Black History Month may be ending, but the celebration of Black excellence and history continues in each edition of the MSR. Find more events on msrnewsonline.com/events
Ongoing
“Minnesota-Spokesman Recorder: Celebrating 85 Years”
@ Hennepin Gallery, A-level Government Center, 300 South 6th St., Mpls.
Savor and reflect on Black History through the lens of the Black Press. The “Minnesota-Spokesman Recorder: Celebrating 85 Years” exhibit, part of the City of Minneapolis’ celebration of Black History Month, places a spotlight on the MSR, the state’s oldest surviving Black newspaper. The richness of Black life in the Twin Cities will be highlighted through the paper’s extensive archives. The exhibit is free, open to the public, and runs until Feb. 28. Exhibit hours are Mon.-Fri., 7:30 am to 6 pm.
Info: www.hennepin.us/hennepingallery
Two Exhibits: “8 Seasons of Art” & “Black Ingenuity”
@ Minnesota African American Heritage Museum and Gallery (MAAHMG), 1256 Penn Ave. N., 4th Floor, Mpls.
What better way to celebrate Black history than a visit to MAAHMG. The museum is currently offering two exhibits to help ring in the season. “8 Seasons of Art: Exhibition + Documentary,” which opened Jan. 9, is a multi-medium exhibition derived from the documentary of the same name by local film director Phillip McGraw. The exhibit gives visitors an opportunity to watch the documentary and view artworks by visual artists that address issues of social and economic injustice, racism and violence.
The exhibition “Black Ingenuity: Past, Present, and Future Innovators,” which opened Jan. 2, features Blacks in Minnesota who made an impact in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) fields through their research, inventions, and designs.
Both exhibitions run until May 31. Admission is free and parking is free in the ramp attached to the building. Museum hours are 1-5 pm on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday; 1-7 pm on Thursday and 9 am-12 pm on Saturday.
Info: www.maahmg.org
February 27
Black Bazaar: A Pop-Up Event to Celebrate Black History Month
11 am-2pm @ Fallon, 6th Floor, 500 N. 3rd St., Mpls.
Celebrate Black commerce at this pop-up party featuring vendors selling goods ranging from food to art prints and home décor to clothing and accessories (both vintage and new). It’s an opportunity for you to discover and support some of your neighborhood’s Black-owned businesses you may not know about. Most vendors accept credit card and cash app payments, but cash is recommended for easier transactions.
Info: bit.ly/BlackBazaarPopUp
Advancing Community Through Public Service
5:30-8 pm @ Schneider Theater, l80 W. Old Shakopee Rd., Bloomington
This Black History Month celebration centers on an intergenerational conversation between Twin Cities influencers about challenges and successes in the public sector. The panel features James Burroughs, former MN chief inclusion officer; Toni Newborn, inclusion officer of St. Paul; and Jennifer White, senior policy aide for the Mayor’s Office, City of Mpls. Free and open to the public.
Info: bit.ly/BHMPublicSector
Lift Every Voice Panel Discussion
12-1 pm @ City Hall Rotunda, 350 S. 5th St., Mpls.
This community panel discussion features panelists Anika Bowie, NAACP Mpls.; Reg Chapman of WCCO; Aarica Coleman, City of Mpls; Shannon Jones of Hope Community; Marquita Stephens of the Urban League Twin Cities; and Andrea Jenkins, vice president of the Minneapolis City Council. Musical guest Melissa Kennedy with the Sounds of Blackness. Free and open to the public.
Info: bit.ly/MplsBHM
Community Assembly—Black History Month
5:45-8 pm @ Hennepin County Library Brooklyn Park, 8500 W. Broadway Ave., Brooklyn Park
To celebrate Black History Month, the City of Brooklyn Park will highlight some of the rich cultural traditions and influence of the Black/African American and African cultures in partnership with the Brooklyn Park Library. The celebration kicks off with a light dinner. The event is free and open to the public.
All are welcome. Registration is not required, but encouraged for our planning purposes. RSVP at bit.ly/BrooklynParkRSVP.
Info: www.brooklynpark.org/event/bpca10
ASSATA SPEAKS Black History Special Edition: An evening with Professor Mahmoud El-Kati
6 pm @ Brave New Workshop Comedy Theatre, 824 Hennepin Ave., Mpls.
The featured guest for this edition of Assata Speaks is none other than Professor Mahmoud El-Kati, a lecturer, writer, and commentator on the African American experience. Music will be provided by D.J. SciPreme, with spoken word performed by Kennedy Pounds and Laquaan Malichi. $10.
Info: bit.ly/AssataSpeaksBHM
February 28
Celebrating the Power of Black Women
11:30 am-1 pm @ City Hall, Room 40 A&B, 15 West Kellogg, Blvd., St. Paul
In conclusion of the City of St. Paul’s and Ramsey County’s observance of Black History Month, community members are invited to this celebration of Black women. The event is free and open to the public. A soul food dinner will be available for purchase.
Info: Call Dave Hunt at 651-266-6134 or email dave.hunt@ci.stpaul.mn.us.
Candid Conversations presented by NABA Twin Cities
5:30-8:30 pm @ Best Buy Headquarters, 760 Penn Ave., Richfield
Community members are invited to a candid conversation and networking opportunity with diverse professionals and executives from across the Twin Cities in celebration of Black History Month. The event is free and open to the public.
Info: bit.ly/BHMNABATC
February 29
Black Culture Festival of Foods
4-6 pm @North Community YMCA, 1711 W. Broadway Ave., Mpls.
Close out Black History Month on a high note with music, food and entertainment for the entire family. Support Black businesses while enjoying great-tasting food from Wendy Soul Rolls, Q’ Noble, and more! $8 for adults; $6 for kids; kids five and under eat free.
Info: bit.ly/BHMFestofFoods
Reach the MSR staff at msrnewsonline@spokesman-recorder.com.