The founder of what is now Nebraska's only black-owned newspaper was honored Thursday. Mildred Brown started the Omaha Star in 1938 and it has been the voice of North Omaha 70 years.

On Thursday, officials from across the city helped dedicate the Mildred Brown Memorial Strolling Park at 24th and Grand by unveiling a bronze bust of Brown created by local artist Littleton Alston.

Mildred Brown discussed civil rights with presidents. She had an Omaha street named after her and now a park is dedicated in her honor.

NAACP President Tommie Wilson says, "She's a big role model, a positive role model."

Central High graduate Ashley Marion knows all about the struggle of Mildred Brown. Ashley says Brown is a motivation to become a role model herself.

She says, "My grandmother, my mother told me set the highest goal and don't let nothing stop you because you will have obstacles. And you youth keep it going. I got a scholarship to UNO. I'm graduating from Central. I want to be a pediatrician. I want to keep on growing more and more and be a model to younger kids."

Dozens of people paid tribute to Mildred Brown Thursday. The strolling park will not only remind the community of Brown and her newspaper, it will also beautify a section of town that badly needs it.