behind the scenes of the “Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder”, a newspaper made “by blacks, for blacks”

One of America’s oldest family newspapers, this Minneapolis weekly has found itself on the front lines of the death of George Floyd and the trial of his murderer, ex-police officer Derek Chauvin. Report at the heart of this observation post of American society.

Stepping into the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder (MSR) room is a bit like pushing through the doors of a museum. From the entry of this African-American newspaper, based in southern Minneapolis (Minnesota), an old typewriter catches the eye. It is that of civil rights activist Cecil Newman, founder of the newspaper. His photo, taken in the middle of a tornado of papers on his desk, is also in the hall. “I’m a little more organized than him! », laughs the energetic owner of the MSR, Tracey Williams-Dillard, granddaughter of Cecil Newman.

« By blacks, for blacks The weekly is the oldest African-American publication in the state of Minnesota and one of the oldest family media operating in the United States. His mission ? tell the news through a black perspective. In addition to its informational content, the MSR has launched initiatives to ” educate and inspire »Community, such as meetings to raise awareness of various black women in the state and the causes they represent, or an event to celebrate the graduation of African-American high school students …

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