6 Ways to Celebrate Black History Month in Michigan

February is Black History Month — a time to honor the achievements and successes of African Americans throughout history. Here, six ways you can celebrate.

Originally written for & published by SEEN Magazine.

The Potential Power in The Conscious Black Vote – Dr. Molefi Asante

Feb 16
6 p.m.
The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, 315 East Warren St., Detroit

Via Molefi Kete Asante's Facebook

As the 2020 presidential election looms, Dr. Molefi Asante — Chair and Professor of Africology and African American Studies at Philadelphia’s Temple University — will lead a discussion alongside Legacy Of Literacy, Inc. to tout the potential of informed voting, and its benefit for African American communities. The event will be followed by a book signing.

Cost: Free

Films by Black Artists

Feb 17, 24
5:30 p.m. — 7 p.m.
Capital Area District Libraries – South Lansing, 3500 South Cedar St., Lansing

Each Monday in February, CADL will be showing films featuring black directors and/or actors as part of their Monday Night Film Series program. Complimentary popcorn will be provided. Note: These films are intended for adult audiences.

Cost: Free

Brian Washington’s “The Continual Struggle” Exhibit at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum

Feb 20 — May 31
The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum, 303 Pearl St. NW, Grand Rapids

Photo courtesy of the Gerald Ford Presidential Museum

To celebrate Black History Month, the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum will be featuring an exhibit by artist Brian Washington that documents the Civil Rights Movement and America’s struggle against segregation. To draw as many visitors as possible, the museum is offering free admission Feb. 22—23, and Feb.29—Mar. 1.

Cost: Free with museum admission; admission ranges $4—$10 at the museum

The Roots of Hip-Hop Music

Feb 22
2 p.m. — 3:30 p.m.
Ann Arbor District Library – Downtown, Multi-Purpose Room, 343 South Fifth Ave., Ann Arbor

Via pexels.com

Join Victoria Shields, a doctoral student in the Urban Education program at Eastern Michigan University, for a discussion of hip-hop’s roots in West Africa, plus its cultural and historical elements and the influence it has had on communities.

Cost: Free

Elijah: The Real McCoy

Feb 22 & 23
12:00 p.m., 1:00 p.m., 2:30 p.m.
The Henry Ford, Across from Mathematica, 20900 Oakwood Blvd., Dearborn

Learn about inventor Elijah McCoy, who held 57 patents and is credited with the creation of the automatic lubricating cup, which helped get trains on the tracks and running ahead of schedule.

Cost: Free with museum admission

Author Talk: Yaa Gyasi

Feb 28
7 p.m.
Detroit Film Theatre, 5200 Woodward Ave., Detroit

Via dia.org

Join the award-winning author of Homegoing and Transcendent Kingdom for an evening of discussion. Gyasi’s works capture the nation’s spirit through her depictions of history and geography.

Cost: Free, but registration is required with the DIA