Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

NNPA Stories

IN MEMORIAM: Clara McLaughlin, Publisher of the Florida Star and Georgia Star, Dies

NNPA NEWSWIRE — Clara McLaughlin attended Howard University, where she served as editor-in-chief of the school’s Bison yearbook. She earned a journalism degree from the historically Black university and later helped found the National Black Communications Society. After expressing her disdain for how television depicted females of color, McLaughlin purchased KLMG-TV, becoming the first Black woman to own and be the largest shareholder of a network-affiliated station. McLaughlin purchased The Florida Star and Georgia Star in 2022 and catapulted those foundational Black newspapers into national must-reads.

By Stacy M. Brown
NNPA Newswire 

Clara McLaughlin
A Female Entrepreneur of the Year Award recipient, Clara McLaughlin dined with several U.S. Presidents, including George Bush, Bill Clinton, and Barack Obama.

Clara McLaughlin, the famous author, and publisher of The Florida Star and The Georgia Star in Jacksonville, Florida, has died.

McLaughlin had battled cancer and other illnesses for some time, but family and friends said she fiercely fought until the end.

“She was a total icon,” Arthia Nixon, a publicist, author, and writer for McLaughlin’s two publications told the Black Press.

“She gave me my first job, and when my daughter was six, she gave her space to write a column.”

McLaughlin’s interest in publishing began in high school, creating the first student newsletter in Gainesville, Florida. Later, she attended the Hampton Institute in Virginia and displayed an interest in music.

She then joined the U.S. Navy and worked as an organist for the Navy Chapel.

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.

Following her military service, McLaughlin attended Howard University, where she served as editor-in-chief of the school’s Bison yearbook.

She earned a journalism degree from the historically Black university and later helped found the National Black Communications Society.

After expressing her disdain for how television depicted females of color, McLaughlin purchased KLMG-TV, becoming the first Black woman to own and be the largest shareholder of a network-affiliated station.

McLaughlin purchased The Florida Star and Georgia Star in 2022 and catapulted those foundational Black newspapers into national must-reads.

Both newspapers are members of the National Newspaper Publishers Association, the trade association representing the Black Press of America.

A Female Entrepreneur of the Year Award recipient, McLaughlin dined with several U.S. Presidents, including George Bush, Bill Clinton, and Barack Obama.

She also authored the book “Black Parents’ Handbook: A Guide to Healthy Pregnancy, Birth and Child Care.”

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.

“She was a trailblazer,” Nixon stated. “She also was like a mom to me in so many ways, and this hits hard. She put up a really good fight.”

ADVERTISEMENT

IMM Mask Promos

I Messenger Media Radio Shows

ADVERTISEMENT

Related Articles

News

Protect Dallas Black Dance Theatre’s Funding Dear City Council Members, RE: Recent decision by the Quality-of-Life Committee to pause Dallas Black Dance Theatre’s (DBDT)...

News

Memorial Street Toppers Will Be Placed at the Location Where the First Responder Lost Their Life

News

Noted speakers, fashion influencers, and branding experts are just a few of the inspiring women headlining The Girl Get Dressed Festival,  on November 2,...

Spotlight Story

At the Southern Gourmet Kitchen, they’re passionate about Southern cuisine and hospitality. Their restaurant was founded on principles of quality ingredients, family recipes, and...

Advertisement