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Celebrate Black History Month

• About Black History Month
• Events
• Videos
• Recommended Resources
• City Resources

About Black History Month

Black History Week was founded in 1926 by Dr. Carter G. Woodson to celebrate the many achievements of African Americans throughout the world. Black History Month, as we know it today, started its month-long celebration and observance in 1976 to recognize the African American women and men in the areas of medicine, politics, government, community leadership, science, business, religion, education, literature, theatre, music, arts, sports, and so much more. Black History Month provides an opportunity for everyone, especially our children, to learn more about the many achievements and contributions of great African Americans who enrich our City, State and Country.

Black History Month will be observed in the City of Saint Paul, the State of Minnesota, the United States, and throughout the world, not only during the month of February, but throughout the year.

Source: City of Saint Paul. Black History Month 2007 Proclamation. Saint Paul: February 1, 2007.

Events

The History of Rondo

February 22, 12 noon - 1 p.m.
City Hall, Room 41

Guest speaker Professor Mahmoud El-Kati will share the history of Rondo.

Performances by two award winning poets will open and close this event by engaging us with dynamic spoken word and hip hop from the Minnesota Spoken Word Association and tru ruts productions.

Videos

The City of Saint Paul Office of Media Services has produced award-winning video stories that feature Saint Paul's African Americans. Originally aired on Channel 18, here's a sampling of the best.

	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 Watertower 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.

Recommended Resources

African American History Month Book List
A guide to picture books, juvenile books, teen and adult books, and African American folklore and folk tales, from the Saint Paul Public Library.

Black History Month (Gale Cengage Learning)
Biographies of famous African Americans, a timeline, activities, and a quiz.

Black History Month (History.com)
Videos, audio recordings, photos, and more about the history of African Americans.

Black History Month (Infoplease)
History, timelines, current issues, and special features about the history of African Americans.

Black History Month (Time for Kids)
History, spotlight articles, and stories of famous African Americans, especially for kids.

Celebrating Our Black History
Biography.com presents a timeline, videos, fast facts, and the stories of the lives of famous African Americans.

African American Culture & History

Black Authors Collection at Rondo Community Outreach Library

City Resources

City of Saint Paul DiverCity
Information about Saint Paul's diverse communities, ways to celebrate diversity, activities, and web links.

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