Minnesota
Celebrating the Black Vote: A new exhibition in Minnesota | Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder
A powerful new exhibition, “The Black Vote,” will open this February at the Minnesota African American Heritage Museum and Gallery (MAAHMG). This multimedia showcase explores the history of African Americans’ fight for voting rights in Minnesota and celebrates the rise of Black elected officials in the state.
The exhibition, which runs from February 6 through May 31, 2025, also commemorates the 60th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
Curated by historian Mica L. Anders, the exhibit features works by celebrated artists Charles Caldwell, Karen Caldwell, A. Drew Hammond, and Laura Marie. Visitors can expect a blend of historical insight and artistic expression that highlights the perseverance and contributions of African Americans in shaping democracy.
About the Exhibition
“The Black Vote” tells the compelling story of how African Americans fought for and achieved the right to vote in Minnesota. It also shines a light on the leaders who broke barriers to become influential figures in the state’s political landscape. Through archival materials, multimedia presentations, and vibrant artwork, the exhibit creates a rich narrative of empowerment and resilience.
Mica L. Anders: Uncovering Hidden Histories
Mica L. Anders is a respected historian and genealogist dedicated to bringing untold African American stories to light. A member of the Association of Professional Genealogists and the Minnesota African American Heritage Museum’s first history fellow, Anders is known for her meticulous research and passion for uncovering overlooked narratives. Her contributions to “The Black Vote” amplify the voices of those who paved the way for progress.
Charles Caldwell: Capturing the African American Experience
Charles Caldwell’s art celebrates the universal human experience, told through the lens of African American life. Known for his ability to convey love, sorrow, and joy, Caldwell creates work that resonates deeply with audiences. His portfolio spans portraits, murals, and mosaics, each piece crafted with a dedication to storytelling and community.
Karen Caldwell: Bridging Narratives Across Diasporas
Karen Caldwell, a British-born Barbadian artist now based in Minneapolis, explores the interconnected stories of the African and Caribbean diasporas. Her vibrant works reflect her lived experiences and celebrate cultural resilience. With exhibitions spanning Europe, the Caribbean, and North America, Caldwell’s art brings a global perspective to the exhibit.
A. Drew Hammond: Champion of Social Justice Through Art
A. Drew Hammond’s evocative collages and mixed-media works explore the complexities of African American life and the pursuit of justice. From creating public murals to running the Tipton-Hammond Arts Center with his wife, Hammond is committed to using art as a platform for change. His pieces in “The Black Vote” are a testament to his passion for storytelling and advocacy.
Laura Marie: A Visionary of Beauty and Unity
Laura Marie, a self-taught artist, uses oil painting to highlight the beauty and humanity of her subjects. Inspired by the potential for art to make the world a better place, her work reflects hope and connection. Her contributions to the exhibit provide a heartfelt perspective on the ongoing fight for equality and representation.
Join Us This Black History Month
“The Black Vote” is a must-see for anyone interested in the history and future of democracy, representation, and art. The Minnesota African American Heritage Museum and Gallery invites visitors of all ages and backgrounds to explore this powerful exhibition and reflect on the progress made—and the work still to be done.
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Freckle-like sunspots visible, Northern Lights tonight
Wildfire smoke is acting as a sun filter, making cool and dark regions on the sun’s surface more visible. These freckle-like sunspots are also creating opportunities to view the Northern Lights on Sunday night, but the hazy air could obstruct the view.
(FOX 9) – The Northern Lights are expected to be visible Sunday night, but haze from wildfire smoke might spoil the show for Minnesota.
Northern Lights forecast
What we know:
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is forecasting a severe (G4) level geomagnetic storm on Sunday evening. Geomagnetic storms are what fuel the aurora and a G4 is the second-strongest level of storm.
The NOAA forecast shows the aurora could be visible as far south as central Iowa.
Northern lights in Vadnais Heights, Minnesota, on Oct. 10, 2024. (Photo submitted by Danny) (Supplied)
Best viewing times for the aurora
What’s next:
Typically, the best times to view the aurora are around the midnight hour. It appears that’s about the time the storm will be at its strongest in the overnight hours.
Smoke will likely hamper aurora visibility
The other side:
Unfortunately for Minnesota, smoke from wildfires burning in Canada has made skies hazy across the state, and particularly in areas to the north.
While it might not be impossible to see the aurora, FOX 9 meteorologist Ian Leonard compares it to a foggy morning. He says it is worth taking a look in your area, to see if you can spot anything, but it’s probably not worth traveling a far distance to seek out the aurora.
Much of Minnesota is under an unhealthy air quality alert due to smoke.
Tips for viewing the Northern Lights
What you can do:
The NOAA recommends the following tips for the best chance to see the Northern Lights.
- It’s generally better to go north (but with the smoke, that might not be the case tonight).
- Go to areas with less light pollution. You can use this map to find the best spots near you.
- Spring and fall are often the best times to see the aurora, because “the subtleties in the way the solar wind interacts with Earth’s magnetosphere” can create larger geomagnetic storms.
The Alexandria Police Department is investigating a stabbing that occurred at a Walmart Saturday morning.
According to officials, the stabbing took place at approximately 9 a.m. at a Walmart located at 4611 State Highway 29 South in Alexandria, Minnesota.
Police say they found an individual with stab wounds upon arrival, and transported that individual to a local hospital. The condition of the victim is currently unknown.
Alexandria police say the suspect fled the scene before law enforcement arrived, however the individual was later caught by police and taken into custody.
The details of the suspect’s arrest are unknown at this time.
Minnesota
After years at home, thousands of Minnesota state workers are about to return to the office
While labor unions have opposed the new policy, Walz has argued it still allows for flexibility and hopes it will strengthen workplace culture. The state’s workforce of some 40,000, not including those employed by colleges and universities, makes it the second-largest employer in Minnesota behind the Mayo Clinic.
The return to office push won’t fundamentally change the state’s implementation of that plan, said Wayne Waslaski, an assistant commissioner at the Minnesota Department of Administration. Many employees will still work remotely half the time, reducing space needs from pre-pandemic levels.
“From a space standpoint, we’ll still be in a smaller footprint even after accommodating for the updated telework policy,” Waslaski said.
Wayne Waslask shows off a conference room, which will be used for a new hybrid work schedule, at the State Administration Building. Waslask is the state’s Assistant Commissioner of Property and Risk Services. (Richard Tsong-Taatarii/The Minnesota Star Tribune)
Key to that strategy is the state’s embrace of shared workstations. At the Administration Building on the State Capitol campus in St. Paul, teams will work on-site together on the same days. Cubicles are smaller than they used to be — just 6 by 8 feet — and are to be cleaned and empty at the end of each day. Photos, spare ties and other personal effects are to be stored in nearby locker rooms.
Even the entire senior leadership team at the Department of Administration gave up their offices in favor of shared spaces, Waslaski said.
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