The historic heart of North Omaha
This month, Habitat Omaha commemorates Black History by celebrating a few of the history-makers in the North Omaha community. We celebrate the art, food, and fashion as we recognize the culture and contributions of African Americans. Habitat Omaha considers these businesses our neighbors, as they line the 24th Street corridor once known in the Black community as The Deuce.
Many historic buildings and businesses live in the heart of North Omaha, including The Omaha Star and Goodwin’s Spencer Street Barbershop.
Mildred Brown and her husband Edward S. Gilbert founded The Omaha Star in 1938. The newspaper has focused on printing positive stories about North Omaha’s African American community.
After Mildred passed away in 1989, her niece, Marguerita Washington, took over as the owner. Terri Sanders is currently the publisher of the newspaper. All of the paper’s publishers have been African American women. The Omaha Star is the only remaining African American newspaper in Nebraska.
Established in 1955, Goodwin’s Spencer Street Barbershop is one the longest running barbershops in Nebraska. Daniel M. Goodwin, Sr. founded it at the age of 23. His son, Daniel Goodwin, Jr., is now the owner of the barbershop.
We encourage you to visit the historic heart of North Omaha. Take a walking tour, see the buildings and support the businesses.
Get to know a few more businesses along the historic 24th Street corridor:
- Established in 1996, Get-N-Go Fish proudly serves delicious fried fish for lunch and dinner.
- The Great Plains Black History Museum highlights American history through the lens of African Americans.
- LeFlore’s Fashions is a fine clothing boutique for men.
- Founded and named to honor Omaha’s legendary jazz musician Preston Love, Sr., Love’s Jazz and Arts Center’s mission is to preserve, promote and present African American art and jazz.
- Still Poppin Gormet Popcorn is a self-funded black woman owned business that serves fresh popped popcorn with amazing flavors and is focused on connecting with the community.
- The Cooler Sno-Balls serves finely shaved ice topped with handmade syrups.
- The Union for Contemporary Art connects people with art through exhibitions, a garden project and events. It provides resources to local artists.
