Sakowin Synergy
January 22 – March 21
All My Relations Arts
1414 E Franklin Avenue
Free
Curated by mixed media artist Ray Janis, Sakowin Synergy brings together the works of four contemporary artists: Ray “Rock Boy” Janis, Sheldon Starr, Jim Yellow Hawk, and Dwayne “Chuck” Wilcox. The exhibition is woven together with deep respect for tradition and a bold embrace of modernity. Building upon this rich legacy, the artists employ electrifying, vibrant colors and develop new interpretations of traditional motifs and narratives.
Winston: A Woman’s Fight for Freedom in Minnesota
Through October 2027
Hennepin History Museum
2303 3rd Avenue S
Pay what you can
Hennepin History Museum’s newest exhibit tells the story of Eliza Winston, the first and only enslaved person to successfully fight for their freedom in a Minnesota courtroom. Featuring artifacts from the museum’s permanent collection and newly commissioned artwork depicting Eliza, the exhibit is based on the scholarship of co-curator Dr. Christopher P. Lehman, author and professor of the Department of Social Sciences at St. Cloud State University. For museum hours and visitor information, visit hennepinhistory.org.
Better Things 5×5 Reading and Open Mic
Tuesday, February 3
7 PM
Moon Palace Books
3032 Minnehaha Avenue
Free
February’s 5X5 reading will feature five fantastic artists: Ari Tison (Bribri), BakiBakiBaki, Jeffrey Dorr-Slowey, Heid E. Erdrich, and Isha Camara. The reading will be followed by a community open mic, and the event will feature ASL interpretation. Please note that masks are required at Moon Palace Books. For more information about Better Things, visit reentrylab.org/better-things.
Virtual Makers Morning
Tuesdays, February 3, 7, 10 and 24
10:30 AM – 12 PM
Online
Free
Registration Req.
Tuesday mornings join other makers online for this weekly opportunity to work, share, and visit in a relaxed virtual setting. Whether you knit, carve, weave, sew, spin, crochet, or do some other fascinating thing with your hands, you are invited to tune in with a project to work on. All are welcome, regardless of ability level or craft of choice. Drop in as often as you like, for as long as you like to join the conversation. Register at asimn.org/events-calendar/virtual-makers-mornings.
Buraanbur Class
Saturday, February 7
5 – 7 PM
Somali Museum
2925 Chicago Avenue
Greenway Basement (ground) Level
Free
Registration Req.
Learn a beloved Somali dance – Buraanbur! Class is for ages 13 and up. Be sure to wear comfortable clothing and bring a shawl! Note that capacity is limited due to space; arrive early to register or enroll ahead of time via a link on the Somali Museum facebook. Questions? Contact info@somalimuseum.org, or call (612) 886-3723.
Youthline: Black History Hoops and Jams
Wednesday, February 11
6 – 8 PM
Phillips Park Recreation
2323 11th Avenue S Center
Free
Youth ages 13 to 21: time to celebrate Black History Month! The Phillips Community Center welcomes youth Youthline: Black History Hoops and Jams. Come hoop with your friends while listening to great music. Snacks, pizzas and drinks provided!
March for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, Boys, LGBQI+, Two Spirit and Transgender Relatives
Saturday, February 14
Time/location TBD
Free
The annual Minneapolis March for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, Boys, LGBQI+, Two Spirit and Transgender Relatives is a call for action on the vast disparities in victimization and justice for indigenous communities. The event is free and open to the public; EVERYONE IS WELCOME! Please WEAR RED! Bring Banners, Posters, Staffs, Drums, Rattles. Check the Minnesota Indian Women’s Sexual Assault Coalition facebook page for speaker information, time and exact location.
Somali Weaving
Workshop
Saturday, February 14
Location TBD
2 – 4 PM
Free
At this hands-on cultural experience, you will learn traditional weaving techniques that can be used to create intricate and vibrant artworks with no tools other than your own hands. This is a chance to learn and listen to the stories and experiences that shape this beautiful craft from the Somali Museum’s Weaving Instructors! Location to be determined – check the Somali Museum facebook page the week before the event or contact the museum at info@somalimuseum.org or (612) 886-3723 for details.
Lent Procession: A Service of Lessons and Carols
Sunday, February 22
4 PM
Mount Olive Lutheran Church
3045 Chicago Avenue
Free
Join Mount Olive Music and Fine Arts and the Mount Olive Cantorei for a contemplative service of lessons and carols — for Lent! Typically associated with Advent and Christmas, this service is designed especially to look towards the coming Easter and spring seasons. Please visit mountolivechurch.org for more information, including a live streaming option.
Sabathani Sports Hall of Fame Community
Unveiling & Celebration
Friday, February 27
6 – 8 PM
Sabathani Community Center
310 38th Street E
2nd Floor near the gym
Free
Celebrate the unveiling of the inaugural class of the Sabathani Living History Museum’s new Southside Sports Hall of Fame! The Hall of Fame celebrates the athletes, coaches, teams, and community leaders who have shaped the legacy of South Minneapolis sports. It will honor and celebrate African American individuals who have had an impact in sports in South Minneapolis, as well as individuals of any race whose work has made a significant positive impact on African American athletes, youth, or sports programs in South Minneapolis. For details visit the Sabathani Community Center facebook page.
HOLI Festival of Color
Saturday, February 28
12 – 3 PM
Midtown Global Market
920 E Lake Street
Free
The Holi Festival of Colors in India is a celebration of the victory of good over evil. Join the Midtown Global Market and the Hindu Society of Minnesota Central for Indian classical, semi classical, folk and bollywood dance, traditional music, singing and more!
Finding Homes Within Our World and Within Ourselves: A Kao Kalia Yang Book Launch
Saturday, February 28
10:30 – 11:30 AM
American Swedish Institute
2600 Park Avenue
Pay What You Can
Registration Req.
Join celebrated author Kao Kalia Yang at the American Swedish Institute for the launch of her two new children’s books, A Home on the Page and The Blue House I Loved.
During this family-friendly program, Kao Kalia Yang will read both books as their pages are projected on a large screen, bringing each story to life. Q&A will follow. Register at asimn.org/events-calendar.
