A specific version of Black history and narrative is focused largely on pain and struggle. While it is important as individuals, institutions, systems, and communities to grapple with our complicity in that pain and struggle and take action related to the realities outlined in these narratives, it can be an essential step to show a deeper narrative around celebration and history.      

It can also be an act of defiance and revolution to center Black voices, Black experience, and Black culture and joy. For this reason, during Black History Month, we wanted to pause for a moment and create space for some of the Black-led and Black-supportive cultural organizations in our community funded by the African American Unity Fund. 

Each year, OCF awards grant through the African American Unity Fund, with $225,000 distributed to 17 organizations. Below are some examples and stories of how their work brings joy and celebrates Black culture and experiences. 

Culxr House

Arts and Culture 

In the past few years, new spaces have opened up to experience art, dance, comedy, and other cultural events. Culxr House is a community cultural center that provides artists, musicians, and activists with a safe space to create and engage. They offer energetic and entertaining ArtBattleⓇ, Black Artist Expos, and more. Pear Tree Performing Arts also nurtures a sense of culture, confidence, community, and creativity with affordable dance and dramatic arts instruction for ages 2 and up. 

“We create an atmosphere of normalcy for youth and a safe space for young people to form their artistic identity,” said Natasha Partridge-Butler, founder, CEO, and artistic director at Pear Tree. 

Great Plains Black History Museum

History and Culinary traditions 

Food is a key part of many cultural celebrations. Eat N’ Talk Africa celebrates the culinary history of Africa with classes, after-school activities, internships, apprenticeships, seminars, and a food expo. This is a true rejoicing of African culture through food, education, and service.

Omaha is fortunate to have the Great Plains Black History Museum in our hometown, celebrating Black history across this Midwest. From local resources to national exhibits, the museum celebrates hundreds of years of culture and stories. In 2022, the museum’s gallery had a rotating exhibit highlighting 107 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), telling their history and the role they have played in providing quality higher education beginning with the Higher Education Act of 1965.

SkateFest

Games and Recreation 

Organized sports, gaming, and skating can bring out the joy in anyone, but the following groups and nonprofits put Black excellence in their mission, creating spaces where youth, girls, and self-proclaimed nerds of color have a space to be themselves and have some fun. 

House of Afros, Capes & Curls uses popular culture, science fiction, fantasy, comics, games, and Afrofuturism as catalysts for deeper learning and conversations while celebrating Black culture, shared experiences, and collective genius. Check them out on Twitch and Discord, or find events when they are out in the community. 

Equal Play: Inspiring Confidence for Girls (EPIC) impacts girls, mainly of color, in under-resourced areas using safe spaces with access to quality training and development to empower girls in local sports. In a similar space, J’s Braintrust Consulting Services offers teens the opportunity to grow and celebrate their own leadership during the summer with a sports officiating internship. 

SkateFest Omaha celebrates Omaha’s inner-city skateboarding community. They use skateboarding, art, and music as a vehicle to provide Omaha with safe, diverse, and inclusive spaces for the community to thrive and deepen skateboarding culture through connection, creativity, and inclusion. 

There is so much to celebrate in the local Black community, it is impossible to do so in one blog! We will highlight more great organizations’ work in the coming months.

Apply to the African American Unity Fund 

The African American Unity Fund supports initiatives and organizations that benefit this community in Omaha. Grounded in resident-led decision-making, the program is guided by a committee of African American representatives who understand what investments will be most impactful in addressing the needs of their community. Learn more about the program, donate to the fund, and see previous awardees here. Additionally, feel free to donate directly to the organizations listed.