On Thursday, January 15, participants will explore local histories of civil rights organizing, cultural resilience, and community leadership through guided tours, shared reflection, and facilitated dialogue. The day begins and ends at the Minnesota Humanities Center, with participants selecting one of two guided bus tours in the morning, followed by a shared lunch, guided discussion, and a community expert panel in the afternoon. The event will run from 8:30am to 2:45pm and is being offered at no cost.
About the Minneapolis Tour
Travel through Minneapolis to explore the legacy of Black entrepreneurship, journalism, and community leadership. This guided experience traces the rise of a historic Black business and cultural corridor, highlighting institutions, gathering places, and pivotal moments that shaped civic life, artistic expression, and social movements. Participants are invited to reflect on the connections between local history, national struggles for justice, and contemporary community leadership.
About the Saint Paul Tour
Discover the powerful history of Saint Paul’s historically Black neighborhoods—sites of both profound loss and enduring renewal. This guided tour examines the impact of infrastructure, policy, and segregation on Black communities, while also centering stories of resilience, mutual aid, and cultural continuity. Through shared reflection and dialogue, participants explore how community institutions and Black-owned businesses continue to shape the neighborhood today.
What to Expect & Accessibility 8:30am to 2:45pm
- This is a full-day, in-person experience beginning and ending at the Minnesota Humanities Center.
- Participants will travel by charter bus, with multiple short stops and limited points of getting on and off the bus, followed by lunch and a facilitated panel conversation.
- The schedule may shift slightly due to weather, accessibility needs, or group pace; any changes will be communicated directly.
- In the spirit of the holiday, please consider bringing a donation of warm clothing – new or gently used – or nonperishable food items to support the work of Sabathani and Hallie Q. Brown Community Centers.
Questions? For details about this January 15, 2026 event, contact Jessica Rust at the Minnesota Humanities Center at jessica@mnhum.org. For information about additional Echoes of Unity activities taking place January 15–19, 2026, contact the Governor’s Council on the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday at equity.opportunity.accessibility@state.mn.us.