American Black Journal Episode List

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.

Two years after the murder of George Floyd, where do diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) commitments from businesses stand today? “American Black Journal” host Stephen Henderson explores the state of diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace. Plus, Henderson gets details on the new Ebiara Fund to help eliminate systemic barriers for emerging minority real estate developers in Detroit.

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.

Detroit Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Nikolai Vitti discusses the district’s COVID recovery, plans for $700 million in ARPA funds, and student outcomes. Forgotten Harvest CEO Kirk Mayes announces his resignation and shares his accomplishments there and future plans. Plus, City of Detroit Historian Jamon Jordan takes viewers on a tour of Detroit’s historic Black fraternity and sorority houses.

“American Black Journal” host Stephen Henderson learns more about the 2nd biennial Black Midwest Symposium coming to Detroit Oct. 20-22, 2022. The Detroit Artists Market celebrates its 90th anniversary with a new, multigenerational exhibit. Plus, the State of the Hood summit on Detroit’s east side brings civic leaders and community activists together to explore solutions for stopping gun violence.

Host Stephen Henderson talks with “Making Black America” documentary producer and director, Stacey Holman, about the creation of Black organizations and social networks and how Black people have remained resilient and joyful even amid struggles. Plus, excerpts from Detroit Public TV and WDET-FM’s “Making Black Detroit” Town Hall on the importance of Detroit’s Black fraternities and sororities.

The 3rd annual Detroit Black Film Festival returns Sept. 21, featuring 86 films by Black independent filmmakers. September is Black Reading Month encourages people to read books, magazines and journals by Black writers. Plus, a tribute to renowned Detroit artist Aaron Ibn Pori Potts, who passed away at age 80.

This week, American Black Journal exa the efforts in Detroit to reduce gun violence and crime. We’ll take you to this year’s “Silence the Violence” march on Detroit’s east side. Then, host Stephen Henderson talks with the director of FORCE Detroit, a non-profit focused on building a safer Detroit. Plus, we’ll air a portion of Mayor Mike Duggan and Police Chief James White’s conversation with Stephen at the 2022 Mackinac Policy Conference, focusing on gun violence, crime and policing in the city.

The award-winning musical “Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations,” has arrived in Motown, where it all began for the five singers. Plus, sports journalist Stephen A. Smith and WGPR-TV 62 Historical Society President Joe Spencer talk about an upcoming fundraising gala celebrating the legacy of WGPR-TV 62, America’s first Black-owned television station.

Host Stephen Henderson revisits highlights from American Black Journal and BridgeDetroit’s reparations town hall with special guests Rev. Dr. JoAnn Watson, Lauren Hood, Andre Perry and Keith Williams. The group discuss what reparations are owed to Black Americans and what form they should take. Plus, Hood and Williams share information about a new Detroit task force to explore reparations.

After two years of virtual performances, Detroit Jazz Festival, the annual Labor Day weekend tradition is planning to return to live, public performances in downtown Detroit for its 43rd festival season. “American Black Journal” gets the full scoop from festival artistic director Chris Collins. Plus, a sneak peak into jazz violinist Leslie DeShazor’s inaugural solo performance, and the support provided to the festival by Central Michigan University.

“American Black Journal” continues its Black Church in Detroit series with a look at the church’s role in helping to curb gun violence in the community. Then, producer Marcus Green takes us backstage for a look at the new musical “Hastings Street,” set in Detroit’s historic Black Bottom neighborhood in 1949.

Domestic violence calls have increased during the pandemic, but what’s behind the rise? Host Stephen Henderson talks with HAVEN of Oakland County to find out why we’re seeing an uptick in the number of victims seeking help and how Black women have been disproportionately affected. Plus, Stephen catches up with the City of Detroit’s ‘Grow Detroit’s Young Talent’ summer jobs program for more on what’s in store for youth and employers this season.

“American Black Journal” gets a preview of Detroit’s annual citywide community service event, ” ARISE Detroit! Neighborhoods Day.” Then, the Coalition on Temporary Shelter (COTS) celebrates 40 years of helping to curb homelessness and poverty. Plus, a performance by Detroit percussionist Aisha Ellis and her trio.

This week, American Black Journal host Stephen Henderson examines the impacts that overturning Roe V. Wade will have on Black women’s health and medical decisions. Then, producer AJ Walker takes viewers to the ribbon cutting of a new Michigan Regional Chamber of Carpenters and Millwrights training center in Northwest Detroit. Plus, the Charles H. Wright Museum’s African World Festival returns this year, but to a new location. American Black Journal gets an update from Festival Director Njia Kai about this year’s activities.

This week, American Black Journal exa the efforts in Detroit to reduce gun violence and crime. We’ll take you to this year’s “Silence the Violence” march on Detroit’s east side. Then, host Stephen Henderson talks with the director of FORCE Detroit, a non-profit focused on building a safer Detroit. Plus, we’ll air a portion of Mayor Mike Duggan and Police Chief James White’s conversation with Stephen at the 2022 Mackinac Policy Conference, focusing on gun violence, crime and policing in the city.

This week, Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History CEO Neil Barclay joins host Stephen Henderson to talk about how the museum plans to celebrate Juneteenth. Then, a conversation about 11 new policy recommendations just released by the Black Leadership Advisory Council on reducing racial equity gaps in Michigan. Plus, in recognition of Pride Month, producer AJ Walker talks with journalist Aaron Foley about his first novel, “Boys Come First,” a story of three gay Black friends in Detroit.

Another racially motivated shooting has rocked Black America. Host Stephen Henderson talks with Detroit Branch NAACP President Rev. Wendell Anthony about the tragic mass shooting in Buffalo, NY that killed 10 African Americans and injured 3 others. Plus, Stephen looks at the rising cost of water and its impact on communities of color with We the People of Detroit co-founder Cecily McClellan and Wayne State law professor Peter Hammer.

For mental health awareness month, “American Black Journal” looks at the pandemic’s impact on mental health services and other existing barriers to mental health access, education and awareness in the Black community. Plus, from mask mandates to vaccines and positive case rates, where does MIchigan stand in the fight against COVID-19 today?

This week, “American Black Journal” host Stephen Henderson hears about the return of Bookstock, the Detroit-area’s largest used book and media sale, from the charitable event’s organizers and beneficiaries. Producer Eden Sabolboro explores a new spring MOCAD exhibit and the works of Detroit artist Sterling Toles. Plus, singer Aaron Lewys performs his original song “Stop Wasting My Time.”

Host Stephen Henderson leads a roundtable with Greater Grand Rapids NAACP President Cle Jackson and Black Lives Matter Detroit Co-founder John Sloan III about the fatal shooting of African immigrant Patrick Lyoya by a white police officer. Plus, Stephen talks with bass-baritone Davóne Tines about his role in portraying Malcolm X in Detroit Opera’s “X: The Life and Times of Malcolm X.”

Domestic violence calls have increased during the pandemic, but what’s behind the rise? Host Stephen Henderson talks with HAVEN of Oakland County to find out why we’re seeing an uptick in the number of victims seeking help and how Black women have been disproportionately affected. Plus, Stephen catches up with the City of Detroit’s ‘Grow Detroit’s Young Talent’ summer jobs program for more on what’s in store for youth and employers this season.

On “American Black Journal” this week, BridgeDetroit’s Orlando Bailey talks with two African American developers leading a $134 million proposed redevelopment of the former Fisher Body Plant No. 21. Plus, we talk with Mothering Justice about the maternal mortality rate, and the increase in pregnancy-related deaths among Black mothers in 2020.

On “American Black Journal” this week, host Stephen Henderson hears from a new organization, Detroit United Front, that’s advocating for better equity and inclusion for Black businesses in Detroit. Then, producer AJ Walker takes viewers to The Scarab Club for a memorial art exhibit dedicated to the late artist, community leader and mentor Gilda Snowden. Plus, Laura Rain & The Caesars perform from the Marygrove Theater stage.

For Women’s History Month this March, “American Black Journal” celebrates two African American women trailblazers, Michigan Court of Claims Judge Hon. Cynthia Stephens and the late author and anthropologist Zora Neale Hurston, whose accomplishments have paved the way for future generations of African Americans.

This Week on American Black Journal: A new...

This Week on American Black Journal:  Our...

This Week on American Black Journal: ...

On the next American Black Journal, we'll talk...

On the next American Black Journal, Stephen...

Stephen talks with the Michigan Opera Theatre’s new Artist-in-Residence, plus this year marks the 5th anniversary of the death of boxing great Muhammad Ali.