Celebrate Black History Month

A Literary Evening with Alexs Pate

February 24, 7:00 p.m.
Hamline Midway

Alexs Pate, best-selling author, hosts a fireside gathering to discuss his varied literary career and thoughts about being an African American writer today.

Stories of Hope

February 27, 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Highland Park

Acclaimed actress, author and educator Isabell Monk O'Connor will read stories from our national past that are heavily influenced by the African American journey.

Warm Up on a Cold Day to Super Cool Miles Davis

February 28, 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Rondo Community Outreach Library

The Dean Brewington Quartet will perform with vocalist extraordinaire Lila Ammons.

Dreamgirls

February 28, 2:00 p.m.
Central Library 4th floor Meeting Room

Watch "Dreamgirls," the film adaptation of a 1981 Broadway musical that tells a story of R&B and Motown funk, based loosely on the lives and career of The Supremes.

Rondo Neighborhood

Maybe you've heard that I-94 split the Rondo neighborhood, but what was that neighborhood like? Watch this to find out how the strength of the community survived the years and is still being celebrated today at Rondo Days. (5 minutes)

Clarence Wigington

From the Highland water tower to the administration building at Holman Field to numerous schools and parks buildings, Clarence Wigington's work is a permanent part of Saint Paul. Find out more about this man, the nation's first African American municipal architect. (3 minutes)

Roy Wilkins

This Saint Paul native was called "the father of the civil rights movement," and steered the NAACP for over twenty years. Learn more about this revered and influential man. (3 minutes)

Black Inventors

From the SuperSoaker water gun to hair care products, from the first traffic signal to missile guidance systems, African American inventors have applied their innovative genius across many industries. You might be using one of their inventions right now! (3 minutes)

Tiger Jack

Tiger Jack's shop was a Saint Paul landmark for decades. Hear the story of how the street was renamed for him and his wife, and listen to Tiger's own explanation what inspired him to be one of the city's friendliest faces for so long.