Why We Share These Stories
Black History Month is often framed through a national lens, focusing on a few well-known figures. However, the true pulse of history is often local. This project highlights the hidden giants of the Midwest—specifically the doctors, entrepreneurs, and innovators who built the foundation of North Omaha and the broader Great Plains. Working within a university focused on medical education, we see how innovation drives the future; this project proves that innovation is built on the shoulders of local pioneers like Dr. Matthew Ricketts and Van Johnson.
Our Mission:
- Localize History: To remind our neighbors in Omaha and Nebraska that our streets were the site of national “firsts.”
- Celebrate Medical & Tech Innovation: To showcase the Black scientists and physicians who transformed oncology, EMS, and the digital communication we use every day.
- Foster Economic Literacy: By highlighting the “Harlem of the Plains,” we aim to inspire a new generation of entrepreneurs and community builders.
