dr.ossian h sweet foundation presents OPEN HOUSE 2025
100 years of courage
Join Us for the 100 Years of Courage Centennial Commemoration
Come be a part of something powerful and unforgettable. From September 7–9, 2025, we will mark the 100th anniversary of the Dr. Ossian H. Sweet incident—a moment in history that changed the fight for civil rights in America.
This once-in-a-lifetime celebration will bring together three exciting days filled with history, community, education, fun, food, and music—all in the heart of Detroit. You’ll get the opportunity to tour the newly restored Dr. Ossian H. Sweet House and walk through the brand-new Educational Plaza, built to honor his legacy and teach future generations.
Whether you come to learn, reflect, celebrate, or connect—we promise there will be something meaningful for everyone. Don’t miss this powerful centennial moment. Let’s stand together in honor of a man who stood up for justice.
three days . ONE LEGACY . A CITY UNITED
Sunday, September 7th: 3p-7p
Get ready for an unforgettable day of music, celebration, and community power! Enjoy live performances, food trucks, local vendors, and a thrilling concert with Grammy-nominated Dwele and rising star Charity. Discover handcrafted goods, wellness checks, and resources from city, county, and state agencies—plus local banks offering tools for your future. Tour the newly restored Sweet House and Educational Plaza. We’ll announce and award 25 Detroit high school seniors each with $1,000 scholarships to attend college. NAACP President Derrick Johnson will be honored with the Sweet Legacy Award, and Daniel Baxter will receive the DAR Preservation Award.
Monday, September 8th, 11a-1p
Step into history as we retrace the journey from Gladys Sweet’s childhood home to the Sweet House. This symbolic walk features live narration and visuals, helping the community feel the weight, fear, and courage the Sweet family carried on that fateful day in 1925. It’s more than a march—it’s a moment of remembrance, reflection, and unity for generations to come.
Tuesday, September 9th: 6:00p
Experience the Sweet legacy through powerful performance and film. Teisha J. Lott stars as Gladys Sweet in a moving stage production, followed by a screening of One Sweet Night, directed by Andrew Colom. The evening concludes with a musical tribute by Grammy winner Jahaan Sweet—Dr. Sweet’s great-nephew—blending history, art, and emotion into an unforgettable centennial finale.
ALL EVENTS ARE FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC