Kevin Lindsey, Minnesota Humanities Center CEO and Founder of Lindsey Law and Consulting, seeks to find solutions, amplify voice, and expand economic opportunities for marginalized communities during his distinguished career. As a current Commissioner of the St. Paul Public Housing Authority, Lindsey has worked over the past 25 years to increase affordable housing supply and create opportunities for first time homeowners. During his eight years as Commissioner of Human Rights for the State of Minnesota, Lindsey oversaw state contractors increase labor participation for targeted racial and Indigenous communities increase from 11% to 27%. Lindsey saw labor participation exceed 32% on the Minnesota’s largest construction projects during his tenure – U.S. Bank Stadium project, Minnesota State Capitol, and Minnesota Senate Office building.
As a member of the Governor’s cabinet, he also worked on a variety of initiatives to expand business development and economic opportunities and civic engagement for racial, ethnic, and Indigenous communities. As Commissioner, Lindsey doubled the number of investigations completed, facilitated passage of the Women’s Economic Security Act, ensured enactment of Minnesota’s first school anti-bullying law, created Minnesota’s first Equity and Inclusion Council, assisted with the creation of Minnesota’s first Tribal Consultation policy and negotiated the largest school suspension settlement in Minnesota history involving 37 area school districts.
Lindsey has been recognized and honored by the University of Iowa College of Law with its Law Review Distinguished Alumni Award, the University of Minnesota College of Liberal Arts with its Civitas Award for promoting Liberal Arts education, and three-time awardee, Minnesota Lawyer with its Diversity Award.
Lindsey’s career focuses on leveraging personal stories, finding solutions to complex problems, and building an inclusive democracy for all. He proudly serves as the Vice-Chair and board member of the Federation of State Humanities Councils, Board Chair of the African American Leadership Forum, Incoming Board President of the Minnesota Association of Black Lawyers and Board Chair of Wonderlust Theater. He also serves as an Executive Committee member of the St. Paul Public Housing Authority.