Black History Month Events in Metro Detroit

By
-

Each February gives us the chance to revisit both the well- and little known contributions of African Americans to world history. Here are a couple of Metro Detroit events that will allow you to explore and enjoy various aspects of both African-American and African culture.

Throughout The Month

Charles H. Wright Museum

  • Address: 315 E. Warren Ave., Detroit
  • Phone: 313-494-5800
  • Time: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
  • Cost: $

Events Include:

Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn

  • Address: 20900 Oakwood Blvd., Dearborn
  • Phone: 313-982-6001
  • Schedule: Event times vary; Feb. 1-5, 8-12, 15-19, 22-26 and 29
  • Cost: Free with admission.

To honor the African Americans who helped change the world with their determination and conviction, The Henry Ford hosts special programs all month long. This year's theme is Journey and Legacy, and family programs will surround Pre-Emancipation Feb. 4-5, Northern Migration Feb. 11-12, the Civil Rights Movement Feb. 18-19 and Contemporary Times Feb. 25-26.

Michigan State University Museum

  • Address: W. Circle Dr., East Lansing
  • Phone: 517-355-7474
  • Schedule: Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday 1-5 p.m.
  • Cost: $

The Michigan State University Museum exhibits works of activist and educator Ruth Clement Bond.

 

ADVERTISEMENT

Friday, Feb. 3

Nubian Essence

  • Address: 8325 Jefferson Ave., Ste 203, Detroit
  • Phone: 313-989-7815
  • Time: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Cost: Free

Nubian Essence, offering African artwork and jewelry, bath and body goods and home accessories, celebrates its reopening at a new location.

Detroit Film Theatre

  • Address: 5200 Woodward Ave., Detroit
  • Phone: 313-833-7900
  • Schedule: Friday and Saturday, Feb. 3-4, 7 & 9:30 p.m; Sunday, Feb. 5, 2 & 5 p.m.
  • Cost: $

The Detroit Film Theatre presents the documentary “Being Elmo: A Puppeteer’s Journey,” about Elmo’s creator and puppeteer Kevin Clash.

Saturday, Feb. 4

Detroit Historical Museum

  • Address: 5401 Woodward Ave., Detroit
  • Phone: 313-833-7935
  • Time: 1-4 p.m.
  • Cost: Free

Featured events include the Artists Market, various exhibits, portrait by caricature artist and live entertainment for kids. Also, don’t miss the chance to meet and speak with people from historical organizations in Detroit, such as the Tuskegee Airmen.

Virgil H. Carr Cultural Arts Center

  • Address: 311 E. Grand River Ave., Detroit
  • Phone: 313-822-6483
  • Time: 2 p.m.
  • Cost: Free

“JO!: Africa to America, A Dance Odyssey,” featuring the Carr Center Dance Troupe, music and visuals, shows how West African culture influenced American dancing and music trends throughout history.

 

Sunday, Feb. 5

Detroit Institute of Arts

  • Address: 5200 Woodward Ave., Detroit
  • Phone: 313-833-7900 
  • Time: 2 p.m.
  • Cost: $

Join storyteller Rosie Chapman as she narrates African and African-American stories accompanied by traditional instruments that audience members will be invited to play.

Tuesday, Feb. 7

Virgil H. Carr Cultural Arts Center

  • Address: 311 E. Grand River Ave., Detroit
  • Phone: 313-965-8430
  • Time: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Cost: Free

Local Nigerian artists pay tribute to fellow countryman, social activist and international musician Fela Anikulapo-Kuti with artwork depicting scenes from his life and career. Through Feb. 13. 

Washtenaw Community College

  • Address: 4800 E. Huron River Dr., Ann Arbor
  • Phone: 734-995-0530
  • Schedule: 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Feb. 7-8
  • Cost: $

Wild Swan Theater presents “The Spirit of Harriet Tubman,” a one-woman show starring Leslie McCurdy. The presentation is appropriate for grades 3 and up and tells Harriet Tubman's story-from slavery to working on the Underground Railroad-through her own words.

Thursday, Feb. 9

Charles H. Wright Museum

  • Address: 315 E. Warren Ave., Detroit
  • Phone: 313-494-5800
  • Time: 6:30 p.m.
  • Cost: Free

jessica Care moore hosts a film screening of “Broken Stones,” a documentary about the aftermath of an earthquake on the oldest neighborhood of the city of Port-au-Prince. 

Detroit Institute of Arts

  • Address: 5200 Woodward Ave., Detroit
  • Phone: 313-833-7900 
  • Time: 7 p.m.
  • Cost: $

Lemi Ghariokwu Abiodun discusses his iconic album covers for the records of Nigerian musician Fela Anikulapo-Kuti that illustrate his use of Nigerian aesthetic traditions to critique that country’s social, economic, and political ills.

Saturday, Feb. 11

Detroit Zoo

  • Address: 8450 W. 10 Mile Rd., Royal Oak
  • Phone: 248-541-5717
  • Schedule: 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Feb. 11-12
  • Cost: Free with admission.

Have a Wild Winter African Adventure in the second of three Wild Winter Weekends at the Detroit Zoo. Kids can take an African drum lesson and listen to stories about African animals. To boot, enjoy live entertainment, do arts and crafts and play games.

Barnes & Noble

  • Address: 3235 Washtenaw Ave., Ann Arbor
  • Phone: 734-973-0846
  • Schedule: 11 a.m.
  • Cost: Free

Aunt Harriet's Underground Railroad allows kids ages 4-8 can participate in this story time highlighting African American culture, history and tradition.

Charles H. Wright Museum

  • Address: 315 E. Warren Ave., Detroit
  • Phone: 313-494-5800
  • Schedule: 1-2 p.m. and 3-4 p.m.
  • Cost: Free with museum admission.

The entire family can enjoy playing drums and West African instruments while singing songs of freedom with musician Wgwaii Mwanjebala.

Truth Bookstore

  • Address: 21500 Northwestern Hwy., Northland Mall, Southfield
  • Phone: 248-557-4824
  • Time: 4-6 p.m.
  • Cost: Free

A presentation and book signing by Andre Batts the creator of Urban Style Comics.

 

Sunday, Feb. 12

Detroit Institute of Arts

  • Address: 5200 Woodward Ave., Detroit
  • Phone: 313-833-7900 
  • Time: Noon-4 p.m.
  • Cost: $

Muralist Hubert Massey demonstrates the techniques used to create a fresco. Hands-on fresco demonstration is appropriate for participants of all ages and appreciation levels.

Charles H. Wright Museum

  • Address: 315 E. Warren Ave., Detroit
  • Phone: 313-494-5800
  • Time: 1-5 p.m.
  • Cost: Free

Free family entertainment such as storytelling performed by the Detroit Association of Black Storytellers. Adults will also be able to view the ethnographic film “Chasing the Spirit: Gorovodu in Southern Togo,” about the spiritual life of the Ewe people of Southern Togo.

Orchestra Hall

  • Address: 3711 Woodward Ave., Detroit
  • Phone: 313-576-5111
  • Time: 2 p.m.
  • Cost: $

The Sphinx Foundation presents its 15th annual competition for young Black and Latino string players’ finals concert.

Charles H. Wright Museum

  • Address: 315 E. Warren Ave., Detroit
  • Phone: 313-533-8764
  • Time: 2 p.m.
  • Cost: $

“The Exonerated,” a play about six death row inmates who were exonerated for crimes they did not commit and how their lives were changed as a result.


Monday, Feb. 13

Charles H. Wright Museum

  • Address: 315 E. Warren Ave., Detroit
  • Phone: 313-494-5800
  • Time: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Cost: $

The exhibit “Moving to His Own Beat – Fela: The Man, The Movement, The Music,” celebrating the life and music of Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, opens. 

Tuesday, Feb. 14

Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts

  • Address: 350 Madison St., Detroit.
  • Phone: 313-887-8501
  • Schedule: Performance times vary. Runs through March 4. 
  • Cost: $

The Tony Award-winning Broadway musical-FELA!-based on the life of Nigerian composer, performer and activist Fela Anikulapo-Kuti opens. Featuring Kuti’s captivating music and direction and choreography of Tony Award-winner Bill T. Jones.

 

Wednesday, Feb. 15

Troy Historic Village

  • Address: 60 W. Wattles Road, Troy
  • Phone: 248-524-3570
  • Time: 7:30 p.m.
  • Cost: $

Hear the oral histories of African Americans who migrated to Michigan from the South in search of jobs – in Detroit, Flint and Saginaw.

Charles H. Wright Museum

  • Address: 315 E. Warren Ave., Detroit
  • Phone: 313-494-5800
  • Time: 6:30 p.m.
  • Cost: Free

Film screening of “More Than A Month,” a tongue-in-cheek film about a filmmaker on a cross-country campaign to end Black History Month, while exploring the state of black history education in American public schools, the effect of “history months” on the formation of American racial identity, how black culture is used to sell products, and weighs the importance of history.

Thursday, Feb. 16

Hicks Public Library

  • Address: 2005 Inkster Rd., Inkster
  • Phone: 313-563-2822
  • Time: 6:30 p.m.
  • Cost: Free

Miz Rosie the Storyteller discusses Rosa Parks and the Civil Rights Movement, giving kids a great history lesson at the library.

Detroit Repertory Theatre


  • Address: 13103 Woodrow Wilson St., Detroit
  • Phone: (313) 868-1347
  • Time: 8:30 p.m.
  • Cost: $

Detroit Repertory Theatre presents “Burying the Bones,”  a play about the South African Truth Commission.

Friday, Feb. 17

Ariana Gallery

  • Address: 119 S. Main St. Royal Oak
  • Phone: 248-546-8810
  • Time: 6:30 p.m.
  • Cost: $

Opening reception for the Ariana Gallery's  Black History Month exhibition, featuring  artists recognized locally and internationally. The show will feature contemporary and traditional African Art. Exhibition ends March 17.

Charles H. Wright Museum

  • Address: 315 E. Warren Ave., Detroit
  • Phone: 313-494-5800
  • Time: 7 p.m.
  • Cost: Free

Catch a special Black History Month concert with AfroFlow, featuring MIKE-E & DJ Invisible, D for national recording artist Xzibit. 

Hill Auditorium

  • Address: 825 N. University Ave., Ann Arbor.
  • Phone: 734-763-3333
  • Time: 8 p.m.
  • Cost: $

A cappella soul group Sweet Honey in the Rock takes the stage with songs of pertinent social issues and African-American history that will delight as well as educate.

Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts

  • Address: 350 Madison St., Detroit.
  • Phone: 313-887-8501
  • Time: 8 p.m.
  • Cost: $

FELA! Benefit Performance for The Wright Museum.

Saturday, Feb. 18

Virgil H. Carr Cultural Arts Center

  • Address: 311 E. Grand River Ave., Detroit
  • Phone: 313-862-9453
  • Time: 1-3 p.m.
  • Cost: $

The Detroit Writers Guild presents the history of the community known as Paradise Valley, featuring poets, musicians, and a visual presentation. Refreshments will be served.

Detroit Film Theatre

  • Address: 5200 Woodward Ave., Detroit
  • Phone: 313-833-7900 
  • Time: 4 p.m.
  • Cost: $

Screening of “Richard Hunt, Sculptor,” where Hunt tours Chicago, surveying his monumental outdoor sculptures of bronze and steel and reflecting on his journey as an African American artist dedicated to abstraction. An on-stage discussion with Hunt to follow.

 

Sunday, Feb. 19

Detroit Historical Museum

  • Address: 5401 Woodward Ave., Detroit
  • Phone: 313-833-1805
  • Time: 1-4 p.m.
  • Cost: Free

Underground Railroad Family Day at the museum combines activities with a lesson in history as kids make a signal lantern while learning about the journey to freedom in the South. Or, kids can make a family tree and trace the routes their family took to get to Detroit.

Detroit Institute of Arts

  • Address: 5200 Woodward Ave., Detroit
  • Phone: 313-833-7900
  • Time: 2 p.m.
  • Cost: $

Experience the story of a young boy who decides to escape slavery and run North. Discover if he makes it north in a performance from puppeteer Schroeder Cherry.

Charles H. Wright Museum

  • Address: 315 E. Warren Ave., Detroit
  • Phone: 313-494-5800
  • Time: 3 p.m.
  • Cost: Free

Anyone who is passionate about Black history will enjoy attending the monthly meeting of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History TheWright.org. The organization collects, preserves and promotes historical materials and events.

Charles H. Wright Museum

  • Address: 315 E. Warren Ave., Detroit
  • Phone: 313-494-5800
  • Time: 2 p.m.
  • Cost: Free

Film screening of “Sankofa," the story of a self-absorbed Black American fashion model on a photo shoot in Africa who is spiritually transported back to a plantation in the West Indies.

Tuesday, Feb. 21

Wayne County Community College

  • Address: 1001 W. Fort St., Detroit
  • Phone: 313-496-2758
  • Time: 2 p.m.
  • Cost: $

Book signing with Peter C. Banks, author of No Medals, the story of his father, who though a “hero” in his own household, was an unrecognized POW who suffered at the hands of the Russians in 1946.  Three autographed copies of the book will be raffled to participants.

Wednesday, Feb. 22

Detroit Public Library

  • Address: Friends Auditorium, 5201 Woodward Ave., Detroit
  • Phone: 313-481-1344
  • Time: 7 p.m.
  • Cost: $

The Detroit Public Library  and E. Azalia Hackley Collection present the 68th Annual celebration of the Collection’s concert with jazz band ‘In the Tradition.’

Charles H. Wright Museum

  • Address: 315 E. Warren Ave., Detroit
  • Phone: 313-494-5800
  • Time: 7 p.m.
  • Cost: Free

Encore performance of Dr. Sweet's Tinderbox, a dramatization of the historic Detroit murder trials involving Dr. Ossian Sweet, Clarence Darrow, and Judge Frank Murphy that became an early and significant marker for civil rights efforts. 

Thursday, Feb. 23

Charles H. Wright Museum

  • Address: 315 E. Warren Ave., Detroit
  • Phone: 313-494-5800
  • Time: 6:30 p.m.
  • Cost: Free

Lecture featuring Craig Rice, producer and director of the HBO documentary “Half Past Autumn” about photographer, musician, poet, novelist, journalist and director Gordon Parks. 

Friday, Feb. 24

Beans & Cornbread

  • Address: 29508 Northwestern Highway, Southfield
  • Phone: 248-353-8687
  • Time: 2-9 p.m.
  • Cost: $

Join Feet On The Street Tours  for an early dinner at Beans & Cornbread followed by a bus tour with stops at the Damon Keith Center, Virgil H. Carr Cultural Arts Center and the Detroit Institute of Arts. Participants also will enjoy a live jazz concert and a viewing of the General Motors Gallery of African American Art.

Charles H. Wright Museum

  • Address: 315 E. Warren Ave., Detroit
  • Phone: 313-494-5800
  • Time: 6 p.m.
  • Cost: A donation of $10 is requested but not mandatory for admission

The Wright Museum presents Michigan State University Professor Pero Gaglo Dagbovie discussing and signing his book, "Black History: Old School Black Historians and the Hip Hop Generation."

Detroit Institute of Arts

  • Address: 5200 Woodward Ave., Detroit
  • Phone: 313-833-7900 
  • Time: 6 p.m.-8:30 p.m.
  • Cost: $

Valerie J. Mercer talks about the history and development of the DIA’s African American art collection providing insight into how and why specific works have been acquired. Following the lecture, a Tribute to Detroit Jazz Legends. Performance featuring some of Detroit’s finest musicians honoring Detroit jazz legends such as, Kenn Cox, Donald Walden and Roy Brooks.

The Henry Hotel

  • Address: Fairlane Plaza, 300 Town Center Dr., Dearborn
  • Phone: 313-621-4603
  • Time: 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
  • Cost: $

The Ford-employees African-Ancestry Network (FAAN) at Ford Motor Company will present the 31st Annual Black History Month Celebration  featuring noted media personality Ed Gordon and comedian Steve Harvey and honoring posthumously Dr. Herbert Smitherman

Charles H. Wright Museum

  • Address: 315 E. Warren Ave., Detroit
  • Phone: 313-494-5800
  • Time: 7 p.m.
  • Cost: $

Enjoy a performance by Darnell Kendricks  of songs from a wide repertoire of soul music, past and present.

 

Sunday, Feb. 26

Charles H. Wright Museum

  • Address: 315 E. Warren Ave., Detroit
  • Phone: 313-494-5800
  • Time: 2 p.m.
  • Cost: Free

Screening of “The Story of Lover's Rock,”  a documentary that tells the story of how lover's rock music defined a generation in the late 1970s and 80s, hugely impacting British pop culture.

Detroit Institute of Arts

  • Address: 5200 Woodward Ave., Detroit
  • Phone: 313-833-7900 
  • Time: 2 p.m.
  • Cost: $

Audrey and Bob Allison present an upbeat program of humorous stories featuring audience participation, hands-on fun, and beautiful music played on musical instruments from all over the world

Wednesday, Feb. 29

Shriners Silver Garden Events Center

  • Address: 24350 Southfield Rd., Southfield
  • Phone: 248-569-2299
  • Time: 7 p.m.
  • Cost: Free

Author, scholar and cultural critic Dr. Michael Eric Dyson speaks and hip-hop artist and activist Common performs. Register here.

Facebook Comments

ADVERTISEMENT

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR