Black History Month at the Detroit Institute of Arts

The Detroit Institute of Arts is honored to offer a deep, wide-ranging set of programs in February in recognition of Black History Month. From special speakers and visiting artists to educator workshops, incredible Friday Night Live! performers, live music and dance, children's film and storytelling selections, as well as the topics and activities within our usual family arts offerings, nearly everything happening at the DIA in February will highlight and draw attention to the incredible creativity and artistry of Black culture, past and present.

On Sunday, Feb. 4., the DIA's newest special exhibition Regeneration: Black Cinema 1898 – 1971 opens to the public. This exhibition, on view through June 23, 2024, honors the rich history of Black filmmaking in the U.S., from the stars to the directors to the production houses. Featuring photographs, contemporary art, memorabilia and more than 70 film clips, this exhibition is organized by the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. The DIA's Black History Month programming is woven into Regeneration, creating an even deeper experience for visitors, educators, film- and music-lovers alike.

In recognition of Black History Month as well as in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Detroit Film Theatre, all Regeneration-related films are free of charge for attendees. Also, admission to the DIA is always free for residents of Macomb, Oakland, and Wayne counties and includes nearly all the programs featured. Events that require admission or advance registration can be found at dia.org/events.

Thursday, Feb. 1

Members' Event: Sneak Peek Preview for Regeneration: Black Cinema 1898 – 1971 6–9 p.m.

DIA members may preview the exhibition before its public opening.

Friday, Feb. 2

All day: Member Preview Day for Regeneration: Black Cinema 1898 – 1971 9 a.m.–9 p.m.

Member Lecture for Regeneration: Black Cinema 1898 – 1971 6 p.m.

Detroit Film Theatre

The Flying Ace 7:30 p.m.

Detroit Film Theatre

In The Flying Ace, the charismatic Laurence Criner stars as Captain Billy Stokes, a World War I pilot who returns home to find both romance and a plot involving a gang of payroll thieves. The fact that Black Americans were not permitted to serve as pilots in the US Armed Forces in 1926 did not stop writer-director Richard Norman from putting a valiant Black aviator at the center of his film.

His Florida-based Norman Pictures was one of the leading producers of race films alongside the Lincoln Motion Picture Company and the Micheaux Film Corporation. This remarkable film, preserved by the Library of Congress, will be presented with a live score composed and performed by Alvin Waddles (piano), Marion Hayden (bass) and Leslie Deshazor (viola). Free with museum admission. (65 min.)

This program is part of a companion series of film and music events presented in celebration of Regeneration: Black Cinema 1898 – 1971.