Celebrate Black History Month in local communities
By Emma Brown
February was declared Black History Month by President Gerald R. Ford in 1976 and has continued to be celebrated since. February honors the contributions and achievements of the Black community and reminds us that prejudices still exist. Back History Month is a chance for other communities to learn about Black history and to elevate Black voices. Here are a few local activities for BHM that give people the opportunity to listen to and learn Black stories.
Race & Riot 1967 Saginaw Lecture, Hoyt Library Auditorium, 505 Janes Ave., Saginaw
Join Jennifer Vannette Thursday, Feb. 5th at the Saginaw Public Library to learn about the redlining of marginalized communities in Saginaw back in the 1960’s, which eventually led to the 1967 Race & Riot. Vannette earned her PhD in History at Central Michigan University and went on to become a historian, speaker and writer. The lecture will also discuss why these past events are still relevant today and the importance of citizens learning their community’s history.
Registration for this event is required to reserve a seat, however admission is free. To register, go to saginawlibrary.org. It is also recommended that this lecture is primarily for adults.
Black History Month celebration and exhibits, Saginaw Art Museum, 1126 N Michigan Ave., Saginaw
The Saginaw Art Museum is beginning Black History Month with three new exhibits to celebrate and recognize Black culture and community. The exhibits are available for viewing Wednesday through Friday, from noon to 5pm at the Saginaw Art Museum, 1126 N Michigan Ave. The museum is also holding a celebration on Feb. 28th, with more details to come. Admission to the museum is free for children under 12, $7 for adults and $5 for seniors and students.
More information and exhibit details can be found on the museum’s page at saginawartmuseum.org.
Speaker Dr. April Baker-Bell, Delta Downtown Saginaw Campus, 319 E Genesee Ave., Saginaw
April Baker-Bell is an award-winning professor at the Marsalis Family School of Education in Ann Arbor and successful author of “Linguistic Justice: Black Language, Literacy, Identity, and Pedagogy,” her book that discusses how to dismantle anti-Black linguistic racism. Baker-Bell is coming to the Downtown Saginaw Center Feb. 5th from 5-6:30pm to discuss her book, and to discuss her extensive knowledge of antiracist linguistics and racial justice. Known for her activism and research, Baker-Bell is a multi-award winning author and professor.
Admission is free at the Delta Downtown Saginaw Campus in room A003.
BEDI Lunch and Learn- African American Poetry Read-In, Delta Main Campus, 1961 Delta Rd, University Center
The Belonging, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion office is hosting an African American poetry read-in and lunch and learn, focusing on black poets and authors and their works. The event will take place Feb. 11th from noon-1:30pm in room N007 on Delta main campus and lunch will be provided for participants.
The event is free and open to the public. For more information, reach out to (989)-686-9017 or go to their page at delta.edu.
From Journalism to Justice- Lessons from Ida B. Wells, Delta Main Campus, 1961 Delta Rd
Lessons from Ida B. Wells will be a discussion about Wells and her activism for women’s suffrage, civil rights, and against racial discrimination. Wells was born into slavery and experienced the first-hand abuse of her people, but after emancipation became a significant civil rights activist, investigative journalist and crusader for justice. This event will be held at Delta main campus, 1961 Delta Rd, in room N007 from 1-2:30pm. Light refreshments will be provided for those involved.
Admission is free and no registration is required. For more information or questions, call the diversity office at (989)-686-9017 or go to delta.edu.
Black Oral Tradition, Delta Main Campus, 1961 Delta Rd, Founders Hall
Experience and learn the tradition of oral storytelling, how it began and its importance to Black culture. This event will highlight unique stories from Black community members, giving everyone a chance to learn something about Black history. The event will be held at Delta’s main campus, 1961 Delta Rd, Feb. 25th from 2-4pm in the Founders Hall.
No registration or admission fee is required and light refreshments will be provided. With any questions, call (989)-686-9017, or for more information go to delta.edu.
Follow the Drinking Gourd, Delta Planetarium, 100 Center Ave., Bay City
Delta Planetarium is offering a free showing of the short animated film, “Follow the Drinking Gourd” as well as free children’s books to the first 10 families who arrive. The short film depicts what it was like for enslaved people searching for freedom along the Underground Railroad and the danger that came with escaping. The showing will take place at the Delta Planetarium, 100 Center Ave. on Feb. 27th at 7pm.
The showing is free, though seating is limited. For more information go to delta.edu or call (989)-667-2260.
Voices of Black Midland Oral History, Captured Photography Studio, 713 Ashman St, Midland
Learn about the experiences of Black people in the Midland community by attending the four session oral history discussion by Voices of Black Midland. Each Thursday from Feb. 5th through Feb. 26th, come together and join the discussion about Black lives in the Midland community. The discussions take place from 7-8:15pm at the Captured Photography Studio above Live Oak, 713 Ashman St, Midland.
To register, go to midlandfoundation.jotform.com or email info@antiracistmidland.org with any questions.