events & Convenings
Threading Stories of Black Migration
In its fourth iteration, our Threading experience is designed to bring people together, deepen connection to community, and broaden what we believe is possible. This year, we turn to the stories of Black migration.
Black migration has always redefined America, calling on the nation to live up to its democratic ideals. From the transatlantic slave trade to The Great Migration of the 20th century to more recent waves of African immigrant resettlement, Black people's experiences of citizenship and belonging have continually tested the boundaries of who gets to belong in America. And yet, too often, conversations about race, migration, and democracy fail to connect these histories, leaving Black migrants both overlooked and targeted. This gap undermines our ability to reckon with who gets to belong and be recognized as American, challenge harmful narratives, and build a truly multiracial democracy.
We're honored to welcome Jeremiah E. Ellis, award-winning public history researcher, Nana Gyamfi, Executive Director of Black Alliance for Justice Immigration (BAJI), the nation’s largest Black-led social justice organization, and Sahra Noor, Somali-American author and health systems leader as Threading speakers.
Join us at The Cedar Cultural Center as we bring together stories too often held apart, connecting Black migration to the ongoing work of remaking our democracy and imagining what we are required to build next.
Event Details
DATE: Tuesday, October 20, 2026
TIME: 12:00 - Doors Open; 1:00 PM - Program Begins
LOCATION: The Cedar Cultural Center, 416 Cedar Ave, Minneapolis, 55454
This event is free to attend, but registration is required.
All are welcome. Space is limited - Register now to reserve your spot.
MN LEAD In-Person Community Training
This training is designed for nonprofit, philanthropy, and systems change leaders navigating a rapidly evolving legal and policy landscape.
The Collective hosts events, trainings and convenings to connect, strengthen and nurture the ecosystem for Black-led change. To learn more about the types of events we organize, read about our signature practices.
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This is more than a moment, it is a movement, and together we will build capacity for this and other Black-led organizations to better support our community.