What’s good, friends? We are in the final days of the celebration of Black History Month. Do you have any plans to celebrate with your family and friends?

My family and I are going to be attending a few events this weekend and next week, like the African American Read-In at the Southfield Public Library and The Wright’s FREE Days in honor of Black History Month.

Celebrating Black History Month is a great way to honor our heritage and learn how to continue to grow as a culture. For our friends who are not African American, Black History Month is a wonderful way for others to learn more about our culture and continue to create a society of love, respect, and unity.

What are your thoughts on celebrating Black History Month? How has it helped you find connections to your heritage?

If you’re looking for an event or two to celebrate Black History Month, then take a look at my round-up of 20 Black History Month events in the Detroit and metro area!

BUT I’M GOING TO TELL YOU NOW…

It’s going to be hard to choose just one event because there are SO MANY enriching and fun cultural events happening from now until February 28th! 🙂

Photo courtesy Beacon Park Detroit

1. FEBRUARY FLICKS: BLACK PANTHER & SELMA

Beacon Park in Detroit will host free showings of Black Panther and Selma the weekend of February 22nd.

Here is the movie schedule for the weekend:

February 22nd:
7 p.m. – Black Panther (PG-13) 2hrs 15m

February 23rd:
4 p.m. – Black Panther (PG-13) 2hrs 15m
6:30 p.m. – Selma (PG-13) 2hrs 8m

WEBSITE: www.empoweringmichigan.com/beaconpark/

Photo courtesy the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History

2. FREE ADMISSION DAYS AT THE WRIGHT

The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History is hosting FREE admission days during Black History Month. Here are the dates:

Saturday, February 23: 9 – 5

Sunday, February 24: 1 – 5

Monday, February 25: 9 – 5

WEBSITE: www.thewright.org

Photo courtesy Detroit Historical Museum

3. AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY DAY

On Saturday, February 23rd, the Detroit Historical Museum will host African American History Day. Admission is FREE!

There will be vendors, crafts, West African Dance, and a discussion about youth sports in Detroit.

TIME: 11 – 4

ADDRESS: 5401 Woodward Ave., Detroit

WEBSITE: https://detroithistorical.org/detroit-historical-museum/plan-your-visit/general-information

Photo courtesy Southfield Public Library

4. AFRICAN AMERICAN READ-IN

The Southfield Public Library (SPL) is hosting an African American Read-In in celebration of Black History Month. All ages are welcome to participate. You can come to listen to others read aloud and also read to the group. Readers are limited to 5 minutes or less of reading time.

DATE: Saturday, February 23

TIME: 1 – 2:30 P.M.

WEBSITE: https://southfieldlibrary.org/

Photo courtesy Second Ebeneezer Church

5. BATTLE OF THE BANDS 2K19

It’s the 22nd annual College Weekend featuring the Battle of the Bands! The kick-off night will feature high school, college, and community bands performing alongside some of the best Greek step teams.

DATE: Friday, February 22

TIME: 6:30 – 8:30 P.M.

WEBSITE: You can get your tickets on Eventbrite HERE.

Photo courtesy Detroit Book City

6. DETROIT BOOK CITY’S 3RD ANNUAL AFRICAN AMERICAN FAMILY BOOK EXPO

Detroit City is hosting their 3rd Annual African American Family Book Expo on Sunday, February 24th. It is Michigan’s largest African American family book expo. The expo showcases the best books published by Black independent authors covering every aspect of African-American lives.

DATE: Sunday, February 24

TIME: 12 – 5 P.M.

WEBSITE: https://www.detroitbookcity.com/

Photo courtesy Wrapped In Love

7. WRAPPED IN LOVE! A DETROIT LIBRARY PARTY!

Hosted by Wrapped In Love, this event will explore the beauty and styles of headwraps. Come learn about how to create headwrap styles and the history behind the art of headwrapping!

DATE: Sunday, February 24th

TIME: 3 -5 P.M.

LOCATION: Detroit Public Library – 5201 Woodward Ave.

WEBSITE: Get event details HERE.

Photo courtesy Source Booksellers

8. LISTENING TO BLACK MALE WRITERS READ

Source Booksellers is hosting a great event for Black male writers. The event is called “Listening to Black Male Writers Read” and it is in celebration of Black History Month.

DATE: Sunday, February 24

TIME: 4 – 5 P.M.

WEBSITE: http://www.sourcebooksellers.com/

Photo courtesy of Trinity International Film Festival

9. FEBRUARY FEATURED FILMS: FIVE ON THE BLACK HAND SIDE

Trinity International Film Festival and Maker City Collective will host an African American film series. The series will highlight all-black cast members that include some of the most memorable entertainers in history.

. DATE: Sunday, February 24

TIME: 4 – 6:30 P.M.

WEBSITE: Get event information HERE.

Photo courtesy Hug Detroit Day

10. HUG DETROIT DAY 1ST ANNUAL BLACK HISTORY MONTH FAMILY FESTIVAL

Hug Detroit Day & Unlimited Sky Productions will host their 1st Annual Black History Month Family Festival on Sunday, February 24, 2019. The event is $10 and will be held at the Tangent Gallery in Detroit.

Theme: â€śBlack Migrations” — The meaning of the theme is the tracking of the continuous movement of African Americans from the American South to the industrialized North and beyond.

The event will feature many activities and special speakers. From art to poetry and storytelling, there will be a variety of events for the whole family to enjoy!

DATE: Sunday, February 24

TIME: 5 – 10 P.M.

WEBSITE: Get event information HERE.

Photo courtesy of Southfield Parks & Recreation

11. SOUTHFIELD CELEBRATES BLACK HISTORY MONTH

On February 28th from 6 to 9 P.M., Southfield Parks & Recreation will host The Secret Society of Twisted Storytellers. The Black History Month celebration will be held at the Southfield Pavilion and feature storytellers and musicians.

DATE: Thursday, February 28

TIME: 6 – 9 P.M.

WEBSITE: Get event information HERE.

Photo courtesy Sky Covington and the Black Historic Sites Committee

12. SKY COVINGTON PERFORMS AT JAZZ ON THE STREETS OF OLD DETROIT

Jazz singer and songwriter Sky Covington will perform at the Black Historic Sites Committee’s quarterly jazz series. The event will be held at the Detroit Historical Museum on Thursday, February 28th.

Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. You can purchase tickets at the link below or by calling Charnae Sanders at (313) 833 0277.

DATE: February 28

TIME: 6 – 9 P.M.

LOCATION: Detroit Historical Museum

WEBSITE: Get event information HERE.

Photo courtesy The Detroit Experience Factory

13. SHOP DETROIT: LIVERNOIS BLACK-OWNED BUSINESS WALKING TOUR

The Detroit Experience Factory will host a special walking tour to discover incredible black-owned businesses and boutiques in Detroit!

The tour group will hear from business owners as they share their stories of entrepreneurship and what it’s like being a part of Detroit’s thriving small business scene (and, of course, there will be time to shop!)

DATE: Saturday, February 23

TIME: 2:30 – 5 P.M.

LOCATION: 19363 Livernois Ave., Detroit

WEBSITE: Get event information HERE.

Photo courtesy The Carr Center

14. A PERCUSSION CONVERSATION FEATURING SAVION, DEE DEE & TERRI LYNE

On Saturday, February 23, 2019, witness improvisation at it’s finest with these three dynamic performers. Savion will dance to the rhythm of Terri Lyne’s drum and the scat of Dee Dee’s song. This is one of the most dynamic collaborations of the Carr Center’s season.

DATE: Saturday, February 23

TIME: 7:30 – 10:30 P.M.

LOCATION: Detroit School of Arts – 123 Selden St., Detroit

WEBSITE: Get event information HERE.

Photo courtesy B. Van Randall

15. ENGAGING THE NEXT GENERATION OF CULTURE CHAMPIONS AT THE WRIGHT

Join The Wright for a conversation about engaging the next generation! The evening includes light refreshments, cash bar, networking, and a special preview of “Therians: The Awakening”, an animated graphic novel by B. Van Randall.

Bring your business cards and your great ideas; there’ll be door prizes!

RSVP is required for attendance.

DATE: Sunday, February 24

TIME: 6 – 8 P.M.

WEBSITE: Get event details HERE.

Photo courtesy of the Tuskegee Airmen National Historical Museum

16. TUSKEGEE AIRMEN NATIONAL HISTORICAL MUSEUM

Join the Tuskegee Airmen National Historical Museum for an unforgettable evening at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History Feb. 23, 2019, as they celebrate the Tuskegee Airmen National Historical Museum and its 30th Annual Salute Reception and Dinner.

DATE: Saturday, February 23

TIME: 6 P.M.

WEBSITE: www.tuskegeemuseum.org

Photo courtesy the Detroit Public Library

17. ART EXHIBITION: 50 YEARS OF IMMORTALITY

The Detroit Public Library is hosting an Art Exhibition Honoring Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. featuring the art of Ana Candioti.

DATE: There are several dates for this art exhibition. Please see the website link for more information.

TIME: Times vary.

LOCATION: Detroit Public Library

WEBSITE: Get event information HERE.

Photo courtesy Pages Bookshop

18. READING & DISCUSSION: AISHA SABATINI SLOAN AND NANDI COMER

As a part of our Black History Month celebration, Pages Bookshop will host Aisha Sabatini Sloan and Nandi Comer.

Take part in a conversation about their experience writing as authors of colors and the effect it has on their work.

The event is free and open to the public. Both Aisha’s and Nandi’s books will be available for purchase before and after this event.

DATE: Thursday, February 28

TIME: 6 – 7:30 P.M.

LOCATION: Pages Bookshop – 19560 Grand River Ave., Detroit

WEBSITE: Get event information HERE.

Photo courtesy Pages Bookshop

19. THE DETROIT ASSOCIATION OF BLACK STORYTELLERS AT PAGES BOOKSHOP

Pages Bookshop will welcome three Detroit storytellers, Larry Castleberry, Mary Johnson Grant, and Sheryl Pryor for an evening of stories that honor Black History Month.

All three storytellers are members of the Detroit Association of Black Storytellers.

This event is free and open to the public.

DATE: Tuesday, February 26

TIME: 6 -7:30 P.M.

LOCATION: Pages Bookshop

WEBSITE: Get event information HERE.

Photo courtesy Willis Show Bar

20. BLACK HISTORY MONTH TRIBUTE WITH THE JEFFREY TRENT QUARTET

Willis Show Bar will host an African American history celebration on Thursday, February 28. The Jeffrey Trent Quartet will perform the music of the African American tradition.

Featuring…
Jeffrey Trent, Louis Jones, Jonathan Miur Cotton, & Leroy Mickens

Playing music by…
Roy Ayers, Bell Biv Devoe, Marvin Gaye, The Gap Band, MJ, Stevie Wonder, & J Dilla

DATE: Thursday, February 28

TIME: 6 P.M. – 1 A.M.

LOCATION: Willis Show Bar – 4156 Third Ave., Detroit

WEBSITE: Get event information HERE.


Of course, there are many more wonderful events in Detroit that are celebrating Black History Month. These are 20 events that I rounded-up for you. If you know of any events that are not on my list, please share it in the comments below!

HAPPY BLACK HISTORY MONTH!


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Written by

Jennifer Hamra

Freelance creative Jennifer Hamra created her blog Good Life Detroit in 2015 after relocating from Tennessee to Southeast Michigan.

Inspired by her love for personal blogging and photography, Jennifer likes to share her favorite Detroit things, from cool places to visit (the hidden gems are her favorite!) to the amazing people she has connected with over the years.

When she's not busy juggling family life and her creative projects, you can find her at an art gallery, community event, farmers market, or spending quiet time at home with a good book and cup of tea.

Jennifer lives in the metro Detroit area with her husband Travis and their six children.

Connect with Jennifer on social media @goodlifedetroit on all social media platforms or via email at [email protected].