Plaza de la Raza Dedication Ceremony Marks New Era
On Friday, May 2, 2025, the heart of South Omaha beat a little louder.
Under sunny skies and the joyful sounds of mariachi music, hundreds gathered at the historic corner of 24th and N Streets for the Dedication Ceremony of Plaza de la Raza - the first major milestone in the transformational Adelante South Omaha initiative. Surrounded by community members, small business owners, youth leaders, and public officials, the Latino Economic Development Council (LEDC) proudly unveiled the design for the plaza, a space that will serve as a cultural anchor and economic catalyst for generations to come. The dedication marks the launch of a broader $25 million community-led revitalization of the entire 24th St. corridor.
The afternoon was filled with joy, pride, and deep reflection as LEDC CEO Itzel Lopez opened the event, sharing the organization’s vision for a more inclusive, connected, and vibrant South Omaha. She was joined by a powerful lineup of speakers, including Mayor Jean Stothert, Douglas County Commissioner Chair Dr. Roger Garcia, Canopy South Executive Director César García, Omaha Public Power District CEO Javier Fernanadez, South Omaha Business Improvement District Board Chair Ross Pesek, Nebraska Department of Economic Development’s Javier Saldaña, and LEDC Board President Armando Salgado, who each echoed the importance of investing in spaces that reflect the culture, resilience, and future of our community. “This plaza is not just for South Omaha—it’s from South Omaha,” said Mayor Jean Stothert, emphasizing the importance of community ownership in public space design.
Plaza de la Raza will be much more than a park, it will be a place for performance, connection, celebration, and reflection. The design includes an amphitheater-style stage, a flexible events lawn, interactive play and learning areas, shaded seating, and ADA-accessible walkways. This design was developed in collaboration with RDG Planning & Design and Omaha Urban Thinkscapes, with each detail guided by local insight and public input sessions. It reflects our shared values and the unique identity of South Omaha. It also honors the deep cultural roots of the neighborhood—its name, “Plaza de la Raza,” pays tribute to the diverse Latino communities who have long shaped South Omaha’s identity.
The dedication served as a reminder of what is possible when neighbors, nonprofits, government agencies, and private partners unite around a common vision for community resilience. This project is the result of years of organizing, planning, and advocacy—championed by South Omaha residents and supported by our partners at the City of Omaha, Douglas County, and the Nebraska Department of Economic Development. Their belief in the power of place and people has laid the foundation for lasting change.
Construction of the Plaza will begin fall of 2025, we hope to see you at the Groundbreaking ceremony later this year!
As this space begins to take shape, we remain committed to centering community voices in every step of the journey. We are filled with gratitude and momentum. Last Friday was truly a celebration of South Omaha’s past, present, and future. Gracias to everyone who showed up, supported, and stood with us. This is just the beginning.
“Together, we’re bringing the heart of our community forward— Adelante!” - Itzel López