Public Invited to Michigan Central on February Weekends as Detroit PBS Celebrates Henry Louis Gates, Jr.’s
 ‘Great Migrations’ with a Living Adventure in Detroit History

Destination Detroit: At the event, Detroit PBS asks families to share their personal stories to kick off a yearlong effort to capture the true history of our community

For three February weekends, Metro Detroiters are invited to a free, interactive experience at The Station at Michigan Central to learn about the early 1900s influx of Black Americans that helped shape the city.

The Station at Michigan Central, meticulously restored by Ford, will be the site of screenings of Prof. Gates’ new documentary series, live music from Detroit artists, a menu featuring food from local Black-owned businesses, historical displays and artifacts, shopping and more.

There is no cost to register at michigancentral.com/events.

Detroit – Feb.6, 2025 – In the early 20th century, upwards of 300,000 Black Americans migrated to Detroit from the South escaping systemic oppression and seeking the promise of freedom and opportunity. The bustling halls of what was then Michigan Central Station were often their first glimpse of what the North might have to offer and for many, the first time they had experienced integrated public spaces. It is a story masterfully told in the epic new PBS series, “Great Migrations: A People on the Move,” by Prof. Henry Louis Gates, Jr., now airing on Tuesdays on Detroit PBS.

During these weekend events, the Detroit PBS One Detroit team will be video recording visitors wishing to relate their personal histories and how their families made a home for themselves in Metro Detroit. 

In a landmark undertaking, Detroit PBS launches Destination Detroit at the weekend events, capturing on video the personal stories of families, how they came to be in Detroit and the futures they built once they arrived. It is kickoff of a yearlong America250 initiative to tell the rich and complex history of our community.

“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.”

 

“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.”

The event is free and open to the public from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on these dates:

• Saturday, Feb. 8
• Sunday, Feb. 9
• Saturday, Feb. 15
• Sunday, Feb. 16
• Saturday, Feb. 22*
• Sunday, Feb. 23

*On Feb. 22, the event runs until 3 p.m.

Because of the expected immense public interest in Michigan Central and this event, capacity is limited. Registration is required by visiting: michigancentral.com/events

Saturday, Feb. 22, will be a special day. Besides all the above activities, there will be a panel discussion, led by “American Black Journal” host Stephen Henderson and leading authorities and cultural figures, including Detroit’s official city historian, Jamon Jordan. 

Here is the schedule for the following dates, Feb. 8, 9,15, 16 and 23 (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.):

10 a.m.                    Event opens for registered guests

Destination Detroit: Detroit PBS begins to videotape family histories (continues throughout the event)

11 a.m.                    Screening of “Great Migrations” documentary

Noon                        Live music by Detroit artists

1 p.m.                      Screening of “Great Migrations” documentary

2 p.m.                      Event concludes

Throughout the day: Family history recording, local food, historical artifacts and displays, shopping

 

At 9 and 10:30 a.m. on Feb.15 and 16, Detroit History Tours will be conducting a Great Migrations tour. A separate registration is required. Visit the Detroit History Tours website for more information. 

 

Here is the schedule for Saturday, Feb. 22 (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.)

10 a.m.                    Destination Detroit: Detroit PBS resumes videotaping family histories

11 a.m.                    Screening of “Great Migrations” documentary

Noon                        Panel discussion, moderated by “American Black Journal” host, Stephen Henderson

1 p.m.                      Screening of “Great Migrations” documentary

2 p.m.                      Live music by Detroit artists

3 p.m.                      Event concludes

Throughout the day: Family history recording, local fare, historical artifacts and displays, shopping

 

For information on Destination Detroit family histories, visit: detroitpbs.org/destinationdetroit

 

Detroit PBS has been premiering the four-part “Great Migrations: A People on the Move” documentary series on consecutive Tuesdays at 9 p.m., beginning on Tuesday, Jan. 28. From scholar, host, writer, and executive producer Henry Louis Gates Jr., the series explores the initial wave of Black migration, driven by the search for better economic opportunities, as well as the “New Great Migration,” when African Americans moved back to the South following the Civil Rights Movement. The series also examines the “Next Great Migration,” which highlights the influx of Caribbean and African immigrants and their growing influence on American society. 

Detroit emerged as a key destination for many in the first wave of the Great Migration. Michigan Central Station served as a gateway of opportunity for those arriving in the city. The series highlights how this migration reshaped Detroit and helped define its culture as a predominantly Black city. It also explores the struggle for civil rights, the political mobilization of African Americans, and the impact of neo-slavery on migration patterns.

Corporate support for GREAT MIGRATIONS: A PEOPLE ON THE MOVE is provided by Bank of America, Ford Motor Company and Johnson & Johnson. Major support is provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Support is also provided by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation and the Ford Foundation. Additional support was provided by the Inkwell Society together with many of its members, and by public television viewers. For a complete list of funders, please contact McGee Media.

For more information, visit detroitpbs.org/destinationdetroit. To watch the series, visit here.

About Detroit PBS

Detroit PBS is Michigan’s only community-licensed public television station, operating independently of any educational institution or governmental entity. With more than 2 million weekly viewers across its five TV channels, Detroit PBS is the state’s largest and most watched public television station, reaching one of the most diverse public television audiences in America. Its listener-supported radio station, 90.9 WRCJ, is Detroit’s only classical and jazz station, reaching a local and worldwide audience and averaging 280,000 streams per month. Formerly known as Detroit Public TV, Detroit PBS reaches nearly 4 million visitors on average each month through its websites, YouTube channels and social media platforms. Licensed to Detroit Public Media, Detroit PBS is governed by a volunteer board of trustees representing the local business, civic and cultural communities. For more information, visit DetroitPBS.org

 

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 michigancentral.com.

Media Contact:

Leslie Shepard, Communications Specialist, Detroit PBS, [email protected]