Black History Month 2025: Art, film, music, and cultural events across Michigan

Black History Month is nationally recognized in February each year, and many organizations honor the month-long celebration with various events.

Here is a list of events and activities honoring Black History Month throughout Michigan:

Feb. 1:

• Flint Institute of Arts 18th Annual Community Gala
  • Time: 6 p.m.  (Lecture), 7 – 9 p.m. (Reception)
  • Location: Flint Institute of Arts, Flint, MI
  • Details: Opening of exhibitions “Romare Bearden: Artist as Activist and Visionary” and “We Loved the Swag: From Black Bottom Until Now” by Judy Bowman. Includes live entertainment, hors d’oeuvres, and cash bar.
  • Tickets: $75 (FIA members), $100 (non-members) in advance; $100 (members), $125 (non-members) at the door.
• Olympic Legend Jackie Joyner-Kersee Appearance
  • Time: 6 p.m.
  • Location: Portage Zhang Senior Center, Portage, MI
  • Details: Presentation, Q&A, and book signing.
  • Admission: Free

Feb. 1-28:

• Honoring Influential Black Men and Women in Kalamazoo’s History
  • Location: Kalamazoo Public Library, Kalamazoo, MI
  • Details: Various events, special collections, and programming celebrating Black historical figures.
• Michigan Theatre of Jackson – “Stories of Strength: A Cinematic Celebration of Black Voices”
  • Location: Michigan Theatre of Jackson, Jackson, MI
  • Details: Film series showcasing Black stories every Monday through Feb. 24. Featured films include “If Beale Street Could Talk,” “Boyz n the Hood,” and “Exhibiting Forgiveness.”
  • Tickets: $5 per movie (includes medium popcorn). Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
  • More Info: Available on the Michigan Theatre of Jackson’s website.

Feb. 2:

• The Lion King Fundraiser for the Black Arts & Cultural Center
  • Time: 6:30 p.m.
  • Location: Miller Auditorium, Kalamazoo, MI
  • Details: $10 per ticket benefits BACC. Use code “BACC online.”
• Judy Bowman Figurative Collage Workshop
  • Time: Noon – 3 p.m.
  • Location: FIA Art School Studio 14, Flint, MI
  • Details: Hands-on collage workshop inspired by Romare Bearden and other greats.
  • Admission: $50 (supplies included, ages 15+)

Related: Two new exhibitions open at FIA honoring Black history and art

Feb. 3:

• Storytime with Endeah Canty: The Magic Shell
  • Time: 11 a.m. – Noon
  • Location: Ann Arbor District Library, Westgate Branch, Ann Arbor, MI
  • Details: Read-aloud session with interactive activities for children ages 1 to 7.
• Black History Month Opening Ceremony at Taubman
  • Time: 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
  • Location: A. Alfred Taubman Wing Commons, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
  • Details: Speakers and performances celebrating Black architects, designers, and visionaries.
• Eastern Michigan University Black History Month Panel Discussion
  • Time: Noon – 2 p.m.
  • Location: EMU Student Center, Ypsilanti, MI
  • Details: Discussion on the future of Black politics in America.

Feb. 11:

• Jackson College Black History Month Luncheon
  • Time: Noon
  • Location: Bert Walker Hall Community Rooms, Jackson College, Jackson, MI
  • Details: A special luncheon for students, faculty, and residents. More details to be announced on Jackson College’s website and Facebook page.
  • Admission: Free

Feb. 16:

• The Sounds and Stories of Africa with Fishmonger Stories
  • Time: 1 – 2 p.m.
  • Location: Ann Arbor District Library, Downtown Branch, Ann Arbor, MI
  • Details: Traditional African storytelling and music.
• Culinary Historians: Henry Orr, a Black Caterer in Early Federal Washington, D.C.
  • Time: 4 – 5:30 p.m.
  • Location: Ann Arbor District Library, Downtown Branch, Ann Arbor, MI
  • Details: Scholar Leni Sorensen discusses Black caterer Henry Orr’s contributions.

Feb. 18:

• Ella Sharp Museum Black History Exhibits
  • Location: Ella Sharp Museum, 3225 Fourth St., Jackson, MI
  • Details: Exhibits include “Women Made: Stories of Impact,” highlighting Jackson women’s contributions, and “Tyree Guyton: 40 Years in the Hood,” expanding on the Heidelberg Project in Detroit.
  • Museum Hours: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Monday – Friday)
  • More Info: Available on the Ella Sharp Museum’s website.

Feb. 19:

• Lecture by Kenneth Jolly: Black Liberation and the Fight Against Police Brutality
  • Time: 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
  • Location: Hoyt Library Auditorium, Saginaw, MI
  • Details: Discussion on the Black Freedom movement in the interwar years, focusing on police brutality and state violence.
  • Admission: Free (registration encouraged)

Feb. 23:

• Worship in the Arts Black History Program
  • Time: 3:30 p.m.
  • Location: Greater Williams Temple Church, 608 E. Remington Street, Saginaw, MI
  • Details: A celebration of Black history through artistic worship, featuring song, dance, mime, poetry, spoken word, instrumental performances, and visual art.
  • Contact: Soror Denita Dorsey, sac1967artsandletterscommittee@gmail.com

Feb. 24:

• Black History Trivia Bingo
  • Time: 6 – 7:30 p.m.
  • Location: Eastwood Library Branch, Kalamazoo, MI
  • Details: Fun and educational Black history-themed bingo.