2014 Saint Paul and Ramsey County African American History Month Events
City of St. Paul sent this bulletin at 02/10/2014 03:00 PM CSTMEDIA RELEASE
Contact: Siobhan Tolar
651-266-8921
Siobhan.Tolar@ci.stpaul.mn.us
Monday, February 10, 2014
ADVISORY
Rondo: An Enduring Legacy. Celebrating the Past and Embracing the Future
2014 Saint Paul and Ramsey County African American History Month Events
SAINT PAUL - the City of Saint Paul and Ramsey County are proud to celebrate African American History Month. The 2014 theme focuses on paying tribute to the Rondo neighborhood, one of Saint Paul’s largest African American communities. The historically diverse Rondo neighborhood was home to nearly 85 percent of Saint Paul's African American population in the 1950's and early 1960's. When Interstate Highway 94 was built in the 1960's, the Rondo community was devastated. This year’s African American History Month calendar features speakers who witnessed Rondo’s history, and are committed to preserving Rondo’s identity.
Public officials participating in this series include: City of Saint Paul Mayor Chris Coleman, City of Saint Paul Deputy Mayor Paul Williams, City of Saint Paul Council President Kathy Lantry, Ramsey County Commissioner Chair Jim McDonough, and Ramsey County Commissioner Toni Carter.
The 2014 African American History Month Committee for the City of Saint Paul and Ramsey County has organized the following events that profile Rondo:
Friday, February 14, Noon to 1 p.m.: Marvin Anderson and Ben Mchie
- Ramsey County Commissioner Toni Carter, Master of Ceremonies
- Marvin Anderson, Co-Founder of Rondo Days, “I Remember Rondo”
- Ben Mchie, Creator of the African American Registry, “Preserving Memories of Saint Paul”
- City Hall/Courthouse – 15 W Kellogg Blvd, Saint Paul, Lower Level - Room 40 A & B
Friday, February 21, Noon to 1 p.m.: Debbie Montgomery
- Ramsey County Director of Workforce Solutions Patricia Brady, Master of Ceremonies
- Debbie Montgomery, “March from Selma to Montgomery”
- Government Center East, 160 E. Kellogg Blvd., Room 7600
Friday, February 28, 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. (Program 12 p.m. to 1 p.m., Lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.): Saint Paul Public Schools African American Male Initiative and Daniel Bergin
- Proclamations by Mayor Chris Coleman, Council President Kathy Lantry, and Commissioner Chair Jim McDonough
- Deputy Mayor Paul Williams, Master of Ceremonies
- Saint Paul Public Schools African American Male Initiative will give a performance on legacy, entitled: “We’re Honoring a Legacy.”
- Daniel Bergin, Documentary Filmmaker and Senior Producer at Twin Cities Public Television will present “The Power of Storytelling: A Pathway to the Future.
- Lunch catered by Abundant Catering: $10 for a full meal, $5 for two sides and a drink. First-come, first-served. Lunch served on 2/28 only.
- City Hall/Courthouse - 15 W Kellogg Blvd, Saint Paul, Lower Level - Room 40 A & B
Saint Paul Public Libraries is proud to feature the following Book Clubs in honor of African American History Month and African American experiences:
Thursday, Feb. 13 at 6:00 p.m.
Book Club presents the film: Freedom Riders
Dayton’s Bluff Library, 645 E 7th St, 651-793-1699
Monday, Feb. 24 at 6:30 p.m.
Book Club discussion: Copper Sun by Susan Draper
Merriam Park Library, 1831 Marshall Ave, 651-642-0385
Wednesday, Feb. 26 at 7:45 p.m.
Book Club discussion: Salvage the Bones by Jesmyn Ward
Highland Park Library, 1974 Ford Pkwy, (Library is closed for renovations; event will be held in the Hillcrest Recreation Center)
Thursday, Feb. 27 at 2:00 p.m.
Book Club discussion: Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave by Frederick Douglass
Central Library, 90 W 4th St, 651-266-7000
Book clubs are free, and new members are always welcome. Most book clubs meet monthly, and books selected for discussion can be checked out from the library catalog. Visit or call the library, or explore the library’s catalog online at alpha.sppl.org.
For more information about the Saint Paul Public Library’s book clubs, visit: www.sppl.org/blackhistory. Library events are funded by the Minnesota Legacy Amendment Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.
