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Detroit, MI—February 5, 2025 – Michigan Central celebrates Black History Month with a dynamic lineup of programming that recognizes Black innovators, entrepreneurs and trailblazers who have contributed to Detroit’s rich cultural history. As the region continues to grow and evolve as a destination for innovation, Michigan Central remains deeply committed to creating opportunities and providing resources for underrepresented entrepreneurs and changemakers.

A key theme of this year’s programming is The Great Migration, a period in U.S. history when more than six million Black Americans relocated from the rural South to cities in search of economic opportunity and social progress. For the hundreds of thousands of people who came to Detroit, Michigan Central Station served as a gateway to new possibilities and became a symbol of hope and transformation.

Through a series of events and experiences, Michigan Central invites the community to reflect on this history while celebrating the resilience and contributions of Black Americans.

Black History Month programming highlights include: 

  • Great Migrations at The Station (Saturdays and Sundays in February): Starting February 8, Michigan Central, in partnership with Detroit PBS, will present Great Migrations: A People on the Move, a brand new PBS docuseries by Henry Louis Gates with contributions from Ford Motor Company. Attendees can enjoy live music by Detroit artists, a food menu featuring local Black-owned businesses and a special exhibit. Plus, attendees will have the opportunity to share their own migration stories with Detroit PBS. The event is free with registration. Learn more here: michigancentral.com/events/

  • A Journey Through the Great Migration tours (Select dates February-April): Developed in partnership with Detroit History Tours, this new guided experience brings to life the stories of those who traveled north in search of new beginnings. The tour will explore the challenges and triumphs of the individuals who shaped Detroit’s communities and culture. Attendees will also get a special peek at the mezzanine—a space overlooking the railyard that has witnessed generations of change and resilience. You can view the schedule and book a tour here: detroithistorytours.com/michigan-central-station-tours

  • Black History Innovation Summit: The Belonging Blueprint (February 15): Hosted by Black Tech Saturdays, a community-led initiative network for Black professionals and entrepreneurs in tech, this full-day summit will focus on creating positive change for the Black tech community in Detroit. You can see details and register here: events.eventnoire.com/e/black-tech-saturdays-3/tickets

“Black History Month is a time to reflect on the past, celebrate the present, and take meaningful action for the future,” said Catherine Kelly, Head of Communications & Editorial at Michigan Central. “At Michigan Central, we are not just recognizing the contributions of Black innovators – we are actively working to build an inclusive innovation community that amplifies historically underrepresented voices, ideas and experiences.”

“There is perhaps no more crucial chapter in this city’s history than the Great Migration,” said Detroit PBS President and CEO Rich Homberg. “It changed the lives of multitudes of families, and in doing so changed the culture and character of Detroit forever. It is a story worth telling, and we are excited to be working with Michigan Central, which is throwing open its doors for this great event.”

Creating an inclusive innovation ecosystem 

Black entrepreneurs have long been at the forefront of innovation, yet continue to face significant barriers in accessing funding and resources. In the first half of 2024, Black founders received only about 0.3% of venture funding of the nearly $79 billion that went to U.S. startups, marking a decline from H1 of the previous year. Michigan Central is committed to addressing these disparities by creating pathways for underrepresented entrepreneurs and driving long-term economic growth.

Today, nearly half of the startups at Michigan Central have at least one founder from an underrepresented background. In January, Femology, a Black, woman-owned enterprise dedicated to equipping women with the tools to launch and scale their businesses, made Michigan Central the home of its headquarters. Through partnerships and initiatives like these, Michigan Central continues to strengthen its commitment to an equitable, thriving innovation community in Detroit and beyond.

For more information about Michigan Central, visit Michigan Central.

About Michigan Central

Michigan Central is a 30-acre technology and cultural hub in Detroit, where leaders, thinkers, communities, and creators come together to accelerate bold ideas and technologies that shape our collective future. By providing access to world-class infrastructure, tools, and resources, Michigan Central inspires innovators and community members to collaborate on real, ground-breaking solutions to global problems. Since opening in April 2023, Michigan Central has grown into a diverse ecosystem of about 730 employees from 133 companies and startups working at the intersection of mobility and society. Learn more at Michigan Central. .