Southfield, Lathrup Village

Groups honor Black History Month

By Jennie Miller
C & G Staff Writer

SOUTHFIELD/LATHRUP VILLAGE — With February designated as Black History Month, events are taking place around the community to honor the heritage of African-Americans.

The Southfield Public Library and the Lathrup Village Parks and Recreation Department have planned for the occasion.

“We’ve got a wide variety (of activities) for kids through adults, so hopefully something for everybody,” said Kelly Rembert, outreach librarian.

Black History Month at the library will be kicked off with two book discussions. The first is set for 7 p.m. Feb. 8, at which time patrons will discuss “Arc of Justice: A Saga of Race, Civil Rights and Murder in the Jazz Age,” by Kevin Boyle, which depicts Detroit in 1925 and the controversy surrounding Dr. Ossian Sweet. The novel was selected as the Great Michigan Read book of the year. The second, set for 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Feb. 14, will discuss “A Day Late and a Dollar Short,” by Terry McMillan, a more lighthearted read.

“They’re both really good books,” Rembert said.

A program called A Great Day in Harlem will be presented at 7 p.m. Feb. 9 at the library, with an analysis of the historic Esquire magazine photo of 58 jazz musicians in 1958. Stu Johnson, a member of the Michigan Jazz Record Collectors, will conduct the presentation.

“He’ll bring that photo to life, telling about the individuals in that photo, playing music clips, and really showing the significance of the photo,” Rembert said, confident that the event will be well-received. “We’ve got such a great jazz and blues community here in Southfield that we know, so this is just an extension of that.”

This month’s Jazz & Blues concert series fits right into the program with the Strat Axis Band performing at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 15. Admission is $3. The event is sponsored by the Friends of the Southfield Library and the Detroit Blues Society.

The library will host another informative event called The History of Black Detroit at 7 p.m. Feb. 28 that ties in with the “Arc of Justice,” featuring local historian Stuart McMillan.

“He’s going to talk about Black Bottom, Paradise Valley, Elmwood Cemetery, historic black churches, Underground Railroad sites, and Dr. Ossian Sweet,” Rembert said.

Lastly on the agenda at the library is the first-ever Black History Trivia Challenge at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 29. Teams of all ages, consisting of up to six individuals, are invited to sign up and participate in the pub-style trivia game that focuses on black history.

“No phones are allowed, so it’s got to just be the knowledge that’s just in your head,” Rembert said. “This is the first-ever time we’re doing it, but we’re hoping it’ll become an annual program.”

Winners will receive gift certificates to local businesses.

“We have to honor our community’s heritage,” Rember said of the myriad ways the library is celebrating the occasion. “It’s a great time — even if you’re not an African-American — to learn the history. (They’ve) been oppressed throughout the years, and we’re just trying to bring it to light and do it in a fun way.”

In Lathrup Village, the city is presenting “The Spirit of Harriet Tubman,” performed by Leslie McCurdy, at 3 p.m. Feb. 4 at City Hall. The event is free and open to the public. The performance, which was done at the 2011 National Black Theatre Festival, depicts the life of the late civil rights activist.

“She is just a ball of dynamite,” said Maralee Rosemond, recreation coordinator for Lathrup Village. “She comes in and all she has is this little suitcase with her that she puts up on the stage, and she acts like the young Harriet Tubman. As she goes through Harriet’s life, she just adds a few simple pieces and everything ages with her. It’s a very dramatic, attentive program. She will absolutely have you spellbound. It’s engaging for adults and children alike. Her life, her struggles, the Underground Railroad. She’s just absolutely phenomenal. We’re very lucky to have her.”

Focusing on Harriet Tubman’s bravery with the special show is a fitting tribute to the entire movement, Rosemond said.

“I think it’s very important to recognize and honor the contributions that African-Americans have made to American history, for Pete’s sake,” Rosemond said. “We are a diverse community, and that’s something that should be respected, honored, acknowledged. I think it’s an important thing. I really want to get the word out (and) fill this community room.”

For more information about the events at the Southfield Public Library, call (248) 796-4224 or visit www.southfieldlibrary.org. For more information about the event in Lathrup Village, call (248) 557-3600 or visit www.lathrupvillage.org.

Call Staff Writer Jennie Miller at (586) 279-1108. Become a fan of the Southfield Sun on Facebook at www.facebook.com/southfieldsun or follow Jennie Miller on Twitter at www.twitter.com/jenniexmiller.
 

You can reach C & G Staff Writer Jennie Miller at jmiller@candgnews.com or at (586)279-1108.