From panel discussions and exhibits to film screenings and much more, here’s a look at what organizations and institutions across the metro Detroit area are doing this year to celebrate Black History Month 2025.
A Tribute to Jazz & Black History
Renowned vocalist and award-winning jazz artist, Sky Covington, headlines this event accompanied by a stellar lineup of local musicians. Expect performances of classic and original jazz numbers, special appearances from Detroit’s top jazz talents, and narrative storytelling of Black history and its influence on jazz music. Feb. 10. $35. Aretha’s Jazz Cafe, 350 Madison St., Detroit; jazzcafedetroit.com.
The Henry Ford
The Dearborn museum is celebrating “Black history and Black futures” this Black History Month. Starting Feb. 22, locals can stop by the museum to see the exhibit, We Shall Overcome: The 60th Anniversary of the Voting Rights Act, which explores the Voting Rights Act and introduces museum-goers to The Jackson family, who opened their home to MLK Jr. and helped strategize to secure voting rights for Black Americans. The Rosa Parks Bus will also be on display in the With Liberty and Justice for All exhibit for guests to learn how important she was for the Civil Rights movement. Plus, curator discussions, music and dance performances, guided tours, and much more. Admission to The Henry Ford is $34 for adults, $30.50 for seniors, $25.50 for kids ages 5-11, and free for kids 4 and under. The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation; 20900 Oakwood Blvd., Dearborn; thehenryford.org.
Southfield Parks & Recreation
Gather at the Southfield Pavilion on Feb. 1 for the Southfield Parks & Recreation Department’s free Black History Month kick-off event, which features music and dance performances, Fashion Stroll, inspiring discussions, music spun by DJ Deezy D, and more. The Black History 101 Mobile Museum and a Black-owned Business Marketplace, will also be on site. The department will also host its Hustle & Flow Party for ages 18 and up on Feb. 8 with live music and dance performances. In addition, enjoy The Spirit of Harriet Tubman experience on Feb. 16, storytelling with The Secret Society of Twisted Storytellers on Feb, 21, and a screening of the 2024 movie Shirley. Ticket fees apply for some events. City of Southfield Parks and Recreation, 26000 Evergreen Road, Southfield; cityofsouthfield.com.
Detroit Book City
This year, Detroit Book City is celebrating Black History Month with two special events. The first is the Black History Book Fair on Feb. 1, featuring some of your favorite Black authors at Party with a Tee in Wayne. The 9th Annual African American Family Book Expo falls on Feb. 22 and offers the chance to purchase autographed books by Black independent authors from across the country while celebrating Black History Month. Admission is free with an Eventbrite ticket. Detroit Book City, 15900 W. 10 Mile Road, Suite 211, Southfield; detroitbookcity.com.
TechTown Detroit
The Black Business Reunion: TechTown’s annual Black History Month conference will celebrate the legacy of both veteran and up-and-coming Black-owned businesses. The event offers an opportunity to connect with other Black business owners, learn from industry experts, and gather resources to support your business. Feb. 17. Wayne State University Industry Innovation Center, 461 Burroughs St., Detroit; techtowndetroit.org.
Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History
The Wright Museum’s 22,000-square-foot space features over 20 galleries including the And Still We Rise exhibit. This exhibit starts in ancient Africa and covers all the way to the Civil Rights movement and beyond. Visitors will be able to see what living conditions were like back in those times and see stories that will touch the soul. In addition, the museum will host special events that center around Black history throughout the month including lectures and gallery discussions. It’s also the last month to see Detroit artist Sabrina Nelson’s exhibition Frontline Prophet: James Baldwin, which runs through Feb. 28 and honors the civil rights activist’s centennial birthday. Admission to the museum is $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and kids ages 6-17, and free for kids 5 and under. The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, 315 Warren Ave., Detroit; thewright.org.
University of Detroit Mercy
The University of Detroit Mercy is presenting a number of Black History Month events including book discussions on titles like I Saw Death Coming, and Combee, along with panel discussions, a screening of The Princess and the Frog, musical performances inspired by the story of Adam and Sarah Crosswhite (who escaped slavery on the Underground Railroad), an art exhibit called the Black Saints Exhibit, and more. University of Detroit Mercy, 4001 West McNichols Road, Detroit; udmercy.edu.
Emagine Entertainment
In celebration of Black History Month, select Emagine theaters will screen four African American-influenced films including American Gangster (R) Jan. 31-Feb. 6, Straight Outta Compton (R) Feb. 7-13, Ray (PG-13) Feb. 14-20, and Harriett (PG-13) Feb. 21-28. Ticket fees apply. Visit website for locations and ticket prices; emagine-entertainment.com.
Ann Arbor District Library
As part of its Black History Month programming, the Ann Arbor District Library is hosting a story time with Endeah Canty on Feb. 3 at its Westgate Branch, The Sounds and Stories of Africa with Fishmonger Stories and Culinary Historians on Feb. 16, Soul Train Trivia on Feb. 26 and Malinda Russell’s Domestic Cook Book on Feb. 27, all at the Downtown Branch; aadl.org.
Oakland Community College
Tastebuds will be tingling at Oakland Community College’s A Taste of Heritage, History, & Hope – Black History Month Lunch Buffet. On Feb. 14, the Diversity, Inclusion, and Justice Office are joining forces with the Culinary Studies Institute to make authentic dishes in honor of Black History Month. The cost is $18 and you need to register before the event. There’s also The National African American Read-In on Feb. 5. Oakland Community College, Building J, 27055 Orchard Lake Road., Farmington Hills; oaklandcc.edu.
This post has been updated for 2025.
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