Category: Black people

20th century, 21st century, Black businesspeople, Buildings, Children, Commercial vernacular, Near North Side, North 24th Street, Ownership1 Comment
This is 2026 image of the former Mansion Cafe at 2304 Grace Street.

A History of the Mansion Cafe

Adam Fletcher Sasse

The Mansion Cafe, opened in 1958, evolved from a single-family home to a restaurant and later a daycare. Continue reading A History of the Mansion Cafe

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

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

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

#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, 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, WealthLeave a comment
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, 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

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

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

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, 20th century, 21st century, African Methodist Episcopal, Architects, Architecture, Baptist, Black churches, Black ministers, Churches, Gothic, historic preservation, Kountze Place, Redlining, Segregation, White flight, White peopleLeave a comment
Located at N. 18th and Emmet Streets in North Omaha, this is Plymouth Congregational Church in 1939. It has been home to Second Baptist Church since 1981.

A History of North Omaha’s Second Baptist Church

Adam Fletcher Sasse

Located at 1802 Emmet Street in North Omaha, this is a history Second Baptist Church. Before 1981, it was home to Primm Chapel AME and Plymouth Congregational churches. Continue reading A History of North Omaha’s Second Baptist Church

20th century, 21st century, Architecture, Baptist, Black churches, Black ministers, Black organizations, Churches, COGIC, Kountze Place, Ownership, Segregation, United Methodist, White flight, White peopleLeave a comment
This is the Greater Saint Paul Church of God in Christ located at 2123 Miami Street, this church was built in 1915 by the Church of the Brethren (Dunkard Society). After moving in 1927, Grove Memorial Methodist Episcopal Church in 1927 and was renamed Clair Memorial. Clair moved into the former Brethren moved out in 1956, and Greater St. Paul COGIC moved in in 1962. It continues today.

A History of the Greater St. Paul Church of God in Christ

Adam Fletcher Sasse

This is a history of the Greater Saint Paul Church of God in Christ in the Kountze Place neighborhood of North Omaha, Nebraska. Continue reading A History of the Greater St. Paul Church of God in Christ

16th century, 17th century, 18th century, Americans, Black History, Black people, Black spaces and places, Enslaved Person, Ethnicities & Races, Europeans, French, Government, historic preservation, History of Nebraska, Immigrants, Lost history, Missouri River, Mormons, Native Americans, Omaha, Pioneer era, Racism, Spanish, White peopleLeave a comment
York (1770 – before 1832) was the first African American in Omaha. He was a slave belonging to William Clark of the 1804 Lewis and Clark expedition.

A History of Black People in the Omaha Area Before 1850

Adam Fletcher Sasse

Black trappers, traders, pioneers, and farmers were in the Omaha area before the city was founded. This is a history of Black people in the Omaha area before 1854 by Adam Fletcher Sasse for NorthOmahaHistory.com. Continue reading A History of Black People in the Omaha Area Before 1850

24th and Lake, Architecture, Bar or Tavern, Black businesses, Black doctors, Buildings, business, Grocery store, Law, Listed on National Register of Historic Places, RestaurantsLeave a comment
This is the top of the building at 2314 N. 24th St. in North Omaha, and this is an article about the building's history by Adam Fletcher Sasse for NorthOmahaHistory.com.

A History of the Jensen Building in North Omaha

Adam Fletcher Sasse

This is a history of the Jensen Building by 24th and Lake in North Omaha. Built in 1913, its been essential to the Black community’s history in the city. Continue reading A History of the Jensen Building in North Omaha

Adam Fletcher Sasse, Black people, BooksLeave a comment
#OmahaBlackHistory: African American People, Places and Events from the History of Omaha, Nebraska by Adam Fletcher Sasse of NorthOmahaHistory.com

#OmahaBlackHistory: African American People, Places and Events from the History of Omaha, Nebraska by Adam Fletcher Sasse

Adam Fletcher Sasse

OmahaBlackHistory: African American People, Places and Events from the History of Omaha, Nebraska by Adam Fletcher Sasse (CommonAction Publishing, 235 pages, 2021) Continue reading #OmahaBlackHistory: African American People, Places and Events from the History of Omaha, Nebraska by Adam Fletcher Sasse

Biographies, Black businesses, Black businesspeople, Black History, Black hotels, Forest Lawn burial, Near North Side, North 24th Street, Religion, Senior citizens1 Comment
This article, entitled "Love, Freeheart, Sunshine and Peace, It's Wonderful," was a mocking piece in the Omaha World-Herald on February 27, 1944.

A Biography of Perfect Peace

Adam Fletcher Sasse

North Omaha has been home to all kinds of people. Some were entrepreneurs, some were devoutly religious, and every now and then some were a little bit of one and the other. This is a biography of one such woman … Continue reading A Biography of Perfect Peace

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Black people, business, Civic Infrastructure, Culture, Economics, Government, Immigrants, Jefferson Square, Lost history, Native Americans, North 16th Street, North Downtown, Parks, Poverty, society, White people2 Comments
This is part of the Jefferson Square looking towards North 16th and Cass Streets in Omaha, Nebrsaka, in 1950. Courtesy of the Durham Museum.

A History of Jefferson Square Park

Adam Fletcher Sasse

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

20th century, 21st century, Black History, Black leader, Black organizations, Black people, Black spaces and places, events, History of Nebraska, music, nightlife, North 24th Street, North 30th Street, Organizations, Parades, Social clubs1 Comment
This is a history of the Native Omaha Festival, formerly called Native Omaha Days, by Adam Fletcher Sasse for NorthOmahaHistory.com.

A History of the Native Omahans Festival

Adam Fletcher Sasse

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

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Activism, Black History, Black people, Civil Rights Movement, Crime, Economics, General history, Government, Lost history, Near North Side, North Omaha, Omaha Police Department, Poindexter and we Langa, Politics, Poverty, Race riot, Racism, schools, Segregation, society, White people4 Comments
This is "A History of Police Brutality in Omaha" by Adam Fletcher Sasse for NorthOmahaHistory.com.

A History of Police Brutality in Omaha

Adam Fletcher Sasse

This article is a history of police brutality in Omaha, Nebraska, from 1887 to present. Continue reading A History of Police Brutality in Omaha

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, African Methodist Episcopal, Art, Baptist, Black churches, Black culture, Black educators, Black History, Black organizations, Black people, Black performers, Black spaces and places, Books, Buildings, Churches, Civil Rights Movement, Clubs, clubs, Culture, Government, historic preservation, History of Nebraska, Jazz, Lost history, music, nightlife, Religion, schools, Segregation, Social clubs, Social halls, Social services, society, Theatres, United Methodist, White flight, White people5 Comments
This is a history of the music of North Omaha, by Adam Fletcher Sasse for NorthOmahaHistory.com

A History of Music in North Omaha

Adam Fletcher Sasse

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

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, 24th and Lake, Activism, Black History, Black people, Black politicians, Black spaces and places, business, Civil Rights Movement, Culture, Economics, Europeans, General history, Historic districts, historic preservation, History of Nebraska, Immigrants, Industry, Jewish, Lake Street, Legislators, Near North Side, North 16th Street, North 24th Street, Politics, Poverty, Race riot, Racism, Religion, Segregation, Wealth, White flight, White peopleLeave a comment
Rabbi Arthur J. Lelyveld speech 1968

A History of Relations between Jews and African Americans in Omaha

Adam Fletcher Sasse

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

20th century, Activism, Biographies, Black churches, Black leader, Black ministers, Black spaces and places, Civil Rights Movement, Demolished buildings, historic preservation, Near North Side, Presbyterian, Religion, SegregationLeave a comment
Seward Street Presbyterian Church., Rev. Russel Taylor, 2628 Charles Street, North Omaha, Nebraska.

A Biography of Rev. Russel Taylor

Adam Fletcher Sasse

A musician, educator and minister committed to Black power, Rev. Russel Taylor was a powerful leader in North Omaha. This is his story. Continue reading A Biography of Rev. Russel Taylor

19th century, 20th century, 24th and Lake, American Legion, Biographies, Black dentists, Black leader, Clubs, Creighton University, doctors, Economics, Healthcare, Hospitals, Near North Side, Prince Hall Masons, SegregationLeave a comment
Doctors Make Purchase of Land, Omaha Star, June 15, 1945

Biography of Dr. Craig Morris

Adam Fletcher Sasse

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

20th century, Black leader, Black organizations, Black spaces and places, Culture, historic preservation, History of Nebraska, Lost history, Organizations, Segregation, Social clubs, societyLeave a comment
"Mayor of Bronzeville," Omaha, Nebraska

A History of Omaha’s “Black Mayor”

Adam F.C. Fletcher

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”

20th century, 21st century, 24th and Lake, Architecture, Art, Black businesspeople, Black organizations, Black spaces and places, business, Civil Rights Movement, Culture, Economics, historic preservation, History of Nebraska, Lake Street, Listed on National Register of Historic Places, SegregationLeave a comment
Carver Savings and Loan Association, 2416 Lake Street, 24th and Lake Historic District, North Omaha, Nebraska.

History of the Carver Savings and Loan Association

Adam Fletcher Sasse

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

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Activism, Americans, Biographies, Black athletes, Black businesspeople, Black leader, Black people, Black politicians, Education, historic preservation, History of Nebraska, Legislators, Lost history, society3 Comments
Negro Women's Christian Association of Omaha, 933 N. 25th St., North Omaha, Nebraska

Notable African American Women in Omaha History

Adam Fletcher Sasse

Black women in Omaha have done all kinds of work as mothers, businesswomen, teachers, ministers, politicians, and in other roles to make the community great. This is a history of some of the notable African American women in North Omaha. Continue reading Notable African American Women in Omaha History

20th century, 21st century, 24th and Lake, Architects, Architecture, Black culture, Black people, Black spaces and places, business, Civic Infrastructure, Culture, Great Plains Black History Museum, historic preservation, Lake Street, Listed on National Register of Historic Places, Near North Side, Organizations, Social services2 Comments
Original North Side YMCA, 2213 Lake Street, North Omaha, Nebraska

A History of the Webster Telephone Exchange Building

Adam Fletcher Sasse

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

19th century, 20th century, Activism, Biographies, Black leader, Black politicians, historic preservation, Lost history, Organizations, Politics, RacismLeave a comment
Rev. Anna R. Woodbey (1855-1901), North Omaha, Nebraska

A Biography of Rev. Anna R. Woodbey

Adam F.C. Fletcher

One woman from North Omaha made it her life’s work to ban the demon’s spirit, juice, sauce, hooch, vino, and liquid courage from everywhere, all the time. This is a biography of Anna R. Woodbey. Continue reading A Biography of Rev. Anna R. Woodbey

20th century, 21st century, 24th and Lake, Black leader, Black organizations, Culture, General history, historic preservation, History of Nebraska, Lake Street, Listed on National Register of Historic Places, Near North SideLeave a comment

A Biography of Bertha Calloway

Adam Fletcher Sasse

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

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Architecture, Black people, Buildings, Civic Infrastructure, Economics, Geography, Historic houses, historic preservation, Houses, Lost history, Neighborhoods, North 30th Street, Parks, Politics, real estate, Scandinavians, schools, Segregation, White flight5 Comments

A History of the Omaha View Neighborhood

Adam F.C. Fletcher

This is a history of North Omaha’s Omaha View neighborhood, one of the city’s oldest western expanses. Continue reading A History of the Omaha View Neighborhood