Two childhood friends from North Omaha grew up to lead their city.

From sharing a classroom in first grade to leading City Hall, two North Omaha natives made history as Omaha’s first Black mayor and first Black police chief. John Ewing Jr. and former Police Chief Thomas Warren Jr. met at Lothrop Elementary when they were just six years old. “We were in Miss Givihan’s first grade class,” Warren recalled. The boys later played football together at Horace Mann Jr. High. “We were undefeated city champs,” Ewing said proudly. They grew up during important moments in Omaha’s history and say strong teachers helped shape their confidence. “They challenged us and made us believe in ourselves,” Warren said. Both joined the Omaha Police Department, where Warren eventually became chief. “I just worked hard and prepared for every opportunity,” he said. Years later, Ewing was elected mayor. “It was amazing to see the excitement across the country,” he said. Today, the longtime friends continue serving Omaha together, focused on leadership, trust, and strengthening their city. (Photo: John Ewing Jr. / Thomas Warren Jr.)