Omaha, Nebraska has a rich history of African American heritage and contributions. The city was a destination for many African Americans during the Great Migration, as they sought better opportunities and an escape from racial discrimination in the South. In Omaha, Black residents faced segregation and discrimination, but they also built a thriving community with its own businesses, schools, 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 falsely accused of assaulting a white woman, which led to a violent mob breaking into the courthouse, dragging him out, and lynching him in the streets. The lynching sparked outrage and protests among the Black community and drew attention to the racism and injustice prevalent in Omaha at the time.

Omaha was also home to several influential African American leaders and activists, such as Mildred Brown, who was a pioneering journalist and publisher of the Omaha Star, a newspaper that advocated for civil rights and social justice. Preston Love, a prominent musician, bandleader, and civil rights activist, made significant contributions to Omaha's cultural scene and advocated for racial equality.

Today, Omaha continues to celebrate its Black history and heritage through events, exhibits, and programs that highlight the contributions of African Americans to the city's development and culture. The Great Plains Black History Museum in Omaha is an important institution that preserves and promotes the history and achievements of African Americans in Nebraska and the Great Plains region.