From logging onto virtual discussions to visiting pop-up shops, here are 6 ways to celebrate Black History Month this February
By Perry Haselden
Featured photo via @diadetroit
Artwork by Wadsworth Jarrell
February 13
Celebrating Black Photographers
Photo via dia.org 11:00 am
Wee the People, a Boston-based social justice project for kids, has teamed up with the Detroit Institute of Art for a series of events celebrating Black photographers. On February 13 they are hosting a virtual reading of Carole Boston Weatherford’s picture book “Gordon Parks: How the Photographer Captured Black and White America.” This event is free, but registration is required via the DIA website.
February 17
THF Conversations: Being Culturally Responsive as an Educator
5:30 pm
THF Conversations for Educators is a speaker series created by The Henry Ford Museum to highlight real-world innovators, entrepreneurs and inventors. The series’ first event will take place on February 17 via Zoom, with author Zaretta Hammond on hand to discuss her book, Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain: Promoting Authentic Engagement and Rigor for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Students. Registration is required to attend.
February 18
Excellence in Black Cinema Series
Photo via @thewrightmuseum The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History
315 E Warren Ave, Detroit
In honor of Black History Month, for the next two Thursdays The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History is hosting in-person screenings of films created by and about African Americans. On February 18 they will be showing three films, “Ghosts of Mississippi”, “Red Tails”, and “The Great Debaters” with each film being shown at three different times, 9:30 am, 12:00 pm, and 2:00 pm. Screenings are free and open to the public!
February 18
Album Discussion: To Pimp A Butterfly by Kendrick Lamar
6 – 7 pm
Join Ann Arbor District Library and Will Jones III for a virtual discussion of the album To Pimp A Butterfly by rapper Kendrick Lamar. A Black creative and musician himself, Jones will share why he feels the album is one of the “true masterpieces” of his generation. To attend, simply visit the event website one hour prior to the start time, no registration required.
February 19 + 20
African American Family Book Expo
Photo via @detroit_book_city Detroit Book City is hosting their 5th annual African American Family Book Expo this month. During this free two-day virtual event you can purchase books from Black independent authors, attend a West African dance class, hear spoken-word poetry, and many other fun activities! For more information about the schedule and to register, check out the Detroit Book City website.
February 20
Black History Month Pop Up Shop
2 – 6 pm
The Ultimate Craft Studio
28370 Joy Road, Livonia
Shop local and support Black-owned businesses at the Black History Month pop up shop at The Ultimate Craft Studio! Hosted by The Ultimate Ladies Night, this event will also feature poetry readings and a special BHM craft activity. Tickets for this event are free and can be purchased via eventbrite.
No Comments