Metro Detroit Presents Robust Slate of Black History Month Programming

The Metro Detroit region is commemorating Black History Month with plenty of lectures, public programs, special performances, and workshops. Here's a look at several highlights of events happening throughout February:

Planet Ant Theatre will host "Do The Knowledge" on weekends from Feb. 7-22. The comedy show will take on a TED talk-like presentation that will detail the story of the Black experience in the United States. Tickets are $30 online or $35 at the door. | Ant Hall, 2320 Caniff St., Hamtramck

The DIA (Detroit Institute of the Arts) will present a "Stepper's Ball" on Friday, Feb. 7, featuring members of Chicago's "I Love Steppin'" community. A beginner-level step class will run from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., followed by 90 minutes of free dancing. General admission is $20 for adults, $10 for college students and seniors, $8 for youth ages 6-17, and free for children 5 and younger. Macomb, Oakland, and Wayne County residents receive free admission. | DIA, 5200 Woodward Ave., Detroit

Join Chef Josmine Evans for a presentation on the history of soul food and its place in African American culture on Saturday, Feb. 8. The free event will run from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. | Duffield Branch of the Detroit Public Library, 2507 W. Grand Blvd., Detroit

The DIA will deliver several short films from the 2024 New York International Children's Film Festival highlighting Black narratives. The event will take place at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 15, at the DIA. General admission is $20 for adults, $10 for college students and seniors, $8 for youth 6-17, and free for kids 5 and younger. Admission is free for residents of Macomb, Oakland, and Wayne counties. | DIA, 5200 Woodward Ave., Detroit