Official Honorary Street Sign Unveiling Celebrates Professor Mahmoud El-Kati in Saint Paul

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  

October 27, 2026 

Official Honorary Street Sign Unveiling Celebrates Professor Mahmoud El-Kati in Saint Paul

SAINT PAUL, MN — Councilmember Anika Bowie invites community members, neighbors, and elected officials to honor the life and legacy of Professor Mahmoud El-Kati with the unveiling of an honorary street sign in the heart of Rondo.

The ceremony will take place today, Tuesday, October 27, 2026 at 12:30 p.m. at the intersection of Iglehart Avenue and Milton Street in Saint Paul.

Professor El-Kati is a beloved educator, historian, and community elder whose decades of teaching have shaped generations and deepened Saint Paul’s understanding of Black history, culture, and community.

“Professor Mahmoud El-Kati has taught generations to know our history, recognize our worth, and understand our responsibility to one another,” said Councilmember Anika Bowie. “Honoring his name in the heart of Rondo is a declaration that our elders, our stories, and our contributions belong in the public spaces of our city. I am proud to celebrate him alongside the community and give him his flowers while he is here to receive them.”

The ceremony will be hosted by Makeda Zulu, with a welcome from Councilmember Bowie and tributes from Eric Berksteiner, Vusi Zulu, Melvin Collins, and Nathaniel Khaliq. 
Ashley Commodore, accompanied by Spencer Christiansen, will perform the Black National Anthem. Professor El-Kati will deliver closing remarks, followed by a procession to the official sign unveiling led by Tyrone Terrill, Spike Moss, and the Men of March.

All are welcome. 

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ABOUT THE SAINT PAUL CITY COUNCIL: The Saint Paul City Council is the city’s legislative body, setting policy through ordinances and resolutions, adopting budgets, and providing direct constituent services across the city’s wards. Learn more at www.stpaul.gov/department/city-council.