Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder

The Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder (MSR) holds the distinction of being the longest-running Black-owned business in Minnesota. Founded in August 1934 by Cecil E. Newman, this newspaper continues to be family-operated. It is both African American and woman-owned, currently managed by CEO and Publisher Tracey Williams-Dillard, who is the granddaughter of Mr. Newman.

Local, African-American/Black

English

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#889588

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Minnesota Political Protest Follows Lawmaker Assassinations

1 week ago | spokesman-recorder.com | Chris Juhn

Mass Protest Unfolds Amid Political Assassinations in Minnesota In the shadow of political violence that killed Rep. Melissa Hortman and wounded Sen. John Hoffman, Minnesotans gathered by the thousands for the nationwide "No Kings" protest opposing President Trump. Despite safety concerns, the demonstration proceeded with a defiant tone and calls for compassion, resistance, and accountability.
ICE Raid in Minneapolis Sparks Protests and Demands

2 weeks ago | spokesman-recorder.com | Chris Juhn

Federal Raid Sparks Outrage on Lake Street A federal raid at a popular Lake Street restaurant has sparked protests and community outrage, with ICE agents present and officials offering conflicting accounts. Minneapolis leaders now face calls for transparency, accountability, and a reaffirmation of sanctuary city protections.
Trump Corruption Undermines Justice for All, Columnist Warns

2 weeks ago | spokesman-recorder.com | James Allen

As Memorial Day reflections fade amid today’s political turmoil, columnist James Preston Allen explores how the ideals of “justice for all” remain under assault — and how Donald Trump’s brazen corruption is testing the very foundations of American democracy. These days Memorial Day seems like nothing more than a good time for a barbecue, a vacation to Laughlin, or a round of golf while others plant flags on the graves of veterans.
Federal Judge Dismisses MPD Federal Consent Decree

3 weeks ago | spokesman-recorder.com | Katrina Pross

A federal judge approved the U.S. Department of Justice’s request to walk away from an agreement that would have brought sweeping changes to policing in Minneapolis. Last week, the DOJ asked a judge to dismiss a lawsuit and federal consent decree, a legally binding agreement that would have required the city to create police reforms.
Cindy Brunson Paves the Way for Black Women in Sports

3 weeks ago | spokesman-recorder.com | Charles Hallman

Black females historically have been underrepresented in sports broadcasting. But Cindy Brunson as a youngster found a Black woman who would serve as an inspiration for her to eventually go into broadcasting herself. “The first person I saw that looked like me on TV talking about sports was Jayne Kennedy,” recalled Brunson of Kennedy (now Overton), the first Black woman to host a national sports broadcast, CBS NFL Today in 1975. “I just thought she was stunning.
Sky Fans Weigh In on All-Black Coaching Staff

3 weeks ago | spokesman-recorder.com | Charles Hallman

CHICAGO, ILL. — It’s not often that when I am in a city covering a separate event I also take in a WNBA game, but this longtime reporter did just this last Thursday. Instead of my media row seat provided by the home team, I had a much better seat — third row up, center court at the Chicago Sky’s 2025 home opener against the visiting New York Liberty.
Transfer Portal, NIL Increase Pressure on Black Coaches

4 weeks ago | spokesman-recorder.com | Charles Hallman

The double-edged new normal in college athletics today is the transfer portal and NIL (name, image and likeness). Since it was introduced in 2019, the number of men’s and women’s basketball players in the portal has increased each year from hundreds in 2019 to thousands in 2025. College football transfers also are up.
Brandon Woody Shines on Jazz Debut for Blue Note

4 weeks ago | spokesman-recorder.com | Robin James

Contributing to the world of ideas is what I believe all musicians strive to do — jazz artists especially. It’s why I write: to share and discover ideas. It’s fun. One artist boldly sharing his ideas with the world is Baltimore trumpeter, composer and bandleader Brandon Woody.
Michelle Gross on George Floyd, CUAPB, and the Power of Coalition Work

1 month ago | spokesman-recorder.com | Michelle Gross

May 25, 2020 was an unusual Memorial Day. Covid-19 was in full bloom and everything was shut down. I had planned to grill dinner that evening and celebrate my daughter’s birthday with her the next day. Then, suddenly, my phone started blowing up with texts urging me to watch a video on Facebook. It was the now-infamous footage captured by Darnella Frazier.
Chicago Sky Makes History With First All-Black Coaching Staff in WNBA

1 month ago | spokesman-recorder.com | Charles Hallman

The Minnesota Lynx and Napheesa Collier are oft-mentioned throughout the annual WNBA general manager survey. The 13 team general managers, including expansion Golden State, responded to 40 different questions on such topics as best teams, players, coaches, and offseason moves.