“He's proof that good things can come out of North Omaha. He is also proof that people can work and earn a living and have pride in what they do,” said Steve Gordon, the great-grandson of Omaha’s Broom Man.
Six days a week, no matter the weather, Reverend Livingston Wills walked the streets of Omaha selling brooms.
Steve Gordon says his great-grandfather was the hardest working man he knew.
“After a while you forgot that he was blind and I think he in a way forgot. It was never a problem,” said Gordon.
Gordon says Wills worked until he couldn't work anymore. He passed away in 2008 at 91. Now, a local committee is working to keep the Broom Man's memory alive.
“This is the most satisfying project I’ve ever worked on,” said Marc Kraft.
With the help of the Downtown Omaha Inc. Foundation and a GoFundMe page, Marc Kraft is hoping to raise $150-165,000 to put a bronze Broom Man sculpture outside the Douglas County Courthouse.
Sculptor John Lajba says he can't wait to bring the Broom Man back to life.
“Imagine having all these brooms you’re walking around selling, but still having the integrity and being well- dressed out there selling to people and being proud of what you’re doing. Those energies are the things I want to put into the sculpture,” said John Lajba.
The committee says they have been in talks with Omaha’s Building Commission about putting the sculpture outside the courthouse. The Building Commission wants to see the final product before they give the okay.
It you would like to donate you tax deductible donation can be mailed to Downtown Omaha Incorporated P.O. Box 8252 Omaha, Ne 68108 or donate on the GoFundMe page at http://GoFundMe.com/TheBroomMan
