Oak Park Schools Celebrates Black History Month with Community Events

Oak Park Schools Celebrates Black History Month with Community Events

As we enter February, Oak Park Schools proudly recognizes Black History Month—a time to honor the rich contributions of Black individuals throughout history and celebrate their lasting impact on our society. This month provides an opportunity for learning, reflection, and engagement in events that highlight Black culture, achievements, and history.

Metro Detroit is offering a wide variety of family-friendly Black History Month events, along with year-round exhibits and experiences that celebrate Black heritage. We encourage our Oak Park community to take part in these meaningful opportunities, fostering education and appreciation beyond the month of February.

Below is a list of recommended events, including Black-owned businesses, museums, and interactive experiences for students and families. We hope these events provide valuable and inspiring experiences as we come together to celebrate Black history.

Black History Month Events in Metro Detroit

Hoffman Planetarium – Discover Black History Month

Located at Oak Park High School, the Hoffman Planetarium offers virtual tours, interactive lessons, and activities celebrating Black history. Explore topics such as the Harlem Renaissance, Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad, Martin Luther King Jr., the Negro Leagues, and Juneteenth. Virtual book readings and educational tour maps are also available.

📍 Oak Park High School | 🌐 hoffmanplanetarium.com/black-history-month-2025

Tribute to Jazz & Black History

Renowned jazz vocalist Sky Covington leads this event, featuring live jazz performances, guest appearances, and historical storytelling about Black history’s influence on jazz music.

📅 Feb. 10 | 💲**$35** | 📍 Aretha’s Jazz Cafe, 350 Madison St., Detroit | 🌐 jazzcafedetroit.com

The Henry Ford Museum – “We Shall Overcome” Exhibit

Visit the historic Rosa Parks Bus and explore the exhibit We Shall Overcome: The 60th Anniversary of the Voting Rights Act. Experience curator discussions, music, and dance performances.

📅 Opens Feb. 22 | 💲 $34/adults, $25.50/kids (5-11), Free for kids 4 & under | 📍 20900 Oakwood Blvd., Dearborn | 🌐 thehenryford.org

Southfield Parks & Recreation Black History Month Kickoff

A free celebration featuring live performances, a Fashion Stroll, discussions, a Black-owned business marketplace, and special events including Hustle & Flow Party (Feb. 8), The Spirit of Harriet Tubman(Feb. 16), and a screening of Shirley (Feb. 21).

📅 Feb. 1 | 📍 26000 Evergreen Rd., Southfield | 🌐 cityofsouthfield.com

Detroit Book City – Black History Book Events

Meet Black authors at the Black History Book Fair (Feb. 1) and shop autographed books at the 9th Annual African American Family Book Expo (Feb. 22).

📍 15900 W. 10 Mile Rd., Suite 211, Southfield | 🌐 detroitbookcity.com

TechTown Detroit – Black Business Reunion

Network with industry leaders and celebrate Black entrepreneurship at this annual business conference.

📅 Feb. 17 | 📍 Wayne State University Industry Innovation Center, 461 Burroughs St., Detroit | 🌐 techtowndetroit.org

Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History

Visit And Still We Rise, explore the Frontline Prophet: James Baldwin exhibition (through Feb. 28), and attend lectures and gallery discussions.

📍 315 Warren Ave., Detroit | 💲 $15/adults, $12/seniors & kids (6-17), Free for kids 5 & under | 🌐 thewright.org

University of Detroit Mercy – Black History Month Events

Engage in book discussions, panel talks, a screening of The Princess and the Frog, musical performances, and an art exhibit celebrating Black history.

📍 4001 W. McNichols Rd., Detroit | 🌐 udmercy.edu

Emagine Entertainment – Black History Month Film Screenings

Catch classic films such as American Gangster (Jan. 31-Feb. 6), Straight Outta Compton (Feb. 7-13), Ray (Feb. 14-20), and Harriet (Feb. 21-28).

📍 Check locations & ticket prices at 🌐 emagine-entertainment.com

Ann Arbor District Library – Black History Events

Participate in African storytelling, Soul Train Trivia, and a discussion on Malinda Russell’s historic cookbook.

📍 Multiple locations | 🌐 aadl.org

Oakland Community College – A Taste of Heritage, History & Hope

Enjoy a Black History Month lunch buffet ($18, registration required) and The National African American Read-In (Feb. 5).

📍 27055 Orchard Lake Rd., Farmington Hills | 🌐 oaklandcc.edu

Celebrating Black History Beyond February

While Black History Month provides a dedicated time to reflect, honor, and learn, we encourage our Oak Park Schools community to continue exploring Black history and culture throughout the year. From visiting local Black-owned businesses to engaging in ongoing educational programs, there are countless ways to keep the celebration alive.