MINNEAPOLIS — A bronze sculpture of Cecil Newman, the pioneering publisher and civil rights advocate, was delivered to the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder (MSR) on Wednesday, March 20, 2025. The piece, created by the late Vi Runquist, honors Newman’s legacy as a champion of Black journalism and social progress in Minnesota.
Runquist, a renowned sculptor and former president of the Society of Minnesota Sculptors, spent decades creating works that captured the essence of her subjects. Though she passed away in 2015, her artistic contributions continue to impact the community. The Newman sculpture, one of her final major works, was completed before her passing and has now found its home at MSR, Minnesota’s oldest Black-owned newspaper.
“Cecil Newman’s influence on Black media, the civil rights movement, and our place here today in Minnesota is immeasurable,” said granddaughter and now publisher of MSR, Tracey Williams-Dillard, who was elated during the sculpture’s unveiling. “Having this piece here at MSR is a fitting tribute to his work and the generations he inspired.”
Newman, who was born in 1917 and passed away in1976, was a prominent figure in the development of Black media. As the founder of the then, St. Paul Recorder and Minneapolis Spokesman, now Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder, he played a pivotal role in providing a voice to the African American community and advocating for civil rights. Newman was not only a publisher but also a tireless advocate for social justice, highlighting the issues of racism, police brutality, and inequality that still resonate today. “He had a purpose,” said Williams-Dillard.
In addition to his work within the legacy of MSR, Newman was instrumental in the creation of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), which has long been a powerful advocate for the Black press in the United States. His leadership helped to ensure that African American communities had access to news that represented their experiences and challenges.
The importance of Black press cannot be overstated, especially in the context of the Civil Rights Movement. According to the City University of New York’s Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism found that Black media publishes as much as six times more coverage than mainstream outlets on issues of importance to Black communities, including racism, health disparities, and voting access. Studies have shown that Black newspapers were essential for providing a platform for activism and organizing within African American communities. Research also indicates that Black press outlets play a critical role in shaping public opinion, advocating for legislative change, and serving as a counter-narrative to mainstream media, which has often marginalized Black voices. Furthermore, Black newspapers, like MSR, serve as vital resources in educating and informing African American audiences about issues such as health, education, and political representation, while also offering a space for cultural expression and celebration.
Born in 1926, Runquist was a prolific artist who worked with clay and stone, often drawing inspiration from spirituality and everyday life. She taught sculpture classes, showcased her work in numerous exhibitions, and remained active in Minneapolis’ art community despite losing her sight due to Retinitis Pigmentosa, a progressive eye disease.
Her work is featured in various public and private collections, and the Newman sculpture now stands as a testament to both his legacy and Runquist’s artistic vision.
The Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder has housed the sculpture in the front of MSR’s office but looks forward to exploring ways to showcase the delightful work, in honor of its symbolic standing and in appreciation of the generous gift.
Jasmine McBride welcomes reader responses at jmcbride@spokesman-recorder.com