Black History Month is observed every February to honor the achievements of the Black Community. Beyond learning about the historic struggles and successes of this community it’s also a time to celebrate Black culture through the exploration of art, music, food, and more. While these contributions should be acknowledge and celebrated all everyday, Black History Month provides a time to renew your focus on learning more about and getting more involved with the Black community in your area. We’ve complied a list of opportunities in the Detroit Metro area to help get you started celebrating this Black History Month.
Events to Attend
- In-Person Events (some events may have mask and vaccine requirement due to the COVID-19 pandemic, please check the event website before registering)
- Quiet and Loud Protest Pop-Up Exhibit at The Henry Ford Museum
- Walk Through History at the Southfield Municipal Campus Front Lawn
- Southfield is hosting a variety of other events celebrating Black History Month which can also be found at the above link.
- 6th Annual African American Family Book Expo at Detroit Book City
- Black History Month: Detroit Youth Choir* hosted by the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA)
- The DIA is hosting a variety of other events celebrating Black History Month which can be found here.
- Online Events in Michigan
- Glimpses from “And Still We Rise” Webinars from The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History’s
- The Henry Ford’s Celebrate Black History Leadership Spotlight series presented by Ford Motor Company Fund
- Public Black History Tours from the City Institute
- Paradise Now with Tyler Mitchell hosted by the Detroit Institute of Arts
- In Our Own Voice: African American Art from the Sterling Heights Library
Buy From Black-Owned Business
- 600+ Black-Owned Business to Support in the Detroit Metro Area
- Black-Owned Detroit Restaurants
- Black-Owned Retailers in Detroit
- Black-Owned Beauty Bars and Salons in Detroit
- WeBuyBlack – An online store that sells everyday items from solely Black-owned businesses.
- EatOkra – A mobile app directory to find and order from Black-owned restaurants near you.
- Black Nation – A mobile app that helps you find local Black-owned businesses and companies.
Black-led Organizations to Support
- Black Lives Matter
- Campaign Zero
- Black Girls Code
- The NAACP
- Trans Women of Color Collective
- Detroit Black Community Food Security Network
- Detroit Phoenix Center
- Ruth Ellis Center
- We the People of Detroit
Other Ways to Support
- Research Black history in your community.
- Read Black literature.
- Support Black artists and musicians.
Most importantly keep learning and reflecting and remember that the challenges Black individuals face are ongoing, not just history. Incorporate anti-racism into everyday action, not just during Black History month.
