Celebrate Black history and culture with these events and activities happening in the Twin Cities during Black History Month. From museum exhibits to performances to park activities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy and learn from.
Museums and Exhibits
Ongoing: UNBREAKABLE: Celebrating the Resilience of African Americans in Minnesota
Minnesota African American Heritage Museum & Gallery, 1256 N Penn Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55411
This exhibit explores Minnesota history from early African American settlers and pioneers in the 1800s through the present.
February 3: 2024- June 2024: Black Citizenship in the Age of Jim Crow
Minnesota History Center, 345 W Kellogg Blvd, St Paul, MN 55102
This Minnesota History Center exhibit examines Black Americans’ fight for racial equality and full citizenship that unfolded in the 50 years following the Civil War. in America.
Reproduction. Indiana University Libraries. Image courtesy of Minnesota Historical Society.
Additionally, the Minnesota History Center will host several Panel Discussions to learn about Black history in the coming weeks. These events are FREE and open to the public (probably best for families with teens and tweens), but pre-registration is requested. Follow the title links to register:
February 3, 2024: Black Citizenship Panel Discussion: Minnesota Post-Civil War
Celebrate the opening of Black Citizenship in the Age of Jim Crow by joining two local scholars—Drs. William Green and James Robinson—for a program on the history of African Americans in Minnesota during the post-Emancipation era. 1pm-2:30pm.
February 17, 2024: The McRae All-Stars Story: Community Discussion
This community discussion dives into the history of the McRae All-Stars, Minnesota’s first AAU Basketball team that traveled the country in the 1980s winning tournaments with combined talent from inner city youth in Minneapolis and St. Paul. This event is a part of the Before the Mayflowers Landed series, designed to engage the African American community. 2pm-4pm.
March 2, 2024: Franklin: The Legacy of Peanuts’ First Black Character
Join this panel discussion about the historical significance and contemporary legacy of Franklin Armstrong, the first African-American Peanuts character. Speakers include Robb Armstrong, a cartoonist who Charles Schulz named Franklin after; Raymond Persi, the director of the new Apple TV+ special Welcome Home, Franklin; and Melissa Menta of Peanuts Worldwide. 1pm-2:30pm.
Theater and Concerts
Feb 2-18, 2024: Youth Performance Company production of Freedom Riders
The Conn Theatre, 900 Nicollet Ave Minneapolis, MN 55403
Inspired by the Civil Rights Movement, Brave students embark on a perilous journey south, determined to empower Black communities through voter registration. Facing hate, violence, and unyielding segregation, they fight for the right to vote, their unity and resilience igniting the flame of freedom. Witness their indelible mark on history, but be prepared for the stark realities of struggle. This show is best for ages 9+. Tickets $15/pp.
February 10, 2024: Celebrate Black Composers Concert with Mill City String Quartet
Offering a vibrant mix of music and history, the Mill City String Quartet celebrates Black History Month with a selection of Black composers. Experience the magic of Jessie Montgomery’s “Voodoo Dolls,” Shelley Washington’s “Middleground,” and Daniel Bernard Roumain’s “King.” This free program is both fun and educational, making it a perfect outing for the whole family. 3-4:30pm.
Feb 15, 2024: Sounds of Blackness Concert
Minnetonka Community Center, 14600 Minnetonka Blvd, Minnetonka, MN 55435.
Grammy Award-winning band, The Sounds of Blackness will play at Minnetonka Community Center in honor of Black History Month, t presents Sounds of Blackness. Doors 5:30 pm, music 6:30 pm. FREE, but tickets are required and limited to 2 tickets per order. Tickets will be available beginning February 1, 2024.
February 23, 2024: Black History Month Showcase
Community Activity Center, 5600 85th Ave. N., Brooklyn Park, MN 55443
Brooklyn Park’s Black History Month Showcase features a soul food dinner and music program. There will also be a Vendor Fair featuring Black-owned businesses. Join this evening of great music, performances, and more! Emcee Bruce. 5:30-7:30pm. $5. Ticket Required.
- 5-6pm DJ Snuggles
- 5:30-7pm: Paint for Peace project with Flahn Manly Studios
- 5:30-7pm: Vendor Fair
- 6pm: Dinner Served
- 6:15-7:30pm: Performances by Sesay, TKO Drumline, and youth artists
Black Film Festivals and Movie Nights
February 6-27, 2024: Black History Month Film Festival
Maple Grove Community Center, 12951 Weaver Lake Rd, Maple Grove, MN 55369
During the month of February, Maple Grove Community Center is screening four influential movies on Tuesday evenings . Showtime is 5pm followed by a discussion of relevant topics from each film. Free and open to the public. The movies for each week are:
- Feb 6: Hidden Figures (PG) – This historical drama highlights the accomplishments and achievements of three female African-American mathematicians during the early years of NASA.
- Feb 13: 42 (PG-13) – Story of Jackie Robinson’s baseball career with the Brooklyn Dodgers.
- Feb 20: Harriet (PG-13) – Historical drama about abolitionist Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad
- Feb 27: Soul (PG) – A celebration of Jazz music.
February 20, 2024: Black History Month Movie Night
February 20, 2024: School Release Day: Black History Month Dinner and a Movie
Creekview Park, 5001 Humboldt Ave North, Minneapolis, MN 55430
This Teen/Tween event for kids ages 11-15 includes a hearty dinner followed by conversation and a movie all centering on Black History Month. Dress for comfort. 6:30-9pm. Free, but registration required.
Kid-Friendly Black History Month Activities
February 2, 2024: Student-Led Black History Month Celebration
Burnsville High School, 600 State Hwy 13, Burnsville, MN 55337
Enjoy student-led performances and music. Watch a food demonstration by Chef Jeff Scott. Vendors will be selling food and wares. FREE and open to the public. 5-8pm.
February 2-28, 2024: Untold: Black History
February 7, 2024: Black History Hoops, Jams, Chill and Design
Phillips Park, 2323 11th Ave South, Minneapolis, MN 55404
Drop in to Phillips Community Center for a live DJ set from Minneapolis’s very own Biig Miic and performance by LYL Mack. The teen center will have family friendly activities, refreshments, and a movie. Spark’d Studios will feature local artist and designer Monk from madebymonk. Ages 4-21. Drop In. 6-8pm. Free.
February 20, 2024: BHM Making History
East Phillips Park, 2307 17th Ave South, Minneapolis MN 55404
Celebrate and learn about famous speakers, chefs, activists, performers, scientists. Activities include a musical performance, chess, creating poems, dancing, and food. Ages 6-19. FREE. 4-6pm. Drop In.
February 21, 2024: Non-School Day: Celebrating Black History Month
Hiawatha School Park, 4305 42nd St East, Minneapolis, MN 55406
Grade school aged kids can join Hiawatha School Park staff to celebrate Black History Month. Activities will include a lesson about historical Black artists and then participants will create their own art to take home. Kids should eat lunch at home prior to the event, but a snack will be provided. For kids ages 5-12 yrs. 1-4pm. Free, but limited openings, so register ahead.
February 21, 2024: Celebrate Black History Month
Windom South Park, 5843 Wentworth Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55419 (Register Here)
Harrison Park, 503 Irving Avenue North, Minneapolis, MN 55405 (Register Here)
Dive into arts and crafts, whip up some delicious cookies, and take home delectable treats, alongside a host of exciting activities t this celebration of Black History Month. For kids ages 5-11 yrs. 6:30-7pm. Free, but limited openings, so register ahead with the Rec Center of your choice.
February 21, 2024: Discussions and Impressions
Webber Park, 4400 Dupont Ave North, Minneapolis, MN 55419
Join Webber Park staff to explore the lives of historic African American figures and draw or craft impressions of their work or images. Ages 6-12. 4 – 5pm. Free. Register Here.
Story Times and Reading Challenges
January 31-February 29, 2024: Scott County Library Black History Month Reading Challenge
Online with a Scott County Library Account
Kids and teens who participate in the the Beanstack reading challenges through Scott County Library can earn badges for reading books by Black authors and illustrators and explore artists and musicians honoring the Black experience. FREE.
February 17, 2024: Children’s Reading Circle with Sideena Grace
Minnesota African American Heritage Museum & Gallery, 1256 N Penn Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55411
Join author Sideena Grace reading her book, “Adventures with Sideena, ABC’s in Space,” illustrated by Roo Taylor. 11:30am-12:30pm. FREE.
Got bigger kids? Bring them along to explore the Exhibits