On April 13th, the Council issued a statement on the recent death of Daunte Wright. A portion of that statement is below:

"We at the Council for Minnesotans of African Heritage, alongside our community, are traumatized, angry, and sorrowful. On Sunday, April 11th at approximately 2:00 pm, 20-year old Daunte Wright was shot by a Brooklyn Center police officer during a traffic stop and died at the scene after a subsequent car accident. We mourn the loss of yet another young Black man - a young father, son and friend. 

It is not loss on us that at approximately the same time on Sunday, community members in St. Paul gathered in protest to celebrate the birthday and life of Justin Teigan, who community leaders report was killed by St. Paul police 12 years ago. We also are in the third week of Derek Chauvin's murder trail, which has been deeply traumatizing to Minnesota residents, particularly those of African heritage, as we collectively relive the incidents that lead to the death of George Floyd less than 11 months ago. Enough is enough."

The full statement can be read by clicking here. 

The community of Brooklyn Canter has created a Facebook page that is updated daily with protestor and resident safety measures as well as mutual aid items. The page can be viewed by clicking here

On March 17th, the Council issued a statement on the recent civil lawsuit settlement for George Floyd's family. A portion of that statement is below: 

"On Friday, March 12th, the City of Minneapolis took a step in the right direction of atoning for the actions of its police department by reaching a civil lawsuit settlement with George Floyd's family over his death. The lawsuit alleged that the officers charged in his death violated Floyd's rights when they restrained him and that the Minneapolis Police Department allowed impunity, excessive force, and racism to flourish in its police force. The $27 million dollar settlement is a step in the right direction fur it does not make up for the loss of Floyd's life nor does it excuse the conduct of the officers involved in his death. "

The full statement can be read by clicking here. 

The Council's previously released statement on the death of George Floyd can be viewed by clicking here The Council's statement on the arrest of all 4 Officers involved in his murder can be viewed by clicking here  Additionally, The Council's statement on passing of police reform bills can be viewed by clicking here

Information on Derek Chauvin's trial and safety plans can be viewed on the Council's trial updates tab.

We advise the Governor and Legislature on issues that affect the African Heritage community. We also serve as a liaison to the federal government, local government units and private organizations on matters relating to people of African Heritage in Minnesota.

Masks are required in all indoor spaces. Exceptions will be made for those under the age of 5 years old and those with a medical condition that prevents them from wearing a mask.

Restrictions as of March 15th:

• Bars and restaurants can open at 75% capacity with a max of 250 people. Parties cannot be of more than 6 people and they must remain 6ft from each other, bar seating is open to parties of four; reservations are required for all services and establishments must end on premises consumption by 10 PM
• Gyms and pools are capped at 50% with a maximum capacity of 150 people and face coverings are required. Outdoor classes can increase to 50 people
• Indoor events and entertainment places may open at 50% with no more than 250 people in each area of the venue. Face coverings are required and food services cannot be offered after 10 PM
• Outdoor events and entertainment will continue at 50% capacity with a maximum capacity of 500 people with social distancing required
• Salons / Barbers will no longer have an occupancy limit but social distancing is still required
• Youth and adult organized sports resumed practice with capacity limits of 50 for outdoor activities
• Wedding receptions / other private parties may resume with limits; they need to follow their venue's guidance 
• Places of worship will remain open with no occupancy limit, but social distancing is required

For more information on COVID-19, schools, business closures, prevention, child care and updates on how Minnesota is handling the virus visit the Minnesota Dept. of Health website by clicking HERE. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website can be viewed by clicking HERE for federal updates on the U.S. response.  For more information on community resources during this time,  and to read a letter from the Council's Chair visit the COVID-19 tab on this page.

Next Meeting dates: 

Exec. Council Meeting: April 6th from 6:00 - 7:30 PM via WebEx conference call due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. You can join this meeting by clicking here The meeting number is 187 246 3743 and the password is gyM7UM5eUN2

Full Council Meeting: April 13th from 6:00 - 8:00 PM via WebEx Video Conference Call due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. This meeting will be broadcast  live on the Council's Facebook page, you can view it by clicking here  If you would like to make a comment during the public comments section of the agenda, please click here to join the meeting. The event number is 187 843 5042 and the event password is aqJ3AVBdK73  Once you are added to the meeting, you will be muted until the public comments portion of the agenda. Community members are welcome to ask questions to presenters via typing them into the meeting Q & A section if you have joined the meeting or in the video comments section of the Facebook Livestream. You can also submit your comments prior to the Council meeting to cmah@state.mn.us

Meetings are generally open to the public unless otherwise noted.

Finding businesses that are owned by members of the African heritage community in the Twin Cities, is as easy as clicking a button. A full listing of food vendors, retail shops, hair salons and barbershops can be viewed cy clicking here

As a business owner of African Heritage, the Council would like to invite you to become a vendor with the State of MN. The process is quick, simple and it will allow you to not only be a vendor in order to work with the Council but also be a vendor with any other state agency. The Council is working towards increasing the number of vendors of African Heritage with the State of Minnesota. To get started with the registration process click here to be redirected to the registration site.