The Omaha Star has been located at 2216 North 24th Street for all of its 73 years.
Created by: McKenzie C., Kristen J., Lindsay B., and Catherine M.
Throughout our history, African-Americans have struggled to be treated fairly and to be free. Segregation and discrimination followed African-Americans as they moved from the South to the North during the 20th century, leading to the fight for civil rights. African-American newspapers in Omaha provided a voice, during the period of the Great Migration African-American newspapers like the Omaha Monitor, worked to get the truth out about discrimination and racial injustice. Between WWI and WWII, African-American newspapers, such as the Omaha Guide, strove to show African-Americans in a positive light, and continued to promote movement North for new opportunities. In the post WWII era, civil unrest shaped many African-Americans communities. Newspapers like the Omaha Star provided a strong and positive voice for the African-American community, fought for civil rights, promoted the good within, and encouraged people to make a difference.
Since the 1890's African-American newspapers have existed in Omaha. The purpose of the African-American newspapers were to give African-Americans pertinent information and hope. In 1922, the Monitor published the article, “Omaha's Colored Citizenry Alive and Progressive” to promote the African-American community. The article featured information about activities and current events such as churches, clubs, lodges, and other organizations, which demonstrated the liveliness of the community. By showing that African-Americans made up six percent of the population and owned property worth $2.5 million, the Monitor persuaded African-Americans to settle in Omaha during the Great Migration.
Mildred Brown
Mildred Brown, the founder of The Omaha Star, was born in Bessemer, Alabama. She moved from Alabama to Sioux City, and started her first newspaper. Later she moved to Omaha to work for the Omaha Guide. In 1938, she decided to start her own newspaper and The Omaha Star was born. Ms. Brown started The Omaha Star so African-Americans could have a voice in the community and to give hope. Ms. Brown wanted the paper to provide a positive outlook on events in the African-American community; other media at the time only reported negative stories related to African-Americans. Additionally, segregation in Omaha and nation-wide wore down people's hope; the paper worked to uplift the community during challenging times. (Photo courtesy The Omaha Star)