Black History Month is a time to learn, reflect and celebrate the many accomplishments and achievements Black people have contributed to our history. We’ve put together a list of ways we can deepen our knowledge of Black history and celebrate the lives, culture and contributions of Black people in our communities and beyond.
The Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) has announced that this year’s theme is A Century of Black History Commemorations. Click here if you would like to learn more from the Association about the theme and the background of Black History Month.
Here are some ways to celebrate and observe Black History Month:
- Learn more about notable figures and unsung heroes in Black history and their contributions.
- Support Black-owned businesses and restaurants—some great options are included in the lists below.
- Visit a Black museum/cultural institution or historical site. (Or visit virtually!)
- The National Museum of African American History & Culture has additional resources to explore here.
- The Public Domain Review shares W. E. B. Du Bois’ Hand-Drawn Infographics of African-American Life
- Celebrate Black literature: Buy books from Black authors.
- Detroit Public Library has a list of books to read this month as well as books to inspire children.
- East Lansing Public Library offers their top picks for adults and teens in celebration of Black History Month.
- East Lansing Public Library also provides a list for younger readers as well as adults.
- Bonus: You can also support a Black-owned business at the same time.
- Black Stone Bookstore & Cultural Center | Ypsilanti
- Comma Bookstore & Social Hub | Flint
- Detroit Book City | Southfield
- Nandi’s Knowledge Cafe | Highland Park
- Socialight Society | Lansing
- Source Booksellers | Detroit
- We Are LIT | Grand Rapids
- Dedicate time to learning more about racial equity.
- Listen to podcasts by Black producers and creators.
- Learn more about Black music history.
- Donate to Black organizations and nonprofits.
- Watch a documentary, movie or TV show on Black history or culture.
- Advocate to change policy.
And you can also attend local Black History Month events! We’ve got a growing list of events and activities that are taking place right here across Michigan. Check back often, as we’ll be adding to this list as we hear of events:
Detroit and Southeast Michigan
Feb. 1-28: Detroit Public Library – Black History Month 2026
Feb. 4: Oakland Community College – Objects as Mirrors: Finding Humanity in the Inanimate Workshop
Feb. 10: Eastpointe Memorial Library – Lecture: Freedom Confirmed – President Abraham Lincoln’s Courage To Create Change
Feb. 11: Oakland Community College – Online: OCC Libraries African American Read-In
Feb. 12: Brighton District Library – Lecture: Freedom Confirmed – President Abraham Lincoln’s Courage To Create Change
Feb. 12: Oakland Community College – Virtual: The Impact of the HBCU’s: Legacy, Leadership and Learning
Feb. 13: Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History – Cards and Culture: Spades
Feb. 13: Detroit Institute of Arts: Detroit Film Theatre – Killer of Sheep
Feb. 14: Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History – Love in the Margins
Feb. 14: Detroit Institute of Arts: Detroit Film Theatre – Bless Their Little Hearts
Feb. 15: ASALH Detroit Branch – 2026 Annual Black History Month Program
Feb. 15: Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History – ASALH Detroit Branch Presents: ASALH The Light House
Feb. 15: Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History – Still Standing: A Night of Gospel and Grace
Feb. 15: Detroit Public Theatre – The Mountaintop
Feb. 16: Northville District Library – Lecture: Freedom Confirmed – President Abraham Lincoln’s Courage To Create Change
Feb. 18: Blair Memorial Library – Lecture: Detroit’s Dynamic Dames
Feb. 18: Commerce Township Community Library – Lecture: Midnight: Detroit & The Underground Railroad
Feb. 18: Detroit Institute of Arts: Drawing in the Galleries – African American Art
Feb. 18: Royal Oak Senior Community Center – Lecture: Myth of The Model City
Feb. 19: Brandon Township Community Library – Lecture: Detroit’s Dynamic Dames
Feb. 19: Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History – Third Thursday: New Jack Swing Back II BLK
Feb. 19: Oakland Community College – Virtual: BASL: The Story and Significance of Black American Sign Language
Feb. 19: Oxford Public Library – Lecture: Midnight: Detroit & The Underground Railroad
Feb. 21: Detroit Book City – 10th Annual African-American Family Book Expo & Read-in
Feb. 21: Detroit Historical Museum – Paths To The Past: Turning Historical Trauma Into Remembrance
Feb. 21: Detroit Institute of Arts – New York International Children’s Film Festival: Celebrating Black Stories
Feb. 21: Detroit Public Library – Main Branch – Lecture: Midnight: Detroit & The Underground Railroad
Feb. 23: St. Matthew’s-St. Joseph’s Episcopal Church – Black History Month HHW Tour
Feb. 24: Sterling Heights Library – Lecture: Myth of The Model City
Feb. 25: Oakland Community College – Heartful Unity
Feb. 26: Dearborn Heights Library – John F. Kennedy Jr. Branch – Lecture: Midnight: Detroit & The Underground Railroad
Feb. 27-28: Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History – The Wright Performances with The Just and the Blind
Feb. 28: Detroit Historical Museum – Celebrating a Century of Courage: Co-Creating and Co-Existing
Feb. 28: Detroit Institute of Arts – Guest Demo: Collage with Judy Bowman
Flint
Feb. 1-28: Flint Institute of Arts Museum + Art School – African American Art from the Key Collection
Feb. 5-8: Tapology – 24th Annual Tap Dance Festival in Honor of Black History Month
Feb. 6-28: New McCree Theatre – The Motown Story
Feb. 7: Genesee District Library – 25th Annual Black History Month Brunch
Feb. 13: FIM Capitol Theatre – Black Violin – Full Circle Tour
Feb. 20: Flint School of Performing Arts – FSPA Celebrates Black History
Grand Rapids and West Michigan
Feb. 11: Grand Rapids Christian Middle School and Grand Rapids Christian High School – “Oh Give Thanks” ~ a Celebration of Gospel Music
Feb. 13: A Glimpse of Africa – Empowering Black Businesses
Feb. 18: Grand Rapids Public Library – Main Branch – Teen Printmaking and Zine Workshop with Octavia Ink
Feb. 21: Grand Rapids MLK Community Center – Grand Opening Event
Feb. 21: Grand Rapids Public Library – Main Branch – History of the Blues with Asamu Johnson and the Associates of the Blues
Feb. 26: Grand Rapids Public Library – Main Branch – “Integrating into a Burning House”: Martin’s Great Fear and The Challenge Before Us
Feb. 28: Grand Rapids Public Library – Main Branch –
Kalamazoo and Southwest Michigan
Feb. 1-28: Kalamazoo College – K Celebrates Black History Month with Hip-Hop, Poetry, Movement
Feb. 1-28: Kalamazoo Public Library – Honoring the Foundation of Kalamazoo During Black History Month
Lansing
Feb. 5: Michigan State University – Annual Dr. William G. Anderson Lecture Series with Dean Jelani Cobb
Feb. 10: Michigan State University – Virtual: Book Talk Series: African American Women Scholars on Race, Racism and Living Black in America
Feb. 11: MSU Museum – Speculative Futures | Afrofuturism and the Art of Stacey Robinson
Feb. 11: Michigan State University – Multicultural Center One-Year Anniversary Open House
Feb. 12: Michigan State University – Virtual: Eye on Africa” with Janet Munakamwe
Feb. 12: Michigan State University – Virtual or In-Person: Annual Dr. William G. Anderson Lecture Series with Bob Kendrick
Feb. 13: Michigan State University – Douglass Day Transcribe-a-thon: A Day of Collective Action for Black History
Feb. 18: Michigan State University – Book Talk Series: African American Women Scholars on Race, Racism and Living Black in America
Feb. 19: Michigan State University – Made in Detroit: Carl Craig and Rodney Whitaker in Conversation
Feb. 26: Michigan State University – Virtual: “Eye on Africa” with Andrew Marshall
Feb. 26: Michigan State University – Annual Dr. William G. Anderson Lecture Series with Mary Ann Pettway and China Pettway
Muskegon
Feb. 3: Hackley Public Library – Black History Month Kick-Off
Feb. 7: Hackley Public Library – Sweet Soul Food Dessert Contest
Feb. 9: Hackley Public Library – Open Mic Night
Feb. 10: Hackley Public Library – Echoes of Harlem: Black Composers and the Great American Songbook
Feb. 14: Hackley Public Library – All Ages Art Show – Celebrating Black History Month
Feb. 17: Hackley Public Library – Explore the James Jackson Museum of African American History
Feb. 21: Hackley Public Library – Researching African American Roots – Muskegon County Genealogical Society Program
Feb. 21: Hackley Public Library – Unity Quilt Squares
Feb. 23: Hackley Public Library – Hair and Health Clinic
Is there another event you’d like to see listed? Email Emily Jorgensen at ejorgensen@mlpp.org.
Jay Cutler joined the League in March 2026 as the Kids Count Senior Data Analyst, where he collects, analyzes, and prepares data for Kids Count in Michigan.
Danielle Taylor-Basemore joined the League as the Development Data and Stewardship Coordinator in June 2025. She brings with her five years of nonprofit experience with a special focus on community engagement, data visualization and strategic programming. Prior to joining the League, Danielle served as the Business District, Safety, and Digital Manager at Jefferson East, Inc.
Scott Preston is a Senior Policy Analyst with the Michigan League for Public Policy, where he leads the organization’s immigration and criminal justice reform portfolios. In the three years prior to joining the League, Scott facilitated the Southeast Michigan Refugee Collaborative and managed a small business economic development program at Global Detroit. His work included launching Michigan’s first Refugee Film Festival and building on a trusted connector model that linked marginalized communities with crucial resources. Scott’s work at the League is informed by his background in journalism and research. He spent four years covering the Syrian refugee crisis in the Middle East for publications such as The Economist, and later worked with unaccompanied refugee minors through Samaritas. Scott holds a master’s degree in international migration and public policy from the London School of Economics and Political Science.
Kate Powers joined the League as the Chief Development Officer in February 2025. Prior to joining the League, Kate held leadership positions at many Michigan nonprofit organizations, most recently serving as the COO and Chief Development Officer of Ele’s Place. Kate has spent the bulk of her career in fundraising, with a short stint in the state Legislature as a legislative aide to members in both chambers. Kate is a graduate of Michigan State University’s James Madison College with a Bachelor of Arts in Social Relations and has a certificate in fundraising management from the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at Indiana University. Additionally, Kate served on the East Lansing Public Schools Board of Education and is a past President of the Junior League of Lansing. In her free time, she enjoys traveling with her husband and her son and saving outfit of the day and home decor ideas on Pinterest. 
Nicholas Hess joined the League as the Fiscal Policy Analyst in September of 2024. In this role, Nicholas focuses on tax policy, government revenue, and their impact on working families and racial equity, including the effects of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child Tax Credit (CTC). Nicholas values the role that judicious fiscal policy can play in the improvement of people’s lives and the economy, alleviating inequities along the way.
Audrey Matusz joined the League as the Visual Communications Specialist in September 2024. She supports the team with implementing social media strategies and brainstorming creative ways to talk about public policy. She brings with her nearly a decade of experience in producing digital products for evidence-based social justice initiatives. 
Jacob Kaplan 
Donald Stuckey 
Alexandra Stamm 
Amari Fuller
Mikell Frey is a communications professional with a passion for using the art of storytelling to positively impact lives. She strongly believes that positive social change can be inspired by the sharing of data-driven information coupled with the unique perspectives of people from all walks of life across Michigan, especially those who have faced extraordinary barriers. 
Yona Isaacs (she/hers) is an Early Childhood Data Analyst for the Kids Count project. After earning her Bachelor of Science in Biopsychology, Cognition, and Neuroscience at the University of Michigan, she began her career as a research coordinator in pediatric psychiatry using data to understand the impacts of brain activity and genetics on children’s behavior and mental health symptoms. This work prompted an interest in exploring social determinants of health and the role of policy in promoting equitable opportunities for all children, families, and communities. She returned to the University of Michigan to complete her Masters in Social Work focused on Social Policy and Evaluation, during which she interned with the ACLU of Michigan’s policy and legislative team and assisted local nonprofit organizations in creating data and evaluation metrics. She currently serves as a coordinator for the Michigan Center for Youth Justice on a project aiming to increase placement options and enhance cultural competency within the juvenile justice system for LGBTQIA+ youth. Yona is eager to put her data skills to work at the League in support of data-driven policies that advocate for equitable access to healthcare, education, economic security, and opportunity for 0-5 year old children. In her free time, she enjoys tackling DIY house projects and trying new outdoor activities with her dog.
Rachel Richards rejoined the League in December 2020 as the Fiscal Policy Director working on state budget and tax policies. Prior to returning to the League, she served as the Director of Legislative Affairs for the Michigan Department of Treasury, the tax policy analyst and Legislative Director for the Michigan League for Public Policy, and a policy analyst and the Appropriations Coordinator for the Democratic Caucus of the Michigan House of Representatives. She brings with her over a decade of experience in policies focused on economic opportunity, including workforce issues, tax, and state budget.
Simon Marshall-Shah joined the Michigan League for Public Policy as a State Policy Fellow in August 2019. His work focuses on state policy as it relates to the budget, immigration, health care and other League policy priorities. Before joining the League, he worked in Washington, D.C. at the Association for Community Affiliated Plans (ACAP), providing federal policy and advocacy support to nonprofit, Medicaid health plans (Safety Net Health Plans) related to the ACA Marketplaces as well as Quality & Operations.
Renell Weathers, Michigan League for Public Policy (MLPP) Community Engagement Consultant. As community engagement consultant, Renell works with organizations throughout the state in connecting the impact of budget and tax policies to their communities. She is motivated by the belief that all children and adults deserve the opportunity to achieve their dreams regardless of race, ethnicity, religion or economic class.
Emily Jorgensen joined the Michigan League for Public Policy in July 2019. She deeply cares about the well-being of individuals and families and has a great love for Michigan. She is grateful that her position at the League enables her to combine these passions and work to help promote policies that will lead to better opportunities and security for all Michiganders.
Megan Farnsworth joined the League’s staff in December 2022 as Executive Assistant. Megan is driven by work that is personally fulfilling, and feels honored to help support the work of an organization that pushes for more robust programming and opportunities for the residents of our state. She’s excited and motivated to gain overarching knowledge of the policies and agendas that the League supports.
