Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder celebrates 90th anniversary
The Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder is celebrating 90 years of providing a snapshot of the black experience in Minnesota and reporting stories that directly impact the African-American community.
MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – The Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder’s archive room is filled with thousands of headlines dating back nearly a century.
But one in particular records a notable achievement of its own.
“I’m just filled with joy and happiness. It feels so amazing, that’s all I can say. It’s just gratifying to know that 90 years of family tradition has come through tough times, difficult times and we’re still here,” owner Tracy Williams Dillard said.
Her grandfather, Cecil E. Newman, founded the weekly newspaper 90 years ago to give a voice to the voiceless.
When the first issue was published on August 10, 1934, it cost five cents and featured Newman’s promise on the front page to “fearlessly and relentlessly speak out against injustice, discrimination and all imposed inequalities.”
“Our focus is to make sure the African-American community is treated with respect and in the way that they deserve, and if they’re not, we’ll hold them accountable,” Williams Dillard said.
For 90 years, the paper has provided a snapshot of the black experience in Minnesota, covering stories that directly impacted the African-American community, from the election of Barack Obama to the murder of George Floyd, which happened just blocks from the paper’s offices in South Minneapolis.
They also employed talented individuals such as renowned photographer Gordon Parks and established a unique presence within the community.
“We’re the oldest African-American newspaper in the state of Minnesota. We’re the oldest black-owned business in the state of Minnesota and one of the oldest African-American newspapers in the country. So we’re very proud,” Williams Dillard said.
Williams Dillard hopes to one day pass the newspaper on to her daughter, just as she inherited it from her grandparents, keeping the family tradition alive for another 90 years.
“The community needs a spokesman-recorder now more than ever,” Williams Dillard said.
The Spokesman-Recorder will celebrate its 90th anniversary with a yacht cruise on the St. Croix River Friday night, followed by a celebration at the depot in downtown Minneapolis Saturday night.
