Omaha Star building facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Omaha Star building
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The Omaha Star building
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 Location in Nebraska
Location in the United States
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| Location | North Omaha, Nebraska |
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| Built | 1923 |
| Architect | G.P. Prinz |
| Architectural style | Early Commercial |
| NRHP reference No. | 07001322 |
| Added to NRHP | December 27, 2007 |
The Omaha Star building is a very important place in North Omaha, Nebraska. It stands at 2216 North 24th Street. This building has been the home of the Omaha Star newspaper since 1938. The Omaha Star is special because it has served Omaha's African-American community for a long time. It also has strong ties to the civil rights movement in the city. Because of its historical importance, the building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2007.
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History of the Omaha Star Building
During the time of the Great Migration, many African Americans moved to cities like Omaha. The Near North Side of Omaha became the center of the city's African-American community. This is where Mildred Brown and her husband Edward S. Gilbert started the Omaha Star newspaper in 1938.
Early Uses of the Building
The building itself was built in 1923. Before the newspaper moved in, it was used for different things. First, it was a place where funeral services were held (a mortuary). Later, it became a social hall, a place for community gatherings. Mildred Brown lived in an apartment at the back of the building. She lived there from when the paper started until she passed away in 1989.
The Omaha Star and Civil Rights
Since 1945, the Omaha Star has been the only African-American newspaper in Omaha. In the 1940s, the building became a meeting spot for the DePorres Club. This was a very important civil rights group in Omaha. Mildred Brown invited the DePorres Club to use her offices. This group was led by young people who wanted to make a difference. They were looking for a place to meet after being asked to leave Creighton University.
Mildred Brown made sure the Omaha Star kept its readers informed. The newspaper reported on national issues, especially the civil rights movement. It shared both the successes and challenges of the movement across the country and in Omaha. Journalists researched the facts and presented them clearly. They encouraged people to get involved. The paper also gave a voice and a face to the entire community.
Recent Renovations and Recognition
The city of Omaha recently approved money for renovations. A grant of $40,000 helped to fix up the building. During this work, the building's famous 1940s sign was taken down. This sign features the newspaper's name, a map of Africa, and a large star that lights up at night. It was cleaned and repaired.
Mildred Brown's niece, Marguerita Washington, now runs the newspaper. She also owns the building. When the building was added to the National Register of Historic Places, she said it was for her aunt. She wanted to recognize all the hard work her aunt did for the community.
In May 2008, the city opened the Mildred Brown Memorial Strolling Park. This park is right next to the Omaha Star Building. Students from the Metropolitan Community College helped build the park. It has walkways and garden beds for people to enjoy.
