Honoring Black History Month
Janeé Broadway
Raised in Ann Arbor, Janeé earned her B.A...
Raised in Ann Arbor, Janeé earned her B.A...
Discover thought-provoking events, support Black artists, and empower changemakers in our community to honor Black History Month!
February 6
The Ark - Crys Matthews
The Ark is kicking off Black History Month with an unforgettable performance by Crys Matthews. The gifted lyricist will perform songs from her thoughtfully named album, Changemakers. Described by The Ark as "hope-fueled" and "love-filled," her talents will leave you feeling uplifted and optimistic. Grab your tickets before they sell out!
February 7
Michigan Theater - The Magic of Motown
Portrayed as a journey through Motown's best, attendees will immerse themselves in the sounds and sights of iconic artists like Diana Ross & The Supremes, The Temptations, Smokey Robinson, and more! Snag your tickets to revisit the enchanting harmonies, captivating choreography, and creative costuming that exemplify the magnetism of Motown.
The Magic of Motown
A Journey through Motown's best, including The Temptations, The Jackson Five, Diana Ross & The Supremes, The Four Tops, Aretha Franklin, Smokey Robinson, and more!
February 8
Michigan Theater - A Letter to the West Side by Kameron Donald of Breyko
Another gem showing at the Michigan Theater this month is A Letter to the West Side by Kameron Donald of Breyko. The documentary looks at Ann Arbor’s historic West Side—once a thriving Black community that played a tremendous role in shaping Ann Arbor. The film pays homage to the people, businesses, and schools that made the neighborhood special, while also addressing the challenges that led to its decline. This isn’t just a film—it’s a tribute to the West Side’s resilience and a chance to hear from those who are keeping its legacy alive, especially through the Dunbar Tower project, where former and current residents of the neighborhood assembled a multi-generational Community Leadership Council and are working to create a space that honors the West Side.
A Letter to the West Side by Kameron Donald of Breyko
RSVP online to reserve your spot! Admission is free but seating is limited.
February 14 - March 12
Duderstadt Center Gallery - Colorism by Rogério M. Pinto
Colorism, an upcoming exhibition by Rogério M. Pinto, is best described in their own words.
"Colorism comprises works of video, still photography, and sculpture questioning our psychosocial and biological ideas about skin color and treatment of people, based on skin tones, including within racial groups. This exhibit represents my research and creative practice under my social transformation professorship, where I ask: What do we know about the root causes of prejudice toward skin color? What can we do to improve interpersonal and structural colorism? To answer these questions, I use personal and historical materials and interview data. The installation is designed to optimize audience interaction, including critical dialogues conducted around colorism while audiences are viewing the installation or immediately after viewing it." - Rogério M. Pinto
Colorism by Rogério Meireles Pinto
Exhibition on view Tuesday - Friday & Sunday 12 p.m. - 6 p.m.
February 27 - March 1
Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase - Willie Macc
Willie Macc, a fan favorite at Don’t Tell Comedy, has been making waves with appearances on TruTV’s LaffMobb LaffTracks, Revolt TV’s Funny AF, and as the 2024 Best of Fest winner at the San Luis Obispo Comedy Festival. He also co-hosts the Afronoodles podcast with Danny Plom.
On the acting side, Willie has appeared in shows like CSI, Hulu’s Casual, and The Goldbergs and starred in Meet the Spartans with Kevin Sorbo, Carmen Electra, and Tiffany Haddish. He’s even performed for the US Military overseas and headlined shows in Japan and South Korea.
From his breakout on BET’s College Hill: Virgin Island, Willie transitioned into a Hollywood actor and comedian with ease, racking up over 100 million views on his comedy videos. He’s also starred in over 50 national commercials for brands like Kia, Verizon, and Progressive. You won't want to miss his Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase debut!
Willie Macc at Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase
Come see this breakout star's debut on the Comedy Showcase stage!
"Hold Me Up"
Narrative Histories of Black Community Building in Ann Arbor & Ypsilanti, 1920s-1970s
"Hold Me Up" is a collection of online, public exhibits developed by the paid undergraduate internship program Michigan in the World (MITW). Dive into the five unique, profound exhibitions at your leisure for a glimpse into the meaningful histories of Black communities in Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. From the fight for fair housing to the significance of Black churches, these projects aim to highlight the stories and work of local Black residents of Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti.
MITW is coordinated by the U-M History Department in partnership with the Bentley Historical Library and the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts.
“Hold Me Up”
Narrative Histories of Black Community Building in Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti, 1920s-1970s
The Living Oral History Project
African American Cultural and Historical Museum of Washtenaw County
The Living Oral History Project (LOH) features dozens of interviews, a digital collection featuring over 2,500 historical photos and news articles, and a walking tour showcasing historically Black neighborhoods in Ann Arbor. These collections illustrate what Black folks experienced and witnessed in Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti over the years.
The Living Oral History Project is presented in partnership between the African American Cultural & Historical Museum of Washtenaw County and the Ann Arbor District Library.
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