African American Culture

1134-1136 Shepard St., Lansing 48912 (Indoors)

An extensive collection of pictures, artifacts, printed material and displays which examines the African presence in Africa, Asia, Europe, Australia and the Americas. Call ahead for tour reservations.

702 W. Kalamazoo St., Lansing, 48909

Exhibits include audios of favorite Motown songs and the piano from the Michigan School for the Blind on the north side of Lansing where Stevie Wonder attended school.

1029 W. Barnes Ave., Lansing 48910

This charter school opened in 1995 as a charter school patterning its curriculum after the teachings of civil rights leader Malcolm X who spent much of his youth in Lansing. The school closed in 2019.

301 N. Butler St., Lansing

Founded in 1945, the original purpose of the Clubhouse was to provide a designated meeting place for all minority women and to cultivate peace, harmony, and happiness among citizens irrespective of race, color or creed such that all people may enjoy a higher standard of living for peace and contentment.

100 N. Capitol Ave., Lansing

There are many portraits that hang within the State Capitol Building. One of the most asked about is the portrait of William Webb Ferguson, Michigan’s first African American legislator. His portrait hangs outside the Old Supreme Courtroom where he won a historic case against racial segregation in 1890. Elected to the House of Representatives in 1892, Ferguson authored legislation prohibiting discrimination in the life insurance industry, and a bill providing pensions to Detroit firefighters and their families.

One of so many local artists, Brian Whitfield’s energetic, vibrant work can be found in the Lansing Art Gallery and other traditional spaces, but also in large mural sized spaces throughout Lansing. His “Under the Bridge” is located where US 127 bridges Michigan Avenue and shoppers to Capital City Market in downtown Lansing can enjoy his beautiful art when entering from the parking lot.