Future Great Plains Black History Museum

Capital Campaign Portal Page

The time has come for the museum to construct a dedicated building.

The Great Plains Black History Museum (GPBHM) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose mission is to Preserve, Educate and Exhibit the contributions and achievements of African Americans with an emphasis on the Great Plains region.

The GPBHM was founded by Mrs. Bertha Calloway in 1975, to be a resource for the community and to tell the story of African Americans in the region. The museum has continued fulfilling this mission, operating in recent years from leased spaces.

Guided by the dedication of its staff and Board of Directors, the Museum’s reach has grown substantially, welcoming thousands of visitors annually from across the region, the nation, and internationally. Today, the Museum plays an important role in economic development as both an employer and a cultural destination.

Our collection of artifacts & archives also continues to grow. Now, nearly 50 years after our founding, the time has come for the museum to construct a dedicated building.

Building Specs

2-story, Approx. 18,000 square foot building.
Located near the historic intersection of 24th & Lake.
Expanded Exhibit & Archive spaces.
$15.2 million Total Campaign Amount.

Project Goals

Create a beacon of culture and understanding, for all to experience.
Further revitalize the 24th & Lake area, creating jobs and stimulating economic activity.
Provide museum and archival career education for students and young professionals.
Create immersive and digital learning experiences.
Expand revenue-generation opportunities to sustain the museum’s operations long-term.
Further establish 24th & Lake as a destination-location and expand tourism to North Omaha

An architectural rendering of the proposed standalone building for the Great Plains Black History Museum.

frontview-render

Current Progress

Operational Planning & Financial Projections

Museum leadership in conjunction with our Owner’s Representative created a new staff hiring plan and proforma for the new building to ensure the museum is fiscally sustainable for the long-term.

Fundraising Goals & Naming Rights

The Great Plains Black History Museum (GPBHM) is undertaking a transformational three-year fundraising initiative to support operations and construct a new state-of-the-art cultural facility.

Three-Year Fundraising Goals

Annual Fundraising Goal (3-Year Total): $796,800
Capital Campaign Goal: $15,200,000
Total Campaign Goal: $15,996,800
Raised to Date: $5,800,000

Donor Benefits & Stewardship Opportunities

We are honored to recognize the leadership and generosity of our supporters through meaningful naming opportunities, exclusive engagement, and lasting acknowledgment.

Black History Visionary Leader | $3,000,000 and above (pledge over 5–10 years)
- Prominent naming rights for major exhibition space, theater, community gathering space, gift store, or café
- Lifetime VIP access to all museum events and programs
- Recognition as a Visionary Leader on the donor wall, annual reports, and major publications
Black History Legacy Builder | $2,000,000 – $2,999,999 (5-year pledge)
- Naming rights to galleries, exhibit spaces, archival areas, or office suites
- Exclusive private tours and curator-led experiences
- Invitations to annual donor appreciation galas
- Permanent recognition on the donor wall as a Legacy Builder
Black History Innovator Circle | $1,000,000 – $1,999,999 (2-year pledge)
- Naming rights to designated program areas or architectural features
- Invitations to annual donor appreciation galas
- Recognition in key campaign materials
- Acknowledgment on the donor wall and website
Cultural Patron | $250,000 – $999,999 (2-year pledge)
- Sponsorship recognition for specific exhibitions or community initiatives
- Priority access to exhibit previews and openings
- Recognition on the donor wall and website
Heritage Partner | $100,000 – $249,999 (1-year pledge)
- Inclusion in shared space recognition (atrium or lobby)
- Invitations to exclusive donor receptions
- Recognition in newsletters and digital channels
Friends of the Museum | $25,000 – $99,999
- Donor wall and campaign acknowledgment
- Priority access to museum programs and workshops
- Exclusive annual updates from the Executive Director
Community Supporters | $5,000 – $24,999
- Recognition in museum publications and donor communications
- Invitations to select appreciation events
Grassroots Supporters | $1,000 – $4,999
Grassroots donors play a vital role in shaping the museum’s future and building a lasting cultural legacy. Every gift strengthens our foundation.
- Inclusion in a digital donor roll on the museum website or campaign microsite
- Recognition in donor-focused newsletters
- Early access to campaign progress updates and exhibit previews
- Commemorative thank-you featuring museum artwork
- Invitation to a special grassroots donor celebration upon campaign completion

How You Can Support

We are thrilled to embark on an inspiring and historic project: the creation of a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to showcasing the rich and complex history of African Americans throughout the United States.

Your investment in our Capital Campaign will:

Create new jobs
Drive tourism and regional economic growth
Strengthen Omaha’s hospitality and cultural sectors
Anchor 24th & Lake as a premier destination
Serve as a lasting educational beacon for future generations

This new facility will celebrate American history through the lens of African American experiences while fostering dialogue, scholarship, and community engagement.

Every contribution—regardless of size—moves us closer to opening our doors in 2027.

Will you join us in shaping the future of the Great Plains Black History Museum?

Together, we will build a legacy that honors the past and inspires the future.

Site Control & Design

The museum has secured a purchase option on the site. Holland Basham Architects has been retained for architectural design services and have completed the process of developing full architectural plans. MCL Construction has been named as the builder for the new museum.

Staff & Board of Directors

Eric L. Ewing

Executive Director

Executive Director for the Great Plains Black History Museum, Native of Omaha, NE. Retired United States Navy. Holds an Associate Degree in General Studies from Vincennes University, Undergraduate Degree in Workforce Education from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, Graduate Degree in Management from Bellevue University, Graduate Certificate in Life Coaching from Bellevue University and Graduate Certificate in College Teaching from Capella University. He is currently working on his PhD, in Post-Secondary Education from Capella University.

He has worked in higher education as an Academic Dean, Manager of Academic Advising, an Adjunct Professor for Bellevue University, Metropolitan Community College, and Omaha School of Massage and Healthcare of Herzing University. Serves on the Board of Directors for the Child Saving Institute as the Board Secretary, Stephen Center as the Board Treasure and Co-Chair of the 100 Black Men of Omaha’s Annual African American History Challenge. He is on the Advisory Committee for Men Against Domestic Violence.

Damita J. Byrd, CDP

Fundraising Manager

Born and raised in Council Bluffs, Iowa, Damita is a proud graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School. She went on to further her education at Grambling State University, a renowned Historically Black College in rural Louisiana, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Public Relations with a minor in Finance.

With a career spanning corporate, nonprofit, and community-based leadership, Damita has made a significant impact in the fields of diversity, equity, inclusion, and organizational culture. She has contributed her expertise to several influential organizations, including Evergreen Capital Management, Security America Advisors, Conagra Foods, the Empowerment Network, and BCT Partners in Newark, New Jersey, where she served as Senior Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

A certified diversity and inclusion professional, Damita has helped shape DEI strategies for Fortune 500 companies nationwide. She is also the co-founder of Redefine the Game Institute, an Omaha-based leadership platform. Through this work, she has helped emerging and mid-career leaders accelerate their readiness for broader leadership roles while strengthening their impact within their organizations.

Damita is an active member of the National Diversity Consortium and has been featured in Profiles in Diversity Journal (Fall 2015). Her leadership was recognized by Diversity Best Practices in 2012, and she received the CEO Award of Excellence at Conagra Foods for her outstanding leadership and contributions to Black Employee Resource Group.

A devoted member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Damita has served in numerous roles that reflect her commitment to service, empowerment, and community advancement.

Grounded, visionary, and purpose-driven, Damita continues to champion equitable outcomes, and cultivate inclusive workplaces and community.