View More From The Black Church in Detroit:

In observance of Mental Health Awareness Month, “American Black Journal” host Stephen Henderson has a frank conversation with Rev. Dr. Carla Spight-Mackey, a clinical specialist at Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network, about the need for resources and ways for ministers can get mental health support.

American Black Journal’s “Black Church in Detroit” series examines the important role the Black church plays in supporting the city’s schools and students through DPSCD’s Faith-Based Initiative and Every School Day Counts program.

Church of the Messiah Pastor Rev. Barry Randolph hosts an awards ceremony honoring Detroit’s first responders after they kept residents and property safe during two fires on the city’s East side.

In the wake of the recent mass shootings across the country, “American Black Journal” looks at the Black church’s moral and spiritual roles in helping curb gun violence in the community. Rev. Cindy Rudolph at Oak Grove AME Church talks to her congregation about the violence. Plus, host Stephen Henderson has a frank conversation about the root causes of the shootings, the church’s role in disrupting the violence, and the candid concerns of young people.

“American Black Journal” explores how gospel music grew from the blues. Host Stephen Henderson sits down with Baptist pastor and blues musician Rev. Robert Jones, Sr. to explore the connection between the blues and gospel music, and their symbolic, symbiotic relationship. Plus, they discuss gospel music’s roots in the African American community then and today.

American Black Journal Producer AJ Walker talks with Dr. Brandon Waddles, a composer, arranger, choir director and music instructor at Wayne State University, about how Negro spirituals uplifted enslaved Africans brought to this country and how it served as a universal language that helped lead them to freedom. Plus, they discuss R&B singers, past and present, whose musical roots stemmed from the Black Church.

“American Black Journal” producer AJ Walker meets with Rev. Cindy Rudolph, of Oak Grove AME Church in Detroit, to learn more about how the church reacted and adapted new ways of worship during the COVID-19 pandemic. Rudolph talks about having to quickly adapt to remote services, online tithing and increased community outreach, all in the midst of her first few months as the church’s new senior pastor

Host Stephen Henderson sits down with Bishop Charles Ellis III of Greater Grace Temple, Rev. Dr. Steve Bland, Jr. of Liberty Temple Baptist Church, and Pastor Semmeal Thomas of City Covenant Church to talk about the changes to their worship during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“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 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.