Minnesota’s Black Community in the 21st Century

“Much of the history of African Americans in Minnesota has fortunately been preserved for the ages thanks to the pioneering work of Walter Scott, whose publications from the 1950s, ’60s, and ’70s have recently been reissued by the Minnesota Historical Society as The Scott Collection. Now, Mr. Scott’s children, who are board members of Minnesota’s Black Community Project, have undertaken a continuation of their father’s work by bringing his treasuries of historical preservation up to date. “Their new collection, Minnesota’s Black Community in the 21st Century, continues the documentation of Black excellence by highlighting contemporary successful African Americans engaged in a broad range of crafts and professions. The book’s short biographies and photos capture as nothing else can all there is to celebrate in the present generation of Minnesota’s African American community. Together with Walter Scott’s legacy, we are blessed with a panoramic vision of a people’s indomitable pride, dignity, and steady advance. To experience this vision is to be inspired and filled with pride and hope for our future. Enjoy the books, see the vision, and give thanks.” Jerry Freeman, senior editor, Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder

“Our history as a people is one that must be told, learned, and recorded. Minnesota’s Black Community in the 21st Century is a wonderful and needed continuation of Mr. Walter Scott’s publications. It is a valuable public resource as well as a great reference for educators at all levels.” Benjamin Mchie, founder and president, African American Registry “

Minnesota’s Black Community in the 21st Century continues the important work of Walter Scott and his profiles of prominent African Americans in Minnesota from the 1960s and ’70s. The biographies in this work, compiled by Minnesota’s Black Community Project, will give today’s readers an excellent overview of key figures in the state’s African American community, while also providing vital information for future researchers.” Edward Hathaway, manager, Special Collections, Archives, Preservation and Digitization, Hennepin County Library

“All too often, Minnesota history has been whitewashed as the story of voyageurs and senators, and the vibrant cultural and artistic life of Minnesota’s Black community is presented only as an ‘add on’ to a white narrative. In this crucial and necessary book, we see the current and future faces of our state excelling across all dimensions of human endeavor. It is a valuable documentation of where we are now and the promise of our future.” Stephen Brookfield, John Ireland Endowed Chair, University of St. Thomas

“Without documentation, history cannot be preserved. Minneapolis publisher Walter R. Scott Sr. knew this when he set out to record the lives and work of Black Minnesotans in the 1950s, ’60s, and ’70s. Collectively the photos and biographical sketches in his three books provide more than snapshots of vibrant lives―they give us the feel of an era. Minnesota’s Black Community in the 21st Century extends Scott’s extraordinary vision and puts in our hands the joys and accomplishments of today’s Black professionals in Minnesota, ensuring that Minnesota’s Black history will endure. This highly anticipated publication will serve as an essential resource on Black history in Minnesota and is a welcome addition to the shelves of the Gary Sudduth African American History and Culture Collection at Sumner Library.” Natalie Hart, adult services librarian, Hennepin County Library Sumner Branch

“When it comes to researching and preserving the history of postwar African American life in Minnesota, Walter Scott’s pioneering trilogy of books―now reissued as The Scott Collection―has proven invaluable. Minnesota’s Black Community in the 21st Century builds on Walter Scott’s legacy as a forward-thinking journalist and chronicler of everyday Black excellence, bringing the project into the modern age by highlighting the contributions being made right here, right now.” Andrea Swensson, radio host for 89.3 The Current and author of Got to Be Something Here: The Rise of the Minneapolis Sound

“I have lived in the Twin Cities since the early ’70s, and I had been exposed to Walter Scott’s books shortly after arriving. When I met Anthony Scott some time later, I was surprised to hear his father was the author of those books. I’m elated to see those books updated into the 21st century. I know his father is proud that the legacy continues.” William C. Crutcher III, retired assistant general counsel, chief environmental counsel, General Mills

“The publication of Minnesota’s Black Community in the 21st Century is both necessary and timely. The continued documentation of the progress made is also a reminder that the work is ongoing and continuing to progress. I applaud the efforts of the nonprofit Minnesota’s Black Community Project in compiling such an important work.” Michael T. Fagin, PhD, special presidential advisor, Minnesota State University, Mankato

The Minnesota Black Community Project is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to celebrating and honoring the accomplishments of African Americans in Minnesota through community programs and publications.

Mahmoud El-Kati is a lecturer, writer, and commentator on the African American experience. He specializes in African American history and advocates institution building within cultural communities. He is professor emeritus of history at Macalester College, which has established the Mahmoud El-Kati Distinguished Lectureship in American Studies. El-Kati lives in the Rondo neighborhood, St. Paul’s historic Black community. His website is www.mahmoudelkati.com.