History

Native Omahans Club Mission Statement

The Native Omahans Club, Inc. is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization that promotes social and general welfare, granting scholarships, and promoting cultural and recreational activities for the inner city, the neighborhoods of North Omaha, and the Greater Omaha community.

The Origin of the Native Omahans Club

The vision for a reunion of Native Omahan was first arranged as a North Omaha Homecoming in 1976. Less than a year later, the original founding planning members, Vera Johnson and Bettie McDonald started the tradition of the week-long celebration which became what is now known as Native Omahan Days. A full 7 days straight of celebrations. These events reunite former residents to a city.

Celebrated every two years, Native Omahan Days is a culture defining force for North Omaha. Now approaching its 22nd Biennial, Native Omahan Days has reached a peak, influencing cultural programming along 24th street and adjacent North Omaha neighborhoods.

In 2015, with its continued aim to bring audiences and businesses back to the Arts, Entertainment and Historic Cultural corridor of North 24th Street, the Native Omahan Club joined forces with the Omaha Economic Development Corporation, The Empowerment Network, the Omaha NAACP, and the Omaha Police Department among other community partners to develop the Native Omahan Days Committee dedicated to future management and growth of this unique homecoming celebration.

Native Omaha Club Inc

Tribute & Memorial

Vera Johnson

We would like to take this opportunity to honor the memory of one of our funders who has been called home, the late Ms. Vera L. Johnson, co-founder of the Native Omahans Club, Inc.,approximately 44 years ago. A vision by Ms. Johnson along with 15 other resident community volunteers who got together to discuss how to retain the memories, pride we all had in the Near Northside community as it was called then. The vision of a Homecoming reunion celebration came to be with the purpose to show others that our community thrived on black owned businesses, self-respect for one another, with everyone doing the best with what they had.

As residents began to relocate due to the lack of jobs, and affordable housing, plans were being made by the then called Omaha Planning Committee to recognize and bring back those wholived here so that they can give first hand testimony of how this sense of community was accomplished. On December 13, 1976 the committee elected to call themselves the Native Omahans Club, which in 1977 was incorporated as a non-profit organization, with the mission statement to make positive differences by promotion of social welfare, common good, scholarships, The Homecoming would serve as an ongoing attempt that this community once functioned like an extended family, and despite the obstacles if a community can stay united by working together, staying positive for change, strive to be inclusive, the community can survive and be productive. This the 22nd Biennial Homecoming has blossomed to the next generation as they plan to come home during their vacations to recognize and celebrate sense of community.

Ms. Vera Johnson in article written by Geri Young, Creighton University, Public Affairs-JMC, in January 21, 1994, was quoted as saying, about the mission of the Native Omahans Club, Inc., “It’s about getting Native Omahans back to Omaha and Nebraska, because life is short. This is a good way for people who are older or don’t have money to travel, to see their old friends and family”.

The Native Omahans Club members will never forget her as they strive to keep her vision going. Ms. Johnson vision of a Homecoming celebration is now a celebration known to many as Native Omahans Day Biennial Homecoming Week.

“Ain’t No Stopping Us Now!