
In an ongoing collaboration, American Black Journal and BridgeDetroit present a series of reports on issues threatening the lives of people of color and the groups advocating to protect them.
American Black Journal, the longtime voice for the African American community on Detroit Public TV, is partnering with the innovative, community-based news organization, BridgeDetroit, to produce a three-episode series of special reports focusing on the Black Lives Matter movement.
Hosts Stephen Henderson and Orlando Bailey dig deeper into the urgent and prevalent issues and injustices endangering the lives of people of color. They talk with the individuals on the frontline of fighting systemic racism, advocating for police reform, promoting diversity in media coverage and advancing community safety. Our combined reporting staffs search for viable solutions as we tackle the question of what it really means to value Black life in America.
The three episodes will premiere during the regular time slots of “American Black Journal” at 9:30 Sunday morning on Sept. 20 and 27 and Oct. 4. They will be repeated the following Wednesday evenings at 7:30 p.m. In addition, they can be viewed on-demand.
Here is a rundown of the three special reports:
Black Lives Matter – The Movement and the Message, Sept. 20
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Black Lives Matter – Is the Media Getting It Right? Sept. 27
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Does Policing Equal Community Safety? Oct. 4
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These special reports include multiple interviews with people making the news and people covering it, activists and authorities, to give viewers a clear and comprehensive understanding of the vital issues that have captured the attention of the public in a way unparalleled since the civil rights and street rebellions of the ‘60s.
How to Reduce Crime and Increase Safety in Detroit
Orlando Bailey spoke with social justice activist Tawana Petty and Bridge Detroit reporter Bryce Huffman about the current state of crimefighting in the city.
Diversity in the nation’s newsrooms
A report from One Detroit’s Will Glover on the importance of diversity in the nation’s newsrooms.
10/4/20: American Black Journal – Black Lives Matter: Police-Community Relationships
In the ongoing series, “Do Black Lives Matter in America?,” we take a closer look at the relationship between Detroit police and the community, especially in light of the ongoing Black Lives Matter protests.
More from American Black Journal

Examining Michigan’s AAPI Community: A roundtable on the issues, activism and legislative developments
Michigan’s AAPI community finds itself at the forefront of advocating for change, with potential new state legislation, efforts to include AAPI history in public schools, and an outpouring of advocacy and activism shaping the present-day Asian American narrative. One Detroit Senior Producer Bill Kubota leads a roundtable discuss the issues.

Black Leaders Detroit gears up to support Black entrepreneurs during weeklong Ride for Equity
A nonprofit that supports Black-led businesses is gearing up for its annual weeklong bike ride to Mackinac Island. Black Leaders Detroit’s annual “Ride for Equity” will raise money for Black entrepreneurs in Detroit and spread awareness about the importance of equitable funding practices.

Local environmental advocates step up to fight climate’s impact on Black Detroiters
In a roundtable discussion, Detroit environmental advocacy groups discuss how climate change impacts every aspect of life for Detroit residents and the importance of residents speaking out on environmental issues to bring change.
National Programming
FRONTLINE: Policing the Police 2020
PBS NewsHour Presents - Race Matters: America in Crisis
The Talk - Race in America
FRONTLINE: Policing the Police
The FRONTLINE Dispatch: Race, Police and the Pandemic
More from BridgeDetroit
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