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Dan Desdunes was a prominent jazz musician and band leader when he moved to Omaha from New Orleans just after the turn of the twentieth century. In Omaha, he directed several bands and trained the younger generation of bandleaders in Omaha. The Dan…

This promotional photo of the "Cats of Rhythm" before their performance at the Dreamland Ballroom in 1943-44. The band featured Betty Givens on vocals and Joe Genovesie on sax.

The "Savoy Seven," with bandleader Basie Givens, at The Music Box in Omaha, Nebraska.

Big Mama’s Kitchen was featured on the Sundance Channel’s cooking show, “Ludo Bites America.” This poster was used to advertise Ludo’s visit, which took place on May 21, 2011. The episode aired on July 26, 2011.

In 2010, Big Mama's Kitchen was featured on "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives," a popular cable television food show. This large poster is on display at Big Mama’s, and shows her at the restaurant with the show’s host, Guy Fieri. The episode featuring…

Patricia Barron's father, Basie Givens, outside the family home.

This photograph was taken at a beauty contest and features a number of members of the St. John's Baptist Church women's group. Patricia Barron's grandmother, Lillie Johnson, is far right in this photo.

Following the historic electoral victory of Barack Obama, the nation's first African American president, a local resident created this work of art. The painting commemorates the important moment in American history and features Dr. Martin Luther King…

Children in Patricia Barron's North Omaha neighborhood.