6 Metro Detroit Black History Month Events to Celebrate
Black History Month has officially started and if you’re in or near the D, these are six Detroit Black History Month events that will be happening in the area.
Last night we kicked off the festivities with A Tribute to the Queen, which celebrated not only Aretha Franklin’s contribution to music, but also the Civil Rights movement. I hosted the event and Alise King, who was somewhat of a protégé to Ms. Franklin performed and celebrated the Queen of Soul.
Celebrate Black History & Black Futures – February 1 – February 29, 9:30 am – 5:00 pm:
The theme at the Henry Ford Museum (20900 Oakwood Blvd.), will be African American and the Arts. Weekends during the month of February they’ll spotlight musicians, poets, dancers and plays. You can see their full schedule of events here.
A Tribute to the Queen – February 1, 8:00 pm:
The Aretha Jazz Cafe (350 Madison St), will highlight Aretha Franklin’s contribution to the Civil Rights Movement and how she used her voice for racial equality. Alise King will be performing some of Aretha’s hits during the event. It will be hosted by myself and Shannon Renee, get info on the event and purchase tickets here.
Shannon Renee and myself talked to Alise about her relationship with Aretha Franklin:
Emagine Celebrates Black History Month – February 2 – February 29:
Emagine will be celebrating Black History Month, through the whole month of February by showing African American influenced movies from some of the most influential black entertainers for only $5. Here is the schedule and movies:
- Do the Right Thing (Rated R): (February 2 – February 8)
- Mo’ Better Blues (Rated R): (February 9 – February 15)
- Straight Outta Compton (Rated R): (February 16 – February 22)
- American Gangster (Rated R): (February 23 – February 29)
These are the participating locations:
- Emagine Canton
- Emagine Novi
- Emagine Rochester Hills
- Emagine Royal Oak
- Quality 10 Powered by Emagine
- The Riviera Powered by Emagine
[Related: 20 Notable Films About Black History That Aren’t About Slavery.]
Southfield Celebrates Black History Month Kickoff Event – February 3, 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm:
The Southfield Kickoff Event will be at the Southfield Pavilion (26000 Evergreen Road), and will feature the Black History 101 Mobile Museum. This free event will feature a conversation with founder, Dr. Khalid el-Hakim and actor Ralph Carter from Good Times. The event will also feature a Black-owned Business Marketplace.
Conversations & Cocktails – February 10, 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm:
This event will also take place at the Southfield Pavilion (26000 Evergreen Road), and feature poets and musicians from Detroit and celebrate their contributions to society. There will be a cash bar and food for purchase, tickets are $15 and can be purchased here.
The Secret Society of Twisted Storytellers – February 23, 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm:
The city of Southfield will wrap up Black History Month in Detroit at the Southfield Pavilion (26000 Evergreen Road), and will be hosted by Satori Shakoor. It will feature some of Detroit’s best storytellers and musicians, with a pre-glow where you can meet them before the event. Cash bar and food will be available for purchase. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased here.