Southfield Parks & Recreation will host the ‘Southfield Celebrates Black History Month 2023 Kick-off Event’ on Saturday, February 4 from 4-8 p.m. in the Southfield Pavilion, 26000 Evergreen Road. 

This free event (suitable for ages 12 and up) will feature performances, tutorials and much more. The event will be highlighted by an in-depth and honest conversation between Dr. Khalid el-Hakim, founder of the Black History 101 Mobile Museum and Dr. Khalilah Camacho-Ali, former wife of Muhammad Ali, about being raised as a Muslim at a very turbulent time in American history, her life with the great Muhammad Ali. They will also discuss her thoughts on women’s rights and being an award-winning humanitarian. 

There will be a number or presentations and performances throughout the event including:

• Hair wrap demonstration with Love Rose, owner of Wrapped in Love at 4:15 p.m.;
• Performances by Impulse Dance Academy at 5:00 p.m.;
• Spoken Word with B Intentional (Youth poets, African drummers, and Legacy Dance Studio) performances begin at 5:45 p.m.;
• Featured speakers: Black History 101 Mobile Museum founder Dr. Khalid el-Hakim and Dr. Khalilah Camacho-Ali at 6:45 p.m.;
• 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; and
• DJ DeezyD will be providing music.

Walk Through History Front Lawn Display and Black History Activity Bags & T-Shirts

The City of Southfield is presenting numerous ‘Southfield Celebrates Black History Month’ programs, events and activities to remember the contributions and celebrate the history of African-Americans. The Walk Through History display featuring informational signs describing some well-known and lesser known influential African Americans throughout Southfield and world history will be on display along the walking path on the front lawn of the Municipal Campus (26000 Evergreen Road) from February 1-28, 2023.

Parks & Recreation will offer Black History Month Activity Bags containing activity sheets, stickers, themed coloring sheets, crayons, crafts and more for $5 each (while supplies last) by calling P&R at (248) 796-4620 or order online at this link. Pick up of all activity bags will take place at the Parks & Recreation Building Wednesday, February 1 through Friday, February 3 from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Celebrate Black History Month T-Shirts will also be available in sizes small through 4x for $20 each (while supplies last) at in-person events.

Additional Black History Month Events

Southfield’s Black History Month Celebration will continue on Saturday, February 11 from 7-10 p.m. in the Southfield Pavilion with Conversations & Cocktails, a special program acknowledging and celebrating the contributions of African Americans to society and the world with some of metro Detroit’s most notable poets and musicians. Conversations & Cocktails will be hosted by Joel Fluent Green and will include comedy by Josh Adams, poetry with Peace Bell and singer/guitarist Trey Priest. The night will close with a concert featuring Alex Goss & Detroit Soul Rhythm Band performing R&B and Soul music from the 70’s 80’s & 90’s.

Black History Month Movie Night, featuring the 2021 drama “Respect” will take place on Friday, February 12 at 4:00 p.m. in the Southfield Pavilion.  Following the rise of Aretha Franklin's career from a child singing in her father's church's choir to her international superstardom, “Respect” is the remarkable true story of the music icon's journey to find her voice.

The Secret Society of Twisted Story Tellers® will return to the Southfield Pavilion to close out Black History Month on Friday, February 17 with a special performance entitled CRT: Betrayal & Trust, hosted by Chery James and Satori Shakoor. Doors will open at 6 p.m. for a 45-minute pre-glow meet & greet session with the performers followed by the performance from 7–9 p.m. Tickets are $15 per person and are available for purchase in person Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Parks & Recreation Information Desk or online at this link.