Malone Neighborhood + Hawley Historic District
The Malone neighborhood is a historically Black/African-American neighborhood in Lincoln. The racist practice of redlining in the twentieth century segregated residents of color into limited areas in the city, leading to many Black residents finding a home in the Malone neighborhood and the establishment of a socially and culturally vibrant community for its transplanted residents. That would not last long, however, as many Black homeowners would be forced out of this neighborhood in an effort to construct a highway that would bisect the area. The highway project never manifested due to resident push-back; however, the impact of the project had already displaced a number of residents, which was further exacerbated by the property acquisition in the area by the University of Nebraska.
The Hawley Historic District was established in the early 1990s and partially overlaps the Malone Neighborhood. This district was named after the architect who designed many of its early homes in the 19th century. Long-term residents of the district have worked to strengthen their neighborhood through connections and collaborative food production known as the “Hawley Hamlet.” The neighbors have transformed their yards into usable growing spaces. In 2021, NeighborWorks America honored Hamlet’s resident organizers, Tim Rinne and Kay Walter (former and current NWL board members), with the national Dorothy Richardson Award for Resident Leadership.
NWL has maintained a presence in the Malone and Hawley neighborhoods for over 25 years, and its office has been located there since 2016. The organization has completed more than 55 real estate projects in the geography, including new builds and rehabs, since 2010. NWL has also been heavily involved in the North 27th Business Association/Corridor that borders the east side of the neighborhood. This long-term investment in the area was the center of the 2019 Community Impact Measurement (CIM) study of these neighborhoods. Thanks to previous CIMs/surveys, a comparison of the area over a 6-10-year period provided a greater understanding of the investment made and its impact on the area’s real estate and the resident experience.
NWL is proud to partner with Malone Center, Malone Manor, Hawley Hamlet, Christ Temple Church, and the North 27th Street Business & Civic Association.
Little Free Pantry
In late 2023, NWL relocated a Little Free Pantry to the NWL campus at 2530 Q St (located on 26th Street). Residents and partners (NP Dodge, No Coast Junior Derby) work to keep the pantry stocked to help those in our community who are facing food and nutrition insecurity. Click here for a list of requested non-perishable food and hygiene items.
If you are interested in connecting with NWL about the Malone/Hawley neighborhood please contact Community Builder, Tut Kailech, at tut.kailech@nwlincoln.org or 402.477.7181 extension 401.
