Black History Month events in the Twin Cities: Feb. 8 – 16

​The MSR celebrates Black history 365 days a year and enjoys a living legacy as one of the state’s oldest Black businesses. Find a listing of free or low-cost community events below to help you savor the richness of Black history.

Ongoing

Night Life: Nocturnal Worlds in African Art
Runs until Sept. 10, 2023
Minneapolis Institute of Arts, 2400 Third Ave. S., Mpls.
“Night Life” presents 20 artworks from across Africa that address the various ways nighttime was, and in some cases still is, perceived and experienced. Offering warmt, sumptuously patterned blankets and basketry panels promote peaceful slumbers. This exhibit is free and is being staged in Gallery 255.              For more info, go to bit.ly/NocturnalWorlds

“Locomotion”
Runs until March 5, 2023
Children’s Theatre Company, 2400 Third Ave. S., Mpls.
Uprooted from his family, Lonnie couldn’t feel more alone. But when his class learns to write poetry, his verses take him back to a time of togetherness. As he finds his voice as a poet, Lonnie learns how poetry can bring him closer to others and himself. Based on the book by award-winning author Jacqueline Woodson, this play is best enjoyed by anyone aged nine or older.
For more info, go to childrenstheatre.org/shows-and-tickets

“Blues for an Alabama Sky”
Runs until March 12, 2023
Guthrie Theater, Wurtele Thrust Stage, 818 S. 2nd St., Mpls.
Renowned playwright Pearl Cleage’s award-winning drama takes place in Depression-era Harlem, where a close-knit group of four friends have their lives upturned by a newcomer whose arrival shifts the trajectory of everyone’s futures and long-held dreams.
For info, go to www.guthrietheater.org/shows-and-tickets

“TESTIFY: Americana from Slavery to Today”
Runs until March 29, 2023
Minneapolis Central Library Cargill Gallery, 300 Nicollet Mall, Mpls.
Presented by former Minnesota Supreme Court Justice and NFL Hall of Famer Alan Page, and his daughter, marketing and communications professional Georgi Page-Smith, the groundbreaking exhibit “TESTIFY” returns to the Minneapolis Central Library. The exhibit features more than 100 artifacts and works of art designed to foster dialogue and inspire justice.
For more info, go to hclib.org/about/news/2023/January/testify-exhibit

Community Quilt Project
Runs until July 1, 2023
Minnesota African American Heritage Museum and Gallery (MAAHMG), 1256 Penn Ave. N. (4th Floor), Mpls.
The “Community Quilt Project” features 14 quilts that symbolize themes, including Black history, Black joy, love and family, racial justice, civil rights, Black liberation, healing and freedom. The exhibit also includes a quilt honoring Minneapolis’ favorite son, Prince Rogers Nelson, that was created during the painting of the Prince mural in May/June 2022.
The “Community Quilt Project” is open for viewing during MAAHMG’s regular hours (Tuesdays through Fridays from 1-5 pm, and Saturdays from 10 am-2 pm.) Admission is free and free parking is available in the ramp at the rear of the building.
For more info, go to www.maahmg.org

Black Liberation: Dismantling of Racism in Minnesota, 1800s to 1960s
Runs until Dec. 31, 2023
Minnesota African American Heritage Museum and Gallery (MAAHMG), 1256 Penn Ave. N. (4th Floor), Mpls.
This exhibit, curated by Tina Burnside, with research assistance by Simiyah Garrison and graphic design by Michaela Spielberger, is an exploration of the Black Liberation Movement in Minnesota.
Focusing on Black-led organizations and Black leaders including abolitionists, labor, civil rights and Black Power leaders, “Black Liberation” reflects the fight for Black self-determination in Minnesota during the 19th and 20th centuries.
The MAAHMG is open Tuesdays through Fridays from 1-5 pm, and Saturdays from 10 am-2 pm. Admission is free and free parking is available in the ramp at the rear of the building.
For more info, go to www.maahmg.org

​​February 8

​“A Soldier’s Play” (Broadway @ The Ordway)
February 8 (runs until Feb. 12)
The Fitzgerald Theater, 10 E. Exchange St., St. Paul
Broadway @ The Ordway presents “A Soldier’s Play” at St. Paul’s historic Fitzgerald Theater. Set during World War II, Charles Fuller’s Pulitzer Prize-winning story tackles questions about sacrifice, service and identity at a segregated military installation in the Jim Crow South.
For more info, go to ordway.org/events

​February 9

​Rebuilding Black Businesses: A Black History Month Conversation
5:30 – 7:30 pm
Minnesota African American Heritage Museum and Gallery, 1256 Penn Ave.  N., Mpls.
Small business owners Kenya McKnight-Ahad (Black Women’s Health Alliance), Teto Wilson (Wilson’s Image Barbers & Stylists), Tameka Jones (Lip Esteem), and Kevin Sullivan (Kevin Sullivan Films) will share best practices and tools for developing your own business, address economic inequities that plague Black communities, and explore strategies to build generational wealth.
For more info, go to bit.ly/RebuildingBlackBusinesses

​Embracing and Empowering our Youth
12 – 1 pm
City of Minneapolis Public Service Building, Conference Room 100, 505 4th Ave. S., Mpls.
Embracing and Empowering our Youth is the second of four Black History Month events being hosted on Thursdays this February by the City of Minneapolis under the theme “Black Resistance, Minnesota Resilience.”
For more info, visit bit.ly/MplsBHM2023

​February 11

​Black History Month at The Black Market
2 – 7 pm
767 North Eustis St., St. Paul
Billed as the Black History Month celebration of all celebrations, this event offers participants an opportunity to eat, vibe, network, and keep their dollars in the community by supporting Black entrepreneurs.
For more info, go to bit.ly/BHMBlackMarket

​February 16

​2023 History Makers at Home Award Ceremony
11 am – 1:30 pm
The Capri Theater, 2027 West Broadway Ave., Mpls.
The Minneapolis Department of Civil Rights is honoring several community leaders as part of the History Makers at Home program—a profile series featuring inspirational leaders in a wide range of fields. The awards program will take place from 11 am to 12:30 pm, and refreshments and networking opportunities are from 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm at the Capri Theater. This event is free and open to the public.
For more info, visit bit.ly/MplsBHM2023

Reflections on the Black Liberation Movement in Minnesota with Dr. Yohuru Williams
5:30 – 7 pm
MAAHMG (Fourth Floor) – 1256 Plymouth Ave. N., Mpls.
Dr. Yohuru Williams, distinguished university chair, professor of history, and founding director of the Racial Justice Initiative at the University of St. Thomas, will present an engaging discussion that explores the Black Liberation Movement, its catalysts and leaders in Minnesota.
Dr. Williams will also discuss the connection between events in 1975 and the racial reckoning of 2020, and the goals, strategies and challenges for Black self-determination. Admission and parking are free.
For more info, visit bit.ly/BlackLiberationMAAHMG

Happy Black History Month! Let us know about more events in the comments.