Oldest Black-Owned Newspaper Celebrates 90 Years of History

On August 10, the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder, the state’s oldest Black-owned newspaper, marked a significant milestone—its 90th anniversary. Tracy Williams-Dillard, the current owner, proudly celebrated the paper’s rich history, reflecting on its journey.

“I’m overwhelmed with joy and happiness, and it just feels phenomenal. That’s all I can say,” Williams-Dillard shared. “To know that my family’s legacy has made it 90 years through the rough times and the tough times, and we’re still here despite it all.”

The newspaper plans to commemorate this achievement with a St. Croix River yacht cruise and a gala at the historic Depot in Downtown Minneapolis.

The weekly publication was founded 90 years ago by Cecil E. Newman, Williams-Dillard’s grandfather. His mission was to “give a voice to the voiceless,” and he sold the first issues for just 5 cents. On the front page of every issue, Newman made a bold promise: to “speak out fearlessly and unceasingly against injustices, discrimination, and all imposed inequalities.”

The paper has stayed true to that mission for nine decades, focusing on stories that uplift the Black community and bring attention to issues often overlooked by mainstream media. From covering Barack Obama’s election to the police brutality that led to George Floyd’s death in South Minneapolis, the Spokesman-Recorder has been a voice for the Black experience.

“We are the oldest African American newspaper in Minnesota, the oldest Black-owned business in Minnesota, and one of the oldest African American newspapers in the country. So we’re proud,” Williams-Dillard told Fox 9.

Looking ahead, Williams-Dillard expressed her intention to pass on the family business to her daughter, ensuring that the Spokesman-Recorder continues to serve the community for generations to come. “The community needs the Spokesman-Recorder now more than ever,” she added.