The voice.
Lincoln, Nebraska (1946-195?)
The voice. October 11, 1946, Image 1
- Title:
- The voice. : (Lincoln, Nebraska) 1946-195?
- Place of publication:
- Lincoln, Nebraska
- Geographic coverage:
- Dates of publication:
- 1946-195?
- Description:
-
- Began with Volume 1, no. 1, October 11, 1946.
- Frequency:
- Weekly
- Language:
-
- English
- Subjects:
-
- African American newspapers--Nebraska--Lincoln.
- African American newspapers.--fast--(OCoLC)fst00799278
- African Americans--Nebraska--Lincoln--Newspapers.
- African Americans.--fast--(OCoLC)fst00799558
- Lincoln (Neb.)--Newspapers.
- Nebraska--Lincoln.--fast--(OCoLC)fst01208321
- Notes:
-
- "Dedicated to the promotion of the cultural, social and spiritual life of a great people."
- Description based on Volume 1, no. 1, October 11, 1946; title from masthead.
- LCCN:
- 2019270505
- OCLC:
- 1088505830
- MARC
- Record
Voice
The Voice was a weekly African-American newspaper published in Lincoln, Nebraska, from October 11, 1946 through May 14, 1953 at an annual subscription rate of $2.00. It was “dedicated to the promotion of the culture, social and spiritual life of a great people.” Melvin L. Shakespeare, a local pastor, was the publisher and owner. Two “special writers” were named in the masthead—Rev. Trago T. McWilliams, Sr., and Joseph Casmer.
In the first issue, Rev. McWilliams wrote a moving statement about the Voice and its mission. He described the Voice as “a determined, indomitable voice for …a united effort on the part of the Negro [sic] citizenry of this great educational and cultural center to raise sights to higher goals.” The goals cited included greater employment opportunities, tolerance, and advanced educational goals. Also mentioned were “to denounce unscrupulous politicians” and “to champion… the underprivileged.” The paper frequently reported on the National Urban League and the NAACP. In accordance with its commitment to education, the Voice sponsored fundraisers to provide a scholarship for a high school student to attend a university or a technical school in order to learn a trade.
The Voice was also devoted to community activities in Lincoln, Hastings and other Nebraska towns. Several columns were contributed by community members, such as “Social Hints,” and “Churches: Go to the Church of Your Choice—but Go!” These columns help offer a snapshot of post-WWII life of African-Americans in Nebraska.
