Police

Sirens, arrests, crime, violence, all lead to one place. These are just a few words that come to mind when one thinks of the police. However, through our research we learned that the Omaha Police Department is very dedicated to keeping the city of Omaha safe. We also discovered that African American police officers are a very large part of the OPD. They often faced struggles such as racial tensions, discrimination, forced residential assignments, and affirmative action.

For more information click here, Police

Sudanese Immigrants

Violent Civil War has been a reality for many South Sudanese citizens for decades. In the mid 1980's the conflict started to turn, the South Sudanese People’s Liberation Army fought against the Northern Sudanese Army. Southern Sudanese citizens fled to refugee camps to save their lives. Many refugees were eventually resettled in the United States. Omaha, NE eventually became the largest resettlement location in the United States. Refugees came to Omaha in search of a better life. Omaha offers career opportunities, affordable living, and an already established Sudanese community to join. While in Omaha many refugees face challenges adapting to their new lives. Some of these challenges include learning English, finding employment, and developing a new identity in the states. The Southern Sudanese Community Association provides training and education for refugees in Omaha. Since their establishment in 1997 they have served over 1,311 Southern Sudanese families. Many refugees feel that though this journey has been rough it is one that is worth it for the sake of their families. They are hopeful Omaha will someday feel like home.

For more information click here, Sudanese Immigrants

Tuskegee Airmen

The Tuskegee Airmen were heroes in World War II. They were African American fighter pilots of the 332nd fighter group. 450 Tuskegee Airmen served in Europe during World War II, 68 of whom were killed or went missing in action. The main purpose that they served was to escort the bombers into Germany and back. White bomber pilots requested that the Tuskegee Airman escort them because they had gained a reputation for not losing bombers. The Tuskegee Airmen were trailblazers in integrating the Military. They endured the hate of Jim Crow, inside and outside the military, and inspired the start of the integration of the military by order of President Truman in 1948. The Tuskegee Airmen served with distinction, receiving 150 Distinguished Flying Crosses, a Legion of Merit, a Red Star of Yugoslavia, 8 Purple Hearts, a Silver Star, 14 Bronze Stars, 744 Air Medals, and 3 Presidential Unit Citations. They also earned a long delayed Medal of Honor in 2007. As you can see, the Tuskegee Airmen deserve the respect of all Americans.

For more information click here, Tuskegee Airmen

Visual Arts

Visual art is an important avenue for self-expression and always has a story behind it. African American visual arts have long been an important part of the community in North Omaha, murals, statues, and art galleries are all around. Art helps make up the unique identity of the people and community. Our project is bringing African American visual arts in Omaha to the surface so that they are not forgotten as African American art has been in the past.

For more information click here, Visual Arts

Art and Music

South Omaha has traditionally been infused with the vibrancy of new immigration waves. Music and Art have always played an important role in presenting the expression of the people and their culture. This site seeks to highlight their contributions to their community.

For more information click here, Arts and Music

Chicano Movement

The Mexican American (Chicano) Movement was the last social movement. It occurred in 1968. A new generation of young people (high school and college students) were the ones who fought for equal rights for education, voting, political and land rights.

 For more information click here, Chicano Movement

Employment, Stockyards

In 1955 Omaha livestock market became the largest in the world. It surpassed Chicago as the busiest stockyard. Everyday thousands of pigs, cows, and sheep would be shipped. They would ship them to Omahas pens where they would be sold to packinghouses for slaughter or to other livestock producers for fattening or breeding stock. In 1967 the number of livestock brought to Omaha dropped. They officially closed in 1999.

For more information click here, Employment

Local Business

South Omahas business district is a vibrant community. Various immigrants have called the neighborhood home and shaped this community.

For more information click here, Local Business

G.I. Forum

Welcome to the American G.I. Forum web page! We are excited to show you the conflict of Mexican Americans being discriminated against as well as the many challenges they faced starting the American G.I. Forum. The organization was started for veterans by veterans who were guided by Dr. Hector P. Garcia. We do not want to spoil any further information so click to read more about the American G.I. Forum.

For more information click here, G.I. Forum

Railroad

Railroads are important to Omahas history. Railroads have brought many immigrant groups to South Omaha which has added to the diversity of the City of Omaha.

For more information click here, Railroads