JouRney Down the Deuce

24th Street, formally known as the Street of Dreams, has been a staple in the north Omaha community for over a century. It has become a time capsule of liberation and is stagnant in its elderly years. This project captures the lonely walk down 24th Street, filled with history and beauty on every corner.

Brief History:

24th Street got its nickname, the "Street of Dreams," because there was a time when people believed anything could happen there. The Street was filled with hotels, stores, clubs, hotels, and so much more, lining all the way to Dodge Street. The Street was lit up 24/7 and housed many Jewish, Scandinavian, and African American people.

The Street was indeed a dream, but America's biggest boogeyman, racism, plagued the area in 1919. September 28th, 1919, was the lynching of Will Brown after being accused of raping a white woman. His last breath was taken from him before he could stand trial, and this marked the downfall of 24th Street. For the next 40 years, civic duties were neglected by the city, and to eradicate the "ghetto," North 24th Street experienced a series of fires, riots, and bombings.

Historic Bull Durham "Makin's' Herded Off Tobacco Shelves Building

My Journey:

I began this project in the Spring of 2024, my senior year, and captured a series of images that showcase the beauty on N 24th Street. I walked up and down, capturing over 700 pictures, but towards the middle of my project, I started to realize I was missing something. That something was people. There are events and projects held on 24th Street, but when the planning is done, and the events have closed their doors, there are no people on a street that was born to be lively. On a regular evening or afternoon, there is silence where there should be chatter. I decided that instead of solely focusing on the history and old infrastructure, my focal point would be the lonely walk down the street, as it is often times vacant of human interaction. There are wonders and beautiful things along 24th Street, but what is the point of fixing up these things if there is no one to interact with them?

I hope you enjoy seeing this special part of North Omaha through my lens and appreciate the things I captured on my Lonely Walk Down N 24th Street.

Thank you!