Community Calendar

You’re invited to the Michigan League for Public Policy’s 2026 Public Policy Forum, which will be held on Thursday, April 30 from 10 a.m.-noon in Lansing, Michigan.

The League’s annual forum explores bold policies that will create an economy rooted in racial equity. Time is of the essence when it comes to building economic justice in Michigan; we must seize this opportunity to invest in what will create a stronger Michigan.

The theme of this year's policy forum is 250 Years and Counting: Working to fulfill the promise of democracy in America and we are proud to announce that our 2026 keynote speaker will be Natalie Foster, co-founder of the Economic Security Project. An unstoppable builder, Natalie previously founded the sharing economy community Peers, co-founded Rebuild the Dream with Van Jones and served as Digital Director for President Obama's Organizing for America - a leading partner in winning transformative health care reform. She is the author of The Guarantee: Inside the Fight for America’s Next Economy, which explores what is possible when we guarantee economic rights and prosperity for all. A daughter of a preacher from Kansas, Natalie draws on the values of community, dignity and optimism to build a better America.

Following the keynote address, a panel of experts will discuss strategies for building economic justice in Michigan, particularly as it relates to housing, health care and financial security.

The League’s Public Policy Forum brings together hundreds of individuals who care deeply about building a stronger Michigan for all people–from policymakers to legislators, advocates, educators, members of foundations and community organizations, and other community members and stakeholders.

Admission for this year’s event is $25 and registration is required. You can find more details and register here: https://itl.ink/mlppforum. Space is limited, so don’t delay in reserving your spot at this special event, where you can be a part of a vitally important conversation about creating a bold path forward for economic justice in Michigan.

Thomas Paine’s “Common Sense” was one of the most influential works of the American Revolution. The first edition was published on January 10, 1776, with an initial print run of just 1,000 copies; but within weeks demand soared. The students of Andy Murphy’s POLISCI 495 course co-curated the exhibition “Revolutionary Paine” to document the whirlwind caused by its publication. On view at the Clements January 16-May 8, weekdays from 12-4 pm.

It’s the summer of 1776, and the nation is ready to declare independence … if only the founding fathers agree to it! This musical follows John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson as they attempt to convince members of Congress to sign the Declaration of Independence. With humor and a stirring score, the Tony® Award-winning musical presents the frustrations and triumphs of our founding fathers. Presented in partnership with the Midland County Historical Society, and in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the birth of the United States. 1776 brings a fresh look at the people, and the compromises that defined a revolution.

Directed by Susie Polito
Music and Lyrics by Sherman Edwards / Book by Peter Stone

Landmark: Less Cancer Hike and Bike America 2026
Walk, ride and roam anywhere/anytime. Enter your photos of local landmarks and favorite adventure places to win prizes!
June 6th – July 6th
The annual event serves as our primary fundraiser, helping fuel our critical cancer prevention initiatives.
Register for FREE today at: https://www.lesscancer.org/

Join us on May 1, 2026, as Fresh Start Clubhouse celebrates 26 years of changing lives through community, purpose, and possibility. This special Giving Day event honors the impact of engaging in meaningful activities, fostering social connections, and building on strengths to support recovery and well-being.

Fresh Start Clubhouse provides a collaborative and restorative environment where members develop problem-solving, vocational, and life skills through shared work and mutual support. Giving Day is an opportunity to celebrate these achievements, learn more about our mission, connect with the community, and support a model that empowers individuals through dignity, belonging, and meaningful participation.

Whether you’re a longtime supporter or new to Fresh Start, we invite you to celebrate, give back, and be part of a community that believes recovery happens best together.

Thomas Paine’s “Common Sense” was one of the most influential works of the American Revolution. The first edition was published on January 10, 1776, with an initial print run of just 1,000 copies; but within weeks demand soared. The students of Andy Murphy’s POLISCI 495 course co-curated the exhibition “Revolutionary Paine” to document the whirlwind caused by its publication. On view at the Clements January 16-May 8, weekdays from 12-4 pm.

Join HAVEN on Friday, May 1, 2026 as we celebrate those who support survivors of domestic violence and abuse. Our annual gala will be held at the Auburn Hills Marriott Pontiac and will be emceed by WDIV anchor, reporter and multiple Emmy winner Karen Drew, a strong community advocate and leader.

The evening will begin with a cocktail hour from 6:00 to 7:00 pm, followed by an unforgettable program from 7:00 to 10:00 pm, bringing together community and corporate leaders, advocates and survivors for a night of compassion and connection.

This inspiring event will feature a powerful paddle raise, 50/50 raffle, wine pull and silent auction, all dedicated to raising critical funds that make HAVEN’s life-saving work possible. Guests will experience meaningful conversations, moving survivor stories, and the collective energy of a community united to end violence and create lasting change.

Detroit’s rich cultural identity and enduring small business legacy take center stage in Detroit Icon, a new six-part streaming series created by Jason Dean Waldron, owner of Time Warp Vintage in St. Clair Shores. Detroit Icon takes viewers into the heart of the City, spotlighting the small businesses that have weathered Detroit’s highs and lows and emerged as powerful forces in shaping its future.

Premiere Gala at the Detroit Historical Museum
To celebrate the launch, a special Detroit Icon Premiere will take place on May 1, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the Detroit Historical Museum in the spectacular Allesee Gallery of Culture.
The evening will offer an immersive, vintage-inspired experience and include:
• A preview screening featuring highlights from Season One and exclusive sneak peeks of Season Two upcoming episodes
• A live panel discussion with featured Detroit business owners and creators
• Light appetizers and a curated mocktail experience
• A 1940s–50s themed atmosphere, complete with vintage-inspired service and presentation
Guests will enjoy all the Detroit Historical Museum has to offer, with full access to three floors of engaging exhibitions.
Panel participants (tentative) include:
• Jason Dean (Moderator)
• Joe Renkiewicz Sr. (Henry the Hatter)
• A representative from John King Rare & Used Books

Guests will park in the Museum’s lot off Kirby. Parking is first-come, first-served and costs $10 per car. Street parking is available and uses the City’s Park Detroit mobile app.

It’s the summer of 1776, and the nation is ready to declare independence … if only the founding fathers agree to it! This musical follows John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson as they attempt to convince members of Congress to sign the Declaration of Independence. With humor and a stirring score, the Tony® Award-winning musical presents the frustrations and triumphs of our founding fathers. Presented in partnership with the Midland County Historical Society, and in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the birth of the United States. 1776 brings a fresh look at the people, and the compromises that defined a revolution.

Directed by Susie Polito
Music and Lyrics by Sherman Edwards / Book by Peter Stone

Landmark: Less Cancer Hike and Bike America 2026
Walk, ride and roam anywhere/anytime. Enter your photos of local landmarks and favorite adventure places to win prizes!
June 6th – July 6th
The annual event serves as our primary fundraiser, helping fuel our critical cancer prevention initiatives.
Register for FREE today at: https://www.lesscancer.org/