The Minnesota African American Leaders Forum and Dinner, held at the Saint Paul Intercontinental Hotel on Sep. 13, marked a pivotal evening for African American community leaders across the nation. With a mission dedicated to gathering, connecting, and building a collective future, the event spoke to the strength and resilience of communities in Minnesota and beyond.
Organized through a partnership between the African American Leadership Forum and Reconnect Rondo, the night encapsulated unity in the face of shared challenges. Keith Baker, executive director of Reconnect Rondo, emphasized the significance of the gathering.
“I think we got to a particular point where people understand our connections across the river. So, in that regard, reflecting on the evening’s successes, I would say yes, we hit the mark,” Baker explained. The forum was not simply a ceremonial event, but also a platform for showcasing the collaborative spirit that drives leaders to address pressing issues impacting their communities.
The evening drew an impressive roster of esteemed guests from Minneapolis and St. Paul, including St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter, retired Judge LaJune Lange, and former 3M Chief Diversity Officer Bill English. Also present were Kenya McKnight Ahad, founder and CEO of the Black Women’s Wealth Alliance, and Anthony Taylor, a community development innovator.
Metropolitan Council Member Toni Carter, representing the 14th District, was also present, showcasing the diverse faces committed to fostering growth and opportunity. The presence of guests from cities like Detroit and Buffalo, NY, made the event a cross-country dialogue, emphasizing the inclusivity and diversity of the African American community.
Baker shared insights about the preceding three-day summit that aimed to leverage transportation and reconnect communities, initiatives intricately tied to the bipartisan infrastructure bill recently passed by the Biden-Harris administration. This marks the second consecutive year that communities from across the country have convened in St. Paul, emphasizing the city’s role as a nexus for collaborative efforts to address systemic challenges.
In a compelling address, Mayor Carter sounded the quote of the evening with his insightful statement: “If it’s not connecting, it’s not community.” His words resonated deeply, reflecting the underlying mission of the forum—to foster connections that lead to tangible community enhancement.
Baker echoed this sentiment: “Community is about connecting. It plays well with our summit and in bringing Minnesota leaders to the table.”
One of the highlights of the evening was Judge Lange’s foundational discussion on the importance of connecting diverse African American communities. Baker pointed out that the forum’s aim goes beyond St. Paul; it is about bridging connections among Black communities across Minnesota—from Duluth to Rochester, St. Cloud, and throughout the Twin Cities.
These discussions served as a crucial reminder of the power of unity and collaboration in tackling issues like economic disparity, transportation, access to education, and social justice.
The event culminated in a vibrant atmosphere filled with shared stories, a collective vision for the future, and an exciting musical performance by Pat Lacy, a former member of the Sounds of Blackness.
The Minnesota African American Leaders Forum and Dinner proved to be more than just an event; it was a catalyst for change, a call to action for advocates, and a celebration of the ties that bind diverse communities throughout Minnesota and beyond.