The Dred Scott Supreme Court decision reshaped the nation’s slavery debate. Scott’s time at Fort Snelling in Minnesota is often overlooked.
Black History
Posted inArts + Culture
The fire that endures: Black legacy, power, and the unfinished work
Black history is not a chapter in America’s story, it is the story. It is the soil beneath our feet, the wind that pushes us forward, and the fire that refuses to be extinguished. It is a lineage of courage, brilliance, defiance, and hope that stretches from the stolen shores of Africa to the highest […]
Posted inBlack History
‘Our First Bus Ride’ brings Hale-Field school integration history to life
Black history Minneapolis school integration is explored in a new children’s book recounting the 1971 Hale-Field Elementary bus ride.
Posted inBlack History
Meet Charlotte Ray, first licensed African American woman lawyer
Charlotte Ray became the first Black woman licensed to practice law in the United States after overcoming racism and sexism in the 19th century.
Posted inBlack History
We are rooted in resilience – What Black history teaches us in a shifting world
As Black History Month reaches its centennial, this reflection explores what it means to remain rooted in history while shaping a more just future.
Posted inBlack History
Attendees find solidarity, solace at Black History Market
A Black History Month market at Arbeiter Brewing created space for community reflection, support of Black-owned businesses, and collective care.
Posted inBlack History
Long-overdue recognition for the Minnesota Up-Towns
The Minnesota Up-Towns were a dominant Black basketball team in the 1920s whose legacy has long been overlooked in state history.
Posted inBlack History
ISU’s Tidy Pickett First African American Woman to Compete in Olympics
Tidye Pickett became the first African-American woman to compete in the Olympics, breaking barriers at the 1936 Berlin Games.
Posted inOdds and Ends
Table-top book captures 170 Boston Celtics ‘moments’
A new illustrated book explores the Boston Celtics’ overlooked Black history, from NBA firsts to the complex legacy shaped by race and rivalry.
Posted inTracey’s Keepin' It Real
Librarians, Literature & Black History Month
Tracey’s Keepin’ It Real features Twin Cities librarians discussing Black literature, community storytelling, and a Black History Month library read-in.
Posted inBlack History
Rooted in history, rising in STEAM
Black Americans remain underrepresented in STEAM fields. These four trailblazers show how representation, access, and mentorship can inspire future innovators.
Posted inBlack History
Before Obama and Harris: Black pioneers who ran for president
Long before Barack Obama and Kamala Harris, early Black presidential candidates challenged racism, voter suppression, and political exclusion while paving the way for future generations.
Posted inBlack History
More Than a Biopic: “Michael” and the Power of a Global Icon
With the Michael biopic arriving in 2026, renewed global fascination reveals why Michael Jackson’s cultural power, artistry, and legacy remain unmatched decades after his death.
Posted inBlack History
Local professor and author resists book censors
Professor Duchess Harris has launched “Freedom’s Promise School,” an educational initiative that provides uncensored and inclusive content, in response to the banning of her books and the growing trend of restricting access to literature that tackles sensitive topics like race and gender.
Posted inBlack History
Harriet Tubman — nurse, spy, scout
Harriet Tubman, a 5′ foot-tall former slave, fought for justice and America’s promise of freedom, becoming a Civil War spy and one of the most honored members of the US Army Military Intelligence Corps Hall of Fame.
Posted inBlack History
Black Excellence in STEM: Celebrating Innovators and Trailblazers
Black excellence is deeply rooted in every sector, including STEM, where Black innovators have made groundbreaking contributions despite systemic barriers, inspiring the next generation.
Posted inBlack History
Black labor has been foundational to Minnesota’s growth
Black labor has been instrumental in building industries and communities in Minnesota, and their contributions have been recognized as a critical part of the state’s growth, with a labor force participation rate of 70.5% in 2021, exceeding the state’s white labor participation rate of 67.2%.
Posted inBlack History
The brief but shining life of Paul Laurence Dunbar
Paul Laurence Dunbar was a prolific writer who used folk dialect to give voice and dignity to the experience of Black Americans at the turn of the 20th century, influencing other great African American literary giants and leaving a lasting legacy in his poetry and music.
Posted inBlack History
2nd Annual Black History Month Talent Show: A Celebration of Art, Culture, and Creativity
The 2nd Annual Black History Month Talent Show, hosted by Urban Ventures, will take place on Friday, February 28, 2025, to celebrate Black history, culture, and creativity through the power of performance.
Posted inBlack History
Breaking Generational Curses: A Celebration of Resilient Black Women
The Black History Month Spectacular, Day 2, will be held on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at 825 Arts in Saint Paul, focusing on how Black women are rewriting their stories and building new legacies by breaking generational curses.