DETROIT, MI – The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History will be open every day of February and present a wide range of exciting and inspirational programming in celebration of Black History Month. Unless otherwise noted, all events take place at the museum at 315 East Warren Avenue in Midtown Detroit’s Cultural Center, and are free and open to the public. A complete listing of events is provided, and of special note are the following:
In commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the 1967 Detroit Rebellion, The Wright continues its United We Stand: The Year of Rebellion programming with two more events: Celebrating Ghana’s 60th Anniversary of Independence: From Enslavement to Independence on Thursday, February 23 at 6 PM; and a Tribute to Master Teacher Dr. John Henrik Clarke on Saturday, February 25 at 2 PM.
FAMILY
Meet the Scientist Saturday featuring David Head & Dr. Terrance Dillard
Saturday, February 25 at 2 PM
Do you know a curious student, a young Einstein, or a future tech wizard who is always thinking of the next big thing? Bring them to discover and explore science with activities led by scientists and technologists with the hands-on exhibit, Inspiring Minds: African Americans in Science and Technology! Free.
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING
Freedom School at The Wright Museum
Saturdays at 10 AM
Boost your children’s competence in basic subjects and watch them grow strong in self-esteem as they learn about awe-inspiring African American history and cultural heritage! Freedom School features volunteer teachers led by Dr. Gloria Aneb House who are practicing and retired educational professionals, artists, writers, media experts and college graduates committed to education. Free.
The World's First Black Female Aviator: Bessie Coleman – A One Woman Performance by Gigi Coleman-Brooms
Tuesday, February 21 at 10 AM
This one-woman performance by Gigi Coleman-Brooms will inspire students to achieve their goals and dreams despite adversity – an aviation career is not out of reach and children will learn just how close it can be. Free.
Black Literary Forum
Tuesday, February 21 at 5:30 PM
Learn from book authors and publishers about the ins and outs of self-publishing. Featuring speakers Garland Jaggers, author and publisher; Lyn Lewis, author; Jessica Care Moore, author and publisher; Aurora Harris, author and publisher; and Gina Stewart, editor and journalist. Free.
Celebrating Ghana’s 60th Anniversary of Independence: The Last Bath – From Enslavement to Independence
Thursday, February 23 at 6 PM
Authors Shaakira and Jeffrey Lee Edison, Esq. discuss their first book, pan-African life, projects and experiences in Ghana to mark the 60th anniversary of Ghana’s independence lead by Kwame Nkrumah. Free.
Tribute to Master Teacher Dr. John Henrik Clarke: His Great and Mighty Walk
Saturday, February 25 at 2 PM
Speakers include Professor James Small, former professor of Black Studies at City College of New York; Dr. Leonard Jeffries, President of the World African Diaspora Union and former professor and chair of Black Studies at the City College of New York; and Dr. Wade Nobles, founder of The Association of Black Psychologists and professor at San Francisco State University. Free.
FILM
Brown Bag Film Series
Tuesdays – Fridays 11 AM – 1 PM
Looking for a spot to take your lunch hour with great entertainment? Whether you brought your lunch from home or from one of the many fine restaurants around Midtown, bring it to The Wright during this free weekly film series in the museum’s amphitheater. Free.
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Hustle for History Weekly Dance Lessons ($)
Sundays at 5 PM
Work your muscles, strengthen your bones, and improve your health with weekly hustle lessons, taught by Thomasenia Johnson of Two Left Feet. Purchase five lessons and receive a museum membership, making your next 12 months free! $7 or free for members.
30 Days to Lose It! Weekly Workouts ($)
Tuesdays at 7:30 PM
Want to slim down, stay in shape or just be healthy? Join us for SEASON 7 of 30 Days To Lose It!, a weekly workout inspired by the TV show, The Biggest Loser. This workout is FREE for museum members and $5 for non-members. Attend 8 consecutive sessions and receive a complimentary museum membership, making your next 12 months free!
EXHIBITIONS
All exhibitions are free with museum admission
And Still We Rise: Our Journey Through African American History and Culture
Permanent Exhibition
The core experience of The Wright Museum, this 22,000 square-foot exhibition takes visitors through time and across geographic boundaries from prehistoric Africa all the way to modern-day Detroit. Throughout, the efforts of everyday men and women who built families, businesses, educational institutions, spiritual traditions, civic organizations and a legacy of freedom and justice are hailed.
Inspiring Minds: African Americans in Science and Technology
Permanent Exhibition
This high-tech exhibit highlights trailblazers, contemporaries and careers in the STEM fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through interactive computer kiosks, a touchscreen video wall, and hands-on activities and play areas. Inspiring Minds introduces individuals from across the spectrum of fields, levels of renown, and from times past and present, with particular focuses on African American women in science, black aviators, black inventors, medical ethics, and key historical figures such as George Washington Carver.
I See Me: Reflections in Black Dolls
Now Open
Organized by The Wright Museum, I See Me: Reflections in Black Dolls is designed for family enjoyment and doll collectors’ amazement. The exhibition features an array of black dolls, dating from the late 19th century to the present, including babies, fashion dolls, hand-crafted art dolls, and more from local and national collections.
Shaping the Vessel: Mascoll + Samuel
Now through August 1, 2017
This exhibition of twenty-six exquisite works in wood celebrates two artists at the pinnacle of their careers – John Mascoll and Avelino Samuel – whose first tool, a wood lathe given to the world by the ancient Egyptians, has served as a springboard to imagination, flights of fancy, and ingenuity. Shaping the Vessel: Mascoll + Samuel was curated by Charles Farrar and organized by the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture.
Transitions of Walter Bailey: An Artist's Retrospective
Now through May 28, 2017
Transitions of Walter Bailey: An Artist's Retrospective features 50 years of Bailey's artwork from the 1950's to the present. Divided into four sections, the exhibition begins with early-childhood pencil drawings, his black expressionism work, “experimental era,” and ends with his current “Art Ain't Flat No Mo” work. Bailey says, “My next transition will reflect (my) desire to explore new themes, styles, and genres for the next tumultuous decade.”
The Music and The Times: Photographs by Leni Sinclair
Now Open
Leni Sinclair is a renowned visual historian, photographer, social and political activist. Beginning in the 1960s, she documented live performances of legendary American and world musicians, especially those that performed in Detroit, Michigan. Featured are photographs of extraordinary musicians such as Bob Marley, Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, and many more, alongside a video presentation encompassing her photo documentation of the wider social and political milieu.
The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History was founded in 1965. The museum opens minds and changes lives through the exploration and celebration of African American history and culture.
Program dates and times are subject to change.
Visit TheWright.org or call (313) 494-5800 for complete
program listings and updates!
