African-American culture is booming in southeast Michigan all February long. And, luckily for families, there many ways to open children’s eyes to the stories, struggles and shining achievements that make it so rich. Here are six spectacular Black History Month events. Check our calendar both in the magazine and online for more events.
Kids Fun at the Wright
It’s a big month at the Charles H. Wright of African American History. Open daily (including Mondays in February only), it boasts family activities at noon Saturdays. Visit Sunday Feb. 8, too, for Dilla Youth Day (2 p.m.); free admission!
- When: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays, 1-5 p.m. Sundays, Feb. 1-28
- Where: 315 E. Warren Ave., Detroit
- Cost: $8/adults, $5/seniors, $5/kids
- More: 313-494-5800, thewright.org
Celebrate Black History
During 20 total days, the Henry Ford Museum explores themes from northern migration to civil rights roots. Find loads of activities and African-American-inspired recipes at the Michigan Cafe, too.
- When: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Feb. 4-8, 11-15, 18-22, 25-28 and March 1
- Where: 20900 Oakwood Blvd., Dearborn
- Cost: $20/ages 13-61, $15/ages 5-12, free/4 and under; $6/parking
- More: 313-982-6001, thehenryford.org
African-American History Day
The Detroit Historical Museum hosts an annual free day of family fun with storyteller Ivory D. Williams, a caricature artist and more.
- When: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday Feb. 7
- Where: 5401 Woodward Ave., Detroit
- Cost: free
- Contact: 313-833-1805, detroithistorical.org
Wild Winter African Adventure
Meet David Gakure! He’s the Kenyan naturalist and education specialist who tells stories during a fun Detroit Zoo weekend that also has games, crafts and an African drum lesson.
- When: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Feb. 7-8 (Saturday-Sunday)
- Where: Detroit Zoo, 8450 W. 10 Mile Road, Royal Oak
- Cost: Free with admission: $14/adults, $10/ages 2-14 and seniors, free/under 2; $6/parking
- Contact: 248-541-5717, detroitzoo.org
Oh, Ananse!
A little spider must earn the right to spin all the stories in the world from Nyame, the sky god, in PuppetART’s hip-hop-flavored take on a West African story.
- When: 2 p.m. Feb. 7, 14, 21 and 28 (Saturdays); 10 a.m. Feb. 19 (Thursday)
- Where: Detroit Puppet Theater, 25 E. Grand River Ave.
- Cost: $10/adults, $5/kids; $8/puppet-making after show
- More: 313-961-7777, puppetart.org
Under the African Sky
Wild Swan Theater brings back its collection of African tales, complete with storytelling, drumming, dancing and lots of audience participation. Geared at ages 4-grade 3.
- When: 10 a.m. Thursday Feb. 12 (limited seating), 10 a.m. and noon Friday Feb. 13, 11 a.m. Saturday Feb. 14
- Cost: $12/adults, $8/ages 12 and under and seniors
- Where: Towsley Auditorium, Morris Lawrence Building, Washtenaw Community College, 4800 E. Huron River Drive, Ann Arbor
- Contact: 734-995-0530, wildswantheater.org
Civil Rights on Stage
In the Heat of the Night centers on a white sheriff and black detective who must team up in the mid-60s to solve a crime (3 p.m. Feb. 22). And Justice for All: America and the Civil Rights Movement compares the novel basis for the other play to historical events (10 a.m. Feb. 23). Both geared at grades 9-plus.
- Where: Macomb Center for the Performing Arts, 44575 Garfield Road, Clinton Township.
- Cost: $5-$25/Feb. 22, $5-$15/Feb. 23
- Contact: 586-286-2141, macombcenter.com
Photos (left to right): Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, PuppetART Detroit, Detroit Zoo
