[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 31 (Monday, March 20, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E351]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    IN RECOGNITION OF THE OMAHA STAR

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. LEE TERRY

                              of nebraska

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 20, 2000

  Mr. TERRY. Mr. Speaker, I stand before you today on the occasion of 
Black Press Day. March 16 is the anniversary of the publication of the 
first black-owned newspaper in the United States.
  On this day in 1827, the first edition of Freedom's Journal rolled 
off the presses and onto the streets of New York City.
  I borrow from the National Newspaper Publishers Association when I 
recite the credo of the Black Press:

       The Black Press believes that America can best lead the 
     world away from racial and national antagonism when it 
     accords to every person, regardless of race, color or creed, 
     full human and legal rights. Hating no person, fearing no 
     person, the Black Press strives to help every person in the 
     firm belief that all are hurt as long as anyone is held back.

  And there is no better example of this credo than in my own district 
in Nebraska. The Omaha Star is one of the nation's most renowned black-
owned newspapers. The late Mildred D. Brown, who was one of the 
nation's most widely known publishers, founded it in 1938. Since its 
inception some 62 years ago, the Omaha Star has never missed an 
edition, and it is distributed in nearly every state of the Union.
  The Omaha Star has been Omaha's main advocate and champion for the 
progress of African-Americans during its lifespan. Nebraska's only 
black-owned newspaper, the Omaha Star and Mrs. Brown were irreplaceable 
in their contributions to the city's growth and gain.
  We owe a special debt of gratitude to the pioneers at the Omaha Star, 
both past and present, who lead the fight for acceptance of all races. 
And so, on behalf of all Nebraskans I say to the people of the Omaha 
Star, ``Thank you.''

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