Overview

The Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder is the longest running African American newspaper in the state. It has operated from this building since 1958. 

• Location: 3744 4th Avenue South 
• Neighborhood: Central 

Historic profile

The Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder is the longest running African American newspaper in the state. It has operated from this building since 1958. Several important people have worked here. It is also an important neighborhood institution. 

In 1934, Publisher Cecil Newman founded two African American newspapers. They were the Minneapolis Spokesman and the Saint Paul Recorder. Both told stories of African Americans in the community and also national events. He later merged the two newspapers. Newman secured funding to construct this building. It initially had office spaces and a print shop. Today, the newspaper is printed off-site. 

Cecil Newman arrived in Minneapolis in 1922 from Kansas City, Missouri. He worked as a bellhop for the Elks Club and a Pullman porter while breaking into the newspaper business. Under his leadership, the newspaper covered many topics, especially the community’s successes. They also amplified civil rights issues and advocated for social change. His wife, Launa Q. Newman, continued his legacy. Today, his granddaughter Tracey Williams-Dillard is the CEO and Publisher. 

Photographer Gordon Parks began his career working for the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder. Gordon arrived in Minnesota in 1926 from Kansas. Gordon is known for memorable photographs of Malcolm X and Muhammad Ali. He went on to become the first Black photographer at Life magazine. Through his photos, he raised awareness about key civil rights issues. 

The Southside was home to a thriving Black community from the 1930s to 1970s. This newspaper brought important news to and from the local community. The newspaper and its leaders also helped connect community members with various services.