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

As shared in Gov. Walz’s proclamation, “Black history is integral to Minnesota history, deeply shaping and impacting the direction of our state…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; Neva Walker, the first Black woman elected to the Minnesota Legislature; Sharon Sayles Belton, the first Black mayor of Minneapolis; and Melvin Carter, the first Black mayor of Saint Paul.”

In Minnesota, Black/African American Veterans comprise approximately 3% of our Veteran population.

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.
• 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.

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

• Current State of MN employee resource groups open to all employees
• City of St. Paul and Ramsey County Black History Month events
• 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

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

• U.S. Army | 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