A Yearlong Initiative of Detroit Public TV
The signature event in the PBS winter season is the eagerly awaited series by Henry Louis Gates, Jr., “The Black Church: This Is Our Story, This Is Our Song.” This landmark four-hour series traces the 400-year-old saga of the Black Church in America and its role as the bedrock institution of African American endurance, grace, freedom and solidarity through times of joy and times of turmoil.
It will air on Detroit Public TV and other PBS stations on Feb. 16 and 17, 2021 at 9pm ET.
But more than just showcasing this achievement in public broadcasting, DPTV will be bringing the story home through a series of reports on the historic importance and continuing influence of the Black Church in Detroit.
And what better place to showcase this content than on “American Black Journal,” the nation’s longest running news show devoted to the African American experience? Starting on Sunday, Feb. 14, the show will feature in-depth and heartfelt explorations of the dramatic and decisive role that the Black church has played in the history of the city.
These discussions will be led by the host of “American Black Journal,” Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, Stephen Henderson.
The series is being produced in partnership with the Ecumenical Theological Seminary and the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, and it is being informed with input and guidance from a range of church and civic leaders representing the diversity of theology and thought in the city.
“The Black Church in Detroit” is not intended to be a one-time, Black History Month special. Rather, it is a year-long commitment to telling a story of the religious institutions that served have serve the community well from the days of the underground railroad through the struggle for social justice and the ongoing quest for a better and more equitable future.
Bishop Edgar Vann on the Black Church
Orlando Bailey of BridgeDetroit visits Second Ebenezer Church to talk with its senior pastor.
4/25/21: American Black Journal – The Black Church in the Community
We’ll continue our yearlong series on The Black Church in Detroit with a look at how the church ministers beyond the walls of the building.
Women in the Black Church
Stephen Henderson has a candid conversation with three women ministers about their roles in the church today, and the ongoing debate over gender equality in the ministry.
Portrait of the Black Madonna
American Black Journal’s series on the Black Church in Detroit continues with a look at the history of women in the Black church.
3/28/21: American Black Journal – Women in the Black Church
American Black Journal continues their yearlong series on The Black Church in Detroit with an up-close look at the role of women in the Black Church.
The Black Church in Detroit
American Black Journal launched a series focusing on “The Black Church in Detroit,” and produced in collaboration with the Ecumenical Theological Seminary and the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History.
2/14/21: American Black Journal – The Black Church Film and The Black Church in Detroit
American Black Journal begins a yearlong celebration and examination of the historic influence of the Black Church in the life of our city.
2/11/21: One Detroit – Insurrection / Vaccine Hesitation / The Black Church in Detroit / Motor Bell
Christy talks with Dr. Debra Furr-Holden about vaccine hesitation and the trust gap and American Black Journal examines The Black Church in Detroit ahead of the new film from Henry Louis Gates, Jr.
Watch Party: Celebrating “The Black Church” series
Join us February 1 for this live virtual watch party event as we explore and honor the significance and history of the Black Church in Detroit.
