[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 86 (Wednesday, May 21, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E463]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING TRACEY WILLIAMS-DILLARD

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. ILHAN OMAR

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 21, 2025

  Ms. OMAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the extraordinary 
accomplishments of Tracey Williams-Dillard, CEO and Publisher at the 
Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder--our state's oldest Black-owned newspaper. 
In 2025, Ms. Williams-Dillard was inducted into the esteemed Half-
Century Club by the Minnesota Newspaper Association. This prestigious 
honor celebrates her 50-plus years of dedication to the newspaper 
industry, highlighting her unwavering commitment to the legacy of the 
Spokesman-Recorder and her vital role in amplifying Black voices in 
media.
  Ms. Williams-Dillard's lifelong journey in journalism started at age 
eight when she began working after school to print addresses at the 
Spokesman-Recorder, her family's newspaper. It was here that she first 
learned the importance of hard work, responsibility, and the value of 
earning a living--lessons that would become the foundation of her 
career. Over the next decades, Ms. Williams-Dillard performed various 
roles at the newspaper including as a receptionist, in billing and 
advertising, and as office manager. Her path to becoming the president 
and CEO was not straightforward, and her journey reflects her 
versatility, adaptability, and a deep commitment to both personal and 
professional growth.
  In 2001, she was named President and CEO of the newspaper, and, in 
2007, Ms. Williams-Dillard became its proud owner. Under her 
leadership, the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder has exemplified 
excellence, never missing a deadline, a testament to her meticulous 
attention to detail and steadfast dedication to journalistic integrity.
  Ms. Williams-Dillard's leadership is rooted in the strong foundation 
laid by her predecessors--one built on respect, deep ties to the 
African American community, and a steadfast commitment to integrity 
with readers. She has not only maintained these values but has expanded 
them, ensuring the paper remains a vital and respected voice for 
historically marginalized communities and beyond.
  Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to recognize Ms. Williams-Dillard 
today for her extraordinary contributions to our community, and for her 
recent honor from the Minnesota Newspaper Association. I ask my 
colleagues to join me in congratulating Ms. Williams Dillard--and the 
whole Spokesman-Recorder team--on this remarkable achievement.

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