February is Black History Month, which means it’s the perfect time to bring the family out for a learning experience at one of these local Black History Month events. Here, you will find a listing of tons of story telling events, musical and dance performances, interactive workshops and hands-on activities, great for anyone who wants to explore black history and culture, and gain awareness of the past. Discover what family-friendly Black History Month events the metro Detroit area has to offer, and which one, or ones, will work for you and your family.
Oh Ananse! by the Detroit Puppet Theater at Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts
Jan. 28 and Feb. 25, 2018
- Address: Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts, inside Jazz Café, 350 Madison Ave., Detroit
- Phone: 313-961-7777
- Times: 2 p.m. Sunday
- Cost: $15/adults, $10/kids
This West African folktale 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.
National African American Read-In Book Discussions at the Farmington Community Library
Feb. 1, 5 and 12, 2018
- Address: Farmington Community Library, 23500 Liberty St.
- Phone: 248-553-0300
- Times: 6:30 p.m. Thursdays
- Admission: Free
On Feb. 1, kids in grade K-6 will learn about and discuss past and present African American children’s authors and illustrators. On Feb. 8, teens will discuss The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas, and on Feb. 12, adults are welcome to discuss Another Brooklyn by Jacqueline Woodson. Register in advance.
African American History Month at the Michigan Science Center
Feb. 1-4, 8-11, 15-18 and 22-25, 2018
- Address: 5020 John R St., Detroit
- Phone: 313-577-8400
- Times: 1-3 p.m. Thursday-Sunday
- Cost: $14/adults, $11/ages 2-12, free/under age 2
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.
Black History Month at the Detroit Institute of Arts
Feb. 1-28, 2018
- Address: Detroit Institute of Arts, 5200 Woodward Ave., Detroit
- Phone: 313-833-7900
- Times: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday (closed Mondays)
- Cost: Free/Macomb, Oakland and Wayne county residents; others: $14/adults, $9/seniors, $8/college students with ID, $6/ages 6-17, free/kids 5 and under
The DIA’s renowned African art collection is yours to explore during all open hours; plus tons of family-friendly drop-in workshops, guided tours, artist discussions and demonstrations, and short film screenings to enjoy. Don’t forget to swing by this month on select days for Chinese New Year and Valentine’s celebrations, too.
Celebrate Black History at Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation in Dearborn
Feb. 1-5, 7-11, 14-18 and 21-25, 2018
- Address: Henry Ford Museum, 20900 Oakwood Blvd., Dearborn
- Phone: 313-982-6001
- Times: 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. daily
- Cost: Free admission with museum ticket: $23/ages 12-61, $17.25/ages 3-11, $21/ages 62-plus, free/kids 2 and under; $6/parking
Each week, this local spot teaches about different aspects of African-American history in the form of hands-on activities, performances, music, African-American inspired food and more.
Sphinx Finals Concert at Orchestra Hall in Detroit
Feb. 4, 2018
- Address: Orchestra Hall, 3711 Woodward Ave., Detroit
- Phone: 313-576-5130
- Time: 2 p.m.
- Cost: $15/general
Experience this annual celebration of musical diversity, which features performances by very talented black and Latino string players.
Proudly We Served at Dossin Great Lakes Museum
Feb. 10-11, 2018
- Address: Dossin Great Lakes Museum, 100 Strand Drive, Belle Isle, Detroit
- Phone: 313-833-1805
- Time: 2-3 p.m.
- Cost: Free
The USS Mason was the only U.S. Navy Warship during WWII that had a crew made up entirely of African-Americans. This film explores the way their historical journey fought both segregation and U.S. enemies.
DTE Energy Foundation Free Second Sunday at the Wright in Detroit
Feb. 11, 2018
- Address: Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, 315 E. Warren Ave., Detroit
- Phone: 313-494-5800
- Schedule: 1-5 p.m. (story time at 2 p.m.)
- Cost: Free
The DTE Energy Foundation sponsors these monthly open houses at The Wright. This month, families can enjoy all of the African American exhibits that this local staple has to offer; plus an interactive story time for the kids
Hidden Figures at Macomb Community College South Campus
Feb. 14, 2018
- Address: Macomb Community College South Campus, 14500 E. 12 Mile Road, Warren
- Phone: 586-445-7999
- Time: 2-4 p.m.
- Cost: Free
You’ve no doubt heard about the outer space adventures of John Glenn and Neil Armstrong, but do you know how they got there? It was a group of women, including very talented African-American women, known as the “human computers” that did the math that eventually put these men into space. Learn about their contributions with a discussion of the book, Hidden Figures, by Margot Lee Shetterly. Advance registration required.
Black History Month at the Romulus Public Library
Feb. 22, 2018
- Address: Romulus Public Library, 11121 Wayne Road, Romulus
- Phone: 734-942-7589
- Time: 6:-7 p.m.
- Cost: Free
Miz Rosie the Storyteller dresses up for this interactive presentation and entertains with music and stories in celebration of black history.
Under the African Sky by Wild Swan Theater
Feb. 22-23 and 25, 2018
- Address: Towsley Auditorium, Morris Lawrence Building, Washtenaw Community College, 4800 E. Huron River Drive, Ann Arbor
- Time: 10 a.m. Thursday, 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Friday, 2 p.m. Sunday
- Phone: 734-995-0530
- Cost: $12/adults, $10/age 12 and under and seniors (60-plus), $3/lap pass
Experience a collection of African tales in a ton of different artistic mediums like story telling, acting, dancing and drumming. Colorful costumes, masks, traditional African music and tons of chances for audience participation add even more excitement to the performance. Note: Get your tickets ASAP – tickets sell out fast.
African-American History Day at Detroit Historical Museum
Feb. 24, 2018
- Address: Detroit Historical Museum, 5401 Woodward Ave., Detroit
- Phone: 313-833-1805
- Times: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
- Cost: Free
This annual family-friendly event features make-and-take crafts, story readings, games, and live performances, all in celebration of Black History Month. Participate in The Great Migration, the Society’s newest StoryLiving educational program, learn about Detroit’s Underground Railroad history and more.
This post was originally published in 2015 and is updated regularly.
