The MSR celebrates Black history 365 days a year and enjoys a living legacy as one of the state’s oldest Black businesses. Below we’ve compiled a few events for this week to explore and celebrate Black history. Each week we will highlight free or low-cost events in the community.
Black History Month: Maker Market
Feb. 10 | 11 a.m. @ Graze Provisions + Libations, 520 North 4th St., Mpls.
This in-person gathering offers space for talented makers to come together to showcase their creations. Come discover and vibe with talented Black artists, creators and hustlers. This is a free event. For more info, visit bit.ly/BHMMakerMarket
STEM Saturday Black History Month Series
Feb. 10 | 11 a.m. @ Harvest Best Academy, 1300 Olson Memorial Hwy., Mpls.
This free event offers students an opportunity to learn about health science and inventions through hands-on activities. For more info, visit bit.ly/STEMSaturdays
R.E.S.P.E.C.T. Makers Market
Feb. 10 | 12 p.m. @ 56 Brewing, 3054 NE Randolph St., Mpls.
This market is the first event in the 2024 R.E.S.P.E.C.T. series. Join the community in Northeast Mpls. in support of Black-owned businesses, artists, culinary experts, and more in celebration of Black History Month. This is a free event. For more info, visit bit.ly/RESPECTMakersMarket
“Okra and Indigo” Opening Reception
Feb. 10 | 2 p.m. @ MAAHMG, 1256 Penn Ave. N., Fourth Floor, Mpls.
Come enjoy this free event that features a culinary storytelling art experience that explores the history of chefs within the Black/African American community and Black Minnesotans’ relationships with food. For more info, visit www.maahmg.org/event/opening-reception
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The Black Market
Feb. 10 | 2 p.m. @ The Case Building, 767 North Eustis S., Mpls.
The Black Market offers space for people to sell and shop, learn about services, connect with the community, enjoy live entertainment, and taste a multitude of foods from vendors and food trucks around the cities. This is a free event. For more info, visit bit.ly/BlackMarketFeb10
Black Violin – The Experience Tour
Feb. 10 | 8 p.m. @ State Theatre, 805 Hennepin Ave., Mpls.
Hailing from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, hip hop duo Black Violin is composed of two classically trained string instrumentalists, Kevin Sylvester and Wilner Baptiste, who go by the stage names Kev Marcus and Wil B. Tickets start at $31. For more info, visit bit.ly/BlackViolinExperience
Celebrate Black History in the Twin Cities
Feb. 13 | 7 p.m. @ Magers & Quinn Booksellers, 3038 Hennepin Ave. Mpls.
Join local authors and historians Shannon Gibney, Carolyn Holbrook, Ebony J. Davis and David Mura for an evening celebrating Black History in the Twin Cities. Stay for a Q&A and book signing that will follow the discussion. This is a free event. Registration is required. For more info, bit.ly/CelebrateBHTC
Black Entrepreneurs Day at the Capitol
Feb. 16 | 2 p.m. @ Minnesota State Capitol, 75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., St. Paul
Returning for the second year, Entrepreneurs Day at the Capitol will once again bring together Black business owners in Minnesota to the Capitol to raise their voices, during an important legislative time when state budget decisions are being made.
The rally in the Rotunda begins at 11:30 a.m. Participants will meet with elected officials and legislators at noon, followed by a complimentary lunch for all in The Vault at 2 p.m. This is a free event. For more info, visit www.shelettamakesmelaugh.com
The Sound of Gospel
Feb. 16-18 | 7 p.m. @ The Cowles Center, 528 Hennepin Ave., Mpls.
Comprising drama, dance, music and songs, “The Sound of Gospel” returns to explore the rich history of gospel music. Sponsored by the nonprofit community organization 2nd Chance and featuring an all-star musical lineup, this musical anthology is sure to stir the soul as it takes its audiences on a joyful journey from past to present. Tickets are $35-45. For more info, visit bit.ly/SoundofGospel
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Stories for Black History Month
Feb. 17. | 10 a.m. @ Hennepin County Library, 5244 Lyndale Ave. S., Mpls.
Learn about characters from African and African American folktales and the tradition of storytelling in the African American community in this lively performance by Master Storyteller Kristie Lazenberry. This is a free event. For more info, visit bit.ly/HCLBHMStories
For more events, visit spokesman-recorder.com.
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