Sacramento OBSERVER Named Best Black Newspaper In America
Staff Report
The OBSERVER has once again been named America’s Best Black Newspaper, earning the coveted John B. Russwurm Award at the 2025 National Newspaper Publishers Association Messenger Awards. This marks the eighth time The OBSERVER has received the top honor, and the second time in just three years, solidifying its place among the nation’s most celebrated Black newspapers.
Presented by the National Newspaper Publishers Association Fund during its annual convention in Savannah, Georgia, the Russwurm Award goes to the Black-owned newspaper with the highest cumulative score across all award categories. This year, The OBSERVER led all publications with 154 total points.
In addition to the top prize, The OBSERVER received first-place awards in education reporting, business reporting, original photography, youth and children coverage, and Facebook campaigns. It also placed among the top three in environment reporting, social criminal justice, and fashion, beauty and lifestyle coverage.
“This recognition is a testament to our team’s commitment to excellence and service and to the enduring power of Black journalism,” OBSERVER Publisher Larry Lee said. “I couldn’t be prouder of every member of our newsroom and the way we strive to bring quality news and information to such an important audience.”
The NNPA Messenger Awards honor outstanding work from more than 200 Black-owned newspapers across the country. The NNPA is the trade organization for the Black Press of America, which celebrates its 200th anniversary in 2027.
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