"As it is spoken, so let us record." Serving the African American community in Minnesota with timely and original news stories for 90 years and counting! Newman.
The Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder (MSR) is the oldest Black and minority-owned business in the state of Minnesota — 89 years and counting. The MSR today remains a family-run newspaper company that is African American and woman-owned, led by CEO/Publisher, Tracey Williams-Dillard, granddaughter to founder, Mr. Cecil E. The MSR is a newspaper committed to being a resource hub with original new stories and info for African Americans throughout the state and beyond.
08/11/2025
Two Minneapolis City Conference powers are heading to state.
Minneapolis Washburn blanked Southwest 17-0 to claim the Class 5A Section 5 title, and Minneapolis North outlasted St. Croix Lutheran 56-44 to win the Class 3A Section 4 championship.
Both programs add to proud histories while putting the City Conference back on the state stage.
Minneapolis BIPOC-owned businesses say the city’s contracting system continues to shut them out.
Despite representing 24 % of available vendors, minority- and women-owned firms received just 7 % of prime contracts between 2016 and 2023, according to the city’s Joint Disparity Study.
Leaders like State Sen. Omar Fateh and attorney Jazz Hampton are calling for reforms to bring equity and transparency to the process.
In North and South Minneapolis, Twin Cities Recovery Project is helping people rebuild their lives after addiction — meeting them where they are with empathy, faith, and culturally grounded care.
“We don’t recover the same way they do in mainstream programs. We recover in our community,” says founder Latricia Tate.
At Gallaudet University, Black Deaf and hard-of-hearing students face unique barriers in the classroom and beyond — from limited financial aid and cultural isolation to a lack of inclusive language support.
“Students need support to navigate college, while institutions must create an inclusive environment where Black Deaf students can thrive.”
For more than a decade, two Black Americans — Nelson Wells Jr. and Dawn Mitchell Hunt — have been imprisoned in China under questionable circumstances. Their families are pleading for justice and U.S. intervention after 11 years of silence and struggle.
“Being a Black prisoner in China is absolutely horrific,” says former journalist Peter Humphrey.
07/11/2025
St. Thomas boasts college hockey’s only Black assistant coach.
As the latest “Coaching While Black” profile, meet Leon Hayward, assistant men’s hockey coach at UST and the only Black assistant coach in college hockey in 2025. From former pro champion to mentor, his journey and mission matter.
Celebrating the Life of Wallace “Jack” O’Neil Jackman
Nov. 4, 1944 — Oct. 27, 2025
Our MSR family remembers and honors the legacy of Wallace “Jack” O’Neil Jackman, former co-publisher of the Minneapolis Spokesman and St. Paul Recorder. Jack dedicated his life to truth, justice, community, and storytelling, and helped shape the mission we continue to uphold today.
A Celebration of Life will be held:
Friday, November 14 | 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Wilder Foundation, 451 Lexington Pkwy N, Saint Paul
Program: 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. followed by fellowship
Virtual attendance details in the obituary
We extend our deepest condolences to the Jackman family and all who loved him.
06/11/2025
MN House bill would allow patients to refuse opioids.
HF 1379 would give Minnesotans the option of a written non-opioid directive, helping those at risk of addiction gain more control over their pain care. Equity advocates emphasize access to safer alternatives must follow.
Minnesota Artist Nur-D calls on community to help save Fair Play Entertainment
Fair Play Entertainment has been a launchpad for new voices in Minnesota’s music scene, but rising costs could shut its doors. Nur-D and DJ Hayes are asking the community to help raise $8,000 to keep this creative space alive for independent artists and first-time creators.
Five new public housing homes will replace two old
MPHA broke ground in South Minneapolis on a new triplex and duplex that will create more accessible, energy-efficient homes for families. Nearly 4,000 families remain on the waitlist, and leaders say projects like this are critical to expanding opportunity.
Sister Spokesman honors the Best of Black Businesses across Minnesota.
From food and beauty to wellness, retail, and professional services, this year’s awards celebrated Black entrepreneurs who uplift the Twin Cities with creativity, purpose, and community impact. See the winners and stories behind the honors.
Court orders SNAP restored, but USDA halves November aid.
A federal court ruled on Oct. 31 that USDA must use its $5 billion contingency fund to keep SNAP running during the shutdown. On Nov. 3, USDA announced it will pay only 50% of November benefits, despite its authority to cover the full month. Minnesota’s AG Keith Ellison says partial payments leave 440,000 Minnesotans—including 180,000 children—at risk.
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Our Story
The Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder (MSR) enjoys a living legacy as the oldest Black-owned newspaper in the state of Minnesota and one of the longest-standing, family-owned newspapers in the country.
Civil rights activist and businessman Cecil E. Newman launched the MSR in August 1934 as two separate papers: the Minneapolis Spokesman and the St. Paul Recorder before it merged into one single news publication in 2007. Today, the MSR is helmed by his granddaughter, Tracey Williams-Dillard, who serves as CEO/Publisher.
For the past 84 years, the MSR has established itself as a trusted voice for the diverse Black communities of Minnesota -- championing voices and stories that might otherwise go unheard.
Each week, the newspaper’s diverse staff creates original content for its print publication, along with daily content for its website that speak to stories of human interest from a Black perspective.
The MSR’s mission is to provide timely news and information focused on community empowerment and education while championing underrepresented voices. More than just a newspaper, this includes creating content that not just informs, but also inspires, educates and encourages conversations that go beyond today’s news headlines.
In addition to serving as a trusted source for Black news and information, the paper is also as a cherished cultural resource. The MSR’s building was designated as a local historic landmark on November 20, 2015 by a full Minneapolis City Council vote.
The MSR is currently working to expand its reach via social and digital media channels, while also developing opportunities for community engagement and involvement via strategic partnerships and events.
