Black History Month: Arts, Entertainment, Shopping, and Education Events

‍BLACK HISTORY MONTH WEBINARS

The Library of Congress, National Archives and Records Administration, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution and United States Holocaust Memorial Museum join in paying tribute to the generations of African Americans who struggled with adversity to achieve full citizenship in American society.

Check out their online learning opportunities here: https://www.blackhistorymonth.gov/.

As a veteran, I am always interested in military history. The Library of Congress is offering a webinar on African Americans in the Military Feb. 8.

OSSEO AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT EVENTS

Black History Month will be celebrated in Osseo Area Schools! Special thank you to Adam Woods, Assistant Principal, Osseo Senior High School for the information about Black History Month events at your building!

Event: Osseo Speaks

Time/Date: Wednesday, Feb. 22, around 3 p.m. (Exact times are still being determined)

Location: Osseo Senior High, 317 2nd Ave NW, Osseo, MN55369

Description: This is open to the public. This event is put on by the student body to celebrate the richness and culture of OSH’s Black students. They celebrate this evening with traditional dance, fashion shows, singing, and poems. This year they are adding a majorette performance. This has been the flagship event of the OSH building and continues to grow.

Read about last year’s event here:  https://www.hometownsource.com/press_and_news/free/osseo-senior-high-students-put-on-osseo-speaks-showcase/article_9cdffa2e-a549-11ec-86a1-2717e9adb5bb.html

Event: Osseo Unites

Time/Date: Thursday, Feb. 9, 2:15-3:15 p.m.

Location: Osseo Senior High, 317 2nd Ave NW, Osseo, MN55369

Description: FYI only; not open to the public. Osseo Unites is a type of professional development created for OSH staff. Each month they celebrate a different demographic and put a panel together of students and staff who represent that demographic. So far, they have celebrated Hispanic Heritage, LGBTQ+ History, Native American Heritage, Adoption/Foster Care Awareness, and Food/Housing Insecurities Awareness.  Typically, they have about three students and two adults sit on the panel and answer questions in front of 20-40 staff members.

MAPLE GROVE PARKS AND RECREATION EVENTS

Black History Month will be celebrated through Maple Grove Parks & Recreation events! Special thank you to Parks and Recreation Director Chuck Stifter for providing information about Black History Month events!

Event: Black History Month Art Contest

Time/Date: Jan. 16 – Feb. 3 submissions taken

Information and Entry Form: bit.ly/BHMartcontest

Description: From Jan. 16 – Feb. 3, use your talent inwriting, poetry, or art to enter the virtual art contest celebrating Black History Month. Describe an African American in history, in your life, or in your community who has had a positive impact on you and how they have made a difference. Share your art by completing the contest entry form (PDF). 

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Event: African Drumming

Time/Date: Thursday Feb. 24, 6 p.m. This class is also held the fourth Thursday of every month.

Location: Maple Grove Town Green Meeting Room, 7991 Main St N, Maple Grove, MN 55369

Sign up: https://bit.ly/africandrummingMG

Description: There’s no right and there’s no wrong! Experience therapeutic drumming with other community members. West African drums and other instruments will be available for this fun and healing experience. This community empowerment program is most beneficial if you experience all sessions and participate on a monthly basis. Hosted by the Multicultural Kids Network.

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NEARBY EVENTS

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Event: Black Business is Beautiful market

Time/Date: Feb. 11, 2– 7 p.m. (The market is held every2^nd Saturday of the month)

Location: 767 N Eustis St, Ste 115, Saint Paul MN55114

Description: A pop-up market for BIPOC businesses tohelp close the racial wealth gap. Check out their website: https://blackbusinessisbeautiful.org/

Black owned business directory:

https://mnblackbusiness.com/?fbclid=IwAR2o-b7i5fRS0ZVRyQ5MODO1shmnjR-4yFYK5pxiM7cJZrWN-Rbec8bgkXU

Here you will find the first-of-its-kind, centralized directory of Black business owners and entrepreneurs offering goods and services to the Minnesota community. Please share this directory with your family, friends and colleagues! And encourage Black business owners to request their free business listing.

Event: The Tina Turner Musical

Time/Date: March 1 - 12

Location: Orpheum Theatre, 910 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403

Purchase tickets: https://tickets-center.com/search/Orpheum-Theatre-Minneapolis/Tina-The-Tina-Turner-Musical-tickets/

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Here are my comments from the Feb. 6 city council meeting where I shared about these events: