The Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder congratulates Leticia Alvarez on earning her Bachelor of Science in Special Education with honors from Mankato University, completing a journey years in the making as a first-generation college student, mother and future MSR leader.
Black excellence
Posted inLet them Rise
Joy of educating Black boys
Richard D. Terrell, assistant principal with Saint Paul Public Schools, writes about the joy of educating Black boys, calling on schools, families and communities to celebrate their brilliance, nurture their gifts and speak life into their futures.
Posted inOpinion
NNPA Launches 2026 “Leadership Matters” Video Series
The NNPA Leadership Matters video series 2026 features six exclusive interviews with transformative Black leaders in politics, health care and technology airing over six weeks.
Posted inEvents
Black Women of Impact – Twin Cities Honors to Celebrate Community Leaders in St. Paul
The inaugural Black Women of Impact Twin Cities Honors will recognize leaders whose work continues to strengthen communities across Minnesota.
Posted inArts + Culture
Nominees Announced for the 57th NAACP Image Awards as Black Excellence Takes Center Stage
Nominees for the 57th NAACP Image Awards have been announced, with public voting now open ahead of the February 28 live broadcast celebrating Black excellence.
Posted inOpinion
The Mike Tomlin Standard
Mike Tomlin stepped away from the Pittsburgh Steelers after 19 seasons, closing one of the most remarkable coaching tenures in NFL history and redefining leadership for generations of Black coaches.
Posted inBlack History
More Than a Biopic: “Michael” and the Power of a Global Icon
With the Michael biopic arriving in 2026, renewed global fascination reveals why Michael Jackson’s cultural power, artistry, and legacy remain unmatched decades after his death.
Posted inNational
The Best Things to Happen to Black People in 2025
The best things to happen to Black people in 2025 showcase excellence, progress, and joy across culture, sports, education, and community.
Posted inLocal & State
Roger Clarke: A life of courage, leadership, and lasting impact
Roger Clarke’s legacy at Augsburg University lives on through his leadership as a Black Student Union president, mentor, and advocate for equity during a critical moment in campus history.
Posted inAnother View
Black athletes too often dehumanized, commodified
At United Theological Seminary in St. Paul, first time author and newly tenured professor Dr. Gary F. Green introduced his book “Playing the Game” with a panel that included Minnesota Vikings fullback CJ Ham, scholar Dr. Lakisha R. Lockhart Rusch and United student Tamice Spencer Helms. Together they explored how terms like “beast” and coded commentary about “natural talent” versus “intelligence” shape the way Black athletes are seen, valued and limited, and how Green’s work offers a powerful challenge to those narratives.
Posted inMSR In the News
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.
Posted inPhoto Galleries
MSR 91st Anniversary Gala Honors Legacy and Celebrates Community
The Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder’s 91st Anniversary Gala celebrated the heartbeat of a healthy community with music, storytelling, and a commitment to sustaining Black voices in media.
Posted inArts + Culture
Carolyn Holbrook, McKnight 2025 Distinguished Artist
Acclaimed author and educator Carolyn Holbrook has been named the 2025 McKnight Distinguished Artist for her lasting impact on Minnesota’s cultural and literary communities.
Posted inSports
Victor Glover: From football to the moon
NASA astronaut Victor Glover, the first Black man assigned to a lunar mission, visited Indianapolis during WNBA All-Star Weekend to speak with kids about STEM, teamwork, and what it takes to fly to the Moon.
Posted inMSR In the News
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 inOpinion
The NFL is still a ‘Billionaire Boys Club’
Deion Sanders, a Hall of Fame American football player, is being scrutinized for advocating for his sons on the football field, similar to Archie Manning’s sons Peyton and Eli.
Posted inBlacklight On Sports
Robert Finney on Hoops, History & Leading Beyond the Court
In this episode of Blacklight On Sports, Robert Finney shares his journey from standout athlete and pioneering coach to a corporate leader, blending basketball wisdom with life leadership.
Posted inFashion
BFWMN presents Streets Are Watchin’ fashion show
BFWMN’s Streets Are Watchin’ fashion show is a celebration of streetwear, culture, and Black excellence, featuring bold new collections from local Black creatives and a high-energy runway show with music and vibes that embody urban culture.
Posted inBlack History
Expressions of Blackness: A Celebration of Culture, Community, and Creativity
The cities of Hopkins and Minnetonka will celebrate Black excellence on February 20 with an evening of art, music, entrepreneurship, and resilience at the Hopkins Center for the Arts.
Posted inMusic
Black Artistry Dominates The 67th GRAMMYs In An Evening Of Groundbreaking Wins
Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar, Doechii, SZA, Tems, Muni Long, CeCe Winans, and Diana Ross were among the winners at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards, which celebrated Black excellence in music and culture.