February is Black History Month! To learn more about Black history and culture, or gain awareness of the past, check out our list of events being held including musical and dance performances, interactive workshops, and more throughout the month of February in and around Oakland County.
This originally began as Negro History Week in 1926. In 1976, following the Civil Rights and Black Power movements, the weekly observance transformed into a month-long celebration. Since then, every U.S. president has issued a proclamation honoring the spirit of Black History Month.
Listen to Oakland County Executive David Coulter share his thoughts on Black History Month in the video below.
BIRMINGHAM
February 3: Virtual Historical Lecture Series – Black Families of Early Birmingham at Baldwin Public Library
BLOOMFIELD HILLS
February 17: Virtual event: The National African American Read-In, hosted by the Oakland Community College Libraries
FARMINGTON
February 8: Black History Month – Speak Up Stand Up at Painting with a Twist
Feb. 28: Black History Month – King and Queen of Hearts Set at Painting with a Twist
FERNDALE
February 1: Black History Month – African Maiden at Painting with a Twist
February 8: Black History Month – Ebony’s Beauty at Painting with a Twist
February 15: Black History Month – Strong at Painting with a Twist
FRANKLIN
February 15: Black History Month: I Will Be Heard – virtual program, Franklin Public Library
February 23: Biography Book Group: Josephine Baker’s Last Dance at Franklin Public Library
PONTIAC
January 3 – February 18: Black History Essay Contest at the Pontiac Public Library
February 5: Black History Month Special at the Pontiac Public Library
ROCHESTER
January 17 – February 17: Oakland University African American Celebration Month Activities
ROYAL OAK
February 10: No Justice, No Peace: The Failed Promise of Abolition – virtual program, Royal Oak Public Library
February 23: Finding Black Ancestors – virtual program, Royal Oak Public Library
SOUTHFIELD
Every Monday from Jan. 31 – Feb. 28: Virtual Event Series: Picture This! Amazing Black Illustrators – inspired by the Telling a People’s Story display at the Southfield Public Library
February 5: Black History Month Kick-Off Event at Southfield Pavilion
February 8: In person and virtual book discussion – Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man
February 12: Conversations and Cocktails at Southfield Pavilion
February 18: Southfield Celebrates Black History Month Movie Night at Southfield Pavilion
February 23: Black Dolls Matter – virtual program at Southfield Public Library
February 25: Southfield Celebrates Black History Month with The Secret Society of Twisted Story Tellers at Southfield Pavilion
February 26 – 27: The Black Television Pop Up: The Martin Experience
WEST BLOOMFIELD
February 5: Black History 101 Museum at the West Bloomfield Township Public Library
February 5: Black History Lecture and Exhibition at the West Bloomfield Township Public Library
February 12: LOVE YOURSELF: Wellness While Black at the Orchard Mall
February 16: History of the Tuskegee Airmen: Then and Now – virtual event
February 19: Detroit Book City’s 6th Annual African- American Family Book Expo 2022
February 26: Black Expo at the Orchard Mall
DETROIT
Throughout the Month of February: Black History Month Events at the DIA
Throughout the Month of February: Youth Speaks, a series of Charles H. Wright Museum virtual events
Throughout the Month of February: Glimpses from “And Still We Rise,” a series of events at the Charles H. Wright Museum
February 26: On the Shoulders of Giants: Celebrating Black History Month at the Detroit Historical Museum
Throughout the Month of February: Black History Month Events at The Henry Ford Museum
Throughout the Month of February: “Month of Melanin” celebrating Black History Month
Black history should be celebrated and acknowledged year-round. Let us know about events happening in or around the Oakland County area where learning, exploration, or celebrations of Black culture are taking place in February and beyond by contacting us at socialmedia@oakgov.com or leaving a comment below.
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