Amidst the post-World War I social upheaval and the Great Migration, a race riot occurred in Omaha, Nebraska, fueled by racial tensions and an incident involving Will Brown. Brown was a Black man accused of assaulting a white woman, which led to his arrest. As word spread, a large white mob gathered outside the courthouse demanding Brown's lynching. On the night of the riot, the mob overwhelmed law enforcement, dragging Brown from police custody. The mob subsequently attacked Black-owned businesses and homes, leading to widespread violence and chaos in the city. The violence persisted for several hours, leaving a toll of several deaths, injuries, and extensive property damage in its wake, affecting the community's sense of security and cooperation. 

The riots were indicative of the larger wave of racial violence that erupted in numerous American cities during this period, part of a national trend of postwar race-related conflicts. Communities were polarized, and the incident in Omaha reflected the ongoing struggle for civil rights and racial justice. The immediate aftermath saw calls for more law enforcement protection for Black citizens, as well as greater recognition of the systemic issues driving racial animosity. A significant socioeconomic divide existed, and the event highlighted the urgent need for societal change amidst entrenched racism.