Building Remembrance for Reconciliation is a non-profit, volunteer organization dedicated to creating a more welcoming and inclusive community. Building Remembrance for Reconciliation was originally organized by community member Rich Manke whose work at Lakeside Cemetery piqued his interest in Hastings early Black settlers, many of whom were buried there, and this led to discovering Hastings has a notable Black history.
However, like many communities in our state and nation, the story is complex and often incomplete. Building Remembrance for Reconciliation members have endeavored to learn more about Hastings’ past and create awareness of the contributions and trials of this important historic Black community.
As an organization, Building Remembrance for Reconciliation members continue to learn, discover, and dissect Hastings Black history through research and education, as well as members’ history and stories. Heidi Langenfeld, local historian, has provided volumes of information and articles from research in the Hastings Pioneer Room and past issues of Hastings’ early newspapers. And, Building Remembrance for Reconciliation has also been fortunate to connect with and learn from the descendants of some of Hastings early Black families.
Building Remembrance for Reconciliation’s focus began to sharpen, and the organization’s goal is to provide the community with a better understanding of our Black history and establish important steps towards building a better community. Building Remembrance for Reconciliation celebrated Black History Month in Hastings, brought in speakers and a theater group, and helped sponsor lectures and planned events to celebrate Hastings early Black settlers. Future events and programs will also include education, information, and commemorative memorials.
Building Remembrance for Reconciliation is working with Forecast Public Arts https://forecastpublicart.org and Kathy Graves, Parenteau Graves, to develop a strategic plan, determine the scope of the memorial project, and secure funding. Forecast Public Arts is a nationally-recognized public art consultancy that specifically provides direction and assists communities in all phases of building a memorial.