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The 825 Arts center is holding their second annual Black History Month festival. It starts Friday, Feb. 20, and goes through the weekend at 825 University Avenue in St. Paul. This year’s festival spans for three days with each day designed to inspire either Black youth, men or women.

“I'm all about just spreading good energy, good vibes. Black history can have sometimes a stigma and stereotype of just oppression. And for me personally, as a Black woman, it's not always fun to talk about our history,” said Mercedes Yarbrough, 825’s community engagement director. “And that’s where this weekend was really inspired. It was to tell Black history from a positive lens.” 

Yarbrough spoke with MPR News host Clay Masters about the event.

Press play above to listen to their conversation.

Correction (Feb. 24, 2026): An earlier version of this story misspelled Mercedes Yarbrough’s last name.

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825 Art’s Community Engagement Director Mercedes Yarbrough spoke on the second annual Black History Month Festival at 825 University Avenue in St. Paul.

St. Paul Black History Month festival highlights Black joy and empowerment

A woman standing in front of a sign that says "Black History Is Minnesota History"

St. Paul Black History Month festival highlights Black joy and empowerment

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