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 being blind, walked the streets of Omaha selling brooms and spreading joy with every step.
After nearly ten years of fundraising and dedication, organizers have secured a location for the statue, ensuring Rev. Wills’ memory will endure for generations. Omaha artist John Lajba, who began this labor of love years ago, has meticulously crafted a life-size bronze statue that captures the essence of the Broom Man. And this is the part most people miss: Lajba didn’t just create a likeness—he infused the sculpture with subtle details that honor Wills’ blindness, from the way he balanced brooms with his hands and shoulder to the focused, lifelike expression in his eyes. “His eyes, even under the lids, they’re concentrating on something,” Lajba explains. “They’re very alive.”
Here’s where it gets controversial: While some might argue that a larger-than-life statue would better honor such an icon, Lajba intentionally kept it life-size. “I think it’s stronger this way,” he says. “It makes him relatable, not distant.” But does this choice truly capture the magnitude of Wills’ impact? We’ll let you decide.
The Broom Man Committee, led by Jim Backens, was formed to ensure Wills’ legacy wouldn’t fade after his passing. “When you’re a reverend with a congregation of 17, you have to do something else to survive,” Backens notes. “And that’s what he did—he sold brooms, but he also sold hope and connection.” The committee, in partnership with the Omaha Parks Foundation, selected a prime location for the statue: facing southeast on Turner Boulevard at Farnam Street, as if Wills is still walking the streets he once called home.
For Tiffany Regan, executive director of the Omaha Parks Foundation, the project is deeply personal. “My mom adored Livingston,” she recalls. “She’d always buy his brooms, and those were the ones we used growing up. This statue brings back so many memories.”
But here’s the bigger question: Is this statue just a piece of art, or is it something more? Organizers argue it’s a symbol of respect, community, and resilience. “Rev. Wills didn’t just sell brooms—he built relationships,” Backens reflects. “We need more people like him today.”
As the project nears completion, donations are still being accepted to cover the sculpture’s installation and decades of maintenance. If you’d like to contribute or learn more, visit omahaparksfoundation.org. And this is where we turn to you: Do you think public art like this is essential for preserving local history? Or is there a better way to honor figures like Rev. Wills? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your thoughts!
