North Omaha is preparing to honor the 10th anniversary of the Black Votes Matter tour, a student‑focused program that brings Black history out of the classroom and into the streets of eight cities across five states. Since its launch in 2017, more than 350 high‑school students have traveled on the tour, learning about the struggles and triumphs of their ancestors and how those lessons translate into modern civic participation.
Foundations rooted in education and faith
Founder Preston Love Jr., a former professor in the Black Studies department, says the tour grew out of a simple observation: many of his students knew little about their own heritage. “In order to get the vote out in North Omaha, the youth have got to be part of that. If the youths don’t have a concept of their history and the struggles, they’re not gonna have a concept of going to the poll,” Love explained.
The program is funded at no cost to participants thanks to generous donations from the Sherwood Foundation and the White Foundation. Leadership will now pass to Pastor T. Michael Williams and his wife Cheryl, longtime supporters who have been involved since the tour’s inception.
Impact on voter participation
Local data underscores the connection between education and civic engagement. A Flatwater Free Press analysis of preliminary results shows North Omaha’s voter turnout in U.S. House races rose 25.2% between 2022 and 2026. While many factors contribute to that increase, organizers credit the tour’s emphasis on historical awareness and community responsibility.
Student voices on the road
Jeremiah Reed, a Central High School student who has taken the tour three times, says the experience reshaped his worldview. “It has changed me as a person and every single friend and person I’ve met on this tour has told me the same thing,” he said. Reed added, “The youth are the people who will help shape our future. Ten years of change makers is a testament to that.”
Simone Smith echoed that sentiment, noting the tour gave her confidence to pursue her future boldly. “Going on that tour gave me the ability to apply all of the Black history facts I know and gave me the sheer audacity to run into the next chapter of my life at full speed,” she said.
Looking ahead
With applications now open for the next cohort, organizers invite students from across the region to join the journey. Prospective participants can learn more and apply at 4urban.org. Love emphasized the enduring mission: “Learn history, respect it, and go out and make it. Then lastly, for them to bring that information, and education, back to this community, and make it work for this community.”
The Black Votes Matter tour stands as a testament to how faith‑grounded community leadership, historical education, and civic responsibility can intersect to empower the next generation of voters in North Omaha.
Original reporting: KMTV 3 News Now (Scripps) – local — read the source article.
