The City of Minneapolis has appointed 15 community members to the newly formed African American Heritage Work Group: Daniel Bergin, James Curry, Kendra Ellner, Tiara Fard, Michelle Gibson, Minister Dr. Ora Hokes, Denise Jamison, Brian Kelley, Michelle Lincoln, Greg McMoore, Julia Moturi, Beverly Propes, Davu Seru, Tene Wells, and Keegan Xavi.
The African American Heritage Work Group (AAHWG) will serve as an advisory board to the Minneapolis City Council on efforts to document and honor African American history. They will begin meeting in late July. Artists, educators, community leaders, and planners are among the volunteers selected for the work group.
AAHWG will advise on the Minneapolis African American Historic and Cultural Context study, which will include research on 25 sites that are culturally relevant or historically significant to the city’s Black community. Eventually, three sites from the context study will be nominated to the National Register of Historic Places.
“Minneapolis is a city of progress but it’s crucial we also reflect on our history and learn from it,” said Mayor Jacob Frey. “Minneapolis has long been home to a vibrant and resilient African American community, and this new work group will help us honor their past while also educating future generations, building understanding, and promoting equity. Thank you to the community members who have committed to being part of this important group.”
How it works
AAHWG is one of more than 50 volunteer-based boards and commissions that serve in an advisory capacity to City’s elected officials and leadership, helping shape policies that impact City services and programs.
“We look forward to working and learning together with this incredible group over the next year,” said Senior City Planner Erin Que. “They collectively represent experiences across several generations, throughout Minneapolis and beyond. Their wisdom and insights will undoubtedly enrich this project and help expand our knowledge of the city’s history.”
Greg McMoore, a longtime resident and community historian, is among the new appointees.
“When thinking about history I believe in Sankofa,” said McMoore, referring to the message of the Akana people from Ghana. “Go back and learn the past from our elders, bring the history and old ways forward, and pass it on to descendants to ensure our future.”
The work group will meet approximately once every one to two months throughout the next year. The first meeting will be Tuesday, July 30, 4-5 p.m. at the Minneapolis Central Library in S-275 RKMC Room. The meetings will be organized by City staff and the public can attend and observe. Community members are invited to share their ideas about this work through an online feedback form.
Minneapolis African American Historic and Cultural Context study
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This project is being supported in part by the people of Minnesota through a grant funded by an appropriation to the Minnesota Historical Society from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.