Celebrating Black History in Saint Paul
photo of Roy Wilkins, courtesy Roy Wilkins Auditorium
Black History Month
The month of February is observed as Black History Month to celebrate the stories and contributions of Black people throughout history.
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 49-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.
Saint Paul Historical
Discover 16 sites with African American Heritage from Saint Paul Historical. In this guided 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.
Curated from “Points of Entry: The African American Heritage Guide to Saint Paul, by CultureBrokers Foundation Inc.
The Black Market
The Black Market is a monthly market highlighting Black-owned businesses, food and culture at The Case Building, 767 North Eustis.
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 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.
Rondo: Beyond the Pavement
This student-produced film and podcast—presented by Saint Paul Almanac, in partnership with St. Paul Neighborhood Network and High School for Recording Arts—chronicles the history of the Rondo community.
Planting People Growing Justice
Founded by Dr. Artika R. Tyner, an award-winning author and nationally recognized civil rights attorney, Planting People Growing Justice is a children's publisher and social enterprise that strives to increase diversity in books, promote youth leadership development and empower children to find joy in reading.
825 Arts
The Victoria Theater Arts Center works to build community power by providing a creative place that encourages individuals to tap into their artistry and amplifies diverse voices in the neighborhood.
The organization has a collection of unique programs—like Minecraft, artist mentorships, Lego leagues, Rondo Double Dutch—for all ages and actively features community-centered events.
The Legendary Roy Wilkins Auditorium
Formerly The Saint Paul Auditorium, this 5,000-seat auditorium was renamed in 1984 after Saint Paul native and former director of the NAACP, Roy Wilkins, to honor his legendary contributions toward America's civil rights efforts.
Black-Owned Businesses
Community Events
Rondo Community Music Series
Paradise Blue
DRUMLine Live
Girlhood Artist Workshop: Jena Holliday
Celebrate Black Excellence
Meet DeSeandra Sheppheard
CoFounder of The Black Market.
Meet La’Shante Grigsby
Founder of Flava Cafe.
Meet Jahbri Merritt, aka “Chefwitdaleft”
A Black chef serving you classic Midwestern and Southern dishes with a modern twist and flare.
Meet The Un-Bougie Foodie
Podcaster Wesley Wright: Talking foodie-ism off its pedestal.
