By Hola Nebraska
Omaha, NE — The Bloc’s 50 Over 50 Awards ceremony shined brightly this weekend as Omaha Mayor John Ewing Jr. received the coveted Lifetime Achievement Award, honoring a legacy of integrity, leadership, and service to the community he has called home all his life.
In May 2025, Ewing made history when he was elected Omaha’s 52nd mayor, becoming the first African American mayor in the city’s history. But long before that milestone, he had already built a career defined by excellence and purpose — 25 years with the Omaha Police Department, followed by 18 years as Douglas County Treasurer, where he modernized operations and managed more than $1.7 billion in public funds.
A proud University of Nebraska at Omaha graduate, Ewing now leads the city with a focus on housing, jobs, infrastructure, and equity — especially for North and South Omaha. “It’s an Omaha boy’s dream to be mayor of this great city,” he told the crowd, his voice full of gratitude. “I stand before you humbled by this Lifetime Achievement Award and deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve.”
A Life of Service and Family
The mayor opened his speech with humor and warmth, giving heartfelt thanks to those who shaped his journey — beginning with his wife, Dr. Viv Ewing, his “best friend and wind beneath my wings.” Married for over 41 years, she stood by his side through every campaign, debate, and challenge.
He also honored his parents, John Sr. and Dolores Ewing, who instilled in him the values that define his leadership. “When you see me, you really see them,” he said. “Because of the quality of people they are and the life lessons they taught us.”
Ewing’s pride in family carried through to his daughters, Christina and Alexandria, his son-in-law, and his young grandson, Christian. With a smile, he shared a story of how two-year-old Christian once watched him on TV during a mayoral debate — a moment Ewing keeps framed in his office as a reminder of why he leads. “Every time things get difficult, I look at that picture and remember that I’m still Poppy,” he said to laughter and applause.
Mayor John Ewing Jr and his wife Dr. Vivian Ewing at The Bloc’s 50 Over 50 Nebraska Awards Celebration. Photo by Tar Macias / Hola Nebraska
Lessons in Leadership and Purpose
Ewing reflected on his decades of public service with humility and humor — noting that he once chose a college major to avoid taking a speech class, only to deliver eight speeches in three days this week alone. “Sometimes life throws you curveballs,” he said. “You end up doing things you never expected to do.”
He shared his personal philosophy through what he called the Five S’s — principles he’s developed over a lifetime of leadership:
- Seek opportunities to make a positive impact.
- Seize them with courage and commitment.
- Serve others selflessly, with dignity and respect.
- Stay unified as a community.
- Strive for significance rather than mere success.
“Our individual success is not enough,” he told the audience. “I challenge you to move from success to significance — to truly impact lives, make this city and state a better place, and build a life well lived.”
A Vision for One Omaha
Ewing closed with a call for unity and shared purpose. “This is our time, Omaha,” he said. “Our time to do great things together. The more unified we are, the greater those opportunities will be.”
Quoting Maya Angelou, he reminded attendees that “people will forget what you said, but they will never forget how you made them feel.” He urged everyone to treat others with dignity and respect — the foundation of the “One Omaha” vision he champions as mayor.
And in true Ewing fashion, he ended on a lighthearted note, joking about his sparkling jacket: “After 24 years, nine months, one day, and seven minutes with the Omaha Police Department — not that I was counting — I promised myself I’d have more fun than anyone else. And by the look of this jacket, I’m keeping that promise.”
As the audience rose in a standing ovation, it was clear that Omaha’s first African American mayor has already achieved something far greater than any title — a legacy of faith, family, and fearless leadership that will continue to inspire generations.
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