Celebrate Black History Month in Muskegon County, Michigan

While February is the shortest month on the calendar, it is full of holidays, commemorations, and notable birthdays. One of these is Black History Month, which began in 1926 as “Negro History Week” and became a monthlong celebration in 1976.

The first weeklong event, falling between the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln, was started by Carter G. Woodson, known as the “Father of Black History.” Woodson was an African American historian, writer, and founder of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History.

Muskegon County celebrates Black History Month with events that honor the contributions, struggles, and history of Black Americans. You can explore these through art, culture, museums, and lectures.

Visit the James Jackson Museum of African American History

A brick building with green awnings and a sign reading "James Jackson Museum of African American History." A colorful mural and "Open" sign are visible.

The James Jackson Museum of African American History, named for and co-founded by civil rights champion Dr. James Jackson, highlights contributions of African Americans to Muskegon and the nation. Exhibits trace the African diaspora and provide insight into local and national history.

Tours by appointment only. Call 231-343-8396 to schedule a tour.

Learn About "The Real McCoy" and History of Black-Owned Businesses

Portrait of a serious man with a full beard and short hair, wearing a dark suit and white shirt. The background is soft beige, adding a vintage feel.

Muskegon Heritage Museum of Business & Industry features an 1890 Corliss Valve Steam Engine. Industrial revolution steam engines relied on the automatic engine lubricator invented by Elijah McCoy, whose photo and history are displayed near the six-ton working machinery.

Travel to the third floor for a photo display highlighting a decade of Muskegon County’s Black-owned businesses.

Muskegon Heritage Museum of Business & Industry is open May – October

A Stop for Baseball and Black History

Three colorful portraits of baseball players: Frank Barnes smiling, Elston Howard poised to bat, and Satchel Paige focused. Each has vibrant backgrounds.

Marsh Field is one of the oldest minor league ballparks still in use in Michigan and an important part of Muskegon’s baseball history. In 1950, the Muskegon Clippers became a Class A farm team of the New York Yankees and featured two of the franchise’s first Black players, pitcher Frank Barnes and catcher-outfielder Elston Howard. Howard’s season in Muskegon marked the start of his integrated professional baseball career. Marsh Field also hosted exhibition games featuring legends like Satchel Paige. As a star for the Kansas City Monarchs, Paige appeared in exhibition and barnstorming games in Muskegon during the early 1940s.

Visit the "Black Leadership" Mural

A mural on a brick wall depicts four historical figures, Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman, Barack Obama and local muskegon leader Charles Waugh, in gray tones against a sky-blue backdrop. Two windows with triangular shadows are above them.depicting

This mural by artist Elloy Villarreal honors figures of Black leadership chosen by city youth members of the Youth Empowerment Project (YEP!). Featured are Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman, Barack Obama, and local leader Charles Waugh. Waugh, who passed away in 2005, was an attorney, Muskegon Heights school board member, president of the NAACP, and the only Muskegon member elected as grand master for the Michigan Masonic Chapter.

Location: Corner of Mason and Fifth St. in the Nelson Neighborhood

Visit the "What Defines Muskegon" Mural

“What Defines Muskegon” is a 65’ x 12’ mural painted in oils on aluminum composite panels by award-winning African American Detroit artist Dr. Hubert Massey. Installed in late 2021/early 2022 at Trinity Health Arena in downtown Muskegon, the mural tells the story of the city, from Indigenous roots to the lumber boom, industrial era, and Great Migration, based on input from the community.

Location: Trinity Health Arena, Downtown Muskegon

Visit the "Muskegon Together Rising" Sculpture

Tall, abstract metal sculpture with reflective surfaces stands before the historic Frauenthal Theater at dusk, with blurred car lights in motion.

Artist Richard Hunt, one of the most important African American sculptors of the 20th century, created this iconic piece in downtown Muskegon. Welded stainless-steel forms, 60 feet tall, reach toward the sky in patterns resembling waves, wings, and arms.

Location: Traffic Circle at Western Ave and Third St.

Crossroads: Intersections of Black Family Culture

Collage of colorful portraits in various frames. A woman in glasses talks with another woman, while other panels show vibrant cityscapes and people.

Photo courtesy of Muskegon Museum of Art

Through March 15, 2026, the Muskegon Museum of Art presents Crossroads: Intersections of Black Family Culture. This interdisciplinary exhibition features painting, mixed media, photography, and textile-based art from 19 Detroit-area artists, exploring Black family life, community connections, and cultural resilience.

Learn More at the Libraries

Hackley Public Library and Muskegon Area District Libraries host a full schedule of events throughout Muskegon County for Black History Month. Activities include music, crafts, food, lectures, and more, with something for all ages. Program are open to the public and free of charge. Find these and other events on our calendar here.

“Those who have no record of what their forebears have accomplished lose the inspiration which comes from the teaching of biography and history”

~ Carter G. Woodson

roof peaks and arched windows of historic stone library in richardsonian romanesque style set against blue sky. to the right text reads view visitor guide