From left to right: Dominique Earland, Ayman Elhassan, Akeem Anderson, and Aliya Freburg

Where it starts

Lives and identities are shaped by decades and centuries. They can be forever altered in minutes or seconds. For the individuals and communities who continue to make Black history at the University of Minnesota and beyond, change starts wherever the powers of creativity, vision, and joy meet.

Ayman Elhassan sits in front of blue couch and wall of photos of prominent Black leaders throughout history

You have it in you. You have what it takes.

University of Minnesota Twin Cities (Minneapolis) student Ayman Elhassan found his community and a sense of belonging through the National Association of Black Accountants, where he has become a leader. Now, he works to share those lessons. 

Aliya, wearing a stethoscope and maroon scrubs, stands in a nursing practice room made to mimic a hospital setting with mannequin patients in beds.

Healthcare is for everyone

A high-school mentor and her own mother's experiences in healthcare inspired University of Minnesota Twin Cities (Minneapolis) School of Nursing student Aliya Freberg's passion for nursing, mentorship, and equity in healthcare.

Akeem Anderson in a blue hoodie sits on a bench in a long and expansive foyer area of Northrop with his hands crossed in his lap

Communities are made. They don’t just exist.

While pursuing a JD at the Law School and a PhD in American Studies through the College of Liberal Arts, Akeem Anderson, University of Minnesota Twin Cities (Minneapolis) student, has made building community for underrepresented students a priority through organizations like the University of Minnesota Black Graduate Collective.

Dominique Earland wearing glasses and white sweater smiles with arms folded in hallway

You can call people out, and you can call them in

Through the University of Minnesota's Medical Scientist Training Program, Dominique Earland (Twin Cities campus in Minneapolis) is pursuing a passion she’s had since a young age: making sure that the principles of human rights have a home in medicine and research.

Share your story in 2025: Where It Starts - Community Voices

More stories from Black History Month

J'Mag Karbeah in a medical examination office
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A shift in the conversation

Doctoral candidate and 2017 Master of Public Health (MPH) graduate J'Mag Karbeah has been involved with numerous high-profile research efforts at the University of Minnesota centering around reproductive health and justice in the African American community.

Adrian Davis with grand piano in background
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Let's sing!

Adrian Davis is a music educator who brought back the University of Minnesota Gospel Choir and with it, a powerful message of peace and joy.

Hilaria Ponce standing outisde next to pine trees with snow on them
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Realizing her dream

Hilariia Ponce has just one semester of college under her belt, and while she doesn’t have all the answers, she’s certainly not afraid to go looking for them. She credits her experiences in the National FFA Organization as key to her development, and her mother—for always being there.

Lulete Mola wearing leather skirt and dark suit jacket in front of dark blue cloudy background
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Who SHE is

Lulete Mola’s purpose is to build power with individuals, families, and communities for real change.

Chino Nwakama sitting with children in a classroom
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Sharing his love of science

Chino Nwakama (’23, Neuroscience, College of Biological Sciences) is creating opportunities for historically marginalized and low-income students to connect with science.

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The art of storytelling in medicine

Anthony Williams is a physician whose moving stories of race and marginalized communities in healthcare demonstrate the power of the arts in medicine.

Tomme Beevas
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Focusing on the issues

After winning the Food Network’s “Food Court Wars” in 2013 at Pimento Jamaican Kitchen’s Burnsville Center location, Tomme Beevas opened a second location: Pimento Jamaican Kitchen on Eat Street in South Minneapolis.

Kyle Skye in the studio
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Developing our next generation of leaders

While Kyle Skye grew up in a football family—his grandfather was the first African American athlete for Valparaiso University—music has also always been an important part of his life.

Governess Simpson
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Defeat turns to growth

In the heartbreak of rejection by her desired major, Governess Simpson found a new capacity to help others.

Yusra Hassan in front of Coffman Union building
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Finding her place

Yusra Hassan is a first-generation student preparing for a career where she’ll have the skills to advocate for those who cannot advocate for themselves.

Junita Flowers smiling inside of a commercial kitchen
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Finding sweet success

Alumna Junita Flowers is building a cookie business that sparks dialogue and empowers women by normalizing the conversation around abusive relationships. Flowers founded Junita’s Jar, which recently launched in 320 Target stores nationwide.

Bryant Jones wearing face mask in greenhouse with seedlings on wooden table
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From planted seeds

While cooking for 20-hour days to feed the thousands who gathered after George Floyd’s killing, Bryant Jones was struck by an idea that grew into a garden ... and a community.

Manyi Ayuk poses for photo with her family
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So much pain, so much joy

Manyi Ayuk reflects on the dualities she’s experienced as a Cameroonian American and as an activist for social change.

Ayanna Rakhu
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Mother may I swim?

U of M PhD candidate Ayanna Rakhu is working to understand the reasons why many African American parents and their children don’t swim through her dissertation, titled “Mother May I Swim?”

Abygail Andebrhan standing next to a microscope wearing a white coat
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Determination and education prove unstoppable

Abygail Andebrhan graduated in 2022 from the College of Biological Sciences with a degree in genetics, cell biology and development. Originally from Eritrea, her story speaks to the power of education and the opportunity she found at the University of Minnesota.

Celebrate Black History Month with programs and events throughout February