RES 2019-0326 - Commemorative Street Name - Dan Goodwin Sr Street City Clerk Office Use Only:
0n (SW f ublication Date(if applicable):
RESOLUTION NO f
Agenda Date:
Department:
Submitter:
CITY OF OMAHA
LEGISLATIVE CHAMBER
Omaha, Nebraska
RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OMAHA: •
WHEREAS, it has been determined that it is in the best interest of the City of
Omaha to provide for commemorative street names; and,
WHEREAS, a nomination has been submitted for the designation of "Dan
Goodwin Sr. Street' as a commemorative street name on 24th Street from Spencer Street to
Wirt Street; and, •
WHEREAS, since 1955, Goodwin's Spencer Street Barbershop in Omaha,
Nebraska was hailed as: black city hall; community center; social services hub, fitness
center, and barbershop all in one. Founder Daniel Markin Goodwin Sr., opened the shop after
serving four years in the Navy. He attended barber school on the GI bill, and worked in his
older brothers' shop for a short time before leasing a small store-front on historic North 24th
Street, a bustling hub of businesses, along that primary North to South city corridor.
Goodwin was very active and supportive of the black community and during an
era of Jim Crow he became active in the civil rights movement. The barbershop wall featured
a collage of articles displaying the acts carried out against black Americans all over the
nation, as well as black accomplishments, and sports. Celebrities like Bob Gibson, Bob
Boozer, Gale Sayers, and many others frequented the shop and Heisman Trophy winner
Johnny Rodgers is still a customer. By 1963, Goodwin participated in the March on
Washington led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. In 1965, a young barber and Creighton
University law student by the name of Ernest Chambers became a barber at the shop.
Presently, Senator Ernie Chambers is the longest tenured lawmaker in Nebraska history.
Goodwin and Chambers became a formidable team and the barbershop became a known
pillar and resource in the black community during the peak of the civil right movement and
social unrest. Prior to his assassination in 1965, the team brought Malcom X to Omaha to
speak. In 1966, a significant portion of the civil rights based and Oscar nominated
documentary A Time for Burning was filmed in the shop; featuring Chambers, Goodwin, and
a young white pastor, Bill Youngdahl who was seeking to facilitate racial integration
North 24th Street from Spencer to Wirt Streets should be renamed to honor Dan .
Goodwin Sr. for his significant contribution to the North Omaha Community and the City of
Omaha at large. Over the course of his life, Mr. Goodwin has exemplified perseverance,
dedication, and leadership. Even at the age of 87 he continues to cut hair at his shop every
day. Such longevity has served as a pillar for the community, and will continue for years to
come.
RESOLWION NO. 02M71(,//
PAGE 6S
WHEREAS, the Planning Director and the City Councilmember representing the
district in which the item proposed is located have recommended that said permit be granted
pursuant to the application, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit"A" and made a part
hereof by this reference.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
OMAHA:
THAT, that the nomination of "Dan Goodwin Sr. Street" as a commemorative
street name on 24th Street from Spencer Street to Wirt Street is hereby approved; and the
Public Works Department is authorized to erect the acceptable sign(s)therefore, in compliance
with all applicable local and state statutes, ordinances or regulations, and policies with all
costs to be borne by the applicant.
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
ta.CITY ATT RNEY DATE
Adopted: APR 0 2 2019 -"0
Attest:
City CI- -
Approved: " 1 i( G---g
Mayor