Tracey Williams-Dillard joined a panel at the LMA Summit discussing reporting on ICE enforcement, protests and the role of local journalism.
Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder
Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder Joins National Leaders at 2026 LMA Summit in New York
The Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder joined national media leaders at the 2026 LMA Summit in New York City to discuss the future of local journalism.
On the Radar Podcast Launches with Michelle Perdue as Inaugural Guest
The Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder launches On the Radar, a new podcast spotlighting changemakers, with artist Michelle Perdue as its first guest.
Two hoop champions bridge 57-year gap
Emmette Bryant met Jaylen Brown in Chicago, linking two Celtics champions who wore No. 7 nearly six decades apart.
Remembering Wallace “Jack” Jackman: A life of leadership, laughter, and legacy
Wallace “Jack” O’Neal Jackman, known affectionately as Jackie or simply Jack, passed away peacefully on October 27, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of leadership, mentorship, and unwavering dedication to community. A loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Jack’s life was a master class in combining heart, hustle, and humor. Born in Des Moines, Iowa, Jack moved […]
‘25-’26 U basketball players proud to be representing
There are approximately 100 African American and other student-athletes of color this school year at the University of Minnesota. In an occasional series throughout the 2025-26 academic and sports year, the MSR will highlight many of these players. This week: Gopher WBB redshirt junior Niamya Holloway; MBB newcomers soph Nehemiah Turner, junior Jaylen Crocker-Johnson, and […]
Twin Cities Recovery Project bridges the opioid care divide
When Latricia Tate talks about addiction, she doesn’t speak from statistics. She speaks from experience. Her parents were victims of the 1980s crack epidemic on Chicago’s South Side, a trauma that shaped her life and, ultimately, her calling. “Nobody talked about what was wrong with my parents,” Tate recalled. “It was like a secret.” Today, […]
Deaf and hard-of-hearing Black men face steep graduation challenges
(WASHINGTON, D.C.) — When Antonio “Toni” Heckstall arrived at Gallaudet University as a freshman in 2016, he quickly realized the transition would be challenging. The word “turbulent” best described his experience as he adjusted to the dynamics of a predominantly Deaf university. As a hard-of-hearing student with partial hearing loss, he was transitioning from mainstream […]
Trapped abroad
Families speak out on two Black Americans jailed in China (WASHINGTON, D.C./Shreveport, La.) — For more than a decade, Nelson Wells Jr. and Dawn Mitchell Hunt have been imprisoned in China under circumstances their families say are unjust. The two African Americans, held in separate facilities, remain largely unreachable, and their loved ones say they […]
A Celebration of the Life of Wallace “Jack” O’Neal Jackman
Wallace “Jack” O’Neil Jackman leaves behind a legacy of leadership, humor, and deep community service. As co-publisher of the Minneapolis Spokesman and St. Paul Recorder, he uplifted truth and storytelling. His Celebration of Life will be held November 14 in Saint Paul.
Angel Reese mistreatment is a sport lens on ‘digital misogynoir’
The WNBA ended its decades-long search after the 2024 Draft last year when at last they found their heterosexual great white hope (Caitlin Clark) with whom they could draw new fans. It also begot a convenient Black villain (Angel Reese) who helped conjure up a faux rivalry to keep fans coming — and hating. This […]
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.
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.
Cast Your Vote Today: Recognizing Black Business Excellence in the Twin Cities
Public voting for the Best of Black Businesses Twin Cities is open. Select winners in five categories and help spotlight Black-owned excellence. Vote daily at spokesman-recorder.com/best-black-owned-businesses-2025.
September 18 – September 24, 2025 -Edition 7 – Volume 92
The MSR Digital Edition for September 18 to 24, 2025 is now live. Explore community news, sports, arts, and events. Edition 7, Volume 92.
August 28 – September 3, 2025 -Edition 4 – Volume 92
Read the MSR Digital Edition for Aug. 28 – Sept. 3, 2025 (Vol. 92, No. 4), featuring top stories in community, culture, sports, and local news.
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.
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.
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.
Minnesota’s Black Business Week blooms at 38th and Chicago
Minneapolis Black Business Week kicked off at the historic 38th and Chicago intersection, now a vibrant hub of Black entrepreneurship. With five new businesses since 2020 and a powerful panel of local leaders, the week highlights a growing movement rooted in legacy, ownership, and transformation.
