Omaha, Nebraska has a rich history when it comes to the African American community. During the 19th and early 20th centuries, Omaha was a hub for African American settlers seeking new opportunities in the western United States. The community faced challenges such as segregation and discrimination, but also established thriving businesses, churches, and cultural institutions.

One significant event in Omaha's Black history is the lynching of Will Brown in 1919. Brown, a Black man, was accused of assaulting a white woman, and despite lack of evidence, he was arrested and held in the county jail. A mob gathered outside the courthouse demanding his release, and when their demands were not met, they stormed the building, dragged Brown out, and lynched him.

In the mid-20th century, Omaha became a center for civil rights activism. Activists such as Mildred Brown, the publisher of the Omaha Star, and Whitney Young Jr., a civil rights leader, worked to combat segregation and discrimination in the city. The civil rights movement in Omaha saw successes in areas such as education, employment, and housing.

Today, the African American community in Omaha continues to make significant contributions to the city's culture and economy. Events such as the Native Omaha Days celebration and the Malcolm X Festival celebrate the city's Black heritage and provide opportunities for community members to come together and celebrate their history and achievements.