Black History Month - Minnesota History

February 22, 2023

Trailblazing Black Minnesotans

Dr. Josie Johnson 


Dr. Josie Johnson is a Black educator and civil rights activist who was instrumental in the success of a fair housing bill in Minnesota in 1962. She is often referred to as Minnesota’s First Lady of Civil Rights. Dr. Johnson received a BA in sociology from Fisk University and an MA in education from the University of Massachusetts. In 1956, she became a lobbyist and a key player in passing anti-discrimination laws in Minnesota. Throughout the 1960s, she fought tirelessly for equity in housing, voting rights and education. Dr. Johnson became one of the founding faculty members of the Department of Afro-American and African Studies at the University of Minnesota. In 1971, Minnesota Governor Wendell Anderson asked her to serve on the University’s Board of Regents, making her the first Black Regent on that Board. Read more about Dr. Josie Johnson here.


Dred and Harriet Scott


The first significant point of entry for African Americans to Minnesota was in bondage to officers stationed at Fort Snelling. Although slavery was never legal in Minnesota, Army officers were allowed to bring their slaves into the territory. Once here, some slaves sought freedom. The most famous case of this is that of Dred and Harriet Scott. After their owner’s death in 1846, the couple, then living in St. Louis, sued for their freedom on the grounds that they had once lived on free soil, including Minnesota. Their case resulted in the infamous 1857 Dred Scott Decision, which held that no black person had ever been, nor could be, a citizen of the United States. This decision propelled the country toward Civil War and launched an influx of African Americans into Minnesota. To learn more Dred Scott and Harriet Scott’s fight for freedom, you can listen to this MPR story.


Mary and John Butler


Butler Park in St. Cloud was dedicated on May 6th, 2017 to honor the first African American residents of St. Cloud. The park lies where slaveholders arrived with their slaves by steamboat on the Mississippi River. Mary Butler and her son traveled to St. Cloud as slaves of Rev. Thomas Calhoun of Lebanon, Tennessee in 1857. Her son died before the boat reached St. Cloud. She gave birth to another son, John, in August 1857 and he was the first African American born in St. Cloud.

While Minnesota territory was technically north of the famous Mason-Dixon Line, slavery was still legal until the territory became a state in 1858. This was due to the Supreme Court's Dred Scott decision, a ruling that stated a slave who lived in a free state or territory was not entitled to freedom. To learn more about Mary and John Butler and the park dedicated to them, visit sctimes.com.



Our Recent News

Catholic Charities Receives Major Donation from CentraCare Foundation to Support Senior Nutrition Programs

By Brittany Hoversten • April 28, 2026
Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Cloud is celebrating a meaningful boost to its Senior Nutrition efforts thanks to a generous $57,856.54 donation from the CentraCare Foundation. This contribution will support the full spectrum of Catholic Charities Senior Nutrition services — including Meals on Wheels, senior dining, and other nutrition initiatives that help older adults access healthy, reliable meals across central Minnesota. On Thursday, April 23, Catholic Charities President & CEO Aaron Fisk, Food Access Director Stacy Lund, and Senior Nutrition Manager Shannon Nolan gathered to accept the check from CentraCare Foundation. The gift represents a powerful investment in the health, independence, and dignity of seniors throughout the region. “We are grateful to the CentraCare Foundation for this generous donation. This support will have a significant and immediate impact on the older adults we serve,” said Stacy Lund, Food Access Director. “With this contribution, we can strengthen access to nutritious, consistent meals for seniors who face food insecurity. Nutritious food is a critical component of healthy aging, and your support helps us improve meal quality, expand service capacity, and maintain reliable nutrition assistance for seniors striving to remain healthy, independent, and safely in their homes.” Catholic Charities Senior Nutrition programs — including Meals on Wheels — provide nutritious meals, wellness checks, and social connection to at‑risk, homebound, ill, and vulnerable adults age 60 and older. For many seniors, especially those living alone or managing chronic health conditions, these daily visits and meal services are a lifeline. CentraCare Foundation’s mission centers on improving community health and well‑being. Their investment in Catholic Charities Senior Nutrition reflects a shared commitment to ensuring older adults have access to the nutrition and support they need to remain healthy and independent at home. This donation will help Catholic Charities continue expanding its reach, improving meal quality, and ensuring that no senior in need goes without a nutritious meal. To learn more about Catholic Charities Senior Nutrition programs or to inquire about services for yourself or a loved one, visit ccstcloud.org .

Pack the Porches 2026

By Jenna Pettit • March 27, 2026
Catholic Charities is thrilled to announce the success of our 16th Annual Pack the Porches Food and Fund Drive, held on March 27th, 2026.

Meet Nicole from Emergency Services

By Brittany Hoversten • March 5, 2026
If you ask anyone at Emergency Services, they’ll tell you the same thing: Nikki is unstoppable. Every single day, she goes above and beyond for Catholic Charities, our clients, and her team. Nikki is a proud mom of two, and her youngest recently moved out on their own. Life hasn’t always been easy—she lost her children’s father suddenly in 2006, a time she describes as chaotic and life-changing. Today, she’s in a happy relationship and loves spending time at the cabin, traveling, riding motorcycle, and making the yearly trip to Sturgis. Catholic Charities “found” Nikki in a very full-circle way. At the time, she was helping her dad with his job as a grocery vendor—the same stores that donate to Catholic Charities. difference for the community every day. At the end of each night, she lays her head down knowing she helped someone—and that’s what keeps her going. When her dad broke his elbow, Nikki stepped in to help him. Her strong work ethic caught the attention of a Catholic Charities program manager who had grown up with her dad. He saw something special in her and offered her a position. Her first assignment? Driving the Catholic Charities food truck—even though she had never driven a truck before. She remembers being terrified backing down the ramps, but her supervisor simply told her, “Keep it between the yellow lines.” She did—and that moment sparked the confidence that has fueled her ever since. Over the past 13 years, Nikki has worked in nearly every corner of Emergency Services. Nikki originally got pulled into Mardi Gras because her mom is crafty, and she’s been involved ever since. She especially loves the decorating and seeing everything come together. Last year’s event was particularly wild with so many new people, but Nikki’s natural leadership helped bring everyone together to create a fantastic experience. When asked what motivates her, Nikki doesn’t hesitate: positive thinking. “Negative thoughts will never give you a positive life,” she says. She believes positivity is contagious, and her mantra is simple: Do the best you can with what you have, take it one day at a time, and always pay it forward.