Well before the World War I era “exodus” of southern African Americans to the north, Saint Paul was home to a lively, complex Black community. Residents pursued a range of occupations, attended a number of churches, and supported social, cultural, and political organizations. They not only worked to improve their own lives and those of Black people throughout the country, but connected with the labor movement and followed global developments. In 1898, a significant group from this community, Rondo, organized and performed a pageant to celebrate Cuba’s independence from Spain. Macalester College history professor Peter Rachleff and Macalester student Charlie Birge will use the story of this pageant as a window into the dynamics and personalities of the Rondo community at the turn of the 20th century.

Fee includes mini-coach transportation and guide.

You may also be interested in the related class, History of Rondo Neighborhood.