The City of Saint Paul, Saint Paul Parks and Recreation, Saint Paul Public Works, and Saint Paul Public Schools are proud of their overall history and have celebrated that by naming some of their parks, facilities, schools, and honorary streets after individuals that have had a significant impact on Saint Paul history.

The goal of this resource list is to provide a beginning look at African American individuals that have had a significant impact on local history in Minnesota.

Because African American history has been underrepresented and documented, there’s been a lack of sharing this history in local school districts. It is important for the students at our schools and communities to have a better understanding and acknowledgement that African Americans have made positive contributions to the footprint of Minnesota, it’s beginning, it’s legacy and its history.

Dred Scott Playfields in Bloomington is named after a man who shaped history. Find out how the City partnered with U.S. District Court -- District of Minnesota, Minnesota Chapter -- Federal Bar Association, residents and human rights activists to ensure everyone knows his story.

“ if it weren't for Dred and Harriet Scott, we don't know what would have happened with respect to the Civil War with respect to the Emancipation Proclamation in the passage of the 13th, 14th and 15th amendments. They (Dred and Harriet Scott) were a primary motivating force and went through struggles that I don't think we can even imagine today.”

- FRANK WHITE