Sacramento OBSERVER Crowned America's Top Black Newspaper

The OBSERVER has been awarded the distinguished title of America’s Best Black Newspaper, receiving the esteemed John B. Russwurm Award at the 2025 National Newspaper Publishers Association Messenger Awards. This recognition marks the eighth accolade for The OBSERVER, reaffirming its status as one of the premier Black newspapers in the nation. The NNPA Fund presented the Russwurm Award during its annual gathering in Savannah, Georgia, designating the Black-owned newspaper that achieves the highest cumulative score across all categories. The OBSERVER triumphed with a remarkable 154 points. Additionally, The OBSERVER secured first-place accolades in various categories such as education reporting, business journalism, original photography, youth and children coverage, and social media campaigns. It ranked among the top three in environment reporting, social criminal justice, and lifestyle coverage. “This honor reflects our unwavering dedication to excellence and the significant role of Black journalism,” stated OBSERVER Publisher Larry Lee. The NNPA Messenger Awards celebrate achievements from over 200 Black-owned newspapers nationwide.