February is Black History Month. Below we’ve compiled a list of events happenings around the Twin Cities and beyond to honor and celebrate the contributions of African Americans. Also, make sure to look for our special Black History Month print editions February 4, and February 25.
Do you know of an event we missed? Feel free to send your suggestions to msrnewsonline@spokesman.recorder.com.
Tuesday, February 2
6-7 pm — Winter Reads: Terry Kerber, St. Anthony Library, 2941 Pentagon Dr. NE, St. Anthony
Kerber will discuss his book Major Taylor, the inspiring story of a turn-of-the-20th-century African American bicycle racing champion and the men who helped him achieve worldwide fame. Books will be available for purchase and signing.
This event is free. For more information, call 612-543-6075 or go to www.hclib.org.
Tuesday, February 2 (9 & 16)
12:30-2 pm — Black Lives Matter: A Movement in Context, Roseville Library, 2180 Hamline Ave. N., Roseville
It’s been called one of the most vibrant protest movements in recent history, and it’s attracted its share of critics as well. Join Macalester Professor Duchess Harris as she talks about the historical roots of the Black Lives Matter movement in this three-part series.
This program is co-sponsored by the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute of the University of Minnesota with financial support from Minnesota’s Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.
This event is free. For more information call 651-724-6001 or go to www.rclreads.org.
Wednesday, February 3
5 pm — Black History Month Kickoff: I’m A Deadbeat Who? Stage Play, University of Minnesota, Coffman Memorial Union, 300 Washington Ave. SE., Minneapolis
I’m A Dead Beat Who is a play about the trials and tribulations Black men face with child custody, as a result of dealing with court systems and often times, due to mass incarceration and the criminal justice system. This play is written by Anthony Tunstall and Jerome Gilkey.
There will be a social hour for this event at 5 pm in the lobby area Coffman Theatre. The play will start at 6 pm, however, if you do not arrive before 5:30 pm, you will not be admitted to this event. For more information go here.
Friday, February 5 (runs until Feb. 28)
7 pm — Ruby! The Story of Ruby Bridges, Stepping Stone Theatre, 55 Victoria Street N., St. Paul,
A Black History Month Story about Civil Rights. In 1960, the front lines of the struggle for Civil Rights ran right up to the front steps of an elementary school in New Orleans. Imagine you’re a six year old ready to start first grade, and suddenly you’re in all the papers, and it seems that half the world wants to stop you from going to school. It would take all the courage you can muster just to get out of bed.
But little Ruby Bridges bravely faces the danger. Ruby’s true story struggle is an inspiration! More information go to www.steppingstonetheatre.org or call 651-225-9265.
Friday, February 5 & 6
Fri., 7:30 pm & Sat., 9:30 pm — BaddDDD Sonia Sanchez Twin Cities Film Premiere!, Intermedia Arts, 2822 Lyndale Ave S, Minneapolis
The Black Documentary Collective, The Givens Foundation For African American Literature and Intermedia Arts Present BaddDDD Sonia Sanchez Twin Cities Film Premiere! A new documentary film by Barbara Attie, Janet Goldwater, and Sabrina Schmidt Gordon. For more information go to www.intermediaarts.org or call 612-871-4444.
Saturday, February 6 (runs until Feb. 28)
7:30 pm — George Bonga: Black Voyageur, History Theatre, 30 E. 10th Street, St. Paul
History Theatre is proud to present George Bonga: Black Voyageur, a suspenseful journey that explores the intersections of race, power, and justice. Written by Carlyle Brown and directed by Marion McClinton, the play revolves around the incredible story of legendary Boundary Waters voyageur George Bonga (James A. Williams) who is tasked with tracking down a fugitive Ojibwe warrior Che-Ga-Wa-Skung (Jake Waid) accused of murdering a White man. For more information call 651-292-4323 or go to HistoryTheatre.com. Prices range from $20-38.
Monday, February 8
National African American Parent Involvement Day (NAAPID), Twin Cities
NAAPID is a day for parents to come to their child’s school, see what their children are learning, and to support their child’s educational future. For information about St. Paul Public Schools, go to www.spps.org/naapid, contact Brandi Cavalletti at 651-767-8110, or brandi.cavalletti@spps.org.
For more information about Minneapolis Public Schools, go to www.mpls.k12.mn.us or call 612-668-0000.
6 – 8 pm — Celebrate African American Family Involvement Day, Roller Garden, 5622 W. Lake Street, St. Louis Park
After visiting your child’s school, celebrate the day with them at the Roller Garden. The event is free and sponsored by the Minneapolis Public Schools and Black Male Achievement. Students must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Contact 612-290-9553 for more information.
Tuesday, February 9
5:30-7:30 pm — Diversity Film Series: Dark Girls, St. Thomas University, Anderson Student Center Dance, 2115 Summit Avenue, St. Paul
Dark Girls is a fascinating and controversial documentary film that goes underneath the surface to explore the prejudices that dark-skinned women face throughout the world. It explores the roots of classism, racism and the lack of self-esteem within a segment of cultures that span from America to the most remote corners of the globe. Popcorn and snacks provided. Go here for more information.
Thursday, February 11
6 pm — Augsburg Pan Afrikan Student Union: Black Identity Discussion, Marshall Room, 2211, Riverside Avenue, Minneapolis. For more information, email pasu@augsburg.edu, call 612-330-1438 or go here.
Monday, February 15
5:30 pm, Let’s Talk — Malcolm X: The Man and his Legacy, Penumbra Theatre, 270 N. Kent St., St. Paul
Sarah Bellamy hosts this social gathering and exploration of the life and legacy of the man who became a symbol of Black power, self-determination, and self-love. This discussion will feature special guests Mahmoud El-Kati, lecturer, writer, and community elder; Dr. Keith A Mayes, U of MN African American & African Studies professor; and AsaleSol Young, founder of SUN Academy in North Minneapolis.
Doors open one hour prior to event; complimentary refreshments and light bites will be provided. Tickets are $15. For tickets, call 651-224-3180, email boxoffice@penumbratheatre.org, or go to http://penumbratheatre.org.
7 pm — Author reading: The Family Tree: A Kinship Lynching in Georgia, a Legacy of Secrets, and My Search for the Truth, Magers and Quinn Booksellers, 3038 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis
Harris County, Georgia, 1912: A White man, the beloved nephew of the county sheriff, is shot dead on the porch of a Black woman. Days later, the sheriff sanctions the lynching of a Black woman and three Black men, all of them innocent. For Karen Branan, the great granddaughter of that sheriff, this isn’t just history, this is family history.
Branan spent nearly 20 years researching this history. As she dug into the past, Branan was forced to confront her own deep-rooted beliefs surrounding race and family, a process that came to a head when Branan learned a shocking truth: She is related not only to the sheriff, but also to one of the four who were murdered. Both identities — perpetrator and victim — are her inheritance to bear.
This event is free. For more information, call 612-822-4611 or go to www.magersandquinn.com.
Thursday, February 18
6 pm — Augsburg Pan Afrikan Student Union: Throw Back Dance, East Commons, Marshall Room, 2211 Riverside Ave., Minneapolis
For more information, email pasu@augsburg.edu, call 612-330-1438 or go here.
Friday, February 19
7-8:30 pm — VocalEssence Presents Community Sing: David Morrow, Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church, 3355 North 4th Street, Minneapolis
Sing with Morehouse College Glee Club conductor David Morrow, and hear about the more than 100-year history of the glee club at this event. No experience necessary.
This event is free, but registration is required. Call 612-547-1456 or go to www.vocalessence.org to register or more information.
6-8 pm — Celebrating A Legacy of Literacy, 655 Fairview Ave. N., Saint Paul
In honor of Black History Month, Network for the Development of Children of African Descent (NdCAD) is hosting aspecial book give away, featuring approximately 5,000 African/African American children’s books that have been donated by the General Mills Foundation and Generation Next. There are books for children of all ages and grades!
This is a free event. For more information call 651-209-3355.
Saturday, February 20
2 pm — History Comes Alive: Frederick McKinley Jones, Hosmer Library, 347 E. 36th St., Minneapolis
African American men and women shaped not just Minnesota, but the entire nation. Their history comes alive in this series of interactive dramatic reenactments. First, meet Frederick McKinley Jones, one of the most prolific Black inventors with more than 60 inventions.
Program is sponsored by Friends of the Hosmer Library and presented in collaboration with Minnesota African American Museum and Cultural Center.
This event is free. For more information, call 612-543-6900 or go to www.hclib.org.
Saturday, February 20
11 am- 1 pm — A Tribute to Walter R. Scott, Minneapolis Central Library, Doty Board Room, 2nd Floor, 300 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis
In celebration of Black History Month, we are honoring the late Walter R. Scott, Sr., a trailblazing Minneapolis author and publisher who recognized the importance of celebrating the achievements of Minnesota’s Black Community.
Scott family members give an overview of his historical projects and intro to Minnesota’s Black Community Book Project. Contact 612-543-8000 for more information.
Saturday, February 20
4-8 pm —#BHMCASHMOB 2016 Black History Month, Arnellia’s Bar 1183 University Avenue, St. Paul
Join the CASH MOB! The basic strategy for a cash mob involves selecting a Black locally owned establishment for the mob, travel to the cash mob location and spend. A selection of wines from Africa, special food dishes, and oh yes, live music. Free entry, but come to spend. Coordinated by Springboard Economic Development Corporation. Go here for more information.
10 am-7 pm — Twin Cities Black History – A Celebration of Us, Harvest Prep School/Seed Academy, 1300 Olson Memorial Hwy, Mpls
The African America Center of Minnesota, in collaboration with Mpls. NAACP and Wayman A.M.E. Church, invite you to reflect on the great historical accomplishments of African Americans in the Twin Cities! Free and open to all. Go here for more information.
Sunday, February 21
7-9 pm — WITNESS: Morehouse College Glee Club, Orchestra Hall, 1111 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis
VocalEssence will perform with the Morehouse College Glee Club to celebrate male singing. Founded in Atlanta in 1867, Morehouse College remains the only all-male Historically Black College in the nation. VocalEssence and the glee club will share the stage with guest conductor David Morrow and a 200-voice high school male chorus.
Tickets are $10-40. Call 612-371-5656 or go to www.vocalessence.org for tickets or more information.
7 pm — Untold Stories of Black Baseball in Minnesota, Minnesota History Center, 345 Kellogg Blvd. W., St. Paul
During the decades of segregation in Major League Baseball, Black ballplayers in Minnesota were relegated to semipro leagues, barnstorming clubs and loose organizations of all-Black teams, many of which are lost to history.
Join Frank M. White, the son of one of those players, as he recovers the history of Minnesota’s African American ballplayers who navigated denial, hardship and segregation for the love of the game. White is the author of They Played for the Love of the Game: Untold Stories of Black Baseball in Minnesota.
This event is free. For more information, call 651-259-3000 or go to www.mnhs.org.
Tuesday, February 23
12:30 pm — Black Baseball in Minnesota, Roseville Library, 2180 Hamline Ave. N., Minneapolis.
Join baseball historian Frank White for an illustrated talk about some of the greatest ball players ever to grace the mound or hit a line drive. Learn about the long and colorful history of African-American baseball players,including the challenges, indignities and struggles they faced in Minnesota, as elsewhere. Possible special appearances by former players. This program is co-sponsored by the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute of the University of Minnesota and supported financially by Minnesota’s Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.
The program is free with no advance registration required for members of the community. Contact 651-724-6022 for more information.
Thursday, February 25
12 pm — Black History Month Culture Stew: James Mite presents his research on “Kendrick Lamar: The New Gold Standard of Hip-Hop? A Critical Look at Authenticity in Rap Music,” University of St. Thomas, Anderson School Center, Hearth Room, 3rd Floor, 2115 Summit Avenue, St. Paul
Go here or call 651-962-6460 for more information.
Thursday, February 25
5:30 pm — And Still We Rise: Black History Month Discussion, University of St. Thomas, Anderson School Center, Hearth Room, 3rd Floor, 2115 Summit Avenue, St. Paul
Dr. Tanya Gladney will lead a discussion on the “Intersectionality of Black Women.” For more information call 651-962-6460.
Thursday, February 25
6:30 pm — Northrop Presents Film Screening: Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater: Beyond the Steps, Best Buy Theater, 84 Church Street S.E., Minneapolis
This dazzling cinema verité documentary follows the extraordinary dancers and renowned choreographers of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater as they do everything it takes to keep American modern dance fresh and its legacy alive.
‘Beyond the Steps’ intertwines the dancers’ individual tragedies and triumphs with breathtaking performance footage from their journey, shining a spotlight on the story of one of America’s most beloved cultural institutions.
This event is free and open to the public. Call 612-624-2345 for more information.
Friday, February 26
6:30 pm — Augsburg Pan Afrikan Student Union, Open Mic Night, Student Lounge, Marshall Room, 2211Riverside Ave., Minneapolis
For email Pasu@Augsburg.edu, call 612-330-1438 or go here.
6:30-8:30pm — The Purpose and Origins of Black History Month – And Other Things You May Not Know About Black People – Presented by Mahmoud El-Kati, Golden Thyme on Selby, 921 Selby Ave. St. Paul
For more information go to: www.facebook.com/events/1545944569052874
Saturday, February 27
11 am – 2 pm — Thinking College Early Fair, Harding Senior High School, 1540 E. Sixth St., St. Paul
Find out why a historically Black college is the right fit for you. It’s the 15th year that Progressive Baptist Church will be involved and you’ll find Jo Ann Clark, who came up with the idea, talking to students, grade 5-12.
Representatives and alums from a wide array of state, private, and historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) will be on hand. Contact John Miller at 952-797-2302 for more information.
Saturday, February 27
5:30-9 pm — Black History Month Presentation of Marcus Garvey, Hallie Q. Brown/MLK Center (Canteen), 270 N. Kent St., St. Paul
Join us and Brother Delxino who will be visiting the Twin Cities from Atlanta, GA for an inspiring and fun time as he presents an excerpt of the Marcus Garvey story and the connection of his economic ideas to today’s Buy Black Movement.
This event is free. For more information, contact Ronald C. Buford at 651-334-1209 or Bill Roddy at 612-716-7002. To RSVP go to: http://tinyurl.com/bhm-marcus-garvey.
Saturday, February 27
6:30-9:30 pm — African Night 2016, Anderson Student Center, 2115 Summit Ave, St. Paul
Join us for our annual African Night at the University of St. Thomas. This year’s theme is “Going Back to Our Roots.” Come learn about our African culture, while experiencing many performances, dances, fashion shows, great music, and even better food!
Admission is free for UST students, $10 for adults, and free for children under 12 years old. After the show there will be a dance held in Woulfe Alumni Hall from 10 pm to midnight, so bring your dancing shoes!
For more information go here: www.facebook.com/events/1717734925125716
Saturday, February 27
2-3 pm — Global Folk: West African Drum and Dance, Brooklyn Park Library, 8600 Zane Ave. N., Brooklyn Park
Experience the rhythms and culture of West Africa through the infectious energy of Duniya Drum and Dance. This event is free. For more information call 612-543-6225.
Saturday, March 5
9 am — 2 pm, Rondo History Harvest, Hallie Q. Brown Community Center, 270 N. Kent St., St. Paul.
Bring your treasured artifacts to the Rondo Avenue History Harvest, a joint project between Rondo Avenue, Inc. and Macalester College. The event will bring together Rondo community members to reflect on that neighborhood’s past, present, and future through personal artifacts from their Rondo home that have sentimental value to them.
Macalester students will photograph or scan these objects and create a community-based digital archive.
The event is free and all are welcome. Plan to bring one to two artifacts from your Rondo home. For more information, email rememberingrondo@gmail.com or call 651-696-6508.
Do you know of more Black History Month events to be added to our list? Feel free to send your suggestions to msrnewsonline@spokesman.recorder.com.
Updated 2/18/2016 4:10 pm
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