A slideshow for the race riots of the mid 1800's.

1. Race-Riots
Omaha, NE
By: Arnav Vemula, TD Medde Witage, Jacob Theiss

2. When did this occur
● This occurred in Omaha, Nebraska
● September 28-29, 1919

3. Context
The number of African Americans in Omaha doubled during the 1910s
and the 1920s. These people were recruited as meat packers. This
brought tensions between the white workers with the black workers. A
woman named Agnes Loebeck accused a black man by the name of Will
Brown of assaulting her. A news outlet known as the Omaha Bee
published many articles of black crimes agitating the public. On
September 28th a large group of whites marched the courthouse where
Brown was held and began assaulting the police officers and African
Americans killing and injuring many people.

4. Immediate cause
A false accusation of sexual assault against a white woman by a
black man named Will Brown kickstarted the event. A white
woman named Agnes Loebeck accused Brown of assaulting her
in her home. Brown was arrested and held in the Douglas
County Courthouse for his safety, as rumors of a lynching began
to circulate in the community.

5. Loss of life and property
The situation quickly escalated, and the mob broke into the courthouse and lynched Will
Brown. They then set fire to the courthouse and attacked the nearby African American
community of North Omaha. Over the course of the next two days, the mob burned homes,
businesses, and churches, and shot at black residents in the streets. The Nebraska National
Guard was called in to restore order, and martial law was declared.
● Estimates range from 100 to 200 people injured and between 2 to 50 people killed
● An estimated $1.5 million in damages

6. Consequences for the perpetrators
● Very few arrests were made
○ Minimal consequences were given, such as fines or short jail sentences
● All of this was despite eyewitness testimony and photographic evidence of white individuals
committing acts of violence against black residents and businesses

7. Long-term ramifications/compensation
● Segregation and Discrimination: The riot reinforced segregation and discrimination in Omaha.
Many white residents used the riot as an excuse to justify discriminatory policies, such as redlining,
which prevented African Americans from purchasing homes in certain neighborhoods.
● Economic Disadvantage: The riot caused significant economic damage to the African American
community. Many businesses and homes were destroyed, and many black residents were left
without jobs or resources to rebuild.
● Loss of Life and Trauma: The loss of life and trauma caused by the race riot had lasting effects on
the African American community.
● No direct compensation was given.