This page offers a sampling of events taking place systemwide throughout Black History Month 2026. Some events are more specifically related to Black History Month, and others are events that center Black creators and student groups and organizations. Please note that this is not an exhaustive list of events. Submit your University of Minnesota event by emailing [email protected].
2026 Black History Month Events University-wide
Crookston Events
More information soon
Duluth Events
UMD Soul Food Dinner
Saturday, February 21, 2026 at 4:00pm
UMD Kirby Ballroom (1120 Kirby Dr, Duluth, MN 55812)
Tickets: Early Bird $10.00, Students $15.00, Community $18.00
An evening of culture, community, and great food, hosted by the UMD Black Student Association. All are welcome to join in this celebration!
For more information, contact [email protected].
Morris Events
ChatGPT said:
More information soon
Rochester Events
More information soon
2026 Twin Cities Events
BSU Black History Month Kickoff
Tuesday, January 29, 2026 at 5:30 PM
The Whole, Coffman Memorial Union (300 Washington Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455)
Come celebrate Black history, culture, and community through performances, games, food, and shared experiences!!
Too Proud & Too Free: Black Queer Feminist Traditions in University Leadership
Thursday, February 3, 2026 from 4:30-6:30pm
Black Garnet Books (1319 University Ave W, St Paul, MN 55104)
There is no Black history without Black queer feminist history.
Join us for an evening of reflection and joy at Too Proud & Too Free: The Necessity of the Black Queer Feminist Traditions in University Leadership.
This conversation brings together ReAnna S. Roby, PhD, Director of the University of Minnesota Women’s Center, and Mycall Akeem Riley, MS, Director of the Gender and Sexuality Center for Queer and Trans Life.
The discussion will be moderated by Anitra Cottledge of the Headwaters Foundation.
Black Art/Literature Event
Tuesday, February 3, 2026 from 6:00-8:00pm
Health Sciences Education Center (HSEC) 3-110 (526 Delaware St SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455)
Join us for a Black Art and Literature Event on February 3rd from 6-8 PM in HSEC 3-110. Engage in creative stations, workshops, and engagement with local artists!
BSU Black Business Market
Wednesday, February 4, 2026 from 6:00–8:00 PM
Mississippi Room, Coffman Memorial Union (300 Washington Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455)
Come support Black-owned businesses, shop local, and pour back into our community. Every purchase makes an impact, don’t miss it!!
MLK Black History Month Extravaganza
Thursday, February 5, 2026 from 6:00-8:30pm
Coffman Memorial Union Theater (300 Washington Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455)
Secure your spot now for the MLK Extravaganza! Refreshments provided by Lutunji's Palate. Register here!
BASA: Unapologetically US
Friday, February 6, 2026 from 4:30–7:30 PM
12 Pillsbury Hall (310 Pillsbury Dr SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455)
A space created for Black queer students to show up fully, freely, and without explanation. Join us for community, conversation, games, and snacks in an environment rooted in care, affirmation, and joy. Come as you are, we can’t wait to be with you.
BSU Professional Development Day
Tuesday, February 10, 2026 from 6:00-8:00pm
President’s Room, Coffman Memorial Union (300 Washington Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455)
BSU x SBM present our BHM Professional Development Day, where students can gain valuable professional skills through interactive workshops. We hope to see you on February 10th from 6:00–8:00 PM in the President’s Room at CMU!!
Celebrate Excellence: Black Alumni and Community Gathering
Thursday, February 12, 2026 from 6:30-8:30pm
Weisman Art Museum (333 East River Road, Minneapolis, MN 55455)
The Black Alumni Network, the University of Minnesota Foundation, and the University of Minnesota Alumni Association invite you to a reception event at the Weisman Art Museum to revel in the connections of past, present, and future.
Together, we will continue to honor the legacy of Black excellence at the University of Minnesota while shaping opportunities for generations to come. Your presence at this February gathering is more than attendance—it is a commitment to connection, progress, and community impact. We look forward to celebrating with you and building a future that thrives on unity and shared purpose. Please register by February 5th.
Alumni Association public events are open to all alumni and friends of the University of Minnesota.
BSU Valentine Flowers
Friday, February 13, 2026 from 10:00am-4:00pm
BSU Room (209), Coffman Memorial Union (300 Washington Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455)
BHM Bake Sale
Wednesday, February 18, 2026 from 10:00am-4:00pm
BSU Room (209), Coffman Memorial Union (300 Washington Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455)
Black to the Future Career Panel
Thursday, February 19, 2026 from 6:00-8:00pm
102 Fraser Hall (106 Pleasant St SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455)
BSU Thrift Sale
Monday, February 23 and Tuesday, February 24, 2026 from 9:00am-5:00pm
BSU Room (209), Coffman Memorial Union (300 Washington Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455)
Unity Dinner
Wednesday, February 25, 2026 from 4:00-10:00pm
Great Hall, Coffman Memorial Union (300 Washington Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455)
Off Campus Events
Minneapolis
Museums/Exhibits
Minnesota African American Heritage Museum and Gallery
1256 Penn Avenue N., 4th Floor, Minneapolis, MN 55411
This museum is dedicated to celebrating the history of African Americans by giving visitors a look at the achievements, contributions and experiences of Black people throughout the history of Minnesota.
“Unbreakable”
On display September 8, 2018 - December 31, 2028
Celebrate the resilience of African Americans in Minnesota with this exhibit which explores African American early settlers and pioneers in the 1800s. Here you can learn about the struggles and successes of African Americans who moved to Minnesota from the South during the "Great Migration."
Events
Meet at Mia: Visionaries
Minneapolis Institute of Art (2400 Third Avenue S, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55404)
Celebrate Black history at Mia! Lean into the power of poetry and watercolor with writer, teaching artist, and curator Dralandra Larkins in Mia’s studios. Enjoy a concert from Obi Original and the Black Atlantics in Mia’s Regis Court. Explore Mia’s galleries with special tours that highlight Black artists in Mia’s collection.
Friends Lecture: Michael Kleber-Diggs
Thursday, February 5, 2026 from 6:00-7:00 pm
Minneapolis Institute of Art (2400 Third Avenue S, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55404)
The Friends Lecture Committee presents “The Art of Poetry, the Voices to Hear,” an evening with award-winning poet Michael Kleber-Diggs in conversation with Daniel Slager, Milkweed Editions publisher and CEO, Enjoy a thoughtful conversation about the place for marginalized voices in today’s publishing landscape. We look forward to welcoming these literary leaders as they share their expertise. After the lecture, join us for a book signing.
MacPhail Presents: Black History Month Student Performance Festival
Saturday, February 7, 2026 from 10:00am-12:00pm
MacPhail Center For Music (501 S 2nd St, Minneapolis, MN 55401)
Celebrate Black History Month through music that uplifts, honors, and inspires. This special MacPhail Student Performance Festival features students of all ages, instruments, and programs performing works that celebrate the contributions of Black composers, artists, and musical traditions. Throughout the day, our downtown Minneapolis campus comes alive with performances that showcase learning, creativity, and community—reflecting the rich diversity of MacPhail’s students and the music that moves us all.
The Black Market | Eat. Shop. Vibe. Connect.
Saturday, February 14, 2026 from 2:00-7:00pm
The Case Building (767 North Eustis Street, Minneapolis, MN 55114)
Shop. Eat. Connect. The Black Market is a vibrant new Monthly Market & Annual Event Organizer in the Twin Cities!
Tons of Food Vendors & Food Trucks, Unique shopping, History & Art, Music, Games & Fun!
All Sweet Things: A Celebration of Black Love
Saturday, February 14, 2026 at 9:30pm
The Dakota (1010 Nicollet Mall,
Minneapolis MN 55403)
“All Sweet Things: A Celebration of Black Love” explores the passion, emotions, social depictions and challenges of modern relationships. Here, they do this through the diverse sonic landscapes of R&B, neo-soul, folk and pop music. This celebratory experience showcases the extraordinary vocal, songwriting and arranging prowess of three of the Twin Cities’ most soulful singers!!
2nd Annual Sabathani Wall Street Market
Saturday, February 21, 2026 from 11:00am-3:00pm
Sabathani Community Center – First Floor Hallways (310 East 38th Street, Minneapolis MN 55409)
Join us for the Sabathani Wall Street Market, a vibrant community gathering celebrating Black History Month and honoring the historic legacy of the 38th Street Corridor—once known as Black Wall Street.
This annual market uplifts local Black-owned businesses, connects community members with valuable resources, and reflects Sabathani Community Center’s ongoing commitment to community wealth-building, connection, and opportunity.
WITNESS: Symphony of Spirituals
Sunday, February 22, 2026 from 4:30-6:30pm
Northrop Auditorium, U of M (84 Church St SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455)
Lift your voice and sing for justice as VocalEssence presents songs of resilience and resistance that inspire us to continue the march towards freedom and racial reconciliation. Hear the rhythmic cry for freedom found in The Justice Symphony by Damien Geter, featuring anthems from the Civil Rights era. Experience the poignant and beautiful sounds of the Negro spiritual in the world premiere performance of two newly commissioned setting by B.E. Boykin.
St. Paul
Sounds of Blackness’ “Music for Martin”
Ordway Music Theater (345 Washington St, Saint Paul, MN 55102)
Music for Martin brings the Grammy Award–winning Sounds of Blackness back to the Ordway with one of their most powerful and enduring original works. First premiering on our stage in January 1988, this production was created, arranged, and produced by Gary Hines, Music Director of Sounds of Blackness, specifically for a performance at the Ordway. It weaves together music, narration, and visual elements to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.