North Omaha, Nebraska
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
North Omaha is an area in Omaha, Nebraska, United States, that is defined by its historical and modern neighborhoods, as well as its diverse racial and socio-economic composition. It is located just north of Omaha's downtown. The birthplace of Malcolm X, North Omaha has played a prominent role in African-American cultural, social, and economic history.
North Omaha is bordered by Cuming Street on the South, I-680 on the North, 72nd Street to the West, and East Omaha and Carter Lake, Iowa to the East,[1][2] The area includes the zip codes 68102, 68104, 68110, 68111 and 68131.
In 2006, North Omaha became the focus of national attention after its State Senator Ernie Chambers introduced an amendment that passed the Nebraska Legislature that would break up the Omaha school system into three systems. He proposed dividing them along geographic lines, which would have been de facto racial lines, of North Omaha - mostly African-Americans; central Omaha - mostly whites; and South Omaha, mostly Latinos.
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[edit] Neighborhoods
North Omaha is home to many historic and rehabilitating neighborhoods. The Near North Side is the historic center of Omaha's immigrant past. It was, often in successive generations, home to Irish, German, Jewish, Lithuanian and other European immigrants. It also became the home of African American migrants from the South, who created a community that has lasted more than 100 years. During the early years of Omaha, before the city extended beyond Lake Street, an area of mostly Irish settlers known as Gophertown was located north of Saratoga and south of Florence.[3] Today's Saratoga neighborhood was once a boom town built by wildcat bankers from the East Coast. Later, Saratoga was home to the Omaha University football team's stadium.[4][5]
The historic community of Florence predates Omaha. Mormon pioneers arrived there in the summer of 1846, almost ten years before Omaha was founded. They built a complete town there, called Cutler's Park, and later Florence was its own town, as well.
Other distinct neighborhoods within North Omaha are Miller Park, Kellom, Fontenelle Park/Fontenelle View, Central Park, Minne Lusa, Kountze Place and Hilltop.
The recently developed Conestoga Place neighborhood was built on the former site of the Logan Fontenelle Housing Projects. See "Demographics" for information about distinct racial and socio-economic communities within North Omaha.
[edit] History
North Omaha has a recorded history extending to 1806 with the founding of Fort Lisa, where Sacagawea may have died in 1812. It includes the settlement of Cutler's Park in 1846, lynchings around the turn of the century, the thriving 24th Street community of the 1920s, the bustling development of the African American community through the 1950s, and a series of riots in the 1960s.
[edit] North Omaha Timeline
Significant actors in the history of North Omaha include the Pawnee, Otoe and Sioux nations. European settlement started in 1806; African American migrants arrived starting in the 1860s (but most came from 1910-1920); and Irish, Czech, Greek, Italians, eastern European Jews, and other European immigrants came from the 1840s through the early 20th century. Several important settlements and towns were built in the area, in addition to important social events that shaped the future of Omaha and the history of the nation.
Newer immigrant groups in Omaha include numerous Latinos, chiefly from Mexico; and 5,000 recent refugees from the Sudan. They have settled in various parts of the city.
[edit] Notable figures from North Omaha
North Omaha has been the birthplace and home of many figures of national and local import. They include Malcolm X; Whitney Young, an important civil rights leader; author Tillie Olsen, who was a labor organizer in a packinghouse and wrote about women and the poor working class; the storied Nebraska State Senator Ernie Chambers; actor John Beasley; and actress Gabrielle Union.
Singer Wynonie Harris, saxaphonist Preston Love and Buddy Miles all have called North Omaha home. Businesswoman Cathy Hughes is from North Omaha. The community has also the native home of several sports stars, including Baseball Hall of Famer Bob Gibson, football player Johnny Rodgers, Pro Football Hall of Famer, Chicago Bears Gale Sayers, Houston Texans starting running back Ahman Green, and basketball player Bob Boozer.
[edit] Landmarks in North Omaha
Due to its exceptionally diverse history, particularly compared to the rest of Nebraska, North Omaha is home to numerous historical and modern landmarks. There are many buildings listed on the Registered Historic Places within its boundaries.
[edit] Architecture in North Omaha
Houses built in Queen Anne, Arts and crafts, Romanesque and Classical Revival styles in the late 1800s and early 1900s occupy several neighborhoods throughout Omaha. Greek Revival commercial buildings and a Spanish Renaissance Revival church represent the reverence many architects held for history. Buildings in the 20th century Plains style and work by Thomas Rogers Kimball represented a more modern perspective. The area is also home to many modern developments.
[edit] Current events
Current events in North Omaha illustrate a long legacy of governmental, educational, and social programs which have shaped popular perception and molded community sentiment. This legacy may have its roots in the 1970s, when, according to one government agency,
- Construction of the North Omaha Freeway, coupled with social unrest in the 1970s, greatly impacted the North Omaha area. One neighborhood experienced a 30 percent housing loss and major increase in crime.[6]
In the 1990s the U.S. Supreme Court forced the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to address the systematic racism apparent in the segregation in housing projects throughout North Omaha, including the notorious Logan Fontenelle Projects.
Concern about segregation is a continuing concern. Local Nebraska State Senator Ernie Chambers has proposed to split Omaha Public Schools into three districts, including one carved out of North Omaha.[7] Despite statistics that illustrate North Omaha's diverse racial composition, there is public perception that the plan would create de facto racial segregation within Omaha's schools. The Nebraska State Legislature approved the plan, which was signed into law by the governor. Civil rights groups have challenged the plan as creating segregation, and a court case is underway.
[edit] Racism
North Omaha is viewed as a violent, poor, drug-riddled community[8] where only low-income African American people live. A recent local news report stated the area was "71 percent Black"[9]. Despite positive activities directed at improving North Omaha over the years, including those listed above, local media tend to focus on dramatic stories of racial and economic strife within the community.
Recent controversy has focused on a spoof aired by a local radio station in which a popular area radio DJ parodied a recent North Omaha tourism promotion campaign, reportedly saying on air, "Discover miles of mayhem, discover drive-bys, discover gang violence, discover North Omaha."[10] The City Council fought against this portrayal, with North Omaha city councilman Frank Brown demanding an apology from the radio station because "the spoof paints all residents of north Omaha as criminals."[11]
Many institutions within the boundaries of North Omaha reinforce these perceptions as they seek to disassociate with the area despite their proximity within North Omaha. A past example came from an online "information center for current and prospective medical students at Creighton University"[12] which reported housing in North Omaha to be "...Older, smaller, more run-down... A little ways from shopping areas. It can be close to Creighton (5-10 minute drive). Many of these neighborhoods have a bad reputation and we recommend looking elsewhere for housing."[13]
A precedent in the history of Omaha follows the same pattern of media and public institutions perpetuating popular misconceptions about African Americans.
[edit] Historic racial tension
There have been a number of distinct events throughout the history of North Omaha that were caused by racial tension between African Americans and Caucasians throughout the city. In the 20th century, some of this tension has been expressed in city policies and relations with the police force.
Omaha had events in common with other high-growth, major industrial cities that attracted many new immigrants and migrants, including two turn-of-the-century lynchings, civil rights protests from the 1920s through the 1970s, and several bloody and destructive riots in the 1960s.
The shooting of a teenager in the Logan Fontenelle Projects in the early 1970s marked the first of a number of incidents between individual members of the African American community in North Omaha and the Omaha Police Department. Since the late 1980s, there have been a number of gang-related clashes, as well.
[edit] History of the civil rights movement
The civil rights movement in North Omaha goes back to at least 1912, when a local chapter was founded of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). In 1928 the first Urban League chapter in the western United States was started in North Omaha. Both of these organizations continue today.
Student and youth activism in North Omaha led to the creation of two unique groups: Creighton University's DePorres Club, started in 1947, and the Black Association for Nationalism Through Unity (BANTU), popular through the 1960s. In the summer of 1963 the Citizens Civic Committee for Civil Liberties rallied to demand change equal rights for all African Americans in Omaha[14].
While the Omaha civil rights movement did not gain its stated goals of gaining a state law ensuring equal housing opportunities or a separate state law ensuring equal job opportunities, it was successful for raising awareness of the inequities facing African Americans in Omaha.[15] From the film A Time for Burning to Senator Ernie Chambers' recent legislative action, the civil rights movement has had a significant legacy in Omaha.
[edit] Business
North Omaha is a sustaining community with business centers on North 16th, 24th, and 30th Streets; Ames Avenue, and in other pockets. The area is the home to numerous small, locally-owned, and independent businesses. It is also the site of numerous government programs designed to spur further economic growth. Some area enterprises include Leola's Records and Tapes, Jim's Rib Haven, Goodies Gas Station, Phil's Foodway, Al's Oasis, CBC Staffing, and Goodwin's Spencer Street Barber Shop. Goodwin's, located at 3116 N 24th Street since 1955, is one of 24th Street's few legacy businesses.[16]
[edit] Community development
North Omaha has a range of important community based organizations and government programs conducting community development, educational assistance and low-income housing[17]. Additionally, a series of private and public ventures are developing local businesses in the community[18].
[edit] Housing
Path Concept Home is a project that concentrates on urban development in the residential area between 25th and Parker that is funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The PCH plan will serve as a template for other development projects to follow, providing homes which are good for the consumer-friendly and the environmentally conscious. These homes are required to be sold to low-income and minority families. Other organizations providing housing in North Omaha include Holy Name Housing Corporation, Family Housing Advisory Services, Inc. and Rebuilding Together Omaha.
[edit] Children and youth
A number of youth organizations and programs serve North Omaha children and youth. They include the North Omaha B.E.A.R.S. Youth and Sports club, BEARS is an acronym which stands for Building Esteem and Responsibility Systematically and the program combines sports with academics and social enhancement, the Hope Center and Hope Skate, an initiative of the Hope Center. The Safe Haven Community Center is a youth center located at 2895 Binney Street[19]. The North Omaha Boys & Girls Club and Girls Inc. serve the area as well.
[edit] Health programs
North Omaha is home to several important medical institutions. They include St. Joseph's Hospital, Immanuel Medical Center and the Creighton University Medical Center. The Charles Drew Health Center provides a variety of services to low-income community members, as well[20].
Among the many community development programs are the historic Urban League of Nebraska[21], the Charles Drew Health Center[22], Heartland Family Services-FAST, New Community Development[23] and the Benson-Ames Alliance Community Plan, which is community-driven planning process for neighborhood revitalization [24].
North Omaha was affected by pollution and harmful emissions for the American Smelting and Refining Company, better known by the acronym "ASARCO". The windfall from their downtown Omaha plant led to the community, comprising more than 8,000 acres (32 km²), becoming designated by United States Environmental Protection Agency as a Superfund national priority site. As of 2003, 290 acres (1.2 km²) were cleaned[25]. Today the community is the focus of the Lead Safe Omaha Coalition. The Coalition offers lead screenings and workshops on hazards of lead poisoning, safe home evaluations, lead-safe practices workshops, environmental certification training, HEPA vacuum rental, and the Information Resource Center on lead to residents through North Omaha [26].
[edit] Economic development
The Omaha Star has long been a source of employment and positive news for citizens in North Omaha. The North Omaha Development Project is a project of the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce designed to "bring... business and community leaders together to find ways to positively impact the economic growth of the North Omaha community."[27] It seeks to leveraging city, federal and private sector funding to support public infrastructure and economic development.[28] The North Omaha Business Park is located at 24th and Clark Streets, the business park is "a joint effort of the Omaha Chamber and the City of Omaha... [It is] a 15-acre development on the former Logan Fontenelle Housing Projects site." It is home to several businesses including Wes & Willy’s[29], Cintas Corporation, Jobosh, Inc., and Amored Knights Company.[30]
[edit] Culture
North Omaha is home to a wide variety of cultural institutions, events and activities that anchor the community in a variety of ways.
[edit] Annual events
North Omaha is home to several important annual events that help define and celebrate the community, its history, and its future. Native Omaha Days is a biennial North Omaha cultural tradition, reuniting members of the city's African American community. The Days are commemorated with a variety of events, including the Evergreen Reunion, named after a town in Alabama that many families in the area trace their roots to.[31] Other annual activities include the Juneteenth Parade, the Fort Omaha Intertribal Powwow, Omaha Blues, Jazz & Gospel Festival[32], Florence Days, and the Omaha North High School Homecoming, which includes a parade for the community. The Stone Soul Picnic is also an important annual event in the community.
[edit] Religion
North Omaha has a variety of religious programs and faith communities. They include Pearl Memorial United Methodist Church, located at 24th and Ogden Ave, which provides a variety of outreach projects to the Miller Park community, as well as Wesley House. There are several new Christian congregations throughout the area, including the City Church locoated at 45th and Bedford Streets.[33]
- Further information: List of churches in Omaha, Nebraska
[edit] Education
Important education institutions in North Omaha include Creighton University, Metropolitan Community College (Omaha) located at Fort Omaha and the Charles B. Washington Branch of the Omaha Public Library, located at 2868 Ames Avenue[34]. The area is served by Omaha Public Schools, including the local feeder school, Omaha North High School. Tech High School also once served the community, as did Omaha University, which was founded on North 24th Street, and a Presbyterian Theological Institute in the same neighborhood.
[edit] Political representation
North Omaha is represented on the Omaha City Council by Frank Brown, District 2[35], and Jim Suttle, who is the city councilmember from District 1. Lowen Kruse is a state senator for Nebraska's 13th Legislative District, representing far North Omaha. Ernie Chambers is the state senator for Nebraka's 11th Legislative District representing near North Omaha. Lee Terry, a Republican, represents all of Omaha, including North Omaha, as part of Nebraska's 2nd congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives. Ben Nelson, a Democrat, is the incumbent junior Senator from Nebraska, including North Omaha. Chuck Hagel, a Republican, is the senior United States Senator from Nebraska, including North Omaha. The current Governor of Nebraska is Dave Heineman, a Republican.
[edit] Transportation
North Omaha has several main arterials. The major routes running north and south are Abbott Drive, 16th Avenue, 24th Street (locally called "The Deuce"), 30th Street, 42nd Street, 52nd Street, 60th Street and 72nd Street. Fontenelle Boulevard, Northwest Radial Highway, Military Road, Happy Hollow Boulevard, Country Club Avenue, John A. Creighton Boulevard and Saddle Creek Road each run north, south, east and west. Other important streets in the area include Burt and then Cuming Street, which are the same street, and eventually earn the designation as Nebraska Highway 64 from 27th Street west. Hamilton Street, Bedford Avenue, Sprague Street, Ames Avenue, Sorenson Parkway, Fort Street, Martin Avenue, Forest Lawn Avenue and McKinley Street are all important, as well. Lake Street eventually becomes Maple Street, which also spurs off as Military Avenue, all in North Omaha.
Several streets in the area are named after locally, regionally, and nationally important individuals[36] One of the main thoroughfares is North 24th Street, which, from Cuming Street on the south to Reed Street on the north, is commonly thought to represent North Omaha's greatest historical legacy and hope for the future. North 24th was addressed as Omaha's "Street of Dreams" because of the prosperity and hope it embodied for its early African American, Eastern European and Jewish residents.
Florence Boulevard and Fontenelle Boulevard are two once-highly regarded components of Omaha's boulevard system.
Several North Omaha traffic ways are named after military interests. They include Military Road, which is a historic road first laid out in 1854 by the US Army. It starts in North Omaha just off Hamilton at North 45th Street, where it is signed as Military Avenue. General John J. Pershing Drive was named after the successful World War I U.S. Army leader, and flows from East Omaha north by Florence, by the historic site of Fort Lisa and towards Blair. Similarly, Sherman Avenue, also known as North 16th Street, was named after William Tecumseh Sherman, the commander general of the U.S. Army in charge of the Indian Wars. Fort Street between North 30th and North 24th is named for Fort Omaha.
Sorenson Parkway, a modern contribution to the historic park boulevard system, was named after an Omaha mayor. It was built along an abandoned railroad bed and runs from North 72nd Street to North 30th Street, which is the historic Main Street of Florence. Sorenson is an example of a street in North Omaha which has been renamed; prior to 1996 Sorensen Parkway west of Northampton Boulevard was called Redick Avenue until 72nd Street. That year the city changed the name, and currently Sorensen Parkway travels beyond 72nd Street, continuing to the intersection of Blair High Road and North 90th Street, which is the start of Nebraska Highway 133. John A. Creighton Boulevard was named after the brother of Edward Creighton.
U.S. Highway 75 is a historic highway flowing along North 30th Street to become the North Expressway. This stretch of the highway was the source of much contention in when it was constructed in the 1970s and 80s. As a Nebraska state agency reports, "Construction of the North Omaha Freeway, coupled with social unrest in the 1970s, greatly impacted the North Omaha area. One neighborhood experienced a 30 percent housing loss and major increase in crime."[37] Interstate 680 is the north bypass freeway that is a boundary for North Omaha. The Mormon Bridge is located on this stretch.
Other important streets in the area include Lake Street, Ames Avenue, Cuming Street, State Street, Abbott Drive and North 20th Avenue.
[edit] Geology
The historic founding, development and current identification of North Omaha is bound to its geography. Located next to the Missouri River and Carter Lake (lake), North Omaha includes several streams, small lakes, cliffs, and artesian springs. One historic report identifies a sulphur spring at the "foot of Spencer Street", with another at the "foot of Grand Avenue". The foot is presumed to be where 16th Street meets Commercial Avenue.[38]
[edit] Demographics
Statistics gathered from the US Census Bureau for the North Omaha area show the following:
| Race | 68102 | 68110 | 68111 |
|---|---|---|---|
| White | 3,477 | 3,432 | 6,457 |
| Black | 1,230 | 5,314 | 19,108 |
| Hispanic | 465 | 401 | 1,056 |
| Asian | 287 | 43 | 129 |
| Other | 435 | 551 | 1,236 |
| Total | 5,894 | 9,741 | 27,986 |
In percentages, North Omaha is 59% African-American, 29% White, 5% Hispanic and 7% other.
In 2003, the African American population in Omaha was estimated at 52,273 or 13.1 percent of the city’s total estimated population of 397,713. That makes African Americans the largest minority group in Omaha, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
- Further information: African Americans in Omaha, Nebraska
[edit] See also
[edit] Gallery
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Omaha Star office at NE corner of 24th & Grant Streets |
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Webster Telephone Exchange Building, once home of the Great Plains Black Museum |
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Captain Alfonza Davis commemorative plaque; Tuskegee Airman from N.O. |
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General Crook House at Fort Omaha |
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Now-closed Mister C's, a local landmark restaurant |
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Historical marker for Omaha's pioneer Prospect Hill Cemetery |
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Historical marker for Fort Omaha |
Omaha-eppley.jpg
North Omaha above Eppley Airfield and Levi Carter Park |
[edit] References
- ^ Center for Public Affairs (1998) Omaha Conditions Survey. University of Nebraska at Omaha
- ^ "North Omaha Development Project Description". Omaha Chamber of Commerce. p 1. Retrieved 8/28/07.
- ^ Barstow, D. (2002) A Dirty Town. Caxton Press.
- ^ City of Omaha. (n.d.) Neighborhood Associations
- ^ Omaha Neighborhood Scan University of Omaha.
- ^ (2001) State's top community development projects honored. Nebraska Department of Economic Development. Retrieved 4/7/07.
- ^ PBS (n.d.) Plan for Omaha Schools Raises Segregation Concerns
- ^ "Safe Places to Live in Omaha
- ^ Wright, J. (2006) "Omaha Plan: Is it Segregation?" Afro American Newspaper Apr 22, 2006.
- ^ (2006) "Radio Spoof Targets North Omaha Violence: KFAB Host Defends Satire" October 4, 2006, KETV.com. Retrieved 3/21/07.
- ^ "Council Asks For KFAB Apology: Opponents Speak Against Resolution"October 17, 2006, KETV.Com. Retrieved 3/21/07.
- ^ Creighton Medical Students. Retrieved 7/21/07.
- ^ (nd) Omaha Areas - Public access no longer available.
- ^ A Street of Dreams.
- ^ A Street of Dreams.
- ^ (n.d.) Dan Goodwin DiscoverBlackOmaha.com
- ^ Section 4. Economic Development Investment in Northeast Omaha: An Inventory and Assessment of Activities in Blair, R., Deichert, J. & Bloom, H. (2005) 2005 Revised Omaha Economic Development Plan University of Nebraska - Omaha and Omaha Economic Development Corporation
- ^ Beals, J. (n.d.) Coming Soon: Three more businesses make Omaha’s future look brighter Omaha City Weekly
- ^ (n.d.)Safe Haven Community Center
- ^ Charles Drew Health Center website.
- ^ (n.d.)Urban League website
- ^ (n.d.) Charles Drew Health Center website
- ^ (n.d.)New Community Development
- ^ (n.d.)Benson-Ames Alliance Community Plan. LivelyOmaha.Org
- ^ (2003) National Priorities List Site Narrative for Omaha Lead. United States EPA.
- ^ (n.d.) Lead Safe Omaha Coalition.
- ^ (nd) North Omaha Project. Omaha Chamber of Commerce. Retrieved 6/24/07.
- ^ (nd) Project Map. Omaha Chamber of Commerce. Retrieved 6/25/07.
- ^ (nd) Wes & Willy Retrieved 6/27/07.
- ^ Beals, J (n.d.) Coming Soon: Three more businesses make Omaha’s future look brighter. Omaha City Weekly.
- ^ (2005) 'The Days', The Omaha Reader.
- ^ (n.d.)OBJG Festival
- ^ City Church. Retrieved 7/23/07.
- ^ (n.d.) Charles Washington Branch Omaha Public Library.
- ^ (n.d.) Omaha City Council Map City of Omaha.
- ^ Omaha Street Names Douglas County Historical Society.
- ^ (2001) State's top community development projects honored. Nebraska Department of Economic Development.
- ^ Historical Sketch of Brownell Hall. Retrieved 12/26/07.
[edit] Related publications
- Alexander, C. (1981) Rebirth of the Inner City: The North Omaha Plan. Center for Environmental Structure.
- (1992) The North Omaha Renaissance 2000 Plan. Ciaccio Dennell Group Inc. - A community-based and locally initiated plan that provided initial analysis and visions for the redevelopment of Northeast Omaha.
- (2004) Housing Study: Omaha Housing Authority—Population & Housing Demand Profile. - The Omaha Housing Authority plays an important role in Northeast Omaha. This OHA study projected housing trends in north Omaha. (The North Omaha Population and Housing Demand statistics can be found in the Appendix.)
- (n.d.) Multiethnic Guide. Greater Omaha Economic Partnership.
[edit] External links
- eOmahaForums discussion about North Omaha housing
- North Omaha in Action
- North Omaha Development Project
- Empower Omaha Empowerment Network
- Loves Jazz and Art Center
- NorthOmaha.Com
- Discover Black Omaha website
- The Omaha Star website
- North Omaha - A photoset on Flickr
North Omaha, Nebraska |
|---|
| Main article: North Omaha, Nebraska History • Timeline • Neighborhoods • Landmarks • Parks • Architecture • Culture Education • People • Politics • Civil rights |
Neighborhoods of Omaha | |
|---|---|
| Downtown | Burnt District · Chinatown · Old Market · Sporting District · NoDo |
| Midtown | Country Club · Dundee · Elmwood Park · Field Club · Hanscom Park · Leavenworth · Morton Meadows |
| North | Bemis Park · Benson · Casey's Row · Conestoga Place · Cutler's Park · East Omaha · Florence · Gifford Park · Gophertown · Gold Coast · Kountze Place · Miller Park · Minne Lusa · Near North Side · Prospect Hill · Raven Oaks · Scriptown · Saratoga · Walnut Hill |
| South | Burlington Road · Carville · Dahlman · Deer Park · Dog Hollow · Gibson · Greek Town · Little Bohemia · Little Italy · Old Gold Coast · South Omaha · Sheelytown · S. 24th Street · Spring Lake |
| West | Bent Creek · Bridlewood · Elkhorn · Hillsborough · Keystone · Maple Village · Millard · Mockingbird Heights · Roanoke |
