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