Black History Month

Mayo Clinic and community organizations have planned a range of events to honor and celebrate Black History Month.The monthlong commemoration is a way to recognize the many significant contributions of African Americans to the U.S. and Mayo Clinic.

Learn more about the events and how you can participate.

Lighting of buildings

Mayo Clinic is lighting the Plummer Building in Rochester, Mayo Clinic Hospital in Arizona, and Mayo Clinic Hospital in Florida in red, yellow and green on Wednesday, Feb. 1, to honor Black History Month. Mayo Clinic Health System locations also are lighting buildings red, yellow and green in recognition of Black History Month.

Florida

Florida Black Expo

Feb. 11, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. EST
TIAA Bank Field, 1 TIAA Bank Field Drive

Mayo Clinic will host several booths as a sponsor for the annual Florida Black Expo, which is a forum to educate, enlighten and inspire the community, as well as promote economic development and exposure to cultural resources. Mayo Clinic volunteers will provide health, educational, and employment resources to visitors. There also will be CPR training, health screenings, simulation activities, and a special visit from some of Mayo’s beloved Caring Canines.

Rochester

In February, the Rochester Branch of the NAACP will host a full slate of programming in observance and celebration of the strengths, struggles, resistance and perseverance of African Americans in the U.S. 

“Racial Covenants Update in Housing: Are They Really a Thing of the Past?”
Feb. 11, 11 a.m. –12:30 p.m.
Virtual live broadcast on the Facebook page of the Rochester Branch of the NAACP.

Knowledge Bowl — Elementary School
Feb. 11, 2–3 p.m.
Virtual live broadcast on the Facebook page of the Rochester Branch of the NAACP.

Black History Month Art in Action: Guided Studio Session
Feb. 17, 1:30–3 p.m. and 6:30–9 p.m.
Art Heads Emporium Studio, 317 Broadway Ave South

The Rochester Branch of the NAACP is collaborating with Art Heads Emporium for a guided art painting session to commemorate Black History Month. Tierney Parker of Mixie Madness Art will facilitate a guided art session. No prior painting experience is required.

Tickets are $45, and a portion of the proceeds will go to support the Rochester Branch of the NAACP’s social justice mission and vision. More details to come at www.artheadsemporium.com and www.naacprochestermn.org.

Knowledge Bowl — Middle School
Feb. 18, 2–3 p.m.

Knowledge Bowl — High School
Feb. 25, 2–3 p.m.
High school students will be able to participate in a fun Jeopardy-style event as they test their knowledge of Black History in America. A gift card prize is available. Register to attend.

Black Excellence Expo in Collaboration with BET Network

The Rochester Branch of the NAACP is collaborating with the Black Entrepreneurship Team for a public exhibition featuring participating Black-owned businesses in Rochester. Additional details regarding the location and time are forthcoming. Check back on naacprochestermn.org and www.facebook.com/NaacpRochesterBranchMn for more details.

Mayo Clinic Health System in Southeast Minnesota

“Let’s Talk“
Feb. 9, 7:15–9 a.m.
Feb. 20, 12:15–1 p.m.
Join on Zoom.

Mayo Clinic Health System in Southeast Minnesota will host interactive “Let’s Talk” sessions to commemorate Black History Month. The guest speaker will be Monica Ibarra from Mayo’s Office of Equity, Inclusion and Diversity.

Ibarra will lead a collaborative conversation on key facts that shape everyday lives.