Bay State Banner publisher Melvin B. Miller (left) and George Geers, chairman, Academy of New England Journalists, recipients of the Yankee Quill Award from the New England Newspaper & Press Association, enjoy a moment during the award ceremony. Miller was honored in recognition of his extraordinary contributions in promoting a free press and the betterment of the Boston communities the newspaper serves. A former assistant U.S. Attorney, Miller founded the Banner in 1965 and has headed it ever since. The Banner is New England’s longest-serving Black-owned newspaper.