doi:10.7916/d8-g93m-1f14Oral history interview with Mildred Brown, 1971Brown, Mildred Dee, 1905-1989oral historiesmixed materialJournalistsAfrican American pressAfrican American journalistsAfrican American women journalistsNewspaper publishing--Economic aspects--United StatesAfrican Americans--Civil rightsAdvertising--NewspapersOmaha (Neb.)United States Race relationsBrown, Mildred Dee, 1905-1989Omaha starIn this 1971 interview with Henry G. La Brie III, Brown discusses her experiences in Des Moines and Sioux City Iowa, as well as the purpose of black newspapers such as the Omaha Star. Brown briefly describes her upbringing in Birmingham, Alabama and her degree in teachers training and English from Miles College. After graduating from Miles in 1932, Brown left with her husband, pharmacist S. Edward Gilbert, for Chicago, Illinois and Des Moines, Iowa. Brown recalls the difficulty of obtaining a storefront for a black-run pharmacy and speaks on the distinctions between Northern and Southern racism. Also discussed is her education at Drake University, which was supported by Harvey Ingram. Regarding her time in Sioux City, Brown describes her relationship with Robert E. O'Brian, then President of Morningside College, and her work with Reverend D.H. Harris of Malone A.M.E. Church, with whom she provided child care and opened a community center. Brown explains how Reverend Harris motivated her to start a black newspaper and his ideas as a black leader. She goes on recalling the events leading to the first Omaha Star 1938. Also discussed is Reverend John Markoe, the DePorres Club, the her role as a black employer, and the discrimination she faced throughout her career. In the last portion of the interview, Brown discusses the need of the black press, how she measures success, the circulation of the Omaha Star, and the role of white readership.