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
Read more
Black Lives Matter – Is the Media Getting It Right? Sept. 27
Read more
Does Policing Equal Community Safety? Oct. 4
Read more
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
Maternal mortality rates rising in Michigan, disproportionately impacting Black mothers
Michigan has experienced a rise in maternal deaths as highlighted in an in-depth report by Detroit News. Of particular concern is the disproportionate impact on women of color. Dawn Shanafelt, Director of the Division of Maternal & Infant Health in the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services, discusses the disparities among women of color, how to address the problem and more.
Michigan Roundtable for Diversity & Inclusion names new co-executive director, announces name change
The Michigan Roundtable for Diversity & Inclusion has announced longtime community organizer and author Yusef Bunchy Shakur as the nonprofit’s new co-executive director. The nonprofit also plans to change its name to the Michigan Roundtable for Just Communities to better reflect the nonprofit’s mission. Host Stephen Henderson talks with Shakur about his new appointment and the name change.
Stigma, shortage of psychiatrists further exacerbates mental health disparities in the Black community
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and “American Black Journal” examines the unique challenges the Black community faces in navigating mental health issues. Carlynn Nichols, senior director of behavioral health at CNS Healthcare, talks about the mental health challenges facing children, individuals and families today and a growing shortage of psychiatrists and other mental health professionals.
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
Visit BridgeDetroit for additional stories and to sign up for their newsletter.
