Resources Explore our rich culture, history, and heritage. Join us in preserving and celebrating the traditions of African ancestry through various multi media tools. check here often to enjoy various perspectives on our four pillars and advocacy resources. We delve into knowledge bases to uncover truths and perspective s known and unkown.. Discover Community Advocacy Here you will find resources and information relative to sharing transparent information for commuint empowerment. We continue to advocate for beneficial resources. See It to Believe It! Something to think aBout We have provided a variety of multi media resources to better understand the many ways to educate our supporters. We have perspectives in video, text, and imagery. Monthly News A Perspective A perspective on our four pillars as a blog, news article, a video or a link to a resource. We have researched and identified perspectives both mainstream and something to think about. Career Center Check out our career center for job resources and new career opportunities. Community Support Get Involved Diversity Advocacy Stand up for what matters. Get informed, get engaged, and support initiatives that foster a better tomorrow. Historical Preservation Preserve our past, engage in the present, and shape the future. Join us in preserving the rich history and culture of our community. Underrepresented Voices Support inclusive representation. Elevate the voices and needs of underrepresented groups towards a more diverse and equitable society. Pillars Empower yourself with knowledge. Access educational resources that inspire growth, learning, and success. Learn Urban Agriculture Share your feature information here to attract new clients. Provide a brief summary to help visitors understand the context and background, and add details about what makes this feature significant. Culture Promotion Share your feature information here to attract new clients. Provide a brief summary to help visitors understand the context and background, and add details about what makes this feature significant. Health Promotion Share your feature information here to attract new clients. Provide a brief summary to help visitors understand the context and background, and add details about what makes this feature significant. Historical Preservation Share your feature information here to attract new clients. Provide a brief summary to help visitors understand the context and background, and add details about what makes this feature significant. Connect with Us First name Last name Email Yes, subscribe me to your newsletter. Submit

Community Impact through Programs FOROT’s programs bring history, culture, health, and community together through hands-on learning and engagement. From youth development to cultural education and preservation, each program is designed to create meaningful impact across generations. Explore Programs Connecting history, culture, and community through impactful, hands-on programming. Start Now Youth Development Inspiring youth through programs that connect learning, culture, and healthy living. Start Now History Preserving and sharing the stories that define Royal Oak Township’s legacy. Start Now Health and Wellness Promoting healthier lifestyles through nutrition, education, and community engagement. Start Now Advocacy Championing community voice, equity, service and access through education and engagement. Start Now Film and Lecture Bringing history and dialogue to life through film, discussion, and public programming. Start Now Get Involved Join FOROT in building stronger, healthier communities through programs, events, and shared experiences. Whether you’re participating, volunteering, or supporting our work, there’s a place for you in this movement. VOLUNTEER → DONATE → Connect with Us First name Last name Email Yes, subscribe me to your newsletter. Submit

Privacy Policy A Legal Disclaimer The explanations and information provided on this page are only general and high-level explanations and information on how to write your own document of a Privacy Policy. You should not rely on this article as legal advice or as recommendations regarding what you should actually do, because we cannot know in advance what are the specific privacy policies you wish to establish between your business and your customers and visitors. We recommend that you seek legal advice to help you understand and to assist you in the creation of your own Privacy Policy. Privacy Policy - The Basics Having said that, a privacy policy is a statement that discloses some or all of the ways a website collects, uses, discloses, processes, and manages the data of its visitors and customers. It usually also includes a statement regarding the website’s commitment to protecting its visitors’ or customers’ privacy, and an explanation about the different mechanisms the website is implementing in order to protect privacy. Different jurisdictions have different legal obligations of what must be included in a Privacy Policy. You are responsible to make sure you are following the relevant legislation to your activities and location. What to Include in the Privacy Policy Generally speaking, a Privacy Policy often addresses these types of issues: the types of information the website is collecting and the manner in which it collects the data; an explanation about why is the website collecting these types of information; what are the website’s practices on sharing the information with third parties; ways in which your visitors and customers can exercise their rights according to the relevant privacy legislation; the specific practices regarding minors’ data collection; and much, much more. To learn more about this, check out our article “Creating a Privacy Policy ”.

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.

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

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. The mission of FOROT is to empower through advocacy for healthier, culturally conscious, self-sufficient communities via education of health and wellness, culture, life skills and history. Programs Volunteer Our Initiatives Discover our programs promoting healthy lifestyles, preserving cultural heritage, and advocating for underrepresented communities. Explore our video and news resources along with our career center. Explore More Pillars and Programs Preserving the rich history and traditions of our culture. a Spoonful of News A Spoonful of preservation, knowledge and encouragement through the sharing of news and different perspectives from unwithered content. Advocating for stories untold and for those whose voices are unheard. Career Center Providing resources and opportunities for career development. Everyday is Black History More than 29 Days in February 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. Full Video More details Our Story 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. Pillars and News | What We Do Programs take root in the community Youth Development Our focus is on impactful youth-centric programs that inspire a healthier, brighter tomorrow for the youth of today. At FOROT, we believe everyone deserves a chance to thrive. With our extensive online career resources, a, we help you navigate employment opportunities seamlessly. Career Center History Understanding historical preservation programs allows us to share the stories of Royal Oak Township's founders and settlers. Focused on our core pillars of culture promotion, we aim to empower individuals about our shared past. Culture & Black History 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. Join our effort DONATE Volunteer Connect with Us First name Last name Email Yes, subscribe me to your newsletter. Submit

OUR PILLARS - GROWING OUR IMPACT Health and Wellness Growing healthier lives through culture and community 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. 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. More details OUR PILLARS - GROWING OUR IMPACT 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 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 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 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. More details Connect with Us First name Last name Email Yes, subscribe me to your newsletter. Submit

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

Get Involved Volunteer | Contact Us | Donate 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 black history and providing resources that enrich lives. Start Collaboration Join Forces Today Collaborate with us to drive health and advocacy initiatives forward. By partnering with FOROT, you contribute to professional programs and efficient operations that benefit the community. Partner with FOROT Join our Efforts! Explore our rich culture, history, and heritage. Join us in preserving and celebrating diverse traditions and ancestry through various multimedia tools. Bookmark us, to enjoy various perspectives on our four pillars, advocacy and resources, uncovered truths and voices known and unknown elevating the many ways to educate our supporters. Discover Community Advocacy Here you will find resources and information relative to share for community empowerment. We continue to advocate for equitable beneficial resources. a Spoonful of News A perspective on our four pillars as a blog, news article, a video or a link to a resource. We have researched and identified perspectives both mainstream and something to think about. We have perspectives in video, text, and imagery. Become a Volunteer 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. Career Center Check out our career center for job resources and new career opportunities. Support Our Cause Today Your donations play a pivotal role in sustaining our programs and furthering our mission. Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a difference. DONATE DONATE At forot.org, we are dedicated to making a positive impact on our community and beyond. Your contribution can go a long way in helping us achieve our goals. By donating, you play an essential role in empowering change and supporting initiatives that matter. Our donation drive aims to foster progress, improve lives, and create opportunities for a brighter future. Every contribution, no matter the size, is a step towards a better world. Join us in our mission and be a part of something meaningful. Donate today to make a meaningful difference. Thank you for your support. Support our Cause CONTACT US Connecting with us is just a message away. Whether you have a question, suggestion, or just want to say hello, we're here to listen. Our dedicated team provides you with the information you need and ensuring a prompt response to your inquiries. Your feedback is valuable to us as we strive to enhance our services and user experience. Reach out to us through the provided contact details or use the contact form on our website. We look forward to hearing from you and building a strong communication bridge. Connect with us below VOLUNTEER Volunteer and contribute to our cause and be part of a network that embodies health, advocacy, and professional development. We value your time and donations that assist with our organized planning and efficient operations. Volunteer Now Connect with Us First name Last name Email Yes, subscribe me to your newsletter. Submit

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 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 story. 1926 Grant School Opens Grant School opens its doors to serve the growing Royal Oak Township community 1941 Grant School Stay-Away Strike Students and families participate in the historic stay-away strike advocating for educational equity 1969 Federal Review of School Practices Federal officials review educational conditions and segregation concerns in the region 1978 Federal Court Order Court actions address educational inequities and district responsibilities 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 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