Tracey's Keepin' it Real
Tracey's Keepin' it Real
Podcast Description
Hosted by Tracey Williams-Dillard, Publisher of the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder, Tracey’s Keepin’ It Real delivers honest, unfiltered conversations with community leaders, changemakers, and everyday people who are making a difference. From housing and health to education, equity, and empowerment—this podcast dives into the issues that matter most to Minnesota’s Black communities and beyond. Whether it's shedding light on systemic challenges or celebrating local success stories, Tracey keeps it real—always.New episodes drop regularly. Tune in, learn something new, and be part of the change.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast focuses on themes such as community empowerment, social justice, culture, and personal growth, with episodes highlighting topics like racial equity, entrepreneurship, and healing through gardening, exemplified by discussions with guests like De’Vonna Pittman on building purpose-driven brands and Candace Yates on the therapeutic benefits of gardening.

Hosted by Tracey Williams-Dillard, Publisher of the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder, Tracey’s Keepin’ It Real delivers honest, unfiltered conversations with community leaders, changemakers, and everyday people who are making a difference. From housing and health to education, equity, and empowerment—this podcast dives into the issues that matter most to Minnesota’s Black communities and beyond. Whether it’s shedding light on systemic challenges or celebrating local success stories, Tracey keeps it real—always.
New episodes drop regularly. Tune in, learn something new, and be part of the change.
In this special Black History Month episode of Tracey’s Keepin It Real, Tracey is joined by Alexis Phillips, Supervisor at Webber Park Library, and Isy Ibibo, Librarian at Brooklyn Park Library, for a powerful conversation centered on storytelling, community, and the joy of reading Black history aloud.
The conversation invites listeners to the annual Black History Month Read-In at Sumner Library on February 22, from 1–4 PM, and explores what a read-in really is, how everyone can participate (even if public speaking isn’t your thing), and whether attendees can share their own creative work. Alexis and Isy also highlight recommended books and excerpts, reflect on the impact of last year’s read-in, tease what to expect this year, and discuss what makes Sumner Library such a historic and meaningful space — including the importance of the Gary N. Sudduth Collection.
This episode is a celebration of Black voices, Black literature, and the role libraries play in preserving culture, memory, and imagination. Whether you’re an avid reader, a writer, or simply looking for a meaningful way to engage with Black History Month, this conversation is for you.
Executive Producer/ CEO Publisher
Tracey Williams-Dillard
MSR Digital Studio
Ray Seville
Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder
3744 4th Avenue South
Minneapolis MN 55409
612-827-4021

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