Minneapolis is already home to many historic landmarks, from the Washburn Park Water Tower to The Armory downtown. Now, three places tied closely to the city’s Black history could soon be added to the National Register of Historic Places. The effort is part of a broader push to recognize and preserve the contributions of African Americans to the city’s history.
One of the sites being considered is the former home of Harry Davis Sr. in south Minneapolis. Davis Sr. was a prominent community leader who made history when he became the first African American to run for mayor of Minneapolis. His son, Harry Davis Jr., said that the recognition means a lot to his family, as the house holds many memories of his childhood and his father’s legacy. For him, the nomination is not only about a building but about honoring the struggles and achievements of his father.
The city also plans to nominate the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder, the state’s oldest and longest-running Black-owned newspaper. Since its founding in the 1930s, the paper has been a powerful voice for the African American community, covering stories that were often ignored by mainstream outlets and giving a platform to issues of civil rights, social justice, and cultural pride.
Another landmark under consideration is the Phyllis Wheatley Community Center in north Minneapolis. For over a century, this center has been a cornerstone of the Black community, providing space for social, cultural, and educational programs. It has long been recognized as a gathering place that fostered leadership, mentorship, and community support.
City officials explain that nominating these sites is part of a larger effort that began in 2019 to document and celebrate Black history in Minneapolis. According to Senior City Planner Erin Que, these places represent stories that need to be shared and preserved for future generations. Being added to the National Register is more than a symbolic act—it opens the door to grants and tax credits that can help maintain and protect the properties.
For Davis Jr., the recognition of his father’s home is deeply personal. He said he feels humbled that his father’s contributions to Minneapolis are being honored in such a lasting way. To him, it ensures that the legacy of his father—and the history of African Americans in the city—will not be forgotten.
The process of nominating and reviewing these sites is lengthy, often taking about a year. Minneapolis officials expect to hear a decision on whether the properties will be added to the National Register by late next year or in early 2027. If approved, these additions would represent a significant step toward expanding the stories told through historic preservation in the city, giving long-overdue recognition to the places that have shaped African American life in Minneapolis.
