C U L T U R E
Discover North O! by Mark Mc Gaugh, 1st Sky Omaha
W
ith an increasingly diverse population and an equally rich history, the communities of Omaha have much to be proud of. North Omaha is no exception with a wide array of shops, restaurants, parks, murals and gardens bringing life to this historic community. The pride and deep-rooted heritage of North Omaha reaches a fever pitch every odd-numbered year when thousands of Native Omahans return home for Native Omaha Days. Nothing short of a supercharged community-wide family reunion, Native Omaha Days sees relatives who have left for better opportunities, or simply a new start, reconnect with loved ones and friends. As you prepare for hot days at Carter Lake and long nights on The Deuce, take a look at this list and discover North O!
North O!
Art & Events Native Omaha Days This year’s Native Omaha Days is slated to be the biggest yet! The event takes place July 26 through August 1 and will feature outdoor jazz concerts, golf tournaments, movie nights, gospel fests and a parade down North 30th Street. The biennial event was founded by two Afri-
20
can-American women, Bettie McDonald and Vera Johnson, for the Black population living predominantly in North Omaha. Its purpose was to reunite family and friends that have moved away from their hometown throughout the years. Since COVID-19 restrictions have loosened, many are expected to attend this year to join in the fun. • July 27 — Movie Night at Film Streams • July 28 — Gospel Fest at Morning Star Baptist Church • July 28 through July 31 — Festival Square at the Bryant Center on 24th Street. • July 28 — UNO Black Studies 50th Anniversary at UNO (4 p.m. to 6 p.m.) • July 29 — Jazz at the Greens at Dodge Riverside Golf Course (Council Bluffs, Iowa) • July 30 — Native Omaha Days Golf Tournament at Dodge Riverside Golf Course (Council Bluffs, Iowa) • July 30 — A Stroll Down Memory Lane • July 31 — 23rd Biennial Homecoming Parade Celebration! 30th and Lake to 30th and Sprague (8:30 a.m.)
July 2021
• July 31 — Culture Fest at the Malcolm X Memorial Foundation (noon to 5 p.m.) • July 31 — (Evening) Blues Night featuring Pokey Bear and Big Robb at the Malcolm X Memorial Foundation (7 p.m. to 11 p.m.) Events reported by Paul B. Allen IV
Juneteenth Celebration June in North Omaha marks one of the nation’s longest Juneteenth festivals, lasting an entire week. The festival, which celebrates the abolition of slavery, features a large parade, concerts and many other commemorative events. See visitomaha.com.
Union for Contemporary Art The Union offers fellowships and gallery space to some of the most promising artists in North Omaha. For more information visit u-ca.org.
Culxr House Founded by local rapper and organizer Marcey Yates, the Culxr House is one of the premier community centers in Omaha and a home for artists of many disciplines. To keep up with everything happening at the Culxr House be sure to follow them on social media!
African Cultural Festival Presented by Afromaha, the African Cultural Festival is an annual event that honors Omaha’s growing population of African refugees and immigrants. Omaha is home to one of the largest populations of South Sudanese immigrants in the country, and the festival has grown to be a celebration of multiple African countries and cultures. This year’s event takes place September 4 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. For more information or to purchase tickets visit afromaha.com.
Street Art and Murals North Omaha is home to many beautiful murals and street art projects that have been commissioned by the city and local nonprofits. With projects like the Justice for James mural on 24th and Browne, this beautiful art illustrates the spirit of North Omaha.
North O!
Historic Locations Great Plains Black History Museum Looking for a trip down memory lane? Located just a few blocks south of Lake Street, the Great Plains Black History Museum is a library of North Omaha. The museum features
