It’s been 60 years since a pivotal moment in the fight for equality in America. 

In March 1965, Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. led protestors on a three-day, 54-mile march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama. Marchers were met with violence by Alabama State Troopers. The appalling scene was broadcast on live television on what is now called “Bloody Sunday.” 

Images of Alabama state troopers using whips, batons, and tear gas to beat back the peaceful protestors shocked Americans. It was a watershed moment that eventually led to the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson. 

Since then, as years become decades, the struggle for equal rights and freedoms for all Americans has taken many turns. The fight for equal rights today looks very different in some ways. In other ways, it feels the same as it ever was. 

To reflect on what’s changed and what stayed the same, we’re joined by Vice President of the Brennan Center for Justice Kareem Crayton. 

Hear more stories from The Metro on Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025.

Listen to The Metro weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon ET on 101.9 FM and streaming on-demand.

Subscribe to The Metro on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

It’s Black History Month, and we want to recognize that Detroit is one of few cities in the country with a majority Black population, and with Black people in powerful positions. 

Black Americans today still face major systemic obstacles. In the face of that adversity, Black leaders and thinkers are still finding ways to uplift the community and envision a future where Black people can thrive. 

Today on The Metro, we’re looking at what Black history means to the city of Detroit. 

Guests: 

Roy E. Finkenbine: History professor and department co-chair at University of Detroit Mercy. He’s also the director of the Black Abolitionist Archive.

Lauren Hood: Professor of practice in urban planning at the University of Michigan. She is also the founder of the Institute for AfroUrbanism, an action lab working at the intersection of Black aspiration and community transformation. 

More headlines from The Metro on Feb. 19, 2025:

• It’s been 60 years since a pivotal moment in the fight for equality in America. In March 1965, Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. led protestors on a three-day, 54-mile march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama. Marchers were met with violence by Alabama State Troopers. The appalling scene was broadcast on live television on what is now called “Bloody Sunday.” To reflect on this historical moment, we’re joined by Vice President of the Brennan Center for Justice Kareem Crayton. 

• Tomorrow night is the final instalment of the Love@Nite:The Sun Inside series. The evening is sponsored by local non-profit Arts and Scraps and audiences can expect live soulful performances from three local artists. Executive Director Kwaku Osei joins the show to talk about the event. 

• The 7th annual Rags $2 Riches fashion show wants to highlight thrifted clothes, give them a high-end twist and show you can still look fly in second hand apparel. Founder of the show Stephanie Bedell joins the show. 

• One WDET listener is desperate to know if Gen Z knows about one of the greats of Detroit rock music. In this episode of CuriosID, WDET’s Madison Ganzak takes some old records off the shelf to find out if the under-40 crowd remembers the one and only Bob Seger.

Listen to The Metro weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon ET on 101.9 FM and streaming on-demand.

Subscribe to The Metro on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

Now at the Detroit Public Theatre, the new stage play “Confederates” explores how history is in conversation with the present. 

The performance takes audiences back and forth from Sara, an enslaved woman preparing to fight in the Union army during the Civil War, and Sandra, a political science professor at a prestigious university fighting institutional racism. 

“Confederates” was written by DPT’s Executive Artistic Producer Dominique Morisseau, a Detroit-born Tony-nominated playwright. 

Professor of Hip Hop Theatre Goldie E. Patrick and Philadelphia-based theatre artist Will Street joined The Metro to discuss their roles in the production.

Hear more stories from The Metro on Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2025.

Join the conversation by calling 313-577-1019 or leaving us an Open Mic message on the WDET app.

Listen to The Metro weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon ET on 101.9 FM and streaming on-demand.

This week, we’re kicking off Black History Month with several ways to celebrate, from dance parties to museum exhibitions.

Plus, watch parties, wrap parties and unique live performances. Read on to learn more.

Black History Month

On Friday, Feb. 7, the DIA and I Love Steppin’ present Steppin’ Into Black History Month at the DIA’s Rivera Court from 4:30-8:30 p.m. I Love Steppin’ is an open community of dancers passionate about Chicago Style Steppin’. Members gather in cities nationwide to celebrate and raise awareness of this cherished tradition within Black communities. The event at the DIA will include an introductory lesson of the basics by Sherry Gordon from 6-7 p.m., followed by a dance party featuring music curated by DJ Rod Edwards. This event is free with admission to the museum, and guests are encouraged to come as they are. For more information, visit dia.org.

On Saturday, Feb. 10, Aretha’s Jazz Café in Detroit presents A Tribute to Jazz & Black History featuring the renowned vocalist Sky Covington and a stellar lineup of Detroit’s finest musicians. This special event will honor the profound contributions of African Americans to jazz and their enduring legacy in shaping culture and art worldwide. General admission is $35 and advance reservations are highly recommended as seating is limited. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show starts at 7 p.m. For more information, visit jazzcafedetroit.com.

And of course, the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History is dedicated to celebrating Black history all year long. They have several exhibits on display this month that honor the rich cultural heritage, achievements and contributions of African Americans. These exhibits use photographs, portraits, heirlooms and more to honor the legacy of those who came before us while inspiring visitors and future generations to continue the fight for empowerment and equality. For more information about their current lineup and upcoming events, visit thewright.org.

Super Bowl LIX watch party

While the Lions unfortunately won’t be playing in the Super Bowl this year, you can still watch the game at Detroit Shipping Co. this weekend. They’ll have wings, appetizers, beer, shot and cocktail specials, giveaways, raffle prizes, and live music by DJ Mo Will. Packages that include food, drinks and table reservations for up to 8 people are available on their website for $100 plus tax. The party tailgate starts at 4:30 p.m., one hour before kickoff. For more information, visit detroitshippingcompany.com.

WDET’s 75th year wrap party

If you’re still in the mood to celebrate a Detroit institution, join us at the Majestic Theatre on Thursday, Feb. 13 for our 75th Anniversary Wrap Party! We’ll look back on a year filled with exciting programming changes, pay tribute to our 75 years of service to the Detroit-area community and reflect on the important role public media continues to play in our society today. Guests will be able to chat with our hosts and staff while enjoying pizza courtesy of Sgt. Pepperoni’s and a cash bar. This is a members-only event, so either check your email for details or become a member today at wdet.org/give.

Live performances

On Friday, Feb. 7, Best Case Scenario Comedy is hosting their fourth installment of Variety at the Congregation, featuring comedy, improv, drag and burlesque performers. Host and producer Sarah Lynn will introduce you to comedian Esteban Touma (a frequent guest at our What’s So Funny About Detroit? series), improv by Jake Russell, Patty Rooney, and Josh McDaniel, and burlesque/drag performances by Tommy Gun, Seasin, and Hym. Guests are encouraged to bring cash to tip the performers. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 7:30 p.m. in the basement of The Congregation Detroit. Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door. This venue is 18+ and is not ADA accessible. For more information, visit their Eventbrite page.

On Sunday, Feb. 9, The Hawk Theatre will welcome the Amen-Ra Drummers and Dancers back to its Black Box for an evening of African music and movement. The Amen-Ra Drummers and Dancers are known for performing around the Detroit metro area, holding drumming and dancing lessons, and even performing as part of Super Bowl XL in Detroit in 2006. This performance is open to all ages and starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door. For more information, visit thehawktheatre.com.

On Thursday, Feb. 13, the Sk8 to Elimin8 Cancer fundraiser and ice show returns to The Rink at Campus Martius Park for the 7th consecutive year. This free, outdoor event features world-class and local skaters in an effort to raise funds on behalf of the Scott Hamilton CARES Foundation and the Detroit-based Karmanos Cancer Institute. Festivities and performances go from 6-8 p.m. To donate and learn more, visit downtowndetroit.org.

Subscribe to The Metro on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

The Charles Wright Museum of African-American History is one of the most recognizable museums in the city. Its creative and eye-opening exhibits have given us a deeper, more nuanced understanding of Black life and American history. 

As Black History Month gets underway, Manager of Community Engagement Yoland Jack joins the show to share special events happening in February and how Black history is Detroit’s history. 

One of the exhibits on display until March is “I, Charles H. Wright,” taking a closer look at how the museum began. Wright was a physician that founded the Afro-American Museum in 1965. The museum was later renamed after him. 

Hear more stories from The Metro on Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025.

Join the conversation by calling 313-577-1019 or leaving us an Open Mic message on the WDET app. 

Listen to The Metro weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon ET on 101.9 FM and streaming on-demand.