Umoja: Unity in the Black Twin Cities Community

The Black community in Minneapolis and St. Paul has a rich history of living and working in

unity with each other and the community at large. In the spirit of Kwanzaa, the theme for

February is umoja, or unity. It’s a great month to escape the harsh winter and immerse yourself

in the true stories of the hard work, dedication and unity that Black business owners, teachers,

public servants, entertainers, artists, athletes and everyday people made to their communities

by visiting the Minnesota Historical Society in person or online.

If you enjoy reading books about the adventures of Black Minnesotans, there are many that you

will find hard to put down including The Days of Rondo, by Evelyn Fairbanks; Double Exposure:

Images of Black Minnesota in the 1940s, photography John Glanton; and

The Scott Collection: Minnesota's Black Community in the '50s, '60s, and ‘70s, by Walter Scott.

We can learn from our foremothers and forefathers what daily life was like for them — the joys

and struggles — and how critical it is to constructively connect with each other — our family,

neighbors, schoolteachers, business owners, nonprofit groups, and civic and community

leaders. What worked for them holds true today: strong and healthy connections, along with a

healthy dose of umoja, are essential for strong and healthy communities.

The people at the Association for Black Economic Power are excited for you and yours and

what 2022 can bring if we all work a little harder at connecting, listening and engaging in our

homes, neighborhoods and the Twin Cities at large.