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Discover FOROT’s health, nutrition, gardening, and urban agriculture initiatives that connect wellness, education, and community engagement. At FOROT, our Health & Wellness Promotion pillar empowers individuals and families through culturally responsive education, preventative care, and access to healthy living tools. We work to reduce health disparities across generations — starting with our youngest community members and extending to our elders. We promote: Nutrition education and food literacy Pesticide-free gardening and clean food Preventative screenings and active living Physical and mental wellness rooted in community care Health & Wellness Because health isn’t a privilege — it’s a right. Healthy Community Initiatives Nutrition and Wellness #Jump4Health Wellness for Seniors Healthy Futures: Seniors A supportive, six-week wellness course offering light exercise, nutrition education, and community care for older adults. Start Now Get Involved in Our Wellness Work Help us make communities that include and look like Royal Oak Township a healthier, stronger community. Whether you're a parent, elder, volunteer, or partner — there's a place for you here Volunteer Sponsor a Program Contact Us Healthy Futures Programs connecting health, culture, and community through food, wellness, and creative engagement. Explore Healthy Futures → Youth and My Plate Preserving the rich history and traditions of our culture. Healthy Initiatives Advocating for those who need their voices heard. Resources Providing resources and opportunities for healthy futures.

More details Grant Turns 100 — And the Record Continues On September 26, 2026, nearly 175 former students, educators, families, young people and community members gathered at Historic Ulysses S. Grant School to celebrate 100 years of education, community and legacy. The celebration brought generations of Grant together—from 100-year-old former third-grade teacher Mrs. Hazel Lee, former Principals, Herb Ivory and Zakiya Hollifield and alumni in their 80s and 90s to former Grant preschoolers who returned as young people to help with the celebration. Guests shared memories, explored Grant and Royal Oak Township history, added birthday wishes to the Centennial record, and gathered for a community photograph at Grant's Michigan Historical Marker. The celebration was also attended by Royal Oak Township officials, Superintendent Camille Hibbler, the Ferndale Board of Education president and several board members, and Ferndale Mayor Raylon Leaks-May, whose children attended Grant. Royal Oak Township Treasurer Kim Reaves also provided hands-on support in helping make the celebration possible. Grant's birthday celebration may be over, but the Centennial—and FOROT's work to preserve its stories, photographs, records and memories—continues. Generations gathered at Grant's Michigan Historical Marker during the Grant 100 Birthday Celebration on September 26, 2026. The celebration brought former students, educators, families and young people together to mark a century of Grant history. News and events More details Honoring History and Education In 2021, the Michigan Historical Commission approved FOROT’s application to erect a historical marker designated for Ulysses S. Grant Elementary School built in 1926 and located in Royal Oak Charter Township (Oakland County, MI). The school was at the center of a protracted school desegregation battle. FOROT is pleased to announce the historic marker was installed in July 2023. A dedication ceremony was held to honor the permanent placement of the marker at historic Ulysses S. Grant Elementary School in 2024. We encourage you to visit and read the text on both sides of the marker and capture an image of this historic marker. Community members in addition to alumni, state, county, local officials, civic leaders, and supporters attended the event. More details Everyday is Black History Every single day presents a unique and invaluable opportunity to honor and celebrate the incredibly rich and diverse history of Black culture, as well as the countless and invaluable contributions it has made to our society throughout the centuries. "There is too much history to fit into 28 days." - Cheikh A.B. Mbacke, Sankofa Learning Center Director and Friends of Royal Oak Township Co-Founder. FUEL Winterfest Ferndale Upper Elementary hosted its 2025 Winter Resource Night for families to explore the various resources available within Ferndale Public Schools. The event provided an opportunity for parents and students to connect with local services, programs, and support systems designed to enhance the educational experience. Attendees had the chance to meet with staff, ask questions, and learn about the valuable resources that can help students thrive both in and out of the classroom. The night was a great success, fostering a sense of community and collaboration among families and school staff. More details Together We Thrive At FOROT, we are dedicated to developing strong partnerships that uplift our community. Gather with us at the Sankofa Learning Center, where we blend cultural ambience with initiatives. The Association of Black Psychologists joined us for thoughtful discussions over libations while they plan meaningful mental health experiences. Stay tuned for their upcoming Mental Health symposium. More details Key Partner Award FOROT continues to build and sustain relationships, as demonstrated by our recognition as a Key Partner with the MSU Extension center. On September 28, 2022 our President, Brigitte Hall, MSU Alumni returned to MSU to receive the award. The award is recognition as a 2022 Michigan State University Extension Key Partner for being a significant partner for over a decade. The MSU Extension Key Partner Award recognizes those who have helped create, improve, support and promote MSU mission of improving the lives of Michigan residents. FOROT’s programming and partnerships, adds to the Diversity Equity and Inclusion the University is committed to uplift. FOROT has partnered with MSU since 2010 with various programs that target Youth, Adults and Seniors by empowering communities through our collective dedication to education of health and wellness, and urban agriculture. We celebrated with our board members, volunteers and MSU conference attendees. More details Cultural Lectures: Enriching Your Mind Discover the power of culture with our Cultural Lecture series, dedicated to highlighting the significance of grounding ourselves in our heritage and purpose. By nurturing our community’s understanding of cultural identity, we promote self-determination and growth. Attend our lectures to engage with others, share insights, and strengthen the bonds that tie us together. Together, we can honor our past and build a brighter future. Black Excellence Award On Thursday, February 16th the Oakland County Board of Commissioners recognized Brigitte R. Hall, FOROT President as winner of their 2023 Black Excellence Award. In presenting the award annually, Commissioners honor an outstanding Black resident of Oakland County who has taken strides to improve the community, made notable achievements or is otherwise worthy of recognition in honor of Black History Month. More details More details 100 Years Celebration An unforgettable celebration of Royal Oak Township’s 100-year anniversary. It began in 1921, circa, when the first plot of land was sold to a person of African ancestry. Uplifting and acknowledging this momentous occasion inspired members of the community, volunteers, and partners to reflect on our rich history, achievements, and milestones. We took the opportunity to honor the hard work and dedication of the many individuals who have contributed over the years, and to celebrate our ongoing commitment to building a stronger and more vibrant community FOROT on the Move Contrary to urban myth 13 is not unlucky, it stands for direction and pragmatism. As FOROT entered its 13th year our primary focus is on building a secure foundation for the future. We are continuing our developing new leadership, building awareness. Accordingly, in 2023 we are steadily moving our 2010 founding pillars of advocacy efforts forward. Cultural Enrichment, Health and Wellness Promotion, Urban Agriculture, and Historical Preservation. We are now located in Southfield in our administrative office and cultural center. This location houses our Sankofa Learning Center which provides programs that focus on our core components for children, youth, and families. The newly formed Historical Society of Royal Oak Charter Township is also housed in our new location. More details

Friends of Royal Oak Township, Inc.-FOROT a 501(c)(3) nonprofit preserves the untold Black history of South Oakland County and Metro Detroit. We lead efforts in education, youth arts, health equity, land advocacy, and cultural preservation. From A Tale of Ten Cities to NutriArt, FOROT turns memory into movement. Your support powers programs that protect legacy, empower families, and cultivate sustainable Black futures through digital archive and timeline about history and FOROT. Donate today. Welcome to the New FOROT.org! Explore our redesigned website featuring community history, educational resources, advocacy tools, and opportunities to get involved. Celebrating Grant School's Centennial • 1926–2026 Learn Our Story Explore Programs Watch the Film Get Involved CENTENNIAL • STORY • COMMUNITY PRESERVING HISTORY. EMPOWERING COMMUNITY. Rooted in over 100 years of Black history, community, and resilience. Featuring our signature experience: Threads That Connect Us → GET INVOLVED → DONATE → GRANT TURNED 100—AND THE STORY CONTINUES ! On September 26, nearly 175 alumni, educators, families, young people and community members gathered at Historic Ulysses S. Grant School to celebrate 100 years of education, community and legacy. 100 YEARS. GENERATIONS OF STORIES. ONE CONTINUING RECORD. The birthday celebration has passed, but Grant 100 continues through preservation, storytelling, photographs, memories and community participation. SEE THE GRANT 100 CELEBRATION 100+ Years of Legacy Rooted in Royal Oak Township’s history, our work reflects over a century of resilience, resistance, and community life. From early schools like Grant to the stories carried through generations, we preserve the lived experiences that shaped this place. Education, Health & Culture in Action We bring history into the present through hands-on learning, cultural expression, and wellness-centered programming. From classrooms to community events, our work connects knowledge, creativity, and everyday life. Preserving Place & Truth We document, protect, and share the stories often left out of official records. Through archives, oral histories, and public storytelling, we ensure that the full history of our community is seen, remembered, and carried forward. What Grounds Our Work Explore Our Work in Action Explore More Pillars and Programs Our pillars and focus are on wholistic learning, developing healthy habits and sustainability. We preserve history and share storytelling of contemporary and legacy traditions and culture. a Spoonful of News A Spoonful of news that weaves preservation, knowledge and lived memories through different perspectives from unwither content and collections. Advocating for both stories untold and for voices that are unheard. Career Center Our resource center provides opportunities for professional development, career education, employment and alignment. Grant School Centennial Grant 100 1926–2026 100 Years of Education, Community & Legacy Join us as we celebrate 100 years of education, community and legacy at Ulysses S. Grant School. Honor the past, reconnect across generations, and help carry the story forward. 📅 Saturday, September 26, 2026 🕕 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM 📍 Grant School Campus (8711 Cloverdale) Together, we celebrate community, literacy, and the voices that continue to shape our community. More Details Community Health & Wellness Fair @ Ferndale High School - May 17th The Health & Wellness Fair is a family-friendly event 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. FUEL Winterfest Ferndale Upper Elementary hosted its 2025 Winter Resource Night for families to explore the various resources available within Ferndale Public Schools. The event provided an opportunity for parents and students to connect with local services, programs, and support systems designed to enhance the educational experience. Attendees had the chance to meet with staff, ask questions, and learn about the valuable resources that can help students thrive both in and out of the classroom. The night was a great success, fostering a sense of community and collaboration among families and school staff. Career Center: Connecting Community to Opportunity Access career pathways, training, and professional development resources designed to support long-term growth and economic mobility within our community. Explore Opportunities → From legacy to action to preservation - explore how our work comes to life. programs rooted in community Youth Development Our focus is on impactful youth-centric programs that inspire a healthier, brighter tomorrow for the youth of today. Culture & Black History Focuses on our core pillars of culture promotion aimed to empower individuals about our shared past. History Understanding historical preservation programs allows us to share the stories of Royal Oak Township's founders and settlers. By volunteering with FOROT, you will have the opportunity to make a positive impact in your community and contribute to our mission. Volunteer with Friends of Royal Oak Township (FOROT) We are continuously looking for passionate individuals who want to help us build and strengthen the community. As a volunteer, you can make a significant impact in the lives of youth and community in need, while supporting FOROT's mission. Complete our volunteer form to learn more about our current opportunities. get involved! VOLUNTEER Support Our Mission Your contribution makes a huge difference. DONATE TODAY $10 $50 $100 $200 Recognized for Community Health Impact Friends of Royal Oak Township, Inc. is honored as a 2026 Quest for Health Champion, supporting our work connecting health, culture, and community. *Displayed solely for the purpose of publicizing and promoting the award, in accordance with the Award Agreement.

Learn about Friends of Royal Oak Township, Inc. and our mission to preserve community history, promote wellness, and strengthen future generations through education and engagement. About Us Our Journey Friends of Royal Oak Township, Inc. (FOROT) serves as a trusted community-based source for history, records, and engagement in Royal Oak Township. FOROT has spent over 15 years preserving, documenting, and sharing the history of one of Michigan’s oldest Black communities. Our work centers on truth, community voice, and historical record—connecting culture, education, health, and opportunity through programs that serve youth, families, and residents across generations. As interest in this history grows, FOROT remains committed to ensuring the community’s story is told with accuracy, depth, and care. Explore Now Mission & Vision Mission Vision The mission of Friends of Royal Oak Township is to empower healthier, culturally conscious, and self-sufficient communities through education in health and wellness, culture, and history. We envision thriving communities that are healthy, culturally grounded, and fully committed to sustaining growth through education, empowerment, and shared knowledge. Empowering Our Community Our work comes to life through programs, events, and community engagement that bring history, culture, and lived experience into everyday spaces. Whether through education, storytelling, or hands-on participation, we create meaningful ways for people to connect and be involved in Royal Oak Township and Metro Detroit. Learn More We are guided by a commitment to honoring the legacy of our ancestors, preserving community knowledge, and creating opportunities for future generations. Through education, advocacy, and cultural awareness, we work to strengthen community voice and long-term sustainability. Our Beliefs Values Values

Support Our Cause Making a difference starts with taking action. Support our cause by volunteering your time, skills, and passion to empower those in need. Volunteer with Us At FOROT, we welcome volunteers who are dedicated to making a positive change. Join our mission to provide essential services and care to our community members. Advocacy works Enrich lives through advocacy and volunteerism at FOROT. Your commitment and enthusiasm can transform the lives of youth and seniors, creating lasting impacts. Join Our Team Become a Volunteer Get Involved Together We Impact Together, we can address critical needs and work towards fostering healthier and more culturally conscious communities. Partner with us to make a difference in Royal Oak Township, South Oakland county and Metro Detroit. "Working together, the ants ate the elephant" -African Proverb Join Us Building Strong Alliances Our partnerships focus on preserving cultural heritage and supporting underrepresented communities. Join us in advocating for literacy and providing resources that enrich lives. Start Collaboration Don’t just witness change — become it. Volunteer with FOROT and help shape the future of ourstory. Volunteering starts here Join our Efforts! Explore our rich culture, history, and heritage. Join us in preserving and celebrating diverse traditions, ancestry, and community stories through multimedia experiences and educational resources. Bookmark our site to discover perspectives on our Four Pillars, advocacy initiatives, hidden histories, and voices both known and unknown. Together, we can elevate understanding, inspire engagement, and foster lifelong learning. Discover Community Advocacy Access resources, information, and tools that empower residents and strengthen communities through education, advocacy, and equitable opportunities. a Spoonful of News Explore blogs, videos, articles, and curated resources that offer diverse perspectives on our Four Pillars and the issues shaping our communities. Become a Volunteer Help strengthen our community by volunteering your time, skills, and passion in support of youth, families, and local initiatives. Career Center Check out our career center for job resources and new career opportunities.

Our Pillars Health and Wellness Growing healthier lives through culture and communities. The goal of Health and Wellness Promotion is to produce healthier communities, provide accurate health related information, encourage preventative health screenings, and reduce health disparities. Health and Wellness Promotion programs targets children, youth and adults with an emphasis on the benefits of food produced without the utilization of pesticides, understanding nutritional information on food label, and caloric intake Explore More OUR PILLARS Urban Agriculture Bringing culture, identity, and history to life. Our primary Urban Agriculture activity, Sankofa Community Garden, has its roots in the growing urban farming and agriculture movement. This 8-week community-focused gardening program exposes 6-15 year old youth to all aspects of organic gardening and urban agriculture while providing education and an opportunity for physical activity. The garden provides an environment for hands-on, interactive, guided instruction to participating youth while also making garden plots available to community residents. Resident plots may be use for planting crops or as a commemorative flower garden. More Details Urban Agriculture Growing knowledge, foods, and community. Our primary Urban Agriculture activity, Sankofa Community Garden, has its roots in the growing urban farming and agriculture movement. This 8-week community-focused gardening program exposes 6-15 year old youth to all aspects of organic gardening and urban agriculture while providing education and an opportunity for physical activity. The garden provides an environment for hands-on, interactive, guided instruction to participating youth while also making garden plots available to community residents. Resident plots may be use for planting crops or as a commemorative flower garden. Explore More Bringing culture, identity, and history to life. Culture & Heritage Bringing culture, identity, and history to life. Cultural Enrichment programs are offered throughout the year to highlight contemporary and traditional cultural events which celebrate individual and historical contributions. Programs are designed to increase exposure to culture while increasing consciousness relevant to the significance of culture and tolerance among diverse ethnic groups. They include Celebration of Kwanzaa, Juneteenth, and a series of Black History Month programs and activities. Explore More Historical Preservation Documenting truth. Connecting past to present Historical pillar include several long-range projects, which include acquiring a historical site designation for a school building located in Royal Oak Charter Township and a free-standing historical library archival library. Our preservation efforts include community engagement, presentations, and activities to acquire and archive historical materials that depict the 1833 founding of the community. It has taken ten years to launch the historical pillar, a long-range initiative, which has been contingent on the acquisition and availability of funding. Explore More Documenting truth. Connecting past to present Advocacy Championing community voice and equity. FOROT has been actively engaged in the community for over 10 years advocating for culturally conscious, healthier, self-committed communities. Our partners serve a predominantly African American constituency including large numbers of low-income families. We would like to thank all of our volunteers and supporters for their ongoing support. Contact

Explore Royal Oak Township history, community archives, preservation initiatives, oral histories, and efforts to protect and share the community record. Centennial & Community Record Royal Oak Township’s history is not only preserved—it is actively documented and shared as part of our Centennial work. Through storytelling, quilt-inspired contributions, and intergenerational programming, community members are invited to become part of a living archive reflecting over 100 years of history and resilience. Get Involved Centennial Honoring 100 years of history, education, and community through storytelling and public engagement. Learn More → Threads That Connect Us A hands-on experience where participants contribute quilt squares, drawings, and reflections to a growing community record. Explore Threads →

Historical Preservation Our founding Historical pillar included several long-range projects, which encompass acquiring a historical site designation for a school building located in Royal Oak Charter Township and a free-standing historical archival library. Our preservation efforts are centered around community engagement, presentations, and activities to acquire and archive historical materials that depict the founding of the community in 1833. It has taken ten years to launch the historical pillar, a long-range initiative, which has been contingent on the acquisition and availability of funding. Absent of funding, we are thankful to have continued to push our plans forward for an idea that began 13 years ago. On July 21, 2023 one of our labor of loves came to fruition with acknowledgement and installation of a historical marker. According to Brigitte R. Hall, FOROT Founding President and current Executive Director, “we are so proud to honor Ulysses S. Grant school, it was the building blocks of our culture and education.” Royal Oak Charter Township is now comprised of approximately 97% people of African ancestry and a disproportionate number of medically fragile elders. ”We encourage you to visit and read the text on both sides of the marker and capture an image of this historic marker. A Blast from the Past Our preservation initiatives aim to honor storytelling, pioneers, traditions, and celebrate heritage. Our senior programs are designed to provide care, support, and enriching experiences for seniors of African ancestry. We value their wisdom, contributions, and well-being. Get Involved Centennial Hub A Tale of Ten Cities History Then and Now Paths to Preservation Connect with Us First name Last name Email Yes, subscribe me to your newsletter. Submit

FOROT Timeline of Events 2010-2025 List 2010-GECC Clothing Giveaway Start Now 2011-Double Dutch � FUEL Start Now 2012-FEED the Community Event Start Now 2014-MSU Extension Key Partner Award Start Now 2015-First Kwanzaa Celebration Start Now 2017-Black History Month Programs Start Now 2019-International Business Dakar, Senegal Initiative Start Now 2021-Virtual Juneteenth Recognition Start Now 2022-4H in the Garden Summer Program Start Now 2022-Food Champions: Seniors Start Now 2022-MSU Extension Key Partner Award Start Now 2022-Small Business Leaders Event in Detroit Start Now 2022-Truth and Racial Equity Series Start Now 2023-Grant Historical Marker Application Start Now 2023-Juneteenth and Emancipation Start Now 2024-Diaper Bank Start Now 2025-Active Shooter Training with DPD Start Now

Elevate Your Beauty Routine It's Time to Glow This is a space to welcome visitors to the site. Grab their attention with copy that clearly states what the site is about, and add an engaging image or video. Start Now The Threads That Connect Us Featuring our signature community experience: Threads That Connect Us Start Exploring

Threads That Connect Us Featuring our signature community experience: Threads That Connect Us Start Exploring Destynee N. I really enjoyed connecting with community during our Preservation Day launch to celebrate our history and upcoming Grant School Centennial. Destynee N. Royal Oak Charter Township Library Director and Community Member Threading Across Generations This is a space to welcome visitors to the site. Grab their attention with copy that clearly states what the site is about, and add an engaging image or video.

Threads That Connect Us Featuring our signature community experience: Threads That Connect Us Start Exploring Destynee N. I really enjoyed connecting with community during our Preservation Day launch to celebrate our history and upcoming Grant School Centennial. Destynee N. Royal Oak Charter Township Library Director and Community Member Threading Across Generations This is a space to welcome visitors to the site. Grab their attention with copy that clearly states what the site is about, and add an engaging image or video.