Proof our stories are worth telling

The Omaha Star represents nearly a century of proven impact in Black journalism. Through the Institute, we are translating that legacy into a scalable, modern framework for building sustainable, community-owned media across the country.

The Omaha Star Institute serves the North Omaha community and beyond by preserving stories, uplifting multi-generational voices, and investing in the future by honoring the past – evolving what a community paper can be.

89 years of evolving what a community paper can be.

Living Legacy

WHAT WE DO

Actively support the newspaper’s preservation and growth, breathing new life into history and amplifying Black voices through storytelling.

Support and Grow
The Omaha Star

Cultivate the next generation of Black journalists and creators by uplifting their voices and creating meaningful opportunities.

Invest in the Next Generation

Curate a dynamic museum that will house interactive exhibits, educational programming, and cultural experiences for all ages.

Curate A Must-See
Historic Experience

WHO WE ARE

Founded by Terri D. Sanders in 2023, The Omaha Star Institute is a mission-driven 501(c)(3) to protect, elevate, and extend the legacy of The Omaha Star Newspaper, Nebraska’s only Black-owned newspaper and one of the longest-running African American publications in the nation. 

Rooted in preservation, education, and community impact, the Institute safeguards more than 89 years of Black journalism while transforming that legacy into a living, accessible resource for future generations.

EXPECTED COMPLETION SUMMER 2026

Omaha Star Park

  • Subscribe to Nebraska’s only Black-owned newspaper and one of the longest-running African American publications in the nation.

  • Join the 85 Club to join us in celebrating 85 years of publishing The Omaha Star.

The Omaha Star Institute Campus, formerly the Mildred Brown Strolling Park, has been reimagined into an Omaha Star Walk of Fame, history lesson, green space and mini entertainment venue in North Omaha.

Learn more

Pictured: Site plan concept renderings.

WHAT GUIDES US

By centering our core values of preservation, education, diversity and inclusion, community engagement and ethical journalism – We safeguard the rich legacy of The Omaha Star; Promote understanding and social change; Celebrate our differences; Connect with the community we serve; and Uphold the highest ethical and factual journalistic standards.

  • Objective 1 – Completed
    Digitize and catalog 100% of the Omaha Star Newspaper's 86 years of archives by the end of 2025.

    Objective 2
    Collaborate to locate an off-site preservation facility for physical archives.

    Objective 3
    Create a comprehensive online database accessible to researchers, educators, and the public.

    Objective 4
    Organize annual exhibitions showcasing:

    • The newspaper's historical impact and contributions

    • The timelines of Black media

    • Persons contributing to Black media

    Objective 5
    Restore the living quarters of Mildred D. Brown, founder of The Omaha Star Newspaper, which is located within the Omaha Star Museum.

  • Objective 1
    Enhance the quality and reach of the Omaha Star Community Newspaper by expanding its digital presence and circulation.

    Objective 2
    Develop partnerships with local educational institutions to provide media scholarships and internships.

    Objective 3
    Implement sustainable revenue-generation strategies for long-term financial stability.

    Objective 4
    Engage with the community to ensure the newspaper remains a voice for local African American perspectives.

  • Objective 1
    Secure funding and resources to construct a dedicated museum space in the present location of the Omaha Star Newspaper

    Objective 2
    Develop interactive exhibits and educational programs highlighting Black media's history and impact.

    Objective 3
    Curate rotating exhibits on significant Black media.

    Objective 4
    Collaborate with schools to offer educational programs and field trips to the museum.

  • Objective 1
    Create a Black Media Excellence Program to mentor aspiring Black media creators and provide professional development opportunities.

    Objective 2
    Host annual media symposiums, seminars, and workshops to promote best practices and networking.

    Objective 3
    Develop partnerships with media schools and media organizations to foster talent and innovation.

    Objective 4
    Launch a scholarship program to support Black media students and researchers.

  • Objective 1
    Establish an advisory board of community leaders, educators, and media creators to ensure community input and engagement.

    Objective 2
    Organize regular community events, lectures, and cultural celebrations.

    Objective 3
    Strengthen our online presence through social media and virtual events.

    Objective 4
    Collaborate with local organizations to address community issues through media and education.

In The News

  • Omaha Star underscores struggles faced by Black newspapers

    WOWT

    Newspapers across the country are losing advertising revenue to audio, visual, and digital media platforms, and the same is true for the nation’s Black-owned publications. Read more

  • Omaha Star newspaper highlight small businesses

    WOWT

    The Omaha Star is working to promote small businesses in the metro. Watch now

  • Celebrating the extraordinary people of North Omaha

    NOIRE THE PODCAST

    In this episode of NOIRE the Podcast, host Dr. Nichelle Horton-Brown and co-host Jade Rogers, have a conversation with Terri D. Sanders, the living legacy herself. Listen now

  • The Omaha Star newspaper under new ownership

    WOWT

    Nebraska’s oldest African-American owned newspaper has a new owner. 6 News was granted an exclusive interview with Terri Sanders, who shared her plans for the future of The Star. Read more

  • Nebraska's only Black-owned newspaper celebrates 85 years in print

    KETV

    The Omaha Star's owner, Terri Sanders, cuts a ribbon Thursday celebrating the paper's legacy and its future. See more