The Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper will celebrate 120 years of preparing a conscious community today and beyond, with a reception at the Indiana State Museum.
“The Art of Storytelling: 120th Anniversary Reception and Awards Ceremony” will take place in the Governor Frank and Judy O’Bannon Great Hall on Oct. 15. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and guests will be greeted with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres.
Recorder staff members will share insight into the history of the newspaper with the help of a spoken-word piece performed by author and poet Januarie York and a performance by jazz vocalist Sandy Lomax, a member of the traveling living history museum Freetown Village.
Recognized among the Top 10 of more than 200 Black newspapers nationwide, and the fourth oldest surviving Black newspaper in the country, the Recorder placed its roots in offering news to its community, covering issues that mattered to African-Americans. Today, the publication serves that same purpose by providing positive, impactful news to the Indianapolis community.
From reporting on the post-World War I resurgence of the Ku Klux Klan, to shining a light on today’s manifestations of systemic oppression and the ways we overcome, the Recorder has consistently been on the frontlines with its coverage of impactful issues, striving to educate and motivate the community.
The Recorder endeavors not only to be a voice for the community, but also to help African-Americans, minorities and underserved populations find their voices.
Through the nonprofit Indianapolis Recorder Charities, the paper has worked to foster an interest in journalism among local high school students, supported numerous local causes and charities, and organized programs, such as voter awareness events, to further lift up the community.
At the 120th anniversary celebration, the historic publication will recognize company trailblazers, community activists and city leaders who have helped the paper achieve this latest milestone.
“It is truly a labor of love for myself and the Indianapolis Recorder staff to celebrate 120 years of service to the community and honor individuals who contributed to the Recorder’s evolution,” Shannon Williams, president and general manager, said. “We welcome all supporters, community members, faith leaders, educators … anyone who has helped this publication thrive over the past 12 decades, to celebrate with us.
