This Week on American Black Journal:
Detroit’s Black churches partner with city schools, champion students’ education
What role do Detroit’s Black churches play in the success of Detroit Public Schools and their students? 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, and how the church fills the gaps, helps solve issues, and supports Detroit schools to make sure students can reach their full potential.
Host Stephen Henderson sits down with Rev. Larry Simmons of Baber Memorial AME Church, Rev. Carnel Richardson of New Prospect Missionary Baptist Church, and Sharlonda Buckman, assistant superintendent of family and community engagement at Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) for a thought-provoking conversation.
They discuss two programs, DPSCD’s Faith-Based Initiative and Every School Day Counts program, and talk about some of the issues impacting education, such as chronic absenteeism, a lack of transportation, and health and safety concerns.
Plus, they look at how DPSCD’s Faith-Based Initiative matches churches with schools in order to provide mentoring, tutoring, clothing drives, and other support services that will allow students to concentrate on getting a good education.
Church of the Messiah honors Detroit’s first responders for keeping residents safe during Islandview fires
Detroit’s first responders were honored at an awards ceremony recently for their heroic efforts battling two major fires in the Islandview community just before Christmas.
A fire broke out around 5 a.m. Dec. 23 near E. Lafayette Street and E. Grand River Boulevard at a vacant storage warehouse on the city’s East side. More than 65 Detroit Fire Department firefighters and other first responders were at the scene working to extinguish the blaze as heavy winds and cold weather temperatures made the fires harder to control.
Twenty-three residents from a neighboring apartment building were evacuated to safety to avoid potential health risks from the smoke. No injuries were reported.
The awards ceremony was hosted by Church of the Messiah Pastor Rev. Barry Randolph to thank the firefighters, homeland security and city officials involved in the efforts.
Stay Connected:
Subscribe to Detroit Public Television’s YouTube Channel & Don’t miss American Black Journal on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m and Sunday at 9:30 a.m. on Detroit Public TV, WTVS-Channel 56.
Catch the daily conversations on our website, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @amblackjournal.
View Past Episodes >
Watch American Black Journal on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 9:30 a.m. on Detroit Public TV, WTVS-Channel 56.
