Square Neighborhood
This is a history of the Native Omaha Festival, which has happened biennially in North Omaha, Nebraska since 1976. Continue reading A History of the Native Omahans Festival
This is a biography of North Omaha native Cathy Hughes. She grew up in the Logan Fontenelle Projects and today is the 2nd richest Black woman in America. Continue reading A Biography of Cathy Hughes
This is a history of the Sherman neighborhood in Omaha, Nebraska. Continue reading A History of the Sherman Neighborhood
These are historic neighborhoods in North Omaha, including their establishment, locations and links. Continue reading Historic Neighborhoods in North Omaha
Black people in Omaha have celebrated, uplifted and empowered Black culture in the city for more than 150 years. Sometimes there are events and places that become synonymous with these celebrations. One of these happened for more than 25 years. … Continue reading A History of North Omaha’s Stone Soul Picnic
This is the history of the City Interracial Committee, an attempt by youth in the 1930s to overcome segregation in Omaha, Nebraska. Continue reading A History of the City Interracial Committee
This is a history of the lost Blue Windows home, a one-time iconic residence in the Ponca Hills of North Omaha, Nebraska. Continue reading A History of the Lost Blue Windows House
This is a summary of a LOT of music in North Omaha over the last 150 years, including jazz, soul, blues, hip hop, gospel, pop, and so much more. Get introduced some of the people, places, events, and more from North Omaha’s musical history. Continue reading A History of Music in North Omaha
This is a history of the Omaha Guide newspaper, a Black-owned and Black-focused semi-weekly in North Omaha, Nebraska from 1927 through 1956. Continue reading A History of The Omaha Guide
Vic B. Walker (1864-c1925) was an African American attorney, police officer, business owner, and criminal in Omaha, Nebraska. Continue reading A Biography of North Omaha’s Vic Walker
This is a history of relations between Black people and Jews in Omaha, Nebraska. It details instances, occasions, places and spaces where the Jewish community interacted with the Black community in the city. Continue reading A History of Relations between Jews and African Americans in Omaha
This is a history of the Red Dot Athletic Club, a North Omaha sports association for young people from 1924 to 1926. Continue reading A History of North Omaha’s Red Dot Athletic Club
This is a history of antisemitism in Omaha, Nebraska. Continue reading A History of Antisemitism in Omaha
This is the story of Professor George T. McPherson (1864-c1915) of North Omaha, who was the preeminent pianist in Omaha for decades. Continue reading A Biography of George McPherson
This is a history of the Omaha Colored Baseball League. Continue reading History of the Omaha Colored Baseball League
This is a biography of Flora Pinkston (1887-1966) of North Omaha, Nebraska. Continue reading A Biography of Florentine Pinkston
This is a biography of Dr. George L. Miller (1830-1920), a prominent businessman and controversial racist from Omaha’s history. Continue reading A Biography of Dr. George L. Miller
Charity, socializing, and fraternity drove the American Legion Theodore Roosevelt Post #30 in North Omaha. Discover what happened to them. Continue reading History of North Omaha’s American Legion Post #30
A founder of Omaha’s first African American post of the American Legion, Dr. W.W. Peebles DDS kept a 50+ year dental practice in Omaha. Continue reading Biography of Dr. William W. Peebles
One African American dentist in Omaha was a civil rights advocate, economic justice activist, and medical leader in the community. Then he simply left North Omaha. This is a biography of his life in the community. Continue reading Biography of Dr. Craig Morris
A century ago, the Omaha Night Owls were the “Hottest Colored Orchestra in Town.” This is their story. Continue reading History of the Omaha Night Owls
This is a history of the now-demolished building that once stood at 2410 Lake Street that housed a vaudeville theater, movies, a nightclub, a bowling alley, a supper club, and a teen club, as well as a bar before it was demolished in the 1970s. Continue reading History of 2410 Lake Street
Since its founding in 1854, the City of Omaha has never had a publicly elected Black mayor. For a period in from the 1930s through the 1940s though, there was a Black mayor competition held. This is a history of that position. Continue reading A History of Omaha’s “Black Mayor”
This is a history of the Carver Bank in North Omaha, the first-ever Black-owned bank in Nebraska. Continue reading History of the Carver Savings and Loan Association
Some buildings are constructed, serve a purpose and then are demolished. Others seem to live several lifetimes by acting as a base for several enterprises and a hub for the community during different crises. Despite looking like its falling apart right now, one Lake Street building is such an institution, serving as an icon of change, sustainability and transformation in the community. This is is a history of the Webster Telephone Exchange Building. Continue reading A History of the Webster Telephone Exchange Building
This is a timeline of the history of the Saratoga neighborhood in North Omaha, including the intersection of 24th and Ames. Included here are events, places and people central to the neighborhood’s existence as a pioneer town, leafy suburb, and a seemingly abandoned urban neighborhood. Continue reading A Timeline of the History of Saratoga
This is a tour of vital places in North Omaha’s 24th and Lake Historic District, as well as essential events and important people. There are also links to find more information about each item listed. Continue reading A Tour of the 24th and Lake Historic District
This is a history of the Omaha Crèche, which was located on North 52nd and Pratt Streets for a half century. Continue reading A History of the Omaha Crèche
This is a history of the Old Plantation, a display at the Trans-Mississippi and International Exposition in North Omaha in 1898. Continue reading A History of the Old Plantation in North Omaha
This is a biography of Paul B. Allen, and a history of Allen’s Showcase in North Omaha. Continue reading A History of Allen’s Showcase in North Omaha
This is a history of the only foster home for African American youth Omaha history, open from the 1940s into the 1950s. Continue reading A History of the Oak View Home for Negro Boys
This is a biography of historian and North Omaha leader Bertha Calloway (1925-2017). She was a Civil Rights activist, museum founder, historian, author, student, educator, speaker, promoter, playwright, journalist, administrator, mentor, wife and mother. Continue reading A Biography of Bertha Calloway
In the course of a century, a lot of things can change in a neighborhood. The Near North Side of Omaha has had a lot of changes, with some buildings transitioning from vital to demolished with reckless abandon. This is … Continue reading A History of 1324 North 24th Street
This is a history of the Nite Hawkes Cafe, located at North 16th and Grand Avenue since 1942! Continue reading A History of the Nite Hawkes Cafe in East Omaha
This is a history of restaurants in North Omaha throughout its history. Continue reading A History of Restaurants, Diners and Food Businesses in North Omaha
This is a history of Black-owned businesses, African American entrepreneurship and more in North Omaha since 1854. Continue reading History of Businesses Owned By African Americans in Omaha
This is North Omaha Chronicles “THE Sports Center”, 12-15-19. Copyright 2019 Adam Fletcher Sasse. All rights reserved. Continue reading North Omaha Chronicles, 12-15-19
This is a collection of postcards of North Omaha, Nebraska. Continue reading Historic Postcards from North Omaha
This is a history of the iconic Jewell Building in the 24th and Lake Historic District. It features notable people, organizations, businesses and events there, as well as the architecture and more. Continue reading A History of the Jewell Building and Dreamland Ballroom
This is a history of Jim Bell and Jerry Morris’s supper club called The Off Beat, located at 24th and Lake from 1952-1969. Continue reading A History of The Off Beat Club in North Omaha
This is the history of a fine home called the Rome Miller Mansion at 4823 Florence Boulevard in North Omaha, Nebraska. Continue reading A History of the Rome Miller Mansion
For more than 50 years, Holy Family Catholic has been among the most activist Catholic parishes in Omaha. Before that it was an Italian parish, and before that, Irish. Here’s a history. Continue reading A History of the Holy Family Catholic Parish
This is a history of the Omaha Rockets, an independent Black baseball team from 1947 to 1950. Continue reading History of the Omaha Rockets Independent Black Baseball Team
Omaha is a city of immigrants, and North Omaha is no exception. Along with its historic African American community and wealthy white settlers, the community has been home to Jews, Scandinavians, English and other Europeans. Among this plethora of diversity … Continue reading A History of Italians in North Omaha
Calvin Memorial Presbyterian Church was a short-lived attempt by a fleeting denomination to maintain a significant presence in North Omaha. Despite the hard work and commitment by African American members, the congregation ultimately failed. However, they did succeed in ensuring … Continue reading A History of North Omaha’s Calvin Memorial Presbyterian Church