American Black Journal Episode List

A new book, “The Spirit of Justice: True Stories of Faith, Race and Resistance,” by historian and New York Times bestselling author Jemar Tisby tells the untold stories of Black activists in the fight against racism. Plus, September is Black Reading Month Co-Founder Malik Yakini discusses the observance’s 45-year history, its goals and literacy issues in this country.

The “Black Church in Detroit” series explores the partnership between schools and the faith-based community. Guest host Trudy-Gallant Stokes explores how Black churches support students’ education. Plus, August is National Black Business Month. Gallant-Stokes learns about the current challenges and opportunities for Black business owners in Detroit.

The Detroit Jazz Festival’s Chris Collins talks about the 2024 lineup and the festival’s impact on Detroit. Wayne State University’s Patrick Lindsey discusses the opening of the Gretchen C. Valade Jazz Center. This year’s Jazz Festival poster by artist Jess Fendo is revealed. Plus, a performance by the festival’s artist-in-residence Brian Blade and The Fellowship Band.

Preview BridgeDetroit’s upcoming Community Conversation on housing and home repairs in Detroit. Host Stephen Henderson talks with Detroit Poet Laureate jessica Care moore about her love of poetry and its impact on people. Plus, the second annual Collard Green Cook-Off Championship, which celebrates the cultural significance of collard greens in the Black community, is coming up in Detroit.

A unique traveling art exhibit, “Frontline Prophet: James Baldwin,” created by Detroit artist Sabrina Nelson has made its way to The Charles H. Wright Museum. Marygrove Conservancy in Detroit is gearing up for its 2024 Campus Summer Fest. Plus, kids are learning to cook nutritious meals in the Downtown Boxing Gym’s new commercial kitchen with a well-known Detroit chef, Molly Mitchell.

Examine the high number of maternal deaths in Michigan and the disproportionate impact on Black mothers. Host Stephen Henderson talks with Dawn Shanafelt, Director of the Division of Maternal & Infant Health in the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services. Plus, United Way for Southeastern Michigan and Ballmer Group unveil the new Summer Discovery program to combat summer learning loss.

Meet Forgotten Harvest’s new CEO, Adrian Lewis. Host Stephen Henderson talks with Lewis about how the food rescue organization is helping to feed families and seniors over the summer, its new facility and its client choice market. Plus, learn about Detroit’s reparations efforts from “American Black Journal” and BridgeDetroit’s virtual town hall, “Making Amends: The Quest for Reparations.”

Preview the 18th annual ARISE! Detroit Neighborhoods Day. ARISE Detroit! Executive Director Luther Keith talks about this year’s event and the new “My Neighborhood Matters” campaign. Get details on the 41st annual African World Festival July 12-14 at Detroit’s Hart Plaza. Plus, jazz artist Sky Covington sings “All of Me,” accompanied by musicians John Douglas and Club Crescendo.

Renowned poet Nikki Giovanni talks with contributor Cecelia Sharpe at the Charles H. Wright Museum about her life, career, literary works and her future plans. Plus, we meet an eight-year-old Detroit girl who has gone viral on social media for her impersonations of Black icons and historical figures from the past and present.

June marks Black Music Month. Host Stephen Henderson talks with Rev. Larry Simmons of Baber Memorial AME Church and Dr. Brandon Waddles from Wayne State University about the history and influence of African American religious music. Plus, contributor Daijah Moss attends the 17th annual Silence the Violence march where families honored loved ones lost and advanced efforts to eradicate gun violence.

For Black Music Month, guest host Trudy Gallant-Stokes talks with Detroit piano prodigy and composer, BLKBOK, whose real name is Charles Wilson III, about creating neoclassical music. Plus, Gallant-Stokes gets details about the 4th annual Obsidian Theatre Festival in Detroit from June 27-30, which features original plays from Black storytellers, a musical, and cabaret performances.

The exhibit “Tiff Massey: 7 Mile + Livernois” at the Detroit Institute of Arts pays homage to Black Detroiters’ style and culture. Host Stephen Henderson talks with Massey about the sculptures she created to celebrate Black Detroiters. Plus, Detroit Association of Black Organizations’ CEO Rev. Horace Sheffield III shares details about a free Community Empowerment Speaker Series.

Acclaimed actress CCH Pounder visits Detroit to talk about her personal art collection on display at the Charles H. Wright Museum. Host Stephen Henderson talks with Pounder about her “Double ID” exhibit. Plus, a Detroit nonprofit gets a new name and its first Black leader. Henderson talks with the Michigan Roundtable for Diversity & Inclusion’s new Co-Executive Director, Yusef Bunchy Shakur.

The Detroit Branch NAACP’s 69th annual Fight for Freedom Fund Dinner at Huntington Place in downtown Detroit features President Joe Biden as the keynote speaker, marking only the second time a sitting U.S. President has given the keynote. Plus, May is Mental Health Awareness Month and “American Black Journal” examines the unique challenges the Black community faces in navigating mental health issues.

Host Stephen Henderson talks with current Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley about the 10-year anniversary of the Flint water crisis. Plus, Henderson talks with the founder of the Small Business Workshop, Mark S. Lee, President & CEO of The LEE Group, and Tawnya Rose, Vice President & Community Impact Manager at Fifth Third Bank, about the 10th annual event.

For National Minority Health Month, Dr. Hayley Thompson, director of Wayne State University’s CHECK-UP, talks with host Stephen Henderson about the efforts to tackle health inequities in Detroit and Michigan. Plus, Visit Detroit President and CEO Claude Molinari and Faye Nelson from the Detroit Sports Organizing Corp share how the 2024 NFL Draft in Detroit will impact tourism in the city.

The Wolverine Bar Association hosts its 62nd annual Barristers’ Ball, a cornerstone event in Detroit’s African American legal community. Civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump discusses the need for justice and equality in contemporary society during The Wright Conversations. Plus, Detroit Jazz Festival 2024 artist-in-residence Brian Blade and The Fellowship Band perform.

A local documentary, “The Best of the Best: Jazz from Detroit,” explores Detroit’s jazz legacy and impact on the world. Host Stephen Henderson talks with the film’s co-producer and writer. Plus, the Detroit Institute of Arts’ “Regeneration: Black Cinema 1898-1971″ exhibit highlights the trailblazing Black filmmakers and actors from the early days of cinema through the Civil Rights Movement.

There’s a new online tool available for Detroiters to access timely data about how city neighborhoods are doing. Host Stephen Henderson speaks with Jane Morgan, president of JFM Consulting Group, about the Neighborhood Vitality Index. Plus, Oscar-winning costume designer Ruth E. Carter discusses her exhibit “Ruth E. Carter: Afrofuturism in Costume Design” at the Wright Museum through March 31.

The annual Grow Detroit’s Young Talent summer jobs program has returned for its 10th year. Host Stephen Henderson speaks with three guests connected to the program about the job opportunities and career training provided. Plus, in recognition of Women’s History Month, contributor Cecelia Sharpe of 90.9 WRCJ about her career and the importance of uplifting the next generation of women DJs.

For American Heart Month, Henry Ford Health Cardiologist Dr. Brittany Fuller discusses the high incidence of heart disease among Black women. The Carr Center President Oliver Ragsdale shares details about the center’s new “Celebrating Black Arts” exhibit with Bedrock. Plus, Visit Detroit CEO Claude Molinari shares the city of Detroit’s plans for hosting the 2024 NFL Draft.

In conjunction with the PBS docuseries, “GOSPEL,” explore Detroit’s influence on gospel music. Gospel radio host and historian Dr. Deborah Smith Pollard gives a history lesson on the origins and evolution of the genre. Plus, gospel artist Darius Twyman and Greater Grace Temple’s Bishop Charles Ellis III talk about how Detroit has influenced gospel in the Black church.

Kick off Black History Month with a look at three music genres and their connection to the African American experience. “GOSPEL” producer/director Stacey Holman discusses the new PBS docuseries featuring Henry Louis Gates, Jr. Pioneering techno producer Carl Craig talks about techno’s African American roots in Detroit. Plus, a performance by 2024 Sphinx Competition Senior Division winner Nathan Amaral.

University of Michigan professor Dr. Melissa Creary shares two groundbreaking new gene therapies approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as a treatment option for sickle cell disease. A Trauma Camp in Northern Michigan helps returning citizens adjust to life outside of prison. Plus, a performance by a member of the second generation of Detroit’s techno community, DJ Drummer B.

In honor of the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday, get the details about Wayne State University’s two-day tribute to Dr. King’s life and legacy. The events will explore the impact of the arts, music and culture on the civil rights movement. Plus, United Way for Southeastern Michigan shares details about the latest round of Racial Equity Fund grants to eliminate racial disparities in the region.

From commemorating the anniversary of a historic civil rights march to conversations around police brutality, African Americans’ contributions to the arts, the impact of climate change on Black and brown communities, and stories on Detroit’s Black church community, American Black Journal reflects on some of its significant stories from 2023.

Author Rose Morton shares her journey of learning about her enslaved ancestors and the families that owned them. Internationally known genealogist Tony Burroughs outlines the steps to take when researching your ancestry. Plus, Rob Edwards discusses his graphic novel “Defiant” coming out in February 2024 detailing a little-known figure of America’s Black history: Robert Smalls.

Detroit and the nation are mourning the loss of one of this country’s most influential African American ministers. Rev. Dr. Charles G. Adams, of Detroit’s Hartford Memorial Baptist Church, passed away at age 86. Host Stephen Henderson discusses Adams’ legacy with his son Rev. Charles Christian Adams. Plus, Global Detroit talks about how immigrants can help revitalize Detroit and the region.

Two Detroit nonprofits talk about the current state of homelessness and poverty in Detroit and how they’re working to provide help and hope for the less fortunate during the holidays and beyond. Plus, Cranbrook Art Museum unveils a new exhibit, “Skilled Labor: Black Realism in Detroit,” an exhibit created by 20 contemporary artists who explore the representation of the Black body in art.

“American Black Journal” host Stephen Henderson leads a robust discussion with local African American real estate developers and leaders from organizations that are providing resources and tools to help level the playing field for minority developers.

For National Family Caregivers Month, Area Agency on Aging 1-B’s Julie Lowenthal talks about the support services for family caregivers and the challenges they face. Fresh Perspectives Seminars’ Gwen Thomas shares details about its 10th annual Black Friday Scholarship Bootcamp; Plus, a performance by Alice McAllister Tillman and Alvin Waddles.

The Children’s Center’s new CEO Nicole Wells Stallworth sits down with host Stephen Henderson to share her vision for the organization. Henderson leads a panel discussion with some of Michigan’s top experts in college access and equity about how Michigan can improve outcomes for students of color. Plus, an EV Automotive Mobility Program is training Detroiters for the jobs of the future.

Trailblazing operatic tenor George Shirley talks about his entry into opera and his history as a music educator. The Nu Omega Detroit Chapter of Omega Psi Phi is celebrating its 100th anniversary. Plus, the Detroit Delta’s Minerva Education and Development Foundation celebrates its 30th anniversary.

Two-time Oscar-winning costume designer Ruth E. Carter showcases her career as a costume designer in a new exhibit, “Afrofuturism in Costume Design,” at The Wright Museum. Plus, Dance Theatre of Harlem Artistic Director Robert Garland shares details about the troupe’s upcoming Detroit performances and how the pandemic has influenced the landscape of dance.

A historic jazz club in Detroit is getting a massive renovation, thanks to the nonprofit Detroit Sound Conservancy. CNS Healthcare and Judson Center address mental health issues in the Black community for World Mental Health Day. Plus, we examine the impact of social media on teenagers’ mental health.

In recognition of International Wrongful Conviction Day, explore the barriers and challenges faced by men and women returning to society after a wrongful conviction and learn about an upcoming fundraiser to support their re-entry. Plus, The Yunion marks 20 years of service to Detroit youth. Learn about The Yunion’s 20th anniversary gala and state-of-the-art youth development center in Detroit.

The “Black Church in Detroit” series examines how the latest technology trends are shaping the present and future of the Black Church. Two Detroit pastors delve into the thought-provoking realm of artificial intelligence. Plus, in recognition of Suicide Prevention Month in September, Caleb’s Kids Founder and CEO Kiesha Jackson shares her mission to help middle and high school students with mental health struggles.

Detroit Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Nikolai Vitti gives an update on the current state of the district. Plus, September is Black Reading Month, highlighting the importance of reading works by African American authors. September is also Detroit Month of Design. Learn how design impacts our every day lives.

A new Black-owned grocery store aims to tackle the food desert on Detroit’s eastside. Hear about the benefits of plant-based eating from Quiana Broden, founder of The Kitchen by Cooking with Que. Plus, renowned jazz bassist and music educator Marion Hayden discusses Detroit’s storied jazz culture.

American Black Journal teams up with BridgeDetroit for a special episode examining the great need for home repairs in Detroit. BridgeDetroit reporter Malachi Barrett talks with residents about the barriers in obtaining financial support. Plus, Stephen Henderson hosts a panel discussion on Detroit’s home repair program, years in disinvestment, and the impact it’s having on the city’s neighborhoods.

American Black Journal’s “Black Church in Detroit” series delves into the contemporary significance of civil rights, the March on Washington’s impact, and the state of civil rights today. Two Black church leaders reflect on the 1963 Detroit Walk to Freedom and Dr. King’s legacy. Plus, the Church of the Messiah’s “Detroit: City of Peace” event celebrates the accomplishments of Detroit’s youth.

Motown Museum CEO Robin Terry sheds light on Motown Records’ groundbreaking decision to make Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s speeches available on record albums and how that continues to influence the museum’s initiatives. Plus, Masterpiece Sound Studios recently showcased the power of Motown’s musical legacy with its cover song contest, crowning Drey Skonie and The Klouds as the first-place winner.

Detroit Jazz Festival Foundation President Chris Collins and artist Brittini Ward preview the 2023 Jazz Festival lineup and talk about the inspiration behind this year’s festival poster. Plus, watch a performance from this year’s Rocket Mortgage artist-in-residence Karriem Riggins.

Focus: HOPE expands its Food for Seniors program to assist more seniors who are experiencing food insecurity. National Endowment for the Arts Chair Dr. Maria Rosario Jackson talks about the importance of the arts in building healthy communities. And, check out a conversation about the film “Detroit We Dey” with filmmaker Ozi Uduma.

The Michigan Diversity Council previews its annual National Black Men in Leadership Summit. Plus, Brilliant Detroit’s citywide summer reading campaign teams up with Reading Partners to curb learning loss in communities of color.

“American Black Journal” takes a critical examination of Detroit’s affordable housing shortage and its impact on homelessness in the city. Tonya Hogan shares firsthand how she became homeless after losing her husband to COVID-19. Plus, a roundtable on affordable housing, homelessness and the city’s available resources.

The 17th annual ARISE Detroit! Neighborhoods Day returns with more than 100 events and community service projects around the city. We preview of the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History’s 40th annual African World Festival. Plus, BridgeDetroit reporter Micah Walker visits the Detroit Food Academy, a nonprofit that teaches culinary and life skills to young Detroiters.

A task force looking into racial disparities in Michigan’s child welfare system makes recommendations for change. Plus, a new exhibit at the Detroit Historical Museum called “The Soul of Philanthropy Reframed and Exhibited” shines a light on African American philanthropists. And, a performance by the Detroit School of Arts dance ensemble.

For Mental Health Awareness Month, “American Black Journal” looks at mental health in the Black Church and how mental illness can impact ministers. The 16th annual Silence the Violence march addresses the impact of gun violence on communities of color. Plus, the Detroit Branch NAACP gears up for its June Jubilee weekend of events to commemorate the 1963 Detroit Walk to Freedom.

“American Black Journal” examines the impact of rising inflation and a looming recession on small businesses with The LEE Group ahead of its ninth annual Small Business Workshop. Then, a look at Detroit Public Theatre’s production of the Tony Award-winning rock musical “Passing Strange.” Plus, a performance by saxophonist De’Sean Jones, accompanied by the Urban Art Orchestra.

Two Detroit nonprofits are working together to eliminate chronic homelessness in Detroit. Black Leaders Detroit gears up for its annual “Ride for Equity” bike ride. Plus, Detroit DJ Whodat talks about her love for house music and Black women artistry ahead of Movement music festival.

For Mental Health Awareness Month, Stephen Henderson examines the impact of mental illness on communities of color. The ALICE Report shows how the pandemic has impacted the financial security of working families. Plus, remembering the late singer, actor and activist Harry Belafonte.

From heavy rains to extreme heat and air quality issues, Black and brown Detroit residents are disproportionately impacted by climate change. “American Black Journal” and BridgeDetroit team up to examine climate’s impact on people of color and low-income residents in Detroit, and how it’s putting their health and safety at risk.

Acclaimed filmmaker, film critic and historian Elvis Mitchell joins host Stephen Henderson to discuss his Netflix documentary “Is That Black Enough For You?!?”. Plus, Henderson gets the details on Bookstock 2023, the Detroit area’s largest used book and media sale.

Host Stephen Henderson talks with Urban Consulate about the organization’s new collection of videos featuring African American changemakers. Regina Carter receives an NEA Jazz Master Award. Plus, American Black Journal remembers the life and legacy of human rights activist and lawyer, Randall Robinson.

For the 30th anniversary of the murder of Malice Green, an unarmed Black man killed by two white Detroit police officers, “American Black Journal” looks back at the murder as well as the court case and convictions that followed.

Host Stephen Henderson examines the economic outlook for 2023 and its impact on African American entrepreneurs and consumers with Mark S. Lee, president of The LEE Group. Plus, the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater is making a tour stop in Detroit.

“American Black Journal” teams up with BridgeDetroit to examine the changes in Detroit’s Black political power in Congress and its impact on the city’s majority-Black population. Plus, a look at how students and staff are coping with the mass shooting at Michigan State University.

“American Black Journal” shares the events being held at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History for Black History Month. The show explores how the Sphinx Organization has empowered minority classical string players and has diversified classical music. Plus, hear a performance from Sphinx Competition 2023 senior division winner, violinist Njioma Grevious.

After the fatal police beating of Tyre Nichols, “American Black Journal” host Stephen Henderson leads a roundtable discussion on racism in policing, police reform, and how police brutality affects mental and emotional health.

American Black Journal celebrates the 50th anniversary of hip hop. Host Stephen Henderson explores political messages in hip hop with Dr. Hasan Jeffries and learns about Detroit’s only all-hip hop radio station, HOT 107.5 WGPR FM. Plus, a preview of the PBS documentary “Fight the Power: How Hip Hop Changed the World.”

Wayne State University receives a $6 million grant to create the Detroit Center for Black studies and hire 30 new faculty focused on the Black experience. Plus, conversations from the 2023 Detroit Policy Conference, featuring Michigan Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II and Metro-Detroit Black Business Alliance CEO Charity Dean.

The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History shares its plans for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Detroit historian and Michigan Advance reporter Ken Coleman discusses this summer’s 60th anniversary of the 1963 Walk to Freedom in Detroit. Plus, the Jit Masters perform.

“American Black Journal” welcomes in 2023 by revisiting some of the show’s thought-provoking conversations and interesting guests from the past year, including segments that focused on racial disparities, police brutality, arts and culture, and the Black Church in Detroit.

The Detroit Chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) announced a yearlong slate of events to celebrate its 40th anniversary. Plus, the Michigan Barber School celebrates 75 years of teaching Black barbers and hairstylists.

Covenant House Michigan, a nonprofit that supports homeless youth, celebrates its 25th anniversary. Plus, Michigan’s longest-serving African American judge, the Honorable John A. Murphy of the Third Circuit Court, announces his retirement after 44 years on the bench.

Host Stephen Henderson talks with two Black women entrepreneurs about the unique challenges they face. Detroit’s Birwood Wall makes history. Detroit Bass Day pays tribute to The Temptations and talks about fatherhood. Plus, “American Black Journal” remembers the late Tyrone Winfrey.

Lewis & Munday, P.C., one of America’s oldest and largest African American-owned law firms based in Detroit, marks its 50th anniversary in business. The 2022 Detroit Doll Show returns after a two-year COVID hiatus. Plus, the U.S. Army discusses how it’s trying to overcome recruitment shortages.