Power. Resilience. Creativity.
Be sure to join us May 24–25 for African Liberation Weekend, a celebration of the rich heritage, resilience, and creativity of African and African American communities. Through storytelling, film, art, and conversation, this special weekend honors the spirit of liberation with engaging programs for all ages.
Experience a mini parade celebrating self-expression, African folktales, hands-on art workshops, and a thought-provoking panel on Black hair—each event highlighting the power of culture and identity. In partnership with Communities First, Inc., the weekend also features the African American Film Series screening of Butterfly in the Sky, exploring literacy, education, and community empowerment. Join us for a weekend of learning, creativity, and celebration!
- Crown & Strut: A Mini Parade & Dress-Up Celebration | May 24
May 24 at 10am - 2pm
Latimer Cafe | For All AgesStep into a world of color, culture, and creativity at our Mini Parade & Dress-Up Program! This interactive event invites children and families to celebrate self-expression, heritage, and joy through fashion and movement.
Participants can dress up in vibrant cultural attire, costumes, or outfits that showcase their unique identities. Whether inspired by African heritage, historical figures, or personal creativity, this celebration encourages confidence, pride, and storytelling through dress.
The event will feature a mini parade, where participants can walk the runway or march together in a fun and festive procession, celebrating the beauty of diversity and self-expression. Music, drumming, and dance will add to the excitement, creating an uplifting atmosphere of unity and celebration.
- The African American Film Series | May 24
May 24 at 12pm –1pm
General Motor Theater | For All AgesThe African American Film Series (AAFS) is a dynamic platform celebrating Black storytelling through film, education, and community dialogue. Founded in Flint, MI, AAFS has become a cultural staple, marking 10 years in 2024 as one of the city's most anticipated events. More than just a film screening, AAFS fosters engagement through thought-provoking films, interactive discussions, and shared experiences highlighting the richness of African American culture.
Now expanding to Detroit, AAFS brings its impactful programming to the Charles H. Wright Museum, creating a space for meaningful conversations on Black identity, history, and social change. Each event features a reception, a powerful film screening, and a panel discussion with experts, activists, and community leaders.
The Detroit launch will feature Butterfly in the Sky, a documentary on Reading Rainbow and LeVar Burton's profound impact on literacy. The post-film panel will explore the role of literacy in community development and the urgent need to invest in equitable education.
Join us for an evening of film, discussion, and inspiration as we continue the legacy of storytelling that informs, empowers, and unites communities
- Storytime & Folktales: Celebrating African Liberation Day | May 25
May 25 at 11am - 12pm AND at 1pm-2pm
Wright Community Room | For All Ages
Storytelling has long been a powerful tradition in African cultures—passing down wisdom, history, and values from generation to generation. In honor of African Liberation Day, join us for a captivating Storytime & Folktales session that brings to life the rich oral traditions of Africa and the diaspora.We will explore themes of freedom, resilience, and unity through engaging stories, folktales, and interactive discussions. These tales—rooted in African heritage—highlight the struggles and triumphs of those who fought for liberation while celebrating the enduring spirit of African peoples worldwide.
From Anansi the Spider’s clever wisdom to tales of heroic kings and queens who resisted oppression, this event will offer a space for reflection, joy, and cultural pride. Designed for audiences of all ages, Storytime & Folktales will immerse listeners in the power of African storytelling, reminding us that our past holds the keys to our future.
- African & Diaspora Arts & Crafts: Create with Adinkra Symbols | May 25
May 25 at 12pm-1pm AND at 2pm-3pm
Latimer Cafe | For Children and FamiliesJoin us for a fun and creative African & Diaspora Arts & Crafts session, where kids will explore the rich tradition of Adinkra symbols—a visual language from the Akan people of Ghana! These beautiful symbols represent important values like strength, wisdom, unity, and creativity.
In this hands-on workshop, children will learn about different Adinkra symbols and their meanings before creating colorful prints, stamps, and wearable art inspired by these robust designs. Through storytelling and art, kids will connect with African heritage while expressing themselves fun and engagingly.
- Panel Conversation: Wear Your Crown – The Journey of Black Hair from Africa to African America | May 25
May 25 at 3pm-5pm
General Motor Theater | For All AgesBlack hair has always been more than just hair—it is a marker of identity, history, culture, and resistance. From the intricate braids and symbolic hairstyles of African civilizations to the struggles and triumphs of self-expression in the Americas, Black hair tells a story of resilience, pride, and evolution.
"Wear Your Crown" is a dynamic panel discussion exploring the historical, social, and political journey of Black hair from its African roots to its significance in African American identity today. This conversation will trace the impact of the Transatlantic Slave Trade, the cultural erasure of Black hair traditions, the emergence of beauty politics in the 20th century, and the modern natural hair movement.
Featuring expert voices in history, beauty, and activism, this discussion will examine the deep connections between hair, freedom, and self-determination. Panelists will explore the role of hair in African societies, the impact of European beauty standards, the significance of styles such as locs, afros, and braids in Black liberation movements, and the ongoing fight for hair equity in professional and educational spaces.
Join us as we celebrate Black hair's beauty, power, and history—because every coil, kink, and curl tell a story