Category: Literature
Michigan’s book ban battle: Navigating the controversy of literary censorship in metro Detroit
Sep 29, 2023
The 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 new citywide summer literacy campaign to curb student learning loss
Aug 2, 2023
Brilliant 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 MoreBookstock 2023 raises money for literacy, education projects by recycling used media
Apr 11, 2023
The 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 Encourages People to Read Black Authors, Understand Black History
Sep 20, 2022
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.
Read More‘Boys Come First’: Aaron Foley’s Debut Novel Follows Three Millennial Gay Black Friends in Detroit
Jun 14, 2022
What 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 Returns: Detroit-Area Used Book, Media Sale Continues After COVID Hiatus
May 10, 2022
Bookstock, 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 MoreAuthor Rae Chesny Keeps Zora Neale Hurston’s Life, Stories Alive With ‘Dear Zora’ Book
Mar 8, 2022
Host 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 MoreDetroit Book City Hosts African American Family Book Expo for Black History Month
Feb 8, 2022
Host 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.
Read More2/08/22: American Black Journal – The History of Black History Month, African American Family Book Expo
Feb 8, 2022
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.
Read More1/27/22: One Detroit – Thought-Provoking Conversations on the Creative Arts
Jan 27, 2022
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 MoreMichigan Photography Book Shows State’s Natural, Manmade Beauty
Jan 17, 2022
Glenn 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 More1/12/20: American Black Journal – The BAR / Encourage Me I’m Young
Jan 9, 2020
January is National Mentoring Month and Stephen talks with two organizations that are helping young African Americans develop into future leaders.
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News From Around Detroit
- Art behind bars: U-M program is changing lives of Michigan inmatesby Bryce Huffman (Bryce Huffman, Author at BridgeDetroit)
Artwork from current and former inmates is on display through Sunday in the Free Your Mind: Art and Incarceration in Michigan exhibition at the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit.
- With a new director coming soon, what’s the state of DDOT?by Bryce Huffman (Bryce Huffman, Author at BridgeDetroit)
Detroit Department of Transportation leader Mikel Oglesby is leaving at the close of October, prompting some advocates and union officials to worry about DDOT’s future. Oglesby and city leaders say plans will stay on track.
- Metro Detroit students start new school year with familiar challenges, fresh solutionsby Lily Altavena, Detroit Free Press, Orlando Bailey, Ethan Bakuli, Chalkbeat Detroit, Nour Rahal, Detroit Free Press and Micah Walker (Orlando Bailey, Author at BridgeDetroit)
The 2023-24 year marks the fourth full school year since the pandemic started, and offers the state’s public schools an opportunity to recalibrate academic recovery programs, tackle mental health issues, and address longstanding problems.
- New school year and new challenges on the first day of school in metro Detroitby Lily Altavena, Detroit Free Press, Ethan Bakuli, Chalkbeat Detroit, Orlando Bailey and Nour Rahal, Detroit Free Press (Orlando Bailey, Author at BridgeDetroit)
As the new school year begins in Detroit Public Schools Community District and others across Michigan, students face familiar challenges — with the promise of fresh solutions.
- Eastside Community Network regroups after center rammed by pickup truckby Olivia Lewis (Olivia Lewis, Author at BridgeDetroit)
Benjamin Noah Weinstein, a 42-year-old white Detroiter, is charged with six felonies in connection with the Aug. 19 incident that damaged the longtime community center with a predominately Black membership
National Headlines
- Kevin McCarthy is out as speaker of the House. What happens next?
The House of Representatives has entered uncharted territory after a last-ditch, right-wing effort to remove fellow Republican Kevin McCarthy from the speakership succeeded.
- What led to the collapse of McCarthy's speakership and what's next for the House
For the first time in this nation's history, the House of Representatives formally ousted its speaker. A handful of hard-right Republicans and every Democrat voted together to remove the gavel from Speaker Kevin McCarthy's hand. The move came nine months to the day since McCarthy lost his first vote to become speaker. Congressional Correspondent Lisa Desjardins reports from Capitol Hill.
- News Wrap: Hunter Biden pleads not guilty to federal gun charges
In our news wrap Tuesday, Hunter Biden pleaded not guilty to federal charges that he lied about drug use when he bought a handgun in 2018, a state judge in New York imposed a limited gag order on former President Trump at his civil trial for alleged business fraud and President Biden sought to reassure allied leaders today about the U.S. commitment to Ukraine.