February marks Black History Month – a month honoring the history and achievements of Black Americans. In Flint & Genesee, there are many longstanding community events to enjoy and participate in. Additionally, local institutions are hosting events or exhibitions that are themed around the month.
Here are some of the many options to celebrate Black History Month this year in Flint & Genesee.
Feb. – 24th Annual Black History Month Brunch
This brunch honors and celebrates the contributions and lives of African Americans from the near and far and specifically highlights three people and an organization for their work in the community.
Receiving the Award of Excellence are Baba Kevin Collins, Mayor Sheldon A. Neely, and Dr. Rabon L. Turner. Receiving the Partner in Progress Award is the Floyd J. McCree Theatre. This ticketed event will be held at Genesys Conference & Banquet Center.
Feb. 1 – 18th Annual Community Gala
Join the Flint Institute of Arts + Art School (FIA) as they partner with Communities First, Inc for the opening of two new exhibitions - “Romare Bearden: Artist as Activist and Visionary” and “We Loved the Swag: From Black Bottom Until Now.” The evening will feature a lecture, live entertainment, and hors d’oeuvres and proceeds will support the expansion of the African American art collection at the FIA as well as new exhibitions.
Feb. 1-Mar. 16 – Cliff Joseph and the Power of Art
This art exhibition is currently being shown at the Flint Institute of Arts Museum + Art School and features the art of activist Cliff Joseph, who had been so inspired by the “I Have a Dream” speech that he became involved in anti-racist and pro-Black causes.
Feb. 4 – St. John Street: Story of a Neighborhood
The documentary made about the St. John neighborhood in Flint will be airing on WKAR soon. The documentary is Emmy Nominated and won a Telly Award. It will air at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 4, on PBS station WKAR, out of Lansing, and then again on Feb. 6 at 10 p.m.
Feb. 5 – FGYP Presents – Black History Month Panel & Discussion
The Flint & Genesee Young Professionals are hosting a panel of young leaders working in Flint & Genesee to talk about the community and their work in it. This event will be held at the Gloria Coles Flint Public Library and lunch will be provided.
Feb. 13 – 10th Annual African American Film Series- “This is My Black”
Playing at the Flint Institute of Arts Museum + Art School in partnership with Communities First, Inc, this is part of a three-film series that addresses African American themes and culture. This musical documentary examines students with passion for music who are trying to survive their harsh lives. Dinner is included with this free screening.
Feb. 13-Mar. 8 - Vee-Jay Records
The New McCree Theatre presents the play “Vee-Jay Records” about the founding of the record company that led the way for Motown Records and others.
Feb. 15 – Poet Laureate Semaj Brown Poetry Reading
Flint’s poet laureate, Semaj Brown will be reading her poetry at a free event at the McFarlen Library in Grand Blanc.
Feb. 21 – Flint School of Performing Arts Celebrates Black History
The Flint School of Performing Arts and its students will be holding a showcase night of performances featuring dance, music, and theatre for an evening celebrating the work of Black artists.
Feb. 14-Mar. 7 – African American Artists of Michigan Exhibition
The Greater Flint Arts Council will be presenting their annual exhibition of African American art from Michigan artists with its opening on Feb. 14 during the Flint ARTWALK.
