During Black History Month, celebrated in February, Cleary University is co-sponsoring three community events: “I am MLK Jr.,” a documentary film, on Feb. 2; Charles H Wright Museum tour on Feb. 10; and “Engaging Dance and Drumming” performance on Feb. 24.
1. “I am MLK Jr.” explores the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, and his impact on civil rights through the years. This 2018 documentary film will be shown Thursday, Feb. 2, at the Howell Historic Theater, 314 E. Grand River Ave. in downtown Howell. Doors open at 6:30 pm, the film begins at 7 pm, and a panel discussion follows the documentary.
The panel of experts includes Victoria Burton-Harris, chief assistant prosecuting at the Washtenaw County Prosecutor’s Office; Dr. Patricia Coleman-Burns, assistant professor emerita of nursing and black studies at the University of Michigan; and Anthony Lewis, director of community engagement at the Michigan Department of Civil Rights. Freelance journalist Jon Kin will moderate the panel discussion.
Chief Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, Washtenaw County Prosecutor’s Office
This event is free and recommended for those age 13 and older. No registration is needed. The Livingston Diversity Council is the presenting sponsor.
2. A tour of the Charles H Wright Museum tour in Detroit is set for Friday, Feb. 10, at Detroit’s Midtown Cultural Center. Cost is $20 a person and includes transportation to and from the museum, a guided tour, and time to explore other exhibits at the museum. Attendees will pick up the bus at 11 a.m. at the Commons building on Cleary University’s campus, located at 3750 Cleary Drive in Howell (The Commons is the first building to the right when entering the campus). Return time is approximately 5 pm.
The Charles H Wright Museum holds the world’s largest permanent collection of African American culture, comprised of more than 35,000 artifacts. Charles H Wright was a Detroit obstetrician and gynecologist who felt inspired to create a repository for African American history and founded the museum in 1965.
To reserve your spot for the museum tour, visit www.eventbrite.com/e/a-special-guided-tour-at-the-charles-h-wright-museum-tickets-493031720147 or go to the Livingston Diversity Council website for details and tickets.
3. Get ready to dance and move at “Engaging Dance and Drumming,” a musical performance that will take place Friday, Feb. 24 at Cleary University’s Commons building. Doors open at 5 pm and the performance begins at 5:30 pm.
Attendees of all ages will enjoy an evening of authentic African dance and drumming with the Bichini Bia Congo Dance Theater of Ann Arbor and Afro Beats of Flint. The performance features West African musical styles with American funk, jazz and soul influences intertwined with chanted vocals, rhythms and percussion – a performance that will get everybody off their feet!
Refreshments will be served, and the event is free!
Cleary University’s Commons building is located at 3750 Cleary Drive (the first building to the right as you enter the campus, off Grand River Avenue and west of Latson Road).
