Through Wed., Feb. 20
Thursday, February 14
7 pm — Saakumu West African Drum and Dance Troupe Performance, Sundin Music Hall, Hamline Univ., 1531 Hewitt Ave., St. Paul
The Saakumu Drum and Dance Troupe is one of the leading traditional and contemporary dance and music groups in Ghana, West Africa. The group’s repertoire includes a range of spiritual, ceremonial, and contemporary African dance forms.
The performance is free for Hamline students with ID; community members may purchase tickets at the door for $5. For more information, contact Gail Nosek at gnosek01@hamline.edu or call 651-523-2511.
Friday, February 15
10 am & 2 pm — Funny Family Folktales, Sumner Library, 611 Van White Mem. Blvd., Minneapolis
Librarian and storyteller Jerry Blue will enliven Black history and culture with funny family folktales.
For preschoolers to sixth-graders and their families
This event is free. For more information, call 612-543-6875 or go to www.hclib.org.
12-2 pm — African Gris Gris, Merriam Park Library, 1831 Marshall Ave., St. Paul
A gris gris is a decorated pouch that holds something that might bring good luck. The gris gris is worn around the neck or can be attached to the belt. Using leather or fabric create your own shape, size, and color of gris gris to hold your good luck charm or other special contents.
For kids in grades 3-6
This event is free. For more information, call 651-642-0385 or go to www.sppl.org.
7 pm — A Tribute to Black Cultural Icons, Sundin Music Hall, Hamline Univ., 1531 Hewitt Ave., St. Paul
Experience a night of musical, poetic, and theatrical performances honoring 50 African Americans who achieved success before the age of 50, including Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, Gabby Douglas, Marvin Gaye, Monique, Spike Lee, Malcolm X, Magic Johnson, and President Barack Obama.
Performers include Hamline students and local artists, including actor/singer Julius Collins, III and dance group Immortal Dance Crew.
This event is free. For more information, contact Gail Nosek at gnosek01@hamline.edu or call 651-523-2511.
Saturday, February 16
11 am — Twin Cities Community Gospel Choir, Galaxie Library, 14955 Galaxie Ave., Apple Valley
Enjoy the soulful interpretation of the African American gospel tradition with this choir that creates community across boundaries.
This event is free. For more information, call 952-891-7045 or go to www.co.dakota.mn.us.
Sunday, February 17
4 pm— WITNESS: Marian Anderson, Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, 345 Washington St., St. Paul
VocalEssence celebrates the inspiring story of musical legend Marian Anderson, who was the first Black artist to sing with the Metropolitan Opera in New York City. Actress Greta Oglesby and singer Marlissa Hudson will portray Marian Anderson in a play written and directed by Jon Cranney.
The first half of the concert will feature the VocalEssence Chorus conducted by Philip Brunelle performing music inspired by the poetry of great African American writers.
Tickets are $10-$40. For tickets, call 651-224-4222 or go to www.vocalessence.org.
Tuesday, February 19
All day — KFAI celebrates Black History Month, KFAI-FM Radio, 90.3 Minneapolis/106.7 St. Paul
KFAI will celebrate Black History Month with a special day of programming.
For more information, call 612-341-3144 or go to www.kfai.org.
7-8 pm — Great Decisions-Egypt, Galaxie Library, 14955 Galaxie Ave., Apple Valley
The popular revolution that ousted President Hosni Mubarak in 2011 ushered in the promise of radical change. Two years later, what is the state of Egyptian democracy? How will the military and the civilian government balance power?
Participants are encouraged, but not required, to chec kout or read the desk copy of the Great Decisions briefing book—available at the Galaxie Library — prior to the program.
This event is free. For more information, call 952-891-7045 or go to www.co.dakota.mn.us.
Wednesday, February 20
6 pm — A Question of Color, Anderson Center Room 111, Hamline Univ., 774 Snelling Ave. N., St. Paul
A Question of Color is the first documentary to confront a painful and long-taboo subject: the disturbing feelings many African Americans harbor about themselves and their appearance. This film digs into the often subconscious world of “color consciousness,” what it calls a caste system based on how closely skin color, hair texture, and facial features conform to a European ideal. This film can help viewers examine the complex interplay between racial identity, culture, and self-image in society and within themselves.
Pizza and refreshments are provided; this event is free. For more information, contact Gail Nosek at gnosek01@hamline.edu or call 651-523-2511.
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