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Dynamic Variation:
Black History Month in Grand Rapids
Each February, Grand Rapids celebrates Black History Month with a series of special activities and events exploring the local African American experience. It’s a great opportunity to learn more about the ways African Americans have helped shape the past and present of Grand Rapids – and how African American culture is helping move the city forward in exciting new ways.
Note: A number of this year’s events have gone virtual due to COVID-19 precautions. Log on and enjoy!
History Comes Alive
Visit the Grand Rapids African American Museum & Archives to explore a treasure trove of material honoring the lives, history, culture and art of local African Americans.
Stroll downtown to see bronze sculptures commemorating former Grand Rapids Mayor Lyman Parks, civil rights icon Rosa Parks and Helen Claytor, the first African American president of both the Grand Rapids YWCA and national YWCA.
Embark on a free, self-guided tour of significant local sites – download informational podcasts to accompany you on the Black History Tour of Downtown and the Grand Rapids Civil Rights Tour.
Engage Grand Rapids Running Tours for an African American History on the Grand experience – you’ll burn calories while you learn about the local African American population from 1826 to present.
Take a Black History Walking Tour of downtown Grand Rapids. A tour guide will highlight significant African American people, places, events, issues, legends and facts.
You can also get a glimpse of the Ford exhibit, “The Continual Struggle: The American Freedom Movement and the Seeds of Change,” on video.
Fantastic Food & Drink
Treat yourself to some delectable delights at one (or more) of the area’s Black-owned restaurants.
Treat yourself to a beer from Black Calder Brewing, Michigan’s first black-owned brewery, which has just started offering its creations through Broad Leaf Local Beer.
Check Out These Black-Owned Restaurants in Grand Rapids
Celebrating Grand Rapids means celebrating the people, traditions, cultures, and of course, food! This post was initially published in 2018 commemorating Black History Month, we've updated this this…
Learn More ›Please note that while every effort has been made to verify the accuracy of the events listed, we recommend contacting the event and/or location directly to confirm the details. Special events may require tickets that need to be purchased in advance. Please direct questions to event organizers.
Did we miss an event? Please submit it to our Calendar of Events to be included!
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Our Visitor's Guide features 90 colorful pages of don't-leave-home-without-it information on attractions, activities, lodging and more. Flip through the online guide or request your FREE copy by mail.
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