In the bustling heart of the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder (MSR), Norma Jean Williams’ legacy stands tall, radiating warmth and goodwill. Known for her dynamic tenure as the former interim publisher, Williams’ impact on the publication and the community is fondly remembered by many, including her niece, Dauhn Jackman, brother, Wallace “Jack” Jackman, and longtime friends Shirlee Callender and Callie Riser.
Dauhn Jackman reminisces about her youthful days at MSR, where she lent a helping hand in folding papers for delivery. “I recall she would host the bachelor/bachelorette event at year’s end,” Jackman shared, reflecting on her aunt’s commitment to fostering community and social engagement. “So, I would say she left a big social footprint.”
Jackman also recalled being a junior bachelorette herself, influenced by her aunt’s vibrant social events that brought people together and celebrated milestones.
“Norma had a wonderful personality, and she was a comedienne,” says Callender, one of Williams’ dear friends of over 50 years. Calendar just turned 91 in June.
Callender also says that Williams was naturally funny, and everyone loved that about her. She didn’t realize how funny she was during times when she was casually talking about any subject and made people laugh without trying.
Callie Riser, another longtime friend of Williams, says, “I used to work with Norma and assist her with the bachelor and bachelorette weekly column that she started, along with the year-end event for singles, and she was a radio personality too.” Williams sometimes bundled her MSR interviews with her radio shows on KFAI FM and KMOJ FM.
Williams is sorely missed but not forgotten and is often quoted or mentioned during conversations around the MSR office about the history of the MSR, as the 90th anniversary on August 10, 2024, is steadily approaching.
Williams took on many different roles while working at the MSR. She first came to Minnesota with her immediate family in 1965 and began working on various small tasks there.
Still, with her developed writing skills, in 1976, she started taking on duties as a journalist and interviewing high-profile individuals like the Godfather of Soul, James Brown, and the Mother of the Civil Rights Movement, Rosa Parks, to name a few.
That year was also a bittersweet time for Williams because MSR founder and Willams’ stepfather Cecil E. Newman died.
Wallace Jackman, Williams’ brother, provides further insight into their synergistic partnership at MSR. “I cleared the way for Norma to handle administrative duties while I would back her up. But I was more interested in the tasks of ordering equipment, community relations with youth, and handyman-type work around the MSR building,” he said, highlighting their complementary roles.
Wallace praised Williams’ generosity, remembering how she often welcomed people in need into her home. “She just gave them a safe place to be until their situation got better. My sister was a goodwill ambassador and an angel to those who needed help,” he added.
Williams’ legacy extends beyond her administrative prowess. Her sense of humor and love for entertainment shone brightly on February 1, 1988, when she made her debut stand-up performance at the Twin Cities Banquet Center to salute Black History Month. The event, which attracted a sold-out crowd, left a lasting impression as Williams delivered her routine to an appreciative audience.
Though she wasn’t interested in becoming a regular on the comedy scene, she continued to perform at clubs and private engagements. Her last routine, which took place on the MSR boat cruise, earned her a standing ovation.
“After she passed on, there was a Proclamation for Norma Jean Williams Day,” Jackman concludes. “But at the MSR, every day is Norma Jean Williams Day.”
Norma Jean Williams’ legacy at MSR is a testament to her multifaceted contributions as a leader, a caretaker, and an entertainer. She passed away on June 6, 2023, at age 81.
She is remembered for her administrative skills, immense heart, community spirit, and ability to bring joy and laughter to those around her.