(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 […]
Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder
Posted inLocal & State
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 […]
Posted inObituaries
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.
Posted inAnother View
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 […]
Posted inMSR In the News
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.
Posted inMSR In the News
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.
Posted inBusiness
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.
Posted inDigital Editions
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.
Posted inDigital Editions
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.
Posted inMSR In the 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.
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 inMSR In the News
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.
Posted inBusiness
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.
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 inLocal & State
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 inLocal & State
MSR-hosted event honored George Floyd’s legacy
Marking five years since George Floyd’s murder, MSR hosted a moving event with community leaders, artists, and activists reflecting on justice, grief, and what comes next.
Posted inEvents, MSR In the News, Women’s History Month
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 inMSR In the News
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 inOpening the Archives
Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder highlights pivotal stories from 1992 and 1999
The Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder’s new weekly video series, Opening the Archives, explores pivotal stories from the archives, including the Expanding Horizons training sessions, the election of Gary Sudduth to the Aquatennial Board, the KKK incident at UW River Falls, and the deadly force incident involving a white policeman and Black suspects.
Posted inOpening the Archives
Opening the Archives: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Legacy in Minneapolis
Opening the Archives is a new weekly video series that explores the rich history of the Minneapolis Spokesman, St. Paul Recorder, and Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder, with a special tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.