From Janitor to Lawmaker: The Incredible Journey of Dr. Matthew Ricketts
The Story: Born into slavery, Matthew Ricketts arrived in Omaha and worked as a janitor at Omaha Medical College to pay his tuition. In 1884, he became the first Black physician in Nebraska history. He used his prestige to become the first Black state legislator in Nebraska, authoring the state’s first Civil Rights Act in 1893. Deep Dive: Ricketts helped secure appointments for Black people in city government and urged the creation of Omaha’s first all-Black fire company in 1895. He proved that the Black physician is a healer of both the body and the law.
