Black History Month events in the Twin Cities: Feb. 17-22The MSR celebrates Black history 365 days a year and enjoys a living legacy as one of the state’s oldest Black businesses. Below we’ve compiled a few events for this week to explore and celebrate Black history. Each week we will highlight free or low-cost events in the community.
Stories for Black History Month
Feb. 17 | 10 a.m. @ 5244 Lyndale Ave. S., Mpls.
Master Storyteller Kristie Lazenberry will offer a lively performance to teach community members about characters from African and African American folktales and the tradition of storytelling in the African American community. This program is funded by Minnesota’s Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund. Free. For more info, visit bit.ly/StoriesBlackHistoryMonth
MAAHMG Children’s Reading Circle with Sideena Grace
Feb. 17 | 11:30 a.m. @ 1256 Penn Ave. N. Fourth Floor, Mpls.
Join the Minnesota African American History Museum and Gallery’s Children’s Reading Circle with Sideena Grace as she reads her book “Adventures with Sideena, ABC’s in Space.” Free. For more info, visit bit.ly/MAAHMGSideenaGrace
Reel Revolution North: MN
Feb. 17 | 3 p.m. @ Capri Theater, 2027 West Broadway Ave., Mpls.
Reel Revolution North: Actors Round Table explores the changing landscape of Minnesota’s film and television industry! Join us for an engaging discussion at the historic Capri Theater. Speaker guests include actors Aunjanue L. Ellis-Taylor, Terrence Howard, Yolanda Ross and more. The event will feature a special tribute for actor Carl Weathers who was slated to appear at the event prior to his recent passing. $25-35. For more info, visit bit.ly/ReelRevolutionNorth
Black History Month – MIZ MARTHA – A Mixed Blood Theater Workshop
Feb. 19 | 4:30 p.m. @ Mississippi Market Co-op: East 7th Store, 740 7th St. E., St. Paul
Learn about the narratives woven into food and the historical threads that shape it in a unique Mixed Blood Theater workshop. This immersive experience seamlessly blends food, acting and history, inviting participants to share, play, act and eat. $0-$15. For more info visit, bit.ly/BHMMIZMARTHA
Sabathani Community Center Museum Unveiling
Feb. 22 | 5 p.m. @ 310 E 38th St Suite 120, Mpls.
Following a welcome reception catered by Chelle’s Kitchen, the new Sabathani Living History Museum will be unveiled. Originally housed on the second floor, the museum will serve as a testament to the century-long narrative of Black pride deeply rooted in South Minneapolis, honoring the community’s past, present and future.
The museum exhibits include “Owning Up: Racism and Housing in Minneapolis,” originally presented during the 2018 event series “Racism, Rent, and Real Estate: Fair Housing Reframed” by Mill City Consulting; “Sabathani Heroes,” commemorating local luminaries vital to the history of this community; and a performance by the Sounds of Blackness. Free. For more info, visit bit.ly/RESPECTMakersMarket
Discovering African American Roots: A Beginners Guide, Genealogy Workshop with Mica L. Anders
Feb. 22 | 6 p.m. @ MAAHMG, 1256 Penn Ave. N. Fourth Floor, Mpls.
Explore the exciting world of genealogy with professional genealogist Mica L. Anders as she presents an introductory genealogy workshop to unlock the stories of your African American ancestors.
In this workshop, Anders will introduce the tools you need to begin your family history journey, highlight uniquely African American sources, and help you uncover your family’s stories to honor their legacy. Free. For more info, visit bit.ly/DiscoveringAfricanAmericanRoots
Humanize My Hoodie Gallery Reception
Feb. 22 | 6 p.m. @ North Regional Library, 1315 Lowry Ave. N., Mpls.
Enjoy a Humanize My Hoodie photo gallery and documentary screening, followed by a Q&A. The photo exhibit and documentary are designed to foster critical conversations about threat perception and dismantle the preconceived notions and stereotypes associated with race and certain types of clothing. Free. For more info, visit bit.ly/HumanizeMyHoodieReception