Celebrating Black Female Trailblazers for Women's History Month

This Week on American Black Journal:

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

Michigan Court of Appeals Judge Hon. Cynthia Stephens Retires After 14 Years

First, host Stephen Henderson sits down with a local trailblazer in the field of law, Judge Cynthia Stephens, upon the announcement of her retirement from the Michigan Court of Appeals after 14 years of service. In addition to being the first African American woman to be appointed to the state Court of Claims bench, Hon. Cynthia Stephens served as a judge for Michigan’s Third Circuit Court and the 36th District Court, in Detroit.

Henderson and Stephens come together for a vibrant discussion about Stephens’ long judicial career, including the landmark case in which she rejected a lawsuit filed by the Trump Administration in 2020 claiming election fraud, as well as the importance of African American representation on the bench.

Author Rae Chesny Keeps Zora Neale Hurston’s Life, Stories Alive With ‘Dear Zora’ Book

African American author and anthropologist Zora Neale Hurston has been regarded as one of the best writers of the 20th Century, with her works primarily centered around African American life in the South. Today her legacy continues to spread across the globe with the help of author and scholar Rae Chesny, also known as ‘The Zora Girl.’

Next, Henderson talks with Chesny, who is currently writing “Dear Zora” and travels the world lecturing and presenting her research on Hurston, shares more about the interest she’s taken in telling Hurston’s story as well as the inspiration she found from Hurston’s life for her own writings.

Singer Monique Ella Rose Performs For ‘Detroit Performs: Live From Marygrove’

Plus, “American Black Journal” will wrap up its Women’s History Month episode with a performance from Detroit-based singer Monique Ella Rose.

Rose, a prolific singer and songwriter, highlights influences from Gospel, jazz, soul and R&B into her music alongside lyrics that are meant to encourage and uplift listeners. Most notably, she’s performed with Anthony Hamilton, Dwele’, Maxwell, Chrisette Michele, Angela Winbush, Marsha Ambrosius, and other musicians.

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