A Message From Commissioner Larry Herke Recognizing Black History Month 2021

On behalf of the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA), I am pleased to recognize February as Black History Month to celebrate the achievements, contributions and diversity of Minnesota’s Black/African American community as well as acknowledge our history and the progress we continue to work toward today.

Throughout these last several months, Minnesota and our country have experienced unprecedented times with the COVID-19 pandemic and addressing social justice initiatives, both which have had a greater impact on the Black/African American community, as well as other underrepresented communities. Here at MDVA, we’ve sought to support all employees and Minnesota Veterans and their families with increased access to mental health and wellbeing resources, encouraging equity discussion at all levels and promoting diversity.

In 2021, I look forward to continuing to support and further build upon these efforts led by MDVA’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Director Valerie Klitzke. I encourage staff members and Veterans to reach out to the DEI Office with any questions, concerns or suggestions related to our commitment in creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all.

Thank you to all our employees for your dedication to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. And to all our Minnesota Veterans, thank you for your service and sacrifice to our country.

Black History Month – Celebrating Black Achievements and Service to our Country

Gov. Walz proclaimed February 2021 as Black History Month in Minnesota to celebrate the contributions and achievements of the Black/African American community; as well as pay tribute to the generations of individuals who risked their lives for justice and to those who continue to fight for equality. As the proclamation shares, Black History Month also encourages all Minnesotans to continue to work together to guarantee equal opportunity for all individuals.

/mdva/assets/aa-soldiers-in-wwi_tcm1066-467750.pngIn Minnesota, Black/African American Veterans comprise approximately 3 percent of our Veteran population. Last year, MDVA partnered with the Minnesota African American Heritage Museum and Gallery to showcase Minnesota African Americans who served and sacrificed for their country. The exhibit features the individuals below and an overview of African American contributions in both World Wars.

• World War II Veteran Jack Sidney Rainey Senior: Rainey, a lifelong Minneapolis resident, graduated from Minneapolis Central High in 1940 and joined the Army in 1943. At that time, our armed forces were still segregated. He served in the 92nd Infantry Division, nicknamed the “Buffalo Soldiers,” one of two combat units for African Americans during the war. Rainey fought in Italy in 1944 until the end of the war in 1945 and was awarded several medals. Following his service, he returned home to Minneapolis, marrying Donna Cuff, with whom he had four children. Rainey passed away in 2017 at the age of 93.
• Dorothy Hines: Hines graduated from South High School in 1941, a time when our country was embroiled in the toils of World War II. After graduating, Hines became one of the nearly 5 million women who entered the workforce during the war. Holding positions as a seamstress, Veterans hospital assistant, and mechanic, Hines recalled that, “The men had to quit to go into the war, and they needed the women to help out.” Despite this fact, and ad campaigns like “Rosie the Riveter,” women often faced workplace discrimination, and were viewed as less capable than men. Following the war, most women were fired from these jobs as men returned to the workforce.

The Minnesota African American Heritage Museum and Gallery exhibits are on display during the month of February at the Minnesota Veterans Homes in both Hastings and Minneapolis.

Want to know more about Black/African American history in the US Military?

• History: Black Heroes Throughout US Military History
• Military Times: Black Military History Month

To get connected to Veteran and community resources and arts/cultural organizations, check out these sites:

• Current State of MN employee resource groups open to all employees
• The Minnesota African American Heritage Museum and Gallery
• Black History, Black Voices - This initiative centers Black narratives, history, and issues through ongoing programs, content, and resources created by members of Minnesota’s Black community.
• Hennepin County Library - online events, videos and collections.
• MN media outlets: Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder, Insight News, KMOJ radio
• Minneapolis Institute of Art - Black History Month
• U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs - Center for Minority Veterans (CMV)
  • CMV’s quarterly newsletter – The Voice
• The National Museum of African American History and Culture - Smithsonian