The Black Church in Detroit: 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.
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 have served the community from the days of the underground railroad through the struggle for social justice and the ongoing quest for a better and more equitable future.
St. Charles Lwanga Parish Prepares for its Centennial Celebration
“American Black Journal” producer AJ Walker visits St. Charles Lwanga parish, formerly known as St. Cecelia Church, for a wide-ranging discussion with its pastor, Fr. Theodore Parker, as the parish prepares for its 100th-anniversary celebration. The two talk about the history of Black Catholicism, the church’s name change and the controversy over a painting of Black Jesus.
Detroit’s Black Catholics Continue Efforts to Rebuild Community After Population Decline
Detroit’s Black Catholic population isn’t what it used to be. What was once a thriving religious community here has dwindled over the years. Host Stephen Henderson sits down with leaders from the University of Detroit Mercy and the Archdiocese of Detroit for a discussion about the dwindling population of Black Catholics and parishes Detroit and what efforts are being made to rebuild the community.
4/26/22: American Black Journal – The Black Catholic Church in Detroit
“American Black Journal” continues its series The Black Church in Detroit with an examination of the impacts and contributions Black Catholics and parishes have made in Detroit. Host Stephen Henderson and producer AJ Walker will explore the history of the Black Catholic Church, its support during the civil rights movements and its focus on equal rights and racial justice.
4/12/22: American Black Journal – The Role of Pastors’ Spouses in the Black Church
American Black Journal Host Stephen Henderson continues the Black Church in Detroit series with a look inside the lives of pastors and their spouses to see how they support the ministry individually and as a couple together. He talks with Bishop Edgar Vann and his wife Elder Sheila Vann from Second Ebenezer Church about their roles. Plus, producer Marcus Green talks with Detroit Church Pastor Sonny Smith and his wife Sherita about staring their ministry and serving the church congregation together.
3/29/22: American Black Journal – Black Church Worship During the COVID-19 Pandemic
This Week on American...
2/22/2022: American Black Journal – The Black Church in Detroit One-Year Anniversary Special
American Black Journal celebrates The Black Church in Detroit’s one-year anniversary in collaboration with the Ecumenical Theological Seminary and the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History with a special hour-long episode. Host Stephen Henderson explores the impact of the series and the importance of the church in the Black community. Plus a never-before-seen interview from BridgeDetroit’s Orlando Bailey, and an original gospel performance from Bishop Charles Ellis III and gospel musician Paul Porter.
‘The Black Church’ Documentary Director Discusses Impact, Importance of Series
Stephen sits down with ‘The Black Church: This is Our Story, This is Our Song,’ documentary producer and director Stacey Holman to hear her perspectives on the series’ impact and the importance of the church in the Black community.
Bishop J. Drew Sheard & Karen Clark Sheard Talk C.O.G.I.C. Leadership
As part of American...
1/25/22: American Black Journal – Prison Ministries in the Black Church
Host Stephen Henderson continues “The Black Church in Detroit” series with a look at the church’s support system for incarcerated men, women and their families. He hears more about the religious services being offered by the prison and jail ministries. Plus, American Black Journal producer AJ Walker visits a Detroit church that’s helping exonerated prisoners re-enter society after spending decades behind bars.
12/28/21: American Black Journal – The Role of Pastors’ Spouses in the Church
American Black Journal Host Stephen Henderson continues the Black Church in Detroit series with a look inside the lives of pastors and their spouses to see how they support the ministry individually and as a couple together. He talks with Bishop Edgar Vann and his wife Elder Sheila Vann from Second Ebenezer Church about their roles. Plus, producer Marcus Green talks with Detroit Church Pastor Sonny Smith and his wife Sherita about staring their ministry and serving the church congregation together.
11/30/21: American Black Journal – Womanist Theology
Host Stephen Henderson continues American Black Journal’s yearlong series on The Black Church in Detroit with a look at Womanist Theology, a term that refers to an approach to the study of God centered on the experiences and perspectives of African-American women in the United Stated and throughout the diaspora.
10/26/21: American Black Journal – Leadership Succession in the Black Church
Host Stephen Henderson...
9/28/21: American Black Journal – COVID’s Impact on Ministers and Congregations
As faith leaders, ministers are called upon to comfort parishioners in times of sorrow and need, but what happens when the grief touches them personally? Continuing the yearlong Black Church series, host Stephen Henderson checks in with ministers and their congregations to see how COVID-19 has impacted them. Plus, Stephen speaks with two pastors about vaccinations and hesitancy to get them.
8/29/21: American Black Journal – Diversity of Denominations in the Black Church / Leadership Roles of Detroit Pastors
On the next American Black Journal, we’ll continue our yearlong series on The Black Church in Detroit
7/25/21: American Black Journal – Millennials and the Black Church
On the next American Black Journal, we’ll continue our yearlong series on The Black Church in Detroit with a look at Millennials and the Black Church.
6/27/21: American Black Journal – Gospel music in the Black Church
On the next American...
5/30/21: American Black Journal – How Do You Define the Black Church?
On the next episode of...
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 Black Madonna Still Stands as Symbol of Black Liberation
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.
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.
