Celebrate Black History Month in Metro Detroit
As many of you know, February is Black History Month. There are many opportunities to learn and celebrate black history throughout Metro Detroit and I’ve put together a great list for you and the family. Consider these events when looking for something fun to do during the month of February.
1. Michigan Science Center
Learn about the work of African American scientists during the month of February at the Michigan Science Center’s Explainer Station on the lower level. Events run specifically Feb. 1-4, 8-11, 15-18 and 22-25, 2018 from 1:00 – 3:00 pm Thursday – Sunday. Cost is $14 – adults, $11 – 2-12 and FREE for those under age 2.
Click here for more info. The Michigan Science Center is located at 5020 John R St. Detroit.
2. Detroit Puppet Theater at Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts
Enjoy Oh Ananse! A West African folktale that tells the story of what happens when the sky god, who owns all the stories in the world, gives Ananse the chance to tell these stories to people, but only if he passes three challenging tests. The show really comes to life with the help of a hip-hop influenced soundtrack and beautiful handmade puppets. The event runs Jan 28th and Feb 25, 2018. Cost is $15 – adults and $10 – kids.
Click here for more information. The Center is located inside Jazz Cafe, 350 Madison Ave., Detroit.
3. Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation
Celebrate Black History each week of February by learning different aspects of African-American history. Kids can enjoy hands-on activities, performances, African-American-inspired food and music, and much more. The event will run from 9:30 am -5:00 pm daily. Cost? It’s free admission with your purchased museum ticket. Museum tickets cost $23 – ages 12-61, $17.25 – ages 3-11, $21 – ages 62-plus, FREE for children age 2 and/or younger.
Click here for more information. The Henry Ford Museum is located at 20900 Oakwood Blvd., Dearborn.
4. Detroit Institute of Arts
The DIA’s renowned African art collection is available to explore during daily open hours. Be sure to ask about family-friendly workshops, guided tours, artist discussions & demonstrations, and short film screenings. Visit Feb 1-28 for Black History knowledge during the following hours: 9:00 am -4:00 pm. Tuesday-Thursday, 9:00 am – 10:00 pm Friday, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm. Saturday-Sunday (closed Mondays). Cost is FREE for Macomb, Oakland and Wayne county residents; others: $14 – adults, $9 – seniors, $8 – college students with ID, $6 – ages 6-17, FREE for kids 5 and under.
Click here for more information. The Detroit Institute of Arts is located at 5200 Woodward Ave., Detroit.
5. Charles H. Wright Museum
The DTE Energy Foundation sponsors monthly open houses at The Wright. For February, families can enjoy FREE Second Sunday at the Wright to experience many exhibitions on display as well as engaging programming for the entire family. The event is February 11, 2018 from 1:00 -5:00 pm and story time at 2:00 pm. Cost is FREE.
Click here for a month long list of Black History Month events at The Wright. The Charles H. Wright Museum is located at 315 E. Warren Ave.
6. Dossin Great Lakes Museum
Did you know? The USS Mason was the only U.S. Navy Warship during WWII that had a crew made up entirely of African-Americans. Proudly We Served is a film that explores the way their historical journey fought both segregation and U.S. enemies. The film is playing February 10th and 11th, 2018 and the cost is FREE. Movie times are at 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm both days.
Click here to learn more. The Dossin Great Lakes Museum is located at 100 Strand Drive, Belle Isle, Detroit.
7. Macomb Community College South Campus
Hidden Figures is a movie about three brilliant African-American women at NASA – Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson – and they serve as the brains behind one of the greatest operations in history: the launch of astronaut John Glenn into orbit, a stunning achievement that restored the nation’s confidence, turned around the Space Race and galvanized the world. Learn about their contributions with a discussion of the book, Hidden Figures, by Margot Lee Shetterly. Advance registration required. The event will take place February 14, 2018. Cost is FREE. Please use this 5 digit registration # for the event – 57856.
Click here to learn more. Macomb Comm. College South Campus is located at 14500 E. 12 Mile Rd, Warren.
8. Wild Swan Theater at Towsley Auditorium
“Under the African Sky” will be performed by the Wild Swan Theater at Towsley Auditorium. Experience a collection of African tales in different mediums, from storytelling, acting, dancing and extravagant drumming. The event will be held at 10:00 am and 1:00 pm on February 15th, 10:00 am and 12:30 pm on Feb 23rd, 2:00 pm on Feb 25th, 6:30 pm on Feb 27th and 10:00 am on Feb 28th. Cost: $12 – adults, $10 – age 12 and under and seniors (60-plus), $3 – lap pass.
Click here for more information. Towsley Auditorium is located inside Morris Lawrence Building, Washtenaw Community College, 4800 E. Huron River, Ann Arbor.
9. Detroit Historical Museum
African-American History Day at Detroit Historical Museum is an annual family-friendly event featuring make-and-take crafts, story readings, games, and live performances, all in celebration of Black History Month. Guests can participate in The Great Migration, the Society’s newest StoryLiving educational program, learn about Detroit’s Underground Railroad history and much more. The event will take place Feb 24, 2018 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm and the cost is FREE.
Click here for more information. The Detroit Historical Museum is located at 5401 Woodward Ave., Detroit.
