The Michigan Chronicle continued to solidify its reputation as one of the nation’s leading Black news outlets, bringing home five national awards at the 2025 National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) Messenger Awards, held June 26 in Savannah, Ga.
These prestigious awards, often referred to as the “Pulitzers of the Black Press,” celebrate journalistic excellence across the Black-owned press in the United States. The Chronicle’s five wins were part of a broader sweep by its parent company, Real Times Media (RTM), which secured 11 awards across its portfolio of publications.
The Michigan Chronicle earned honors in several high-profile categories, including:
- Second Place – Website
- Third Place – Layout/Design (Broadsheet)
- Third Place – Facebook Campaign
- Third Place – Instagram Campaign
- Third Place – Newsletter Excellence
These awards underscore the Chronicle’s deep commitment to digital innovation, storytelling, and impactful community journalism within an ever-changing media landscape.
Executive Editor Jeremy Allen expressed immense pride in the recognition, attributing the honors to the team’s relentless passion and dedication.
“These awards are a reflection of our mission to serve, advocate for, and uplift Detroit’s Black community,” Allen said. “The Black Press has always been a vital voice for justice, culture, and truth, and I’m so proud of our team for continuing that legacy every single day. These honors belong to our entire staff, and more importantly, to our readers who trust us to tell their stories with purpose and integrity.”
The NNPA Messenger Awards are held annually to recognize excellence among more than 200 Black-owned publications across the country. The competition is fierce, and the recognition serves as a high watermark in the world of African American journalism. Two other Real Times Media publications—the New Pittsburgh Courier and the Chicago Defender—also had strong showings.
The New Pittsburgh Courier earned three awards, including:
- First Place – Website
- First Place – Newsletter Excellence
- Second Place – Original Advertising Campaign
The Chicago Defender, one of the oldest and most influential Black newspapers in the country, also took home three awards:
- First Place – Social/Criminal Justice Reporting
- Second Place – Business Reporting
- Second Place – Instagram Campaign
The Sacramento Observer, which is part of the Word In Black collaborative with Michigan Chronicle and eight other Black-owned newspapers across the country, stood out among all competitors, winning the coveted John Brown Russwurm Award. The Russwurm Award is annually awarded to the top Black newspaper in the nation. In total, the Observer brought home nine awards, with first-place finishes in Education, Business, Photography, Youth/Children coverage, and Facebook Campaign. It also earned second-place honors in Environment and Fashion/Beauty reporting, and a third-place award in Social/Criminal Justice coverage.
While the Observer took top newspaper honors, the Michigan Chronicle’s consistent excellence across digital and print categories signals a strong, sustained presence in the ever-evolving media landscape. From visual presentation and user-friendly digital design to compelling social media campaigns and newsletters that keep the community engaged, the Chronicle continues to build on its nearly 90-year tradition of excellence.
“Our team strives every day to put together a product that not only informs but inspires,” said Allen. “We are a part of Detroit’s DNA. These awards reflect the countless hours our writers, editors, designers, and digital teams invest in keeping our community connected to the issues that matter most—from politics to culture, business to justice.”
Real Times Media’s success at this year’s awards reaffirms the strength of the Black-owned media ecosystem. Other standout winners at the NNPA ceremony included:
- Houston Defender (7 awards)
- Washington Informer (5 awards)
- Philadelphia Tribune (5 awards)
- Baltimore AFRO (4 awards)
- St. Louis American (4 awards)
- Atlanta Voice (4 awards)
- LA Sentinel, NY Amsterdam News, and Savannah Tribune (3 awards each)
Another major highlight of the evening was the Publisher of the Year Award, which went to Shirley Barber James of the Savannah Tribune—a well-deserved honor recognizing her years of visionary leadership.
The success of the Michigan Chronicle and its RTM peers is not just about trophies and recognition; it’s about the power of storytelling in service to the Black community. As mainstream media faces questions of representation, bias, and trust, the role of the Black Press—represented through NNPA’s legacy—is more vital than ever.
“This isn’t just a win for the Chronicle or Real Times Media,” Allen said. “This is a win for every voice that refuses to be silenced, for every story that needs to be told, and for every reader who believes in the power of a free, truthful, and Black-owned press.”
As the Michigan Chronicle looks ahead, it does so with renewed purpose and momentum, fortified by these national honors and the enduring support of its readers. With the continued growth of its digital platforms and deep community ties, the Chronicle is not only honoring its historic roots but also shaping the future of Black journalism—locally, regionally, and nationally.
