Little Africa Business & Cultural District of Minnesota

09/09/2026

09/05/2026

This Sunday, the sounds of Little Africa are hitting the Minnesota State Fair 🥁✨

Swipe through for the full Main Stage schedule 👉

For one day, Dan Patch Park becomes a crossroads — drums, reggae, salsa, K-pop, Bollywood, samba, and Afrobeats all sharing the same stage, one after another, each one inviting you to get up and learn the moves.

Little Africa Festival, an initiative of African Economic Development Solutions (AEDS), is teaming up with Cultural Destinations and a lineup of other festivals for "Many Rhythms. One Celebration." — a day built on a simple idea: that culture is something you experience together, not just watch from the sidelines.

We're especially excited for 2:00 PM, when African Fashion Week Minnesota takes the runway for the Culture Is Cool Fashion Show, followed at 2:15 by an Afrobeats set from AfroContigbo — stick around, because the dance lesson right after is where the real fun starts.

While you're there, find the Little Africa Festival booth and visit AMACC's Artists in Residence, Uzoma Ngwu and Milkessa Gaga, for a hands-on arts activity.

Bring your people. Bring your dancing shoes. Come be part of it.
🗓️ Sunday, September 6th
⏰ 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
📍 Dan Patch Park, Minnesota State Fair
🔗 Full schedule: culturaldestinations.org/manyrhythms

08/24/2026

Save the date!

The Little Africa Festival joins three other Minnesota cultural festivals for "Many Rhythms. One Celebration" at the Minnesota State Fair on Sunday, September 6, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM at Dan Patch Park. Enjoy live music, dance lessons, fashion shows, and a chance to experience culture from around the world in one place. Presented by Cultural Destinations.

Scan the QR code for the full program, or visit the link: https://culturaldestinations.org/manyrhythms/

08/24/2026

Thank you to Greater Twin Cities United Way, we have more school supplies to give away starting tomorrow Tuesday 25th until supplies last!

If you didn’t get school supplies last round be sure to stop by our office (678 Snelling Ave N St. Paul, MN 55104, 2nd floor)

07/17/2026

We're hiring! AEDS is looking for a Museum Coordinator & Small Business Marketing Specialist to join our team full-time in St. Paul.

This role is a great fit for someone who loves wearing many hats. You'll help plan and run programming at the African Museum, Arts & Cultural Center, play a key part in organizing our annual Little Africa Festival, and bring your design skills to life through flyers, social media, newsletters, and more. You'll also get to work directly with small business owners, offering marketing support like logo design, social media help, and brand guidance.

If you're passionate about culture, community, and creativity, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today: https://jobs.minnesotanonprofits.org/job/museum-coordinator-small-business-marketing-specialist-saint-paul-minnesota-103540

02/16/2026

The AEDS Small Business Emergency Relief Fund is now open.

We are providing emergency support to small businesses that have experienced recent economic hardship. This fund is designed to help stabilize businesses and keep our community strong during challenging times.

At this time, funding is prioritized for small businesses physically located in Saint Paul and Minneapolis. As additional resources become available, we hope to expand support to more areas.

Applications will be reviewed by a Community Advisory Committee to ensure fair, transparent, and community-informed decisions.

Application closes March 2.

Apply today:
www.aeds-mn.org

02/10/2026

Do you qualify for tax credits or refunds this year?

Tax season has begun, and there may be credits available that could put money back in your pocket.

Join African Economic Development Solutions, in partnership with Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid, for a free virtual workshop focused on tax credit education and resources.

🗓 February 19
🕐 1:30–2:30 PM CT
💻 Free virtual workshop
🔗 Sign up: https://events.ringcentral.com/events/tax-credit-refunds-do-you-qualify

This session will help you understand what you may qualify for and how to access available resources.

02/05/2026

✨ IN OUR PRESENCE ✊🏿 ✨

Join us on Saturday, February 7th for the opening of In Our Presence, a Black History Month group exhibition centering reflection, memory, and lived experience.
This exhibition features the work of four African American artists whose practices engage history, identity, and collective care:

🖤 Kay Heino
🖤 Rajine Williams
🖤 Arnée Martin
🖤 Jeannine Erickson

Together, their work spans painting, mixed media, fiber, digital collage, and installation inviting us to pause, reflect, and gather in community.

📍 African Museum Arts & Cultural Center
678 Snelling Ave N, Suite S-200
St. Paul, MN 55104

🕓 Opening Night: Saturday, Feb 7 | 4–8 PM
🎤 Artist Talk: 6 PM
🖼 Exhibition on view: Feb 7–Feb 27
🗓 Gallery Hours: Tuesday–Friday | 1–5 PM
✨ Drinks & snacks provided

We look forward to welcoming you into the space 🤍

02/05/2026

More tax credits. More opportunities.

Each week, we’re sharing a Minnesota tax credit or refund you may qualify for.

Learn more at
www.revenue.state.mn.us