Black History Month is a time to appreciate and celebrate the impact of African-American history on our campus, community, and society. Through stories from the past, we can better examine our present—and chart a course toward the future.
Campus Events
The Killing State: Extra-judicial Police Killings and Capital Punishment
throughout February | St. Kate’s Library Exhibit
Faculty and staff reading group: River of Fire: My Spiritual Journey by Sr. Helen Prejean
Thursday, February 6 from 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. | LIB 128
Bring your lunch and join as we discuss River of Fire. Books are available for purchase in The Center for Spirituality and Social Justice for $17. Please plan to pay by check; payment will be returned to those participating in the reading group.
Brown Bag Lunch: The Killing State: Extra-judicial Police Killings and Capital Punishment
Friday, February 7 from noon to 1:30 p.m. | Center for Women
One Voice Mixed Chorus – Bayard Rustin: The Man Behind The Dream
Saturday, February 22 | The O’Shaughnessy
Back by popular demand, this One Voice 2017 commission honors the life and work of openly gay African American civil rights activist Bayard Rustin, who was a mentor to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The work is composed for chorus, two actor/Story-Guides, and a five-piece band and culminates with the 1963 March on Washington, Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech, and the work of current day Black Lives Matter activists.
Core Convocation and Lecture— Dead Man Walking: The Journey Continues with Sr. Helen Prejean
Thursday, February 27, 7 p.m. | Rauenhorst Ballroom
Known around the world for her tireless work against the death penalty, Sister Helen Prejean has been instrumental in sparking national dialogue on capital punishment and in shaping the Catholic Church’s vigorous opposition to all executions. This lecture will help deepen individual understanding of the many issues connected with capital punishment.
SHAPESHIFT – Grey Skies Blue
Friday, February 28–Saturday, February 29 | The O’Shaughnessy
A diverse collective of 10 accomplished dancers powerfully tell the story of a summer of friendships through interconnected vignettes, exploring emotional themes of social justice, sexual identity, family history and betrayal. A group of diverse youth face a painful life altering experience when one of their African American brothers encounters a policeman; two lifelong friends embrace their journey of self-identity together; an independent young woman is reminded of her estranged mother’s past fueled by addiction; and a promising relationship is challenged beyond deceit.
Community Events
The White Card: Here’s Looking at You
Tuesday, February 4–Sunday, March 1 | Penumbra Theatre
“Harriet” Film Screening
Thursday, February 6 | North Community High School
Commemorate Black History & Culture: Arts & Literature Exhibition
Saturday, February 8 | George Latimer Central Library
Black to the Future: Yo Mama’s Northside Black History Month Pop-Up Museum
Saturday, February 8–Thursday, April 2 | Weisman Art Museum
The Avant Garde: “Expressions of Black Progression: Homage to the Groove” Performance
Wednesday, February 19 | Mill City Museum
Black History Month at the Minneapolis Institute of Art
Have something to add?
If you’re participating in other Black History Month events around campus or in the community, let us know! Email news@stkate.edu with the subject line “Black History Month submission.”