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.

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.

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.

Ahead of the 2022 midterm elections, “The Black Church in Detroit” series examines the political power of the Black church. Host Stephen Henderson talks with Rev. Dr. Wendell Anthony and Rev. Charles E. Williams II about the church’s role in getting people to vote, its influence on key issues like voter suppression, representation in Congress, and prominent political leaders who came from the Black church.

American Black Journal’s “Black Church in Detroit” initiative invites you to join a live, virtual conversation on gun violence prevention in Detroit, including how the church plays a vital role in gun violence prevention efforts in our communities and how you can be an important part of those efforts too.

“American Black Journal” continues its series on “The Black Church in Detroit” with a look at the state of seminary education and the future of ministry in Detroit. Host Stephen Henderson talks with seminary leaders and students about the importance of seminary education, the challenges of leading an urban-centered ministry, and how seminaries must stay relevant in today’s changing landscape.

Have today’s youth fallen out of their faith and belief in religion? “American Black Journal” continues its “Black Church in Detroit” series with a look at the Black Church as a center of solutions for the community, especially as it relates to issues surrounding youth. Two Detroit pastors discuss how youth feel about religion, the importance of making church relevant to them, and how the church can intervene in the cycle of violence involving young people.

American Black Journal’s “Black Church in Detroit” series takes a look at the history of negro spiritual folksongs and gospel music in the Black Church. Producer AJ Walker learns more about how gospel music grew out of negro spirituals created by enslaved Africans. Then, host Stephen Henderson hears about the connection between gospel and blues music. Plus, a look at some of the past gospel performances featured on the show.

“American Black Journal” continues its “Black Church in Detroit” series with a candid conversation about mental health in the Black church. Guest host Trudy Gallant-Stokes examines the Black church’s role in helping congregants with mental health issues and why it’s important for pastors to practice self-care too. 

“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.