Winter Carnival Slow Snow Glow – What a sight-bikes & lights, dusk to night
Melanin In Motion and The Culture Wellness Center and the City of Saint Paul, in collaboration with the Saint Paul Winter Carnival, present “Slow Snow Glow,” ” a winter celebratory SLOW ROLL (casually paced bike ride) honoring the Saint Paul Winter Carnival and embracing the beauty and opportunities of winter biking. This event will pay homage to the rich legacy of Black culture in Saint Paul’s historic Rondo neighborhood, once known as the “Harlem of the North.” Participants will reflect on the 300 Black-owned businesses that were lost and the artists who rose from this vibrant community to gain national recognition. Among these are Gordon Parks, the iconic photographer; August Wilson, Roberta Davies, and Bobby Lyles, all celebrated artists from Rondo; Rose Smith, who captures Minnesota’s civil rights history in her oil paintings; and Melvin Smith, known for his collage paintings and found-object sculptures. Attendees will also celebrate the enduring spirit of Rondo through figures like Gloria Massey, whose Rhythm & Blues album collection reflects the neighborhood’s musical heritage, and Barbara “Petey” Vassar Gray, who participated in the Hallie Q. Brown Center’s Doll Club, where women explored poetry, music, and more.
Riders will be provided with bike lights (15.00) as they journey through this commemoration of history and art. The ride will begin and end at the Martin Luther King Community Center, where participants can enjoy music, food, fire pits, and a vibrant display of culture and community warmth. Need a Bike? We got you!
Go to the Grande Day Parade at 2 pm on Grand Avenue first…then head to Martin Luther King Community Center!
3:00 -4:00 pm. Lights up bikes and people
4:00/4:15 pm Rollout on the ride
5:00 Return for more community warmth, fire pits, hot chocolate, and smores at Martin Luther King Community Center
The City of Saint Paul is developing a community-led vision for the street improvements within the Rondo neighborhood and adjacent areas. This event will inform a planning study for future street construction.