Black Marriage Day was started in 2002 to change the way marriage was viewed in the African-American community.
Nisa Islam Muhammad, founder of the Wedded Bliss Foundation, started the holiday in hopes of raising the marriage rate and lowering the number of out-of-wedlock births in the black community.
The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History celebrates Black Marriage Day Saturday with a special event for couples who are married, engaged or just dating.
"Couples should expect to experience a deep sense of community and encouragement at this event," says Angela King, an organizer of the event. "They'll be among others who are living what they're living and seem to be making it happen, day in and day out, year after year."
Black Marriage Day at the Wright includes a comedy show from Horace H.B. Sanders, dancing and food. Psychotherapist Nneka J. Owens of Dearborn will speak.
King calls the atmosphere of the event "very encouraging and, by the end of the evening, even celebratory."
Tickets cost $50 per couple in advance at brownpapertickets.com and $55 Saturday at the museum.
Black Marriage Day with Horace H.B. Sanders and Nneka J. Owens
11 a.m. Sat.
Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History
315 E. Warren Ave., Detroit
Tickets $50 in advance, $55 day of, per couple
(313) 494-5800
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