New exhibits, films and more offered for Black History Month
From new exhibits to film screenings to festivals and more, there is no shortage of events to celebrate Black History Month.
“In February, we highlight the people, organizations and overall shared experiences that have contributed to the advancement of not just African Americans, but Americans as one,” said Marline Martin, director of learning and engagement at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History.
The month coincides with the opening of several exhibits at the Wright Museum and the Detroit Institute of the Arts (DIA). The Wright Museum has two photography exhibits, “The Audacity to Thrive” and “Paths to Freedom” opening Friday, Feb. 2. It is also opening a new gallery about the life of Judge Damon Keith within its “And Still We Rise” permanent exhibition.
The DIA’s “Regeneration: Black Cinema, 1898–1971” exhibit, opening Sunday, Feb. 4, explores the legacy of Black filmmakers and actors from the beginnings of cinema to the Civil Rights Movement.
Anthony Smith, the vice president for learning and audience engagement at the DIA, said it’s important for people to know their history to know themselves.
“Too often the history and culture of Blacks in America has been demonized, denigrated, downplayed and dismissed,” he said. “Black History Month provides intentionality to recognizing the contributions that African Americans have made to the building of our nation.”
Here's a guide to Black History Month events and activities throughout Metro Detroit.
Month-long: 'Undefeated,' a Black History Month lecture from Ford Field
This daily video series by the city of Detroit office of Arts, Culture, and Entrepreneurship (Detroit ACE), will feature speeches, panels and interviews on Black history and artistry in Detroit. The series will kick off with city historian Jamon Jordan's annual speech on Black arts history in Detroit, which will air at 7 p.m. on Channel 22 and on all social media platforms. The series will focus on Detroit’s impact in jazz, gospel, architecture and comedy. Detroit ACE encourages the community to tune Monday through Friday to view each segment.
Now - March 3: “Skilled Labor: Black Realism in Detroit,” Cranbrook Art Museum
This exhibit explores the representation of the Black body in personal and cultural contexts and features 20 contemporary artists who have worked in Detroit during the past decade. General admission, $10; $8 for Detroit residents and seniors older than 65; $6 for students are $6; and kids 12 and younger get in free. 39221 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Hills. www.cranbrookartmuseum.org.
Feb. 1: On The Mend Sewing Workshop: Learning about Fashion Icon, Dapper Dan, Main Detroit Public Library
Teens are invited to learn how to repair clothing while learning about Daniel R. Day, “Dapper Dan,” and his influence on men’s high fashion and hip-hop clothing. The event is free; a needle and thread will also be provided. 4-5:30 p.m., Detroit Public Library, 5201 Woodward Ave., Detroit. www.detroitpubliclibrary.org.
Feb. 1: Book Talk and Celebration with Author Ibram X. Kendi, Wright Museum
In conversation with Wright museum President and CEO Neil Barclay, bestselling author Ibram X. Kendi will discuss his adaptation of Zora Neale Hurston's “Barracoon: The Story of the Last ‘Black Cargo’” for young readers. 5 p.m. at the Wright museum, 315 E. Warren Ave., Detroit. Tickets are free but registration is encouraged. www.thewright.org.
Feb. 1: “The Black History of the North End by Jamon Jordan,” St. Matthew's & St. Joseph's Episcopal Church
Detroit City Historian Jamon Jordan shares untold Black history stories from Detroit’s North End neighborhood, including prominent figures and grassroots movements that shaped the community. The event is free and is from 6-7:30 p.m. at St. Matthew's & St. Joseph's Episcopal Church, 8850 Woodward Ave., Detroit.
Thursday- Feb. 29: Celebrating African Americans and the Arts, The Henry Ford Museum
The museum is offering a series of BHM events with a theme of “African Americans and the Arts,” featuring musicians, dancers, poets and plays. On Feb. 22, the museum will debut the first installation of a three-part pop-up exhibit marking the 60th anniversary of the 1964 Civil Rights Act. The Henry Ford is also the permanent home of the Rosa Parks bus. Museum admission is $30. 20900 Oakwood Blvd., Dearborn. www.thehenryford.org.
Feb. 2: “The Audacity to Thrive” Photo Exhibit, Wright Museum
“The Audacity to Thrive” explores the boldness of African-descended peoples who thrive in the face of challenges through the photography of Adreinne Waheed. The exhibit is included with museum admission and is located at the Wright Museum, 315 E. Warren Ave, Detroit. www.thewright.org.
Feb. 2: “Paths to Freedom” Photo Exhibit, Wright Museum
“Paths to Freedom” is an immersive installation with photos and video from Philadelphia-based artist John E. Dowell that imagines the agricultural landscapes his enslaved ancestors encountered during their pursuit of freedom. The exhibit is included with museum admission and is located at the Wright Museum, 315 E. Warren Ave, Detroit. www.thewright.org.
Feb. 3: Black History Month: Family African Mask Making, Jefferson Branch, Detroit Public Library
Library visitors of all ages can learn about and create an African mask as part of Black History Month. The event is free and takes place from 2-3 p.m. at the library, 12350 Outer Drive East, Detroit. www.detroitpubliclibrary.org.
Feb. 3: City of Southfield Black History Month Kick-Off Event, Southfield Pavilion
Southfield opens Black History Month with its annual kickoff event, including performances, demonstrations and shopping with Black-owned businesses. The highlight of the event is the Black History 101 Mobile Museum featuring a discussion with its founder, Dr. Khalid el-Hakim, and actor Ralph Carter from “Good Times.” The event is free, 4-8 p.m. at the Southfield Pavilion, 26000 Evergreen. www.cityofsouthfield.com.
Feb. 4 - June 13: “Regeneration: Black Cinema, 1898–1971,” DIA
The “Regeneration: Black Cinema, 1898–1971” exhibit explores the legacy of African American filmmakers and actors from the beginnings of cinema to the aftermath of the civil rights movement. The exhibit features historical photographs, costumes, props, posters and interactive elements juxtaposed with significant contemporary artworks by artists including Glenn Ligon, Gary Simmons and Kara Walker. The exhibit is included with museum admission, 5200 Woodward Ave., Detroit. www.dia.org.
Feb. 4: “Becoming Frederick Douglass” Film Screening, Wright Museum
The museum is presenting “Becoming Frederick Douglass,” a documentary from Stanley Nelson on Douglass’ rise from slavery to becoming one of the most influential voices for democracy in American history. The film takes place at 1 p.m., 315 E. Warren Ave., Detroit. Tickets are free but registration is encouraged. www.thewright.org.
Feb. 5: Take 5 - All Male Jazz Tribute, Music Hall
Enjoy an evening of jazz music with performances that pay tribute to jazz greats including Al Jarreau, Leon Thomas, Bill Withers, Nat King Cole, Billy Eckstine and Milton Nascimento. 8 p.m. at Music Hall, 350 Madison Ave., Detroit. Tickets, $35. www.musichall.org.
Feb. 10: “Drawing Back the Curtain: Black Theaters in Detroit,” Duffield Branch, Detroit Public Library
Gary Anderson, producing artistic director of the Plowshares Theater Company, will discuss the history and contemporary presence of Detroit black theaters. The event is free and takes place from noon - 1:30 p.m. at the library, located at 2507 W. Grand Blvd, Detroit. For more information visit www.detroitpubliclibrary.org.
Feb. 10: Black History Scavenger Hunt, Jefferson Branch, Detroit Public Library
At this event, visitors will be given a list of famous African Americans to seek. Prizes will be available for those who complete the list. The event is free, noon - 4 p.m. at the library, 12350 Outer Drive East, Detroit. www.detroitpubliclibrary.org.
Feb. 10: Black Expo, Orchard Mall
The West Bloomfield Diversity Task Force’s Black Expo features more than 50 demos and displays highlighting careers, resources and Black-owned businesses. Free. 1-4 p.m. at Orchard Mall, 6445 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield Township. www.wbparks.org.
Feb. 10: Storytelling with Madelyn Porter, DIA
Storyteller Madelyn Porter will pay tribute to African American history through music, prose, poetry, folktales, song and dance. Free, 2 p.m. at the DIA, 5200 Woodward Ave., Detroit. www.dia.org.
Feb. 10: Winter LoveFest, Palmer Park
People for Palmer Park is celebrating Black History and love during its Winter LoveFest. The afternoon will feature African dancing and drumming, arts and crafts, winter sports, treats, carriage rides and more. Visitors are encouraged to bring books and hats/mittens/goves/scarves to donate to those in need. 2-5 p.m. inside and around the Palmer Log Cabin at Palmer Park, 910 Merrill Plaisance, Detroit. www.peopleforpalmerpark.org.
Feb. 10: "Because Of Them ..We Can: A Celebration of Notable Black Americans,” Elmwood Park Branch, Detroit Public Library
Storyteller Gwendolyn Lewis will present at this afternoon of re-enactments, poetry and song during "Because Of Them ..We Can: A Celebration of Notable Black Americans.” Free. 3-4 p.m. at the Elmwood Park branch of the Detroit Public Library, 550 Chene, Detroit. www.detroitpubliclibrary.org.
Feb. 12: The Satin Doll Revue, Music Hall
Celebrate iconic female Black jazz singers with performances that pay homage to vocalists including Billie Holiday, Dinah Washington, Nina Simone, Bessie Smith, Carmen McRae, Sarah Vaughan and Etta James. 7 p.m., Music Hall, 350 Madison Ave., Detroit. Tickets, $40 but attendees can get a $10 discount for dressing up as their favorite Black icon. www.musichall.org.
Feb. 15: On The Mend: Learning about Fashion Designer, Ann Lowe, Main Detroit Public Library
This sewing workshop for teens teaches them how to repair clothing while learning about Black fashion designer Ann Lowe and her work on evening gowns for the rich and famous. The event is free; a needle and thread will also be provided. The event takes place from 4 - 5:30 p.m. at the main branch of the Detroit Public Library, 5201 Woodward Avenue Detroit. For more information visit www.detroitpubliclibrary.org.
Feb. 15: George Washington Carver STEM Activities and Snacks, Franklin Branch, Detroit Public Library
Families can learn about African American scientist George Washington Carver's life and inventions while learning to make peanut milk and enjoy sweet potato pie. The event is free and takes place from 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. at the Franklin branch of the Detroit Public Library, 13651 East McNichols Road, Detroit. For more information visit www.detroitpubliclibrary.org.
Feb. 15: The Wright Conversations: Benjamin Crump, Wright Museum
Civil Rights attorney Benjamin Crump will join Wright Museum President and CEO Neil Barclay in conversation as part of the museum’s “The Wright Conversations” series. The event takes place at 5 p.m. at the Wright Museum, 315 E. Warren Ave, Detroit. Tickets are $15. For details visit www.thewright.org.
Feb. 17: Detroit Book City African-American Family Book Expo and Read-In 2024, Historic People’s Community Church in Detroit
Visitors can meet 30 independent authors from throughout the country and participate in live readings and activities. The event is free and runs from 12:30 - 5 p.m. at the Historic People's Community Church, 8601 Woodward Ave., Detroit.
Feb. 17: “Stepping Through Time: Celebrating African American Dance in Early Cinema,” DIA
Choreographer, producer and educator Lisa McCall will discuss the roots of African American dance and will perform the Lindy-Hop and tap with her dancers. The event is free with museum admission and takes place at 2 p.m. at the DIA, located at 5200 Woodward Ave, Detroit. For more information visit www.dia.org.
Feb. 17: “Skilled Labor: Black Realism in Detroit” Panel, DIA
In conjunction with the Cranbrook Art Museum’s “Skilled Labor: Black Realism in Detroit” exhibit, the DIA is offering a panel discussion with some of the exhibit’s featured artists, including Sydney James, Hubert Massey and Mario Moore. Free with registration. 6-8 p.m. at the DIA, 5200 Woodward Ave., Detroit. www.dia.org.
Feb. 18: “Minga and the Broken Spoon” Film Screening, Wright Museum
The adventure of an orphaned girl chased away by her stepmother after breaking a spoon. 1 p.m. at the Wright museum, 315 E. Warren Ave, Detroit. Tickets are free but registration is encouraged. www.thewright.org.
Feb. 19: Music of Our Lives, Music Hall
Music Hall presents “Music of Our Lives,” an evening of performances celebrating Black musicians throughout history and genres, including the sounds of Africa, blues era, Harlem Renaissance, Motown, hip hop and more. 7 p.m., 350 Madison Ave., Detroit. Tickets are $25. www.musichall.org.
Feb. 24: Black History Month Bingo, Jefferson Branch, Detroit Public Library
The Jefferson branch of the Detroit Public Library is offering Black History Month Bingo, where participants can compete for prizes while learning about famous African Americans. Free. 2-3 p.m. at the library, 12350 Outer Drive East, Detroit. www.detroitpubliclibrary.org.
Feb. 25: “Hope of Escape” Film Screening, Wright Museum
Historical docudrama based on the true story of an enslaved mother and daughter on their escape to the North. The film takes place at 1 p.m. at the Wright Museum, 315 E. Warren Ave, Detroit. Tickets are free but registration is encouraged. www.thewright.org.
March 1-2: Detroit Symphony Orchestra 46th Annual Classical Roots Concerts, Orchestra Hall
The concerts will take place March 1 at 10:45 a.m. and March 2 at 8 p.m. and Orchestra Hall at 3711 Woodward Ave., Detroit. Tickets start at $19. www.dso.org.