Few people realize that not only did women athletes cheerleading at sporting events originate right here in Minnesota, but several African American women made history here by breaking the cheerleading color barrier. Prior to 1923, cheerleading had been an exclusively White male activity. That year, the University of Minnesota (U of M) became the first […]
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 Salute: Marvel James Cooke
One hundred years after the birth of Minnesota’s first Black person, Marvel Jackson Cooke made her own history as the first Black birth in the city of Mankato.
Experience local Black history
Consider the following collection a historical taste of Black history in the Twin Cities!
Black History Salute: George Bonga
In honor of Black History Month, we’re sharing short clips highlighting the legacy and history of Blacks in Minnesota. This week, we salute George Bonga, Minnesota’s first African American resident to be born in Minnesota.
Black History Salute: Minnesota’s First Black Policewoman
In honor of Black History Month, we’re sharing short clips highlighting the legacy and history of Blacks in Minnesota.
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 […]