In my speeches and writing, I often allude to the neighborhood where I grew up. North Omaha, Nebraska, is a predominantly African American neighborhood with a rich history and powerful culture that make it dynamic, powerful and marginally frightening to a lot of white people. As a goofy low-income Canadian kid, my mentors, neighbors and friends there made me who I am. I wanted to explore the reasons why this place is so dynamic, so I spent a few years researching and writing about it.
I’m excited to share that I have a new book series available. Here are the details:
There is hidden, neglected, denied, lost and forgotten history in North Omaha, Nebraska. Home to the majority of Nebraska’s African American population for more than a century, the community also has a brilliant history among Omaha’s Jewish population, Swedes, Italians, Irish and more. Its history with working class, low-income, upper class and everyday people is enriched by the religious, social, cultural and economic diversity of the area, too.
In these three books, internationally recognized youth expert Adam Fletcher Sasse shares the story of where he grew up. He exposes the hyperlocal history of a community built on privilege, torn by racism, and reweaving itself through determination. Carefully tracking more than 200 years, Fletcher Sasse shares his research on a variety of topics, including the fur trade, Native Americans, pioneer towns, European immigrants, and the development of the community.
Highlighting the history of North Omaha’s African American community as well, this series exposes Omaha’s systematic and long-standing attitude and actions towards this population. With precise details and dynamic writing, Fletcher Sasse reveals some shocking events, demonstrates intriguing patterns and enlightens a bright pathway towards the future of North Omaha’s history.
I’m excited to share these books with the world, if only because the history of the neighborhood I grew up is so neglected, so forgotten and so denied! Here are descriptions of each book in the series.
North Omaha History: Volume Three – (292 pages, 2016) In the final book of the North Omaha History series, Adam Fletcher Sasse reveals more of the lost, hidden, neglected and denied history of this predominantly African American neighborhood. He shares biographies of historical crime bosses and an old woman who smoked stogies; details the role of transportation, and dives deep into the architecture in North Omaha. At the end, he shares a timeline of important people in the community’s history, including political, social, social, athletic, educational, economic, criminal and other figures. The book finishes with a bibliography and comprehensive index. Press Release
North Omaha History: Volume Two (282 pages, 2016) From the outset, this book shares the history of education in North Omaha, including pioneer schools, Catholic schools, segregated schools, and more go on display. Fletcher Sasse then pays homage to his love of nature borne in North Omaha. The book details each cemetery in the community, as well as the complete history of lead poisoning in North Omaha. It revisits the civil rights movement, as well as other events such as the 1913 Easter Sunday tornado, mob terrorism, and more. The ending of the book includes a few important tours of the community, as well as a massive timeline of North Omaha history and a comprehensive index. Press Release
North Omaha History: Volume One (274 pgs, 2016) The opening tome in the North Omaha History series, this book is a powerful intro this predominantly African American community. The book includes the histories of racism; community leaders; and an African American newspaper, as well as a section on 1960s rioting. Red lining in North Omaha is exposed, along with backgrounds on several historic neighborhoods. The appendices include more than 20 tours around North Omaha and a comprehensive index. Press Release
On sale now at Amazon.com, ask your local bookseller, or inquire at your library.
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