St. Paul City Council Special Meeting: Black Music Month Recognition (June 18, 2026)

The St. Paul City Council held a special meeting on June 18, 2026, to adopt Resolution 26-996, recognizing June 2026 as Black Music Month in the city and honoring the third annual Black Music Month honorees. The meeting featured a video presentation from the Get Down program, a youth hip-hop mentorship and concert series run by St. Paul Parks and Recreation, followed by the reading of seven award categories and acceptance speeches from honorees or their representatives. The resolution passed unanimously with all seven council members voting in favor.

Discussion Items

• Resolution 26-996 and Black Music Month Proclamation: Councilmember Anika Bowie introduced the resolution, noting that Black Music Month was established in 1979 by President Jimmy Carter and that this is the third annual celebration in St. Paul. She read the seven award categories: Next Verse Award (emerging youth artist), Vibe Alchemist Award (musician/producer/DJ), Stage Builder Award (curator/venue/promoter), Community Harmony Award (music for healing and unity), 651 Sound Award (artist representing St. Paul), Rhythm and Roots Award (educator/culture keeper), and Living Legacy Award (30+ years of contributions).
• Get Down Program Presentation: Shana Abraham (Rec Services Manager) and Andy Rockwood (staff member) described the Get Down program, which began two years ago as a youth-focused hip hop concert series and has expanded to a weekly mentorship program. They highlighted collaborations with local artists, access to recording studios, and performances at venues such as Harriet Island, Arlington Hills, Dayton's Bluff, MLK, and Raspberry Island (August 29, 2026). A video featuring program participants and facilitators emphasized the program's role in providing positive outlets for youth ages 14–24.
• Honoree Remarks: Each award recipient spoke:
  • Next Verse Award – Yevra Brantley: Expressed gratitude and emphasized art as a tool for liberation and education.
  • Vibe Alchemist Award – DJ Mickey Breeze: Thanked community and family, highlighting the importance of self-expression and creativity.
  • Stage Builder Award – Marina “Trinity C”: Recognized Caribbean Heritage Month, thanked supporters, and promoted upcoming events (Rondo Days July 18, Carrie Fest July 25).
  • Community Harmony Award – Georgia Ford and Power 104.7 FM: Thanked the council, noted the station’s mission to advance representation in media, and announced the 7th Street Live Festival on August 8, 2026.
  • 651 Sound Award – Alan Kingdom: Three-time Grammy-nominated rapper; expressed honor at being recognized in his hometown and noted his nonprofit Yebo Life and work with Ujama Place.
  • Rhythm and Roots Award – Elder Mahmoud El-Kati (accepted by Sister Rickette): Read a message from El-Kati quoting Frederick Douglass on the African American presence in the U.S.
  • Living Legacy Award – David T.C. Ellis (accepted by his sister, “Mama Shy”): Read a statement from Ellis, founder of High School for Recording Arts and Diverse Media Institute, who was away at a conference. The award recognized his decades of work in music education.
• Council Comments: Councilmembers thanked Councilmember Bowie for organizing the event, praised the honorees, and emphasized the importance of recognizing black artists and community leaders. Councilmember Johnson specifically thanked Georgia Ford for her work and expressed support. Council President Naker closed with a Beyoncé quote about freedom.

Key Outcomes

• Resolution 26-996 adopted unanimously (7–0) after a motion by Councilmember Bowie and discussion. The resolution officially recognizes June 2026 as Black Music Month in St. Paul and honors the seven award recipients.
• The meeting was adjourned after the vote.