Category: Black History

African American people, places and events from the history of Omaha, Nebraska.

21st century, Black culture, Black History, Black organizations, Black spaces and places, Carter Lake, Culture, events, historic preservation, Organizations, society2 Comments
c1979 pic of the Stone Soul Picnic by Rudy Smith

A History of North Omaha’s Stone Soul Picnic

Adam Fletcher Sasse

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

20th century, 21st century, Black churches, Churches, historic preservation, Kountze Place, Presbyterian, Wealth, White flight, White people3 Comments
Faith Temple Church of God in Christ, 2108 Emmet Street, North Omaha, Nebraska

A History of First United Presbyterian Church

Adam Fletcher Sasse

For only 40 years, a longtime congregation was at home in the Kountze Place neighborhood. They built a huge church, had a successful run, but couldn’t keep going. This is a history of the First United Presbyterian Church in North … Continue reading A History of First United Presbyterian Church

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, 21st century, Architecture, Belt Line, Belt Line Railway, Black organizations, Buildings, Florence Boulevard, historic preservation, Manufacturing, Saratoga2 Comments
Imperial Sash and Door / Oliver Farm Machinery / Lozier Corporation / Omaha Housing Authority, 4402 Florence Boulevard, North Omaha, Nebraska

A History of 4402 Florence Boulevard in North Omaha

Adam Fletcher Sasse

Today it looks like a bland industrial space along a decrepit street in a rundown part of Omaha. However, once this gigantic building was a foothold into the middle class for hundreds of workers; and again it was a warehouse to store parts for the homes of thousands across the community. Soon it will have a new future as a tribute to a community scion and African American icon for all times. This is a history of 4402 Florence Boulevard in the Saratoga Belt Line Historic District of North Omaha. Continue reading A History of 4402 Florence Boulevard in North Omaha

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Ames Ave, Ames Avenue, Black spaces and places, Buildings, business, Civic Infrastructure, Crime, Demolished buildings, Druid Hill, Economics, Grocery store, Historic houses, historic preservation, Lost history, Manufacturing, Neighborhoods, North 30th Street, Poverty, Racism, White flight3 Comments
Welcome to a history of the Beford Place neighborhood in North Omaaa,a

History of the Bedford Place Neighborhood

Adam Fletcher Sasse

This is a history of the Bedford Place neighborhood in North Omaha, Nebraska. Continue reading History of the Bedford Place Neighborhood

20th century, 21st century, Ames Avenue, Architecture, Benson, Black businesses, business, Demolished buildings, Economics, historic preservation, Listed on National Register of Historic Places, North 24th Street, North 30th Street, North Omaha, Segregation, shopping10 Comments
This is a history of department stores in North Omaha by Adam Fletcher Sasse for NorthOmahaHistory.com.

History of Department Stores in North Omaha

Adam Fletcher Sasse

Department stores once dotted the area north of Dodge and east of North 72nd Street. This is a history of department stores in North Omaha. Continue reading History of Department Stores in North 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, 21st century, African Methodist Episcopal, Americans, Architects, Architecture, Baptist, Black churches, Black spaces and places, Buildings, Catholics, Churches, Demolished buildings, Economics, Ethnicities & Races, Europeans, Lutheran, Poverty, Presbyterian, Religion, Segregation, United Methodist, Wealth, White people, Wrecked buildings4 Comments
These are some of the historic churches of the Kountze Place neighborhood in North Omaha.

Directory of Historic North Omaha Church Buildings

Adam Fletcher Sasse

This is a directory of historic North Omaha church buildings. Many are still churches; some are not. Continue reading Directory of Historic North Omaha Church Buildings

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, 21st century, Black History, Civic Infrastructure, Demolished buildings, Economics, Government, Highways, historic preservation, History of Nebraska, Lost history, Near North Side, North Omaha, Politics, Racism, Segregation, Streets, White flight, Wrecked buildings8 Comments

A History of the North Freeway in Omaha

Adam Fletcher Sasse

First conceptualized in 1954, it took almost 40 years for North Omaha’s highest high speed corridor to be completed. This is a history of the North Freeway. Continue reading A History of the North Freeway in Omaha

20th century, 24th and Lake, Black businesses, Black spaces and places, Cafes, clubs, Clubs, Demolished buildings, Food, Lake Street, Lost history, Near North Side, nightlife, Restaurants, Theaters1 Comment
The Off Beat / Carver Bank / Elks Club, 2408-2420 Lake Street, North Omaha, Nebraska

History of 2410 Lake Street

Adam Fletcher Sasse

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

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, 21st century, Architecture, Black spaces and places, historic preservation, North 30th Street, schools, White flight5 Comments
Howard Kennedy Elementary School, 2906 North 30th Street, North Omaha, Nebraska

A History of Howard Kennedy School

Adam F.C. Fletcher

Sitting on top of a hill on the western edge of North Omaha, the Omaha View School was one of the city’s earliest. Rebuilt on a new site in 1908, in 1910 it was renamed, too. Since then the school has had notable alumni, built the surrounding neighborhood up, and changed dramatically. This is a history of the Howard Kennedy Elementary School. Continue reading A History of Howard Kennedy School

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Architects, Architecture, Black History, Demolished buildings, Ethnicities & Races, historic preservation, Immigrants, Jewish, Near North Side, North 24th Street, schools, SegregationLeave a comment
1950 Kellom School, North Omaha, Nebraska

A History of Kellom School

Adam Fletcher Sasse

What do Fred Astaire, Roger and Gale Sayers, Bob Gibson, Bob Boozer, Michael Anania, Brenda Council, and former Omaha mayor Johnny Rosenblatt all have in common? Born in the Near North Side, each attended the same school. That same building is a neighborhood institution with deep roots going back at least 140 years in Omaha’s past. This is a history of North Omaha’s Kellom School. Continue reading A History of Kellom School

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Architects, Architecture, Black spaces and places, Buildings, Economics, Education, historic preservation, Lost history, North 30th Street, schools5 Comments
Druid Hill Elementary School, North 30th and Spaulding Streets, North Omaha, Nebraska

A History of the Druid Hill School

Adam F.C. Fletcher

Some schools in Omaha were built in reaction to floods of new residents moving into neighborhoods unexpectedly. Others were built to attract new residents. Originally opened in 1885, the school at North 30th and Spaulding Street was the latter. This is a history of the Druid Hill School in North Omaha. Continue reading A History of the Druid Hill School

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

20th century, 21st century, Architecture, Black businesses, Black organizations, Demolished buildings, Drug store, Lost history, Near North Side, North 24th Street, shopping, Social halls, Wrecked buildingsLeave a comment

A History of 1324 North 24th Street

Adam Fletcher Sasse

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

20th century, Activism, Black organizations, Black people, Economics, Government, historic preservation, Long School, Lost history, Near North Side, Organizations, Poverty, Racism, Social services2 Comments
Lake-Charles Community Organization parade float, North Omaha, Nebraska

A History of the Lake-Charles Community Organization

Adam Fletcher Sasse

This is a history of a short-lived neighborhood association with a long shadow over the history of the Near North Side neighborhood. Continue reading A History of the Lake-Charles Community Organization

20th century, 21st century, 24th and Lake, Activism, Architecture, Black businesses, Black organizations, Clubs, clubs, Economics, historic preservation, History of Nebraska, Listed on National Register of Historic Places, music, Near North Side, nightlife, Official Omaha Landmark, real estate, Social halls2 Comments
This is a history of the Dreamland Ballroom in the Jewell Building at 2222 N. 24th St. in North Omaha.

A History of the Jewell Building and Dreamland Ballroom

Adam Fletcher Sasse

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

1898 Trans-Mississippi and International Exposition, 19th century, 20th century, Architecture, Black churches, Kountze Place, Lake Street, Listed on National Register of Historic Places, Lost history, North 24th Street, Official Omaha Landmark, Presbyterian, Religion, Segregation, Wrecked buildings4 Comments
North Presbyterian Church, 3105 North 24th Street, North Omaha, Nebraska

A History of North Omaha’s Calvin Memorial Presbyterian Church

Adam F.C. Fletcher

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

20th century, Architects, Architecture, Black History, Buildings, Civic Infrastructure, Crime, Economics, Ethnicities & Races, Historic houses, Lost history, Near North Side, North 30th Street, Poverty, Public housing, Segregation, society, Wrecked buildings3 Comments
Hilltop Projects, North 30th and Lake Streets, North Omaha, Nebraska

A History of the Hilltop Projects in North Omaha

Adam Fletcher Sasse

This is a history of the third public housing projects built in North Omaha called the Hilltop Homes. Continue reading A History of the Hilltop Projects in North Omaha

20th century, 21st century, Architects, Architecture, Black History, Buildings, Civic Infrastructure, Crime, Economics, Historic houses, Lost history, Near North Side, North 30th Street, Poverty, Public housing, Segregation, society, Wrecked buildingsLeave a comment
A History of the Pleasantview Public Housing Project in North Omaha by Adam Fletcher Sasse for NorthOmahaHistory.com

A History of the Pleasantview Projects in North Omaha

Adam Fletcher Sasse

This is a history of the former Pleasantview Public Housing Projects in North Omaha, Nebraska. Continue reading A History of the Pleasantview Projects in North Omaha

19th century, 20th century, Black organizations, Black people, Buildings, Civic Infrastructure, Economics, Healthcare, historic preservation, Hospitals, Lost history, Near North Side, Public health, Segregation, White flight, Wrecked buildingsLeave a comment

A History of Segregated Hospitals and Segregated Healthcare in Omaha

Adam Fletcher Sasse

Omaha was de facto segregated for more than 75 years. Jim Crow affected employment, education, housing, religious institutions, and more throughout the city. It also meant that African Americans would routinely and frequently be denied healthcare throughout the city. This is a history of Black hospitals in Omaha, Nebraska. Continue reading A History of Segregated Hospitals and Segregated Healthcare in Omaha

20th century, 21st century, Architecture, Black businesses, Black people, Black spaces and places, Demolished buildings, Historic houses, Lost history, Restaurants, society6 Comments
Hillcrest Mansion, 2711 Caldwell Street, North Omaha, Nebraska.

A History of the Hillcrest Mansion in North Omaha

Adam F.C. Fletcher

This is the story of a mansion in North Omaha built as a home to a wealthy real estate mogul that eventually became the site of a decades-long Black-owned business. Continue reading A History of the Hillcrest Mansion in North Omaha

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Activism, Architecture, Black churches, Buildings, Churches, Civil Rights Movement, Culture, Economics, historic preservation, History of Nebraska, Lost history, NAACP, Near North Side, Organizations, Religion, Segregation, Wrecked buildings3 Comments
St Philip Episcopal Church, North 21st Street, North Omaha, Nebraska

A History of St. Philip the Deacon Episcopal Church

Adam Fletcher Sasse

This is a history of a longtime, influential and successful segregated congregation called St Philip the Deacon Episcopal Church in North Omaha. Continue reading A History of St. Philip the Deacon Episcopal Church

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, 24th and Lake, Architecture, Biographies, Black businesses, Buildings, Drug store, historic preservation, Lost history, music, OPD, Pioneer era, Race riot, White flight1 Comment
Duffy Drugs, 2424 N. 24th St., North Omaha, Nebraska

A History of Duffy Drugs

Adam Fletcher Sasse

Going back to 1886, the southwest corner of 24th and Lake has been vital to North Omaha! Its first Black-owned business didn’t happen until 1968 though. Find out more in this history of Duffy Drugs! Continue reading A History of Duffy Drugs

20th century, Black organizations, Buildings, doctors, Healthcare, Hospitals, Lost history, Segregation1 Comment
People's Hospital, 1844 N. 20th Street, North Omaha, Nebraska, 1948 to 1953.

A History of the People’s Hospital in North Omaha

Adam F.C. Fletcher

For almost a century, it was widely known that hospitals in Omaha were for whites only. Defacto segregation made doctors apply for birth certificates at hospitals where African American mothers weren’t allowed to birth their babies, while African American doctors … Continue reading A History of the People’s Hospital in North Omaha