Fr. John Markoe, SJ, & the Omaha DePorres Club

Who? 

The DePorres Club was a group of Omaha community members and Creighton University students who advocated and worked for equality and racial justice. Creighton student Denny Holland led the group; Fr. John Markoe, SJ, a Jesuit who taught mathematics at Creighton University, guided it. The Club was named after St. Martin DePorres, the patron saint of social justice and racial harmony.       

When and Where?        

The DePorres Club operated in Omaha, Nebraska. It was active from 1947-1954.

Why and How? 

DePorres Club members were unable to look away from the racial segregation and discrimination that was so deeply entrenched in early twentieth-century Omaha, Nebraska that the city was nicknamed “Birmingham of the North.” Club members, guided by Fr. John Markoe, embarked on a series of campaigns to advocate for equality in education and employment in Omaha through boycotts and sit-ins. They also sponsored talks, plays, and events to educate the community about racial justice.