Did you know that Detroit has been designated the first authenticated African American Heritage Destination in the world by the Travel Professionals of Color? That makes it one of the best places to honor and celebrate the impactful contributions Black Americans have made throughout history, especially in February during Black History Month.
In Metro Detroit, there are various events to participate in, from discovering Black history for yourself at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History to attending the Detroit Historical Society’s Hustle Gala. View some of the upcoming opportunities below.
Discover more about Black History Month at the Detroit Public Library.
Activities include a showing of “The Rosa Parks Story” on Monday, Jan. 29, African mask making on Saturday, Feb. 3, a scavenger hunt on Saturday, Feb. 10, Black Panther Day on Saturday, Feb. 17, a Tuskegee Airmen Museum Visit and plane crafting on Tuesday, Feb. 20, and more.
Explore the untold stories of the North End’s Black history with University of Michigan Professor and Historian Jamon Jordan on Thursday, Feb. 1.
Gain a deeper understanding of the North End’s Black history and celebrate the cultural heritage of the vibrant neighborhood. Admission is free with registration.
Journey to the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History for special events and exhibitions.
This year’s theme is “Black Resistance” and focuses on how resistance and resilience have taken many forms throughout the African American experience. Special programming includes a discussion with New York Times bestselling Author and Scholar Ibram X. Kendi on Thursday, Feb. 1, a screening of a four-part series that sheds light on the African Diasporic experience every Sunday through February, Jan. 28, Feb. 4, Feb. 18, Feb. 25, and more. Admission is free on Feb. 11.
Attend the Detroit Historical Society’s Hustle Gala on Feb. 3 to celebrate Detroit’s Black entrepreneurs.
Dance the night away, sip on fabulous cocktails, and enjoy a strolling dinner all while honoring the successes of the Hustle honorees. Tickets start at $75.
Spend an evening with The Secret Society of Twisted Storytellers on Friday, Feb. 23.
Join the City of Southfield for its final Black History Month event to listen to some of the area’s best storytellers and musicians. Attendees can visit and talk to the artists before the performances begin and browse the Storytellers Marketplace. Tickets are $15.
Honor the legacy of entrepreneurship in the Black community at the Detroit Historical Society’s event “On the Shoulders of Giants: Celebrating Black History Month” on Sunday, Feb. 25.
The full day of activities includes a conversation with Alison Vaughn, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Jackets for Jobs, a contemporary jazz performance by The Al Bettis Trio, a vendor marketplace, and guided tours. Admission is free with registration.
Join Black Leaders Detroit, Detroit HBCU Network, and Blackout Trivia for a night of fun, challenging Black History trivia on Wednesday, Feb. 28.
Test your trivia skills and discover more about the significant contributions of Black individuals throughout history. Admission is free with registration.
Celebrate Black History and Black Futures at the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation throughout February.
During the month, there will be featured tours and experiences, including a special screening of “The Rebellious Life of Mrs. Rosa Parks, special artifacts and exhibits, and featured performances. Special activities are included free with museum admission.
Head to the Carr Center for its exhibition “BLACK: A Built Language Across Culture and Knowledge.”
Through Feb. 29, a collection of works created by Black artists will showcase the rich diversity of artistic expressions within the Black community and highlight the impact of Black culture. Admission to the exhibition is free.
Explore the history and contribution of Black people in American film at the Detroit Institute of Arts.
Beginning Sunday, Feb. 4, a new exhibition, “Regeneration: Black Cinema 1898-1971,” will feature historical items that showcase how Black individuals have impacted the cinema industry in the face of systemic racism. Accompanying the exhibition, the Detroit Film Theatre will present a series of films highlighting Black cinema history. The exhibition is free with museum admission.