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Category: History

Ford Piquette Avenue Plant Museum working to preserve Detroit’s automotive history with new funding

The Ford Piquette Avenue Plant in Detroit’s Milwaukee Junction neighborhood is an integral part of the Motor City’s legacy, and it has been transformed into a museum to preserve its history. One Detroit’s Chris Jordan took a tour of the museum with its President and COO Jill Woodward to learn about the iconic collection of Detroit automotive history that sits within its walls.

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Detroit Institute of Arts ‘Regeneration’ exhibit spotlights trailblazing filmmakers, actors from early Black cinema

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.

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Two-day tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. shared the arts’ impact on civil rights

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.

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Rob Edwards’ forthcoming graphic novel details a little-known story in America’s Black history

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.

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Curtis Chin’s new memoir chronicles life lessons learned in a Chinese restaurant

In the heart of Detroit’s bygone Chinatown, a vibrant oasis once thrived and diverse patrons, from celebrities to everyday families, shared more than just meals at Chung’s restaurant. Curtis Chin, a Detroit native, author and activist, takes readers on an evocative journey through his upbringing in Detroit’s former Chinatown in his book, “Everything I Learned, I Learned in a Chinese Restaurant.”

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Rhythms of change: Motown Museum reflects on recording civil rights history 60 years ago

As the nation reflects on the 60th anniversary of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom and the Detroit Walk to Freedom, an intriguing connection exists between Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s speeches and the iconic Motown Records. In an exclusive interview, contributor Cecelia Sharpe of 90.9 WRCJ, delves into this significant link with Robin Terry, Chairwoman and CEO of the Motown Museum.

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Underground sound: Detroit’s punk rock history on display at the All-Star Garage Rock Punk Revue

One Detroit producer Chris Jordan takes viewers back to the two-day Detroit All-Star Garage Rock Punk Revue music festival to learn more about the origins of Detroit’s punk rock history and how it continues to evolve. He talks with festival organizer Smitt E. Smitty, host Michael Halloran, and several of the artists who performed there about the foundation many of the early bands laid, and how newcomers are turning those influences into their own unique sounds.

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Detroit Artists Market marks 90th anniversary with special multigenerational exhibit

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.

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Making Black Detroit: The importance of The Divine Nine, Black greek letter organizations

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.

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Henry Louis Gates, Jr.’s “Making Black America” documentary tells the story of African American resilience, empowerment

“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.

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Antisemitism Now and Then: Michigan’s Response to the Holocaust and Rising Antisemitism Today

What role did Michigan and its most popular figures play in America’s response to the Holocaust? Ken Burns’ new PBS documentary, “The U.S. and the Holocaust,” is generating conversation about America’s response to the Holocaust. WDET reporter Eli Newman moderates a conversation with experts from the metro Detroit Jewish and interfaith communities about Michigan’s perspective on the Holocaust and the anti-semitism that still exists today.

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‘Detroit Remember When’ Documentary Details Radio Legend Dick Purtan’s Rise to Notoriety in Detroit

Detroit radio fans likely know the name Dick Purtan, the Detroit radio legend and community philanthropist known for his whimsical mix of radio satire, one-liners and deadpan jokes, but do you know how the Detroit radio legend made his way to the Motor City? A new episode of Detroit Public Television’s “Detroit Remember When” documentary series looks at Purtan’s road to notoriety in Detroit.

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Detroit Chapter NABJ Celebrates 40th Anniversary With Yearlong Slate of Events

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.

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Fundraising gala celebrates legacy of WGPR-TV 62, America’s first Black-owned TV station

WGPR Historical Society President Joe Spencer and ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith join Stephen Henderson to talk about an upcoming fundraising gala celebrating the legacy of WGPR-TV 62, America’s first Black-owned and operated television station. WGPR-TV 62 went on the air in 1975 and launched the careers of several African American media professionals before being sold in 1995.

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The sacred and the secular: How gospel music grew from the Blues

“American Black Journal” explores how gospel music grew from the blues. Host Stephen Henderson sits down with Baptist pastor and blues musician Rev. Robert Jones, Sr. to explore the connection between the blues and gospel music, and their symbolic, symbiotic relationship. Plus, they discuss gospel music’s roots in the African American community then and today.

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Negro Spirituals: The Music That Helped Free Enslaved African Americans

American Black Journal Producer AJ Walker talks with Dr. Brandon Waddles, a composer, arranger, choir director and music instructor at Wayne State University, about how Negro spirituals uplifted enslaved Africans brought to this country and how it served as a universal language that helped lead them to freedom. Plus, they discuss R&B singers, past and present, whose musical roots stemmed from the Black Church.

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Detroit Public Theatre Performs ‘Detroit ’67’ Production Based on Detroit 1967 Riots

As the Detroit 1967 riots began, a revelation was brewing in the city, and what rose from the ashes of the rebellion has ultimately shaped the city and how it functions today. In Dominique Morisseau’s production of “Detroit ’67,” the questions of race, social justice and progress that took center stage during the 1967 riots turn inward to see how the civil disturbance intertwined and impacted the lives of one African American family.

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Rise of Anti-Asian Hate Revives Asian American Civil Rights Movement Sparked by Vincent Chin’s Murder

Nearly 40 years after the racially motivated murder of Chinese American Vincent Chin in Detroit, the hate crime is being seen in a new light alongside a more recent rise in anti-Asian hate across the country; one that looks similar to Chin’s case, but some experts say is much worse. One Detroit’s Bill Kubota explores how Vincent Chin’s legacy shaped Asian American civil rights activists today.

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Through A New Lens: Revisiting ‘Who Killed Vincent Chin?’, Asian American Civil Rights Nearly 40 Years Later 

Nearly four decades after the documentary “Who Killed Vincent Chin?” premiered, the filmmakers Christine Choy and Renee Tajima-Peña, alongside Detroit Public TV’s Juanita Anderson, join Detroit-area filmmaker Chien-An Yuan to talk about the making of the documentary, the civil rights movement they covered in real-time, and the significance the film still holds nearly today. 

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WRIF’s D.R.E.A.D. Card: Detroit’s First Loyalty Program for Rock Music Lovers

One Detroit senior producer Bill Kubota and “Detroit Remember When: Made in the Motor City” host Erik Smith sit down with several former members of WRIF Radio to hear more about the radio station’s rise to popularity in the late 1970s and 1980s and examine how it became one of the most well-known Detroit rock radio stations still to this day.

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Lighthouse Preservation Efforts Underway for Spectacle Reef Lighthouse

Lake Huron and Lake Michigan come together in the Straits of Mackinac—long considered one of the most treacherous waterways on all of the Great Lakes. For nearly 150 years, the Spectacle Reef Lighthouse has guarded ships passing through the Straits. Great Lakes now explores the preservation efforts and initiatives going into restoring the historic, iconic site.

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The Craze Behind Detroit’s Famous Coney Dogs 

Whether you’re team Lafeyette or team American, we can all agree Detroit makes the best Coney dogs. And they should— the famous Motor City meal was founded here more than a century ago in the early 1900s. But what’s the story underneath all that meat sauce, mustard and onions? Let’s take a look back at Detroit’s Coney dog history. 

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Collection of Horace Sheffield, Jr.’s Archives Coming to Wayne State University, WCCCD

Stephen talks with Horace Sheffield, Jr.’s son, Rev. Horace Sheffield III, about the influence and impact his father had on the trade unions during the civil rights movement. Plus, Sheffield III talks about upcoming plans to house thousands of items from his father’s archives in a massive collection at Wayne State University and Wayne County Community College District.

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2/15/22: American Black Journal – Horace Sheffield Jr.’s Archives, Olayami Dabls, Tylonn Sawyer

American Black Journal continues to celebrate Black History Month by taking a closer look at the legacy of Horace Sheffield, Jr., a trailblazer in the African American labor union movement. Then, producer Marcus Green profiles this year’s Kresge Eminent Artist Olayami Dabls at his MBAD African Bead Museum on Detroit’s west side. Plus, One Detroit Associate Producer Will Glover has a conversation with Detroit artist and educator Tylonn Sawyer about the importance of depicting contemporary messages in his artwork.

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The creation and history of Detroit’s Velvet Peanut Butter brand

It’s fresh, pure and delicious, and it’s a brand some Detroiters might recognize. “Detroit Remember When: Made in the Motor City,” host Erik Smith takes viewers on a nostalgic journey back to the creation of the Velvet Peanut Butter company in Detroit in 1937, and shares how the iconic peanut butter brand became intertwined with Detroit’s history.

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2/14/2022: One Detroit – Fiddler on the Roof, Charles H. Wright, Velvet Peanut Butter & Aaron Lewys

The University of Michigan, University Musical School and The Philadelphia Orchestra team up to bring a unique ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ concert performance to the Hill Auditorium in Ann Arbor. Then, explore the life and legacy of Dr. Charles H. Wright, founder of the Museum of African American History. Plus, from “Detroit Remember When: Made in the Motor City,” viewers take a nostalgic trip back to learn about the rise and fall of the Velvet Peanut Butter company. In closing, singer/songwriter Aaron Lewys performs his song “Stop Wasting My Time” for Detroit Performs: Live From Marygrove.

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Remembering Bill Bonds: Detroit’s Most Opinionated Newsman

One Detroit’s Bill Kubota and Detroit Public Television Senior Vice President and host Fred Nahhat give a nod to Bill Bonds, the late reporter who wasn’t afraid to be opinionated. The duo remember Bonds’ legacy and discuss what he might have said about the state of Detroit and our nation today. 

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2/10/22: One Detroit – Critical Race Theory, Michigan Childcare, Workplace DEI, Bill Bonds

One Detroit’s Bill Kubota meets with Detroit artist Jonathan Harris to talk about his viral painting ‘Critical Race Theory’ and the conversations its sparking across the globe. Then, One Detroit’s Will Glover connects with BridgeDetroit reporter Nushrat Rahman to discuss the high childcare costs in Michigan and the financial assistance available to families. Plus, learn how diversity, equity and inclusion have progressed in the workplace since the death of George Floyd and remember the late newsman Bill Bonds, who would have turned 90 years old this month.

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2/08/22: American Black Journal – The History of Black History Month, African American Family Book Expo

Host Stephen Henderson learns more about the history of Black History Month, its founding and its importance today. Then, Stephen talks with the Detroit Book City bookstore about their upcoming African American Family Book Expo meant to further literacy in communities of color. Plus, we’ll share one of the winning performances at this year’s 25th annual Sphinx Competition.

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Pioneering Global Architect Minoru Yamasaki brought beauty to Detroit’s buildings

As part of Detroit Public Television’s documentary “Detroit Designs the World,” we transport back to 1950’s Detroit when architect Minoru Yamasaki (1912 – 1986) began to make his mark on the Detroit skyline. Detroit architecture, design and history experts explore Yamasaki’s designs across Detroit, examine the beauty and diverse influences of his designs, and reflect on the legacy he left in the Motor City.

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2/07/22: One Detroit – Dance Theatre of Harlem, Wearable Artist Virgil Taylor, Architect Minoru Yamasaki

One Detroit’s AJ Walkers met up with the Dance Theatre of Harlem at the Motown Museum to check out a preview of their upcoming ‘Higher Ground’ performance, which pays tribute to Stevie Wonder’s music. Then, Metalwork artist Virgil Taylor takes viewers inside his art studio to show some of the latest wearable art pieces and the ancient inspiration behind his works. Plus, hear more about Detroit’s architectural history and the impacts architect Minoru Yamasaki left with his designs in the Motor City.

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The legacy of Dr. Charles H. Wright and his Museum

Take a look inside the life and legacy of the late Dr. Charles H. Wright, founder of the Wright Museum of African American History. BridgeDetroit Engagement Director Orlando Bailey meets with the Wright Museum’s Director of Design and Fabrication Kevin Davidson to talk about Dr. Wright’s influence on himself and other African Americans living in Detroit, as well as the vision for creating and expanding the museum facility, which was once the largest African American historical museum in the world.

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2/01/22: American Black Journal – Racial Disparity in Traffic Stops, Legacy of Dr. Charles H. Wright

This week, host Stephen Henderson investigates an independent study from MSU’s School of Criminal Justice that showed Black drivers were stopped by Michigan State Police at disproportionately high rates in 2020. Stephen examines the steps being taken to address these racial disparities. Plus, BridgeDetroit’s Engagement Director Orlando Bailey takes us inside the life and legacy of the late Dr. Charles H. Wright, founder of the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, with the museum’s Director of Design and Fabrication Kevin Davidson.

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Remembering the Legacy Architect Albert Kahn Left in Detroit

Whether it was the Highland Park Ford plant in 1910 or the Fisher Building in 1928, architect Albert Kahn revolutionized the architecture industry with his large, sweeping designs with lots of open space and his use of ornate artistry like sculptures and bronze work. Detroit Experience Factory Founder and Executive Director Jeanette Pierce, Michigan Historic Preservation Officer Brian Conway, Cranbrook Center for Collections and Research Director Gregory Wittkopp, and President and CEO of Albert Kahn Associates, Inc. Alan Cobb discuss the lasting legacy Kahn left in the motor city.

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1/24/22: One Detroit – Albert Kahn, Heidelberg Project, Pandemic Performances, African Drumming

Transport back in time to before Detroit was known as the motor city to learn about the lasting legacy architect Albert Kahn left in Detroit after crafting the Highland Park Ford plant, the Fisher Building and more. Then, One Detroit’s Will Glover catches up with the Heidelberg Project, a three-decade long arts project in east Detroit, to hear how the organization continues to fare during COVID. John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts President Deborah Rutter shares how performances have changed since the pandemic began, and the importance of art in the human experience. Plus, we end the episode with a special Detroit Performs: Live From Maygrove performance of “Could You Love Me” by local folk artist Matt Watroba.

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1/20/22: One Detroit – Detroit’s Diverse History

This week, One Detroit examines the diverse history of Michigan’s largest city, Detroit. Learn more about the storied history of the city’s boxing scene, and what makes Detroit boxers knockouts in the ring. Then, One Detroit’s Bill Kubota visits the historic Birwood Wall, a Detroit wall with a racist past, and explores how it offers hope and healing today. Plus, a look into Detroit’s highways and the damage they’ve caused to Black communities over the years.

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The History of Detroit’s Celebrated Boxing Scene

Detroit’s rich history of boxing around the city has produced numerous champions including Joe Louis, Thomas Hearns and Hilmer Kentry to name a few. Whether at the famous Kronk Gym, where it originally sat on McGraw Avenue in Detroit, or at the city’s Golden Gloves Tournament, Detroit has been a training ground for some of the best amateurs and professionals in the sport of boxing. American Black Journal Producer Marcus Green reports on the sport’s early days in Detroit and how it embedded itself into the city’s story.

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Mochitsuki: The Japanese art of pounding rice for New Years

One prominent Japanese tradition involves pounding in the New Year with fresh mochi, rice smashed into a gooey paste and molded into round cakes, then eaten for good luck. The One Detroit team takes a trip to a metro Detroit community center where the Japanese American Citizens League of Detroit hosts their second annual mochitsuki party.

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BridgeDetroit | Uncovering Sarah Elizabeth Ray, ‘Detroit’s Other Rosa Parks’

Every Black Detroiter who spent summers on the nostalgic Boblo island giggling on the carousel or swinging in the dance hall should thank Sarah Elizabeth Ray. After being denied a seat on one of the segregated Boblo boat in 1945 because she was Black, she fought all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court and won. Her case paved the way for the landmark Brown v. Board of Education case, which ruled segregation in public schools as unconstitutional.

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Puerto Rican Musician, Activist Ozzie Rivera Reflects on a Lifetime of Music and Culture

Ever since well-known Detroit historian, educator, musician and activist Osvaldo “Ozzie” Rivera was a child, he grew up immersed in traditional Puerto Rican music and culture. One Detroit’s Bill Kubota sat down with Ozzie Rivera to talk about the origins of his passion for music and celebrating culture, memories of drum circles in Clark Park and his outlook on salsa’s longevity.

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Wallace House Presents “The 1619 Project”

With The 1619 Project, The New York Times is prompting conversation and debate about the legacy of slavery and its influence over American society and culture. Wallace House Presents the project’s creator, New York Times Magazine reporter Nikole Hannah-Jones, in conversation with Rochelle Riley January 28.

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Shrine of the Black Madonna

Plans to redevelop the Shrine of the Black Madonna bookstore and cultural center are underway, we have Kandia Milton, Project Coordinator & Minister, Shrine of the Black Madonna; Rhonda Smith, Reporter, Detour Detroit and Rainy Hamilton, Principal, Hamilton Anderson Associates on hand to discuss all the details.

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Better Made Potato Chips

One Detroit takes a look at the history of Better Made potato chips in this excerpt from Detroit Public TV’s “Detroit Remember When: Made in the Motor City” documentary.

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9/8/19: American Black Journal – The 1619 Project / Entertainment Social Justice

On the next American Black Journal, The New York Times Magazine’s “The 1619 Project,” takes a comprehensive look at the start of slavery in America 400 years ago. Stephen talks with two of the initiative’s contributors about how the controversial project reframes U.S. history around the arrival of the first African slave ship in August of 1619.

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Record high water on Detroit’s East Side

An emergency situation in the flooded Jefferson Chalmers neighborhood on Detroit’s east side comes with 100,000 sandbags and the workers to fill and stack them.
The city of Detroit is looking for short term solutions where record high water levels and too much rain have left residents submerged near the Detroit River. One Detroit’s Bill Kubota has the story.

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7/14/19: American Black Journal – NAACP National Convention / Concert of Colors

On the next American Black Journal, the 110th annual NAACP National Convention is coming to Detroit this month. The Detroit Branch NAACP President, Rev. Wendell Anthony, talks with Stephen about this year’s speakers, activities and agenda. Plus, the Concert of Colors is underway in Detroit. Concert founder, Ismael Ahmed, talks about this annual celebration of diversity in music.

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5/12/19: American Black Journal – Slavery At Jefferson’s Monticello: Paradox Of Liberty

Stephen gets a one-on-one tour of the exhibition at the Charles H. Wright Museum that has stirred protests in the African-American community. The exhibit, “Slavery at Jefferson’s Monticello: Paradox of Liberty,” explores the lives of the enslaved people on Thomas Jefferson’s plantation. Stephen talks with the museum’s CEO and with a member of the community coalition opposed to the exhibit.

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2/10/19: American Black Journal – Black History Month at The Wright / The Bible is Black History

Stephen gets details on the special Black History Month programming at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, which includes a book talk and signing and a tribute to Detroit’s pioneering hip-hop producer J. Dilla.  Plus, a new book uses DNA evidence and the findings of historians and scientists to prove the presence of people of African descent in biblical history.

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6/10/18: Building Family Legacy Businesses / Black Historic Sites Bus Tour

Stephen Henderson hosts a conversation on the importance of building generational wealth and a succession plan within Black family-owned businesses. Research shows businesses owned by African Americans rarely get passed on to future generations. Stephen talks with local business owners who are defying the odds. Plus, a new bus tour spotlights Black historic sites in Detroit that are designated by Michigan Historical Markers. We’ll tell you what city gems are among the tour stops.

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