Black History Month in Detroit

Story by Chloe Seymour

It’s no secret – Detroit has played a special and pivotal role in some of our nation’s most monumental historical moments.

From the days of the Underground Railroad, with Detroit being the last stop on many slaves’ path to freedom, to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. giving his first version of the I Have A Dream speech at Detroit’s convention center (Huntington Place), Detroit is in the history books next to some iconic names as an influential city within these periods.

Detroit continues to honor its roots in a variety of ways throughout Black History Month (and beyond!) The city takes pride in its extensive collection of art, historical monuments, and inclusive businesses to give locals and visitors an opportunity to observe Black History Month and have some incredible experiences along the way.

Learn more about your community, inclusive grassroots efforts, and Detroit’s notable history during Black History Month in three simple ways:

Shop Black-Owned Businesses

Being aware of Detroit’s Black-owned small business scene is a great way to keep your dollars local and support entrepreneurs. The list of Black-owned businesses in Detroit continues to grow, with many business owners opening up second locations in neighborhoods across the region. Whether you’re looking for a meal to die for or a new outfit for a special occasion, the following businesses have your back:

Retail Spaces
Source Booksellers
Eric’s I’ve Been Framed Shop
Savvy Chic Trends
Hot Sam’s Detroit
The Lip Bar
Spectacles

Food and Beverage Stops
Good Cakes and Bakes
Savannah Blue
House of Pure Vin
Kuzzo’s Chicken & Waffles
Louisiana Creole Gumbo

Check Out More Black-Owned Businesses

Black Owned Bakeries in Detroit

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Attend Black History Month Community Events

The entire month of February is full of amazing community events revolving around Black History Month. Learn something new and explore the city by checking out programming from some of Detroit’s best community organizations:

Black History Month celebrations at The Wright Museum and The Henry Ford
The Detroit Historical Museum is hosting an event honoring the legacy of entrepreneurship in Detroit
The Detroit Film Theater at the Detroit Institute of Arts is screening dozens of films
Cranbrook Art Museum is featuring exhibits from Black artists all month long

Discover Black History for Yourself

More of the independent type? Detroit’s museums and galleries never disappoint, especially regarding their Black History Month exhibits, collections, and events. Though Detroit museums and cultural institutions are a staple for any visit to the city, February is one of the best times to give them a peek:

Clearly, there is no shortage of enlightening experiences within the city during Black History Month. Whether you find yourself spending hours in a special exhibit, or eating an afternoon snack at one of the city’s many black-owned businesses, experiencing February in Detroit is a truly enriching adventure.

Black History in Detroit: Paradise Valley and Black Bottom Markers

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