NEWS
Honoring the Legacy of Founder
Cheikh Ahmadou Banba Mbacké
Friends of Royal Oak Township mourns the passing of our beloved Founder, Baba Cheikh Ahmadou Banba Mbacké.
A tireless elder, educator, and Pan-African leader, Baba Cheikh gave his wisdom, time, and heart to building FOROT from its roots. His dedication to youth, justice, and cultural preservation shaped our vision and inspired our work. Though we grieve, we celebrate his extraordinary legacy — and we commit to carry his light forward in all we do.
Thank You for Joining Us –
June 11 Screening
A Community Unfolded.
To all who joined us on June 11th for the community screening of A Tale of Ten Cities — thank you. Your presence, your questions, and your willingness to engage with truth meant everything.
A Tale of Ten Cities is more than a film. It is a community-led act of preservation and power — a cinematic reflection of the untold story of Royal Oak Township, Michigan. Grounded in lived experience and historical fact, the film invites us to confront the forces of displacement — from annexation and redlining to school closures and the erosion of Black land and leadership.
These injustices didn’t happen in isolation.
They were systemic.
And the resistance was, too.
As we move toward reconciliation and renewal, we honor those who stayed, those who fought, and those who are still building.
Stay connected.
Thank You for Making History with Us | Juneteenth 2025
Dear Friends,
On behalf of the Executive Council at Friends of Royal Oak Township (FOROT) — thank you for showing up, speaking out, and standing with us for Juneteenth 2025. Inside the halls of the old Grant School, we felt history echo through rhythm, poetry, film, and testimony.
From our opening drum call to the moving film A Tale of Ten Cities, from Alexis White’s poetry to youth performances by Nia Concepts, and from Baba Cheikh’s words to your presence in the room — this gathering mattered.
Together, we explored the theme:
Black Hands, Black Land: From Displacement to Determination.
A journey of truth-telling, restoration, and the ongoing work to protect Black land, memory, and freedom.
Special thanks to:
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Our incredible presenters, poets, and youth artists
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The Royal Oak Charter Township Library & SE Oakland Coalition
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The Arcade Above Us for ongoing film + photo documentation
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Everyone who donated time, skills, and support to make this happen
Preserving History, Honoring the Past!
Ulysses S. Grant Historical
State Marker No. 760
[Royal Oak Township, MI] The planning for an idea and labor of love that began 13 years ago came to fruition with installation of the historical marker. The Michigan Historical Commission approved a historical marker for the prior site, Ulysses S. Grant Elementary School.
On April 27, 2024 we commemorated the marker and had a joyful community celebration. Attendees mingled with past friends and alumnis and embraced the history while understanding the importance of preserving the history.
A Tale of Ten Cities
Preserving the History of Royal Oak Township
Get ready for an exciting cinematic experience as FOROT gears up to launch the highly anticipated TTR short film project.: Part 1: A Tale of Ten Cities. This innovative initiative promises to captivate audiences with its unique storytelling, shedding light on the historic annexation within the Royal Oak Township community.
Through this project, FOROT fostered connections, inspired dialogue, and unraveled the tapestry of stories that make up the township's historical landscape. Stay tuned for an immersive journey that celebrates the power of film to educate the community and create meaningful change.
In partnership with the Michigan-Mellon Project on the Egalitarian Metropolis initiative, we were able to complete and contribute our short film.
Recognizing 100 years of Royal Oak Township
100+ Years Strong (1921-2024)
Friends of Royal Oak Township and the Truth Toward Reconciliation Initiative Affiliates recognize and REMEMBER that it was in 1921 (100+ years ago) that led to the creation of a historically black community. We invite individuals, organizations, faith-based institution, city council or commission to join in our recognition and historical truth-telling initiative, so many perspectives.
Standing strong, efforts have failed in the attempt to erase an African American community that has been located in South Oakland County for more than 100 years. The voices of dignity, the voices of love and truth have sustained the families and residents of Royal Oak Charter Township championing the spirit of what community resistance looks like. For additional information contact info@forot.org.
#100YearsStrong
