About Us

Duluth-Iron Range African Heritage HUB Committee (AHHC)

The African Heritage (AH) Community in the Twin Ports and Iron Range, faces numerous disparities in regard to resources and opportunities. These disparities are particularly evident in areas of education, employment, and health care. Numerous community assessments have concluded that there is a substantial opportunity gap for AH citizens that will not be overcome without significant investment in infrastructure and changes in policies that have disproportionately impacted the AH community. Strategies to eradicate disparities in the AH community have taken many forms over the years, however, they all come short of providing sustained change within the community itself. The formation of the African Heritage HUB is the latest and most comprehensive attempt to overcome the barriers that have persisted in the region for people of color. We propose that the African Heritage HUB Committee is the vehicle upon which the foundation of the African Heritage HUB will be built upon. The committee will provide high-level insight into the needs of the community and make sure that those brought in to execute the functions of the AHH are capable of meeting the needs of the community, both now and in the future. Through the following overarching themes, the Committee will help prepare the Twin Ports and Iron Range for the HUB to exist and thrive in service to the African Heritage community for generations to come.

The African Heritage HUB Committee will facilitate the creation of the HUB by:

● Engaging KEY community stakeholders to assess the needs of the AH community

● Building cohesive partnerships with African Heritage-led organizations that align the

needs of the AH community

● Raising funds and resources needed to maintain a space appropriate for AH HUB

activities

Impact

The absence of culturally relevant spaces for African Heritage people in the Twin Ports and Iron Range negatively impacts the health and well being of the community. Establishing a “community-owned” community-centered resource will improve the quality of life and sense of self -efficacy for the African Heritage community of the Twin Ports and Iron Range. Positively changing the perception of what is possible for people of color living in the region.

To purposefully build a culture of generational success for Black communities in northern Minnesota.

The African Heritage HUB provides culturally centered resources, referrals, and safe spaces for Black people in northern Minnesota.

Innovative: We strive to develop and promote initiatives and strategies to address and find solutions for community pain points. Ethical: We are honest and transparent on all issues. Community Engaged: We uplift one another by providing a safe space that honors our values and shared experiences. Anti-Racist: We support the full history of all Black people, and will advocate, educate, and safeguard the health and safety of Black people any and everywhere. Building Generational Wealth: To build and maintain political and social relationships that increase wealth building and ownership.