The power and impact of Black media took center stage on Saturday, March 15, as In Black Ink and Macalester College hosted a discussion on the newly released book, Black Media in Minnesota: Tradition, Practice & Vision. Edited by Al McFarlane, the anthology brings together 12 media professionals and scholars whose work has shaped Black storytelling in Minnesota and beyond.

Celebrating the voices of Black media

The event, held at Subtext Books in St. Paul, featured a lively discussion moderated by Macalester College student Azariah Baker. Several contributors joined the conversation, including:

  • Professor Mahmoud El-Kati – Historian, author, and longtime advocate for Black scholarship
  • Tracey Williams-Dillard – Publisher and CEO of the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder (MSR)
  • Dr. Robin Hickman-Winfield – CEO and executive producer of SoulTouch Productions

Each speaker reflected on the role of Black media in shaping narratives, advocating for the community, and documenting history.

A collection of tradition, practice, and vision

Black Media in Minnesota is more than a book—it’s a testament to the resilience and evolution of Black media. The anthology highlights three critical areas:

📖 Contemporary journalistic critique – Examining the challenges and opportunities in today’s Black media landscape.

📖 Historical analysis – Exploring the foundations of Black journalism and its ongoing impact.

📖 Personal narratives – Firsthand accounts from journalists, filmmakers, podcasters, radio hosts, and community media makers who have dedicated their lives to telling Black stories.

With a foreword by Dr. Mahmoud El-Kati, the book includes contributions from:

  • Henry Banks
  • Donnie Nicole Belcher
  • Daniel Pierce Bergin
  • Dr. Danielle K. Brown
  • Georgia Fort
  • Dr. Robin P. Hickman-Winfield
  • Lissa Jones-Lofgren
  • Al McFarlane
  • Jasmine Snow
  • Dr. Catherine R. Squires
  • Dallas Watson
  • Tracey Williams-Dillard

Why Black media matters now more than ever

The discussion reinforced the two-pronged mission of Black media—to inform and advocate. Speakers emphasized that while mainstream media often fails to accurately portray Black experiences, Black-owned and independent media remain a critical source of truth and empowerment.

As Tracey Williams-Dillard of MSR noted, Black media has long served as both a watchdog and a storyteller, ensuring that the voices and issues of Black communities are not erased.

Where to get the book

Black Media in Minnesota: Tradition, Practice & Vision is available for purchase at In Black Ink.

This powerful collection ensures that the legacy of Black journalism continues to inform, inspire, and uplift for generations to come.