Nestled in the northeast quadrant of Lincoln, Nebraska, bounded by bustling O Street to the south and 27th Street to the east, the Malone neighborhood stands as an enduring testament to the city’s spirit of resilience, diversity, and community. With almost a century and a half of history woven into its fabric, Malone is not just a place on a map, but a living story shared by its residents—past and present.
The Origins of Malone: How It Got Its Name
The roots of the Malone neighborhood reach back to the late 19th century, as Lincoln was rapidly growing beyond its downtown core. The neighborhood takes its name from the Malone Community Center, itself named in honor of Reverend Dr. William H. Malone. Dr. Malone was a pioneering African American pastor and civil rights advocate who arrived in Lincoln in the early 1900s. Under his stewardship, the center became a cornerstone of cohesion and empowerment for Malone’s Black community—a role it proudly maintains to this day.
A Neighborhood Born in Diversity
From its beginning, Malone was unlike the newer suburban areas blossoming elsewhere in Lincoln. The area developed organically, with homes constructed by railroad workers, laborers, and families arriving during the Great Migration in the 1920s and '30s. At a time when discriminatory housing practices kept many African Americans clustered in specific districts, Malone became a safe haven. Here, families built their homes along tree-lined streets such as Vine, S, and T Streets, and fostered a vibrant culture of mutual support.
Key Historical Milestones
- Early Community Formation: By the 1920s, Malone was the heart of Lincoln’s African American community, with Second Baptist Church on 24th and S streets serving not just spiritual needs, but as a social center and organizing space.
- The Malone Community Center: In 1955, the doors of the Malone Community Center officially opened at 20th and U Streets, ushering in a new era of social programs, youth athletics, and cultural events. The Center would go on to mentor generations of Lincolnites.
- Civil Rights Era: During the 1960s, Malone became a focal point for civil rights activism in Lincoln. Marches, voter drives, and community meetings helped push forward the city’s integration and fair housing efforts.
- Preservation and Renewal: By the late 20th century, concerted efforts by residents and the city focused on preserving historic homes as well as repurposing old buildings, solidifying Malone’s role in Lincoln’s heritage.
Notable Landmarks and Institutions
Malone has more than its fair share of storied buildings and beloved green spaces:
- Malone Community Center: Still standing proudly at 2032 U Street, the Center continues to offer youth programs, senior services, and cultural enrichment.
- Mount Zion Baptist Church: Anchoring the neighborhood since the 1910s, this church on North 22nd Street is a spiritual touchstone and host to many historic events.
- Trago Park: Located along the John Dietrich Bikeway at 22nd and U Streets, Trago Park is cherished for its shaded picnic tables, splash pad, and a strong sense of local pride.
- Park Middle School: On 8th Street just to the west, Park Middle School has served the educational needs of generations of Malone children.
- Historic Dwellings: Craftsman bungalows and Victorian-era homes still stand on side streets like R and S, offering glimpses into the neighborhood’s architectural past.
Malone’s Evolution Through the Decades
Few Lincoln neighborhoods have witnessed—and gracefully weathered—such sweeping changes as Malone.
- 1950s–1970s: Demographic shifts and local urban renewal efforts transformed parts of the landscape, with new housing and amenities added even as old institutions remained anchors.
- 1980s–1990s: Local businesses along O Street emerged, reflecting the area’s economic revitalization. Community activism focused on combating redlining and fostering pride in local schools and churches.
- 21st Century: Diversity remains Malone’s hallmark. In addition to its historic African American population, the neighborhood today welcomes families from Latin America, Asia, and Africa, making Malone a microcosm of Lincoln’s global connections.
What Makes Malone Special Today
Ask any resident, and they’ll tell you that Malone is more than the sum of its landmarks. There’s a resilience here—a sense of belonging that persists through every challenge. Summer festivals at Trago Park bring together neighbors of all backgrounds. Garden plots and murals line the neighborhood streets, telling stories of struggle, hope, and pride. And always, the Malone Community Center stands ready to welcome all who walk through its doors.
The aroma of barbecue wafts from backyard cookouts; kids bike along the John Dietrich Bikeway; and elders share wisdom from porches that have seen a century of history. Whether you have lived here for years, or are visiting for the first time, you are embraced by the spirit of community—a legacy carefully stewarded over generations.
In the Heart of Lincoln, a Neighborhood With Heart
Malone is where Lincoln’s past and future meet. It is a testament to the power of neighbors looking out for one another, to the strength found in diversity, and to the belief that the best communities are those that make room for everyone. As you walk Malone’s storied streets—from the grand old houses on S Street to the lively swirl around O Street—pause to listen. You’ll hear echoes of the past, and the joyful sounds of tomorrow.