“History, despite its wrenching pain, cannot be unlived, but if faced with courage, need not be lived again.”
-Maya Angelou
This quote perfectly describes one of the most important reasons to celebrate Black History Month: it is crucial that we learn from the past in order to create a better future. Detroit in particular has such a vibrant and rich history of Black culture. We should all take the time to celebrate the triumphs and acknowledge the tragedies of the past.
Celebrating Black History Month can be a great opportunity to support Black-owned businesses, learn about Black history, and celebrate notable Black Americans. Below are some ideas for celebrating Black History Month in and around Detroit.
Ann Arbor District Library
The Ann Arbor District Library is celebrating Black History Month with a variety of events and resources. In-person events include a storytime with author Endeah Canty on February 3, a performance by Fishmonger Stories on February 16, and a discussion on Malinda Russell’s historic cookbook on February 27. Additionally, AADL offers online content such as the Living Oral History Project and educational videos featuring puppet characters Al Paca and Bobby Cat.
Association for the Study of African American Life and History
The Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) is hosting its annual Black History Month Virtual Festival throughout February 2025, focusing on the theme “African Americans and Labor.”
The festival features a variety of virtual events, including an opening ceremony on February 1 at 6:00 p.m. honoring labor activist A. Philip Randolph, a discussion with screenwriter Julian Breece on February 4 at 6:00 p.m. about his work on the film Rustin, and a conversation with author Amrita Chakrabarti Myers on February 6 at 6:00 p.m. regarding her book The Vice President’s Black Wife. These events, among others, aim to explore the profound impact of Black labor across history and can be accessed via ASALH’s YouTube channel, ASALH TV.
Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History
The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History in Detroit is celebrating Black History Month with a variety of events and exhibitions. Throughout February, visitors can engage in talks with award-winning poets and writers, attend compelling documentary film screenings, and enjoy live musical performances. Additionally, the museum offers free admission on the second Sunday of each month, providing access to all exhibits and special programming.
City of Detroit
Their website (linked above) highlights a number of community events and Black-owned business to support.
City of Southfield Parks and Recreation Department
In-person Black History Month events can be found on the calendar on their website.
Detroit Institute of Art
The Detroit Institute of Art is celebrating Black History Month with a dynamic lineup of events for all ages and interests. Highlights include the 32nd Annual Alain Locke Awards honoring artist Titus Kaphar, a Steppers Ball introducing participants to the urban dance style of Steppin’, and the exhibition “Tiff Massey: 7 Mile + Livernois,” showcasing contemporary art inspired by Detroit’s rich cultural heritage.
All events are free with museum admission, offering visitors an opportunity to explore art, connect with the community, and gain a deeper understanding of how the past has shaped Black lives today.
Detroit Public Library
More information regarding their literary contest, oral history collection, book recommendations, and ideas for inspiring our kids can all be found on their website.
Fork In Nigeria
Fork in Nigeria is a popular African food truck offering authentic Nigerian cuisine, including dishes like fufu, egusi soup, jollof rice, and suya. With locations in Detroit and Columbus, and other trucks that travel around southeastern Michigan and pop up all around, they are open Monday through Saturday from 12:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.!
Celebrating Black History Month by dining at Fork in Nigeria provides an opportunity to experience the rich culinary traditions of Nigeria and support a Black-owned business.
Henry Ford Museum
In addition to several special exhibits, the museum celebrates this month with a number of dance, drama, and music performances. Reframing History: Unearthing Black Narratives is a new 2025 museum tour that uncovers the overlooked contributions of Black individuals by exploring their connections to major historical artifacts, such as George Washington’s camp bed and the Wright flyer. Offered daily at 1:00 p.m. in Museum Plaza, this tour challenges traditional narratives and inspires visitors to seek out untold stories of the past.
A special experience on Saturday, February 22 from 12:00-2:00 p.m. will allow guests to engage with expert presenters and explore five featured artifacts at their own pace, deepening their understanding of Black history’s profound impact.
Motown Museum
Motown Museum features exhibits focused on Motown music and many of our favorite Black performers from that era. The Motown Museum in Detroit offers immersive tours that transport visitors into the rich history of Motown, featuring iconic spaces like Studio A and Berry Gordy’s apartment.
While specific Black History Month events for 2025 are not currently listed, the museum’s ongoing exhibits and programs, such as the Claudette Robinson: A Motown Her-Story exhibition, celebrate the profound impact of African American artists on music and culture. Visitors are encouraged to check the museum’s official website for the latest updates on events and programming.
Pontiac Public Library
The Pontiac Public Library is celebrating Black History Month with a variety of engaging events. On Thursday, February 27 from 3:00-5:00 p.m., the library will host a Black History Month Essay Contest, inviting elementary, middle, and high school students to submit essays celebrating Black joy and self-love, with opportunities to win prizes.
Additionally, on the same day at 5:30 p.m., there will be a Teen Night featuring a screening of the film Black Panther.
Southfield Public Library
The Southfield Public Library is celebrating Black History Month with a variety of events and programs throughout February. Patrons can participate in book clubs featuring works by African American authors, such as the “Not Your Average Urban Fiction Book Club,” which meets monthly on Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. Additionally, the library offers resources and exhibits that highlight African American history and culture, providing educational opportunities for all ages.
If you have other ideas of how to celebrate Black History Month, comment below and share the details! We wish you a joyful, reflective, and educational month!
