The Circle Unbroken is an invitation to join the University of Minnesota Libraries in partnering with others to preserve and uplift African American history.

The Givens Collection of African American Literature and Life comprises novels, poetry, plays, short stories, essays, literary criticism, periodicals, biographies, and archives that span nearly 250 years of American culture. The Circle Unbroken uses the archive to tell a story of the remarkable coalition of scholars, administrators and philanthropists who brought the Givens Collection to the University of Minnesota Libraries in 1985 and worked strategically to make it accessible to a broader public, bringing greater awareness to African Americans’ contributions to world culture.

Celebrating 40 years since the collection’s arrival at the University, the Libraries recognizes the vitality of its presence as a record of African Americans’ cultural achievements, boundless creativity, and resilience in the face of collective challenges.

Exhibit details

What: The Circle Unbroken: Celebrating 40 Years of Community Stewardship and the Givens Collection
Where: Elmer L. Andersen Library | Parking (Lot 86)
When: Monday, Oct. 20, 2025 through Friday, Jan. 30, 2026
Hours: Open during library hours (9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, and Friday; and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday)

Curated by the Givens Collection of African American Literature and Life
Exhibit design and installation by Darren Terpstra, Archives and Special Collections Exhibit Design and Project Specialist