Explore the history behind Minnesota’s oldest Black-owned newspaper
The Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder (MSR) is proud to be one of 75 featured sites for Doors Open Minneapolis 2025, a citywide event that invites the public to step inside iconic buildings that shape the city’s past, present, and future. The event takes place Saturday and Sunday, May 17–18, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and admission is free.
Produced by Rethos, a Minnesota nonprofit dedicated to historic preservation and community revitalization, Doors Open Minneapolis offers behind-the-scenes access to sacred spaces, architectural gems, and cultural landmarks across the city.
A legacy of truth-telling and community power
For more than 90 years, the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder has served as a vital voice for Minnesota’s Black community. Founded in 1934 by Cecil Newman, the MSR is the oldest Black-owned newspaper in Minnesota and one of the longest-running Black newspapers in the country. Its pages have chronicled the civil rights movement, local activism, cultural milestones, and everyday life in the Twin Cities’ Black community.
During Doors Open Minneapolis, the MSR welcomes visitors to its historic headquarters at 3744 Fourth Avenue South. Guests will have the opportunity to explore archival materials, vintage newspaper covers, and exhibits that highlight the paper’s deep connection to social justice and community empowerment.
MSR staff will be on-site to share stories, answer questions, and offer insight into the paper’s enduring mission under current CEO/Publisher Tracey Williams-Dillard.
Plan your visit and explore more
Doors Open visitors typically explore 4–6 venues each day, with some ambitious explorers visiting over 20 across the weekend. With free Metro Transit rides available from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., it’s easy to make the most of the event and explore other historic and cultural sites across the city.
Whether you’re passionate about journalism, social justice, or Minneapolis history, the MSR is a must-see destination that continues to shape the city’s story.
Event details
📍 Location: 3744 Fourth Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55409
🗓️ Dates: Saturday, May 17, and Sunday, May 18
🕙 Hours: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
♿ Accessibility: Partially accessible; public restrooms available
💵 Cost: Free
🚌 Free Metro Transit rides: Download the pass
Register and plan your route
Pre-register and plan your weekend stops by visiting doorsopenminneapolis.org. Some locations are only open one day, so check availability before you go.
Join us at the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder to experience a building where Black history has been made—and continues to be written every week.