09/09/2026
This was a special day, a day we got to celebrate a man many of us knew simply by these words: “Broom Man.”
The Rev. Livingston Wills inspired us all.
My remarks on the installation of a statue to him at Turner Park:
I want to thank the organizers of this campaign and their 10-year effort to honor a man who could see without seeing.
I’ll explain that paradox in a minute.
First, let me say a heartfelt thanks to Joan Kraft, who honors two men today – the Rev. Livingston Wills, whose likeness stands on this corner – a symbol of resilience, goodness and faith. And she honors the memory of her late husband Marc, a public servant and businessman who had worked hard to turn an idea into bronze. Thank you, Joan, for your hard work on this effort, too.
I’d also like to thank my friend Hal Daub, who was the 48th mayor of Omaha and a visionary in his own right. Hal, you came on the Broom Man committee and helped – as you have done in your career – bring a big project to life.
So let’s consider the paradox of the Broom Man.
He didn’t have much money, but he was rich in all the ways that matter – family, friends, in the affection of Omahans.
He couldn’t drive a car, but the bus and his two legs got him around Omaha.
Born with 5 percent vision at birth, according to the Omaha World-Herald, the Rev. Livingston Wills couldn’t physically see. But I believe he could envision goodness. And that kind of vision comes from deep faith.
Today, when you see this statue, think of a man who could see without seeing, who represented perhaps the best of us. May this statue remind us to truly see one another the way Rev. Wills did.
As a neighbor.
As a friend.
As someone who just might be in the market for a sturdy broom.
May his vision strengthen ours and give us hope in one another and in the possibility of bravely setting forth.
