The annual September is Black Reading Month returns for its 45th year. The month-long observance encourages readers to explore literary works by Black authors. Host Stephen Henderson talks with September is Black Reading Month Co-Founder Malik Yakini about the observance’s history and literary issues in America. Plus, they recommend books written by Black authors.
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From serving as stations on the Underground Railroad to establishing schools and hospitals and hosting civil rights leaders, the Black Church in Detroit is an important part of Black liberation and empowerment. Host Stephen Henderson explores the historical impact of Detroit’s Black churches.
Read MoreThe 41st annual African World Festival returns to Detroit’s Hart Plaza July 12-14 to celebrate and showcase the culture, arts, and community spirit of the African diaspora. Host Stephen Henderson talks with Yolanda Jack, Manager of Community Engagement at The Wright Museum, about the festival’s growth, how it celebrates the African diaspora, and what attendees can expect at this year’s festival.
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“American Black Journal” and BridgeDetroit co-host a virtual town hall on reparations. “American Black Journal” host Stephen Henderson moderates a thought-provoking conversation with local experts on the status of Detroit’s reparations task force and how other cities have addressed reparations. The town hall also examines the University of Michigan’s research on city government and discrimination.
Read MoreThe Michigan Roundtable for Diversity & Inclusion has announced longtime community organizer and author Yusef Bunchy Shakur as the nonprofit’s new co-executive director. The nonprofit also plans to change its name to the Michigan Roundtable for Just Communities to better reflect the nonprofit’s mission. Host Stephen Henderson talks with Shakur about his new appointment and the name change.
Read MoreThe Detroit Branch NAACP’s 69th annual Fight for Freedom Fund Dinner features President Joe Biden as the keynote speaker, marking only the second time a sitting U.S. President has given the keynote. Detroit NAACP President Rev. Dr. Wendell Anthony talks about the importance of having President Biden deliver the keynote and outlines some of the vital issues in the Black community.
Read MoreThe Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History has been educating Detroiters and visitors on African American history since 1966. The museum continues to expand, introducing new exhibits, bolstering its technology, and expanding its theatre. One Detroit contributor Sarah Zientarski talks with Wright Museum President and CEO Neil Barclay about the improvements being made.
Read MoreSeveral films are making their Michigan debut at the Freep Film Festival, including one about Detroit and its history of racial tensions and unrest. “The Riot Report” takes a look at the work of the Kerner Commission and the cause of the civil uprisings that erupted in the summer of 1967 in cities across the nation, including Detroit. Watch a preview of the documentary.
Read MoreThe 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.
Read MoreRobyn 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.
Read MoreA 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.
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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.
Read MoreWayne 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.
Read MoreTwo upcoming musical performances will share the seven principles of Kwanzaa with audiences through song. In The Tradition’s annual Kwanzaa performances are a way to make the teaching of the holiday more accessible through jazz music. One Detroit’s Sarah Zientarski caught up with the ensemble ahead of their two performances at the Charles H. Wright Museum and Aretha’s Jazz Cafe.
Read MoreFor 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.
Read MoreInternationally 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.
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 MoreThe Detroit Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority celebrates the 30-year anniversary of its Minerva Education and Development Foundation with an Oct. 29 gala raising money for scholarships and grants. Event chair Jenice Mitchell Ford talks about the mission of MEDF and the Detroit Deltas’ legacy of philanthropy and helping others.
Read MoreThe Nu Omega Detroit Chapter of Omega Psi Phi is commemorating its centennial as a cornerstone of service and leadership in Detroit. Dr. Michael Carrauthers, the chair of the anniversary committee, shares how the chapter is celebrating 100 years of service and the accomplishments of some of the fraternity’s well-known Detroit members.
Read MoreAs one of the first African American operatic performers, renowned tenor and trailblazer George Shirley’s contributions to the world of opera and music education have left an indelible mark on the industry. Shirley sat down for an exclusive one-on-one conversation with 90.9 WRCJ’s Cecelia Sharpe about his remarkable entry into the opera scene and his history as a music educator.
Read MoreTwo-time Oscar-winning costume designer Ruth E. Carter discusses her exhibit “Ruth E. Carter: Afrofuturism in Costume Design” at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History through March 31, 2024. The exhibit features costumes from iconic films such as Black Panther, Wakanda Forever, Roots, Selma, Malcolm X and many more.
Read MoreIn a promising development for Detroit’s Jefferson-Chalmers neighborhood on the city’s Eastside, African American entrepreneur Raphael Wright is set to open the doors of Neighborhood Grocery. The market is poised to make history as the first Black-owned grocery store in Detroit in nearly a decade.
Read MoreThe “Black Church in Detroit” series delves into the contemporary significance of civil rights and the state of civil rights today. Historic King Solomon Missionary Baptist Church’s Senior Pastor, Rev. Charles Williams II, a distinguished figure in civil rights arenas, shares his perspectives on the legacy of the 1963 March on Washington and the present-day state of civil rights advocacy.
Read MoreAs the nation commemorates the 60th anniversary of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, attention turns to the significant role that the Detroit Walk to Freedom played in shaping that civil rights march. One Detroit Senior Producer Bill Kubota explains the tie between these two historic events and how they changed civil rights in America.
Read MoreAs 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.
Read MoreDetroit’s I-375 is the shortest highway in the country. When it was constructed, it led to the destruction of two thriving Black communities. One Detroit and BridgeDetroit team up to break down the I-375 Reconnecting Communities Project in Detroit and whether the plans will benefit the community.
Read MoreBringing together community and civil rights leaders, politicians, activists and residents from across Southeast Michigan, the Detroit Branch NAACP hosted a vibrant and momentous June Jubilee honoring the 1963 Detroit Walk to Freedom, a pivotal march in the Civil Rights Movement. One Detroit brings you highlights from the events with contributor Orlando Bailey.
Read MoreSummer is here, and Detroit’s highly anticipated African World Festival is near. The annual festival celebrates 40 years in the city this year from July 14-16 at Hart Plaza. Festival Director Njia Kai shares what attendees can expect from the festival’s 40th annual year celebrating the arts and culture of the African diaspora.
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American Black Journal teams up with BridgeDetroit for a virtual town hall commemorating the 60th anniversary of two historic events in the Civil Rights Movement: the 1963 Detroit Walk to Freedom and the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.
Read MoreAs federal Juneteenth celebrations become more common across the nation, One Detroit visited the Detroit Northwestern High School’s inaugural Juneteenth parade to see how they’re celebrating the nation’s newest federal holiday and to hear how others can learn more about its history.
Read MoreThe Detroit Branch NAACP plans to unveil a bronze statue of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. In Hart Plaza during its June Jubilee events. We talked with the artist behind the sculpture about his piece and how it found its home in Detroit.
Read MoreDetroit NAACP President Rev. Dr. Wendell Anthony previews the NAACP’s “June Jubilee: A Celebration of Freedom” events in commemoration of the Detroit Walk to Freedom’s 60th anniversary. Plus, he discusses the state of civil rights in America, the struggle for voting rights and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy.
Read MoreTwo Detroit women, Dorothy Aldridge and Edith Lee-Payne, reflect on attending the Detroit Walk to Freedom 60 years ago, as well as the walk’s impact on their lives and its place in history.
Read MoreRev. Dr. JoAnn Watson reflects on attending the 1963 Detroit Walk to Freedom as a child ahead of the Detroit NAACP’s June Jubilee events, which includes the 60th anniversary commemoration of the march. And we get a look at the awardees and keynote speaker for the NAACP’s 68th annual Fight for Freedom Fund dinner.
Read MoreThe Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History shares details about its 2023 Juneteenth Jubilee Celebration and how the museum will commemorate the day that marked the end of slavery.
Read MoreBridgeDetroit reporter Micah Walker gets details on the Detroit Branch NAACP’s June Jubilee weekend of events in commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the 1963 Detroit Walk to Freedom, which includes the Freedom Walk Summit, a new Martin Luther King statue, the Freedom Walk, and the annual Fight for Freedom Fund dinner.
Read MoreA captivating new short film, “Detroit We Dey,” directed by Detroit filmmaker Ozi Uduma, looks at the history and future of the Old Bende Association founded by a community of Igbo-Nigerians who immigrated to Detroit in the 1970s and ‘80s. We talked with Uduma about her film and the history of Detroit’s Nigerian community.
Read MoreAcclaimed filmmaker, film critic and historian Elvis Mitchell joins host Stephen Henderson to discuss his Netflix documentary “Is That Black Enough For You?!?” and the way it changed representation in cinema.
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Join Detroit Public TV, American Black Journal and PBS Books on Wednesday, March 22, at 8 p.m. ET, for a fascinating look at new techniques for unraveling the mysteries of African American genealogy.
Read MoreFor Black History Month, Rev. Horace Sheffield III reflects on his father’s legacy, what it was like growing up with a front-row seat to the civil rights movement, and the influence early civil rights leaders had on him.
Read MoreAmerican Black Journal and BridgeDetroit examine the changes in Detroit’s political power in Congress, and what impact the loss of African American representation may have on the city’s nearly 80% Black population.
Read MoreDetroit political consultant Adolph Mongo talks about the city’s Black political representation over the years, how it has changed and why.
Read MoreAmerican Black Journal” shares the events being held at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History for Black History Month 2023, including two major jazz-themed exhibits and other family-friendly activities.
Read MoreThe Secret Society of Twisted Storytellers celebrates Black History Month in Southfield with featured speakers Rev. Horace Sheffield III and Yusef Shakur on the theme “CRT: Betrayal and Trust.”
Read MoreIn 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.
Read MoreDr. 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.
Read MoreAmerican Black Journal reflects on the 60th anniversary of the 1963 Walk to Freedom in Detroit, which attracted more than 125,000 marchers down Woodward Avenue and featured an early version of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech delivered at Cobo Arena.
Read MoreThe 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.
Read MoreThe Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History talks about its annual Kwanzaa celebration, Kwanzaa at The Wright, and the thought-provoking exhibits coming to the museum in 2023.
Read MoreMichigan 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.
Read MoreCity 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.
Read MoreDetroit artist Mario Moore has a new exhibit, “Midnight and Canaan,” which explores the forgotten stories and figures involved in Detroit’s Underground Railroad. The exhibit was inspired by the story of a young enslaved couple and stories of how Detroit’s Underground Railroad connects to Detroit’s African American population today. One Detroit Arts & Culture host Satori Shakoor sits down with Moore to hear more about his latest exhibit at the David Klein Gallery.
Read MoreA Michigan historical marker has been installed at the site of the Birwood Wall, which at one time stood as a symbol of racism and housing segregation in Detroit. The wall has since been painted to symbolize the resilience and resolve of African Americans in the area. One Detroit visited the unveiling of the historical marker to learn more about efforts to move forward.
Read MoreDetroit 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.
Read More“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.
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 MoreThe 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.
Read MoreThe 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.
Read MoreWGPR 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.
Read MoreAmerican 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.
Read MoreAs 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.
Read MoreCharles H. Wright Museum of African American History President and CEO Neil Barclay joins “American Black Journal” host Stephen Henderson to share how his museum plans to celebrate the nation’s newest federal holiday, Juneteenth, and how the museum will be involved in the “We the People” national virtual program with other Black museums and historical institutions.
Read MoreStephen 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.
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.
Read MoreHost Stephen Henderson sits down with Dr. W. Marvin Dulaney, the president of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), for a captivating conversation about ASALH’s founding of Black History Month and it’s importance in today’s racial landscape.
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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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