The Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder is proud to welcome Scott Selmer as its new assigning editor. With robust experience in law, journalism, and community advocacy, Selmer brings a deep commitment to truth-telling and a lifelong belief in the power of Black media to uplift voices too often left unheard. Born and raised in Beloit, Wisconsin, a small, […]
MSR In the News
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City nominates Spokesman-Recorder for national historic recognition
After a year-long study, Minneapolis is advancing National Register nominations for the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder, the Phyllis Wheatley Community Center, and the former home of Harry Davis Sr. The effort recognizes Black history, secures access to preservation funding, and lays groundwork for future listings.
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Minneapolis Seeks Historic Recognition for MSR and Other African American Landmarks
The MSR National Register nomination places Minnesota’s oldest Black-owned newspaper on a path to national recognition, alongside the Phyllis Wheatley Community Center and the former home of Harry Davis Sr. A year-long city study underpins the effort and could unlock preservation grants and tax credits.
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91st Anniversary Gala balanced celebration with reflection
On August 16, the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder celebrated 91 years of service with a gala at the Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel. The evening honored the Black press’s enduring legacy while affirming its future through music, history, and community reflection.
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Carrying the MSR’s story forward
The MSR Legacy Yacht Cruise honored 91 years of storytelling and Black community with a night of music, joy, and connection on the St. Croix.
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Above all else, gratitude
Senior Editor Jerry Freeman reflects on his 30-year journey with the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder, honoring the people and purpose behind 91 years of Black Press legacy.
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MSR publisher twice honored during Juneteenth
Tracey Williams-Dillard, CEO and publisher of the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder, was honored with two Juneteenth awards for her contributions to Black media, legacy, and leadership.
Posted inMetro
Tracey Williams-Dillard honored with Congressional Record Award for over 50 Years in journalism
Tracey Williams-Dillard, publisher and CEO of the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder, was honored with a Congressional Record Award by U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar for more than 50 years of service in journalism and her commitment to amplifying Black voices in Minnesota.
Posted inMetro
Sculpture honoring Cecil Newman delivered to Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder
A bronze sculpture of Cecil E. Newman, created by Vi Runquist, was delivered to the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder on March 20, 2025, to honor Newman’s legacy as a champion of Black journalism and social progress in Minnesota.
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Honoring Minnesota’s women history makers at 1MN History Makers event
Tracey Williams-Dillard, CEO and publisher of the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder, will be a featured panelist at 1MN History Makers: Women’s History Month, sharing her experiences in leadership, media, and community empowerment.
Posted inBooks
‘Black Media in Minnesota’ highlights the legacy and future of Black storytelling
In Black Ink and Macalester College hosted a discussion on the newly released book, Black Media in Minnesota: Tradition, Practice & Vision, which celebrates the voices of Black media and highlights the role of Black media in shaping narratives, advocating for the community, and documenting history.
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MSR’s CEO honored for 50+ years in news
Tracey Williams-Dillard was honored with six others by the Minnesota Newspaper Association’s Half Century Club, recognizing her 50 years of service to the newspaper industry.
Posted inNews
Tracey Williams-Dillard honored among Most Admired CEOs
Tracey Williams-Dillard, CEO and publisher of the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder, was recognized as one of the Minneapolis St.Paul Business Journal’s Most Admired CEOs for her leadership and commitment to community service.
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Fox 9 News celebrates MSR’s 90th Anniversary
The Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder, Minnesota’s oldest Black-owned and Black-operated newspaper, recently celebrated its 90th Anniversary with a feature on Fox 9 News, highlighting its legacy of amplifying the voices of the African American community and its commitment to providing relevant news to the Black community.
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MPR News celebrates MSR’s 90th anniversary with special podcast
MPR News has created a podcast to celebrate the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder’s 90th anniversary, highlighting its commitment to amplifying Black voices, chronicling civil rights events, and providing essential news coverage.
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Racket MN Highlights the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder’s 90-Year Legacy
The Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder, Minnesota’s oldest Black-owned and Black-operated newspaper, celebrates its 90th anniversary with an article from Racket MN, highlighting its impact on the community and its commitment to providing relevant, impactful journalism.
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WCCO-TV Celebrates the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder’s 90th Anniversary
WCCO-TV has featured a news story honoring the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder’s 90th Anniversary, celebrating the newspaper’s enduring legacy as the state’s oldest Black-owned business and its impact on local journalism and community advocacy.
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Axios Twin Cities celebrates 90 years of MSR’s impactful storytelling
The Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder, a 90-year-old newspaper, has been featured in an Axios Twin Cities article that highlights its significant moments and enduring mission to provide a voice for Minnesota’s African American community.