Al Brown Receives 2025 Guardian of the Story Award
Minneapolis community leader and journalist Al Brown was honored with the 2025 Southside Back In The Day Guardian of the Story Award for decades of service to the Black Press and the Twin Cities community. Presented by Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder publisher Tracey Williams-Dillard, the award recognizes Brown’s balanced reporting, preservation of local history, and commitment to uplifting Black voices.
Minneapolis community leader and journalist Al Brown was honored with the 2025 Southside Back in the Day Guardian of the Story Award in recognition of his decades-long dedication to the Black Press and his unwavering service to the community.
The award, presented by Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder publisher Tracey Williams-Dillard during this year’s Southside Back in the Day celebration, highlighted Brown’s legacy as a writer and community voice whose work has consistently uplifted Black stories and preserved local history.
“Through your balanced pen and lifelong service, you have uplifted voices, preserved history, and inspired generations,” the award inscription read.
Brown has long been a fixture in the Twin Cities, chronicling the joys, struggles and resilience of Minneapolis’ Black community. His commitment to honest reporting and storytelling has cemented his reputation as a guardian of memory and truth, a role that Southside Back in the Day sought to recognize with this year’s honor.
The Guardian of the Story Award serves not only as recognition of Brown’s professional contributions but also as a gesture of gratitude for his lasting impact on the cultural and social fabric of Minnesota.
“With deepest gratitude, we thank you for your significant contributions,” the Southside Back in the Day family shared.
For attendees and community members, Brown’s recognition was more than an individual award; it was a celebration of the Black Press as a cornerstone of justice, representation and empowerment.
The gathering brought together generations of Minneapolis residents to celebrate the history, culture and resilience of the city’s Black community. Hosted annually, the event is both a reunion and a living archive, featuring music, food, storytelling, and tributes that honor the pioneers who laid the foundation for today’s Southside.
More than just a celebration, it serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving community memory and passing down stories that continue to shape the future.
Jasmine McBride welcomes reader responses at jmcbride@spokesman-recorder.com.
To view the full photo collage from the event, click the story below.
Southside Back In The Day 2025: A Community Tradition in Photos
The 16th annual Southside Back In The Day festival returned to Phelps Park with music, food, sports, and cultural pride. The day’s theme, “Trust & Believe: Everything is Going to Be Alright,” set the tone for honoring community leaders, celebrating traditions, and uniting generations.
