Top of the Park Annex - Being Black in America

Event Summary

Date(s): Thursday, June 25, 2026
Time: 5:00pm
Venue: Top of the Park
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Event Description

The Ann Arbor Summer Festival hosts events in the Annex most nights during Top of the Park.

Being Black in America – Washtenaw County is a bold, immersive installation presented for the Washtenaw County Bicentennial by the Advisory Council on Reparations Community Engagement Committee, created by Asha Jordan. This is not just an exhibit—it is an experience that pulls you into the raw, unfiltered reality of what it means to exist, navigate, and thrive while Black in America today.

This powerful installation transforms space into a living, breathing reflection of identity, resilience, and truth. Through a deeply personal, diary-like environment, visitors are invited to step inside the unspoken—exploring code-switching, protection, cultural expression, and the desire to exist freely and unapologetically. It challenges comfort, sparks dialogue, and demands presence.

More than an installation, this is a full cultural experience. With live performances by Melodic Nocturne, a dynamic speaker series from the Advisory Council, interactive art-making, poetry by Brianna Davis, comedy by Dub Funny, and music with DJ BoomKat, each moment is designed to move you—mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. From powerful storytelling to moments of joy and release, the experience flows as both reflection and celebration.

People from all backgrounds are invited to witness, learn, and connect. This is where art meets truth, where community meets healing, and where voices rise unapologetically. Being Black in America – Washtenaw County is something you don’t just attend—you feel, carry, and remember.

Daycroft School - 3 photos - kids play with a puzzle, letters to form words, and counting trays

Daycroft School Open House

Sunday, April 26

character performer Rumi sings a song in front of a curtain

Huntrix: For the Fans Fest

Friday, May 8

Other Annex activities:

	Date/Time	Event
🆓	June 12 5:00pm	Top of the Park Annex - We Hold These Truths, Interactive Workshop with Artist Holly Bass at Top of the Park, Ann Arbor Michigan
💙🆓	June 13 5:00pm-9:00pm	Top of the Park Annex: I Am A2ZERO at Top of the Park, Ann Arbor Michigan
🆓	June 14 7:00pm	Top of the Park Annex - Stand-Up Hosted by Julianna Loera-Wiggins at Top of the Park, Ann Arbor Michigan
💙🆓	June 16 5:00pm-7:00pm	Top of the Park Annex: Bike Pavilion by Common Cycle at Top of the Park, Ann Arbor Michigan
🆓	June 17 7:00pm-8:00pm	Nerd Nite: Top of the Park Annex at Top of the Park, Ann Arbor Michigan
💙🆓	June 18 5:00pm-10:00pm	Telescopes with the Detroit Observatory: Top of the Park Annex at Top of the Park, Ann Arbor Michigan
🆓	June 19 5:30pm	AADL World Famous Trivia: Top of the Park Annex at Top of the Park, Ann Arbor Michigan
💙🆓	June 20 5:30pm-7:00pm	Top of the Park Annex - Supporting Kids at Every Age: A Mental Health Education Fair at Top of the Park, Ann Arbor Michigan
💙🆓	June 21 5:30pm	Top of the Park Annex - Ann-Hua Chinese Ensemble and Ann-Hua Choir at Top of the Park, Ann Arbor Michigan
💙🆓	June 23 5:30pm	Top of the Park Annex: Printmaking with AADL at Top of the Park, Ann Arbor Michigan
🆓	June 24 5:00pm	Top of the Park Annex - Being Black in America at Top of the Park, Ann Arbor Michigan
🆓	June 25 5:00pm	Top of the Park Annex - Being Black in America at Top of the Park, Ann Arbor Michigan
🆓	June 26 7:00pm	Top of the Park Annex - Spoken Word Night Hosted by Madeline October at Top of the Park, Ann Arbor Michigan
💙🆓	June 27 5:00pm	Top of the Park Annex: My Memories, My Story Printing Activity at Top of the Park, Ann Arbor Michigan
💙🆓	June 28 5:00pm-8:30pm	Top of the Park Annex: FOUND Magazine & Friends Hosted by Davy Rothbart at Top of the Park, Ann Arbor Michigan