Detroit virtual tours are constantly expanding their creativity and ability to make knowledge easier accessible. Spreading information is especially significant when it comes to the month of February as the city celebrates Black History Month. This is an inspiring time to dig up the history that Detroiters hold close to their hearts.
Detroiters live the deserved spotlight that Black History Month sheds all year long. After all, Detroit is an 80% Black city with over 50,000 Black-owned businesses throughout the metro area. You can feel the energy in the streets and support is always appreciated.
Overall, events in Detroit and elsewhere have adapted well to social distancing. Detroit’s rounded up Detroit virtual tours to celebrate Black History Month, many of which have a donation aspect to unite the community even more.
PHOTO JON TYSON / UNSPLASH
REDLINING, RACISM, AND SEGREGATION
Detroit history is a well of information that has many layers to keep the learning fresh. Black history month in Detroit and virtual Detroit tours help us uncover more about its roots. Learn about redlining, police brutality and the destruction of Black, Indigenous, and other people of colored neighborhoods, and systemic racism during the Redlining, Racism, and Segregation donation-based virtual tour on Thursday, Feb. 17, from 6-7 p.m. Visit HERE for another tour on March 17th. The tour will also share local organizations fighting for racial justice and offer information on being a part of the movement that resolves these issues. Register HERE.
VIRTUAL THIRD THURSDAY SPEAKER SERIES
Virtual Detroit tours and speaker series are aplenty this Black History Month 2022 in Detroit. Join the Detroit Historical Society for a conversation on community health and care on Thursday, Feb. 17, from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Detroit is known for its soul food, but there’s also much awareness regarding quality food access in the community. Malik Yakini, executive director of the Detroit Black Community Food Security Network, will discuss the history and contemporary impact of food as health and wealth for Black Detroiters and beyond. Register HERE for Health as Wealth in Detroit’s Black Community now.
PHOTO UNSEEN HISTORIES / UNSPLASH
THE BLACK HISTORY BY THOSE THAT LIVED IT
Hear the stories of lifelong Detroiters during the Black History by Those That Lived It donation-based virtual tour on Thursday, Feb. 24, from 6-7:30 p.m. Tour guides Glen Hendricks and Michael Daniels are more than well-versed on the subject, considering they lived to tell their stories. Listen with intrigue as they share 70+ years of experiences and personal stories that are woven into the larger history of Detroit. The stories will range from personal family stories about coming to Detroit during the Great Migration to growing up in Black Bottom and Paradise Valley along with their black businesses story and being an entrepreneur in Detroit in the 80s. Admission is free with registration. Click HERE to register.
BLACK LEADERS SPOTLIGHT
Celebrate Black History Month 2022 with The Henry Ford and Ford Motor Company Fund at home with the Celebrate Black History Leadership Spotlight series. Henry Ford is inviting social innovators to share their experiences and insights on empowerment. Detroit virtual tours and speaker series like these open up a reflective space for the past to be a jumping point for collaboration. The next generation will have valuable tools to create change for the future. The virtual series is held on Facebook every Monday in February at 11 a.m.
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- Feb. 7: Empowering the Youngest Generation to Grow Up Great
- Feb. 14: Empowering Financial Strength
- Feb. 21: Empowering the Next Generation of Engineers and Problem Solvers
- Feb. 25: Empowering Makers to Build a Better Future
- Feb. 28: Empowering Communities Year-Round
ON THE SHOULDERS (In-Person)
PHOTO ALEXIS FAUVET / UNSPLASH
Black history month 2022 virtual Detroit tours aren’t the only way to celebrate of course. Join the Detroit Historical Society for an in-person, all-ages celebration honoring the legacy of entrepreneurship in the Black Community in Detroit. On the Shoulders of Giants: Celebrating Black History Month will be held on Saturday, Feb. 26, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and will highlight some of the businesses and history makers that continue to empower Detroit. They will also have a curated marketplace of locally owned businesses, guided mini-tours of the permanent Doorways to Freedom and Detroit 67: Perspectives exhibitions, and drop-in Paradise Valley-themed crafts from kids. Admission is free with registration. Click HERE to register.
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