Minneapolis, MN – The Minnesota African American Heritage Museum and Gallery (MAAHMG) celebrates Black History Month 2025 with a new history exhibition The Black Vote, which explores the history of how African Americans gained the right to vote in Minnesota and the subsequent rise of Black officials in the State. The exhibition also highlights the 60th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. This multimedia exhibition includes history curated by Mica L. Anders, and artwork by Charles Caldwell, Karen Caldwell, A. Drew Hammond and Laura Marie. An opening reception will be held February 6 from 6 – 8 pm at the museum, 1256 Penn Avenue N., Minneapolis, MN. Admission and parking are free. There will be light refreshments.
MAAHMG will also present engaging and informative free public events at the museum for Black History Month which includes:
- February 8: Children’s Reading Circle with author Timi Bliss who will read her book, The Magic in Me, a personalized story to celebrate differences and teach young children about their unique selves while also letting them see what it means to be part of a community. Event time 11 am – 1 pm.
- February 13: Is DEI Dead?: A panel discussion about diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). We’ll explore the impact of the Supreme Court case eliminating affirmative action in college admissions, and the recent actions by corporations and the government ditching their DEI programs. What is the future of DEI and what are some strategies for ensuring diversity, equity and inclusion in the face of adversity. The panel includes Dr. Yohuru Williams, Distinguished University Chair and Professor of History and Founding Director of the Racial Justice Initiative at the University of St. Thomas; Maya Sullivan, Dean of Student Success at Metro State University; and James Burroughs II, Senior Vice President of Government and Community Relations and Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer at Children’s Minnesota. Event time 6 – 8 pm.
- February 15: M & M – Museum & Movie. This event, a collaboration between the museum and Northpoint Health and Wellness Center, starts with a tour of the museum followed by a screening of the movie The Six Triple Eight at Northpoint. The Six Triple Eight is a war drama film written and directed by Tyler Perry about the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, an all-Black and female battalion during World War II. Free popcorn and M&Ms! Event time 1:30 – 4 pm.
- February 20: Tools for Starting and Sustaining a Business. A panel discussion about the tools for starting and sustaining a business and strategies to face challenges in 2025. This is a collaboration between the museum and MEDA (Metropolitan Economic Development Association). Light refreshments served at 5:30 pm. Event time 6 – 8 pm.
- February 27: History & Art Talk about the exhibition The Black Vote. Join us for a discussion with Mica L. Anders who will share her history research and artists Charles Caldwell, Karen Caldwell, A. Drew Hammond and Laura Marie who will discuss their inspiration for their work that illuminates the historical events. Event time 6 – 8 pm.
Admission to the museum and all events are free. More information can be found on the
museum’s social media, Facebook and Instagram, or our website at: maahmg.org
