The City of Minneapolis has recognized the historical legacy of Launa Q. Newman, former publisher of the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder, by naming a stretch of city street “Launa Q. Newman Way.” The Way extends from 36th Street South and 4th Avenue South to 42nd Street and 4th Avenue South in Minneapolis.
Following the 1976 death of her husband Cecil Newman, who founded two newspapers in 1934 (the Minneapolis Spokesman and St. Paul Recorder), Launa Newman assumed the duties of publisher and kept the company in business for the next 33 years before turning it over to her granddaughter, Tracey Williams-Dillard, who continues as publisher to this day.
A city street in South Minneapolis has also been named after Cecil Newman. The MSR headquarters at 3744 4th Avenue, now located on Launa Q. Newman Way, was designated for historical preservation by the City of Minneapolis in 2015. The newspaper is currently celebrating its 85th anniversary.
Related stories:
Launa Q. Newman and Clarissa Walker honored with their own streets
Black women pioneers to be honored with commemorative street names in S. Mpls.
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