Birdie’s Bookmobile hopes to inspire the next generation of readers. Launched in 2022, the literacy organization provides hundreds of books to schools, after-school programs and nonprofits across Detroit. Since Birdie’s Bookmobile was born, it has distributed more than 16,000 books. One Detroit and BridgeDetroit contributor Eleanore Catolico has the story.
Read MoreThe 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.
Read MoreA 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.
Read MoreDetroit-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.
Read MoreReboot, an arts and culture nonprofit, hosted its first event in Detroit at Third Man Records featuring an exploration of the Jewish folklore and myth of the Golem. The event featured art, music, film, and literature and a book talk with award-winning author Adam Mansbach for his book “The Golem of Brooklyn.” One Detroit’s Chris Jordan has the story.
Read MoreIn 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.”
Read MoreThe Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History has presented the next installment of its lecture series, “A Conversation with Alexander Smalls,” James-Beard-Award-winning chef, author and restaurant owner.
Read MoreThe contentious issue of books bans has taken center stage across the nation, and in Michigan it’s no different. Learn how libraries across metro Detroit have been impacted by book bans and where Michigan stands on the issue. Plus, a local parent shares her thoughts on literary censorship in schools, and more information on the Michigan Library Association’s Right to Read initiative.
Read MoreBrilliant Detroit announces a new citywide summer literacy campaign at its community hubs. Children and families can take part in reading activities, field trips and pop-up events designed to keep young kids engaged in the joy of reading.
Read MoreThe Detroit area’s largest used book and media sale, Bookstock, returns to once again benefit literacy and education projects in Southeast Michigan. Stephen Henderson gets the details on Bookstock 2023.
Read MoreSeptember 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.
Read MoreWhat does it look like on the inside of a friendship between three millennial gay Black friends in Detroit? In recognition of Pride Month, producer AJ Walker sits down with journalist and author Aaron Foley to talk about his new novel, including the controversial social, political and humanistic topics he covers and what he believes makes his characters different than those in other novels.
Read MoreBookstock, the Detroit-area’s largest used book and media sale, returns this year after a two-year COVID-related hiatus. Host Stephen Henderson sits down with the event organizers and educators to discuss the state of literacy in metro Detroit, the importance of accessibility to books and the impact of the pandemic on education.
Read MoreHost Stephen Henderson talks with author Rae Chesny, who is currently writing “Dear Zora” and travels the world lecturing and presenting her research on Zora Neale 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.
Read MoreHost Stephen Henderson catches up with the Detroit Book City bookstore to learn about its upcoming African American Family Book Expo, its initiative to further literacy in communities of color and being able to promote the joy of reading to Black families in Southeast Michigan.
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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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This week, One Detroit takes a look back at the interesting people and thought-provoking conversations we’ve had on the show. Marvel comic book author Saladin Ahmed meets with One Detroit editor Chris Jordan for a captivating conversation around his latest Spider-Man series and the role of representation in comics. Then, senior producer Bill Kubota talks with Ray Gray, one of Michigan’s longest-serving inmates, upon his release from prison. Plus, associate producer Will Glover chats with acclaimed actor CCH Pounder about her new art collection and exhibit titled “Queen.”
Read MoreGlenn Stevens knows all about the beautiful landscapes that stretch from the top of Michigan’s mitten down to the south, so much that he created and published a photography book filled with his photos from across the state. One Detroit’s Christy McDonald chats with Glenn about his new book and the even deeper meaning behind him creating it.
Read MoreJanuary is National Mentoring Month and Stephen talks with two organizations that are helping young African Americans develop into future leaders.
Read MoreOn the next American Black Journal, a Detroit Free Press analysis of mortgage data shows a small number of Blacks are getting mortgages in Detroit. We’ll talk about the racial disparities in lending and the state of the mortgage market in the city. Plus, two local African-American chefs join Stephen to talk about the impact of Detroit’s burgeoning restaurant scene on Black-owned restaurants.
Read MoreOn the next American Black Journal, the new CEO of the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation, Kevin Johnson, talks with Stephen about his vision and priorities for driving investment, creating jobs and growing Detroit’s economy. Plus, we’ll get details on the Detroit-area’s largest used book and media sale that’s raising money for local education and literacy projects.
Read MoreWatch Stephen Henderson’s special American Black Journal conversation with author, professor and Detroit native Michael Eric Dyson for a wide-ranging interview on the racial divide in America … the Trump Presidency … and much more. It’s a conversation you don’t want to miss.
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On the next American Black Journal: If it’s April, it must be time for the annual Bookstock...
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On the next American Black Journal, we take a look at the importance of literacy in the Black...
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On the next American Black Journal: A new book tells the true life story of Detroit-born recording...
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