George Wells Parker (1882-1931) to Be Commemorated on October 13

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Parker Action Alliance (PAA) will celebrate the life of George Wells Parker, who moved to Omaha in the early 1900s. PAA, a neighborhood association that bridges over North 75 freeway, is mobilizing neighbors to hold a block party and commemoration on Sunday, October 16, at 26th and Parker Streets. Their efforts are supported by grants from the Mayor’s office and Omaha Community Foundation neighborhood grants program.

The Great Migration

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George Wells Parker (September 18, 1882 – July 28, 1931) was one of the first African-Americans to graduate from Harvard University in the early 1900s. He was known for helping resettle Blacks in Omaha during the Great Migration from 1917 to 1920. In 1917, Parker gave a speech to the Omaha Philosophical Society entitled "The African Origins of Grecian Civilization" which preceded his booklet The Children of the Sun. The booklet is for sale online or at the Aframerican Bookstore located at 3226 Lake St.

Commemoration Event Program

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Block Party Hosted by Parker Action Alliance (PAA)

Food and Drink:

  • Nutritious Meals

  • Homemade Herbal Sodas

Good Vibes:

  • DJ music by Marcey Yates

  • Outside Games Rental

  • 6 electric bikes from Heartland B-Cycle

Facilitation:

  • Tents, Tables, and dishes

  • Street Closing Permit, Parker and between 26th & 27th Streets

Surveys:

  • Questionnaire on Community Revitalization

Placemaking along Parker Street:

  • Commemorative Plaque

  • Lil’ Free Library

  • Signage concerning Mr. Parker

  • Planting

Sponsorships

Parker Action will have sponsorships available for community partners to support the neighborhood development efforts. All sponsors will be listed with their information in the commemorative booklet for 1,000 residents.

  • Lil’ Free Library* 26th and Parker Streets………………………..….…. $500

  • Commemorative Plaque 27th and Parker Streets…………............. $500

  • Parker Street Signage 24th and Parker Streets……………............. $500

Tiers: 

  • Historian for education and recognition of Mr. Parker…………...….. $200

  • Urbanite for community and neighborhood culture…………………… $100

*Sponsors will be placed on the structure.

CONTACT: parkeractionalliance@gmail.com |  (402) 515-2166

Neighbors along Parker Street participate in their first block party in September.

Neighbors along Parker Street participate in their first block party in September.

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