Black History Month Events at the U of M

See more Black history month events, system-wide

Exhibition | The Soil and The Story
January 16 – April 19
HGA Gallery, Rapson Hall

The Goldstein Museum of Design’s latest exhibition, The Soil and The Story, celebrates Black Soilship in the Black Belt by highlighting 12 farms researched in the last three years across Maryland, Virginia, the Carolinas, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas.

There is no U.S. agricultural history without the expertise and labor of Black people. Black farmers, horticulturists, scientists, and inventors have revolutionized the way our agricultural system functions. During the Great Migration six million Black people moved north and west to escape racial violence, economic and educational disadvantage, and the oppression of Jim Crow laws. But many Black farmers remained. They liberate and heal both themselves and the soil by incorporating ancestral African traditions and indigenous land knowledge. The voices of Black farmers are essential to the knowledge and practices of U.S. soil health today and the design of systems and policies for the future.

Exhibition | The Everlasting Legacy of MLK - A Peace of My Mind
January 25 – March 17
Second Floor Gallery, Coffman Memorial Union

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was one of the most influential social activists who led the civil rights movement in the United States from the mid-1950s until his untimely death in 1968. His life was unfortunately cut short, however the legacy he left is everlasting. He continues to inspire generations of people still to this day This exhibition was created by the organization A Peace of My Mind; a multimedia arts project. They set up their studio at the University of Minnesota and asked, “How is Dr. King’s legacy crucial and relevant today?”

Black History Month Kickoff
Thursday, February 1, 5:30–8 p.m.
The Whole Music Club

Join the Twin Cities Black Student Union for a night of performances, games, delicious food, and a chance to win prizes!

Premiere Screening of Hope in the Struggle
Monday, February 12, 6:30 p.m.
Cowles Auditorium, Humphrey School of Public Affairs

This event is being held in person and is open to everyone, but registration is required.

Returning to the halls of the Humphrey School of Public Affairs, where Dr. Josie Johnson left her mark as a senior fellow, Twin Cities PBS (TPT) will be hosting a premiere screening of “Hope in the Struggle” at the Cowles Auditorium on Monday, February 12 at 6:30 pm. The documentary showcases the life and work of Dr. Josie Johnson, a prominent civil rights activist both in Minnesota and nationwide. From lobbying for fair housing legislation in Minnesota to being part of the March on Washington to serving as the first Black person on the University of Minnesota’s Board of Regents, Josie’s story is one of perseverance, hope, and an unwavering commitment to serving and bettering her community. Join Executive Producer Daniel Bergin and members of Dr. Johnson’s family for a conversation after the film. Co-hosted by Twin Cities PBS and the Humphrey School. 

Empowering Minds: Elevating Black Wellness
Thursday, February 29, 11 a.m.–2 p.m.

Hybrid event: Urban Research and Outreach-Engagement Center (UROC) and Zoom

To celebrate Black History Month, Extension’s African American Affinity Group will host an event with the theme “Empowering Minds: Elevating Black Wellness.” The event will be catered and feature performances as well as several guest speakers. All are welcome to attend, but you must RSVP.