Rev. Robert Jones, Sr. is a true renaissance man. He has been a professional musician for over forty years. More than 35 years ago, the legendary bluesman Willie Dixon encouraged him to bring his music into schools. In recognition of his efforts, The National Blues Foundation named him a leading blues educator in 2007.

In addition to his music career, Rev. Jones has served as a pastor for over 20 years and has been a nationally recognized storyteller for more than fifteen years. These experiences have allowed him to work in diverse ways, using his speaking and musical talents to educate, entertain, and inspire. At the heart of his message is the belief that our cultural diversity tells a story that should be celebrated.

A selection of Hair Wars stylists will demonstrate some of their innovative hair creations in a drop-in style demonstration. Throughout the day, these stylists will work with various models to create works of art from hair. With videos and images from past Hair Wars shows, this demo offers a fun experience into this unique, Detroit-born entertainment.

Create a pencil drawing to take home while taking a closer look at the collection. No experience necessary. All supplies provided. For ages 6 and up (children ages 16 and younger should be accompanied by an adult). Capacity is limited.

The New York International Children’s Film Festival’s collection of Spanish-language shorts spans genres, styles, and geographic regions. A rich slice of Hispanic and Latinx storytelling that is perfect for celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month. 

The program is full of fun and compelling short films, including Dulce, an exploration of the loving relationship between a mother and a daughter, and Audience Award-Winner Karol, The Vampire Queen.

For ages 8 and up. (60min.) This program is free with museum admission. Capacity is limited – seating begins 30 minutes prior to performance start.

Celebrate the rich tapestry of Vietnamese heritage in a dynamic live performance intertwining traditional music, captivating dance, and history. Presented by the Vietnamese American Association of Michigan, this cultural journey promises to ignite your senses and leave you with a deeper understanding of, and appreciation for, Vietnam's vibrant heritage. 

Immerse yourself in a dazzling fashion show where traditional attire celebrates past eras. Feel the rhythm of vibrant dances that celebrate diverse cultures, and indulge your tastebuds with an array of delectable dishes, each carrying a story of its own. 

From the most traditional Ancestors Ceremony to cultural dance and music, the Vietnamese American Association of Michigan shares the story of the Vietnamese War and pays tribute to the Vietnamese veterans who fought alongside the U.S. during World War II. 

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month programs are developed in partnership with the DIA’s auxiliary group Friends of Asian Arts & Cultures. 

In Rivera Court. Capacity is limited. Seating begins at 6:30 p.m. 

Detroit-based textile artist Najma Ma’at Wilson will demonstrate how to make stitched collages. Participants will use basic stitching techniques with needles, thread, and a variety of interesting fabrics. Materials are provided.

Ma’at’s love of fiber arts was inspired by her mother. She has a degree in fiber design from the Center for Creative Studies, and a master’s degree in education from Boston College. She taught for 20 years in locations as close as Cass Technical High School and as far as Cotonou Benin, West Africa.

After retiring, Ma’at and a lifetime friend co-owned Detroit Fiber Works for 8 years, selling and showing works of local Detroit artists and providing a space for community conversations until 2020. She is returning to creating her own work from her home studio.

Create a pencil drawing to take home while taking a closer look at the collection. No experience necessary. All supplies provided. For ages 6 and up (children ages 12 and younger should be accompanied by an adult).

Use fabric, paper, and other materials to create your own collage self-portrait influenced by artists in the DIA collection including Benny Andrews, Betye Saar, and Mickalene Thomas. All supplies provided. Free with admission.

(USA/1937—directed by Sam Newfield) 

In this long-unavailable film, singer Herb Jeffries makes his cinematic debut as a strapping young cowpoke who comes to the rescue of a traveling medicine show battling outlaws for buried treasure.

Filmed at a Black-owned ranch in California’s Apple Valley, the film also includes Spencer Williams (director of The Blood of Jesus) and doo-wop quartet the Four Tones.

Newly restored, Harlem on the Prairie is packed with priceless music, thrills, romance, and the comedy of renowned actors Mantan Moreland and Flournoy E. Miller. (57 min.) 

This program is part of a companion series of film and music events presented in celebration of Regeneration: Black Cinema, 1898–1971, on view at the Detroit Institute of Arts Feb. 4–June 23, 2024. Regeneration is organized by the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures.   

The Friends of African and African American Art will present the 31st Annual Alain Locke Awards to artist Nari Ward.

Ward will receive the Alain Locke International Award for his creation of sculptural installations over the past 40 years made from discarded material found and collected. He recontextualizes this material in thought-provoking juxtapositions that convey complex metaphorical meanings to confront social and political realities surrounding race, migration, democracy, and community. Currently he is the distinguished professor and head of studio art at Hunter College in New York.

The Alain Locke Recognition Award will be received by Linda and David Whitaker, renowned collectors of African and African American Art who often generously share their knowledge of this endeavor with the community.  

A reception will follow the awards event.