[3] Irvin had worked for newspapers in various cities before joining the military in World War I.
[4] They included the Indianapolis Freeman, Chicago Daily Bulletin, and Gary Sun.
[6] Like many early Black papers, The Shining Star placed a strong emphasis on self-improvement, publishing a new word and Bible quotation every week for its readers to memorize.
[7] The local news in The Shining Star was dominated by the activities of churches and the Grand United Order of Odd Fellows,[7] of which Irvin was a member.
[7] Its coverage, however, was not limited to Anderson, as it provided a weekly column about nearby Muncie as well.