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.
Cecil E. Newman
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Celebrating Black Press Day: The enduring legacy and future of Black media
Black Press Day 2025 honors the 198-year history of Black newspapers, which have provided a voice for Black Americans and amplified their stories, holding institutions accountable and ensuring that Black communities are represented accurately.
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MSR wraps up a milestone year with thanks to our readers
The MSR, the oldest Black-owned newspaper in Minnesota and one of the longest-running family-owned newspapers in the United States, celebrates its 90th anniversary in 2024, reflecting the rich tapestry of Black life and advocating for equality and opportunity for all.
Posted inMSR In the News
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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Tracey Williams-Dillard guides MSR into the future
Tracey Williams-Dillard, MSR Publisher/CEO, has been with the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder since 2007 and has launched several successful initiatives.
Posted inMSR In the News
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.
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MSR: Norma Jean Williams: A story of heart, humor, and legacy
Norma Jean Williams, the former interim publisher of the MSR, is remembered for her tenure.
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MSR in the turbulent ‘60s and ‘70s
Cecil E. Newman’s Minneapolis Spokesman and St. Paul Recorder were instrumental in chronicling the African American experience during the 1960s and 1970s.
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The MSR’s legacy of ink: 90 years in pursuit of truth and justice
The Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder, founded in 1934 by Cecil E. Newman, has been a beacon of hope and truth for the Black community in Minnesota.
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MSR Publisher honored as one of 10 Most Admired CEOs for 2024
Tracey Williams-Dillard, Publisher/CEO of the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder, has been honored as one of the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal’s 10 Most Admired CEOs for 2024.
Posted inMSR Legacy Archives
MSR Historical Capsule: an op-ed by founding publisher Cecil E. Newman
In launching the march to our historic 90th anniversary this August, the MSR will feature articles and photos from our past issues.
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MSR publisher delivers inspiration to Stillwater inmates
Tracey Williams-Dillard, publisher of the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder, spoke to inmates at the Stillwater prison about her family’s 90-year legacy, and how the MSR newspaper has helped to give a voice to the voiceless.
Posted inBlack History Month
Hidden history reveals Pullman porters’ link to Black Press
Conclusion of a four-part series In this final installment of our series about African Americans who fought for dignity and equal rights on the U.S. railways as railroad sleeping car porters and maids, we explore how the porters, traveling by rail across the country, were instrumental in spreading news about African American communities and starting […]