The History of Bryant

The Tilsenbilt Homes Historic District consists of 28 modest single-family homes that were constructed as part of the first privately-developed interracial housing project in Minneapolis, and one of the first housing projects in the country to offer FHA-insured mortgages to buyers of all races. The district is significant for its association with housing segregation and Minneapolis’ Civil Rights history, as well as its association with realtor Archie Givens, Sr. and builder Edward Tilsen.

For more information, check out this resource from the Minneapolis Historical Society.

Located just outside the Bryant Neighborhood, the Sabathani Community Center is a cornerstone of South Minneapolis. Founded in 1966 by concerned residents and members of Sabathani Baptist Church in South Minneapolis. These were caring folks who wanted to provide recreation for kids in the neighborhood. The youngsters were well-meaning but restless. At the time, there were few and inadequate facilities to serve their needs. The initial concept of Sabathani quickly outgrew its single purpose. Residents began requesting broader, more direct services, especially those addressing basic needs.

For more info, visit: http://www.sabathani.org

Roots of racial disparities are seen through a new lens in this film that explores the origins of housing segregation in the Minneapolis area. But the story also illustrates how African-American families and leaders resisted this insidious practice, and how Black people built community — within and despite — the red lines that these restrictive covenants created.

Watch Jim Crow of the North here.

Minneapolis historically has been home to a small but vibrant African American population. From the 1930s to the 1970s, an African American neighborhood flourished on the city’s Southside, between East Thirty-Fourth and Forty-Sixth Streets and from Nicollet Avenue to Chicago Avenue.

To explore Black history right here in our neighborhood, including photos, a timeline, and links to other articles, check out this amazing resource created by Tina Burnside.