Despite North Omaha community members at times feeling abandoned by their city and fatigued to vote for decades is untapped potential for civic engagement ready to be harnessed. Within the past 20 years, North Omaha has shown up and continues to grow in turnout with residents empowered to use their voice to vote and utilize community organizations and support tools to get to the polls. We are proud to have Black Votes Matter who have helped foster the power and growth of voter turnout in North Omaha through relationship building, understanding, honesty and respect since 2008.
In the recent 2025 Municipal elections, North Omaha was the only city council ward that saw an increase in all of Omaha compared to the 2021 Municipal elections. Ward 2 saw an increased turnout from 21.1% in 2021 to 22.4% in 2025. The part of this increased turnout came from Black Votes Matter’s Omaha Housing Authority (OHA) Tower Project.
The OHA Tower Project focused on developing personal relationships with the residents of the four towers in North Omaha. This year, Black Votes Matter hosted a meeting outside each tower providing free food, music and engaging in conversations. What resonated with community members to go out and vote was taking time and consistently engaging with the community to those building personal connections.
Preston says, “In my relationship here, I'm consistently talking to them year round whether there's an election or not. We have to stay in front of them educating them on the impact and significance of their involvement in voting.” This consistency has made himself and Black Votes Matter a credible face in the community. The actions from Ride to the Polls, the OHA Tower Project and casual community conversations have made Black Votes Matter a part of the community that feels familial given how much care is put into North Omaha.
The future is relational for Black Votes Matter by continuing to acknowledge and giving marginalized communities the attention they deserve. Listening and engaging in space remind these communities that their voices are valued and have power. Preston seeks to keep the momentum of engagement going year-round, eventually expanding voter turnout efforts in more North Omaha communities.
"My message is to ultimately invest in the long term in segments of the communities that need the most help." - Preston Love Jr.
If you would like to learn more about Black Votes Matter, visit their website and follow them on social media to keep up to date and get involved with their work!