The artistic and creative impact of Minneapolis will take center stage as the City of Minneapolis observes Black History Month (BHM). The City will elevate the 2024 national theme, “African Americans & the Arts,” with programs featuring local artists, creatives and pioneers.
“This year we will explore the impact of the Minneapolis Sound in entertainment and celebrate the Crown Act and the Black hair culture,” shared BHM planning committee member Fatimat Olukoga.
Mayor Jacob Frey and the City Council have issued a resolution honoring February as Black History Month.
“This month, and every month, we celebrate the profound contributions of our Black neighbors and friends who have helped shape our city’s history,” said Mayor Jacob Frey. “Black History Month is an important time for our community to recognize and honor our Black leaders, past and present, who have achieved amazing feats, won important victories, and with excellence, made our city what it is today. I am especially grateful to our Black leadership and staff at the City of Minneapolis. It’s their dedication and commitment that fuels the progress that propels our community forward.”
For the seventh consecutive year, Black employees of the City of Minneapolis and Hennepin County have teamed up offer outstanding programs for Black History Month. This year includes additional events at Hennepin County Library.
Upcoming Black History Month events
- Black Music and the Arts – The Minneapolis Sound
A panel discussion to explore the history of Black contributions to music with a focus on the “Minneapolis Sound.”
Noon-1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 7
City of Minneapolis Public Service Building, Conference Room 100, 505 Fourth Ave. S. - Black & Belonging
A community discussion around belonging to a collective and creating welcoming spaces where we all belong.
Noon-1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 14
City of Minneapolis Public Service Building, Conference Room 100, 505 Fourth Ave. S. - Leadership Panel-Justice and Community
An online conversation with community leaders about their lives and commitment to ensuring equal justice for the residents of Hennepin County. Panelists: Sheriff Dawanna Witt; Vernona Boswell, Outreach and Community Support.
Noon-1 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 15
Join online - History Makers at Home
The Minneapolis Civil Rights Department will recognize leaders in the areas of business, criminal justice, education, economic development, health, housing and government.
11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 22
Capri Theater, 2027 West Broadway Ave. - Rock Your Crown
PSB 100 This is the event where hair rules! With the State of Minnesota signing the Crown Act into law, we will celebrate the history of Black hair and the art of styling it.
Noon-1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 28
City of Minneapolis Public Service Building, Conference Room 100, 505 Fourth Ave. S.