Southfield Celebrates Black History Month 2025: African Americans and Labor!
The City of Southfield is a model of multiculturalism as one of the most diverse, progressive and integrated communities in Michigan and the Midwest. Southfield is proud to be an international city that is home to people from a rich array of cultural, racial, and religious backgrounds, including a large concentration of African Americans.
One of the City of Southfield’s brand key messages is: A Place for Everyone. It is this belief that our racial and religious diversity is a strength that weaves together the cultural fabric of our community. There truly is A Place for Everyone in the City of Southfield. All people, from virtually all walks of life, live peacefully together in harmony within our city boundaries.
From documentary viewings and education programming, to musical and dance performances, there are always a variety of events in the City of Southfield each year to honor and celebrate Black History Month. The City of Southfield annually hosts and sponsors a number of city programs, events and activities to remember the important contributions and celebrate the history of African-Americans. The City of Southfield Parks & Recreation Department, Southfield Public Library and several other city departments and community groups work together to plan and produce a wide range of educational and recreational programs and events that celebrate Black history and culture.
Black History Month is a time to honor the contributions and legacy of African Americans across U.S. history and society. President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month in 1976, calling upon the public to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.” Since 1976, every U.S. president has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month.
Originating in the United States, the event grew out of “Negro History Week,” the brainchild of noted historian Carter G. Woodson and other prominent African Americans. Today, Black History Month has received official recognition from governments in the United States and Canada, and more recently Ireland and the United Kingdom.
Black History Month Kick-Off Event – Saturday, February 1
Southfield Parks & Recreation will host the ‘Southfield Celebrates Black History Month Kick-off Event’ on Saturday, February 1 from 4-8 p.m. in the Southfield Pavilion, 26000 Evergreen Road. Come together for an evening of Black history, culture, and creativity. Enjoy performances, inspiring discussions, and opportunities to support local Black-owned businesses! This free event is suitable for ages 12 and up.
There will be a number of event highlights, including:
- A fashion Stroll presented by Love Rose.
- Performances by the Southfield A&T High School Marching Band, Impulse Dance Academy, the Legacy Dance Company, musician Jay Reid and Jack and Jill poets.
- Black History 101 Mobile Museum featuring over 300 artifacts dating from slavery until today.
- A Panel Discussion in honor of the Black History 101 Mobile Museum’s 30th anniversary with notable participants of the Million Man March including Dr. Khalid el-Hakim, Professor Griff, Paradise Gray, and more.
- Book Signing with Meet Khalilah Ali. Get a signed copy of her book UNDEFEATED.
- The Black-owned Business Marketplace will be open throughout the event for attendees to browse and support black-owned businesses from throughout the metro Detroit area.
- DJ DeezyD will be providing music.
Walk Through History Display and Black History Activity Bags & T-Shirts
The Walk Through History display will feature informational signs describing some well-known and lesser known influential African Americans throughout Southfield and world history. Explore the impactful lives of influential African Americans. Walk through their stories, achievements, and legacies in a unique display bringing history to life. The display will be up from February 1-28, 2025 in the Southfield Pavilion. Admission is free.
Southfield Parks & Recreation will offer a Black History Month Activity Bags for $5 each (while supplies last) by calling Southfield Parks & Recreation at (248) 796-4620. Each bag holds a treasure trove of crafts and activities to discover and earn more about significant people and events. Pick up of all activity bags will take place at the Parks & Recreation information desk.
Celebrate Black History Month T-Shirts are available in sizes small through 4xl for $25 each, while supplies last. Shirts are available for purchase at the Parks & Recreation Information Desk, Monday-Firday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. as well as at each of the Black History Month events.
Black History Month Hustle & Flow Party – Saturday, February 8
Southfield’s Black History Month Celebration will continue on Saturday, February 8 from 7-10 p.m. in the Southfield Pavilion. The Hustle & Flow party will be a spectacular event featuring live performances and entertainment. The night kicks off with Alex Goss and the Detroit Soul Rhythm Band, delivering an electrifying mix of soulful tunes. The party will also feature DJ DeezyD keeping the energy going by spinning hits, blending the best of old-school classics and today’s top tracks.
Guests can enjoy a cash bar and delicious food available for purchase, making it a perfect night out with friends or loved ones. General Admission tickets are $15 per person and are available for purchase at the Parks & Recreation Information Desk located inside the Parks & Recreation Building at 26000 Evergreen Road or online at https://bit.ly/SfldBHM2025. This is event is for ages 18 and over only.
Black History Month The Spirit of Harriet Tubman – Sunday, February 16
Experience the incredible journey of Harriet Tubman, brought to life by Leslie McCurdy. This powerful, one-woman show will take place on Sunday, February 16 beginning at 3 p.m. in the Southfield Pavilion. This performance is sure to be a memorable experience for all ages. Admission is free, thanks to the generous support of program sponsors: Royal Enterprise Solutions, The Style Guru, w3r Consulting, Marygrove Consulting, McDonalds and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Psi Delta Omega Chapter.
Black History Month Movie Matinee – Sunday, February 23
Black History Month Movie Matinee, will feature the 2024 film Shirley, on Sunday, February 23 at 3 p.m. The film, starring Regina King, is an intimate portrayal of trailblazing political icon Shirley Chisholm, the first Black Congresswoman and the first Black woman to run for President of the United States. This film is rated PG-13. Admission is free and refreshments will be available.
The Secret Society of Twisted Story Tellers - Friday, February 21
The Secret Society of Twisted Story Tellers will return to the Southfield Pavilion on Friday, February 21 beginning at 6 p.m. Hosted by the incomparable Satori Shakoor, this unforgettable evening of storytelling will feature inspiring stories from Clint Walker, Daniel Baxter and Robert Cooper. Doors open at 6 p.m. for a 45 -minute Pre-glow meet and greet session with the performers followed by the performance from 7 – 9 p.m. Don’t miss this captivating night of real stories, shared from the heart. Tickets are $15 per person and are available for purchase in person or online at https://bit.ly/SfldBHM2025.
Southfield Public Library Black History Month Events
Conversations on Race – Wednesdays, January 22, January 29 and February 5
The Southfield Public Library will host a 3-week series of guided conversations to build awareness of and skills for talking about race and racism. Through shared videos, small group discussion, large group dialogue and creating actionable steps, we will engage in and sustain difficult conversations while building capacity for advocacy. This program is sponsored through the generous support of the Friends of the Southfield Public Library. Visit www.conversationsonrace.org for more information on the Conversations on Race organization.
- January 22 - The Difference Between Us
Why has the myth of race as biology persisted and what effect does this have on our own perception of people? - January 29 - The Story We Tell
How has the idea that race is biology resulted in intentional inequalities in policy and practices throughout U.S. history? - February 5 - The House We Live In
What is structural racism and how have definitions of race shifted to support political and social inequities?
Black History Mysteries - All Month
To celebrate Black History Month each week in February the library will feature a mystery for families to solve. Pick up a form at the youth desk, and use this to record your answers as you follow the clues and learn about events in Black History.
Not Your Average Urban Fiction Book Club Reads ~ The Accomplice – Wednesday, February 5
The Southfield Public Library hosts Not Your Average Urban Fiction Book Club on February 5 from 6:30-8 p.m. The book to be discussed is The Accomplice by Curtis (50 Cent) Jackson. The book is available at the library and the ebook is on Libby. Refreshments will be served.
Book to Screen: A Day Late and A Dollar Short – Thursday, February 6
The Southfield Public Library will host Book to Screen: A Day Late and A Dollar Short on February 6 from 6-7 p.m. This edition of Book to Screen is about about the novel A Day Late and A Dollar Short, written by Terry McMillan. The story is about Viola Price, who attempts to fix the lives of her dysfunctional family members if it's the last thing she does. The Lifetime film features an all-star cast which includes Whoopi Goldberg (as Price), Ving Rhames, Kimberly Elise and Tichina Arnold.
Black History Month Open Mic Celebration – Saturday, February 22
The Southfield Public Library will host the Black History Month Open Mic Celebration on February 22 from 1-4 p.m. Attendees can showcase their talent and enjoy the creative performances of others! Original spoken word by individuals and groups are welcome and encouraged! Tony Speaks will be the MC host. The event will feature food, vendors, music and more!
Pre-registration is required to perform at: https://southfieldlibrary.org/calendar-of-events/#/events/2RBZXjtbEG/instances/rMYzAc57Ze/ The deadline to register is Monday, Feb. 17. Walk-ins are welcome if time permits. Content should be PG-13. Performers will be given specific performance times and kept to a maximum of five minutes.
Tuesday Evening Book Club reads This Motherless Land by Nikki May – Tuesday, February 11
The Southfield Public Library presents Tuesday Evening Book Club reads This Motherless Land by Nikki May on February 11 at 6:30 p.m. This book discussion is in honor of John and Dorothy Creecy who were instrumental in the opening of the Southfield Public Library and loved to share literature with the community.
Since 1976, Black History Month has been nationally recognized each February. From documentary viewings and education programming, to musical and dance performances, there are always a variety of events in the City of Southfield each year to honor and celebrate Black History Month. The City of Southfield annually hosts and sponsors a number of city programs, events and activities to remember the important contributions and celebrate the history of African-Americans. The City of Southfield Parks & Recreation Department, Southfield Public Library and several other city departments and community groups work together to plan and produce a wide range of educational and recreational programs and events that celebrate Black history and culture.
