American Black Journal

The Detroit Jazz Festival Foundation has announced acclaimed drummer, composer, and bandleader Brian Blade as the artist-in-residence for this year’s Labor Day weekend festival. As part of his residency, Brian Blade and The Fellowship Band performed during a special preview event at the Gretchen C. Valade Jazz Center at Wayne State University. Watch a portion of Blade’s performance.

Civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump discusses the need for justice and equality in contemporary society and making the world a better place for the future during the Charles H. Wright Museum’s “The Wright Conversations” lecture series. The Wright Conversations series is a platform for dynamic discourse on issues ranging from civic engagement to cultural heritage.

The Wolverine Bar Association hosts its 62nd annual Barristers’ Ball, a cornerstone event in Detroit’s African American legal community. This year’s theme is “Motown: Back Down Memory Lane.” Wolverine Bar Association President Diane Hutcherson and State Bar of Michigan Diversity Director Gregory Conyers talk with host Stephen Henderson about the event and diversity in the legal profession.

The Wolverine Bar Association hosts its 62nd annual Barristers’ Ball, a cornerstone event in Detroit’s African American legal community. Civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump discusses the need for justice and equality in contemporary society during The Wright Conversations. Plus, Detroit Jazz Festival 2024 artist-in-residence Brian Blade and The Fellowship Band perform.

The Detroit Institute of Arts’ “Regeneration: Black Cinema 1898-1971″ exhibit highlights the trailblazing African American filmmakers and actors from the early days of cinema through the Civil Rights Movement. Host Stephen Henderson speaks with Detroit Institute of Arts Curator and Head of the Center for African American Art Valerie Mercer about the museum’s landmark exhibition.

A local documentary, “The Best of the Best: Jazz from Detroit,” explores Detroit’s jazz legacy and impact on the world. Host Stephen Henderson talks with the film’s co-producer and writer. Plus, the Detroit Institute of Arts’ “Regeneration: Black Cinema 1898-1971″ exhibit highlights the trailblazing Black filmmakers and actors from the early days of cinema through the Civil Rights Movement.

The 11th annual Freep Film Festival returns to various locations across Detroit and its suburbs, featuring a host of local documentaries with strong ties to the community. One local documentary, “The Best of the Best: Jazz from Detroit,” explores the city’s innovative and influential jazz scene and its impact on the world. “American Black Journal” host Stephen Henderson talks with the film’s co-producer and writer Mark Stryker.

The 20th annual Bookstock returns to Laurel Park Place in Livonia, Michigan on April 7-14, bringing with it nearly 400,000 used books, DVDs, CDs, books on tape, and vinyl records for sale. The community-driven initiative, organized entirely by volunteers, supports literacy education, including book clubs and poetry slams, and innovative programs like the Einstein Method in the Detroit metropolitan area and beyond.

The Wayne State University School of Medicine, the Wayne Mobile Health Unit and community stakeholders host a symposium on Black men’s health. Scheduled for April 13 at Hartford Memorial Baptist Church in Detroit, the “Brother, Let’s Talk: A Conversation on Black Men’s Health” symposium aims to shed light on the disparities and health challenges faced by Black men.

The Wayne State University School of Medicine, the Wayne Mobile Health Unit and community stakeholders host a symposium on Black men’s health at Hartford Memorial Baptist Church on April 13. Plus, the 20th annual Bookstock returns to Laurel Park Place in Livonia, Michigan on April 7-14, bringing with it nearly 400,000 used books, DVDs, CDs, books on tape, and vinyl records for sale.

American Black Journal’s “Black Church in Detroit” series examines the role of women in the Black church. Host Stephen Henderson discusses the issues impacting Black women in the church with two Detroit women ministers: Rev. Dr. Constance Simon of Fellowship Chapel and Rev. Dr. Remonia Chapman of Hartford Memorial Baptist Church.

A new documentary, “Going to Mars: The Nikki Giovanni Project” details the extraordinary life and career of renowned poet Nikki Giovanni. Contributor Cecelia Sharpe sat down with Giovanni at the Wright Museum for a wide-ranging conversation about her life, career, literary works and future plans. Plus, Giovanni discusses the “Going to Mars” documentary and her fascination with outer space.

Renowned poet Nikki Giovanni talks with contributor Cecelia Sharpe at the Charles H. Wright Museum about her life, career, literary works and her future plans. Plus, we meet an eight-year-old Detroit girl who has gone viral on social media for her impersonations of Black icons and historical figures from the past and present.

There’s a new online tool available for Detroit residents, community development groups, local government and others to access timely data about how the city’s neighborhoods are doing. It’s called the Neighborhood Vitality Index (NVI) and its goal is to create a well-coordinated, effective, and equitable system for community development work in Detroit neighborhoods. Host Stephen Henderson talks with with Jane Morgan, president of JFM Consulting Group and one of the architects of the index.

There’s a new online tool available for Detroiters to access timely data about how city neighborhoods are doing. Host Stephen Henderson speaks with Jane Morgan, president of JFM Consulting Group, about the Neighborhood Vitality Index. Plus, Oscar-winning costume designer Ruth E. Carter discusses her exhibit “Ruth E. Carter: Afrofuturism in Costume Design” at the Wright Museum through March 31.

The annual Grow Detroit’s Young Talent summer jobs program has returned for its 10th year. The program matches Detroit residents ages 14-24 with employers in a wide variety of industries including manufacturing, IT, construction, entrepreneurship, and corporate work. Host Stephen Henderson speaks with three guests connected to the program about the job opportunities and career training provided.

The annual Grow Detroit’s Young Talent summer jobs program has returned for its 10th year. Host Stephen Henderson speaks with three guests connected to the program about the job opportunities and career training provided. Plus, in recognition of Women’s History Month, contributor Cecelia Sharpe of 90.9 WRCJ about her career and the importance of uplifting the next generation of women DJs.

Robyn McKee, or Rosie White as she’s known online, has gained national attention online for her video impressions of Black icons, capturing the attention of celebrities like Oprah Winfrey, Whoopi Goldberg and Michelle Obama. One Detroit’s Daijah Moss talks with Rosie, 8, of Detroit and her family about the inspiration, challenges and moments they’ve shared along the way.

American Black Journal’s “Black Church in Detroit” series examines the impact of artificial intelligence on the African American community and the Black church. Guest Host Orlando Bailey of BridgeDetroit discusses the challenges and potential benefits of generative AI with Rev. Cindy Rudolph of Oak Grove AME Church and Rev. Lawrence Rodgers of Second Baptist Church.

New data from the medical team at EHproject show African American women are at a greater risk for heart disease than their white counterparts. For American Heart Month, Henry Ford Health Cardiologist Dr. Brittany Fuller talks about the high rate of heart disease among Black women. Plus, she provides some helpful advice on what women can do to reduce their risk factors.

The Carr Center and Bedrock have teamed up to celebrate Black arts with a new exhibit for Black History Month. The exhibit features artwork by 23 student artists and 10 emerging and established artists from Detroit. The Carr Center President Oliver Ragsdale shares details about the exhibit and its importance during Black History Month.

For American Heart Month, Henry Ford Health Cardiologist Dr. Brittany Fuller discusses the high incidence of heart disease among Black women. The Carr Center President Oliver Ragsdale shares details about the center’s new “Celebrating Black Arts” exhibit with Bedrock. Plus, Visit Detroit CEO Claude Molinari shares the city of Detroit’s plans for hosting the 2024 NFL Draft.

In conjunction with the PBS docuseries, “GOSPEL,” explore Detroit’s influence on gospel music. Gospel radio host and historian Dr. Deborah Smith Pollard gives a history lesson on the origins and evolution of the genre. Plus, gospel artist Darius Twyman and Greater Grace Temple’s Bishop Charles Ellis III talk about how Detroit has influenced gospel in the Black church.

Aretha Franklin, The Winans, Mattie Moss-Clark and The Clark sisters. The list of gospel artists with roots in Detroit is long and continues to grow. Local gospel artist Darius Twyman talks with “Detroit Performs” host Satori Shakoor and BridgeDetroit journalist Orlando Bailey about his musical start, Detroit’s major influence on gospel, and the meaning behind his original song “Made It Over.”

Few know the history of gospel music better than gospel radio host and historian Dr. Deborah Smith Pollard. In conjunction with the PBS docuseries, “GOSPEL,” Pollard talks about the origins of gospel music and how it has evolved over the years to the sound we hear today from contemporary gospel artists.

Violinist Nathan Amaral, a 28-year-old from Rio de Janeiro, has won the senior division of the 27th annual Sphinx Finals Competition. As the winner, Amaral receives the Robert Frederick Smith Prize, a $50,000 award, and the opportunity to perform with several major orchestras across the nation. Watch Amaral’s first-place performance, Samuel Coleridge-Taylor’s Concerto for Violin in G minor.

You can’t talk about Detroit’s African American techno roots without talking about pioneering producer Carl Craig. A leading figure in the second wave of Detroit techno, Craig talks about the city’s history in techno music. Plus, he discusses the importance and influence of the Black music experience locally and globally.

A new PBS docuseries, “GOSPEL,” from Henry Louis Gates, Jr. delves into the origins and influence of gospel music on Black spirituality. Host Stephen Henderson talks with Stacey L. Holman, the director and producer of the docuseries, about gospel’s rich history, its impact on the Black church, Detroit’s connection to the genre, and how other music genres have been influenced by gospel.

Kick off Black History Month with a look at three music genres and their connection to the African American experience. “GOSPEL” producer/director Stacey Holman discusses the new PBS docuseries featuring Henry Louis Gates, Jr. Pioneering techno producer Carl Craig talks about techno’s African American roots in Detroit. Plus, a performance by 2024 Sphinx Competition Senior Division winner Nathan Amaral.

Roughly three in ten young African Americans say they’re religiously unaffiliated. Host Stephen Henderson leads a conversation with three Detroit ministers on the changing faith practices of young African Americans, the growing trend to identify as spiritual instead of religious, and how religious leaders can bridge the generational divides in the Black Church.

A retreat in Northern Michigan called Trauma Camp helps returning citizens re-adjust to life after they are released from prison. One Detroit senior producer Bill Kubota and contributor Mario Bueno talk with Trauma Camp creator Aaron Kinzel and some of its attendees about how the retreat is helping them with re-entry and to heal their traumas from childhood and incarceration.

Host Stephen Henderson examines the groundbreaking new gene therapies approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as a treatment option for sickle cell disease. Dr. Melissa Creary, assistant professor at the University of Michigan’s School of Public Health, sits down with Henderson to talk about the pros, cons and possible barriers of the new gene-editing therapy.

University of Michigan professor Dr. Melissa Creary shares two groundbreaking new gene therapies approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as a treatment option for sickle cell disease. A Trauma Camp in Northern Michigan helps returning citizens adjust to life outside of prison. Plus, a performance by a member of the second generation of Detroit’s techno community, DJ Drummer B.

Three Washington Post journalists sit down for a conversation with University of Michigan Ford School of Public Policy Dean Celeste Watkins-Hayes to talk about gun policies in America and their reporting on “The gun that divides a nation – revered as a modern-day musket; reviled as a tool for mass killers.”

The city of Detroit saw a decrease in violent crimes in 2023. Host Stephen Henderson examines the 2023 crime data from the Detroit Police Department with Detroit Police Chief James White. They talk about the strategies that contributed to the reduction in homicides, non-fatal shootings and carjackings compared to 2022.

The University of Michigan hosts its 2024 symposium honoring civil rights leader Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The annual symposium’s theme calls on the community to grapple with the nature of ongoing discord around the globe and to examine how society can create a world where harmony is possible. Michelle Alexander, legal scholar, social justice advocate, columnist at The New York Times and visiting professor at Union Theological Seminary, delivers the memorial keynote lecture.

Wayne State University’s annual tribute to the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. returns this year with a two-day event showcasing the impact of Detroit’s arts, culture and music on the civil rights movement. Guest host Trudy Gallant-Stokes talks with Wayne State’s Director of Community Affairs Stacie Clayton and the event’s special guest Santita Jackson.

United Way for Southeastern Michigan (UWSEM) President & CEO Dr. Darienne Hudson shares details with guest host Trudy Gallant-Stokes about the latest round of Racial Equity Fund recipients. The grants total $1 million and were awarded to BIPOC-led nonprofit organizations to help them address racial inequities in the region. Plus, they talk about the expansion of the fund into Washtenaw County.

In honor of the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday, get the details about Wayne State University’s two-day tribute to Dr. King’s life and legacy. The events will explore the impact of the arts, music and culture on the civil rights movement. Plus, United Way for Southeastern Michigan shares details about the latest round of Racial Equity Fund grants to eliminate racial disparities in the region.

From commemorating the anniversary of a historic civil rights march to conversations around police brutality, African Americans’ contributions to the arts, the impact of climate change on Black and brown communities, and stories on Detroit’s Black church community, American Black Journal reflects on some of its significant stories from 2023.

As we bid farewell to 2023, it’s impossible not to reflect on the important stories that shaped the African American community this year. From commemorating the anniversary of a historic civil rights march to conversations around police brutality, the political heartbeat of hip-hop’s history, the restoration of a historic jazz club, and stories on Detroit’s Black church community, here are our top 10 stories from 2023.

Heading into 2024, the “Black Church in Detroit” series examines the focus areas, issues and opportunities that lie ahead in the new year for leaders of Detroit’s Black churches. Three Detroit ministers talk about increasing outreach, encouraging voter participation, eradicating gun violence in the community, and the importance of working together to bring about change.

For many African Americans, tracing their family’s past can come with challenges. Contributor Daijah Moss talks with author Rose Morton, a local woman who set out to learn about her enslaved ancestors and the families that owned them. Morton shares her quest for identity, talks about her book “Our Family’s Keepers,” and discusses the profound impact of her discovery on the people connected to a South Carolina plantation.

Internationally known genealogist Tony Burroughs, who has consulted with celebrities such as Smokey Robinson and Oprah Winfrey about their family history, outlines the steps to take when researching your ancestry and shares some of the unique challenges of tracing African American roots.

Author Rose Morton shares her journey of learning about her enslaved ancestors and the families that owned them. Internationally known genealogist Tony Burroughs outlines the steps to take when researching your ancestry. Plus, Rob Edwards discusses his graphic novel “Defiant” coming out in February 2024 detailing a little-known figure of America’s Black history: Robert Smalls.

The holidays are in full swing and there’s a ton of activities happening around town. Catch the Farmington Players’ production of “A Nice Family Christmas.” Mannheim Steamroller makes a stop at the Fox Theatre for its Christmas tour. Plus, boost your culinary skills at Marrow Butcher Shop & Restaurant’s holiday charcuterie building workshop. See what’s coming up on “One Detroit Weekend.”

Michigan’s population stagnation and economic prosperity have been front and center for several businesses, organizations and educational institutions. Global Detroit Managing Director Dr. Alaina Jackson talks about the organization’s mission to drive the growth, revitalization and shared prosperity of Detroit and the region by focusing on immigrants and global talent.

Detroit and the nation are mourning the loss of one of this country’s most influential Black ministers. Rev. Dr. Charles G. Adams, pastor emeritus of Detroit’s Hartford Memorial Baptist Church, passed away at age 86. Rev. Charles Christian Adams, the son of Rev. Adams, talks about his father’s legacy after more than 50 years in the pulpit.

Detroit and the nation are mourning the loss of one of this country’s most influential African American ministers. Rev. Dr. Charles G. Adams, of Detroit’s Hartford Memorial Baptist Church, passed away at age 86. Host Stephen Henderson discusses Adams’ legacy with his son Rev. Charles Christian Adams. Plus, Global Detroit talks about how immigrants can help revitalize Detroit and the region.

Detroit-born screenwriter Rob Edwards has a new graphic novel coming out in February 2024 detailing a little-known figure of America’s Black history: Robert Smalls. Edwards joined One Detroit’s Chris Jordan at Comics & More to talk about his forthcoming graphic novel “Defiant,” its Kickstarter support, and why a comic book is a perfect, if unorthodox, way to teach kids Black history.