Omaha Honors Beloved 'Broom Man' with Statue

A decade-long effort culminates in a bronze tribute to Rev. Livingston Wills, a blind broom salesman who became a cherished city icon.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 10:24pm

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A bold, colorful silkscreen print featuring a single broom icon repeated in a grid pattern, capturing the essence of Rev. Wills' humble yet iconic status in the Omaha community.A vibrant, pop art-inspired tribute to the legacy of Omaha's beloved 'Broom Man', Rev. Livingston Wills.Omaha Today

After a decade-long fundraising and community effort, the city of Omaha has unveiled a bronze statue honoring Rev. Livingston Wills, a beloved local figure known as the 'Broom Man' for his tireless work selling brooms on the city's streets despite being blind. The life-size statue, sculpted by artist John Lajba, captures Wills' humble spirit and approachable nature, and is placed at the intersection where he was often seen crossing the street, facing the direction of his daily route.

Why it matters

Rev. Wills became an iconic figure in Omaha not just for his broom-selling business, but for the relationships he built and the joy he spread through his interactions with residents. The statue is seen as a way to preserve his legacy and inspire others to follow his example of resilience, community connection, and respect for all people.

The details

The statue of Rev. Wills was commissioned by the Broom Man Committee, a group that spent over a decade fundraising and organizing the project. Artist John Lajba was chosen to sculpt the life-size bronze figure, with a focus on capturing Wills' humble demeanor and the 'deep focus' in his closed eyes despite his blindness. The statue was placed at the intersection of Turner Boulevard and Farnam Street, facing the direction of Wills' daily broom-selling route, to recreate a familiar sight for many Omahans.

  • The fundraising and planning for the Broom Man statue began over a decade ago.
  • The bronze statue was unveiled and installed in Omaha in April 2026.

The players

Rev. Livingston Wills

A blind broom salesman who became a beloved icon in Omaha for his tireless work ethic, community connections, and joyful spirit.

John Lajba

The Omaha artist commissioned to sculpt the bronze statue of Rev. Wills, focusing on capturing his humble demeanor and profound gaze despite his blindness.

Jim Backens

A member of the Broom Man Committee, the group that spearheaded the decade-long effort to honor Rev. Wills with a permanent statue in Omaha.

Tiffany Regan

The executive director of the Omaha Parks Foundation, which helped organize the statue's installation and long-term maintenance.

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What they’re saying

“His eyes, even though closed, convey a deep focus—they're alive.”

— John Lajba, Artist

“He wasn't larger than life—he was life itself.”

— John Lajba, Artist

“When your congregation is just 17 people, you have to find other ways to make ends meet—and that's exactly what he did.”

— Jim Backens, Broom Man Committee

“My mom adored Livingston and always bought his brooms. Those were the brooms we used growing up.”

— Tiffany Regan, Executive Director, Omaha Parks Foundation

“Rev. Wills didn't just sell brooms—he built relationships. He respected people, and they respected him. We need more of that today.”

— Jim Backens, Broom Man Committee

What’s next

The Broom Man Committee continues to collect donations for the statue's installation and long-term maintenance. Visitors can learn more and contribute at the Omaha Parks Foundation website.

The takeaway

The Broom Man statue is more than just a piece of public art—it's a testament to the power of one person's spirit to unite and inspire an entire community. Rev. Wills' legacy of resilience, kindness, and genuine connection is a model for how we can all strive to make a positive impact, even through the most humble of means.