Imagine a city icon so beloved that a decade-long effort was dedicated to immortalizing him in bronze. That’s the story of Omaha’s Broom Man, Rev. Livingston Wills, whose indomitable spirit and tireless work ethic have finally found a permanent home in the heart of the city. But here’s where it gets emotional: this isn’t just about a statue—it’s about preserving the legacy of a man who, despite his blindness, walked the streets of Omaha selling brooms and spreading joy. Now, after years of fundraising and dedication, his story will live on for generations to come.
Rev. Livingston Wills was more than a broom salesman; he was a symbol of resilience and connection. Omaha artist John Lajba, who took on the monumental task of sculpting Wills, captures this essence with remarkable detail. Lajba explains, ‘His eyes, even though closed, convey a deep focus—they’re alive,’ highlighting the reverend’s blindness in a way that feels both respectful and profound. And this is the part most people miss: Lajba intentionally chose to create a life-size statue rather than an oversized monument, believing it better reflects Wills’ humble, approachable nature. ‘He wasn’t larger than life—he was life itself,’ Lajba says, emphasizing the statue’s power in its authenticity.
The journey to honor Rev. Wills began with a simple fear: that his memory might fade after his passing. Jim Backens of the Broom Man Committee recalls, ‘When your congregation is just 17 people, you have to find other ways to make ends meet—and that’s exactly what he did.’ What started as a practical necessity became a defining role for Wills, turning him into an Omaha icon. But here’s the controversial part: while some see the statue as a celebration of his legacy, others might ask—why focus on a broom salesman? Isn’t there more to a city’s history than this? We’ll dive into that debate later, but first, let’s explore why this project resonates so deeply.
The statue’s location was carefully chosen to honor Wills’ daily routine. Placed at the intersection of Turner Boulevard and Farnam Street, it faces southeast, as if he’s about to cross the street—a familiar sight for many Omahans. Tiffany Regan, executive director of the Omaha Parks Foundation, shares a personal connection: ‘My mom adored Livingston and always bought his brooms. Those were the brooms we used growing up.’ For Regan and many others, this statue isn’t just art—it’s a bridge to cherished memories.
But here’s where it gets thought-provoking: Is this statue merely a piece of public art, or is it something more? Backens argues the latter: ‘Rev. Wills didn’t just sell brooms—he built relationships. He respected people, and they respected him. We need more of that today.’* This raises a question worth discussing: Can a statue truly inspire change, or is it just a symbol of the past? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
As the final touches are put on the bronze sculpture, organizers continue to collect donations for its installation and long-term maintenance. If you’d like to contribute or learn more, visit omahaparksfoundation.org. This isn’t just Omaha’s story—it’s a reminder of the power of one person’s spirit to unite a community. So, here’s the ultimate question: What legacy will you leave behind? And how will your community remember you?
