Minnesota African American Heritage Museum and Gallery

The Minnesota African American Heritage Museum and Gallery (MAAHMG) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving, recording, and celebrating the history, art, and culture of African Americans in Minnesota. Founded in 2018 by Coventry Cowens and Tina Burnside, it serves as one of the state's first African American history museums[1][2].

Mission and Purpose

MAAHMG's mission is to educate and inform the public about the significant contributions, experiences, and history of African Americans in Minnesota. This is achieved through exhibitions, workshops, and community events designed to highlight African American achievements and cultural heritage[2][5].

Exhibitions and Programs

The museum features rotating exhibits that explore various aspects of Black history and culture in Minnesota. Exhibits can be historical, such as commemorating significant events or figures, or contemporary, showcasing local Black artists' work[1].

Notable exhibits include:

• Unbreakable: Celebrating the Resilience of African Americans in Minnesota: This inaugural permanent exhibit explores the impact of the Great Migration on Minnesota[1].
• A Reckoning: 100 Years after the Lynchings in Duluth: Commemorating the lynching of Elias Clayton, Elmer Jackson, and Isaac McGhie in 1920[1].
• Early African Americans of Southeast Minnesota: Presented by historian Mica Anders in 2022[1].
• Okra and Indigo: An artist-in-residence exhibition opened in 2024, focusing on African American heritage and foodways through collage pieces by Azania Tripp[1].

Programs

MAAHMG offers several programs to engage the community and foster appreciation of African American culture:

• Children's Reading Circle: Promotes literacy and introduces children to African American authors and characters through storytelling sessions[3][4].
• Artist-in-Residence Program: Provides a platform for underrepresented Black artists, offering resources and space to create new work related to Black history and culture[1].
• History Fellowship: Offers financial support for research projects on Minnesota's Black history, aiming to develop a more diverse field within museums and historical institutions[1].

Impact and Significance

MAAHMG plays a crucial role in filling the gap in Black history education by providing continuous narratives beyond commonly taught historical events. It empowers the African American community by allowing them to control the narrative of their own history and fostering community pride through inclusive approaches[5][3].