American Black Journal

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.

The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History shares its museum’s plans for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day 2023, including a prayer breakfast, workshops, the launch of a Presidential Lecture Series and more.

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.

As Detroit’s Black church leaders look ahead to 2023, what are their goals, strategies and hopes for the new year? Host Stephen Henderson hears from three local pastors.

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.

Michigan Third Circuit Court Judge John A. Murphy has announced his retirement after 44 years on the bench. He reflects on his years as a judge and the state of Black representation in the judicial system.

Covenant House Michigan, a Detroit-based nonprofit serves homeless youth, celebrates its 25th anniversary. Covenant House Executive Director Meagan Dunn explains the reasons that youth seek shelter and trauma-informed services from the nonprofit.

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.

City of Detroit Historian Jamon Jordan takes viewers on a tour of some of Detroit’s historic African American fraternity and sorority houses and the contributions these organizations have made in the city.

The holiday season is a joyous time, but it can also be a time of grief, struggle and insecurity for many families. How does the Black Church help? The “Black Church in Detroit” series examines the church’s role providing relief, support and hope for the community during the holiday season.

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.

Venturing into the world of entrepreneurship comes with challenges, but for Black women entrepreneurs, the hurdles can be much higher and different. A national study shows 42% of U.S. businesses are owned by women, yet those businesses grow at only half the rate as businesses owned by men.

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.

The Detroit Doll Show has announced its return in 2022 following a two-year COVID hiatus. Detroit Doll Show founder Sandra Epps shares what families can expect from the doll show and the importance of Black representation in toys.

One of the nation’s oldest and largest Black-owned law firms is celebrating a major milestone this year. Lewis & Munday, P.C., located in Detroit, marks its 50th anniversary in the Motor City.

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.

In partnership with “American Black Journal,” BridgeDetroit reporter Malachi Barrett talks with Detroit residents about the difficulty of getting major problems fixed at their homes. They talk about the cost-prohibitive barriers homeowners face, like banks turning residents down for loans, and the eligibility requirements for Detroit’s home repair program.

Stephen Henderson hosts a roundtable discussion exploring the impact home repair needs are having on residents and neighborhoods. He talks with city officials, the Eastside Community Network, and a BridgeDetroit reporter about the city’s home repair program, Renew Detroit, and the negative impacts that homes in disrepair have on property values and generational wealth.

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 talks with Stephen Henderson about COVID-19’s impact on chronic absenteeism and student achievement, how the district will spend an unprecedented $700 million of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds on building infrastructure, and what the future holds for the district’s students and staff. 

Ahead of the 2022 midterm elections, “The Black Church in Detroit” series examines the political power of the Black church. Host Stephen Henderson talks with Rev. Dr. Wendell Anthony and Rev. Charles E. Williams II about the church’s role in getting people to vote, its influence on key issues like voter suppression, representation in Congress, and prominent political leaders who came from the Black church.

American Black Journal’s “Black Church in Detroit” initiative invites you to join a live, virtual conversation on gun violence prevention in Detroit, including how the church plays a vital role in gun violence prevention efforts in our communities and how you can be an important part of those efforts too.

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.

Forgotten Harvest CEO Kirk Mayes has announced he’s stepping down from his role at the Oak Park-based food rescue nonprofit at the end of 2022. Mayes talks with BridgeDetroit’s Orlando Bailey about his decision to step down and the impact he’s had at the organization since he started there in 2014. Plus, he shares what’s next for his future plans.

Detroit’s State of the Hood summit returned this year to talk about solutions for stopping gun violence. Producer Marcus Green takes viewers to the 2022 summit to hear what religious, civic and community leaders have to say about gun violence in Detroit. Plus, summit participants explore the current resources and investments needed to stop gun violence involving inner city neighborhood youth.

The Detroit Artists Market is celebrating its 90th birthday with a new, multigenerational exhibit featuring several artists who have honed their skills in Detroit. The special anniversary exhibition, titled “Detroit Expat Artists: Homecoming,” showcases a variety of artists working in different media and genres over the last 50 years. Host Stephen Henderson talks with co-curator Stephanie James.

The second biennial Black Midwest Symposium convenes in Detroit, exploring the unique challenges of African Americans in the Midwest and Rust Belt. Host Stephen Henderson talks with Marquis Taylor, one of the event’s planning committee members, to learn more about the goal of the Oct. 20-22, 2022 symposium, this year’s theme— Presence and Protest, and the notable speakers participating.

“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.

Detroit Public Television and WDET-FM host the “Making Black Detroit” Town Hall. The LEE Group’s President & CEO Mark S. Lee moderates a discussion with The Divine Nine fraternities and sororities about the history, contributions and future of the Black Greek Letter Organizations in Detroit. The town hall was hosted in part with PBS’ “Making Black America” documentary.

“American Black Journal” previews a new PBS documentary series, “Making Black America: Through the Grapevine” by noted historian and storyteller Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Jr., focused on the vast social networks, associations and organizations created by and for African Americans as a means of empowerment in the face of racism. Host Stephen Henderson talks with producer and director, Stacey Holman.

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.

“American Black Journal” continues its series on “The Black Church in Detroit” with a look at the state of seminary education and the future of ministry in Detroit. Host Stephen Henderson talks with seminary leaders and students about the importance of seminary education, the challenges of leading an urban-centered ministry, and how seminaries must stay relevant in today’s changing landscape.

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.

September is Black Reading Month Co-Founder Malik Yakini joins “American Black Journal” host Stephen Henderson to talk about the 43rd anniversary of the annual observance, why people should read Black writers, improving literacy rates, and how African Americans can understand their history and culture through stories written by Black authors.

The 3rd annual Detroit Black Film Festival returns to the city Sept. 21-25, featuring 86 films by Black independent filmmakers. “American Black Journal” host Stephen Henderson talks with the film festival co-founders about what’s on tap for the five-day event and a special opening night screening of “Lady Sings the Blues.”

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 Michigan Barber School celebrates 75 years of teaching Black barbers and hairstylists. Michigan Barber School Director Saul Green talks with guest host Trudy Gallant-Stokes about the barber school’s founding and its success throughout the decades.

The Detroit Chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) announces a yearlong slate of events to celebrate its 40th anniversary. Guest Host Trudy Gallant-Stokes talks with anniversary co-chair and Chalkbeat Editor-in-Chief Nicole Avery Nichols about the events planned, NABJ’s history, and a scholarship program for youth.

Have today’s youth fallen out of their faith and belief in religion? “American Black Journal” continues its “Black Church in Detroit” series with a look at the Black Church as a center of solutions for the community, especially as it relates to issues surrounding youth. Two Detroit pastors discuss how youth feel about religion, the importance of making church relevant to them, and how the church can intervene in the cycle of violence involving young people.