(HOWELL, MI) The Livingston Diversity Council will present events throughout the month of February to celebrate Black History Month.
Here are a list of upcoming programs and activities open to the public:
“Respect” free film screening: Thursday, Feb. 8
Howell Historic Theater (315 E Grand River Ave, Howell)
Doors open at 6:30 pm, movie begins at 7 pm
Watch the remarkable true story of Aretha Franklin’s music journey from a child singing in her father’s church choir to her international superstardom and the trauma and tragedy she experienced along the way. Donations are welcome. No reservations needed.
True Black History Museum Day: Friday, Feb. 16
- Cleary University Commons (3750 Cleary Drive, Howell)
- Open 11 am to 4 pm (stop by any time during those hours)
- Free
Take a captivating journey through the African American experience by exploring a collection of more than 150 artifacts spanning from the 1600s to the 21st century. This traveling museum is dedicated to preserving the rich history of black people and highlighting their profound contributions to humanity. The exhibit, entitled, “A Tribute to the African American Journey,” highlights the contributions of African Americans in the arts, sciences, sports, entertainment, education and politics. It spotlights the slave trade, slavery, the Civil War, Reconstruction, the Black Power movement, and much more.
The Livingston Diversity Council partners with Howell Carnegie District Library to present the museum tour.
True Black History: An evening with Fred Saffold III: Friday, Feb. 16
- Cleary University Commons (3750 Cleary Drive, Howell)
- 6 pm to 9 pm (doors open at 6 pm, dinner served at 6:45 pm)
- $45 per person (includes dinner and talk, cash bar)
Fred Saffold III is the founder of the True Black History Museum. He lectures around the country on issues of black history and racial injustice.
To purchase tickets to this event, visit www.livingstondiversity.org, or www.eventbrite.com/e/true-black-history-dinner-with-founder-fred-saffold-iii-tickets-780834305427?aff=oddtdtcreator
The event is in partnership with Howell Carnegie District Library.
Motown Museum Field Trip: Friday, Feb. 23
- Meet at Cleary University Commons at 10:45 am; bus returns at 5:30 pm
- $30 per person includes transportation and the museum tour
The museum features Berry Gordy’s actual apartment from the label’s early days, original recording equipment, and the legendary Studio A at Hitsville USA. Tour guides will share the fascinating history of Motown and captivating stories from this iconic place.
Schedule
- 10:45 am: meet at Cleary Commons (3750 Cleary Drive, Howell)
- 11 am: depart for Detroit
- 12:30 pm: lunch (on your own at Joe Louis Southern Kitchen)
- 2:30 pm: museum tour
- 4 pm: depart from museum
- 5:30 pm: arrive at Cleary
Cleary University partners with the Livingston Diversity Council to host this activity.
To reserve a spot (limited seating), visit www.eventbrite.com/e/motown-museum-field-trip-tickets-764228727697?aff=oddtdtcreator or www.livingstondiversity.org.
Sponsors of these Black History Month events include Chem Trend, Cleary University, Comcast, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Trusted Home Care, and the Brighton and Howell Chambers of Commerce.
The Livingston Diversity Council is a grass roots nonprofit organization that embraces and advocates for the virtues of diversity, equity, inclusion and access within and for the community. The council’s board of directors meets bi-monthly via zoom at noon on the second Thursday of odd numbered months. The public is welcome to participate. To learn more, visitlivingstondiversity.org.
Cleary University hosts Black History Month workshop Feb. 8
In addition to these Black History Month activities, Cleary University will host “Discussing Bias and Cross-Cultural Diversity,” a workshop and talk to remember the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. The program will take place Thursday, Feb. 8 at noon in Room #3 of Cleary Commons.
LaTasha Ellis, Cleary’s director of Public Safety and Corporate Sector, will lead the program. She brings a wealth of experience and insights when exploring the nuances of bias and the richness of cross-cultural diversity.
According to Ellis, “this workshop isn’t just about understanding differences; it is about celebrating them.”
It is an opportunity to gain valuable perspectives, learn practical strategies applicable to various facets of life, and engage in open dialogue to foster a more inclusive environment in our community.
The public is invited to participate. There is no charge for this program. No registration is required.
Cleary University is located at 3750 Cleary Drive in Howell (off Grand River Avenue and west of Latson Road). Cleary Commons is the first building on the left when entering the campus.
