The family of Larry Fitzgerald Sr. has announced visitation on Friday, June 12 and a funeral service on Saturday, June 13 in Minneapolis to honor the beloved MSR sportswriter known to many as “The Original.”
MSR
Posted inLocal & State
Rest in Power: Larry Fitzgerald Sr., MSR Sportswriter and Champion of Black Athletes, Dead at 71
Larry Fitzgerald Sr., beloved Minnesota sportswriter and longtime Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder columnist who spent more than 45 years advocating for Black athletes and coaches, has died at age 71.
Posted inBest of Black Businesses
Nominations Are Now Open for the 2026 Best of Black Business Awards
Nominations are now open for the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder’s Second Annual Best of Black Business Awards. Submit your favorites across five categories through June 30, 2026, with winners celebrated at a live ceremony on Nov. 7.
Posted inWhat's Hot
MSR What’s Hot This Weekend | May 15–17
MSR’s What’s Hot roundup for May 15-17 includes the Mainstreet Day Arts and Craft Fair in Hopkins, a 90s junk journal workshop, a llama trek with wine and morning yoga at Saint Croix Vineyards.
Posted inBlacklight On Sports
Blacklight on Sports: Johnny Allen Jr. and the JK Movement
this episode of Blacklight on Sports, host Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonald sits down with Johnny Allen Jr., founder of the JK Movement, a St. Paul youth development organization rooted in the Rondo community that has served young people for 15 years.
Posted inYouth Financial Education
Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder launches Youth Financial Education Series
The Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder Multimedia Group is launching a new eight-part Youth Financial Education Series in May 2026, supported by JPMorgan Chase, covering real-world financial milestones for young people ages 18 to 25.
Posted inWhat's Hot
MSR What’s Hot This Weekend | May 8-10
Mother’s Day weekend is here and the Twin Cities has a full lineup of ways to celebrate, from the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden Art Fair to a Mother’s Day brunch and more.
Posted inMSR In the News
WCCO Highlights Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder’s Legacy of Lifting Black Voices
The Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder WCCO feature highlights the paper’s decades-long commitment to preserving and amplifying Minnesota’s Black community stories.
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 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.
Posted inNews
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 inSports
Dean of Big Ten coaches Tom Izzo
Tom Izzo, Hall of Fame coach of the Michigan State Spartans men’s basketball team since 1995, is still interested in the fight and is still developing young talent, despite the challenges of the transfer portal and NIL rules.
Posted inGiveaways
Give the Gift of News: MN Spokesman-Recorder Subscription Special
Buy a subscription to the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder and get a free subscription using the coupon code MSRBOGO, allowing you to stay informed and connected to the stories that matter.
Posted inLocal & State
MSR Innovator: The influence of Wallace ‘Jack’ Jackman
Wallace “Jack” Jackman, co-publisher of the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder newspaper, has made significant contributions to the Black community through his entrepreneurial spirit.
Posted inNews
MSR: The Launa Q. Newman years
Launa Q. Newman, a pioneer in Black journalism, advocated for Twin Cities Black communities and was honored with a commemorative honor.
Posted inSports
2024 NBA Draft: Cam Christie and Terrence Shannon in the mix for Timberwolves
Cam Christie, a 6’6″ guard from Minnesota, is projected to be a late first or early second round pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.
Posted inArts + Culture
Marlena Myles’ mural ‘Flowing Currents’ celebrates Indigenous culture and journalism
Local Indigenous artist Marlena Myles unveiled her new mural, ‘Flowing Currents: The River Fish and the News Narrative,’ at Minnesota Public Radio’s St. Paul headquarters.
Posted inNews
Discover city treasures at Doors Open Minneapolis
The MSR building, a local historical landmark and home to the oldest Black-owned paper in Minnesota is one of many city attractions that’ll be open to tourists during Doors Open Minneapolis this weekend.
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.
Posted inLocal & State
Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder kicks off 90th Anniversary dinner series with business leaders
Orchestrated by MSR Publisher Tracey Williams-Dillard, this event sets in motion a year-long journey towards the newspaper’s 90th anniversary in 2024.