February ushers in an opportunity to celebrate the history of Black Americans and their vital contributions to the country’s success. With such a large Black American population in the Detroit Region, there are numerous opportunities for residents of all ages to attend events that will educate, remind, and empower you during this historical month. Here are some ways to honor and educate yourself on the history of Black Americans during Black History Month:
Experiment with History | E-q-u-a-l-i-t-y
Join Chamber member, The Henry Ford, for an engaging event as an opportunity to learn about MacNolia Cox, one of the first African Americans to compete at the National Spelling Bee, while testing your spelling abilities. This program is included with museum admission.
Feb. 1–28 | 10 a.m. to noon
The Henry Ford
Celebrate Black History Guided Tour | Three Cheers for Black History
Meet The Henry Ford at the Museum Plaza for a tour across Black history as the guide educates guests on the untold stories of innovators who have had a lasting impact on American history. This program is included with museum admission.
Feb. 1–28 | 1 p.m.
The Henry Ford
Love in the Margins: A Valentine’s Day Experience
In the spirit of combining Valentine’s Day and Black History Month, Chamber member The Wright, is fostering a relaxing space for conversations and celebration of love in every form. Free tickets are available on its website.
Feb. 14 | 1-4 p.m.
The Wright
Black history is creativity, and that’s why The Henry Ford will have a series of live performances from local artists to tell the story of African Americans through art. This program is included with museum admission.
Feb. 15 | 11 a.m.
The Henry Ford
In collaboration with the Detroit Public Theatre, Chamber member Detroit Historical Museum, is set to host a presentation of The Mountaintop, a play written to follow the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. before his assassination. Tickets are available for purchase on its website.
Feb. 15 | 2-5:30 p.m.
Detroit Public Theatre
Still Standing: A Night of Gospel and Grace
Faith is an anchor of Black culture, and The Wright wishes to represent that during Black History Month in their night of worship, prayer, live music, and spoken word. Free reservations for this event are available on the website.
Feb. 15 | 5-8 p.m.
The Wright
Lecture: Freedom Confirmed – President Abraham Lincoln’s Courage to Create Change
The Northville District Library offers attendees a unique opportunity to learn about Abraham Lincoln’s contributions to the Civil War, a vital event in Black history, during his presidency. Free tickets for this event can be found on its website.
Feb. 16 | 7-8 p.m.
Northville District Library
Third Thursday: New Jack Swing Back II BLK
With music, spoken word, and lyrical expression, The Wright is bringing the 1980s and 90s back to life with an event celebrating Black History Month. Free reservations are live on the website.
Feb. 19 | 6-8 p.m.
The Wright
Tony Lucas, “Elijah ‘The Real’ McCoy”
In the Museum Plaza, Tony Lucas will honor trailblazer Elijah McCoy with a reprise about his life, including his contribution to the Industrial Age. This performance is included with museum admission.
Feb. 21 | 11 a.m., Noon, 1 p.m., and 2 p.m.
The Henry Ford
Free Screening in Giant Screen Experience | Coded Bias
The film Coded Bias delves into the disparities of technology and government in America and Joy Buolamwini’s courage to challenge it. Admission to this screening is free to the public.
Feb. 21 | 11 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
The Henry Ford
Paths to the Past: Turning Historical Trauma into Remembrance
At this event, native Detroiter Yulanda Burgess will discuss the impact of Black genealogy research and how family histories can be traced back to historical American events. Paths to the Past is included with museum admission.
Feb. 21 | 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Detroit Historical Museum
Lecture: Midnight: Detroit and the Underground Railroad
This lecture, presented by Billy Wall-Winkle, will explore Detroit’s role in the Underground Railroad, codenamed Midnight. Registration for the lecture is free.
Feb. 21 | 2:30-3:30 p.m.
Detroit Public Library – Main Branch
St. Matthew’s-St. Joseph’s Episcopal Church: Black History Month HHW Tour
The tour of Historic Houses of Worship will guide attendees through a look at its historical founding and its impact on the Underground Railroad. General admission tickets can be found on the website.
Feb. 23 | 10:30 a.m. to noon
St. Matthew’s-St. Joseph’s Episcopal Church
Celebrating a Century of Courage: Co-Creating and Co-Existing
Through dialogue, reflection, and storytelling, the young, Black students of the Collegiate School in New York City will share the impact of historical trailblazer Carter G. Woodson. The program is included with museum admission.
Feb. 28 | 1-3 p.m.
Detroit Historical Museum