Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Commemorative Naming topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Omaha council names stretch of Western Avenue for educator Tessie O. Edwards after wide support
Summary
The council approved renaming Western Avenue (72nd–74th) as Tessie O. Edwards Avenue after multiple supporters described Edwards’ teaching career, scholarship fund and civil-rights work; supporters included family, former students and school officials.
After extensive testimony on March 17, the Omaha City Council voted unanimously to adopt a commemorative renaming of Western Avenue (72nd–74th) as Tessie O. Edwards Avenue. Shawn Yancey appeared by video to speak on behalf of family members and described Edwards as an educator and mentor whose legacy includes founding a Black Catholic Scholarship Fund that supported hundreds of students.
Supporters from Creighton Prep, alumni groups and scholarship beneficiaries recounted Edwards’ decades in the classroom, civil-rights work and contribution to scholarship programs that helped generations of students. "She was extraordinary," Shawn Yancey said, praising Edwards’ dedication to education and mentorship. Creighton Prep representatives and alumni thanked the council for considering the commemoration, and proponents noted widespread community support.
Council member Festersen moved approval, citing constituent outreach and letters of support; the motion passed 6–0. Proponents said the renaming would place Edwards’ name adjacent to the school where she taught and honor a lifetime of service to Omaha students and families.
