8 Events to Celebrate Black History Month at the DIA

Updated Jan 18, 2024

Museum Happenings
A visitor observes Mario Moore's "The Council," in the Detroit Institute of Arts' galleries.

This Black History Month, the DIA offers many ways to honor Black history and celebrate Black artists. In addition to the events below, join us for the exhibition Regeneration: Black Cinema 1898–1971 and the companion film series.

All events are offered free of charge with museum admission.

Artist Events

The 31st Annual Alain Locke Awards

The Friends of African and African American Art will present the annual Alain Locke International Award award to artist Nari Ward for his creation of sculptural installations over the past 40 years made from discarded material found and collected.

Nari Ward
Hubert Massey, Sketch for Detroit-Crossroad of Innovation (in process). Courtesy of Dr. Hubert Massey.

Skilled Labor: Black Realism in Detroit

Join us for a panel discussion with Detroit artists Sydney James, Hubert Massey, and Mario Moore, co-organized by Cranbrook Art Museum and the Detroit Institute of Arts. This vital dialogue among artists will explore how mural work continues to shape Detroit’s artistic and cultural landscape. 

Performances

A woman with short cropped hair smiles at the camera with her head resting on her hand.

Storytelling with Madelyn Porter

Madelyn Porter invites you to celebrate Black History month with a joyful and inspiring tribute to African American History through music, prose, poetry, folktales, song, and dance.

Friday Night Live!: The Black Opry Revue

Black Opry was founded by Nashville's Holly G. as a collective of like-minded musicians, writers, producers, and supporters who created a website where Black artists could be heard and celebrated. 

A Black man in a wide-brimmed hat sits in front of a guitar and an American flag

Stepping Through Time: Celebrating African American Dance in Early Cinema

Bring the family for an afternoon of live music and dancing in the DIA's Rivera Court as Lisa McCall - choreographer, producer and educator who choreographed and managed Aretha Franklin's dancers - guides us through the roots of African American dance.

Free Family Fun

Guest Artist Workshop: Stitch Collage with Najma Ma'at

Detroit-based textile artist Najma Ma’at Wilson will demonstrate how to make stitched collages. Participants will use basic stitching techniques with needles, thread, and a variety of interesting fabrics. 

Colorful stitched fiber art
Drawing in the African American galleries

Drawing in the Galleries: African American Galleries

Create a pencil drawing to take home while taking a closer look at the collection. No experience necessary. All supplies provided. For ages 6 and up.

Black History Month – New York International Children’s Film Festival: Celebrating Black Stories

Join a young astronomer during a lunar eclipse, a meaningful first visit to a barbershop, and witness the magic of a neighborhood castle all in one sitting with this immersive collection of films highlighting Black storytelling.  

An animated mom driving a car with three children in the back

Black History Month at the DIA is generously supported by Arn & Nancy Tellem.