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Henry Ford Museum Celebrates Black History Month with Performances, Interactive Tours, and a Special Exhibit Honoring the 60th Anniversary of the Voting Rights Act
Wednesday, February 5, 2025
The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation honors Black History Month, offering visitors a chance to reflect on the past, celebrate achievements, and engage in meaningful discussions about shaping a more just future. This year’s programming focuses on African Americans and labor, recognizing the significant contributions of Black entrepreneurs, activists, and innovators who have shaped industries and communities through their dedication and resilience.
Weekend Highlights: Engaging Experiences for Visitors
Throughout Black History Month, The Henry Ford Museum will host a diverse lineup of performances, discussions, and guided tours, highlighting the profound impact of African American excellence. Visitors can look forward to:
February 9 – Creative Expressions with Phillip SimpsonRenowned artist and Smile Brand founder Phillip Simpson will lead an afternoon of artistic inspiration, sharing his vision for creativity and positivity.
February 15 – Cultural Dance and MovementExperience the vibrant energy of The TeMaTe Institute for Black Dance & Culture and the powerful expression of the Michigan Krump Movement as they showcase the deep-rooted traditions of African American dance.
February 16 – Performing Arts and Live MusicYoung artists from Marygrove’s Repertory and Junior Companies will take the stage, followed by an intimate live performance by Detroit Symphony Orchestra musicians Cole and Harper Randolph at 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. in Museum Plaza.
New Interactive Experience: Exploring Hidden Black History
This year, The Henry Ford Museum introduces an exciting guided tour, Reframing History: Uncovering Black Stories, available daily at 1 p.m. in Museum Plaza. This experience highlights untold Black histories woven into the museum’s collections, providing a deeper look at the artifacts that illustrate African American contributions to innovation, labor, and social progress.
Commemorating 60 Years Since the Voting Rights Act
2024 marks the 60th anniversary of the Selma to Montgomery marches, including Bloody Sunday, and the historic passage of the 1965 Voting Rights Act—a defining moment in the fight for racial justice. To honor this milestone, The Henry Ford Museum will unveil a special Collections Spotlight exhibit, We Shall Overcome: The 60th Anniversary of the Voting Rights Act, beginning February 22.
This exhibition will feature rare artifacts and historical accounts that document the struggle for voting rights and the courageous individuals who led the charge. A key part of this showcase is the story of Dr. Sullivan and Mrs. Richie Jean Sherrod Jackson, whose Jackson House in Selma provided a safe haven for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and civil rights leaders as they planned their strategy for securing African American voting rights.
Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future
As The Henry Ford Museum pays tribute to Black History Month, visitors are invited to engage in powerful performances, historical exhibits, and immersive …