MINNEAPOLIS — While Black history should be celebrated year-round, organizers in the Twin Cities have worked hard to put together a robust calendar of events to celebrate and highlight Black History Month this February.
From activists and artists to culture and community, check out these organizations, events and experiences celebrating Black excellence this month and beyond.
Editor's note: This is not an exhaustive list. If you'd like KARE 11 to include another celebration or event, please text your information to (763) 797-7215.
CELEBRATING BLACK ART
Minnesota African American Heritage Museum and Gallery
Taking a walk around the Minnesota African American Heritage Museum and Gallery is a good place to start. Its current exhibits, Black Liberation: Dismantling Racism in Minnesota, and Unbreakable: Celebrating the Resilience of African Americans in Minnesota, offer an educational experience about being Black in Minnesota over time.
You can also grab tickets to one of the museum's Black History Month-specific events, including:
- Feb. 1: The Givens Collection presentation by Davu Seru
- Feb. 17: Children’s Reading Circle with author Sideena Grace who will read her book, "Adventures with Sideena, ABC’s in Space," illustrated by Roo Taylor
- Feb. 22: Discovering African American Roots: A Beginners Guide, a genealogy workshop with Mica L. Anders
- Feb. 24: Youth Zine & Collage Workshop with artist Baki Porter
For more information about MAAHMG's upcoming Black History Month celebrations, visit its website.
Minneapolis Institute of Arts
From now until June, Mia will feature the exhibit American Gothic: Gordon Parks and Ella Watson, in which Black photographer Parks chronicled the daily life of government worker Watson in 1942.
From the museum: Most importantly, it proposes new grounds for understanding Parks as an artist and activist, highlighting a unique professional collaboration between two Black federal employees at a crucial juncture in United States history.
The museum will also host Meet at Mia: Celebrating Black History on Feb. 8. The event is free and open to the public from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Click here to learn more.
MORE:
- Okra and Indigo at the Minnesota African American Heritage Museum and Gallery, Feb. 6 - March 30
- The Black Experience at Bethel University, Feb. 10
- Black History Month Showcase at the Brooklyn Park Activity Center, Feb 23
- The Dirios Exhibit at the Somali Museum of Minnesota, ongoing
- Ebb/Flow: Pritika Chowdhry, Chotsani Elaine Dean and Courtney M. Leonard at the Weisman Art Museum, ongoing
CELEBRATING BLACK BUSINESSES
The R.E.S.P.E.C.T. Market at 56 Brewing
Back by popular demand, The R.E.S.P.E.C.T. Market will return to northeast Minneapolis' 56 Brewing, featuring more than 25 local, Black-owned businesses, creatives and organizations.
The market happens Saturday, Feb. 10 from 12-5 p.m. and is free and open to the public (and dogs!).
Organizers say the market is the first in a series of 2024 R.E.S.P.E.C.T. events, so keep your eyes out for announcements in the future. To check out a list of this year's featured businesses, click here.
The Black Market at The Case Building
The Black Market, already a monthly occurrence at The Case Building, will bring together Black-owned businesses, creators and makers for a big celebration on Saturday, Feb. 10.
The free event includes food, art, music and vendors, and goes from 2-6 p.m. While organizers say it's free, they suggest securing a ticket before you arrive.
MORE:
- BCC/Modist Brew Release Party at Modist Brewing Company, Feb. 3
- Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet at the Minnesota Orchestra, Feb. 9-10
- Black History Month: Maker Market at Graze | Provisions, Feb. 10
CELEBRATING BLACK MUSIC/THEATER
2nd Chance Outreach: The Sound of Gospel at The Cowles Center
Spend an evening with 2nd Chance Outreach at The Cowles Center to travel through the history and evolution of gospel music.
Produced by playwright, producer and director William Pierce, the production is directed by Academy Award-nominated vocalist, actress, and playwright Jevetta Steele, with music director and Grammy-winning songwriter and producer Billy Steele.
The show runs from Feb. 16-18 at the Goodale Theater, with tickets ranging from $35-$65 plus fees. For more info and tickets, click here.
Black Violin - The Experience Tour at The State Theatre
The Florida-based hip hop act featuring two classically trained musicians is taking the show to the State Theatre on Feb. 10.
Kevin Sylvester and Wilner Baptiste, otherwise known on stage as Kev Marcus and Wil B., made it big by covering hip hop on violin, winning the 2005 season of Showtime at the Apollo and later going on to work with artists like Tom Petty, Lupe Fiasco and others.
You can catch the show at 8 p.m.
MORE:
- Freedom Riders at the Youth Performance Company, Feb. 2-18
- Black History Month - MIZ MARTHA - A Mixed Blood Theater Workshop, at Mississippi Market Co-op, Feb. 19
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