NEWS
A Community Unfolded.
Royal Oak Screening
St. John Episcopal Church
June 11 @ 7:00pm
Join us for a special screening of A Tale of Ten Cities, the critically acclaimed short film that chronicles the powerful, untold history of Royal Oak Township and the surrounding region. Once a thriving 36-square-mile Black community, Royal Oak Township was gradually reduced to just 0.55 square miles through redlining, annexation, and decades of systemic erasure.
This local screening takes place in one of the very ten cities named in the film, offering a unique opportunity to reflect, connect, and honor the communities shaped—and reshaped—by policy and resistance
Community Health and Wellness Fair
Ferndale High School- May 17
10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
881 Pinecrest, Ferndale, MI 48220.
This family-friendly event is free and open to the public, offering a wide range of health-focused activities and resources. Attendees can take advantage of free medical screenings, CPR training, healthy living resources, exercise demos, nutritious food, and interactive wellness experiences for all ages.
June 19: Juneteenth Reflections – Black Hands, Black Land: From
Displacement and Determination
Hosted by Friends of Royal Oak Township, Inc. A special Juneteenth screening and community reflection, featuring A Tale of Ten Cities and a conversation on displacement, determination, and the future of Black communities.Location and time to be announced.
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.
Invited guest provided remarks about education, life challenges and their journey relative to Ulysses S. Grant School. Speakers: Ferndale Mayor Leaks-May, Ferndale Superintendent Hibbler, Proclamation from County Executive Coulter, FOROT received Recognition from U.S. Senator Stabenow and Governor Whitmer and remarks from Alumni representative Herbert Ivory. The event culminated with taking a photo of Alumni and interested attendees at the marker. A great time was had by all.
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
