In honor of Black History Month, we’re sharing short clips highlighting the legacy and history of Blacks in Minnesota.
Welcome to Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder’s Black History Month special edition
“Early in life, I somehow got the feeling that I could succeed even if I were a member of a minority group… I knew that I would have to work hard and never give up. I would have to take many affronts, but if I kept my personal integrity, nothing could defeat me.” — Cecil E. Newman
In 1926, Carter G. Woodson founded Negro History Week in an effort to recognize African Americans in a history often void of their accomplishments. Surprisingly, this lack of recognition of African Americans and their contributions to society exists even now, almost a century after Woodson’s establishment of Negro History Week, now Black History Month.
Woodson recognized that if Blacks are unaware of their victories, they are more susceptible to give in to defeat under the weight of oppression. Our stories of triumph serve as a roadmap to future successes.
As the oldest Black-owned business in the state of Minnesota, the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder (MSR), established in August of 1934 by Cecil E. Newman and led today by his granddaughter, Tracey Williams-Dillard, remains dedicated to championing the stories and achievements of the African Americans in the community and beyond.
For over a decade we have offered a special edition insert with feature profiles and reflections in celebration of Black History Month. We hope you enjoy the stories of triumph offered in our Black History Month special section and in each and every week of the MSR.
Black History Month Calendar: Feb. 12-21
Each week this month, MSR editors share their top picks for events celebrating Black History Month.
Minnesota Black History Salute: Lena O. Smith
In honor of Black History Month, we’re sharing short clips highlighting the legacy and history of Blacks in Minnesota. This week, we salute Lena Olive Smith, Minnesota’s first female African American lawyer.
Black History Month Calendar: Feb. 1-11
Each week this month, MSR editors share their top picks for events celebrating Black History Month.
MN Black History Salute: The Legacy Of Blacks In Baseball
In honor of Black History Month, we salute the oft-invisible Black baseball players who found their place in history despite widespread racism and segregation.
Remembering trailblazing playwright and writer Lorraine Hansberry
On Broadway (1959), in movie houses (1961), and afterward on television, Lorraine Hansberry’s A Raisin in the Sun increasingly held Black audiences — as well as White — rapturously spellbound. As hasn’t been done since, the American landmark helped usher this nation into the civilized world. The August Wilson of her day, Hansberry’s phenomenally unprecedented success came […]
Legendary referee reflects on triumphs and trials as local history-maker
Nearly 50 years ago this March, Jim Robinson made Minnesota boys’ basketball history. “I worked the [state] tournament three years in a row,” beginning in 1971 as a game official, Robinson proudly stated. The longtime referee, now a supervisor of officials for the Minnesota State High School League, reflected on his legendary career in a […]
NASA celebrates legacy of first Black American astronaut
Fifty years ago, a tragic accident ended the groundbreaking career of Major Robert H. Lawrence, Jr., a Chicago native and stellar Air Force pilot who became America’s first Black astronaut. On December 8, 2017 — the 50th anniversary of his death — NASA honored his often-ignored legacy and contributions to the agency. Earlier this year, […]
Elder perseveres through creativity and crafts
As Black America recounts how far it’s come, there is pride in culture and in accomplishments. One can see how the contributions and sacrifices of America’s Black seniors are woven throughout every part of the country’s history. Black History Month formalizes that recognition. The MSR recently sat down with senior Arie Gipson in her home […]
Spotlight on George Poage, the first Black Olympic medalist
George Poage can claim a piece of Black history for himself, though, at the time of his success, few noticed. A track star at the University of Wisconsin, Poage was the first African American medalist in Olympic history, winning the bronze in both the 200 hurdles and 400 hurdles at the 1904 Games in St. […]