With this recognition, the Recorder continues to lead as one of the nation’s most respected Black-owned newspapers, committed to informing, engaging and empowering readers through every headline and every story.
In a powerful testament to its enduring mission, the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper captured 11 awards at the prestigious 2025 Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) Best in Indiana Journalism Awards. As the publication celebrates 130 years of service, these honors underscore its unwavering commitment to ethical, timely, and community-centered reporting.
The Recorder’s talented newsroom was recognized across multiple categories, including editorial writing, sports, race and diversity coverage, and more. Among the honorees were Larry Smith, Camike Jones, Jeana Ouattara, Noral Parham III, Chloe McGowan, Hanna Rauworth, Danny Bridges, and LaTasha Boyd Jones, each representing the Recorder’s dedication to truth and storytelling that reflects and uplifts the community.
“These awards are more than accolades. They affirm that our stories, our perspectives, and our community’s experiences matter,” said Robert Shegog, President and CEO of Recorder Media Group. “For 130 years, the Recorder has stood as the voice of Black Indianapolis and beyond. These honors reaffirm that commitment as we forge ahead with purpose and passion.” Our News Your Voice!
The awards reflect a variety of impactful work from the newsroom. First-place plaques were awarded for editorial excellence, while second and third-place honors recognized critical coverage of race, diversity, sports, and public affairs.
With this recognition, the Recorder continues to lead as one of the nation’s most respected Black-owned newspapers, committed to informing, engaging, and empowering readers through every headline and every story.
First place wins
Multi-media and Senior Sports Reporter Noral Parham III won first place in coverage of race and diversity issues for “Chocolate phoenix: The story of pioneering aviator Willa Brown.”
Chocolate phoenix: The story of pioneering aviator Willa Brown
Columnist Larry Smith won first place for editorial writing for his editorial, “What comes next?”
Sports columnist Danny Bridges won first place for his column, “Dear Mr. Flacco: I was wrong.”
Other SPJ award wins
Health and Environmental Reporter Hanna Rauworth won second place in arts and entertainment writing for, “Epicurean ignites Indy with bold flavors and global chefs.”
Epicurean ignites Indy with bold flavors and global chefs
Rauworth won second place in election and campaign coverage for, “Green divide: How Harris and Trump’s environmental policies stack up.”
Green divide: How Harris and Trump’s environmental policies stack up
Rauworth also won third place in coverage of children’s issues for, “Ivy Tech awarded $21.9M for early childhood education.”
Ivy Tech awarded $21.9M for early childhood education
Arts and Culture Reporter Chloe McGowan won third place for best coverage of race and diversity issues for, “Will Indiana pass the Crown Act?”
Will Indiana pass the Crown Act?
McGowan won second place for coverage of children’s issues for, “Misty Copeland addresses next generation of dancers at McFadden Memorial Lecture.”
Misty Copeland addresses next generation of dancers at McFadden Memorial Lecture
Noral Parham III won second place in criminal justice reporting for, “Keidrain Brewster: How relativity helps reduce recidivism.”
Keidrain Brewster: How relativity helps reduce recidivism
LaTasha Boyd Jones won second place in sports column writing for “Indiana is red hot. Thanks Caitlin.”
Indiana is red hot. Thanks Caitlin.
Editor-in-Chief Camike Jones won third place in editorial writing for, “Why it’s so hard to just leave.”
Why it’s so hard to just leave
RELATED: Indianapolis Recorder brings home 10 SPJ awards including three first place wins
