Black History Month Events in Oakland County

Young African American boy studying in school library

February is Black History Month! This month 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.

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.

Last updated: 2/1/2023

BIRMINGHAM

Feb. 7: Virtual event: “March” by John Lewis hosted by the Baldwin Public Library

Feb. 9: Virtual event: Birmingham Museum Series: Oakland County’s Early Abolitionists and the Local Underground Railroad Network hosted by the Baldwin Public Library

Feb. 27: Virtual event: Detroit and the Underground Railroad hosted by the Baldwin Public Library

Feb. 28: Virtual event: The Fire of Frederick Douglass hosted by the Baldwin Public Library

BERKLEY

Feb. 9: African-Americans and Jewish Americans: Their Historic Social and Political Bond 

FARMINGTON

Feb. 2: Black History Month – Beauty in Color at Painting with a Twist

Feb. 9: A Taste of Heritage, History and Hope – Black History Month Lunch Buffet

Feb. 22: Black History Month – Strong at Painting with a Twist

Feb. 26: Black History Month – I am Everything at Painting with a Twist

FERNDALE

Feb. 1: Black History Month – Strong at Painting with a Twist

Feb. 7: Black History Month – Ebony’s Beauty at Painting with a Twist

Feb. 19: Black History Month – Phenomenal Woman I am at Painting with a Twist

Feb. 25: Black History Month – Ruby with a Heart at Painting with a Twist

Feb. 27: Black History Month – Our Story at Painting with a Twist

FRANKLIN

Feb. 16: Myth of the Model City at the Franklin Public Library

Feb. 22: Biography Book Group: Queen Bess: Daredevil Aviator By Doris L. Rich at the Franklin Public Library

Novi

Feb. 22: Midnight: Detroit and the Underground Railroad at the Novi Public Library

PONTIAC

Feb. 18: Black History Month Celebration at Pontiac Public Library

ROCHESTER

Feb. 1-16: Oakland University African American Celebration Month Events

ROYAL OAK

Feb. 9: Virtual program: Superbowl and Black History at Royal Oak Public Library

SOUTHFIELD

Now through Mar. 2: Black History Month posters hung throughout Southfield Public Library

Feb. 1: The Jersey – local author – adults at Southfield Public Library

Feb. 1: Urban Fiction Book Club – adults at Southfield Public Library

Feb. 1-28: Black History Mysteries at Southfield Public Library

Feb. 4: Southfield Celebrates Black History Month Kick-off Event at Southfield Pavilion

Feb. 8: Wrapped in Love: A headwrap party and demonstration – all ages at Southfield Public Library

Feb. 11: Conversations & Cocktails at Southfield Pavilion

Feb. 12: Southfield Celebrates Black History Month Movie Night at Southfield Pavilion

Feb. 14: Creecy Book Club – We Are Not Like Them – adults at Southfield Public Library

Feb. 16: Sci-Fi & Fantasy Fanatics Book Club – The City We Became – adults at Southfield Public Library

Feb. 17: The Secret Society of Twisted Storytellers at Southfield Pavilion

Feb. 22: African American Patriot Soldiers of the American Revolution: Who They Are and How to Find Yours – adults at Southfield Public Library

Feb. 23: Rhyme & Rhythm with Madelyn Porter – children at Southfield Public Library

Feb. 26: 25 Colorful Black Women, A Coloring Event by Naturally ILLustrated – all ages at Southfield Public Library

WEST BLOOMFIELD

Feb. 25: 2023 Black Expo at Orchard Mall


DETROIT

Feb. 4: A Day of Black History Month Events at the DIA

All of Feb.: Black History Month Exhibitions and Programs at the Charles H. Wright Museum

Feb. 25: On the Shoulders of Giants: Celebrating Black History Month at the Detroit Historical Museum

All of Feb.: Black History Month Events at The Henry Ford Museum

VIRTUAL

Feb. 1: National Museum of African American History & Culture Livestream Tour

Feb. 7: UMOJA Unity: African American African Motherland Pathways to Understanding

Feb. 8: The National African American Read-In hosted by Oakland Community College

Feb. 23: African American Mental Health 101

Feb. 25: National Museum of African American History & Culture Livestream Tour

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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