The Black Church in Detroit

The Black Church in Detroit: An 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 continuous 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.

Watch The Black Church in Detroit One Year Anniversary Special:

 

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The Black Church in Detroit Episodes:

Technology in the Black Church

How Technology has transformed Detroit’s Black Churches: Adapting post-pandemic

The “Black Church in Detroit” series examines how technology trends are shaping the present and future of the Black Church. Two Detroit pastors, Rev. Carnel Richardson of New Prospect Missionary Baptist Church and Pastor Aramis Hinds from Breakers Covenant Church International talk about their churches’ journey adapting to the technologies brought forth by the pandemic and the future of artificial intelligence in ministry.

March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom

Paving the way for today: How the Black Church supported the Civil Rights Movement

The “Black Church in Detroit” series delves into the contemporary significance of civil rights and the state of civil rights today. Historic King Solomon Missionary Baptist Church’s Senior Pastor, Rev. Charles Williams II, a distinguished figure in civil rights arenas, shares his perspectives on the legacy of the 1963 March on Washington and the present-day state of civil rights advocacy.

open bible at the pulpit

The power of the prophetic voice in the Black Church and its importance to the community | American Black Journal

American Black Journal’s “Black Church in Detroit” series examines the power of the prophetic voice of the Black Church and its importance today amid issues harming African Americans and other marginalized groups. Host Stephen Henderson talks with two local pastors about the church’s role and responsibility in the prophetic biblical tradition to speak out against racial and social injustice.

The Black Church in Detroit’s connection to the 1963 Walk to Freedom | American Black Journal

As the city commemorates the 60th anniversary of the Detroit Walk to Freedom, American Black Journal’s “Black Church in Detroit” series examines the role of the city’s religious community in the historic march and rally that featured Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

6/06/23: American Black Journal – The historical impact of Detroit’s Black churches

From serving as stations on the Underground Railroad to establishing schools and hospitals and hosting civil rights leaders, the Black Church in Detroit is an important part of Black liberation and empowerment. Host Stephen Henderson explores the historical impact of Detroit’s Black churches.

4/25/23: American Black Journal – The Black Church in Detroit: Preachers’ kids

Three Detroit preachers’ kids reflect on the life lessons they learned from growing up with a pastor as a parent, the influence their fathers had on their present-day careers, and the legacies their fathers left behind in the church and community.

Oak Grove AME Church Pastor Cindy Rudolph

3/28/23: American Black Journal – Trailblazing African American women in ministry

For Women’s History Month, the “Black Church in Detroit” series highlights two trailblazing African American women in ministry: Oak Grove AME Church Pastor Cindy Rudolph and the late Martha Jean “The Queen” Steinberg, a Detroit radio icon and founder of the Home of Love Church.

Detroit Public Schools Faith-Based Initiative

1/31/23: American Black Journal – Detroit’s Black churches champion education, Church of the Messiah honors first responders

American Black Journal’s “Black Church in Detroit” series examines the important role of the church as champions for the city’s schools and students. Plus, the Church of the Messiah hosts an awards ceremony honoring Detroit’s first responders for keeping residents safe during two major fires in Islandview.

Bible with Christmas lights

12/27/22: American Black Journal – Detroit’s Black church leaders look ahead to 2023

As Detroit’s Black church leaders look ahead to 2023, what are their goals, strategies and hopes for the new year? Host Stephen Henderson hears from three local pastors.

volunteer food pantry

11/29/2022: American Black Journal – The Black Church’s role spreading hope and healing during the holidays

The holiday season is a joyous time, but it can also be a time of grief, struggle and insecurity for many families. How does the Black Church help? The “Black Church in Detroit” series examines the church’s role providing relief, support and hope for the community during the holiday season.

The Black Church in Detroit Clips:

Technology in the Black Church

How Technology has transformed Detroit’s Black Churches: Adapting post-pandemic

The “Black Church in Detroit” series examines how technology trends are shaping the present and future of the Black Church. Two Detroit pastors, Rev. Carnel Richardson of New Prospect Missionary Baptist Church and Pastor Aramis Hinds from Breakers Covenant Church International talk about their churches’ journey adapting to the technologies brought forth by the pandemic and the future of artificial intelligence in ministry.

Faith-fueled unity: The Black church’s role in the 1963 Detroit Walk to Freedom

American Black Journal’s “Black Church in Detroit” series examines the role of the city’s religious community in the 1963 Detroit Walk to Freedom. Bishop Mbiyu Chui of the Shrine of the Black Madonna #1 delves into the often-forgotten connection between the city’s Black churches and the historic civil rights march.

African American priest

Ministers’ mental health takes center stage during Mental Health Awareness Month

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.

DPSCD's Faith-Based Initiative

Detroit’s Black churches partner with city schools, champion students’ education

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 honors Detroit’s first responders for keeping community safe during Islandview fires

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.

Black chuch's role in reducing gun violence

The Black Church’s Role in Reducing Gun Violence in the Communities They Serve 

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.

the blues

The sacred and the secular: How gospel music grew from the Blues

“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.

Negro Spirituals

Negro Spirituals: The Music That Helped Free Enslaved African Americans

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.

Oak Grove AME Church

The New Normal: How the Black Church Has Adapted to Online Worship, Outreach

“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

Worship during the COVID-19 pandemic

Technology Meets Theology: 3 Local Pastors Talk Changes to Church Worship During COVID

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.