American Black Journal

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.

BridgeDetroit reporter Micah Walker gets details on the Detroit Branch NAACP’s June Jubilee weekend of events in commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the 1963 Detroit Walk to Freedom, which includes the Freedom Walk Summit, a new Martin Luther King statue, the Freedom Walk, and the annual Fight for Freedom Fund dinner.

The 16th annual Silence the Violence march and rally will offer peaceful demonstrations, engaging speeches and heartfelt testimonials to shed light on the urgent need for comprehensive gun control measures, increased community resources and holistic approaches to violence prevention.

In observance of Mental Health Awareness Month, “American Black Journal” host Stephen Henderson has a frank conversation with Rev. Dr. Carla Spight-Mackey, a clinical specialist at Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network, about the need for resources and ways for ministers can get mental health support.

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 starting June 2nd. And, a performance by the Detroit School of Arts Dance Ensemble.

“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.

As small businesses across the nation grapple with the lingering effects of the pandemic, “American Black Journal” examines the impact of rising inflation and a looming recession on small businesses, the focus of The LEE Group’s 9th annual Small Business Workshop.

Ahead of her performance at Movement music festival, Detroit DJ Whodat hares her love for house music and talks about being an African American woman in the music industry, and what motivates her to create her unique sound.

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.

Two new multi-use facilities being built by Mariners Inn and Pope Francis Center in Detroit will help provide solutions to the complex needs of the city’s homeless, a population that has increased since the pandemic began.

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.

Nearly 40% of Michigan households struggled to afford basic needs during the pandemic. A recent study from United Way sheds a light on the financial hardship some of Michigan’s working families face in the aftermath.

One in five adults experiences mental illness each year. African Americans are also 20% more likely to experience struggles with their mental health. For Mental Health Awareness Month, learn about the impacts of mental illness on communities of color.

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.

Three Detroit preachers’ kids reflect on the life lessons they learned from growing up with a pastor as a parent, the influence their fathers had on their present-day careers, and the legacies their fathers left behind in the church and community.

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.

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.

The Detroit area’s largest used book and media sale, Bookstock, returns to once again benefit literacy and education projects in Southeast Michigan. Stephen Henderson gets the details on Bookstock 2023.

Acclaimed filmmaker, film critic and historian Elvis Mitchell joins host Stephen Henderson to discuss his Netflix documentary “Is That Black Enough For You?!?” and the way it changed representation in cinema.

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.

Urban Consulate launches a new video series titled “Urban Consulate: In Session,” featuring African American changemakers who offer knowledge in their respective fields of expertise.  

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.

Detroit-born violinist extraordinaire Regina Carter has racked up another prestigious musical honor: The National Endowment of the Arts Jazz Masters Fellowship Award.

For Women’s History Month, the “Black Church in Detroit” series highlights two trailblazing African American women in ministry: Oak Grove AME Church Pastor Cindy Rudolph and the late Martha Jean “The Queen” Steinberg, a Detroit radio icon and founder of the Home of Love Church.

“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.

Join Detroit Public TV, American Black Journal and PBS Books on Wednesday, March 22, at 8 p.m. ET, for a fascinating look at new techniques for unraveling the mysteries of African American genealogy.

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.

American Black Journal and BridgeDetroit team up to examine the barriers Black developers face breaking into the real estate industry and the solutions that are helping support Black development in Detroit.

Host Stephen Henderson speaks with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s Artistic Director, Robert Battle, about the world-renowned dance company’s 22-city North American tour, which makes a stop in Detroit in March.

As the pandemic’s impact on businesses wanes, 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.

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.

From serving as stations on the Underground Railroad to establishing schools and hospitals and hosting civil rights leaders, the Black Church in Detroit is an important part of Black liberation and empowerment. Host Stephen Henderson explores the historical impact of Detroit’s Black churches.

American Black Journal and BridgeDetroit examine the changes in Detroit’s political power in Congress, and what impact the loss of African American representation may have on the city’s nearly 80% Black population.

Detroit political consultant Adolph Mongo talks about the city’s Black political representation over the years, how it has changed and why.

“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” host Stephen Henderson talks with the Sphinx Organization about its role in diversifying the classical music landscape during the organization’s 25th anniversary season.

“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.

American Black Journal” shares the events being held at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History for Black History Month 2023, including two major jazz-themed exhibits and other family-friendly activities.

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’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.

American Black Journal’s “Black Church in Detroit” series examines the important role the Black church plays in supporting the city’s schools and students through DPSCD’s Faith-Based Initiative and Every School Day Counts program.

Church of the Messiah Pastor Rev. Barry Randolph hosts an awards ceremony honoring Detroit’s first responders after they kept residents and property safe during two fires on the city’s East side.

In celebration of hip hop’s 50th birthday, HOT 107.5 WGPR FM radio shares its history as Michigan’s first Black-owned radio station and Detroit’s only all-hip hop radio format.

Dr. Hasan Jeffries discusses his participation in the PBS “Fight the Power: How Hip Hop Changed the World” documentary, executive produced by Chuck D of Public Enemy, and the history of political messages in hip hop.

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.”

Less than 10% of the businesses downtown are Black-owned and less than 2% of the buildings downtown are Black-owned. How did we get here in a city with a nearly 80% Black population? Metro-Detroit Black Business Alliance CEO Charity Dean shares how downtown Detroit can invest in and empower Black businesses.

Michigan Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II talks about what’s happening in downtown Detroit and the administration’s economic plans for investing in transportation infrastructure and stronger business ecosystems at the 2023 Detroit Policy Conference.

Wayne State University President Dr. M. Roy Wilson discusses an unprecedented $6 million grant from the Mellon Foundation to create the Detroit Center for Black Studies and hire 30 new faculty members focused on the Black experience.

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.

American Black Journal reflects on the 60th anniversary of the 1963 Walk to Freedom in Detroit, which attracted more than 125,000 marchers down Woodward Avenue and featured an early version of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech delivered at Cobo Arena.