Sacramento Observer, Savannah Tribune Among Top Winners at 2025 NNPA Gala

SAVANNAH, Ga.—At the 2025 National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) Fund’s Messenger Awards, held during the Black Press of America’s annual convention at the JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District Hotel, The Sacramento Observer and The Savannah Tribune emerged as leading honorees. The convention, themed “The Black Press: Engaging Black America—Empowerment, Justice and Prosperity,” celebrated the 198th anniversary of the Black Press of America, which supports over 200 African American-owned newspapers and media entities.The Sacramento Observer earned the notable John B. Russwurm Award for achieving the highest overall points, totaling 154, excelling in categories like Education and Business Reporting. The Savannah Tribune, under Publisher Shirley Ann Barber James, was awarded Publisher of the Year, honoring her extensive commitment to the newspaper's impact and reach.Other notable mentions included first-place awards for the Houston Defender and St. Louis American across various categories, emphasizing the vibrant contributions from the Black press nationwide.