PRST STD U.S.POSTAGE PAID TWIN CITIES MN PERMIT NO. 6391
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Inside this Edition... Read about ‘Deeper Blues’ on page 7.
Counting down to our 90th Anniversary
July 25 - 31, 2024
Vol. 90
No. 52
Biden withdraws from 2024 presidential race, endorses Kamala Harris as nominee
By MSR News
Harris as his successor. “It has been the greatest n news that has been honor of my life to serve as predicted in recent days president,” said President but still sent shock waves Biden in a statement. “While it across the nation, Presi- has been my intention to seek dent Joe Biden announced on reelection, I believe it is in the Sunday afternoon, July 21, that best interest of my party and he was withdrawing from the country for me to stand down 2024 presidential race and en- and focus solely on fulfilling dorsing Vice President Kamala my duties as President for the
remainder of my term.” He followed his announcement with an endorsement of Harris, stating: “My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my vice president. And it’s been the best decision I’ve made. Today, I want ■ See BIDEN WITHDRAWS on page 5
Phone: 612-827-4021 www.spokesman-recorder.com
MSR: The Launa Q. Newman years By Charles Hallman Contributing Writer auna Q. Newman and her late husband, Cecil Newman, who founded the Minneapolis Spokesman and the St. Paul Recorder, were an effective Black journalist dynamic duo as the two fiercely advocated for the Twin Cities Black communities. After her husband’s death in 1976, Mrs. Newman eventually took control and ran the two newspapers, later leading a successful merger of the publications into the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder at the turn of the century in 2000. In the interim, she relinquished the business to her children, Norma Jean Williams and Wallace “Jack” Jackman, before naming granddaughter Tracey Williams-Dillard publisher and CEO in 2007. Even in retirement, Mrs. Newman devoted the rest of her life to community service until her death in 2009. Perhaps an unheralded lo-
Launa Q. Newman cal Grand Dame of Black journalism, Mrs. Newman consistently ensured that all facets of the city’s Black life, whether good or bad, were fully told in ways the mainstream media too often refuses.
Rondo Days triumphantly returns after five-year hiatus
By Travis Lee Contributing Writer
t. Paul’s vibrant cultural presence was brought to life with energy this past weekend as Rondo Days, the city’s largest and most beloved festival, made a grand return after a five-year hiatus. The wait was well worth it. Legendary hip-hop figures MC Lyte and Rakim headlined the event, promising—and delivering—a night of phenomenal performances that echoed the golden era of the 1980s. The anticipation was palpable Hip hop legends MC Lyte and Rakim headlined the 40th Rondo as festival-goers streamed into Days celebration. Photos by Travis Lee the area, filling the streets with a joyous buzz. Local vendors lined infused enthusiasm lighting up Nick Mohammed. Gayle, the the avenues, offering diverse the evening sky. Rakim followed son of Rondo Days co-founder food, crafts, and merchandise suit, his timeless flow and lyrical Floyd Smaller, and Mohammad while local artists entertained prowess captivating an audience brought a touch of legacy and the crowds with their talents. that spanned generations. His vision to the festival. Floyd and The atmosphere was electric yet “Paid in Full” performance felt like Marvin Anderson launched orderly, a credit to the seamless a communal anthem, bringing the inaugural Rondo Days in coordination by festival security. everyone together in lyrical unity. 1983, marking a tradition celBut beyond the musical ebrating the community’s rich When MC Lyte took the stage, the crowd erupted. Her legends, the real triumph of history and resilience. Under the current guidance, rendition of classics like “Lyte as Rondo Days emerged from the festival not only revived a Rock” had fans rapping along the tireless efforts of its new but thrived, offering a perfect word-for-word, their nostalgia- directors, Gayle Smaller and
blend of heritage and youthful flavor. Their meticulous planning and fresh perspectives were evident in every detail, ensuring festivities ran smoothly and joyously. As the night drew to a close, attendees unanimously agreed that Rondo Days’ triumphant return heralded a future as bright and promising as its celebrated past. The festival had returned and firmly reestablished its place as the heartbeat of St. Paul’s cultural identity.
H i s to r i
In the July 18, 2024 edition, we erroneously stated that Rondo Days co-founder Floyd G. Smaller had passed away. Floyd G. Smaller is still alive. We apologize for the error.
“I was a troublemaker,” admitted longtime activist Spike Moss. He fondly remembers when Mrs. Newman contacted him and bluntly told him, ■ See LAUNA Q. NEWMAN on page 5
ca l Capsule
Local Businesses Targeted for Unjust Practices Publication Date: May 24, 1935 n this week’s MSR 90th Local breweries were later boycotted as a result of Anniversary countdown H is to r ica l Capsul e Historic Time Capsule, we Newman’s relentless efforts reflect on the unjust busi- to make known to the public ness practices brought that black workers sold beer to the forefront by MSR but were not allowed to Founder, Cecil E. Newman. work at their breweries.
H i s to r
Travis Lee welcomes reader comments at travtrend@gmail.com. For more photo highlights, visit spokesman-recorder.com. Al Brown contributed to this story. He can be reached at abrown@ spokesman-recorder.com.
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Minneapolis honors activist Spike Moss with street renaming By James L. Stroud, Jr. Contributing Writer
Spike Moss
Photos by James L. Stroud, Jr.
precipitation, the celebration was gifted with a beautiful sunny day. In anticipation of n the morning of July the new street name unveiling, 16, more than 400 the atmosphere amongst the people gathered under crowd was upbeat, like a coma tented stage in a North Min- bination family reunion meets neapolis parking lot of the Ur- an awards show. Moss, 79, has been on the ban Research and Engagement Center (UROC) for a celebra- frontline fighting on behalf of tion and street renaming cer- Black people in North Minneemony to honor community apolis since the 1966 riots on activist and freedom fighter Plymouth Avenue. In charge of Harry “Spike” Moss. both The Way Opportunities The street renaming cov- Unlimited, Inc., a non-profit ers a stretch of Plymouth Ave. community center that operN. from Newton Ave. N. to ated from 1966 to 1984, and Lyndale Ave. N., which is now was inspired by the National known as “Spike Moss Way.” Black Power Movement and Although the tent provided The City, Inc. founded in 1967. good cover for any chance of ■ See SPIKE MOSS on page 5
MSR Newspaper Archives To read more about this historic event and others, visit our website www.spokesman-recorder.com. Join us at the MSR 90th Anniversary Gala Celebration August 17, 2024 to get a first look at the premiere of our Historic Photo Exhibit! Ticket information on our website.