May 31 — June 6, 2018
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The Spokesman-Recorder 501(c)(3) nonprofit in conjunction with the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder (MSR)
presents the
23rd Annual Graduation Celebration Special Edition
EDUCATION AND GRADUATION: “IT’S A FAMILY AFFAIR”
Congratulations Graduates! From the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder to the Class of 2018
T
wenty-three years ago, the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder created this annual graduation event to honor the accomplishments of African American youth in our community. This event aligned with the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder’s mission to educate the African American community, especially acknowledging the accomplishments of our youth that are too often overlooked or underappreciated. As we take time to recognize through this event those who have joined the ranks of high school graduates, along with highlighting our graduates in our annual community yearbook, we must not forget the odds that were stacked against each and every graduate who has achieved this milestone. Every graduating senior has a story of struggle and triumph as he or she accepts their diploma. We have published many stories throughout the years of the struggles of our young people. Now is the time to celebrate their triumphs and recognize the very important difference between giving
into the odds versus conquering them. In spite of the sobering reality of encouraging youth to finish school, the graduation rate for Minnesota Black students is improving. In 2017, 65 percent of Black students finished high school, compared with 60.4 percent in 2014. However, every Black graduate knows several of his or her peers who did not achieve this goal. Each year, we support and encourage students to continue their educational journey by offering Cecil E. Newman and Launa Q. Newman Scholarship awards. And each year, we tell students and their families, “We are proud of you” by recognizing them at our annual award ceremony. We cannot let their accomplishments go unrecognized. “Education and Graduation: It’s a Family Affair” has continued to be the theme of our essays, celebration and community event. As we have for more than two decades, we offer, again, the photographs and essays of our young people who will return to
Considering the ongoing disparities in education, suspension rates, literacy, and the notorious schoolto-prison pipeline, we at the MSR believe it continues to be of the utmost importance that we continue to encourage, honor and celebrate your educational achievements. The Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder salutes you. We are grateful for your efforts thus far; we are confident of your future accomplishments. our communities offering tools, skills and ideas that will propel Sincerely, the next generation forward. Tracey Williams-Dillard Others will leave our communities MSR Publisher/CEO for new vistas, taking with them our vision to make the world more equitable and informed across the globe. To the graduating class of 2018: The Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder is proud to acknowledge and celebrate the fact that against all odds, YOU DID IT! Your graduation proves that you have the ability to rise above statistics that suggest that you are incapable of achievement.