The city of Sterling Heights, in collaboration with members of the City’s African American Coalition, is hosting a month-long series of events in celebration of Black History Month.
The events are aimed at increasing local recognition of and engagement in Black History Month. Events and activities scheduled include:
- Sterling Heights Public Library Youth Programs is hosting two virtual storytimes. The first was held on Feb. 2 and can be viewed through the Sterling Heights Public Library Facebook page. The second is scheduled for Feb. 9 at 10:30 a.m. These storytimes feature members of the Sterling Heights Ethnic Community Committee and African American Coalition. Sharron Allen and Carmen Williams perform read-alouds that feature stories about Black History at facebook.com/shpublib.
- Sterling Heights Public Library classic youth programming, including stories and crafts, will feature a Black History theme. Events include Toddler Time on Feb. 10 at 2:30 p.m., Preschool Storytime on Feb. 11 at 2:30 p.m. and Stories ‘n’ Such on Feb. 20 at 10:30 a.m. Registration is required and can be made by calling 586.446.2640 or visiting bit.ly/shpl-calendar.
- Sterling Heights Public Library Adult & Teen Programming will host a showing of the documentary Black Men in White Coats on Feb. 12 at 12 p.m. This top-notch film seeks to increase the number of Black men in the field of medicine after the Association of American Medical Colleges released an alarming report in 2013 informing the nation that the already low number of black men applicants to medical school was decreasing. This documentary will be hosted virtually, and registrants will be emailed instructions on how to view the documentary the morning of Feb. 12. Participants can view the documentary anytime between Feb. 12 at noon and Feb. 15 at noon. Registration is required and can be made by calling 586.446.2640 or visiting bit.ly/shpl-calendar.
- Sterling Heights Public Library will partner with the Detroit Institute of Arts on Feb. 18 at 6 p.m. for In Our Own Voice: African American Art, a virtual presentation to build awareness of the creative contributions of African Americans from the 19th century to present day. Registrants will be emailed instructions on how to join the day of the event. Registration is required and can be made by calling 586.446.2640 or visiting bit.ly/shpl-calendar.
- Members of the City’s African American Coalition will join other prominent local figures to host a virtual panel discussion called Walking In Our Shoes: Past, Present and Future – a Conversation on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. The virtual panel, scheduled for Feb. 26 from noon to 1 p.m., will be moderated by Michigan Lt. Governor Garland Gilchrist and will focus on what life is life for African Americans in Macomb County.
- Sterling Heights Public Library will partner with the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History on Feb. 23 for Voting Matters: The Civil Rights Movement, an interactive exhibition on how African Americans shaped the notion of what it means to have the right to vote. This event offers a dynamic learning environment that supports the Museum’s mission of opening minds and changing lives through the exploration and celebration of African American history and culture. Registration is required and can be made by calling 586.446.2640 or visiting bit.ly/shpl-calendar.
- The Halo on M-59’s Golden Corridor will be lit with a red/yellow/green chase the weekend of Feb. 6 and 7 in honor of Black History Month.
“Black History Month is a time for recognizing and celebrating the many achievements and contributions African Americans have made to the formation of our country,” said Sterling Heights Mayor Michael Taylor. “We wanted to recognize the national month-long celebration, but we also wanted to underscore its importance locally by adopting a resolution recognizing February 2021 as Black History Month in Sterling Heights and working to host these educational and inspirational events for all our residents.”