Black History Month

Minnesota Historical Society

Minnesota Historical Society’s Black History, Black Voices seeks to deepen understanding of Black history and the contributions Black Americans have made to Minnesota, centering Black narratives, history, and issues through ongoing programs, content and resources created by members of Minnesota’s Black community.

Read more about how African Americans have shaped the state on MNOPEDIA

Penumbra Theatre

Penumbra Theatre, a 44-year-old legacy black arts organization that was once home to playwright August Wilson, is evolving into the Penumbra Center for Racial Healing. Based in the historically black neighborhood of Rondo in Saint Paul, Minnesota, Penumbra’s mission has long been to nurture black artists, promote racial equity, and inspire creative resiliency. Building upon this history, the Penumbra Center for Racial Healing will offer new artistic offerings, robust equity training services, a wellness center and expanded staff to support the fresh areas of focus.

On February 26, as part of the Let's Talk Series, a panel about the multifaceted dimensions of caretaking. This event aims to explore the intricate interpersonal and relational aspects inherent in caretaking, with a particular focus on navigating major life shifts such as birth and death. Get tickets.

The Black Market

The Black Market is a monthly market highlighting Black businesses, food and culture at The Case Building, 767 North Eustis. It's more than just a market, with the mission of increasing the visibility of black-owned businesses in Minnesota.

City of Saint Paul Black History Month Celebration

City of Saint Paul is hosting an event at Hallie Q. Brown Community Center, 270 N Kent Street, on February 24th.

The St. Paul Public Library is hosting a Black History Month Arts & Culture Celebration Series. Check dates and times.

Rondo Avenue, Inc.

In the 1930s, Rondo Avenue was at the heart of Saint Paul's largest Black neighborhood. The construction of I-94 in the 1960s shattered this tight-knit community, displaced thousands of African-Americans into a racially segregated city and a discriminatory housing market, and erased a now-legendary neighborhood. Rondo Avenue, Inc. is dedicated to preserving, conserving and accurately interpreting the contributions of the African-American community of Rondo. Celebrations like Rondo Days and the Jazz Festival bring people together for celebrations of the positive growth and diversity of the beloved Rondo community.

The Rondo Commemorative Plaza at 820 Concordia Avenue includes interactive historical displays with information, images, music and art representative of the old Rondo community before the freeway was built in the early 1960s.

Rondo: Beyond the Pavement, is a student-produced film and podcast presented by Saint Paul Almanac, in partnership with St. Paul Neighborhood Network and High School for Recording Arts, chronicling the history of the Rondo community.

Saint Paul Historical

Take a tour of sites of African American Heritage with Saint Paul Historical, curated from “Points of Entry: The African American Heritage Guide to Saint Paul, by CultureBrokers Foundation Inc. Through 16 sites on the tour, learn about people and places like Roy Wilkins, Frederick McGhee, Nellie Griswold Francis and Hallie Q. Brown Community Center, that helped to shape Minnesota's capital city.

More Black History Month Events happening in Saint Paul

Black History Month Film Series, a wonderful and thought-provoking lineup. Each film brings its own unique perspective to the diverse experiences within the Black community. Attending this film series is not only a great way to enjoy quality cinema but also an opportunity to reflect on and appreciate the contributions of the Black community throughout history. It's a thoughtful way to celebrate Black History Month. Enjoy the screenings!

Check out the Black History Month Lunch & Learn Mosaic Workshop! This is a fantastic and unique experience that combines creativity, culinary arts, and cultural celebration. Overall, this workshop has a thoughtful and holistic approach to celebrating Black History Month, combining creativity, education, community building, and a focus on well-being. It's a wonderful way to honor and explore heritage through the arts.

The Empire & Inspire: Celebrating Black History Month Vendor Market is an impactful event that brings together the community to celebrate Black history while supporting local businesses. Mark your calendar for this extravaganza for anyone looking to celebrate Black History Month in a meaningful and supportive way! It's events like these that contribute to building a stronger and more connected community.

The "Feeding Our Souls, the Essence of Cultural Joy" food series organized by the Minnesota Humanities Center sounds like a wonderful initiative that celebrates the cultural significance of food. The integration of food, community, and storytelling provides a unique platform for participants to explore and appreciate diverse narratives. This food series promises to be a delightful and enriching experience, providing attendees with the opportunity to connect, learn, and celebrate cultural diversity through the lens of food.

Black Citizenship Panel Discussion: Minnesota Post-Civil War, the opening program for the "Black Citizenship in the Age of Jim Crow" exhibit promises to be an enlightening and impactful event. This program is a fantastic opportunity for attendees to engage with local scholars and gain a deeper appreciation for the history of African Americans in Minnesota.