Mayor Jacob Frey has proclaimed the month of February as Black History Month in the City of Minneapolis. Minneapolis is proud to be home to many Black Americans, and Black History Month is a time to celebrate and uplift Black stories across the nation – and here in our city.
Black History Month honors and recognizes the important accomplishments, contributions, and voices of Black Americans and the important role they have in shaping our city, state, and nation. This month is also a time to reflect on the systemic racism that continues to persist throughout communities today. While progress has been made, there is more work to be done – and we must remain committed to that work.
“During Black History Month, we celebrate the excellence of Black Americans and push ourselves to continue to commit to inclusion and equity beyond words on a page,” said Mayor Frey. “I am especially grateful to our Black leadership here at the City of Minneapolis and to all Black City staff – our City enterprise is only as great as our workforce, and we have an incredible team.”
“Black History is American History,” said Tyeastia Greene, Director of the City’s Racial Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Department. “During the month of February, it is my hope that everyone takes a moment each day to learn something about our collective history, voices of the past and voices of the present, and to not focus solely on the trauma but also of the triumph. Let's continue to remember each day of the year to support black, invest in black, and love black.”
“Black History Month is a time to learn about and celebrate the struggles, resilience and contributions of Black people in this Nation and around the globe,” said Minneapolis Fire Chief Bryan Tyner, Minneapolis Black Employee Network leadership. “We look to honor and celebrate our heritage throughout the month with programs, discussions, ceremonies, and health and wellness opportunities for everyone.”
Full text of the proclamation recognizing Black History Month in Minneapolis is available below and attached.
WHEREAS, the month of February is observed across the nation as Black History Month, a time to commemorate and reflect on the stories and legacies of Black Americans across our country; and
WHEREAS, Black culture, heritage, and traditions are part of the social fabric of Minneapolis and represent a variety of backgrounds, lineages, and experiences; and
WHEREAS, Minneapolis is home to hundreds of Black-owned businesses that help make our community more equitable, encourage job growth, and close gaps in equity and opportunity; and
WHEREAS, There are several Black-led organizations across the city that help build and uplift community inclusion through education and immersion events and programs; and
WHEREAS, In 2016, to celebrate Black History Month, the Minneapolis Department of Civil Rights introduced Future History Makers, renamed to History Makers at Home, a profile series featuring leaders from the Twin Cities African American community who share the department’s ideals of advancing civil rights and removing barriers to equity; and
WHEREAS, The City of Minneapolis created the Minneapolis Black Employee Network (MBEN) in February of 2017 to uplift and highlight Black leaders and Black excellence in our City through events and stories – and MBEN leads the City’s Black History Month work each year; and
WHEREAS, Throughout Black History Month, there are several ways to celebrate locally and learn about Black culture, including events, discussions, entertainment, and museum exhibits; and
WHEREAS, The City of Minneapolis is proud of our Black community and the depth of culture each individual shares with their family, friends, neighbors, and loved ones; and
WHEREAS, The City of Minneapolis is excited to honor and celebrate Black History Month alongside MBEN, City leadership, City staff, and so many of our community members.
NOW, THEREFORE, I JACOB FREY, Mayor of the City of Minneapolis, do hereby proclaim the month of February 2023 as:
BLACK HISTORY MONTH IN THE CITY OF MINNEAPOLIS