Negro Leagues & Black Baseball Storytelling Series

The Negro Leagues & Black Baseball Storytelling Series is a powerful and inspiring celebration of the history, legacy, and cultural impact of Black baseball in America — presented as part of the 2026 Omaha Freedom Festival and College World Series weekend.

This special live storytelling experience brings to life the rich narrative of the Negro Leagues — the organized African American professional baseball leagues that gave Black ballplayers their stage during segregation — through dialogue, rare artifacts, personal stories, and expert insight. The event offers audiences a deep, humanized look at how Black baseball shaped not only the sport, but American culture and civil rights history.

At the heart of the series is Bob Kendrick, President of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City, who leads the conversation with passion and authority. Under his leadership, the Museum has preserved and amplified the legacy of the Negro Leagues — honoring the achievements of players, teams, and the broader community that sustained Black baseball during eras of segregation and profound racial inequality.

The series is facilitated by Brenda Council, a respected Omaha civic leader and former Nebraska State Senator, helping guide discussions that bridge historical context with personal reflection.

Featured storytellers include:

• Coach Wilbert Ellis — legendary baseball coach whose life in the sport reflects the lifelong impact of the Negro Leagues’ spirit.
• Ralph Garr — former Major League Baseball All-Star known for his dynamic athleticism and contributions to the game.
• Dusty Baker (featured) — celebrated MLB manager and former player whose career symbolizes the progress and influence of Black athletes in baseball.

Curated by Eric Ewing of the Black History Museum in North Omaha, the storytelling series combines historical education with personal insight, offering attendees an engaging, emotional, and educational journey through one of the most compelling chapters in American sports history.

Info: Brenda J. Council is a politician and a lawyer from North Omaha, Nebraska. She represented the 11th District in the Nebraska State Legislature from 2009 to 2013, succeeding longtime state senator Ernie Chambers, who was term-limited

Info: Bob Kendrick is the President of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum (NLBM) in Kansas City, Missouri, the world’s only institution dedicated to preserving and celebrating the history and cultural impact of Negro Leagues baseball. Born on June 15, 1962, in Crawfordville, Georgia, Kendrick began his journey with the museum as a volunteer in 1993, later serving as its first Director of Marketing and Vice President of Marketing before being named President in 2011.
Under his leadership, the NLBM has undergone a financial and cultural revival, creating signature programs like the Hall of Game awards and leading impactful initiatives such as the Tipping Your Cap campaign to honor Negro Leagues players past and present. A passionate storyteller and advocate for baseball history, Kendrick has helped elevate the legacy of Black ballplayers and ensure their contributions are remembered and celebrated nationwide

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