Niceness can be a form of manipulation, creating a racial dynamic where people of color are required to maintain White comfort to survive.
Black History Month
“Early in life, I somehow got the feeling that I could succeed even if I were a member of a minority group… I knew that I would have to work hard and never give up. I would have to take many affronts, but if I kept my personal integrity, nothing could defeat me.” — Cecil E. Newman
In 1926, Carter G. Woodson founded Negro History Week in an effort to recognize African Americans in a history often void of their accomplishments. Surprisingly, this lack of recognition of African Americans and their contributions to society exists even now, almost a century after Woodson’s establishment of Negro History Week, now Black History Month.
Woodson recognized that if Blacks are unaware of their victories, they are more susceptible to give in to defeat under the weight of oppression. Our stories of triumph serve as a roadmap to future successes.
We hope you enjoy the stories of triumph offered in our Black History Month special section and in each and every week of the MSR.
Posted inBlack History Month, Featured, News
The Black fight for the franchise
It’s been 150 years since the 15th Amendment was ratified on February 3, 1870, giving Black people access to the ballot.
Posted inBlack History Month, Featured
Black History Month Events: Feb. 6-14
Find the editors’ picks of this week’s Black History Month events.
Posted inBlack History Month, National, News
Rosa Parks honored with statute in Montgomery
Civil Rights icon Rosa Parks was recently honored with a statue in Montgomery, Alabama.
Posted inBlack History Month, Special Editions, Sports
Three Minneapolis women who broke cheerleading color barriers
Few people realize that not only did women athletes cheerleading at sporting events originate right here in Minnesota, but several African American women made history here by breaking the cheerleading color barrier. Prior to 1923, cheerleading had been an exclusively White male activity. That year, the University of Minnesota (U of M) became the first […]
Posted inBlack History Month, Special Editions
Black History Salute: Marvel James Cooke
One hundred years after the birth of Minnesota’s first Black person, Marvel Jackson Cooke made her own history as the first Black birth in the city of Mankato.
Posted inBlack History Month, Special Editions
Experience local Black history
Consider the following collection a historical taste of Black history in the Twin Cities!
Posted inBlack History Month, Special Editions
Black History Month Calendar – Feb. 22-28
Each week this month, MSR editors share their top picks for events celebrating Black History Month.
February 12
Posted inBlack History Month, Special Editions
Black History Salute: George Bonga
In honor of Black History Month, we’re sharing short clips highlighting the legacy and history of Blacks in Minnesota. This week, we salute George Bonga, Minnesota’s first African American resident to be born in Minnesota.
Posted inBlack History Month, Special Editions
Black History Salute: Minnesota’s First Black Policewoman
In honor of Black History Month, we’re sharing short clips highlighting the legacy and history of Blacks in Minnesota.
Posted inArts + Culture, Black History Month, Special Editions
Black History Month Calendar: Feb. 12-21, 2019
Each week this month, MSR editors share their top picks for events celebrating Black History Month.
Posted inBlack History Month, Special Editions
Minnesota Black History Salute: Lena O. Smith
In honor of Black History Month, we’re sharing short clips highlighting the legacy and history of Blacks in Minnesota. This week, we salute Lena Olive Smith, Minnesota’s first female African American lawyer.
Posted inBlack History Month, Special Editions
Black History Month Calendar: Feb. 1-11, 2020
Each week this month, MSR editors share their top picks for events celebrating Black History Month.
Posted inBlack History Month, MSR Legacy Archives, Sports
MN Black History Salute: The Legacy Of Blacks In Baseball
In honor of Black History Month, we salute the oft-invisible Black baseball players who found their place in history despite widespread racism and segregation.
Posted inArts + Culture, Black History Month, Special Editions, Television
Remembering trailblazing playwright and writer Lorraine Hansberry
On Broadway (1959), in movie houses (1961), and afterward on television, Lorraine Hansberry’s A Raisin in the Sun increasingly held Black audiences — as well as White — rapturously spellbound. As hasn’t been done since, the American landmark helped usher this nation into the civilized world. The August Wilson of her day, Hansberry’s phenomenally unprecedented success came by […]
Posted inBlack History Month, Special Editions
NASA celebrates legacy of first Black American astronaut
Fifty years ago, a tragic accident ended the groundbreaking career of Major Robert H. Lawrence, Jr., a Chicago native and stellar Air Force pilot who became America’s first Black astronaut. On December 8, 2017 — the 50th anniversary of his death — NASA honored his often-ignored legacy and contributions to the agency. Earlier this year, […]
Posted inBlack History Month, MSR Legacy Archives
Elder perseveres through creativity and crafts
As Black America recounts how far it’s come, there is pride in culture and in accomplishments. One can see how the contributions and sacrifices of America’s Black seniors are woven throughout every part of the country’s history. Black History Month formalizes that recognition. The MSR recently sat down with senior Arie Gipson in her home […]
Posted inBlack History Month, Special Editions
Spotlight on George Poage, the first Black Olympic medalist
George Poage can claim a piece of Black history for himself, though, at the time of his success, few noticed. A track star at the University of Wisconsin, Poage was the first African American medalist in Olympic history, winning the bronze in both the 200 hurdles and 400 hurdles at the 1904 Games in St. […]
Posted inBlack History Month, Special Editions
2018 Black History Month Calendar of Events
Listed below are Black History Month events in the Twin Cities and beyond. If you know of an event that we missed, let us know in the comment section. WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 7 10 am, Stories of Wit and Wisdom, Brookdale Library, 6125 Shingle Creek Pkwy., Brooklyn Center You’re invited to listen to lively stories from […]
Posted inBlack History Month, Bulletin
Spotlight on Minnesota’s Black Community Project
Minnesota’s Black Community Project (MBCP) is a nonprofit organization launched in 2016 that serves to applaud and highlight the contributions and achievements of Minnesota’s Black community. In 2017, MBCP was awarded two grants to support its efforts from the following organizations: the Minnesota Historical and Cultural Heritage Grant through the Minnesota Historical Society and the […]