The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) proudly recognizes February as Black History Month as proclaimed by Governor Walz to celebrate the cultural diversity and achievements that contribute to the prosperity of Minnesota. It is also a time to reflect on our past and its impact on today; and reaffirm our commitment to equitable solutions for all our communities.

As shared in Gov. Walz’s proclamation, “African Americans have made contributions to Minnesota’s economic, cultural, spiritual, and political development…Trailblazers include Dr. Robert S. Brown, the first Black doctor from Minnesota; Lena Smith, Minnesota’s first Black female lawyer; Richard Green, the first Black superintendent of Minneapolis Public Schools; and Neva Walker, the first Black woman elected to the Minnesota Legislature.”

In Minnesota, Black/African American Veterans comprise approximately 3% of our Veteran population. MDVA partnered with the Minnesota African American Heritage Museum and Gallery to showcase Black/African American Minnesotans who served and sacrificed for their country. The exhibits are on display during the month of February at the Minnesota Veterans Homes in both Hastings and Minneapolis.

Veteran Profiles from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

• Sarah Keys - Black Army Veteran’s historical stand paves way for changes: Keys was a young, Black soldier serving at Fort Dix, New Jersey. She traveled on her way home to Washington, North Carolina, Aug. 1, 1952. Read article.
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• Tuskegee Airmen: The 99th Pursuit Squadron activated March 23, 1941, in Tuskegee, Alabama. The Tuskegee Experiment was the first of its kind, producing an all-Black unit to fight during World War II. Tuskegee graduated its first five U.S. Army Air Forces fighter pilots March 7, 1942, and more soon followed. In late 2020, the Air Force produced a three-episode series called “Red Tail Angels” to tell their story. Watch here.

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

• U.S. Army | U.S. Air Force | U.S. Coast Guard | U.S. Marines | U.S. Navy
• National Guard | MN National Guard
• U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs video – The American Veteran – African American Veterans

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

• Current State of MN employee resource groups open to all employees
• Council for Minnesotans of African Heritage
• 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