Powderhorn Park Celebrates MLK January 19 despite active ICE in Community
- Catharine Bushman
- 1 hour ago
- 2 min read
On January 19, 2026, PPNA and Minneapolis Parks & Recreation Board co-hosted the 28th annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration at the Powderhorn Park Recreation Center. Despite the intense cold, volunteers and PPNA staff welcomed nearly 500 guests to the rec center for food, family activities, giveaways, and performances by local musicians and spoken-word artists.
Musical performances by Jayanthi Rajasa, Deacon Elder Cornbread Harris, John Penny & Scott Soule
Moving spoken word performances by Isha Camara and Tish Jones
Pre-show music by Brass Solidarity
A commemorative coloring sheet and reading experience with artist Emiko Rainbow
Film viewing “A History of Powderhorn Lake” and coloring sheets from Minnesota Drag Story Hour
Nearly 600 delicious meals served by Chin DIan Kitchen
Special Thanks
PPNA and MPRB would love to thank our beloved community for showing up for one another, and especially the following, who volunteered or provided donations:
Volunteers from Target, Chase, Minnesota Poor People’s Campaign, Black Visions MN, a home letter writing campaign for homebound neighbors, the U of M Shen Neurolaw Lab, Park Ave Church
Powderhorn Park Staff, led by Director Liz Krause
Giveaways from Cane’s, Lerner Publishing, and TOUCH Outreach
Sooooo many homemade buttons made thanks to Metro Blooms for providing supplies
Surprise visit by the “Somali Tea Lady,” who has been bringing delicious tea to friends and neighbors during the ICE resistance
Be proud, Powderhorn!
We are happy to share that through PPNA’s winter donation campaign and 97 Strong Campaign for Equity and Justice, we raised nearly $18,500 for PPNA to support its programming and advocacy work in the community. In partnership with Sabathani Community Center, we will be making a $2700 contribution towards their critical needs programs, such as clothing and food distribution.
We had great coverage of our event from MPR, WCCO, and the Star Tribune.
View more photos at our Facebook post and MLK Poetry Feature.
Thank you to everyone who made this day a success. We keep us safe!
Catharine Bushman
Executive Director
Powderhorn Park Neighborhood Association
