Many Hastings residents are surprised that Hastings has a notable black history. We do! However, like many communities in our state and nation our story is complex. As we prepare to celebrate Black History Month in Hastings we believe a better understanding of our black history is an important step towards building a better community.

Building Bridges in Hastings is a newly-formed organization dedicated to creating a more welcoming and inclusive community. Members of Building Bridges include pastors and faith leaders from Hastings’ churches, and representatives from Hastings Prescott Area Arts Council, Lakeside Cemetery Board, Friends of LeDuc and Historic Hastings, as well as concerned citizens. More information about Building Bridges in Hastings and Hastings’ black history can be accessed at: https://lakesidecem.org/hastings-black-history-month/

We invite you to attend Building Bridges in Hastings – Our Black History on Saturday, Feb 24, at 2 p.m., Hastings High School Auditorium. The program will include a Readers’ Theatre dramatizing our black history and a performance by Blackout Improv, a professional black improvisational theatre group from Minneapolis.https://www.blackoutcomedy.org

We are seeking community partners to help sponsor and promote this event. We are on our way to meeting our $4000 fundraising goal. Please consider a tax-deductible contribution of $50, $100, or more that will help foster community awareness and understanding.

Please make checks payable to HPAAC (Hastings Prescott Area Arts Council). HPAAC serves as our fiscal agent. Add a memo line note: “Building Bridges” and send checks to:

Building Bridges in Hastings, c/o Lakeside Cemetery, 920 Nininger Road, Hastings, MN 55033

For more information please contact:
buildingbridgeshastings@gmail.com