Celebrating Black History Month and Minnesota’s Black Community

ST. PAUL, Minn (January 24, 2025) – In honor of Black History Month, the Minnesota Historical Society (MNHS) is highlighting opportunities for Minnesotans to celebrate the contributions of Minnesota’s Black community. 

As part of the Black History Voices, Black Voices initiative, MNHS is partnering with local members of the Black community to teach Minnesotans about a range of topics, including arts, cooking, and the outdoors with the following events throughout February:

North Star Voices: Diversity and the Outdoors, Saturday, February 8, 2 pm–3:30 pm

Duluth-based author, photographer and advocate, Dudley Edmondson discusses the changing face of conservation and outdoor recreation. Edmunston will share powerful stories from Black and Brown scientists and activists whose lived experiences and groundbreaking work offer new perspectives on addressing the world’s most pressing environmental and social challenges. This is a free event, with an in person option at the Minnesota History Center and a virtual option via Zoom. Registration is recommended.

Red Stained: The Life of Hilda Simms, Thursday, February 20, 6:30 pm–8 pm

Jokeda “JoJo” Bell shares the truly unique story of Black actress and activist Hilda Simms. Red Stained: The Life of Hilda Simms, the first full biography of her life and career, weaves primary research with a narrative style to tell the true story of Hilda Simms in the context of a nation gripped in the Cold War and a burgeoning civil rights movement. It is an examination of Simms's rise to fame, her drive to be a respected dramatic actress, and her efforts to create equal opportunities for people of color on stage, on the screen, and behind the camera. This is a free event at the Minnesota History Center; registration is recommended.

Juneteenth Reckoning with Slavery: MN African American History, Saturday, February 22, 1:30 - 2:30 PM

Historic Fort Snelling is screening Juneteenth Reckoning With Slavery: MN African American History. Co-produced by OMG Studios and the Minnesota Humanities Center, this documentary challenges our understanding of slavery, its impact on Minnesota, and how we reconcile our past by taking viewers on a present-day journey to Ghana, to the quarters of Harriet and Dred Scott, and into conversations with current and future scholars. Join us to watch this 40-minute film with a Q&A session to follow.

Two additional opportunities are at capacity:

"From the Gullah Coast to the Twin Cities" Workshop, Saturday, February 15

Chef James Johnson, owner of catering service Cooks of Hope and non-profit organization Cooks4Hope hosts a program that explores the important role of food preservation and traditions in the African American community, bridging the gap between history, food, and fellowship. This program is being held at Mill City Museum.

Girlhood Artist Workshop: Jena Holliday, Thursday, February 27

Minnesota-based artist and illustrator Jena Holliday holds an empowering and creative workshop that explores identity, girlhood, and self-expression. This workshop is a journey of creative self-discovery—designed for women and girls 12 and up—where participants will connect with their own stories while exploring the complex layers of girlhood and womanhood. This program is being held at the Minnesota History Center.

Support for the North Star Voices: Diversity and the Outdoors program has been provided by the Marney and Conley Brooks Fund. Red Stained: The Life of Hilda Simms programming is made possible by the Maurice Stans Fund.

About the Minnesota Historical Society

The Minnesota Historical Society is a non-profit educational and cultural institution established in 1849. MNHS collects, preserves and tells the story of Minnesota’s past through museum exhibits, libraries and collections, historic sites, educational programs, and book publishing. Using the power of history to transform lives, MNHS preserves our past, shares our state’s stories, and connects people with history.