UDM celebrates Black History Month with series of programs
University of Detroit Mercy is celebrating Black History Month with a series of programs on the McNichols, Riverfront and Corktown Campuses throughout February.
Below are the event details. All event dates and times are subject to change.
Jan. 23 through Feb. 27
Weekly, at lunchtime (dates/times TBD)
Black American Dish Fundraiser
Corktown Campus Café
Head over to the Corktown Campus café at lunchtime to celebrate culture, history and community through food with a different Black American dish prepared weekly.
This event is hosted by the School of Dentistry.
Jan. 23
1 p.m.
Black American Muslims Sermon, Jummah Prayer
Student Union, Fountain Lounge
Every Friday, Islamic Ministry will hold a Jummah Prayer service for Black American Muslims featuring a sermon and communal prayer emphasizing unity, spiritual renewal and remembrance of God.
This event is hosted by University Ministry.
Feb. 2
Time TBD
Badge-making activity
McNichols Campus Library, main floor
Put your art skills to the test with this badge-making activity to celebrate Black History month.
This event is hosted by the McNichols Campus Library.
Feb. 2
Door decoration
Decorate your doors in commemoration of Black History Month.
This event is co-hosted by the School of Dentistry and School of Optometry.
Feb. 4
6-8 p.m.
Interfaith Dinner
Student Union Ballroom
RSVP Here
Fellow Titans will celebrate world interfaith harmony at an interfaith panel and dinner. Participants will share food together, hear personal stories from a panel of speakers of various religious perspectives on sustaining hope and enjoy a cultural drumming and singing group that includes one UDM graduate student. Free food for all in attendance includes halal, kosher, gluten-free and vegetarian options.
This event is hosted by University Ministry.
Feb. 6
1 p.m.
Black American Muslims Sermon, Jummah Prayer
Student Union, Fountain Lounge
Every Friday, Islamic Ministry will hold a Jummah Prayer service for Black American Muslims featuring a sermon and communal prayer emphasizing unity, spiritual renewal and remembrance of God.
This event is hosted by University Ministry.
Feb. 10
Young Inventors Day
Various local elementary schools
Details TBD
The School of Dentistry will partner with local elementary schools to introduce students to Black innovators through hands-on lessons and activities exploring their impact on science, technology and culture.
This event is hosted by the School of Dentistry.
Feb. 11
5:30- 8 p.m.
Screening of documentary Redemption Road
Loranger Architecture Building Exhibition Space
This special screening of the award-winning documentary Redemption Road tells a story of transformation, tracing the life of Yusef “Bunchy” Shakur from a childhood shaped by abandonment and violence to his emergence as a respected community leader and thinker. The screening will be followed by a conversation with Shakur.
This event is hosted by the College of Health Professions.
Feb. 13
12 p.m.
Love Stories from the Underground Railroad
Student Union Ballroom
Link coming soon
On this eve of Valentine’s day, UDM Professor of History Roy E. Finkenbine will share moving stories of love and partnership, exploring how enslaved couples faced and endured the trials of slavery together. RSVP required.
This event is co-hosted by the Black Abolitionist Archive and Student Affairs.
Feb. 13
1 p.m.
Black American Muslims Sermon, Jummah Prayer
Student Union, Fountain Lounge
Every Friday, Islamic Ministry will hold a Jummah Prayer service for Black American Muslims featuring a sermon and communal prayer emphasizing unity, spiritual renewal and remembrance of God.
This event is hosted by University Ministry.
Feb. 16
12:30-2 p.m.
Workshop: Crown Her – African Headwrap workshop
McNichols Campus Library, Bargman Room
In this hands-on session, learn about the cultural significance, history and beauty of African headwrapping while engaging in an interactive and creative styling experience.
This event is hosted by the McNichols Campus Library.
Feb. 17
6-8 p.m.
Workshop: Threads of Heritage – The Story Behind African Fabric
McNichols Campus Library, Bargman Room
This interactive workshop explores the rich history, meaning and cultural significance of African fabric and how it served as a tool for expression, tradition and storytelling across generations.
This event is hosted by the McNichols Campus Library.
Feb. 19
6:30 p.m.
Poetry Reading with NBCCA award-winning author Ross Gay
Zoom
Register here
Detroit Mercy’s English Department welcomes poet Ross Gay, who will read his work for the 2026 Triptych series, a virtual reading series featuring award-winning authors in conversation with Detroit Mercy’s Poet-in-Residence Stacy Gnall.
Gay is the author of four books of poetry: Against Which; Bringing the Shovel Down; Be Holding, winner of the PEN American Literary Jean Stein Award; and Catalog of Unabashed Gratitude, winner of the 2015 National Book Critics Circle Award and the 2016 Kingsley Tufts Poetry Award. In addition to his poetry, Gay has released three collections of essays — The Book of Delights (a New York Times bestseller), Inciting Joy and The Book of (More) Delights.
This event is hosted by the English Department.
Feb. 19
7 p.m.
Book Talk with Marcus Rediker about Freedom Ship (2025 Viking Press)
Zoom
Historian Marcus Rediker will discuss his book Freedom Ship, which tells the little‑known story of how enslaved people escaped bondage by hiding aboard ships with help from sailors and dockworkers at ports along the Underground Railroad by sea.
This event is co-hosted by African American Studies and the Black Abolitionist Archive.
Feb. 20
12:30 p.m.
Walking with African American Saints To-be, Gallery + reception
Corktown Campus (room TBD)
See portraits and read about Black Catholics who are undergoing the process to be made saints in the Catholic Church. A reception will follow the viewing.
This event is co-hosted by the School of Dentistry and University Ministry.
Feb. 20
1 p.m.
Black American Muslims Sermon, Jummah Prayer
Student Union, Fountain Lounge
Every Friday, Islamic Ministry will hold a Jummah Prayer service for Black American Muslims featuring a sermon and communal prayer emphasizing unity, spiritual renewal and remembrance of God.
This event is hosted by University Ministry.
Feb. 21
5:30-6:45 p.m.
Drumline Pregame presented by Black Student Union
Michael and Gail Whitty Student Fitness Center to Calihan Hall
The Cass Tech High School Marching band will deliver a powerful pregame drumline performance showcasing rhythm, tradition and Detroit pride.
This event is co-hosted by the Black Student Union, University Athletics and Cass Tech High School Marching Band.
Feb. 24
6-7:30 p.m.
Poetry Reading with Brittany Rogers and Tommye Blount
Chemistry Building, Room 114
Attend a special poetry reading featuring two acclaimed Detroit voices. Lifelong Detroiter Brittany Rogers, author of Good Dress, a 2025 Michigan Notable Books selection, and Detroit native Tommye Blount, author of Fantasia for the Man in Blue and a National Book Award finalist, will read from their work, sharing poetry that reflects Black culture and history.
This event is co-hosted by the English Department and Student Life.
Feb. 25
6:30-8:30 p.m.
Painting with a Twist: Black History Month special
Painting with a Twist Downtown Studio (1420 Washington Blvd.)
Give your night a creative twist with a sip‑and‑paint experience at Painting with a Twist. Bring your friends and have fun creating your own special painting. No experience needed, just bring the vibes!
This event is hosted by the School of Dentistry.
Feb. 26
5:30-7 p.m.
Game Night
Student Union, Fountain Lounge
Head over to Student Union Fountain Lounge for some friendly competition and camaraderie with your fellow Titans and UDM neighbors at the TENN game night. Snacks and prizes will be available amidst the fun!
This event is co-hosted by TENN and the Black Student Union.
Feb. 27
Time TBD
Past, Present, Future screening with panel of African American judges + mixer
Charles H. Wright Museum (tentative)
Honor the past, present and future impact of Black Americans in this special screening followed by a discussion with a panel of African American judges. A mixer will follow the event.
This event is co-hosted by the School of Law and Black Law Students Association.
Feb. 27
1 p.m.
Black American Muslims Sermon, Jummah Prayer
Student Union, Fountain Lounge
Every Friday, Islamic Ministry will hold a Jummah Prayer service for Black American Muslims featuring a sermon and communal prayer emphasizing unity, spiritual renewal and remembrance of God.
This event is hosted by University Ministry.
Past Events
Jan. 19
9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
MLK Day Immersion Trip
Avalon Village in Highland Park
Students honored the spirit of Dr. King by assembling and delivering kits to help low-income seniors in Highland Park stay warm this winter.
This event was co-hosted by University of Ministry and TENN.
Jan. 21
Last day to sign up for Montgomery, Ala., Spring Break Civil Rights Immersion trip (students only)
During Detroit Mercy's spring break from March 7-13, students will travel to Montgomery, Ala., to learn more about the Civil Rights movement. This trip is designed to provide an educational experience through visits to renowned museums and historical sites, highlighting the area's rich history. Students will engage in current-day civil rights issues around racism, voting access and even join a historical rally crossing the Selma bridge. Jan. 21 was the last day to sign up for this trip.
This event is hosted by University Ministry.