Close out Black History Month with these free or low-cost community events in the Twin Cities and beyond.
Mia Black History Month Celebration
Runs until June 23 | @ Minneapolis Institute of Art, 2400 3rd Ave. S., Mpls
The exhibition “American Gothic: Gordon Parks and Ella Watson” showcases over 60 photos by the iconic Gordon Parks of government worker Ella Watson across the varied landscape of her daily life. Organized by Mia and the Gordon Parks Foundation. Free. For more info, visit new.artsmia.org
African Heritage Day on the Hill
Feb. 23 | 2- 5:30 p.m. @ Minnesota Capitol Rotunda, 75 Rev. Dr Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., St. Paul
All people of African descent are invited to come out to hear from legislators and dignitaries, learn about policy strategy and wins from the 2023 legislature session, as well as plans for the current legislative session. For more info, and to register, go here.
Black History Month Showcase
Feb. 23 | 5:30 p.m. @ Brooklyn Park Activity Center, 5600 85th Ave. N., Brooklyn Park
Enjoy food, performances, community leaders, vendors, and more. $5. For more info and tickets, visit bit.ly/BP-BHM24
Youth Zine and Collage Workshop with Baki Porter
Feb. 24 | 11 a.m. @ MAAHMG, 1256 Penn Ave. N., Fourth Floor, Mpls.
Baki Porter will teach a youth zine and collage workshop at the Minnesota African American History Museum and Gallery (MAAHMG). A zine (short for magazine) is a small, DIY-created book about any topic you can think of. In this workshop, you will create your own zine while learning about the history of African Americans in Minnesota. Free. For more info, visit bit.ly/YouthZineMAAHMG
Bringing Books to Life for Black History Month
Feb. 24 | 1:30 p.m. @ Hennepin County Library Brooklyn Park, 8500 W. Broadway Ave., Brooklyn Park
Sponsored by The Minnesota Black Authors Expo, this event celebrates local Black authors, who will read from their books and engage with participants. For more info, visit bit.ly/BringingBookstoLifeBHM
Black History Month Teach-in on Community Control of the Police
Feb. 24 | 2 p.m. @ Quatrefoil Library, 1220 E. Lake St., Mpls.
Come celebrate Black History Month with Twin Cities Coalition for Justice 4 Jamar and learn about the history behind Community Control of the Police within the Black Liberation movement. For more info, visit bit.ly/BHMCommunityControl
Half Pint Co. Celebrates Black History Month
Feb. 25 | 11 a.m.- 2 p.m. @ Arbeiter Brewing Company, 3038 Minnehaha Ave., Mpls.
This free kid-friendly gathering will feature inspiring stories and achievements of influential Black figures. Enjoy thought-provoking stories and engaging activities that celebrate the contributions of Black individuals throughout history. For more visit, bit.ly/BMHHalfPint
5th Annual BlackOUT Black History Month Celebration
Feb. 25 | 12-6 p.m. @ 655 Fairview Ave. N., Mpls.
Close out Black History Month’s last weekend by learning about and supporting new Black businesses in the community. Also enjoy food and performances, engage with community leaders, and more. For more info, visit bit.ly/BlackOUTBHM
Black History Month Film Festival
Feb. 27 | 5 p.m. @ Maple Grove Community Center, 12951 Weaver Lake Rd., Maple Grove
Come for the screening of the influential movie “Soul” and stay for the discussion of the movie afterward. Free. For more info, visit bit.ly/BHMFilmFestival
Rock your Crown
Feb. 28 | 12 p.m. @ Public Service Building, Conference Room 100, 505 4th Ave. S., Mpls.
In light of the State of Minnesota signing the Crown Act into law, this event sponsored by the City of Minneapolis will celebrate the history of Black hair and the art of styling it. Free. For more info, visit bit.ly/RockYourCrown
Spark’d Studios: Black Music History
Feb. 29 | 4 p.m. @ Powderhorn Recreation Center, 3400 15th Ave. S., Mpls.
Celebrate Black History Month by listening to some of the most influential Black musicians of all time at Spark’d Studios at Powderhorn Park. Enjoy conversations that will explore the cultural impact of artists ranging from current chart-toppers to classical composers.For more info, visit bit.ly/SparkdStudiosBHM
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