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

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

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

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.

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! GRANT SCHOOL CENTENNIAL 1926–2026 100 Years of Legacy • 100 Years Forward GRANT SCHOOL CENTENNIAL 1926 - 2026 100 Years of Legacy • 100 Years Forward Learn Our Story Explore Programs Watch the Film Get Involved WELCOME In 2026, we celebrate 100 years of Grant School and the generations of students, families, educators, and community members whose lives have been shaped by its legacy. Throughout the year, Friends of Royal Oak Township (FOROT) will honor this milestone through community events, storytelling, historical preservation, alumni engagement, and educational initiatives that preserve our shared history while inspiring future generations. Start Now CENTENNIAL EVENTS upcoming events □ Alumni Gatherings □ Oral History Collection Days □ Archive Collection & Scanning □ Community History Presentations □ Youth Creative Studio □ Special Recognition Programs □ Centennial Celebration Events Start Now FEATURED EVENT JUNETEENTH 2026 THE SOUND OF COMMUNITY Friday, June 19, 2026 Grant School Campus An evening of music, history, culture, and community celebrating Juneteenth and launching the Grant School Centennial year. An evening of music, history, culture, and community celebrating Juneteenth and launching the Grant School Centennial year. VIEW EVENT DETAILS SHARE YOUR STORY Were you a student, teacher, staff member, volunteer, or family member connected to Grant School? Help us preserve our history by sharing: • Photographs • Class Pictures • School Programs • Newspaper Articles • Family Stories • Community Memories Start Now Centennial Timeline Key moments in the Grant School and Royal Oak Township story. 1941 Grant School Stay-Away Strike Students and families participate in the historic stay-away strike advocating for educational equity 2026 100 Years of Legacy 100 Years Forward A year-long celebration honoring the past while inspiring future generations 2024 Grant School Marker Dedication Community members gather to dedicate the Grant School historical marker 2026 Grant School Centennial Launch The community celebrates 100 years of Grant School and its enduring legacy 2025 Grant School Centennial Planning Begins Community planning and archival activities accelerate in preparation for the centennial 1969 Federal Review of School Practices Federal officials review educational conditions and segregation concerns in the region 1981 Integration Milestone Implementation of major integration measures affecting local schools 2023 Grant School Historical Marker Installed A state historical marker is installed recognizing the significance of Grant School 2026 Juneteenth The Sound of Community Centennial kickoff event celebrating history culture music and community 1926 Grant School Opens Grant School opens its doors to serve the growing Royal Oak Township community 1978 Federal Court Order Court actions address educational inequities and district responsibilities 2026 Ron Carter Centennial Recognition Recognition of Grammy-winning alumnus and community icon Ron Carter 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. Juneteenth 2026: The Sound of Community WELCOME In 2026, we celebrate 100 years of Grant School and the generations of students, families, educators, and community members whose lives have been shaped by its legacy. Throughout the year, Friends of Royal Oak Township (FOROT) will honor this milestone through community events, storytelling, historical preservation, alumni engagement, and educational initiatives that preserve our shared history while inspiring future generations. 📅 Friday, June 19, 2026 🕕 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM 📍 Grant School Campus (8711 Cloverdale) Together, we celebrate freedom, legacy, 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. Stay Connected First name Last name Email Yes, subscribe me to your newsletter. Submit

Grant Centennial 2026 List Grant School Stay-Away Strike Students and families participate in the historic stay-away strike advocating for educational equity Start Now 100 Years of Legacy 100 Years Forward A year-long celebration honoring the past while inspiring future generations Start Now Grant School Marker Dedication Community members gather to dedicate the Grant School historical marker Start Now Grant School Centennial Launch The community celebrates 100 years of Grant School and its enduring legacy Start Now Grant School Centennial Planning Begins Community planning and archival activities accelerate in preparation for the centennial Start Now Federal Review of School Practices Federal officials review educational conditions and segregation concerns in the region Start Now Integration Milestone Implementation of major integration measures affecting local schools Start Now Grant School Historical Marker Installed A state historical marker is installed recognizing the significance of Grant School Start Now Juneteenth The Sound of Community Centennial kickoff event celebrating history culture music and community Start Now Grant School Opens Grant School opens its doors to serve the growing Royal Oak Township community Start Now Federal Court Order Court actions address educational inequities and district responsibilities Start Now Ron Carter Centennial Recognition Recognition of Grammy-winning alumnus and community icon Ron Carter Start Now Friends of Royal Oak Township Founded FOROT begins preserving community history and promoting health wellness culture and education Start Now Carver District Merges into Oak Park The Carver School District is dissolved and merged into Oak Park Schools Start Now Carver Historical Marker Dedicated A historical marker is installed recognizing the legacy of the Carver School District Start Now Carver School District Established The Carver School District begins serving African American students in the area Start Now Royal Oak Township Founded Royal Oak Township is established encompassing approximately 36 square miles Start Now FOROT Receives 501c3 Status Friends of Royal Oak Township becomes a federally recognized nonprofit organization Start Now Ferndale Incorporates Portions of Royal Oak Township become the City of Ferndale Start Now Royal Oak Township Becomes Charter Township Royal Oak Township officially adopts charter township status Start Now A Tale of Ten Cities Released FOROT releases its documentary exploring annexation fragmentation and community history Start Now Hazel Park Incorporates Additional township land is incorporated into Hazel Park Start Now Truth Toward Reconciliation Initiative FOROT launches community engagement and historical truth-telling efforts Start Now Community Growth and Housing Expansion Royal Oak Township experiences significant population growth and housing development Start Now Berkley Incorporates Further reduction of the original township boundaries Start Now Pleasant Ridge Incorporates Additional territory separates from Royal Oak Township 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

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

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

Discover FOROT’s health, nutrition, gardening, and urban agriculture initiatives that connect wellness, education, and community engagement. Health & Urban Agriculture Sankofa Community Garden is FOROT’s primary urban agriculture initiative, rooted in the growing movement for community-based farming, wellness, and sustainable living. This interactive 8-week program introduces youth ages 6–15 to organic gardening, healthy food systems, and urban agriculture through hands-on learning and physical activity. Participants engage in planting, harvesting, and guided outdoor education while building knowledge around nutrition, environmental stewardship, and healthy lifestyles. Sankofa Community Garden works alongside FOROT’s Healthy Futures health and nutrition programming to connect wellness, education, and community engagement. I really enjoyed planting the seeds and then watching them grow and cook them. Lauren H. Jr. Master Gardner Book Now Food Champions Our Healthy Futures program has expanded into a ninth-year learning opportunity for 3rd graders and the community. Book Now Sankofa Garden Our Sankofa garden focus is to keep youth healthy, expand gardens into true outdoor classrooms and engage children in both after school and summer gardening in the community.  Healthy Community Initiatives Connect with Us First name Last name Email Yes, subscribe me to your newsletter. Submit