See a James Baldwin Documentary, Visit a Black Cinema Art Exhibit, Enjoy a 5-Course Meal, Read a Book by a Black Queer Author
Don’t let Black History Month slip by without taking advantage of some of the many events taking place in Southeast Michigan, including queer-imbued happenings like a newly restored documentary focused on queer icon James Baldwin and a new DIA exhibit focused on decades of archival materials portraying the contributions of Black cinema creators. Also, head to St. John’s Resort in Plymouth to take advantage of a five-course meal created by local Black chefs or pick up a new read by a Black queer author.
1. See a Restored James Baldwin Documentary
Head to the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit on Feb. 22 or 29 to see a newly restored documentary, presented by Cinema Detroit, centered on the life of highly influential Black gay writer, activist and intellectual oratori James Baldwin during the Civil Right Movement. Released in 1982, “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” focuses on Baldwin’s return to the Southern U.S. after spending years living in Paris.
Feb. 22 and 29, 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. showings each night, Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit (4454 Woodward Ave.) Reserve tickets in advance at bit.ly/42PyWIP.
2. Tickets Available for Colours Pride Awards Gala
Tickets are available now for the Detroit Regional LGBT Chamber of Commerce annual fundraiser, its Colours Pride Awards Gala, themed “Purple Reign.” The event, set for June 14, raises funds to support local LGBTQ-owned and operated businesses and to increase training and resources for young Metro Detroit entrepreneurs. Former Michigan state senator and LGBTQ+ trailblazer Buzz Thomas will receive the chamber’s Equity Champion of the Year Award. Audience members will also have the opportunity to vote on the winner of a grant based on a live competition.
June 14, 6-10 p.m., Motor City Casino (2901 Grand River Ave., Detroit). Tickets available at detroitlgbtchamber.com/coloursawards.
3. See an Art Exhibit Featuring Lost Black Cinema Footage
A new exhibit at Detroit Institute of Art (DIA), Regeneration: Black Cinema 1898-1971, honors the enduring, and oft-overlooked, legacy of Black filmmakers and actors from the early days of filmmaking through the aftermath of the Civil Rights Era. Museum visitors can examine lost and forgotten films, filmmakers and performers through a collection of historical photographs, costumes, props, posters and interactive elements. Contemporary works created by artists like Glenn Ligon, a queer Bronx-based creator, are featured alongside the collection. “Regeneration,” the DIA writes in press materials, “highlights the agency many Black artists asserted in their respective crafts despite challenges of systemic racism, revealing their tenacity, immense talent and unwavering commitment to creative expression.”
Through June 23, DIA (5200 Woodward Ave.). Free admission for Macomb, Oakland and Wayne County residents. Learn more at dia.org/events/exhibitions/regeneration.
4. Pick Up a Memoir by a Black Queer Author
This Black History Month, intentionally support Black queer authors by reading works based on their lived experiences. Here are four unique picks:
- “Quietly Hostile” by Kalamazoo-based memorist Samantha Irby (2023) — a truly hilarious memoir based on the best-selling author and “And Just Like That…” writer’s experiences as a queer, Black woman from Chicago figuring out Michigan life.
- “How to Live Free In a Dangerous World: A Decolonial Memoir” by Shayla Lawson (2024) — a travel memoir from a Black, femme, nonbinary and disabled writer exploring how travel itself can be a political act.
- “Feels Right: Black Queer Women and the Politics of Partying in Chicago” by Kemi Adeyemi (2022) — Adeyemi examines how Black queer women in Chicago use dance as a political statement, especially in gentrifying neighborhoods.
- “Bless the Blood: A Cancer Memoir” by Walela Nehanda (2024) — a memoir and poetry collection exploring the medical racism and misgendering Nehanda experienced after being diagnosed with leukemia at 23.
5. Bring Your Appetite to a 5-Course Black History Month Dinner
St. John’s Resort in Plymouth will host a 5-course “Soulful Dining” dinner in honor of Black History Month created by five Michigan-based Black chefs on Feb. 29. The meal, which will support charities chosen by each of the chefs, includes chicken and waffles prepared by Chef Reniel Billups (Occasions Catering and Party Planning), deviled egg salad from Chef April Forbes (Menagarie Lounge), Low Country Crab Rice by Chef Reva Constantine (Reva Constantine Events) and Family BBQ by Chef Tricia Holt (Nomad Grill). Lesbian Detroit-based chef April Anderson (Good Cakes and Bakes) will prepare a sweet potato cheesecake for dessert.
Feb. 29, 6 p.m., St. John’s Resort (44045 Five Mile Road, Plymouth). Reserve seats at bit.ly/3ws188l.
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