2023 Black History Month Events in Oakland County

black history month graphic

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 movement, 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.

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Radon Test Kits Half Off During the Month of January

In honor of January being National Radon Action Month, Oakland County encourages residents to take action and test their homes for radon by offering radon test kits half-price ($5) all month.

What is radon you ask? Radon is a naturally occurring invisible, odorless, and tasteless gas that is usually harmless outdoors. It is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers and the second leading cause of lung cancer overall.

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Swimming Under the Oakland County Sun

Inflatable playground in lake at Holly Recreation Area

Oakland County is home to a huge variety of perfect swimming spots to cool off during the hot summer weather. Plenty of parks are lakeside and house beautiful beaches, such as Groveland Oaks County Park in Holly or Independence Oaks County Park in Clarkston.

If you prefer pools, you can find a pool at Waterford Oaks Waterpark in Waterford or Red Oaks Waterpark in Madison Heights. If you are looking for adventure, you can find splash pads and water obstacles at Normandy Oaks Park in Royal Oak and the WhoaZone at Heron Beach in Holly.

Being out on the water is one of the best parts of summer, but it is vitally important to stay safe while you are swimming. Take a look at these swimming safety tips before taking a dip in your favorite lake or pool.

To find a beach, swimming pool, splash pad, or waterpark near you, check out our our recently updated interactive map or list below.

Interactive Map

Swimming Spots in Oakland County map with a search bar and icons for beaches, pools, splash pads, and waterparks. A picture of Red Oaks Waterpark waterslide and wave pool with text below that states, Stay cools this summer at one of the many public outdoor swimming spots in Oakland County! From water-parks and splash pads to public access lakes and beaches, you can find summer fun in the water and sun near you.

List of Swimming Spots

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Oakland County Mobile Boat Cleaning Stations Help Prevent Spread of Aquatic Invasive Species

Mobile boat cleaning station at park

Oakland County is home to thousands of lakes and rivers our residents use for boating and paddling, fishing, and hunting. These outdoor activities can unintentionally disperse aquatic invasive species (AIS); non-native plants, animals, and other organisms that can harm our local economy, environment and even our health.

In the summer of 2020, the Oakland County Board of Commissioners established the Clean, Drain, Dry, Dispose (CD3) Pilot Program to raise awareness about the dangers of aquatic invasive species and to educate residents about how to help prevent the spread of these species in Oakland County waters.

The CD3 Pilot Program utilizes mobile boat cleaning stations to empower local water enthusiasts to better protect Oakland County waterways. These stations help users to clean, drain and dry their watercraft, and to dispose of any living organisms (plant or animal) that may be clinging to the crafts. With support from Oakland County Parks and Recreation, the pilot program ran for the final weeks of the 2020 boating season, throughout the 2021 season, and just launched for the 2022 season.

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Black History Month Events in Oakland County

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.

Continue reading