Its readership was primarily African American and the paper was committed to covering "wholesome and authentic news",[1] and adopted a middle-class, conservative tone.

[6] However, after Overton's bank failed in the 1930s, the two businesses shared quarters once again, as the Hygienic Company moved into the Bee building.

[10] The Bee's editorial staff was mostly female,[11] and the newspaper covered the black women's club movement extensively.

[1] The concept was originally suggested by theater editor James Gentry, who coined the term and had been sponsoring a beauty contest in the neighborhood since 1916.

[14] After Overton's death in 1946, the Bee was briefly continued by his sons in a tabloid format, but was unsuccessful.