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SilenceViolenceMarch-1024&#215;576

Stories from American Black Journal

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This month marks five years since George Floyd was murdered by a Minneapolis police officer, setting off a worldwide protest against racial injustice. For the Episcopal Diocese of Michigan, the watershed moment represented the opportunity to embark on a mission of linking spirituality to racial healing. <span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335557856&quot;:16777215,&quot;335559685&quot;:-20,&quot;335559737&quot;:-20,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}"> 
In 2022, the diocese <a href="https://www.edomi.org/spiritualityandrace/">launched a multi-year initiative</a> called &#8220;Spirituality and Race,&#8221; aiming to address racial injustice through spiritual reflection and community engagement. The initiative is designed to explore the historical roots of racism, promote healing, and build a community that fosters unity and equity.<span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335557856&quot;:16777215,&quot;335559685&quot;:-20,&quot;335559737&quot;:-20,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}"> 
This year, <a href="https://episcopalnewsservice.org/2025/01/09/michigan-diocese-sets-path-for-exploring-racial-reparations-payments/">the diocese deepened its commitment</a> to confronting the nation’s history of racism by creating a reparations task force, led by Rev. Sister Veronica Dunbar, and raising funds for reparations programs. The Diocese of Michigan joins a growing movement within the Episcopal Church, with dioceses in Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Texas, Virginia, and Washington also working to study and fund reparations programs. <span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335557856&quot;:16777215,&quot;335559685&quot;:-20,&quot;335559737&quot;:-20,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}"> 
The task force will hold listening sessions across the diocese to gather input on how members of the community feel about reparations and what steps should be taken moving forward.  <span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335557856&quot;:16777215,&quot;335559685&quot;:-20,&quot;335559737&quot;:-20,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}"> 
<a href="https://www.edomi.org/bishopperry/">Bishop Bonnie Perry</a> and <a href="https://www.edomi.org/about/staff/">Rev. Dunbar</a> from the Episcopal Diocese of Michigan spoke with “American Black Journal” <a href="https://www.detroitpbs.org/about/who-is-detroit-pbs/senior-staff/stephen-henderson/">host Stephen Henderson</a> about the initiative and how the diocese is using it to break down barriers around race and racism.<span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335557856&quot;:16777215,&quot;335559685&quot;:-20,&quot;335559737&quot;:-20,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}">

Episcopal Diocese of Michigan’s Spirituality and Race initiative tackles reparations and racial healing

TABRON SCREENSHOT

The National Day of Racial Healing is observed annually on the day after Martin Luther King Jr. Day. It provides an opportunity for individuals and communities across the U.S. to come together and engage in conversations that foster racial healing. <span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}"> 
<a href="https://dayofracialhealing.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The observance</a>, launched in 2017 by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, builds on the work of its Truth, Racial Healing &amp; Transformation (TRHT) partners, who are committed to advancing racial equity and addressing the systemic and historical impacts of racism. <a href="https://www.detroitpbs.org/news-media/american-black-journal/new-detroit-inc-national-day-of-racial-healing-2025/">It encourages people</a> to confront racial equity issues with honesty and empathy, helping to build trust and restore community connections. <span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}"> 
As the nation commemorates this year’s National Day of Racial Healing, <a href="https://www.wkkf.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">W.K. Kellogg Foundation</a> President and CEO La June Montgomery Tabron talks with <a href="https://www.detroitpbs.org/about/who-is-detroit-pbs/senior-staff/stephen-henderson/">host Stephen Henderson</a> about the importance of holding these crucial conversations. She encourages individuals and communities to lead discussions focusing on shared experiences and fostering understanding through common ground.<span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}"> 
Plus, they discuss two books written by Montgomery Tabron aimed at advancing racial healing. <a href="https://disruptionbooks.com/books/how-we-heal" target="_blank" rel="noopener">“How We Heal”</a> provides a roadmap for individuals and communities to process their healing journey, while <a href="https://disruptionbooks.com/books/our-differences-make-us-stronger" target="_blank" rel="noopener">“Our Differences Make Us Stronger”</a> is a children’s book that helps younger generations understand and embrace diversity.

A path to healing: National Day of Racial Healing promotes unity and understanding

Marshalle Favors Screen Shot

The National Day of Racial Healing, observed annually on the day after Martin Luther King Jr. Day, is set for January 21. <a href="https://dayofracialhealing.org/about-ndorh/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Created in 2017</a> by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, the day encourages people across the country to come together and address the ongoing effects of racism. <span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335557856&quot;:16777215,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}"> 
This year’s observance aims to build on the work of the Truth, Racial Healing &amp; Transformation (TRHT) initiative and inspire collective efforts toward racial equity. Racial healing involves open conversations about past injustices and their continued impact on communities. 
In Detroit, several local organizations are participating in this year’s observance, including Little Detroit Community Garden&#8217;s <a href="https://dayofracialhealing.org/events/creative-artists-healing/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Creative Artists Healing</a>, the Detroit Equity Action Lab&#8217;s <a href="https://dayofracialhealing.org/events/national-day-of-healing-from-racism-2/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">National Day of Healing from Racism</a>, and the University of Michigan’s <a href="https://dayofracialhealing.org/events/university-of-michigan-rev-dr-martin-luther-king-jr-symposium/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Symposium.</a>
Marshalle Favors, Director of Community Engagement at <a href="https://www.newdetroit.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">New Detroit, Inc.</a>, talks with host Stephen Henderson about the day&#8217;s importance in promoting racial healing and equity. She explains how the observance aligns with the organization&#8217;s mission to foster racial understanding and advance equity in Detroit.

Advancing equity in Detroit: National Day of Racial Healing addresses the ongoing effects of racism

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Black Family Development, Inc. (BFDI), a leading nonprofit dedicated to enhancing the lives of African American families, is celebrating more than two and a half decades of serving the Detroit community. The nonprofit will mark its 46th anniversary at <a href="http://www.supportbfdi.org/2024gala" target="_blank" rel="noopener">its annual gala</a> on December 13 at <a href="https://mgmgranddetroit.mgmresorts.com/en.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">MGM Grand Detroit</a>. <span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335557856&quot;:16777215,&quot;335559685&quot;:-20,&quot;335559737&quot;:-20,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}"> 
Founded in 1978 by the <a href="https://greaterdetroitabsw.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Detroit Chapter of the National Association of Black Social Workers</a>, BFDI began with a mission to provide culturally relevant and sensitive social work services. The agency’s original focus on child abuse and neglect has since expanded to offer a broad range of counseling and advocacy services that address homelessness, juvenile justice, mental health, and more. <span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335557856&quot;:16777215,&quot;335559685&quot;:-20,&quot;335559737&quot;:-20,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}"> 
Through its <a href="https://blackfamilydevelopment.org/images/pdf/PersonCentered.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">person-centered approach</a>, the organization ensures that services are accessible and tailored to the unique needs of individuals and families in Detroit, Wayne, and Oakland counties. The nonprofit’s work is anchored in the belief that strong, empowered families are the foundation of vibrant, thriving communities. 
CEO <a href="https://www.blackfamilydevelopment.org/index.php/home/executive-leadership" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kenyatta Stephens</a> talks with host <a href="https://www.detroitpbs.org/shows/american-black-journal/about/meet-the-team/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Stephen Henderson</a> about the organization&#8217;s history and its ongoing work to create safe, nurturing environments for Detroit&#8217;s children, youth, and families. Stephens explains the counseling and advocacy services provided by the agency. 
Plus, she discusses the importance of working with partners to accomplish their mission and create a safety net for children by addressing basic needs and putting them on a pathway to success.<span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335557856&quot;:16777215,&quot;335559685&quot;:-20,&quot;335559737&quot;:-20,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}">

Black Family Development celebrates 46 years of serving Detroit’s African American community

Hundreds in attendance at 17th annual Silence the Violence march to end gun violence

In August 2023, eight-year-old Shawntaze Cameron Moore was fatally shot after he and other children got ahold of an unsecured gun at his mom’s house on Detroit’s west side. In 2016, 15-year-old Jada Rankin was killed by gun violence in Detroit. Each year, families of victims like Shawntaze and Jada, along with supporters, come together to honor loved ones lost to gun violence at the <a href="https://churchofthemessiahdetroit.org/silence-the-violence/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Silence the Violence march and rally</a>. 
The 17th annual event took place on June 15 at the <a href="https://churchofthemessiahdetroit.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Church of the Messiah</a>. Hundreds of people attended the event, which recognizes the innocent victims of gun violence and advances efforts to eradicate gun violence. Michigan <a href="https://www.michigan.gov/whitmer/ltgov" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II</a>, Detroit <a href="https://detroitmi.gov/government/mayors-office/police-chief" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Police Chief James White</a>, and Detroit <a href="https://detroitmi.gov/government/city-council/city-council-president-district-5" target="_blank" rel="noopener">City Council President Mary Sheffield</a> were also in attendance, offering their thoughts on reducing gun violence in the community.<span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}"> 
RELATED: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.detroitpbs.org/american-black-journal/16th-annual-silence-the-violence-march/">16th annual Silence the Violence march advocates for ending gun violence in communities of color</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.detroitpbs.org/american-black-journal/15th-annual-silence-the-violence-march-rallies-to-stop-gun-violence-in-detroit/">15th annual Silence the Violence march rallies to stop gun violence in Detroit</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.detroitpbs.org/american-black-journal/the-black-churchs-role-in-reducing-gun-violence-in-the-communities-they-serve/">The Black church’s role in reducing gun violence in the communities they serve </a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.detroitpbs.org/american-black-journal/force-detroit-discusses-creative-solutions-to-gun-violence-in-communities-of-color/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">FORCE Detroit discusses creative solutions to gun violence in communities of color</a></li>
</ul>
The event began in 2008 in the church’s Islandview neighborhood with little more than 50 people in attendance. Within a few years, the march and rally became a citywide event, and <a href="https://www.detroitpbs.org/american-black-journal/15th-annual-silence-the-violence-march-rallies-to-stop-gun-violence-in-detroit/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">in 2022</a> it was recognized statewide.
American Black Journal contributor Daijah Moss joined attendees at the march and rally to talk with family members who showed up in remembrance of loved ones who lost their lives to gun violence. The event’s founder, Church of the Messiah Pastor Barry Randolph, talked about the event’s growth over the years and its influence on similar marches being held in cities across Michigan. 
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<h2>Stay Connected: </h2>
Subscribe to Detroit PBS’<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/detroitpublictv56"> YouTube Channel</a> and don’t miss &#8220;American Black Journal&#8221; on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 9:30 a.m. on Detroit PBS, WTVS-Channel 56.
Catch the daily conversations on our<a href="https://www.detroitpbs.org/category/american-black-journal/"> website</a>,<a href="https://www.facebook.com/AmericanBlackJournal/"> Facebook</a>,<a href="https://twitter.com/amblackjournal"> Twitter</a> and<a href="https://www.instagram.com/amblackjournal/"> Instagram</a> @amblackjournal.
<h3><a href="https://www.detroitpbs.org/category/american-black-journal/">View Past Episodes &gt;</a></h3>
Watch American Black Journal on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 9:30 a.m. on Detroit PBS, WTVS-Channel 56.

Michigan Roundtable for Diversity & Inclusion names new co-executive director

For the first time in its 83-year history, the Michigan Roundtable for Diversity &amp; Inclusion has an African American leader. Longtime community organizer and author Yusef Bunchy Shakur <a href="https://www.miroundtable.org/staff" target="_blank" rel="noopener">has been named co-executive director</a> of the nonprofit organization. He will serve alongside Co-Executive Director Steve Spreitzer. <span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335557856&quot;:16777215,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}"> 
Shakur is well-known for his memoir, “<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7154951-the-window-2-my-soul" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Window 2 My Soul</a>,” which recounts his transformation from a troubled youth involved in gang activity in Detroit to a dedicated community leader. His work includes initiatives like the annual <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDCC3IzAULA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Restoring the Neighbor Back to the Hood Backpack Giveaway</a>, which has provided over 6,000 backpacks filled with school supplies to Detroit youth over the past decade. <span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335557856&quot;:16777215,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}"> 
RELATED: <a href="https://video.detroitpbs.org/video/dptv-documentaries-yusef-bunchy-shakur-dream/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Watch Detroit PBS&#8217; documentary &#8220;Dream on: Yusef Bunchy Shakur&#8221;</a>
The nonprofit will also change its name to the Michigan Roundtable for Just Communities this summer to better reflect its mission. Shakur’s appointment and the name change signify a renewed focus on addressing systemic issues and promoting social change. His recent academic achievement, earning a Ph.D. in Public Policy and Social Change, underscores his dedication to these causes.<span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335557856&quot;:16777215,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}"> 
Host <a href="https://x.com/SHDetroit" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Stephen Henderson</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/yusefbunchyshakur/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shakur</a> discuss his new role and the significance of the organization’s name change. Plus, Shakur talks about how his recent academic achievement, earning a Ph.D. in Public Policy and Social Change, will help him further the nonprofit’s work.<span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335557856&quot;:16777215,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}"> 
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<h2>Stay Connected: </h2>
Subscribe to Detroit PBS’<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/detroitpublictv56"> YouTube Channel</a> and don’t miss &#8220;American Black Journal&#8221; on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 9:30 a.m. on Detroit PBS, WTVS-Channel 56.
Catch the daily conversations on our<a href="https://www.detroitpbs.org/category/american-black-journal/"> website</a>,<a href="https://www.facebook.com/AmericanBlackJournal/"> Facebook</a>,<a href="https://twitter.com/amblackjournal"> Twitter</a> and<a href="https://www.instagram.com/amblackjournal/"> Instagram</a> @amblackjournal.
<h3><a href="https://www.detroitpbs.org/category/american-black-journal/">View Past Episodes &gt;</a></h3>
Watch American Black Journal on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 9:30 a.m. on Detroit PBS, WTVS-Channel 56.

Michigan Roundtable for Diversity & Inclusion names new co-executive director, announces name change

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A decade has passed since the City of Flint made the decision to switch its drinking water source from Detroit’s system to the untreated Flint River in a move purportedly aimed at saving money. However, this decision triggered a public health crisis that exposed tens of thousands of residents in the predominantly African American city to perilously high levels of lead contamination.<span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335557856&quot;:16777215,&quot;335559685&quot;:-20,&quot;335559737&quot;:-20,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}"> 
Despite concerted efforts by the City of Flint to address water infrastructure issues, many residents continue to grapple with distrust in the water supply and persistent health concerns. Also, <a href="https://apnews.com/article/flint-water-settlement-engineers-lead-children-374879027660211f2a1d6c83a0071c24" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the $25 million financial settlement</a> reached after the crisis has been subject to delays and complexities, prolonging restitution for affected individuals and families.<span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335557856&quot;:16777215,&quot;335559685&quot;:-20,&quot;335559737&quot;:-20,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}"> 
RELATED: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.detroitpbs.org/great-lakes-bureau/the-door-flint-opened-americas-drinking-water-crisis/">The door Flint opened: America’s drinking water crisis</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.detroitpbs.org/one-detroit/aging-infrastructure-highlighted-by-benton-harbors-continued-water-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Aging infrastructure highlighted by Benton Harbor’s continued water crisis</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.detroitpbs.org/american-black-journal/benton-harbor-water-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Stakeholders discuss solutions to Benton Harbor lead water crisis</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.detroitpbs.org/american-black-journal/drowning-in-dues-the-cost-of-water-for-communities-of-color/">Drowning in dues: The cost of water for communities of color</a></li>
</ul>
In commemoration of this somber anniversary, <a href="https://twitter.com/SHDetroit" target="_blank" rel="noopener">host Stephen Henderson</a> talks with <a href="https://www.cityofflint.com/department/mayors-office/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley</a>. Their discussion delved into the city’s present water quality status, the well-being of its residents, <a href="https://www.cityofflint.com/progress-report-on-flint-water/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">progress on the replacement of lead service lines</a>, and the status of the financial settlement that emerged from the crisis. Mayor Neeley also shared his aspirations for Flint’s future, underscoring the community’s resilience in the face of adversity.
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<h2>Stay Connected: </h2>
Subscribe to Detroit PBS’<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/detroitpublictv56"> YouTube Channel</a> and don’t miss American Black Journal on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 9:30 a.m. on Detroit PBS, WTVS-Channel 56.
Catch the daily conversations on our<a href="https://www.detroitpbs.org/category/american-black-journal/"> website</a>,<a href="https://www.facebook.com/AmericanBlackJournal/"> Facebook</a>,<a href="https://twitter.com/amblackjournal"> Twitter</a> and<a href="https://www.instagram.com/amblackjournal/"> Instagram</a> @amblackjournal.
<h3><a href="https://www.detroitpbs.org/category/american-black-journal/">View Past Episodes &gt;</a></h3>
Watch American Black Journal on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 9:30 a.m. on Detroit PBS, WTVS-Channel 56.

Flint marks 10 years since water crisis: Mayor Neeley reflects on the progress, challenges

Civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump talks social

Renowned civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump recently graced the stage for the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History’s <a href="https://www.thewright.org/programs/wright-conversations-benjamin-crump" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Wright Conversations lecture series</a>. Crump’s appearance offered profound insights into pressing issues of social justice and legal advocacy.<span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335557856&quot;:16777215,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}"> 
During his remarks, Crump discussed the need for justice and equality in contemporary society. Drawing from his extensive experience in the legal arena, he shed light on the challenges faced by marginalized communities and emphasized the role of advocacy in creating change. As the founder and principal owner of <a href="https://bencrump.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ben Crump Law</a>, Crump has solidified his reputation as a stalwart champion of civil rights, earning the moniker “Black America’s Attorney General.”<span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335557856&quot;:16777215,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:300,&quot;335559739&quot;:300,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}"> 
The Wright Conversations series, curated by Neil A. Barclay, President and CEO of the <a href="https://www.thewright.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Charles H. Wright Museum</a>, serves as a platform for dynamic discourse on pivotal issues ranging from civic engagement to cultural heritage. By hosting esteemed speakers like Benjamin Crump, the series aims to foster insightful conversations that resonate with the Detroit community and beyond.<span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335557856&quot;:16777215,&quot;335559738&quot;:300,&quot;335559739&quot;:300,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}"> 
Watch an excerpt from Crump’s address, where he talks about achieving racial and social justice and making this world a better place for our children’s future. Plus, watch the full lecture <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5xPiW80BCMs" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here.</a>
<h2>Stay Connected: </h2>
Subscribe to Detroit Public Television’s<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/detroitpublictv56"> YouTube Channel</a> and don’t miss American Black Journal on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 9:30 a.m. on Detroit Public TV, WTVS-Channel 56.
Catch the daily conversations on our<a href="https://www.detroitpbs.org/category/american-black-journal/"> website</a>,<a href="https://www.facebook.com/AmericanBlackJournal/"> Facebook</a>,<a href="https://twitter.com/amblackjournal"> Twitter</a> and<a href="https://www.instagram.com/amblackjournal/"> Instagram</a> @amblackjournal.
<h3><a href="https://www.detroitpbs.org/category/american-black-journal/">View Past Episodes &gt;</a></h3>
Watch American Black Journal on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 9:30 a.m. on Detroit Public TV, WTVS-Channel 56.

Civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump talks social, racial justice during The Wright Conversations

ONE-DETROIT-831-Trauma-Camp-Still-3

There’s help available for returning citizens – those re-entering society each year after serving time in prison – as they try to adapt and adjust to life on the outside. At a small program held in Northern Michigan last fall called Trauma Camp, returning citizens were able to confer and learn coping skills from counselors. The annual gathering was started in 2020 by <a class="Hyperlink SCXW98494460 BCX0" href="https://umdearborn.edu/people-um-dearborn/aaron-kinzel" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aaron Kinzel</a>, a faculty member in the University of Michigan-Dearborn’s Criminology and Criminal Justice program.
RELATED: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.detroitpbs.org/education/michigan-prison-education-programs-prepare-returning-citizens-for-workforce/">Federal Pell Grants for prison inmates return, opening new possibilities for prison education programs</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.detroitpbs.org/one-detroit/michigans-returning-citizens-leverage-prison-work-experiences-to-create-new-careers-on-the-outside/">Michigan’s returning citizens leverage prison work experiences to create new careers on the outside</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.detroitpbs.org/one-detroit/the-peculiar-patriot-play-takes-a-powerful-look-at-the-injustices-of-americas-prison-system/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&#8216;The Peculiar Patriot&#8217; play takes a powerful look at the injustices of America&#8217;s prison system</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.detroitpbs.org/one-detroit/returning-citizens-disproportionately-locked-out-of-employment-michigans-workforce/">Returning citizens disproportionately locked out of Michigan&#8217;s workforce</a></li>
</ul>
The camp gets support from grants and fundraisers, and there is no cost to the participants. Supporters of the camp include the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/yjfund.org">Michigan Association of Re-Entry Support/</a><a href="https://www.yjfund.org/">Youth Justice Fund</a> and <a href="https://cfsem.org/initiative/michigan-justice-fund/about/">The Michigan Justice Fund</a>. Last year, there were fifteen people in attendance. Kinzel brings a well-informed perspective, having served prison time himself before moving into the academic world. He said it’s important to get people who’ve been incarcerated away from the distractions and stress of everyday life. 
One Detroit’s continuing coverage on the challenges returning citizens face takes contributor Mario Bueno, who has also served prison time, and senior producer Bill Kubota to the Trauma Camp to see how it works and hear from some of its attendees.  
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<h2>Stay Connected: </h2>
Subscribe to Detroit Public Television’s<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/detroitpublictv56"> YouTube Channel</a> and don’t miss American Black Journal on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 9:30 a.m. on Detroit Public TV, WTVS-Channel 56.
Catch the daily conversations on our<a href="https://www.detroitpbs.org/category/american-black-journal/"> website</a>,<a href="https://www.facebook.com/AmericanBlackJournal/"> Facebook</a>,<a href="https://twitter.com/amblackjournal"> Twitter</a> and<a href="https://www.instagram.com/amblackjournal/"> Instagram</a> @amblackjournal.
<h3><a href="https://www.detroitpbs.org/category/american-black-journal/">View Past Episodes &gt;</a></h3>
Watch American Black Journal on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 9:30 a.m. on Detroit Public TV, WTVS-Channel 56.

Northern Michigan Trauma Camp takes alternative approach to helping returning citizens with re-entry

The AR-15 – The Gun that Divides a Nation | A conversation with Washington Post journalists

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<h2 class="event-header__subtitle" style="text-align: left;">Washington Post journalists in conversation with Dean Celeste Watkins-Hayes</h2>
<div class="xdj266r x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs">WARNING: Some of the images in this livestream may be disturbing.</div>
<div> </div>
<div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s">The Washington Post has examined both the devastation caused by AR-15 assault rifles as well as its allure for segments of American society in a 13-part series.</div>
<div> </div>
<div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s">Photo editor Kainaz Amaria, series editor Peter Wallsten, and reporter Silvia Foster-Frau will speak about their reporting on &#8220;The gun that divides a nation &#8211; revered as a modern-day musket; reviled as a tool for mass killers.&#8221;</div>
<div> </div>
<div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s">These Washington Post journalists sit down for a conversation with University of Michigan Ford School of Public Policy Dean Celeste Watkins-Hayes.</div>
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<h2>About the Speakers:</h2>
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_accordion _builder_version=&#8221;4.23.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_accordion_item title=&#8221;Kainaz Amaria, Photo Editor, Washington Post&#8221; open=&#8221;on&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.23.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignleft wp-image-33765" src="https://wordpress.detroitpbs.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Kainaz-Amaria-Washington-Post.jpeg" alt="Washington Post photo editor Kainaz Amaria" width="200" height="200" />Kainaz Amaria oversees immersive, visual-first stories for the National desk at The Washington Post. Before joining The Post, Kainaz was Vox&#8217;s first-ever visuals editor. And before that she was an editor on NPR’s Visual Team, where she had multiple roles in NPR&#8217;s “Planet Money Makes a T-shirt” project, including managing producer, photographer and videographer.
The project won NPR numerous awards, including a News and Documentary Emmy.  In 2010, she was a Fulbright Scholar and completed a short film on the Parsi Zoroastrian community in Mumbai. 
In 2020, Amaria was honored with the John Long Ethics Award by the National Press Photographers Association for her writing and criticism on the photojournalism industry and visual language. Kainaz began her career as a local newspaper photographer.
[/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=&#8221;Peter Wallsten, Senior National Investigations Reporter, Washington Post&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.23.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; open=&#8221;off&#8221;]
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignleft wp-image-33766" src="https://wordpress.detroitpbs.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Peter-Wallsten-Washington-Post.png" alt="Washington Post editor Peter Wallsten" width="200" height="200" />Peter Wallsten is the senior national investigations editor. He has led or helped oversee four Pulitzer Prize-winning lines of coverage as an editor on The Washington Post&#8217;s National staff. Most recently, he shepherded The Post’s abortion coverage in the wake of the Supreme Court decision that struck down Roe v Wade, which won the 2023 Pulitzer Prize in National Reporting.
He has served as The Post’s senior politics editor, leading political coverage during the Trump administration, and was the founding editor of the paper’s Politics Investigations and Enterprise team.
Before becoming an editor in 2013, Wallsten was a White House correspondent for The Post and a political reporter for the Wall Street Journal, Los Angeles Times, Miami Herald and St. Petersburg Times. He is a graduate of the University of North Carolina, where he was editor of The Daily Tar Heel.
[/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=&#8221;Silvia Foster-Frau, National Investigative Reporter, Washington Post&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.23.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; open=&#8221;off&#8221;]
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignleft wp-image-33767" src="https://wordpress.detroitpbs.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Silvia-Foster-Frau-Washington-Post.jpeg" alt="Washington Post National Investigative Reporter Silvia Foster-Frau" width="200" height="200" />Silvia Foster-Frau is a national investigative reporter for The Washington Post who explores the impacts of America’s changing racial, ethnic and cultural demographics. She also has covered several mass shootings, including in Sutherland Springs, Atlanta, Uvalde, Nashville and Allen, among others.
Silvia won the National Association of Hispanic Journalist’s Elaine Rivera Civil Rights and Social Justice award in 2022 for her work on the largely untold crisis of police violence against Latinos. 
She joined The Post in February 2021 from the San Antonio Express-News, where she covered immigration and border security, winning Texas APME Star Reporter of the Year in 2019. Silvia is vice president of NAHJ’s  D.C. Chapter.
[/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=&#8221;Dean Celeste Watkins-Hayes, Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy, University of Michigan&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.23.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; open=&#8221;off&#8221;]
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignleft wp-image-33768" src="https://wordpress.detroitpbs.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/celeste-watkins-hayes-23-large-profile-template-1800x2280-1-e1704920984292.jpeg" alt="Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy Dean Celeste Watkins-Hayes" width="200" height="200" />Celeste Watkins-Hayes is an internationally recognized scholar and expert on HIV/AIDS; urban poverty; social policy; and racial, class, and gender inequality. Her work illuminates social problems of great interest to scholars, communities, and policymakers.
She works at the intersection of sociology, African American Studies, and public policy. Her work analyzes the impact of the HIV epidemic on women and the growth of the HIV safety net.
Watkins-Hayes serves as the Joan and Sanford Weill Dean of Public Policy; the Director for the Center for Racial Justice; a Jean E. Fairfax Collegiate Professor of Public Policy; a university diversity and social transformation professor; a professor of sociology; a research and community impact fellow involved in an anti-racism collaborative.
[/et_pb_accordion_item][/et_pb_accordion][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.23.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.23.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_divider _builder_version=&#8221;4.23.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.23.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]
<h2>Stay Connected: </h2>
Subscribe to One Detroit’s<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/OneDetroit/videos"> YouTube Channel</a> and don’t miss One Detroit on Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. on Detroit Public TV, WTVS-Channel 56.
Catch the daily conversations on our<a href="http://onedetroitpbs.org/"> website</a>,<a href="https://www.facebook.com/onedetroit/"> Facebook</a>,<a href="https://twitter.com/DPTVOneDetroit"> Twitter</a> @DPTVOneDetroit, and<a href="https://www.instagram.com/one.detroit/?hl=en"> Instagram</a> @One.Detroit
<h3><a href="https://www.detroitpbs.org/category/one-detroit/">View Past Episodes &gt;</a></h3>
Watch One Detroit Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. ET on Detroit Public TV on Detroit Public TV, WTVS-Channel 56.
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231204_MLKposter-640×360-1

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The University of Michigan is hosting its <a href="https://oami.umich.edu/mlk-symposium/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2024 symposium honoring civil rights leader Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.</a> with “Transforming the Jangling Discords of Our Nation into a Beautiful Symphony” as this year’s theme.
As one of the nation’s largest celebrations of King’s life and legacy sponsored by higher education, the annual symposium’s theme calls on the community to grapple with the nature of ongoing discord around the globe and to examine the role of individuals and members of society to create a world where harmony is possible.
<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/by/michelle-alexander" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Michelle Alexander</a>, legal scholar, social justice advocate, columnist at The New York Times and visiting professor at <a href="https://utsnyc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Union Theological Seminary</a>, delivers the memorial keynote lecture. Author of the acclaimed bestseller “<a href="https://newjimcrow.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness</a>,” Alexander draws back the curtain on systemic racism in the prison system and offers insights on how to end the racial caste in America.
During her keynote, she will explore the myths surrounding the criminal justice system from a racial and ethical standpoint and offer solutions for combating this epidemic. This year’s theme also focuses on an essential element of the ministry and social justice advocacy of King, and his belief in the transformative power of faith, hope and love to mend the rifts in society.
The keynote is co-sponsored by the <a href="https://michiganross.umich.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Stephen M. Ross School of Business</a> and the <a href="https://oami.umich.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Office of Academic Multicultural Initiatives</a> under the Office of Diversity, Equity &amp; Inclusion.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=&#8221;https://oami.umich.edu/mlk-symposium/&#8221; url_new_window=&#8221;on&#8221; button_text=&#8221;Learn More&#8221; button_alignment=&#8221;right&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;Learn More Button&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.23.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;][/et_pb_button][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.23.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]
<h2>From Michelle Alexander&#8217;s Bio:</h2>
<div><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignleft wp-image-33738 size-full" src="https://wordpress.detroitpbs.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/michellealexander-e1704918186741.jpeg" alt="Michelle Alexander" width="300" height="300" />Michelle Alexander is a highly acclaimed civil rights lawyer, advocate, legal scholar and author of The New Jim Crow:  Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness — the bestselling book that helped to transform the national debate on racial and criminal justice in the United States.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Since The New Jim Crow was first published in 2010, it has spent nearly 250 weeks on The New York Times bestseller list and has been cited in judicial decisions and adopted in campus-wide and community-wide reads, and has inspired a generation of racial justice activists motivated by Alexander’s unforgettable argument that “we have not ended racial caste in America; we have merely redesigned it.”</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The book has won numerous awards, including the 2011 NAACP Image Award for best nonfiction.  Alexander has been featured in national radio and television media outlets, including MSNBC, NPR, CNN, Bill Moyers Journal, The Colbert Show, Real Time with Bill Maher, Tavis Smiley, Democracy Now!, and C-SPAN.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Over the years, Alexander has taught at a number of universities, including Stanford Law School, where she was an associate professor of law and directed the Civil Rights Clinic.  In 2005, Alexander won a Soros Justice Fellowship that supported the writing of The New Jim Crow and accepted a joint appointment at the Kirwan Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnicity and the Moritz College of Law at The Ohio State University. Currently she is a visiting professor at Union Theological Seminary in New York City and a contributing opinion writer for The New York Times.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Prior to joining academia, Alexander engaged in civil rights litigation in both the private and nonprofit sector, ultimately serving as the director of the Racial Justice Project for the ACLU of Northern California, where she coordinated the Project’s media advocacy, grassroots organizing, and coalition building and launched a major campaign against racial profiling by law enforcement known as the “DWB Campaign” or “Driving While Black or Brown Campaign.&#8221;</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Alexander is a graduate of Stanford Law School and Vanderbilt University. She has clerked for Justice Harry A. Blackmun on the U.S. Supreme Court and for Chief Judge Abner Mikva on the D.C. Circuit of the U.S. Court of Appeals.</div>
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.23.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.23.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_divider _builder_version=&#8221;4.23.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.23.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]
<h2>Stay Connected: </h2>
Subscribe to One Detroit’s<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/OneDetroit/videos"> YouTube Channel</a> and don’t miss One Detroit on Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. on Detroit Public TV, WTVS-Channel 56.
Catch the daily conversations on our<a href="http://onedetroitpbs.org/"> website</a>,<a href="https://www.facebook.com/onedetroit/"> Facebook</a>,<a href="https://twitter.com/DPTVOneDetroit"> Twitter</a> @DPTVOneDetroit, and<a href="https://www.instagram.com/one.detroit/?hl=en"> Instagram</a> @One.Detroit
<h3><a href="https://www.detroitpbs.org/category/one-detroit/">View Past Episodes &gt;</a></h3>
Watch One Detroit Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. ET on Detroit Public TV on Detroit Public TV, WTVS-Channel 56.
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Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Symposium |  Keynote Memorial Lecture featuring Michelle Alexander

March-on-Washington-min

Sixty years ago this month, 250,000 people gathered at the Lincoln Memorial for the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference were pivotal in orchestrating the monumental March on Washington, which attracted widespread attention as a key event in the fight for civil rights and highlighting religious organizations’ role in the Civil Rights Movement.  
<figure id="attachment_32340" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-32340" style="width: 650px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-32340" src="https://wordpress.detroitpbs.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/March-on-Washington-2-1.png" alt="March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom" width="650" height="366" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-32340" class="wp-caption-text">More than a quarter million people joined the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom on Aug. 28, 1963 to fight against racism, housing discrimination and police brutality.</figcaption></figure>
As we continue our “<a href="https://www.detroitpbs.org/abj-church/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Black Church in Detroit</a>” series, &#8220;American Black Journal&#8221; delves into the contemporary significance of civil rights, the impact of the march, and the current state of civil rights. <a href="http://www.therevcw.com/senior-pastor-rev-charles-e-williams-ii" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Rev. Charles Williams II</a>, senior pastor of <a href="http://www.kingsolomonchurch.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Historic King Solomon Missionary Baptist Church</a> and a distinguished figure in the Black church and civil rights arenas, shares his perspectives with <a href="https://twitter.com/SHDetroit" target="_blank" rel="noopener">host Stephen Henderson</a> on the legacy of the 1963 March on Washington and the present-day state of civil rights advocacy. <span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}"> 
RELATED: <a href="https://www.detroitpbs.org/american-black-journal/detroit-walk-to-freedom/">Explore American Black Journal’s coverage of the Detroit Walk to Freedom 60th anniversary events</a>
Plus, Rev. Williams underscores the role of the Black church in the ongoing struggle for democracy, social justice and equality, and talks about the issues that are still negatively impacting African Americans today, such as voting rights and police brutality. 
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Catch the daily conversations on our<a href="http://onedetroitpbs.org/"> website</a>,<a href="https://www.facebook.com/onedetroit/"> Facebook</a>,<a href="https://twitter.com/DPTVOneDetroit"> Twitter</a> @DPTVOneDetroit, and<a href="https://www.instagram.com/one.detroit/?hl=en"> Instagram</a> @One.Detroit
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Paving the way for today: How the Black Church supported the Civil Rights Movement

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Detroit Food Academy is revolutionizing the lives of young Detroiters by blending the art of cooking with life and leadership skills. <a href="https://detroitfoodacademy.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">As a nonprofit organization</a>, the Academy’s mission is to transform the lives of Detroit youth by using food as a medium to teach essential life skills, promote social justice and build vibrant communities. 
The Detroit Food Academy curriculum is designed to not only teach culinary skills, but also to foster personal and professional growth among its participants. Through experiential learning, they gain practical knowledge about food systems, sustainability, and the importance of healthy eating. 
RELATED: <a href="https://www.detroitpbs.org/one-detroit/cooking-with-que-revolutionizes-plant-based-eating-detroit-with-the-kitchen/">Cooking with Que Founder Quiana Broden brings plant-based dining to Detroit with The Kitchen</a>
RELATED: <a href="https://www.detroitpbs.org/restaurant/sozai-restaurant-serves-up-sustainable-sushi-environmental-education/">Sustainable sushi? How one metro Detroit chef is attempting to change the seafood industry</a>
Additionally, the nonprofit incorporates a strong emphasis on social justice and community engagement. Students learn about food disparities, food deserts, and the importance of equitable access to nutritious food. Two of the Detroit Food Academy instructors talked with <a href="https://www.bridgedetroit.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BridgeDetroit</a> reporter <a href="https://www.bridgedetroit.com/author/micah-walker/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Micah Walker</a> about the mission of the organization, the culinary opportunities available for young people in Detroit, and how it prepares students to become leaders in the community. 
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Catch the daily conversations on our<a href="https://www.detroitpbs.org/category/american-black-journal/"> website</a>,<a href="https://www.facebook.com/AmericanBlackJournal/"> Facebook</a>,<a href="https://twitter.com/amblackjournal"> Twitter</a> and<a href="https://www.instagram.com/amblackjournal/"> Instagram</a> @amblackjournal.
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Detroit Food Academy cooks up the next generation of young leaders through food education

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The Detroit Branch NAACP is gearing up to commemorate an iconic moment in civil rights history with its “<a href="https://naacp.org/events/june-jubilee-celebration-freedom" target="_blank" rel="noopener">June Jubilee: A Celebration of Freedom</a>” events. Held in the heart of downtown Detroit, the weekend-long slate of events pays homage to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s historic participation in <a href="https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/events-african-american-history/detroit-walk-to-freedom-1963/#:~:text=The%20Detroit%20Walk%20To%20Freedom%20had%20three%20goals.,and%20de%20facto%20school%20segregation." target="_blank" rel="noopener">the 1963 Detroit Walk to Freedom</a>, which became a pivotal milestone in the fight for racial equality.  
The NAACP’s June Jubilee events span from June 22-25, including the <a href="https://www.detroitnaacp.org/featured/freedom-summit" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Freedom Walk Summit</a>, the unveiling of a Dr. King sculpture in Hart Plaza, the 60th anniversary <a href="https://www.detroitnaacp.org/mlk-walk" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Walk to Freedom</a>, and the 68th annual <a href="https://www.detroitnaacp.org/events-1/68th-annual-fight-for-freedom-fund-dinner" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Fight for Freedom Fund dinner</a>, all of which are designed to honor Dr. King’s legacy and empower the community to continue the pursuit of justice and equality. This year’s celebration will remind Detroiters, and the nation, of the ongoing struggle for civil rights and the importance of unity.  
Detroit NAACP President Rev. Dr. Wendell Anthony sits down with American Black Journal host <a href="https://twitter.com/SHDetroit" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Stephen Henderson</a> to preview the NAACP’s “June Jubilee: A Celebration of Freedom” events, as well as discuss the current state of civil rights in America, the ongoing struggle for voting rights and Dr. King’s legacy.
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Catch the daily conversations on our<a href="https://www.detroitpbs.org/category/american-black-journal/"> website</a>,<a href="https://www.facebook.com/AmericanBlackJournal/"> Facebook</a>,<a href="https://twitter.com/amblackjournal"> Twitter</a> and<a href="https://www.instagram.com/amblackjournal/"> Instagram</a> @amblackjournal.
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Detroit NAACP President Rev. Wendell Anthony previews June Jubilee: A Celebration of Freedom events

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In the sweltering heat of a vibrant Detroit summer, on June 23, 1963, a remarkable moment in American civil rights history unfolded at Cobo Hall. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., already a revered figure at that time in the fight for racial justice, took to the podium to deliver a powerful speech that would resonate far beyond the confines of Detroit.  
Little did the world know that this historic event, the Detroit Walk to Freedom, would serve as a<a href="https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/martin-luther-king-cobo-hall-speech-june-23-1963/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> stirring prelude to Dr. King’s iconic “I Have a Dream” address</a> in Washington, D.C. just two months later.  
As Detroit’s riverfront brimmed with excitement around the march, bringing together 125,000 people, the largest civil rights march of its kind at the time, it marked a pivotal moment in the civil rights movement. The Walk to Freedom highlighted the plight of African Americans and called for an end to racial discrimination in all forms.  
Ahead of the Detroit Branch NAACP’s 60th-anniversary commemoration of the march, two Detroit women, Dorothy Aldridge and Edith Lee-Payne, sat down with American Black Journal contributor <a href="https://twitter.com/BryceHuffman313" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bryce Huffman</a> to reflect on how it felt to be among the thousands of people marching down Woodward Avenue. Plus, they talk about the impact the march had on their lives and its place in history. 
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Catch the daily conversations on our<a href="https://www.detroitpbs.org/category/american-black-journal/"> website</a>,<a href="https://www.facebook.com/AmericanBlackJournal/"> Facebook</a>,<a href="https://twitter.com/amblackjournal"> Twitter</a> and<a href="https://www.instagram.com/amblackjournal/"> Instagram</a> @amblackjournal.
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Walking down memory lane: Two Detroit women reflect on attending the 1963 Walk to Freedom

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In a resolute stand against the impact of gun violence in communities of color, the <a href="http://churchofthemessiahdetroit.org/">Church of the Messiah</a> is gearing up for its 16th annual Silence the Violence march and rally on June 17. The community-led event, deeply rooted in principles of unity and solidarity, seeks to advocate for change and bring an end to the alarming rate of gun violence impacting communities of color.  
RELATED: <a href="https://www.detroitpbs.org/american-black-journal/15th-annual-silence-the-violence-march-rallies-to-stop-gun-violence-in-detroit/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">15th annual Silence the Violence march rallies to stop gun violence in Detroit</a>
RELATED: <a href="https://www.detroitpbs.org/american-black-journal/detroits-state-of-the-hood-summit-brings-civic-community-leaders-together-to-talk-about-stopping-gun-violence-2/">Detroit’s State of the Hood summit brings civic, community leaders together to talk about gun violence</a>
According to <a href="https://www.everytown.org/issues/gun-violence-black-americans/">Everytown for Gun Safety</a>, Black Americans experience gun-related deaths at a rate 10 times higher than their white counterparts. Young people are impacted the most by this epidemic, with gun violence being a leading cause of death among youth aged 15-24.  
Against the backdrop of these staggering statistics, the Silence the Violence march and rally will offer peaceful demonstrations, engaging speeches and heartfelt testimonials to shed light on the urgent need for comprehensive gun control measures, increased community resources and holistic approaches to violence prevention.  
RELATED: <a href="https://www.detroitpbs.org/american-black-journal/force-detroit-discusses-creative-solutions-to-gun-violence-in-communities-of-color/">FORCE Detroit discusses creative solutions to gun violence in communities of color</a>
Church of the Messiah Pastor Barry Randolph joins “American Black Journal” <a href="https://twitter.com/SHDetroit">host Stephen Henderson</a> to preview the 16th annual event and talk about how the march honors gun violence victims. Plus, they talk about the growth of the event over the years, how other cities are joining the efforts by holding similar activities, and the importance of creating cohesive communities to help eradicate gun violence. 
<h2>Full Transcript:</h2>
Stephen Henderson, American Black Journal, Host: The Church of the Messiah is going to hold its 16th annual Silence the Violence March and Rally on June 17th on Detroit&#8217;s east side. This event honors victims of gun violence and brings together elected officials, law enforcement, religious leaders, community activists and residents to find solutions to stop the shootings. I spoke with Pastor Barry Randolph about the plans for this year&#8217;s gathering. Silence the Violence march has really grown from the original concept and the first years of you doing it. Talk about how different it will be this year when you do it on June 17th.
Pastor Barry Randolph, Church of the Messiah: Yeah it&#8217;s amazing. Can&#8217;t believe it&#8217;s been 16 years. This will be the 16th annual Silence the Violence march. This year, well, last year it had grown so large that other people came and said, hey, we need to be doing this in our city. So we&#8217;re going to be doing it in other cities across the state of Michigan. So it&#8217;s going to be in Ann Arbor, Grand Haven, Flint, Kalamazoo, Oxford, Southfield and Pontiac. And so there will be other cities joining us honoring the innocent victims of gun violence.
Some will hold marches, some will have prayer rallies, some will be doing sit ins. And in Southfield there&#8217;ll be a gun buyback. So they&#8217;re going to be different across the state of Michigan. But it&#8217;s expanded. Last year, about a thousand people show up. This year, we expect between two and 3,000 people.
Stephen Henderson: So I want to give you a chance just to talk a little about what&#8217;s going on. This is a strange time in the city for violence. We&#8217;ve gotten through the pandemic, the awfulness of the pandemic. Everybody, all of us had to kind of relearn how to function in the world, I feel like after all the loss and disruption of that. And we come out of it to what seems to be shaping up as an era of increasing violence in the city. It&#8217;s not safer. It&#8217;s worse. You see it up close with young people. You see it in the community there, at the church. What do you think is going on? What is why is this happening?
Pastor Barry Randolph: Well, Stephen, that is a great question. And one of the things that I think about is now in 2023, the leading cause of death among young people or children under the age of 17 is guns. Something 100% preventable. This issue is not all across the world. It is a unique American way of dying. And I think that&#8217;s something that we need to look at. It used to be accidents or illness, and now it&#8217;s guns. This is something that we can do something about and I always have to tell people this has nothing to do with your Second Amendment rights being able to carry a firearm.
This is about getting it out of the hands of people who shouldn&#8217;t have one. People who don&#8217;t believe in just carrying a firearm to protect themselves, but who are planning on committing murder. That&#8217;s really the issue that we&#8217;re trying to get down to. That&#8217;s why we&#8217;re trying to silence that violence. But this is unique across the country. It&#8217;s not just Detroit. It&#8217;s everywhere. And firearms there&#8217;s an easy access to it and there&#8217;s a lot of people who shouldn&#8217;t have it, who have it. And they&#8217;re taking their anger and frustration out on other people. So. Times have changed.
Stephen Henderson: I know you do a lot of work reaching out to young people in your community. Talk about the things that we need to be doing to divert them from this kind of thing. Obviously, marches like Silence the Violence are really important. But you work all year on this issue.
Pastor Barry Randolph: Yeah. And what I like to tell people, too, because people come and say, well Pastor Barry, marches don&#8217;t stop gun violence. The march is not to stop gun violence. The march is to remember those who died because of gun violence. So we walk around with signs and a picture of those so we want to remember them and we want to honor them by creating hopefully more peaceful communities, more cohesive, strong communities.
I let the young people know that I&#8217;m 60 years old. So, Stephen, I&#8217;m older than you. And I remember a time when gun violence was not the leading cause of death. There was no such word as carjacking or drive-bys. No such words as mass shootings. You didn&#8217;t hear about this. That wasn&#8217;t that long ago. So there was a time when this was not as big of an issue as it is now. So it&#8217;s not like we&#8217;ve never not had a time when gun violence was not a major issue in this country. So we know that that can exist and we know that that can happen.
And what we&#8217;re trying to do is make sure that happens. What we need to do is to build our communities and neighborhood. You need to have more affordable housing. We need to have job training. We need to work on business incubation. We need to work on education and skilled trades to make sure that our young people have a good, positive, strong future. And we need to teach them their value, the value of who they are as a human being more than outward material things.
Stephen Henderson: Yeah. The march. People. Anyone can participate, obviously. But I wanted to talk just a little more about the things that you have seen about, you know, changing the sense of community around this issue from the march. You were just talking about, people saying, well, marches don&#8217;t solve crimes or marches don&#8217;t stop people from shooting each other. But you are building a real sense of community around how we think about this issue, how we deal with this issue. Talk about over the 60 years how that&#8217;s changed.
Pastor Barry Randolph: Well, I can tell you our very first March, we had 58 people, and that was specifically for the community of because we had a couple of unfortunate murders of young people and we decided we were not just going to sit back and let them be statistics, we were going to do something. So we created an organization to help fight crime and build community. So it was about doing that specifically for. Then within a couple of years, we became a citywide event and then lately it became a statewide event. And so it was about bringing the resources directly to the community, to those who are the most vulnerable.
And one of the things that I am proud of over the years is that so many groups and organization networks on gun violence intervention are part of what we do every year. So the people who do the boots-on-the-ground work, the people who work with the ones with the guns, the people who work in dangerous communities and neighborhoods, they come and they participate. And we share our results on what&#8217;s happening, what&#8217;s working. Ways that we can actually do a better job. It&#8217;s all about building community and building people.
Stephen Henderson: Yeah, the community that you serve down there at Church of the Messiah has a lot of hope because of the church. Talk more about the other things that you&#8217;re doing to again, lift up opportunity and safety and community in that part of the city.
Pastor Barry Randolph: Though thanks because one of the things that we do, we try to make the word of God tangible so it&#8217;s not about just coming to church. It really is about being the church. You can come to Church on the Messiah and you can rent an apartment or townhouse. You can come get free Internet. You can come for workforce development training. You can come to find a job in our employment office. You can come and be part of our business incubation center. You can come be part of a marching band which will help you be able to get into school.
You can come use our solar powered charging station. You can come to our doctor&#8217;s office and you can come to church on Sunday. So it was one of these things where you can come for all of the different things that you may need to improve the quality of life. To include, improve your quality of life and those of the people who are around you. It&#8217;s all about being church. It&#8217;s all about being about the community and making a difference. And one of the reasons why we&#8217;re so successful with young people because we take the activism of what it is that we believe and take it out to the community and neighborhood and make it happen. And it&#8217;s all tangible. You can see, touch, feel, use it and be a part of it. And that&#8217;s what Silence the Violence is all about. Resources to be able to build our community so that it is a safe place. We can eradicate gun violence.
Stephen Henderson: Yeah. All right. Pastor Barry Randolph, again, always great to catch up with you. And congratulations on 16 years of the Silence the Violence march. We look forward to it on June 17th. Thanks for being here with us on American Black Journal.
Pastor Barry Randolph: Thank you so much. 10 o&#8217;clock. Saturday, June 17th. Thank you so much.
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<h2>Stay Connected: </h2>
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Catch the daily conversations on our<a href="https://www.detroitpbs.org/category/american-black-journal/"> website</a>,<a href="https://www.facebook.com/AmericanBlackJournal/"> Facebook</a>,<a href="https://twitter.com/amblackjournal"> Twitter</a> and<a href="https://www.instagram.com/amblackjournal/"> Instagram</a> @amblackjournal.
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Watch American Black Journal on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 9:30 a.m. on Detroit Public TV, WTVS-Channel 56.

16th annual Silence the Violence march advocates for ending gun violence in communities of color

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Two new multi-use facilities being built in Detroit will help provide solutions to the complex needs of the city’s homeless population. The two major building projects are part of <a href="https://www.marinersinn.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mariners Inn</a> and <a href="https://popefranciscenter.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Pope Francis Center’s</a> overall efforts to eliminate chronic homelessness in Detroit, a population that has increased since the pandemic began.  
RELATED: <a href="https://www.detroitpbs.org/one-detroit/mariners-inn-uses-art-therapies-to-help-men-struggling-with-homelessness-substance-abuse/">Mariners Inn uses art therapies to help men struggling with homelessness, substance abuse</a>
RELATED: <a href="https://www.detroitpbs.org/community-posts/mobile-health-outreach-across-detroit-addresses-homeless-needs-health-disparities-wave-project/">They’ll drive to you: Mobile health outreach addresses homeless needs, health disparities across Detroit</a>
According to Fr. Tim McCabe, the Executive Director and President of Pope Francis Center, Detroit’s homeless population was estimated to be around 1,700 people as of January 2023. Approximately 200 of those people are <a href="https://endhomelessness.org/homelessness-in-america/who-experiences-homelessness/chronically-homeless/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">chronically homeless</a>, meaning they’ve been homeless for at least a year, or repeatedly, with a co-existing condition like a mental illness, substance abuse disorder or physical disability.  
RELATED: <a href="https://www.detroitpbs.org/american-black-journal/detroits-coalition-on-temporary-shelter-nonprofit-celebrates-40-years-fighting-homelessness/">Detroit’s Coalition on Temporary Shelter Nonprofit celebrates 40 years fighting homelessness</a>
RELATED: <a href="https://www.detroitpbs.org/american-black-journal/covenant-house-michigan-celebrates-25-years-of-supporting-homeless-youth/">Covenant House Michigan marks its 25th anniversary serving homeless youth</a>
The agencies’ facilities will provide temporary shelter, permanent supportive housing, medical and substance abuse treatment, social and job readiness skills, recreational opportunities and more. Fr. McCabe and Mariners Inn CEO David Sampson joined “American Black Journal” <a href="https://twitter.com/SHDetroit" target="_blank" rel="noopener">host Stephen Henderson</a> to discuss their organizations’ efforts to curb chronic homelessness in the city and how these new facilities will help.  
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Catch the daily conversations on our<a href="https://www.detroitpbs.org/category/american-black-journal/"> website</a>,<a href="https://www.facebook.com/AmericanBlackJournal/"> Facebook</a>,<a href="https://twitter.com/amblackjournal"> Twitter</a> and<a href="https://www.instagram.com/amblackjournal/"> Instagram</a> @amblackjournal.
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Pope Francis Center, Mariners Inn working to curb chronic homelessness in Detroit

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On a summer day on June 23, 1963, more than 125,000 people marched down Detroit’s Woodward Avenue in what would later be known as the 1963 Walk to Freedom. The <a href="https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/events-african-american-history/detroit-walk-to-freedom-1963/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">civil rights demonstration</a> featured several prominent civil rights leaders, including Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and was touted as the largest civil rights demonstration in the nation’s history up to that point.  
<figure id="attachment_28651" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-28651" style="width: 700px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-28651" src="https://wordpress.detroitpbs.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Screen-Shot-2023-01-09-at-2.09.33-PM.png" alt="1963 Walk to Freedom in Detroit" width="700" height="393" srcset="https://wordpress.detroitpbs.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Screen-Shot-2023-01-09-at-2.09.33-PM.png 1596w, https://wordpress.detroitpbs.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Screen-Shot-2023-01-09-at-2.09.33-PM-300x168.png 300w, https://wordpress.detroitpbs.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Screen-Shot-2023-01-09-at-2.09.33-PM-1024x575.png 1024w, https://wordpress.detroitpbs.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Screen-Shot-2023-01-09-at-2.09.33-PM-768x431.png 768w, https://wordpress.detroitpbs.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Screen-Shot-2023-01-09-at-2.09.33-PM-1536x862.png 1536w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-28651" class="wp-caption-text">Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. walks down Woodward Avenue during the 1963 Walk to Freedom, the largest civil rights demonstration of its kind at the time.</figcaption></figure>
The march was also the forerunner to the even larger civil rights March on Washington D.C. and featured an early version of Dr. King’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech delivered at Cobo Arena, which is now called <a href="https://www.huntingtonplacedetroit.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Huntington Place</a>.  
RELATED: <a href="https://www.detroitpbs.org/american-black-journal/mlk-day-at-the-wright-2023-kicks-off-presidents-lecture-series/">Charles H. Wright Museum kicks off President’s Lecture Series during MLK Day 2023</a>
Reflecting on the Walk to Freedom and the milestone anniversary coming up, Detroit historian and <a href="https://michiganadvance.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Michigan Advance</a> reporter <a href="https://michiganadvance.com/author/ken-coleman/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ken Coleman</a> joins “American Black Journal” host <a href="https://twitter.com/shdetroit" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Stephen Henderson</a> to talk about the historic civil rights event. Coleman gives a historical perspective on Dr. King’s connection to Detroit and how Dr. King ended up participating in the walk down Woodward Avenue. 
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Catch the daily conversations on our<a href="https://www.detroitpbs.org/category/american-black-journal/"> website</a>,<a href="https://www.facebook.com/AmericanBlackJournal/"> Facebook</a>,<a href="https://twitter.com/amblackjournal"> Twitter</a> and<a href="https://www.instagram.com/amblackjournal/"> Instagram</a> @amblackjournal.
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The 60th anniversary of Detroit’s 1963 Walk to Freedom coming in summer 2023

Black-Midwest-Symposium

The second biennial Black Midwest Symposium is <a href="https://3eproductions.swoogo.com/blackmidwest2022/home" target="_blank" rel="noopener">coming to Detroit Oct. 20-22</a>, 2022, at the <a href="https://www.wcccd.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Wayne County Community College District</a>’s <a href="https://www.wcccd.edu/wcccdcampus/downtown/index.php" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Curtis L. Ivery Downtown Campus</a>. The event will explore the unique challenges Black Midwesterners face. Since the inaugural convening in the fall of 2019, Black Midwestern communities have been at the core of racial injustices and social justice movements.  
This year, the convening will bring community members and Black thought leaders together to discuss the struggles of African Americans in the Midwest and Rust Belt regions, and the opportunities to bring about change in their local communities. “American Black Journal” host <a href="https://twitter.com/SHDetroit" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Stephen Henderson</a> sits down with one of the event’s planning committee members, Marquis Taylor, to learn more about the goal of the symposium, this year’s theme— Presence and Protest, and the featured speakers. 
<h2>Full Transcript:</h2>
Stephen Henderson, Host, American Black Journal: The Black Midwest Symposium. I&#8217;m not sure lots of people even know about this wonderful gathering of Black intellectuals, let&#8217;s call it.
Marquis Taylor, Planning Committee Member, Black Midwest Symposium: Yeah, for sure. So to kind of give you a backstory, the Symposium was started or rather is created by the Black Midwest Initiative, which is a group of scholars, activists, students, you name it.
We came together in 2017 when we were founded, and in 2019 we had our inaugural convening in Minneapolis, Minnesota, which I had the pleasure of living at for many years. And then we decided to do something biannually. So initially we wanted to do it in 2021, but everything that happened, so we moved it to 2022. So here we are in Detroit, my hometown, and excited to be here to have it.
And what it is, is a collection of, again, scholars, activists, speakers, poets, (and) writers. And we&#8217;re going to be convening October 20th through the 22nd over at Wayne County Community College, where, as I know it as, WC3 and we&#8217;ll be there and we&#8217;ll be able to connect with many different individuals, whether they be from Minneapolis, Detroit, Chicago, St Louis. But also amplifying other cities that people may not know about.
So the founder and the director of the program, Dr. Terrion Williamson, who&#8217;s out of the University of Illinois, Chicago. She is from Peoria, Illinois, to my understanding. So being able to amplify those places, Iowa. And for us to just kind of come together and just amplify our voices and just come together as a unit. So we&#8217;re excited to have this in Detroit.
Stephen Henderson: Yeah. So there is something about life in the Midwest and especially life in rust belt cities that have a different effect on African-Americans and a different history really with African-Americans than other parts of the country. Talk about what those differences are and why it&#8217;s important to be able to talk and think about those things consciously right now.
Marquis Taylor: Yeah, I think the Midwest, with respect to the West Coast, East Coast and even down South, we are oftentimes overlooked. And I know in many cases and I&#8217;ll use myself as an example. I&#8217;m born and raised in Detroit, lived in the twin cities for a number of years but my family migrated from Georgia. And centering our voices in contrast to the West and East Coast and again the deep South is that we were built on industry and thinking about the trade, the automotive industry. Think about Pittsburgh and some of the other places. Cleveland, same thing.
They were building on steel and, you know, the industrial portion. But it&#8217;s important to center our voices because in going to the things that happened in 2020 with the murder of George Floyd, we were there living in living color. And there were so many uprisings and protests and we wanted to center what happened.
But also looking at it from the perspective of how do we navigate all that had happened, but also navigating the historical development of the Midwest, again, paying homage to the Detroit, Minneapolis, Chicago, St. Louis and in some of the other cities as well. But it just is so important that we focus on who we are and just the things that we&#8217;ve been able to accomplish historically. And yeah.
Stephen Henderson: Yeah. So one of the panels that I&#8217;m really interested in that you&#8217;re holding is called The Commitment to Place Cultivating and Reclaiming Black Land in Michigan. That&#8217;s a fascinating title as a fascinating subject. It&#8217;s something that I feel like we&#8217;re just now really starting to see people acknowledge and want to know more about. But tell me about that panel.
Marquis Taylor: Yeah. So that reclaiming space to my understanding is going to feature a variety of individuals and thinking about what does it mean to reclaim that space. And I know historically we being on indigenous land and is also just thinking about who we are and you know, what we&#8217;ve been able to accomplish in the Midwest. So that panel in particular and so many panels that one escapes me off the top of my head. But to my understanding that&#8217;s more or less thinking about just reclaiming the space, focusing our energies, you know, being here in the Midwest.
Stephen Henderson: Yeah. Talk about the things that you would like people who attend this to be able to take away and talk about it, both in terms of African-American people, but also in terms of non-African-American people who might decide, hey, I want to show up for this too.
Marquis Taylor: I will say the biggest takeaway that we would want people to get from this or why we would want people to attend is number one, thinking about the synergy that exists in the Midwest. Again, thinking about those the cities that I highlighted, Detroit, Minneapolis (and) Chicago.
But in also just the work that we&#8217;ve been able to do. So I&#8217;m a big music fan, big fan of music, and one of the panels that I&#8217;m most excited about, I think, is the Black Midwestern futures. Where they&#8217;re going to be talking about the Minneapolis sound. Talking about Motown, talking about some of the other musical movements that have taken place in the Midwest. So just in terms of the speakers that we have. Aaron Foley is one of the opening speakers who is a Michigan State graduate, a Renaissance graduate, who&#8217;s a writer, an author, and there are other writers and panelists as well from the Midwest.
Jeff and Tamal Ray, who are renowned faculty at Michigan State University. But I would say just in terms of people wanting to learn about the diaspora, the Black diaspora or African diaspora that exists across the Midwest, how we&#8217;ve been able to leverage and do great things and being able to, you know, learn about the poets, the activists, the arts, and most importantly, how we were able to navigate the pandemic of 2020, but also just the protest and uprisings. And for us to kind of come together. So I would say those who are Black-identified and those who are not Black-identified, I think you&#8217;ll find something in it for everyone.
Stephen Henderson: Yeah. That Black diaspora dimension of this is a subject of a panel as well. And that really concentrates on the idea that there are lots of us in these places who came from other places in America, mostly the American South. But this continues to be a place of immigration for people from Africa. Talk about the importance of that mix and acknowledging that there is this diversity among blackness in the Midwest.
Marquis Taylor: That is a great question Stephen and I think with respect to where both myself and Terrion or Dr. Williamson where we connected in Minneapolis, Minnesota, there is a high concentration of East African immigrants. And for me personally, growing up in Detroit, I didn&#8217;t see that per se.
You see it in pockets, but I think I was able to see it more so living in the twin cities. And it&#8217;s important for us to recognize their contributions as well and us to kind of come together in unity, in the sense of understanding, you know, how they were able to come to this country versus, you know, us, those of us who were American born descendants of slavery.
And recognizing that we&#8217;re part of, you know, in many cases the same fight and the same struggle. But, you know, in respect to Minneapolis, I think Columbus, Ohio, also has a high concentration of East African immigrants. And there are other parts of the Midwest that escape me right now.
But I really just think that we just, you know, need to come together to unify. And again, having this lived experience, living in the twin cities, knowing what that was like and, you know, Dr. Williamson as well and as well as a few other panelists and people on the committee just to recognize our collective contributions because we&#8217;re more alike than we are different.
Stephen Henderson: Yeah. Okay. Marquis Taylor, really great to have you here on American Black Journal and congratulation on the second biannual Black Midwest Symposium. Thanks for being with us.
Marquis Taylor: Thank you.
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<h2>Stay Connected: </h2>
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Catch the daily conversations on our<a href="https://www.detroitpbs.org/category/american-black-journal/"> website</a>,<a href="https://www.facebook.com/AmericanBlackJournal/"> Facebook</a>,<a href="https://twitter.com/amblackjournal"> Twitter</a> and<a href="https://www.instagram.com/amblackjournal/"> Instagram</a> @amblackjournal.
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Black Midwest Symposium in Detroit Focuses on Unique Midwest Challenges, Solutions

WOC-DEI-Newsletter

It has been more than two years since <a href="https://www.detroitpbs.org/american-black-journal/6-21-20-american-black-journal-roundtable-on-george-floyd-protests-police-brutality-systemic-racism/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">George Floyd&#8217;s murder</a> sparked huge commitments from businesses and organizations to expand their diversity, equity and inclusion efforts in the workplace. Promises were made, but were they kept? American Black Journal takes a look at whether <a href="https://www.detroitpbs.org/business-entrepreneurship/future-of-work-dei-progress-in-the-workplace/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">DEI efforts in the workplace</a> have improved since calls for racial and social justice re-ignited across the nation.
RELATED: <a href="https://www.detroitpbs.org/business-entrepreneurship/future-of-work-dei-progress-in-the-workplace/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Have Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Progressed in the Workplace?</a>
RELATED:<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SWQdoTdiBSY&amp;t=1s" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Watch American Black Journal&#8217;s workforce diversity roundtable here</a>
&#8220;American Black Journal&#8221; host <a href="https://twitter.com/SHDetroit" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Stephen Henderson</a> sits down with <a href="https://twitter.com/leegroup" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The LEE Group</a> President Mark S. Lee and Nikki Pardo, from <a href="https://www.globesol.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Global Alliance Solutions</a>, for a candid conversation on the state of DEI efforts in the workplace at corporations across America and the status of new Chief Diversity Officer positions that were created. Plus, Henderson examines the amount of resources that have been allocated to DEI efforts and how they compare to the commitments made two years prior.
<h2>Full Transcript:</h2>
Stephen Henderson, Host, American Black Journal: So Mark, I&#8217;m going to start with you. We&#8217;ve had this conversation a couple of times, right? Right after the murder of George Floyd and the protests. You had these corporations come out and say, hey, we get it. We got to do better. We need to focus on equity, diversity and inclusion. We talked about a year ago, I think, about where we were. We still, I think, have some frustrations about what the response, the actual response has been by these corporations. They&#8217;ve said they want to do a lot, but brick and mortar, there isn&#8217;t as much as we might expect.
Mark S. Lee, President &amp; CEO, The Lee Group: I think that&#8217;s a very accurate statement. Let&#8217;s just circle back, two years ago, if we could for a quick moment. Obviously, after the George Floyd situation, we saw a huge increase in commitment statements, and people were making that verbal commitment, if you will, to hiring DEI professionals at that point in time.
As fast forward to today and it&#8217;s very mixed results. It&#8217;s actually somewhat frustrating in terms of the progress to date. Let me just give you a specific data point here. Recently, a survey was done by the Creative Investment Research of the 271 U.S. companies or corporations that made DEI pledges. Now financially since that racial injustice, if we were a couple of years ago, since the summer of 2020, these corporations estimated to pledge some $67 billion.
Estimated to pledge $67 billion behind the DEI. To the beginning of this year, only $652 million have actually been spent. That&#8217;s less than 1% percent. As part of the frustration that we&#8217;re seeing, there was a lot of gung-ho excitement and commitment to it, but when you put the dollars to the battle, so to speak, those dollars are not coming through.
Stephen Henderson: Nikki, one of the things that&#8217;s also happening is that people are finding themselves in these roles in corporations and finding that maybe they&#8217;re not all that they&#8217;re chalked up to be and they&#8217;re leaving. Talk about some of the frustrations that are associated with just the idea of introducing these positions and these ideas into a corporate space that, let&#8217;s be honest, is just not used to it.
Nikki Pardo, President, Global Alliance Solutions: Yeah, that&#8217;s a great question. So, I belong to two large nationally, national organizations. It&#8217;s kind of an informal group of DEI practitioners and I also facilitate, one myself. And Mark has spoken twice and that he was hit and you know, because he will give it to you. He comes with that data and he gives it to you raw. You know the stats.
But I&#8217;ll tell you what&#8217;s happening now is we saw the trend, the bandwagon post-May 25th, 2020, when the world stopped spinning on its axis for 10 minutes. And so these businesses, these organizations across all industries were clamoring and with these chief diversity officers, CDO positions. And so now we revisit it. Here we are two years later. And the feedback from my fellow practitioners in these groups is they are very frustrated and I&#8217;m not going to use an absolute and say, oh. Some have made tremendous strides and really moved that needle. But others are really frustrated and feel that they were set up to fail, where they have no budgets. So that means no professional development.
And everyone knows that this industry, I&#8217;ve been in it now collectively for 17 years, that is one of the fastest evolving industries. So you have to keep up with trends. So that means you have to get certifications or join organizations, and with like-minded. So yeah, that&#8217;s where they are right now. And in the beginning, I remember when I was having conversations with them, I&#8217;m like, why the dashes and the slashes? It would be CDOs slash talent acquisition, slash, account manager. I remember just getting, not angry, but just I was questioning it.
Now they&#8217;re grateful for it because now that the whole wave has kind of calmed down, they&#8217;re able to return back to their TA positions or their accounting positions or their marketing positions or whatever it was. And I always said in the beginning, like I called it the tap on the shoulder. Like if you were Black, if you were a woman, especially a middle-aged woman, and expressed an interest, it&#8217;s like, hey, you&#8217;re already a CDO, and we saw that. And Mark, you could testify to this also because you have friends who this is also happened to. So now that the wave has kind of stopped and they&#8217;re going to their respective corners and that&#8217;s the way the trend is going.
Stephen Henderson: Yeah, I mean, that&#8217;s really disappointing. Mark, is this about a commitment that was harder to fulfill than these corporations thought it would be? Or is this about I guess a head fake of sorts that they said they were interested and turned out they weren&#8217;t as interested?
Mark S. Lee: I think this is an issue with people overly excited that put that in quotes, meaning that we have to do something, we have to do something, we have to do something without properly planning for it. And it was almost a knee-jerk reaction to what happened in May of &#8217;20. And what Nikki is saying is spot on.
A lot of people that were brought into these organizations and I&#8217;m just generalizing right now. Okay, just generalizing. Some people, quite candidly, were not prepared to take these positions. And so what the organizations were doing, there was a knee-jerk reaction. It brought them in. And then when the people came in to Nikki&#8217;s point, there was a lot of frustration. The average tenure of a person coming into it has declined from 3.1 years in that position to 1.8 years in less than a two-year window. So think about that. So the bottom line was a knee-jerk reaction, I think, as a result that there was not in proper planning. And what we&#8217;re seeing right now is a direct result of not having appropriate plans and resources in place.
Stephen Henderson: Yeah. One of the things that I think is really key to the success of people in these roles, of course, is the senior management environment at these corporations. Right. And in a lot of cases, you still got senior management that doesn&#8217;t reflect the general population. There aren&#8217;t enough women. There aren&#8217;t enough people of color. Nikki, I wonder if you can talk about maybe the distinction between places that have done better with overall diversity and then introduced this idea of the DEI officer and places that still, I guess, are struggling with that concept or just not really embracing it. It seems to me that the likelihood of success is, at least in part, dependent on how diverse the workplace that you&#8217;re getting into is in its senior management.
Nikki Pardo: Yeah. There&#8217;s so much research out there to support this, McKinsey report. I mean, all of that. And but I just want to say, I just want to kind of dial back a little bit where I think things look different now, if that makes sense. And like, if you go on Indeed or any other LinkedIn or any of the platforms where the CDO positions that are embedded in the C-suite, they are kind of brought down a tier.
Where they might not necessarily be in the C-suite or the S-suite or the V-suite, but that next tier is like a directorship or&#8230; But I always say, if you are, if you bringing down those tiers, make sure that they have are a direct liaison to the S and V suit. So yeah, so it just is looking a little different. I&#8217;ll say that.
And also I&#8217;ll say too, in the industry slight defense, now companies are trying to wrangle in this remote work, so everything has shifted to that. Where now employees are I mean, I&#8217;m sorry, employers and companies are like, okay, we&#8217;re bringing everyone back and now they&#8217;re losing people. So it&#8217;s just this whole. So I think it&#8217;s shifted to that. Again, I&#8217;m not defending. I am defending, but I&#8217;m not defending the industry. But, yeah, it&#8217;s just and Mark, I don&#8217;t know if you can.
Mark S. Lee: Let me just chime in for a second, because all of this is a direct result of a lot of factors, very briefly. And what we&#8217;re seeing here in terms of not the lack of connectivity from the senior management dollar. In some cases that employees are beginning to feel alienated. And so even the word DEI. If you use the word diversity inside of an organization, you have some employees who are becoming offended by that word and because they don&#8217;t have&#8230; They feel as though that the organization is not necessarily embraced it. They may have verbally embraced it, but has not been socially embraced throughout the entire organization.
So it becomes a challenge of how do you make the employees feel that it is important throughout the entire organization. But what&#8217;s happened with the last 18 months or so, it has some employees viewed as a divisive strategy and divided people inside the organization, and that&#8217;s another challenge that needs to be dealt with as well.
Nikki Pardo: Yeah. And to kind of piggyback what Mark is saying and what I&#8217;m seeing Stephen now is the employees are flipping it and holding the ELT teams and senior leadership accountable and calling them out, as we see on all these different platforms. Where they&#8217;re being very vocal and especially, I&#8217;m pro millennials, I don&#8217;t want it to seem like I&#8217;m an anti, but they&#8217;re really driving this narrative.
You made all these declarations, two years ago, Black people, we love you. We stand with you, we stand by you. And some of these friends that I know personally, were given promises and okay, listen, we are going to sponsor you. We&#8217;re done with mentorship. We&#8217;re going to sponsor you. We&#8217;re going to pour all these resources into you and to prepare you for that next jump that they did not receive.
Stephen Henderson: Yeah. I want to talk just briefly about local and southeast Michigan. I know, Mark, you work with a lot of local companies. And Nikki, I know you do, too. Are we seeing something different here? Something better? Maybe is maybe my hopeful, hopeful statement there or are we struggling as much as everybody else? Mark.
Mark S. Lee: Thank you. I think from my perspective, I am working very heavily in this space. I&#8217;m seeing people are truly not just saying it verbally. They&#8217;re trying to make a change inside the organization. So I&#8217;m sure that outside of that spirit of maybe some other organizations are grappling with this discussion as we&#8217;re having this warning. But by the same token, I think the people I&#8217;m working with, they get it. They&#8217;re trying to make a change. We&#8217;ve still got a long way to go.
Stephen Henderson: And Nikki, what are you finding?
Nikki Pardo: I&#8217;m seeing, like I said, it&#8217;s slowed down a little bit and it looks different. And I have more, I have clients literally from coast to coast.
Stephen Henderson: Everywhere, right?
Nikki Pardo: Yeah. Yeah. And I&#8217;m seeing that there are some industries more than others that are sustaining their commitment. But then, like I said, now things have kind of shifted back to figuring out how they&#8217;re going to manage all of the remote and stop the bleeding from employees with the great resignation they&#8217;re dealing with as well. So it&#8217;s a lot of different variables, but I&#8217;ll say the momentum&#8217;s there, it&#8217;s just lessened.
Stephen Henderson: Yeah. Okay. All right. Mark Lee and Nikki Pardo, good to have two better voices to talk about this issue. Thanks so much for joining us on American Black Journal.
Nikki Pardo: Thank you very much.
Mark S. Lee: Appreciate it.
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<h2>Stay Connected: </h2>
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Catch the daily conversations on our<a href="https://www.detroitpbs.org/category/american-black-journal/"> website</a>,<a href="https://www.facebook.com/AmericanBlackJournal/"> Facebook</a>,<a href="https://twitter.com/amblackjournal"> Twitter</a> and<a href="https://www.instagram.com/amblackjournal/"> Instagram</a> @amblackjournal.
<h3><a href="https://www.detroitpbs.org/category/american-black-journal/">View Past Episodes &gt;</a></h3>
Watch American Black Journal on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 9:30 a.m. on Detroit Public TV, WTVS-Channel 56.

Keeping Commitments? The State of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Efforts in the Workplace

Screen-Shot-2022-07-26-at-2.58.17-PM

The Black Church’s Role in Reducing Gun Violence in the Communities They Serve 

COTS-40th-Anniversary-1920×1080-1

Forty years ago, the Detroit nonprofit Coalition on Temporary Shelter <a href="https://cotsdetroit.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">(COTS)</a> started in the basement of the old <a href="https://www.stpetersdetroit.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">St. Peter&#8217;s Episcopal Church</a> with the mission to help individuals experiencing homelessness get off the street. Over time, however, they began to notice a greater need to not just help individuals, but also families experiencing homelessness. Now, still standing four decades later, COTS celebrates its 40th anniversary of providing support for homeless people in need.
Coalition on Temporary Shelter CEO Cheryl Johnson joins &#8220;American Black Journal&#8221; host <a href="https://twitter.com/SHDetroit" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Stephen Henderson</a> for a conversation about how the organization has evolved over the years to meet the changing needs of the community, and how its focus has shifted from not only providing temporary housing solutions, but also offering long-term strategies to help disrupt the cycle of generational poverty.
<h2>Full Transcript:</h2>
Stephen Henderson: Congratulations on 40 years of COTS. I think on the one hand, it&#8217;s a remarkable milestone and something to be really proud of. But on the other hand, it also suggests that we still have this profound need in our community and that we have not yet found a way to solve it permanently for enough people.
Cheryl Johnson, CEO, COTS: Yeah, it is. And thank you for the congratulations. I love to say that out of those 40 years I&#8217;ve been with the organization for 32.
Stephen Henderson: Wow.
Cheryl Johnson: So to be able to see a full generation and we can talk a little bit about how that has evolved and what we see in the future. But the issue, we don&#8217;t talk about it in terms of homelessness anymore. We talk about it in terms of generational poverty. Because really, at the root of all of that, we have to tackle that piece of it in order to address homelessness.
Stephen Henderson: Yeah. So let&#8217;s go back to 40 years ago and compare what the problem looks like then to what it looks like now and what the organization was doing then versus what it&#8217;s doing now.
Cheryl Johnson: Yeah. So, back in &#8217;82, it&#8217;s basically a group of clergy and community folks that came together to say, hey, there&#8217;s an issue basically at that time with single folk on the street, like, how do we address that? And in the basement of Old Saint Peter&#8217;s Episcopal Church, right across from old Tiger Stadium, COTS started and its Coalition on Temporary Shelter, that was the legal name of it with really getting these single folk off the street.
Cheryl Johnson: Over time, we began to see something very different, and that is whole families like parents and children now who are experiencing homelessness. You know, many sleeping in their cars in other places where they should not be sleeping. And then today, you see now a totally different view of what that looks like even across our country.
Stephen Henderson: Yeah. The idea, though, of trying to address it from a systemic context, I think is a really important point to go back to because you know, it&#8217;s I think people don&#8217;t understand all the time that people can move in and out of this issue and that that is what you see over time. Multi-generational struggle with home insecurity, with the inability to keep your family in one place.
Cheryl Johnson: And that&#8217;s exactly what it is. And what resulted in us transitioning about eight years ago from serving what we say homeless folk to really laser focusing on families was the fact that we began to hear what I call a narrative from folk.
Cheryl Johnson: And these are people who are now adult people in our emergency shelter with their children who would say something like this, Steve, and they would say, you know, I remember being here when I was six. I was here when I was seven. And now a full generation later, they&#8217;re here with their children.
Cheryl Johnson: So that was one issue. The other issue was we saw more than two generations. I remember seeing four great grandparent, grandparent, parent and child altogether. So that speaks to this ongoing cycle of not being able to address poverty.
Cheryl Johnson: So that&#8217;s when we decided to really kind of stop things and began to look at generational poverty and create a very different theory of change about how to move people into communities where they are now thriving and not, you know, caught up in this vicious cycle.
Cheryl Johnson: And so we really focus on these five areas of family stability, education, education career goals, employment and career goals. Health and well-being and economic mobility goals that they set. They are assets. They are able, with the help of coaching, to really move through this and have great generational impact.
Stephen Henderson: Yeah, I want to talk just a little about the pandemic and how much it set families back on this issue here in Detroit. I know that if you go to any neighborhood, you can see the impact that it had on families and again, on their housing security.
Cheryl Johnson: Yeah, so we are, I am saying this and I believe it to be a truth that we haven&#8217;t seen, like the real impact of that yet because right now courts are still behind. There was you know the moratorium on and folk were able to kind of stay put but across our country and Detroit is going to be hit really hard. You got prices of housing, rent&#8217;s just going through the roof. People cannot support that.
Cheryl Johnson: And a bit that we don&#8217;t talk about is the impact on our children. Our kids are not going to catch up, folks. And that&#8217;s a real thing. And so how do we mitigate that? And for kids that have already experienced homelessness, we&#8217;re already behind. There is this now increased gap of how do we address that and mitigate it? We can&#8217;t fix it. We&#8217;ve got to mitigate the impact of it.
Stephen Henderson: And that was going to be my next question, Was this impact on children and how you address that separately? I mean, the goals that you&#8217;re talking about are adult goals for head of households and people who are in charge. But this visit so, so hard on our kids. How do you and how do you get them to not repeat the cycle? Right.
Cheryl Johnson: Yeah. So our work really is two-generational. I mentioned those goals specifically around parents. However, our children, we have a youth coach who works particularly with our kids on things that matter to them. And so everything from their executive functioning. How they think, how they see themselves in the world, their goals and aspirations.
Cheryl Johnson: And believe it or not, kids are dreaming and they are thinking, like they actually want things. And so when you pair working with parents and the child together and I shouldn&#8217;t always say parents, it&#8217;s the adult person. Because our families now consist of grandparents, aunts, sisters, whoever, right?
Cheryl Johnson: And so we work with all families as long as it&#8217;s an adult person accompanied by our children. But our kids specifically have goals that they are creating for themselves. And working with a coach, that&#8217;s important. And their overall health and well-being is at the center of all of that.
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<h2>Stay Connected: </h2>
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Catch the daily conversations on our<a href="https://www.detroitpbs.org/category/american-black-journal/"> website</a>,<a href="https://www.facebook.com/AmericanBlackJournal/"> Facebook</a>,<a href="https://twitter.com/amblackjournal"> Twitter</a> and<a href="https://www.instagram.com/amblackjournal/"> Instagram</a> @amblackjournal.
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Detroit’s Coalition on Temporary Shelter Nonprofit celebrates 40 years fighting homelessness

ABJ-RoeVWade

In a new abortion ruling that has sent shockwaves through America, the U.S. Supreme Court has decided to reverse the landmark Roe V. Wade court case that provided comprehensive <a href="https://www.detroitpbs.org/one-detroit/could-roe-v-wade-be-overturned-this-year-the-abortion-rights-ramifications-we-may-see-in-michigan/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">protection to women’s reproductive rights</a>.
The Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe V. Wade has birthed new concerns within the medical community about how the new aborting ruling might affect the <a href="https://www.detroitpbs.org/american-black-journal/pregnancy-related-deaths-affecting-black-mothers-at-disturbing-rates/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">health of Black women</a>, who statistically are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than their white counterparts.
In light of the Supreme Court’s decision to roll back women’s constitutional rights, <a href="https://www.detroitpbs.org/category/american-black-journal/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">American Black Journal</a> host <a href="https://twitter.com/SHDetroit" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Stephen Henderson</a> sits down with Dr. Kimberly Farrow, of <a href="https://centralcityhealth.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Central City Integrated Health</a>, for a conversation about the economic and health-related challenges Black women will not face under the new court ruling.
Plus, <a href="https://twitter.com/centralcitydet" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Dr. Farrow</a> shares how overturning Roe V. Wade will affect Black women’s medical decisions and put them at greater risk than they already are.
<h2>Full Transcript:</h2>
Stephen Henderson: Start just by saying that, you know, whenever we talk about a stressful situation, a stressful health situation in this country, it means something different to African Americans than it does to everybody else. And I think in the wake of this ruling from the Supreme Court, we&#8217;re learning that abortion is no different. Abortion rights are no different. Talk about, though, why this issue looks different for African American women than it does for everybody else.
Dr. Kimberly Farrow, President &amp; CEO, Central City Integrated Health: It&#8217;s such an important question. So, let me just bring this up a bit. In 2021, there were over 30,000 women that received abortions. Half of those women happened to be African American. So, this is an issue that greatly impacts African American women.
The decision to carry a pregnancy to term weighs heavily on the community. Often women have to grapple with financial issues, access to care issues, you know, whether they have adequate family support. And so, these are the things that we see African American women in our community really struggle with.
Stephen Henderson: So, that number that you just cited, that half of the people seeking abortions in 2021 were African American, of course, we are not half of the population. That&#8217;s a pronounced overrepresentation. And you talked about some of the reasons why, but it seems to me, that this fits into that larger context of poverty, of course, and access to health care as well. These are challenges that we face in every facet of health care. And so, abortion is again, not different.
Dr. Kimberly Farrow: Correct. I mean, our patients especially, you know, let&#8217;s talk about at-risk patient populations, brown and black community patients, they still struggle to access high-quality health care services. Transportation is the issue. Finding money to pay for medications still is an issue. You know, many of our patients struggle with chronic disease, so you&#8217;re talking about mental health struggles, you&#8217;re talking about physical health struggles. And so, all these things, again, play into these decisions, right? You know, am I able to carry a pregnancy to term?
Now, I think what really also needs to be said, that if Michigan&#8217;s 1931 statute that makes providing an abortion a felony, where will patients receive care? Because really what&#8217;s happened here, it’s not that the overturning Roe V. Wade has stopped abortions, it has stopped access to abortions, to safe abortions. So, what happens when our patient population, who already struggles with accessing care, now has to potentially cross state lines to receive the care that they need?
I mean, you know, I shudder to think, are we going to be returning to, you know, back-alley procedures in dark rooms with, you know, with no medical professional in sight? I don&#8217;t know. But these are the things that the medical community is very, very concerned about.
Stephen Henderson: When we think about the current state of the law, I think we should also be clear about what it is, because there is some argument about whether that 1931 law is now in effect in Michigan or not. There is an injunction against it, though, and we should be clear; people who need this medical service can still get it. They can still get it legally. They can still get it safely.
Dr. Kimberly Farrow: Currently, correct. That is absolutely correct. So, you know, right now there is an injunction, as you stated, and I know that it&#8217;s being challenged right now in the state courts. I know that Governor Whitmer has issued her statement really asking the Supreme Court to expedite their decision. So, you know, I guess we&#8217;re in a holding pattern; in a wait-to-see pattern right now.
Stephen Henderson: The other thing I&#8217;d love to hear you talk with our viewers about is, I guess the rich diversity of reasons and circumstances that lead people to want to end a pregnancy. I think there&#8217;s a real stereotype about who has to seek this kind of medical attention. Talk about the kinds of things that you see and experience.
Dr. Kimberly Farrow: I&#8217;m glad you asked that question. I think it&#8217;s such a powerful question because I think often the assumption is that these are decisions that are kind of, you know, willy-nilly decisions that weren&#8217;t very thoughtful. Our patients that seek to not continue a pregnancy to term often are challenged with mental health issues that, you know, really are overwhelming for them and are not, in their minds, compatible with carrying a pregnancy to term.
Many of our patients are impoverished, meaning that they don&#8217;t have support systems, they don&#8217;t have financial stability, they have limited education. And so, bringing a child into that situation for them is, you know, overwhelming and not a decision that they want to make. Many of our patients have chronic health problems, you know, that will make it very difficult for them to continue a pregnancy. Some of these decisions are made out of having found themselves pregnant as a result of rape or incest.
These are serious, serious challenges and situations that our patients find themselves in and the decision to not carry a pregnancy to term weighs heavily on them. So, you know, I&#8217;m glad you asked that because I think often, again, it&#8217;s perceived that people are just kind of irresponsible or thoughtless and that&#8217;s not what we&#8217;re seeing in the medical community. These are people who are trying to do what&#8217;s best for them and their families and to make healthy decisions for themselves.
Stephen Henderson: Yeah. And that relationship between the physician and the patient, it is everything in this circumstance. And it is private, it&#8217;s intimate, it really is about medical care and nothing else.
Dr. Kimberly Farrow: You know, irrespective of how we personally feel about abortion, health decisions, reproductive health and rights, not politics, really should be leading these decisions.
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Catch the daily conversations on our<a href="https://www.detroitpbs.org/category/american-black-journal/"> website</a>,<a href="https://www.facebook.com/AmericanBlackJournal/"> Facebook</a>,<a href="https://twitter.com/amblackjournal"> Twitter</a> and<a href="https://www.instagram.com/amblackjournal/"> Instagram</a> @amblackjournal.
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Overturning Roe v. Wade: Black Women Disproportionately Affected by SCOTUS Abortion Ruling

Screen-Shot-2022-06-23-at-1.29.07-PM

On the 15th year of Detroit’s annual Silence the Violence march, and in the wake of <a href="https://www.detroitpbs.org/american-black-journal/racial-injustice-resources/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">several mass shootings</a> and Congress nearing a bipartisan agreement on stricter gun control laws, &#8220;American Black Journal&#8221; examines how gun violence affects communities of color. “Silence the Violence” is organized by Pastor Barry Randolph from the <a href="http://churchofthemessiahdetroit.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Church of the Messiah</a>.  
RELATED: <a href="https://www.detroitpbs.org/american-black-journal/detroit-mayor-mike-duggan-police-chief-james-white-on-violence-crime-policing-in-detroit/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, Police Chief James White on Violence, Crime and Policing in Detroit</a>
RELATED: <a href="https://www.detroitpbs.org/american-black-journal/force-detroit-discusses-creative-solutions-to-gun-violence-in-communities-of-color/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">FORCE Detroit Discusses Creative Solutions to Gun Violence in Communities of Color</a>
“American Black Journal” Producer Marcus Green takes us to the Silence the Violence march and rally on Detroit’s east side, where he hears from participants who gathered to remember victims, and who are calling for a change in gun control laws and violence in America.
<h2>Full Transcript:</h2>
Protesters Chanting: Silence the violence. Silence the violence. Silence the violence.
Pastor Barry Randolph, Church Of The Messiah Detroit: Boots on the ground is where a lot of the money needs to go. Meet the people who are here, who are making this happen and doing this work every single day. All the different groups that you see out here, you have the ability to sign petitions. You have the opportunity to join those groups, see what they all about, intrermingle and see what fits.
Pastor Barry Randolph: I want to eventually see gun violence eradicated. Bringing all of these people together are the people who are boots on the ground, are the people who are stakeholders. We can eradicate this if we continue to work together to share resources, let people know what&#8217;s going on and what&#8217;s happening, and make sure that funding go to the right places, but give people an option where they can come in and work towards eradicating gun violence. I believe we can do this.
Teferi Brent, Co-Founder, Dignity 4 Detroit: We know that there are four things directly impacting criminal behavior, which means that criminal mindset and behaviors are born out of four things. One, fatherlessness. Two, substance abuse. Three, a functional illiteracy. And four, of course, mental health. Unresolved trauma. Undetermined trauma. Right. So until we are willing to address those things institutionally and systemically and legislatively, we will continue to have an issue with crimes.
Protesters Chanting: No Justice, No Peace, No Justice, No Peace.
Mary Sheffield, President, Detroit City Council: We have to address the root causes of violence. We have to address the root causes of violence. And to be quite honest it&#8217;s not just a law enforcement issue. It&#8217;s not a city council issue. It&#8217;s not a state issue. It&#8217;s not a federal issue. This is a we issue.
Mary Sheffield: This is a you issue. This is a neighborhood issue, a community issue, a church issue. This is all of our issue.
Chief James White, Detroit Police Department: We must work together to put an end to gun violence. And, you know, we talk about it a lot, but it&#8217;s time. It&#8217;s time to do something. We all have these really big positions and these big titles. But if we don&#8217;t do something with them, what&#8217;s the use, what&#8217;s the purpose?
Protesters Chanting: Love Our Neighbor.
Sheriff Raphael Washington, Wayne County: We&#8217;ve got to stop killing our babies. And you know why we&#8217;re killing our babies.. Because we&#8217;re leaving our guns unattended. We&#8217;re leaving our guns as a threat in harm&#8217;s way in reach of our babies. That&#8217;s gun violence you all. That&#8217;s just a different form.
Sheriff Raphael Washington: We&#8217;ve got to do what we need to do to make sure— And I&#8217;m not here to beat up on Second Amendment rights and things. If you want a gun and you legal then you&#8217;re legal and if you want to have a gun and it&#8217;s your right, you do that. Please, please stop killing our babies. Let&#8217;s do what we&#8217;re supposed to do as adults and citizens and keep our guns safely stored and locked so our babies can live.
Todd Bettison, Deputy Mayor, City of Detroit: It&#8217;s a constant reminder of pulling people together. Working together, unification. Because we all recognize that it&#8217;s a problem. You got a lot of different groups doing different things, but they all come together with a common goal. And if you&#8217;re a mother, if you lost somebody to gun violence, you&#8217;re sitting back oftentimes thinking that you&#8217;re alone.
Todd Bettison: This man right here who standing next to me. A good brother to bear his print and you can see the shirt that he&#8217;s wearing. We&#8217;ve done events like this all over the city. We need for folks to stand up, change the culture— and his shirt says stop killing our babies. We serious about that. It&#8217;s a public safety issue and everybody in the public wants safety, but it&#8217;s about the community coming together because that&#8217;s where the solution lies.
Fred Durhal III, Member, Detroit City Council: Get the community involved. In order to stop these brothers from shooting each other, we got to give them something to do. We just can&#8217;t look at the problem and not come with the solutions. So I&#8217;m glad everyone is here today. Everyone wants to stop. This violence is going to take all of us and we look forward to working together, which I love y&#8217;all. Let&#8217;s stop this violence now.
Pastor Barry Randolph: We need to uplift the groups that&#8217;s doing. But we also need to show up to let everybody know that we&#8217;re here to eradicate gun violence. We need, like the different groups and stuff that&#8217;s here, we need to let them know, we&#8217;re behind you. And when they hold their events and when they do their events, we need to be there to say we&#8217;re standing up to them.
Elijah Richardson, CEO, WHOH Detroit: This type of event has a huge impact on our community. We need more events like this to happen more often so that we can stop the violence, not just the gun violence, but all violence.
Dujuan &#8220;Zoe&#8221; Kennedy, Community Organizer, Force Detroit: This is my second time out. My first time coming, I had just got released from a 15-year sentence in prison. You get to network and you get to build and be more impactful first and foremost. But it also sends a message to the community that it&#8217;s not just law enforcement that care or community that care, everybody care because everybody in this community. It&#8217;s a human thing. So it gives a good message to the people, but it also encourages people to participate in this type of behavior and these type of solution-oriented things that we&#8217;re doing out here.
Teferi Brent: The solution is you. The solutions are those brothers and sisters who are on the frontline every day doing intervention work in our community that you don&#8217;t know about.
Pastor Barry Randolph: Remember, we are out here to make noise for folks who no longer have a voice. We&#8217;re talking about all of those folks who have died because of gun violence. And we want to lift them up and we want everybody to know that they were a human being and that we love them. That&#8217;s why we carry the signs. That&#8217;s why we wear the shirt. We want everybody to know that we&#8217;re getting ready to take it to the street and that we miss them. But we honor them today.
Teferi Brent: As the people, we should be the ones who are keeping our women safe, our children safe. Our elders safe, our little girls and boys safe. It&#8217;s our responsibility.
Protesters Chanting: All power to the people.
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Catch the daily conversations on our<a href="https://www.detroitpbs.org/category/american-black-journal/"> website</a>,<a href="https://www.facebook.com/AmericanBlackJournal/"> Facebook</a>,<a href="https://twitter.com/amblackjournal"> Twitter</a> and<a href="https://www.instagram.com/amblackjournal/"> Instagram</a> @amblackjournal.
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15th annual Silence the Violence march rallies to stop gun violence in Detroit

Multiple People Injured After Mass Shooting At Buffalo Food Market

Another racially motivated fatal shooting has rocked Black America. An 18-year-old white man is under arrest for fatally shooting 10 people, and wounding three others at Tops Friendly Market in a <a class="Hyperlink SCXW134126165 BCX0" href="https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/retired-police-officer-weekend-shoppers-are-the-dead-in-buffalo-mass-shooting" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">predominately Black neighborhood in Buffalo, NY</a>. The shooter was allegedly motivated by white supremacy, writing a 180-page document espousing the &#8220;Great Replacement Theory,&#8221; which claims there&#8217;s an intentional effort to replace the white American majority with people of color through immigration. 
RELATED: <a href="https://www.detroitpbs.org/american-black-journal/patrick-lyoya-and-police-reform-a-roundtable-with-the-naacp-and-black-lives-matter/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Patrick Lyoya and Police Reform: A Roundtable With the NAACP and Black Lives Matter</a>
RELATED: <a href="https://www.detroitpbs.org/american-black-journal/6-21-20-american-black-journal-roundtable-on-george-floyd-protests-police-brutality-systemic-racism/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Roundtable On George Floyd Protests, Police Brutality &amp; Systemic Racism</a>
As the African American community is gripped by another tragic mass shooting, <a class="Hyperlink SCXW5607826 BCX0" href="https://www.detroitnaacp.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Detroit Branch NAACP</a> President Rev. Wendell Anthony joins host <a class="Hyperlink SCXW5607826 BCX0" href="https://twitter.com/SHDetroit" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stephen Henderson</a> to talk about the Buffalo shooting and the gunman&#8217;s white supremacist views. Plus, they posit what needs to be done to reduce and eliminate these casualties, including white Americans&#8217; role in addressing racism. 
<h2>Full Transcript:</h2>
Stephen Henderson: Reverend Wendell Anthony, we find ourselves again, I think, trying to decide which emotion is right. Is it sadness? Is it anger? Is it frustration? This just keeps happening. And I got to say, I&#8217;m tired of deciding which emotion is the right one. I want this to change. And I guess I just don&#8217;t know what will make that happen.
Rev. Dr. Wendell Anthony, President, Detroit Branch NAACP: Well, Stephen, always good to be with you. I mean, you feel like I do. I think it was a combination of all of the emotions. At the same time, you&#8217;re angry, you&#8217;re frustrated, you&#8217;re disappointed, you&#8217;re disgusted, you&#8217;re challenged. You want to do something. You want something to stop, you want something to start. And here we are again. And the tragedy, Steve, though you and I both know this is not the last one.
Rev. Dr. Wendell Anthony: It&#8217;s going to happen again until we recognize that there&#8217;s not a black problem or brown problem or red or yellow problem. America has a problem. And the problem is racism. It&#8217;s white supremacy. It&#8217;s those who believe that black and brown people have achieved too much and taken things away from them.
Rev. Dr. Wendell Anthony: The fact that an 18 year old man, white man. Drove 200 miles armed, planned and executed ten black people, wounding others whom he&#8217;d never met, ain&#8217;t done nothing to him because he got bored during the pandemic when he was at home with his mom. Something is wrong here. And the fact that you have politicians, Republicans, and they must own this, the Republican Party must own this,.
Rev. Dr. Wendell Anthony: Not the Democrats. The Republicans must own it because these are Republican extremists and people who are fighting back, championing the dogma of Kevin McCarthy, Marjorie Taylor Greene. Of all these individuals, Matt Gaetz, of all these folks who are enabling them. The fact I agree with Liz Cheney that the GOP has enabled this mess to occur. And until they step up and negate and expel these people and say, we don&#8217;t want nothing to do with this and enforce promises and programs that speak to collectivity rather than individuality, we got a problem.
Rev. Dr. Wendell Anthony:  It&#8217;s interesting Stephen. I&#8217;m sitting between Jeremiah Wright on my right and Barack Obama on my left. Now y&#8217;all didn&#8217;t like Jeremiah because you said he was too strong. He told the truth and he was just too hard. Okay. You didn&#8217;t like Barack Obama and he was a president and he tried to bring everybody together. On the one hand, you didn&#8217;t like Jeremiah because you said he was too divisive. On the other hand, you didn&#8217;t like Obama because he was trying to unify the country. Well, what the hell do you want to be? I mean, somewhere we have got to come together and face our reality.
Stephen Henderson: Obviously, I agree with what you&#8217;re saying. And it does this does lie at the feet of white conservatism, white Republicanism, whatever you want to call it. But I want to talk about white comfort because that is what that&#8217;s what came to mind for me after this happened over the last week. It&#8217;s not the people who are pushing these things who are only responsible.
Stephen Henderson: It&#8217;s those people who might even be of good faith and not believe in white supremacy, want things to be equal, but whose lives aren&#8217;t affected by this and who don&#8217;t come out of their comfort zone to say, we can&#8217;t have this, we&#8217;re not doing this. Some of these folks vote Republican in some of these cases. Some of these folks live in communities where there aren&#8217;t African-Americans or African-Americans are kept out. And we, Martin Luther King, talked about the danger of the white moderate. I think that&#8217;s where our problem. That&#8217;s where a lot of our problems lie.
Rev. Dr. Wendell Anthony: Stephen, you see me nodding at everything you&#8217;re saying, because you&#8217;re right on point because I was going to make that point. Dr. King said it well. We were not remember so much the loud noise and the bad stuff from the bad people of this generation. But we will remember the science of the good people of this generation. I was asked the other day by a reporter, what are you going to say to your church or what did you say to your church the Sunday after the shooting?
Rev. Dr. Wendell Anthony: Well, I say to my church what I say all the time, out of these ashes, we rise. We have challenges that we still must forge ahead, that we still must love and work and have faith and put work to our faith and to our prayers. That we will live in a society that is still challenged. But that&#8217;s not the question Steve. The question is, what do the white pastors, the white preachers, the white leaders. Where are the white civil rights leaders, why do you come to Wendell Anthony and folk like me all of the time when Wendell Anthony ain&#8217;t shoot nobody. Wendell Anthony ain&#8217;t got no racism issue to ploy and to dig deep.
Rev. Dr. Wendell Anthony: I&#8217;m not trying to talk about people are taking over and this replacement where you are. What do you say to your congregation in Grosse Pointe? In Dearborn, in Troy, in Rochester, in Livonia? What are you saying to them on Sunday morning? What are the big creatures who have all these programs? The evangelicals who believe in the message of God and of Christ, who talk about loving your neighbor as yourself and doing in others as you would have them do? And what are you what is your message to them?
Rev. Dr. Wendell Anthony: I don&#8217;t hear none. And so I agree with you, Stephen, and that&#8217;s why when you at your job, when you are at your church, when you&#8217;re at your club, when you&#8217;re playing big west or playing poker or whatever your game is, if you all having these group discussions and somebody throws some stuff on the table that you know ain&#8217;t right, you got to check it. And when you have the opportunity to make a difference in terms of diversity in your company, you need to Inspire it and creative it.
Rev. Dr. Wendell Anthony: And, isn&#8217;t it something that Mitch McConnell and a delegation of Republicans went to Ukraine to talk about democracy over there and freedom over there and how we must support this move for democracy over there, but they won&#8217;t do a darn thing over here. They still will not do anything to deal with gun violence, to deal with gun checks and to deal with not taking your weapons of the Second Amendment. They always want to hide behind the Second Amendment. That&#8217;s the biggest lie in town.
Rev. Dr. Wendell Anthony: Ain&#8217;t nobody trying to take your gun. People are trying to get you to be responsible with your guns and you won&#8217;t do nothing with that. And all this talk about being pro-life. No, you&#8217;re not pro-life. You are pro-birth. And then when the baby is born, you tell them to go to hell. You won&#8217;t do nothing with health care. You won&#8217;t do nothing with gun violence. You won&#8217;t do nothing with education. You won&#8217;t do nothing with jobs and high wages and livable wages. And yet you run around here talking about your pro-life, your pro-birth.
Rev. Dr. Wendell Anthony: And you&#8217;re pro-death because you will not engage in making a difference. So there&#8217;s room in this boat for all of us. W.E.B. Dubois once said, well, years ago when he said, the problem of the 20th century is the problem of the color line. The problem of the 21st century is still the problem of the color line. And he also said that America will be destroyed because of ignorance.
Rev. Dr. Wendell Anthony: And unless we destroy ignorance, the United States will be destroyed. This is ignorance at its highest level. Nobody can replace anybody. Critical race theory does not exist. We have a critical racial issue in America and let&#8217;s deal with it. Calling all good white folk, all good black folk. All good brown folk, red folk, yellow, whatever kind of folk we need where you are. We need  you. And we&#8217;re calling.  And America needs you. People need you. If we&#8217;re going to get out of this mess.
Stephen Henderson: So we&#8217;ve only got a couple of minutes left. But I also want to talk a little about black radicalism and the role that it used to play, any role that we needed to play now in moving more people to the idea that they got to do something about this.
Rev. Dr. Wendell Anthony: Well, Stephen, that is true, but it&#8217;s not black radicals that are running around here shooting up supermarkets. They did not shoot up a Jewish synagogue. They did not go to Texas and kill folks who are from Mexico and our Latino brothers. The Anti-Defamation League recently said that of the 415 recent killings, right-wing extremists have done 75% of those. Islamic extremists are responsible about 20% and left-wing are responsible for 4%.
Stephen Henderson: So but then the question is&#8230;
Stephen Henderson: So I&#8217;m asking, should we have more black radicalism? Do we need more black radicalism now to focus people&#8217;s attention on this problem? Not violence, obviously, but the more radical instinct that says if we are going to live like this in this country, then everybody&#8217;s going to live this way. It&#8217;s not just going to be us who are under threat, who are victims all the time that it&#8217;s not we are not going to let everybody else exist in peace while we exist in terror.
Rev. Dr. Wendell Anthony: Well, Stephen, you&#8217;re trying to get me in trouble now, but what we look at the revolution. Reverend Anthony was calling for a revolution of behavior. Reverend Anthony believes, just as Christ was called a radical. He was called an extremist. Dr. King was called an extremist. He was an extremist for love, an equal opportunity inequity. He was an extremist for bringing people together. That&#8217;s the same kind of extremity I&#8217;m talking about.
Rev. Dr. Wendell Anthony: It&#8217;s hard to tell people to lay down your weapons and to be good citizens when everybody around you is coming at you. I remember what Coleman Young said years ago when they would say, well are you going to talk about disarming in Detroit? He said, As long as you got all these hostile white suburbs around me, I&#8217;m not going to be talking about disarming anything.
Rev. Dr. Wendell Anthony: Now, I am not suggesting black people should take up arms, but I am saying that we cannot be passive in our behaviors, in our problems, in our voting. We got to be radical in our thinking, radical in our positive and constructive behavior to get out. Take our souls to the polls to get engaged and to let people know that, hell, no, this won&#8217;t go. We won&#8217;t accept this.
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<h2>Stay Connected: </h2>
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Catch the daily conversations on our<a href="https://www.detroitpbs.org/category/american-black-journal/"> website</a>,<a href="https://www.facebook.com/AmericanBlackJournal/"> Facebook</a>,<a href="https://twitter.com/amblackjournal"> Twitter</a> and<a href="https://www.instagram.com/amblackjournal/"> Instagram</a> @amblackjournal.
<h3><a href="https://www.detroitpbs.org/category/american-black-journal/">View Past Episodes &gt;</a></h3>
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Racially Motivated Buffalo Grocery Store Shooting Kills 10, Injures Three

1/03/23: American Black Journal – The best of ‘American Black Journal’ in 2022

What have the weeks after <a href="https://www.detroitpbs.org/american-black-journal/bridgedetroit-grand-rapids-police-release-video-on-deadly-shooting-of-patrick-lyoya/">26-year-old African immigrant Patrick Lyoya</a> was fatally shot by a white Grand Rapids police officer looked like for Grand Rapids? <a href="https://www.detroitpbs.org/one-detroit/family-community-seek-justice-in-shooting-of-patrick-lyoya-as-michigan-state-police-investigation-continues/">How has the community reacted</a> and been impacted by another Black person dying after an interaction with police turned violent? 
RELATED: <a href="https://www.detroitpbs.org/american-black-journal/bridgedetroit-grand-rapids-police-release-video-on-deadly-shooting-of-patrick-lyoya/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BridgeDetroit | Grand Rapids Police Release Video On Deadly Shooting of Patrick Lyoya</a>
RELATED: <a href="https://www.detroitpbs.org/one-detroit/family-community-seek-justice-in-shooting-of-patrick-lyoya-as-michigan-state-police-investigation-continues/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Family, Community Call for Action in Patrick Lyoya Case as Michigan State Police Investigation Continues</a>
Host <a href="https://twitter.com/SHDetroit">Stephen Henderson</a> sits down with the <a href="https://naacpgr.com/">Greater Grand Rapids NAACP</a> President Cle Jackson and John Sloan III, co-founder of <a href="https://www.blmdetroit.com/">Black Lives Matter Detroit</a>, to discuss the impact of the tragic incident on the Grand Rapids community. Plus, they take a critical look at police relations with people of color, police reform and race relations and racial disparities in West Michigan. 
<figure id="attachment_23181" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-23181" style="width: 664px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-23181" src="https://wordpress.detroitpbs.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Patrick-Lyoya-Shooting-Location-Bryce-Huffman.jpeg" alt="Patrick Lyoya Police Reform" width="664" height="500" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-23181" class="wp-caption-text">Flowers, letters and stuffed animals at the trunk of a tree on Nelson Avenue and Griggs Street in southeast Grand Rapids, where the shooting of Patrick Lyoya occurred. | Photo by Bryce Huffman, BridgeDetroit</figcaption></figure>
<h2>Full Transcript: </h2>
Stephen Henderson: I&#8217;m going to start with you. Give us a sense of the way this feels, I guess, in the African-American community in Grand Rapids right now. We are still waiting to know much more about the consequences of what happened. But what did happen, I think not only shocks that community, but also reminds us of such a long narrative of tension between the police department there and African-Americans.
Cle Jackson, President, NAACP of Greater Grand Rapids: Yeah. Well, again, thank you for having me today to discuss this very egregious situation and horrific situation for the Lyoya family here in West Michigan. The community is, of course, outraged, right. The emotions are very high here. And there, they have been and I should say we have been, I think, patiently waiting for some answers.
Cle Jackson: As you might know, the Michigan State Police is the lead investigatory agency right now for this. We have not received an update from there in terms of where they are currently with releasing the findings of their investigation. So we&#8217;re waiting for that still. We&#8217;ve asked in terms of the NAACP of Greater Grand Rapids has asked publicly and officially, yesterday, we held a press conference at the county prosecutor&#8217;s office to which is Chris Becker, to recuse himself from this case.
We also have will be meeting with the attorney general Dana Nessel I believe next week to ask her to come in and take full control and oversight of the investigation. So we&#8217;ll see where that gets us. Chris Becker, the county prosecutor, put a statement out, an official statement yesterday indicating that he will not recuse himself from this case. And so we&#8217;re continuing to move forward, continuing to keep Patrick&#8217;s name in the spotlight, continuing to support his family as best as we can.
And so we&#8217;ll see. And as you said, you know, this is a situation that we have been in America, have been dealing with for years and years and years and years. And it has to stop at some point. It really has to stop. We have to stop automatically being criminalized by local law enforcement agents across this country. We have to stop being demonized by white America. And things have to change and they have to change quickly. And that&#8217;s what we&#8217;re expecting for in this situation.
Stephen Henderson: I wonder if you can talk about for, you know, our viewers here in Detroit, I guess the differences between what it&#8217;s like to be African-American in a place like Grand Rapids in Michigan, a smaller city with a smaller African-American population, then in some place like Detroit, where, of course, we are the overwhelming majority.
Cle Jackson: Well, I think there&#8217;s a big difference, as you guys know, this is West Michigan. You know, a lot of folks, they use this term here. We play West Michigan. Nice, right. So what that means is that the draping on the window are often not opened and so what happened during the pandemic, during the COVID 19 pandemic, back in 2020, all of the curtains were pulled off the window. Right. And honestly, even the windows were broken down and busted, I&#8217;ll just say that.
And what happened with that is it showed the gross disparity that exists here in West Michigan, not even from just the criminal justice lens, but also from a health care lens, from an economic lens, from education plans, from a youth engagement and involvement lens. And so the list goes on and on and on. West Michigan is ultra-conservative. It is rooted in the faith of the Christian Reformed Church. And in our numbers here, we probably have in the city of Grand Rapids or actually the county, I believe about 60,000 black folks here out of almost 200,000.
I think that was the last census. We were up near the 200 mark. And so that&#8217;s what we&#8217;re dealing with here. It&#8217;s has been a lot of historically a lot of managerial racism here as well. And so it has been intentional. It has been blatant, and it is in a lot of people here. I believe in mind, you know, this is not a criticism, it&#8217;s just an observation. Have perpetrated this system of white oppression and I&#8217;ll say oppression, repression, depression, every oppression you can think of. And it&#8217;s been very intentional here. And so that&#8217;s what we&#8217;re dealing with in West Michigan.
Stephen Henderson: Yeah. So, John, you and I have, of course, talked about this before and not one time, but many times it happens over and over. What I want to talk to you about, though, is something that you said to me a few years ago about the next step for African-Americans in this whole narrative of the relationship with the police. And you talked about that, it wasn&#8217;t time to wait for the police to change themselves.
Stephen Henderson: It&#8217;s not time anymore to wait for someone else to change the police. But then African-Americans and other people who have really tense relationships with police officers, we&#8217;re going to start essentially stop engaging with police, pulling away from that form of assistance or interaction in our communities. I want to start there with you.
Stephen Henderson: You know, you watch this video of this officer interacting with Patrick Lyoya. And you say over and over again, why are they interacting in the first place? And why does it turn so violent so quickly? And the answer to both of those really ultimately is that the interaction itself is the problem. And that not interacting is in so many cases now, it&#8217;s just the way that African-Americans can avoid what happened to Patrick Lyoya.
John Sloan III, Co-Founder, Black Lives Matter Detroit: Yeah. Thank you, Stephen, for having me. I always enjoy talking to you, but unfortunately, I feel like we talk too often under these circumstances. I think what we saw with Patrick&#8217;s murder and I want to I&#8217;m always going to be clear about calling it a murder and not a death or killing. Right. Because that was intentional homicide was there were so many opportunities for de-escalation. There were so many opportunities for that situation to go differently.
John Sloan III: And so every time I hear somebody say, well, we just need to reform the police, if we give them more training in de-escalation then they&#8217;ll be able to better handle situations like this. This is one clear example about how that training doesn&#8217;t work. Right. And so when we talked one of the times that we spoke during the summer of 2020, we were seeing protests all across Detroit, all across the state, all across the country.
John Sloan III: One of the things that we talked about and that I hoped would happen and did to a large extent, was that those protests created pressure on officials. They allowed us to leverage that pressure into political engagement. The problem is that there is such force, and when I say force, I mean political will, but also money, dollars behind the opposition to those things. I&#8217;m going to point very clearly to proposal P as an example. So you saw the process for Proposal P and the remaking of the Detroit City Charter start years earlier. Right.
John Sloan III: As something that is part of how our system is supposed to work. We as the residents of the city are supposed to have an opportunity to weigh in about how our city is being run and being governed. The aftermath of the summer of 20, George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and the numerous other names that we can&#8217;t mention. A lot of citizens, including myself and other residents of the city, got together and put forth amendments for the city charter. Right. Completely remaking the way the Board of Police Commissioners was structured. Completely separating the board of police commissioners from DPD, putting in mechanisms to give more, more teeth to how discipline could be meted out to agents of law enforcement agencies.
John Sloan III: As well as a myriad of other things. Participatory budgeting, like a lot of other things that were in there. And we saw proposal P go down, unfortunately, as drastically as it did because there was so much money that was put into the opposition. You couldn&#8217;t drive anywhere. I couldn&#8217;t watch ESPN, Monday Night Football, Hulu. Anything without seeing P is a problem.
John Sloan III: And so what we&#8217;re seeing is that as much as we as black folk might want to disengage, as much as me, as we as black folk might want to say, I&#8217;m going to step away from this problem. We can&#8217;t step away from the problem because the problem seeks us out, right? This system of policing is not broken. It&#8217;s doing exactly what it was designed to do. It&#8217;s upholding a social structure, it&#8217;s upholding a social hierarchy, and it&#8217;s criminalizing folks that those that have power want to make sure stay without. Right.
John Sloan III: So the more that we can frame this conversation less around, let&#8217;s fix a broken system, the more that we can frame this conversation less around. Well, we just need to get the police to do X, Y and Z. And the more that we can take advantage of this opportunity insofar as it&#8217;s a horrible and unfortunate event, but leveraging this moment to be able to get legislative action, sustainable change and progress through, if we can&#8217;t do that during moments like this, during moments like George Floyd&#8217;s death, and the further away we get, we&#8217;ve seen with our society, the further away in the rearview mirror this event becomes.
John Sloan III: Right, the less leverage we&#8217;re going to have on our elected officials. And the unfortunate reality is, for those of us who did not know, Patrick. For those of us that aren&#8217;t members of his family, we have the privilege of being able to put this in the rearview. They don&#8217;t. They&#8217;re going to have to live this every day for the rest of their lives, and we owe it to them then as a community to be able to stop and say, hey, hang on a second. This is we&#8217;ve continued to run up against this wall. It&#8217;s time to actually do something about it. It&#8217;s time to not just talk. It&#8217;s time to not just write legislation. It&#8217;s time to enact powerful change.
Stephen Henderson: Yeah. John, I&#8217;ve only got a minute or so left, but I do want to have you talk about, just kind of update us on these efforts around the country to create alternatives to the police, for people to go to when they do have problems. That would not have saved Patrick Lyoya&#8217;s life, of course. But again, this idea of stepping away from police in African-American communities has actually gained some steam.
John Sloan III: It has. And so we&#8217;ve seen if you look at Minneapolis, the Twin Cities, right in the aftermath of George Floyd&#8217;s death, there was a huge push to dismantle that system of policing, to build something new. The difficulty that is occurring is in the execution of that thing and not replicating the same harmful systems that have put us in this position in the first place. I&#8217;m in leadership with a local organization called the Detroit Safety Team. And part of what we focus on is the transport of justice and non-intuitive responses. Right.
John Sloan III: How do you center safety in the community? How do you make sure that the people that are on that block in that neighborhood have as much control as they have as much say into what safety looks like in their community as anybody else, with the understanding that what safety looks like in Brightmoor is going to be different than just the Chandlers? It&#8217;s going to be different than Southwest is going to be different than North End.
John Sloan III: And we all need to be able to have that type of way in where we&#8217;re always going to run into difficulty. Is this idea that it&#8217;s easier to just accept what we know now and just deal with it than it is to make something new. And so whenever somebody says we defund the police means to tear things down and make us unsafe. I say no it doesn&#8217;t. It means to divest from a system that has proven to kill us, that&#8217;s proven to criminalize us and invest in systems that we know work.
John Sloan III: None of these things are brand new. Right. Like we historically have seen this type of self-governance, this type of self-understanding of what safety can look like, be productive and be successful. We need the willpower as a community, and we need the willpower to put pressure on those people that have that type of legislative power and monetary control to be able to create that change.
John Sloan III: One of the first key things we can do whenever somebody sees participatory budgeting coming up on their ballot, that&#8217;s one of the first things that we can do that could really make a stand because that&#8217;s our immediate way as residents of us saying we have a right. We&#8217;re paying taxes into the city and this community. We should be able to have a say as to how that money gets spent.
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<h2>Stay Connected: </h2>
Subscribe to Detroit Public Television’s<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/detroitpublictv56"> YouTube Channel</a> &amp; Don’t miss American Black Journal on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m and Sunday at 9:30 a.m. on Detroit Public TV, WTVS-Channel 56.
Catch the daily conversations on our<a href="https://www.detroitpbs.org/category/american-black-journal/"> website</a>,<a href="https://www.facebook.com/AmericanBlackJournal/"> Facebook</a>,<a href="https://twitter.com/amblackjournal"> Twitter</a> and<a href="https://www.instagram.com/amblackjournal/"> Instagram</a> @amblackjournal.
<h3><a href="https://www.detroitpbs.org/category/american-black-journal/">View Past Episodes &gt;</a></h3>
Watch American Black Journal on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 9:30 a.m. on Detroit Public TV, WTVS-Channel 56.

Patrick Lyoya and police reform: A roundtable with the NAACP and Black Lives Matter Detroit

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Conversations about racial injustice are often fueled by the heartbreaking news of yet another African American dying at the hands of police officers.
From Patrick Lyoya, George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Daunte Wright, Andre Hill, Aura Rosser, Philando Castile, Tamir Rice, Michael Brown, Tanisha Anderson to the many others who have died after interactions with police, racial disparity, discrimination and inequity are long-standing issues in American society. Detroit Public TV’s “American Black Journal” is committed to telling the stories that impact people of color and sharing resources and conversations about racial injustice, inequality, and police brutality.  
Below you will find a list of racial injustice resources for a wide variety of uses, from early childhood to teens and adults. Whether these conversations start among people at marches and rallies, or more privately among family and friends, we hope these resources provide guidance and context for the issues surrounding racial injustice in America, as well as to educate, inform and inspire change in communities across the nation. 
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<h2>Racial Injustice Resources:</h2>
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<h3><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Esj3Ljh5esI" target="_blank" rel="noopener">American Black Journal | Racial Discrimination and Police Reform Roundtable</a></h3>
In the wake of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin being convicted of murdering George Floyd, where do we go from here? Chauvin was held accountable, but the struggle for justice continues. Host Stephen Henderson moderates a roundtable discussion about police reform, systemic racism and the psychological impact of racial discrimination with Southfield Police Chief Elvin Barren, Black Lives Matter Detroit co-leader John Sloan III and Dr. Riana Anderson, assistant professor at the University of Michigan School of Public Health.
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<h3 class="title style-scope ytd-video-primary-info-renderer"><a href="https://www.detroitpbs.org/6-21-20-american-black-journal-roundtable-on-george-floyd-protests-police-brutality-systemic-racism/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">American Black Journal | A Special Roundtable Discussion on Police Brutality &amp; Systemic Racism</a></h3>
&#8220;American Black Journal&#8221; Host <a href="https://twitter.com/SHDetroit" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Stephen Henderson</a> sits down with <a href="http://karendumas.com/">Karen Dumas</a>, Communications Strategist at Images &amp; Ideas, Inc., <a href="https://brandonbrice.com/">Brandon Brice</a>, “Straight Talk” Host for 910 AM Superstation, The Urban Convservative&#8217;s <a href="https://twitter.com/attykj?lang=en">Kerry Leon Jackson</a> and <a href="https://www.deadlinedetroit.com/columnist/Bowens">Greg Bowens</a>, PR &amp; Political Consultant at Bowens &amp; Company, for an in-depth discussion of the national and global protests against police brutality and systemic racism.
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<h3><a href="https://www.detroitpbs.org/alex-vitale-end-of-policing/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">One Detroit | What Police Should Be Doing With &#8216;The End of Policing&#8217; Author Alex Vitale</a></h3>
What role should police be playing in our communities? One Detroit&#8217;s <a href="https://twitter.com/YeaitsmewillG" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Will Glover</a> and Author of <a href="https://www.versobooks.com/books/2426-the-end-of-policing" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&#8220;The End of Policing&#8221;</a> Alex Vitale sit down for a candid conversation about the role that police play in society and our communities, how policing should be adapted for today and much more.
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<h3><a href="https://www.detroitpbs.org/garlin-gilchrist-racial-protests/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">One Detroit | Michigan Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist on the Root of Racial Unrest</a></h3>
Pain and frustration over police brutality and racial justice have led to protests and demonstrations not only in Michigan, but nationwide. Christy McDonald talks with <a href="https://www.michigan.gov/whitmer/ltgov" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Lt. Governor of Michigan Garlin Gilchrist</a> about what true policy changes can be made to combat systemic racism.
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<h2>Racial Injustice Resources From PBS Learning Media: </h2>
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<h2 class="MediaGallery resource-title selenium-resource-title"><a href="https://dptv.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/teens-talk-injustice-police-violence-video-gallery/pbs-newshour/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">PBS NewsHour | Teens Talk about Encounters with Injustice and Police Violence</a></h2>
Kailynn Pratt tells us about her experiences protesting over George Floyd’s death in Detroit and being violently arrested by a police officer, and Justin Sybron discusses his first encounter with injustice. In third grade a group of older white boys physically attacked him and his school failed to protect him.
[/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=&#8221;Internet Activism and Social Change &#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; open=&#8221;off&#8221;]
<h2 class="Video resource-title selenium-resource-title"><a href="https://dptv.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/eotp16-soc-socialmedia/wgbh-world-channel-civil-rights-internet-activism-and-social-change/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">PBS Learning Media | Civil Rights: Internet Activism and Social Change</a></h2>
Examine social media’s influence in America’s Civil Rights movement and its role in democratizing the media, in this video from Eyes on the Prize: Then and Now. Activists, including DeRay McKesson, use social media to support the work of social change protesters. Because communications are unmediated and occur in real time, McKesson says, social media can help build community. Tamika Mallory calls social media a powerful asset, enabling people who have never met before to share information and support one another’s efforts. Bree Newsome points out that without social media, people might not even have heard of important cases—including those of Trayvon Martin, Mike Brown, and Sandra Bland. This resource is part of the <a href="https://dptv.pbslearningmedia.org/collection/civilrightsthenandnow/?topic_id=2487" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Civil Rights: Then and Now collection</a>.
[/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=&#8221;Talking to Children About Race and Racism &#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; open=&#8221;off&#8221;]
<h2><a href="https://dptv.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/talking-to-children-authentically-about-race/virtual-professional-learning-series-video/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">PBS Learning Media | Talking to Children Authentically About Race and Racism</a></h2>
This PBS KIDS for Parents-hosted conversation features fellow parents, educators, child development and trauma experts who join us to share tips and resources for how to talk with young children about racial injustice and violence against Black people. Explore questions such as: How can parents of Black children continue to instill confidence and pride in young kids while also explaining the racial inequity and barriers that continue today? And, how can parents of non-Black children help young kids understand their role in confronting anti-Black racism? Hear questions from fellow parents and learn tips and resources you can use to continue to have these meaningful conversations now and into the future.
[/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=&#8221;Campaigning for Racial Justice &#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; open=&#8221;off&#8221;]
<h2 class="Video resource-title selenium-resource-title"><a href="https://dptv.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/eotp16-soc-blm/wgbh-world-channel-black-lives-matter-campaigning-for-racial-justice/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">PBS Learning Media | Black Lives Matter: Campaigning for Racial Justice</a></h2>
Learn about the origins, objectives, and makeup of Black Lives Matter, an activist black youth-led movement that campaigns against police brutality and other forms of racism, in this video from Eyes on the Prize: Then and Now. The movement, which grew from “a love note to black people” that appeared on social media, attracts a broad range of social justice supporters. Its key objectives include building up the black community, electoral politics, revisiting Civil Rights-era ideas like freedom schools, and expanding the conversation beyond U.S. borders. Co-founder Patrisse Cullors calls today’s civil rights movement a human rights movement, aimed at countering anti-black racism globally. This resource is part of the <a href="https://dptv.pbslearningmedia.org/collection/civilrightsthenandnow/?topic_id=2487" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Civil Rights: Then and Now collection</a>.
[/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=&#8221;The Road to Racial Justice &#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; open=&#8221;off&#8221;]
<h2 class="Video resource-title selenium-resource-title"><a href="https://dptv.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/eotp16-soc-sharpton/wgbh-world-channel-al-sharpton-the-road-to-racial-justice/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">PBS Learning Media | Al Sharpton: The Road to Racial Justice</a></h2>
Al Sharpton expresses his thoughts on racial equality in America and describes the challenge today’s activists face in order to organize for—and sustain—real change, in this video from Eyes on the Prize: Then and Now. Sharpton recognizes the frustration and anger that many black Americans share because their access to voting rights, criminal justice, and economic opportunity has been restricted. He also acknowledges that some progress has been made, comparing today’s world with that experienced by earlier civil rights organizers. While Sharpton commends the excitement exhibited by today’s young activists, he highlights the need to create a sustainable long-term movement. This resource is part of the <a href="https://dptv.pbslearningmedia.org/collection/civilrightsthenandnow/?topic_id=2487" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Civil Rights: Then and Now collection</a>.
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Subscribe to Detroit Public Television’s<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/detroitpublictv56"> YouTube Channel</a> &amp; Don’t miss American Black Journal on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m and Sunday at 9:30 a.m. on Detroit Public TV, WTVS-Channel 56.
Catch the daily conversations on our<a href="https://www.detroitpbs.org/category/american-black-journal/"> website</a>,<a href="https://www.facebook.com/AmericanBlackJournal/"> Facebook</a>,<a href="https://twitter.com/amblackjournal"> Twitter</a> and<a href="https://www.instagram.com/amblackjournal/"> Instagram</a> @amblackjournal.
<h3><a href="https://www.detroitpbs.org/category/american-black-journal/">View Past Episodes &gt;</a></h3>
Watch American Black Journal on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 9:30 a.m. on Detroit Public TV, WTVS-Channel 56.
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Racial Injustice Resources and Conversations About Police Brutality

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In celebration of Black History Month, host Stephen Henderson explores the legacy of Horace Sheffield, Jr., a trailblazer in the African American labor union movement. Stephen talks with the late <a href="https://horacesheffield.com/about/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sheffield’s son</a>, 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 <a href="https://wayne.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Wayne State University</a> and <a href="https://www.wcccd.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Wayne County Community College District</a>.
<h2>Full Transcript:</h2>
Stephen Henderson: Excited to talk to you about your dad and the work that you&#8217;re doing to preserve his archives and his legacy. But I figure we probably ought to start with just a simple recitation of who your dad was, what he did and why he&#8217;s so important. Not just to the legacy of labor here in the city of Detroit, but especially to the legacy of civil rights. He really was something else.
Rev. Horace Sheffield III, Executive Director, Detroit Association of Black Organizations (DABO): Well, you know, and my dad, much like me, was not a self-promoter. You know, he was a race man. And in that generation, as you know, because your family is a part of that. These are people who deferred their own aspirations for future generations to experience what they never had an opportunity to.
Rev. Horace Sheffield III: So it wasn&#8217;t about him getting the job, it was about opening the door, making sure certain other folks came in. But I think Willie Felder opened my eyes to who my dad was at his 100th birthday celebration and told me he was in Birmingham, Alabama. And A.G. Gaston who was a millionaire invited my dad down and my dad brought Thurgood Marshall with him.
Rev. Horace Sheffield III: And they were having a meeting because these Black veterans who have come back from the war were being discriminated against, not able to get the, you know, the veterans loan. And so, he said, when my dad walked in the room, everybody knew who he was and knew that things were about to get started now.
Rev. Horace Sheffield III: So my dad&#8217;s history is this. He, by the way, was Vice President, of Negro American Labor Council on A. Philip Randolph. He and Bayard Rustin served in that same capacity. Both of them were the staff organizers of the March on Washington for jobs in the war industry and of course, was the first person to bring Dr. King to Detroit. What people don&#8217;t understand is the success of the civil rights movement because you have Black labor organizers.
Rev. Horace Sheffield III: Also, one tidbit is in his archives is that I discovered that he was the first person that they asked to be mayor to run as a Black mayor and my dad loathed politics. So it was very interesting that my daughter would become president of the council. But one good example. Five plus one, they went down and met with Mary Annie of Van Antwerp because of police brutality. The Big Four and all those things.
Rev. Horace Sheffield III: And if you read B.J. Whittak&#8217;s book, you know that they brought the Klan here. And Charles Bowles almost won the mayor&#8217;s race in the 20s to discourage the growth of the Black population. And the police took on that mantra. And when they went down and met about what was happening, they said, that&#8217;s what we do. It&#8217;s in my dad&#8217;s archive.
Rev. Horace Sheffield III: And what did they do? My dad came back to TULC had a big meeting and organized a slate called five plus one. The one was Jerry Cavanaugh and five Liberal Council and they won. They beat the UAW. They beat the white power structure. And that was a powerful moment in the history of TULC and Black trade unionism, which my dad was a part of.
Stephen Henderson: You know, just hearing you talk about those things, those events, you know, those moments in history, you can connect so much of what we see and experience today in Detroit to those moments that things are the way they are for us, in particular in the city because of those things that your dad and those other folks did.
Rev. Horace Sheffield III: So what&#8217;s interesting is the same person who did Daisy Bates and Robert Kennedy and Jackie Robinson&#8217;s archives. We spent $90,000 dollars digitizing this and kind of tongue in cheek. The white guy says, you know this is one of the best collections. He didn&#8217;t want to say period, you know, but really, my dad had already annotated everything. I mean, back to a pamphlet he wrote with a pseudonym called Unite regarders encouraging Black workers to join the UAW, which my grandfather did until after it was accepted by the, you know, the collective bargaining agent.
Rev. Horace Sheffield III: My grandfather thought that Henry Ford was the second coming of Jesus Christ. But my dad saved absolutely everything. And what&#8217;s important to me about all of this is that if I, you know you have family members, for example, that were in the trade union movement right, you can literally pull up people&#8217;s names, people that folks everyday people don&#8217;t know like.
Rev. Horace Sheffield III: Ann Jones or, you know, George Cherry. I mean, and you will find information that my dad has. I know I&#8217;m running my mouth, but I&#8217;m so excited about this. But one of the most important pieces that I&#8217;ve read recently about where my dad took me where I was able to connect the dots was when he came home from King&#8217;s funeral, had to walk behind his coffin and an African-American trade unionist were absent from Memphis. And some of them were absent from the funeral because the white unions had turned against Dr. King because of his stance on the Vietnam War.
Rev. Horace Sheffield III: And this five-page letter my dad wrote to Black Trade Unions asked the question. When are we even as a part of white institutions not going to be afraid to stick up for our own interests? They stuck up for theirs and make us bow to theirs. When are we going to make them bow to ours?
Stephen Henderson: So I know you&#8217;re doing this work now, trying to preserve his legacy and his archives. But I want you to talk just a little about growing up with your dad. I mean, this was your dad. He wasn&#8217;t just a civil rights activist. You know, this was the man who raised you. Talk about the things that you believe and the things you work on today, that were influenced by growing up in a household with him.
Rev. Horace Sheffield III: Well, you know, my dad&#8217;s favorite question he asked in any meeting that he was organizing for an issue was what&#8217;s the difference between a pile of bricks and a cathedral? And no one would get it. He&#8217;d always say an organization the bricks are organized. So one of the things I got out was, by the way, this humongous movement. I mean, the social upheaval and all that you saw happen. I was there in that cauldron and that crucible.
Rev. Horace Sheffield III: I mean, I watched Dr. King speak. You know, I went to Walter Ruth&#8217;s funeral. I mean, these are things that I experienced. And I asked myself I&#8217;m like the day when people would Tik Tok it and Instagram it and Facebook it. I asked myself, why? Why was I providentially placed in this era to be exposed to these people and to know them by name? You know, sleep in King&#8217;s House and all that. And I came away with it that I was to carry on the legacy of selfless service.
Rev. Horace Sheffield III: My dad said the true measure of a person&#8217;s life is not how much they have, but how much they give. And I really think they came home in &#8217;63 when we went to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation and Lyndon Johnson received my dad and my sisters and I at his house, and my sister swam in his swimming pool as my dad met with Lyndon Johnson.
Rev. Horace Sheffield III: And I didn&#8217;t come out of there thinking, Oh my God, I&#8217;m somebody, you know, look at us. I came away from it knowing that my dad was a pivotal, pivotal person in the movement for Civil Rights and that this blue-collar worker, he was a blue-collar worker. My grandfather had a fourth-grade education, came out of the foundry at Ford, organized workers, and his they called him a champion of the working poor and blue-collar workers that took him into Lyndon Johnson&#8217;s front room and was known by him and by name.
Rev. Horace Sheffield III: And by the way, I got an interesting story about Lyndon Johnson. It&#8217;s in his archives you want to hear. And it was timely because Aavin Cone wrote this and told me it&#8217;s in the archives that Lyndon Johnson called my dad. He was the floor general at the convention and asked my dad not to seat the lady from Mississippi what&#8217;s her name, Fannie Lou Hamer.
Stephen Henderson: Oh, really?
Rev. Horace Sheffield III: And Aavin Cone was standing next to him. He told vice president or President Johnson, that he would not not seat those delegations who were delegates to Fannie Lou Hamer. And you know, I love Aavin Cone by the way, you know, he contributed a lot of stuff to my dad&#8217;s archives and brought a lot of stuff together for me. He&#8217;s part of that Black Jewish coalition that began, you know, back in the 40s and 50s that really desegregated the city.
Stephen Henderson: So, I think for anybody who is looking for an obvious sign of the power of your dad&#8217;s legacy, of course your daughter is now, you know, a great symbol of that. She&#8217;s the president of the Detroit City Council. But I also wonder if you look around the city and see other things that for you are a reminder of all of the things that he did.
Rev. Horace Sheffield III: Well, I will be perfectly honest with you. When I set out to do this collection, the only support I got was for my sister Laban, who passed. Who wrote a $50,000 dollar check. The rest of it, I had to raise. The UAW put in some money. Some of their archives have been lost and I&#8217;m working on an agreement with them. But Dr. Curtis Ivory, at Wayne County Community College, embraced this project, helped me raise the money and actually spent money to have an architectural layout and the build out for where this is going to go.
Rev. Horace Sheffield III: So now, Wayne State, you know, I&#8217;ve yielded to Wayne State. I want it to be broader because my dad was broader and I knew the issues he had with Walter Reuther. And when I talked to them, they knew there were issues. So we&#8217;ve addressed those. But I&#8217;m excited and I think, you know, when I look around town, that community college with that many young African-Americans who will get an opportunity to go to college and go on.
Rev. Horace Sheffield III: My wife, my wife, who grew up on the eastside, went to Kettering, fatherless, you know. Almost homeless as a teenager, went to that college and she now is practicing medicine in the city of Detroit. So I think that&#8217;s a powerful thing because one of the things you know and I know was what they always believed was that education was the great game changer.
Stephen Henderson: Everything, it was everything to them. Yeah, so for just average people who might want to access this, learn about your dad, see this legacy. They can just go to Wayne State..
Rev. Horace Sheffield III: It&#8217;s not up on the platform yet. It will be. What&#8217;s going to happen is Wayne will house it. It&#8217;ll be shared with Wayne County Community College District, where actual physical artifacts from the archives will be on display. We&#8217;re hiring a guy, name Joseph Wilson out of New Jersey, who was one of the foremost labor Black labor historians in the world who, when I call him, he told me stuff about my dad, you know, and we&#8217;re going to be excited because we&#8217;ll be doing seminars.
Rev. Horace Sheffield III: Here&#8217;s the real power of this. The real power of this is these rank and file people. Micky Welch and people like that I grew up with, you know, the Thomas&#8217;s, the Dillard&#8217;s, will now have an opportunity for their lives to be opened up to others so that people understand it doesn&#8217;t take a whole lot of folks, doesn&#8217;t take grand folks, it takes just committed folks.
Rev. Horace Sheffield III: And these blue collar rank and file people changed the history of this city and this nation.
&nbsp;
Subscribe to Detroit Public Television’s<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/detroitpublictv56"> YouTube Channel</a> &amp; Don’t miss American Black Journal on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m and Sunday at 9:30 a.m. on Detroit Public TV, WTVS-Channel 56.
Catch the daily conversations on our<a href="https://www.detroitpbs.org/category/american-black-journal/"> website</a>,<a href="https://www.facebook.com/AmericanBlackJournal/"> Facebook</a>,<a href="https://twitter.com/amblackjournal"> Twitter</a> and<a href="https://www.instagram.com/amblackjournal/"> Instagram</a> @amblackjournal.
<h3><a href="https://www.detroitpbs.org/category/american-black-journal/">View Past Episodes &gt;</a></h3>
Watch American Black Journal on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 9:30 a.m. on Detroit Public TV, WTVS-Channel 56.

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

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<h2>This Week on American Black Journal: </h2>
<h4><a href="https://www.detroitpbs.org/horace-sheffield-iii-on-moving-fathers-archives-to-wsu-wcccd-abj/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Collection of Horace Sheffield, Jr.&#8217;s Archives Coming to Wayne State University, WCCCD</a></h4>
In celebration of Black History Month, host Stephen Henderson explores the legacy of Horace Sheffield, Jr., a trailblazer in the African American labor union movement. Stephen talks with the late Sheffield&#8217;s son, <a href="https://horacesheffield.com/about/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Rev. Horace Sheffield III</a>, 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&#8217;s archives in a massive collection at <a href="https://wayne.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Wayne State University</a> and <a href="https://www.wcccd.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Wayne County Community College District</a>.
<h4><a href="https://www.detroitpbs.org/olayami-dabls-kresge-eminent-artist-american-black-journal/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2022 Kresge Eminent Artist Award Presented to Olayami Dabls </a></h4>
Each year for the past 14 years, <a href="http://www.kresgeartsindetroit.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kresge Arts in Detroit</a>, a local program under <a href="https://kresge.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Kresge Foundation</a>, has recognized a local artist with the Eminent Artist award for their artistic works and community engagement. American Black Journal Producer Marcus Green sat down with Kresge Detroit&#8217;s <a href="http://www.kresgeartsindetroit.org/2022/01/27/2022-eminent-artist" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2022 Eminent Artist</a> Olayami Dabls at his <a href="http://www.mbad.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">MBAD African Bead Museum</a> on Detroit&#8217;s west side for a conversation about what influences his unique style of art.
RELATED: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2gxp442OEoc&amp;t=2s" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Dabl&#8217;s African Bead Museum | Detroit Performs</a>
As a visual storyteller and muralist, Dabls has received the annual award for the artwork he&#8217;s created in the city as well as the contributions, growth and vibrancy he&#8217;s brought back to the Grand River Avenue and Grand Boulevard intersection, where his museum sits.
<h4 class="entry-title"><a href="https://www.detroitpbs.org/northwest-detroit-development-named-after-artist-tylonn-sawyer/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Northwest Detroit Development Named After Artist Tylonn Sawyer </a></h4>
<a href="http://www.onedetroitpbs.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">One Detroit</a> Associate Producer Will glover sits down with Detroit-based contemporary artist and educator <a href="http://www.tylonn-j-sawyer.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tylonn Sawyer</a> to discuss the importance of depicting contemporary messages in his artwork. Sawyer also offers advice to aspiring artists on the work ethic needed to succeed in a creative space.
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<h3>WATCH NOW:</h3>
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Subscribe to Detroit Public Television’s<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/detroitpublictv56"> YouTube Channel</a> &amp; Don’t miss American Black Journal on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m and Sunday at 9:30 a.m. on Detroit Public TV, WTVS-Channel 56.
Catch the daily conversations on our<a href="https://www.detroitpbs.org/category/american-black-journal/"> website</a>,<a href="https://www.facebook.com/AmericanBlackJournal/"> Facebook</a>,<a href="https://twitter.com/amblackjournal"> Twitter</a> and<a href="https://www.instagram.com/amblackjournal/"> Instagram</a> @amblackjournal.
<h3><a href="https://www.detroitpbs.org/category/american-black-journal/">View Past Episodes &gt;</a></h3>
Watch American Black Journal on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 9:30 a.m. on Detroit Public TV, WTVS-Channel 56.
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2/15/22: American Black Journal – Horace Sheffield Jr.’s Archives, Olayami Dabls, Tylonn Sawyer

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<h2 style="text-align: left;">Reparations: What is owed to Black Americans?</h2>
American Black Journal and BridgeDetroit are teaming up to host a virtual town hall at 12 p.m. Feb. 16 about reparations for Black Americans. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/701505014564638" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Join us</a> as we take a detailed look at the history of reparations and discuss what Detroit’s new task force means for the idea. The esteemed panelists will share insights on the initial work being done on the ground floor in Detroit and more in a conversation moderated by American Black Journal host Stephen Henderson.
We want to hear your questions and thoughts on reparations too. The town hall will end with an opportunity for guests livestreaming in to connect with the panelists more on the topic, and learn how they can get involved. The virtual town hall will be available via livestream on the American Black Journal <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AmericanBlackJournal/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook page</a> and Detroit Public TV&#8217;s <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sjxgk0FqWNY" target="_blank" rel="noopener">YouTube</a> page.
<h4>With Special Guests: </h4>
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<figure id="attachment_20915" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-20915" style="width: 172px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-20915" src="https://wordpress.detroitpbs.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/JoAnn-Watson-Wikipedia.jpg" alt="JoAnn Watson" width="172" height="200" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-20915" class="wp-caption-text">Rev. Dr. JoAnn Watson, Senior Pastor at West Side Unity Church &amp; longtime supporter of reparations</figcaption></figure>
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<figure id="attachment_20918" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-20918" style="width: 200px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-20918" src="https://wordpress.detroitpbs.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Andre-Perry-Twitter.jpg" alt="Andre Perry Headshot" width="200" height="200" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-20918" class="wp-caption-text">Andre Perry, Senior Fellow, Brookings Metro &amp; Author of &#8220;Know Your Price: Valuing Black Lives &amp; Property in America&#8217;s Black Cities&#8221;</figcaption></figure>
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<figure id="attachment_20919" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-20919" style="width: 186px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-20919" src="https://wordpress.detroitpbs.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Lauren-Hood-Detroit-e1644342264853.jpg" alt="Lauren Hood " width="186" height="200" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-20919" class="wp-caption-text">Lauren Hood, Chair, Detroit City Planning Commission &amp; AfroUrbanist</figcaption></figure>
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<figure id="attachment_20920" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-20920" style="width: 200px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-20920" src="https://wordpress.detroitpbs.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Keith-Williams-Democractic-Black-Causus.jpg" alt="Keith Williams " width="200" height="200" srcset="https://wordpress.detroitpbs.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Keith-Williams-Democractic-Black-Causus.jpg 683w, https://wordpress.detroitpbs.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Keith-Williams-Democractic-Black-Causus-300x300.jpg 300w, https://wordpress.detroitpbs.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Keith-Williams-Democractic-Black-Causus-150x150.jpg 150w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-20920" class="wp-caption-text">Keith Williams, Michigan Democratic Party Black Caucus Chairman &amp; Consultant</figcaption></figure>
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<h2> </h2>
<h2> </h2>
<h2>Watch Now:</h2>
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Subscribe to Detroit Public Television’s<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/detroitpublictv56"> YouTube Channel</a> &amp; Don’t miss American Black Journal on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m and Sunday at 9:30 a.m. on Detroit Public TV, WTVS-Channel 56.
Catch the daily conversations on our<a href="https://www.detroitpbs.org/category/american-black-journal/"> website</a>,<a href="https://www.facebook.com/AmericanBlackJournal/"> Facebook</a>,<a href="https://twitter.com/amblackjournal"> Twitter</a> and<a href="https://www.instagram.com/amblackjournal/"> Instagram</a> @amblackjournal.
<h3><a href="https://www.detroitpbs.org/category/american-black-journal/">View Past Episodes &gt;</a></h3>
Watch American Black Journal on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 9:30 a.m. on Detroit Public TV, WTVS-Channel 56.
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American Black Journal, BridgeDetroit Host Virtual Town Hall on Reparations

1/25/22: American Black Journal – Prison Ministries in the Black Church

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<h2>This Week on American Black Journal: </h2>
Host <a href="https://twitter.com/SHDetroit" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Stephen Henderson</a> continues American Black Journal&#8217;s &#8220;The Black Church in Detroit&#8221; <a href="https://www.detroitpbs.org/abj-church/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">series</a> with the 12th installment exploring the role and services provided by Black churches in Detroit for incarcerated men and women, and their families, as well as exonerated former inmates re-entering society.
Stephen sits down with Bishop Mbiyu Chui of the <a href="https://www.shrineoftheblackmadonna1.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shrine of the Black Madonna #1</a> as well as Rev. Samuel Spruill of <a href="https://tmbcdetroit.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church</a>, and the CEO of the Helping Operations for People Empowerment (<a href="https://hopeindetroit.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">H.O.P.E.</a>) nonprofit about the jail and prison ministry services their churches provide to current and former inmates in the region.
Then, producer <a href="https://twitter.com/ajwalkernews" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AJ Walker</a> takes viewers inside United Kingdom Church to watch a welcome home celebration being held for exonerated former inmates. Walker talks with Terrence Devezin, <a href="https://unitedkingdomchurch.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">United Kingdom Church</a> Pastor and Co-Founder of the <a href="https://www.theambassadorsgroup.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ambassadors Group</a>, and Ambassadors Group Co-founder Maxine Willis about their celebrations for the wrongfully convicted, and the other resources their organization provides to exonerated individuals re-adjusting to life outside of prison after spending decades behind bars.

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Stephen Henderson talks with Detroit NAACP President, Rev. Wendell Anthony, about why these protests and marches are different from the ones we’ve seen before, the importance of white Americans hearing from white America, and significance of 9 of the top business leaders in MI taking a public stance to address racism.
See more on Detroit Public TV’s One Detroit Mondays and Thursdays at 7:30p.
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Detroit and business leaders take a stand against racism

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[et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.0.9&#8243;][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.0.9&#8243;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.0.9&#8243;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.0.9&#8243; link_option_url_new_window=&#8221;on&#8221;]As we have all watched in the past week, the horror of George Floyd’s death, the call to end police brutality, crowds demonstrating in across the state, many have joined friends in the black community in support. Sometimes, it’s hard to know the right thing to say – or the best way to lend support. One Detroit’s Will Glover talks with Charity Dean, Director of Civil Rights, Inclusion, and Opportunity for the City of Detroit about where people can start.
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Lending support to the Black community

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<h1 style="text-align: center;">“The 1619 Project: Examining the Legacy of Slavery and the Building of a Nation”</h1>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">Nikole Hannah-Jones, New York Times reporter, in conversation with Rochelle Riley, Director of Arts and Culture at the Office of Arts, Culture and Entrepreneurship for the City of Detroit</h3>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">January 28, 2020, 2020 Rackham Auditorium at the University of Michigan</h3>
Journalism is often called the first draft of history. But journalism can also be used as a powerful tool for examining history.
Four hundred years ago, in August 1619, a ship carrying enslaved Africans arrived in the English colony of Virginia, establishing the system of slavery on which the United States was built.
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. From mass incarceration to traffic jams, the project seeks to reframe our understanding of American history and the fight to live up to our nation’s central promise.
<a href="https://wallacehouse.umich.edu/?p=13569">Wallace House Presents</a> the project’s creator, New York Times Magazine reporter Nikole Hannah-Jones, in conversation with Rochelle Riley, longtime journalist and columnist and current Director of Arts and Culture at the Office of Arts, Culture and Entrepreneurship for the City of Detroit.
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Nikole Hannah-Jones is a domestic correspondent for The New York Times Magazine focusing on racial injustice. She has written on federal failures to enforce the Fair Housing Act, the resegregation of American schools and policing in America. Her extensive reporting in both print and radio on the ways segregation in housing and schools is maintained through official action and policy has earned the National Magazine Award, a Peabody and a Polk Award. Her work designing “The 1619 Project” has been met with universal acclaim. The project was released in August 2019 to mark the 400th anniversary of American slavery and re-examines the role it plays in the history of the United States. Hannah-Jones earned her bachelor’s in history and African-American studies from the University of Notre Dame and her master’s in journalism and mass communication from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Rochelle Riley was a 2007-2008 Knight-Wallace Fellow and is the Director of Arts and Culture at the Office of Arts, Culture and Entrepreneurship for the City of Detroit. For nineteen years she was a columnist at the Detroit Free Press. Riley is author of “The Burden: African Americans and the Enduring Impact of Slavery” and the upcoming “That They Lived: Twenty African Americans Who Changed The World.”  She has won numerous national, state and local honors, including the 2017 Ida B. Wells Award from the National Association of Black Journalists for her outstanding efforts to make newsrooms and news coverage more accurately reflect the diversity of the communities they serve and the 2018 Detroit SPJ Lifetime Achievement Award alongside her longtime friend, Walter Middlebrook. She was a 2016 inductee into the Michigan Journalism Hall of Fame.
The 1619 Project was featured in an episode of American Black Journal in 2019:
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Wallace House Presents “The 1619 Project”

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header_4_text_shadow_blur_strength=&#8221;header_4_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93&#8243; header_4_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=&#8221;1px&#8221; header_5_text_shadow_horizontal_length=&#8221;header_5_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93&#8243; header_5_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=&#8221;0px&#8221; header_5_text_shadow_vertical_length=&#8221;header_5_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93&#8243; header_5_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=&#8221;0px&#8221; header_5_text_shadow_blur_strength=&#8221;header_5_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93&#8243; header_5_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=&#8221;1px&#8221; header_6_text_shadow_horizontal_length=&#8221;header_6_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93&#8243; header_6_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=&#8221;0px&#8221; header_6_text_shadow_vertical_length=&#8221;header_6_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93&#8243; header_6_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=&#8221;0px&#8221; header_6_text_shadow_blur_strength=&#8221;header_6_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93&#8243; 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<h2>On the next American Black Journal,</h2>
<a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-danny-burton-restart-his-life-after-32-years" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Danny Burton</a> spent 32 years in prison on a <a href="https://www.law.umich.edu/special/exoneration/Documents/Race_and_Wrongful_Convictions.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">wrongful</a> murder conviction before being released. Stephen talks with Danny and a member of his legal team about what led to his conviction being overturned. Plus, Wayne County brings in the <a href="https://www.neighborhooddefender.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Neighborhood Defender Service of Harlem</a> to reimagine the county&#8217;s approach to handling public defense cases. Wayne County Executive Warren Evans and the head of the Neighborhood Defender Service in Detroit talk about how the change will help improve fairness and reduce <a href="https://www.law.umich.edu/special/exoneration/Pages/Race-and-Wrongful-Convictions.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noopener">wrongful convictions</a>.
 
<h3>Watch Now:</h3>
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&nbsp;
Don&#8217;t miss American Black Journal on Sunday at 9:30 a.m. and again on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. on Detroit Public TV, WTVS-Channel 56.
<h3><a href="http://www.pbs.org/show/american-black-journal/">View more from American Black Journal &gt;</a></h3>
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12/22/19: American Black Journal – Wrongfully Convicted / Neighborhood Defender Service

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<h2>On the next American Black Journal,</h2>
Stephen Henderson&#8217;s roundtable guests offer their perspectives on some local and national headlines: The impeachment inquiry against President Donald Trump, the controversy over facial recognition software as a crimefighting tool and the conviction and sentencing of former Dallas police officer, Amber Guyger, for fatally shooting her unarmed neighbor.  Featuring Kim Trent, Senior VP, Compass Strategies; Greg Bowens, PR &amp; Political Consultant, Bowens &amp; Company; Kerry Jackson, The Urban Conservative, 910AM Superstation-WFDF and Brandon Brice, Political Commentator &amp; Columnist.
<h2> </h2>
<h2>Watch now:</h2>
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Don&#8217;t miss American Black Journal on Sunday at 9:30 a.m. and again on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. on Detroit Public TV, WTVS-Channel 56.
<h3> </h3>
<h3><a href="http://www.pbs.org/show/american-black-journal/">View more from American Black Journal &gt;</a></h3>
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10/6/19: American Black Journal – Roundtable Discussion

leadership-1959544_1920

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header_4_text_shadow_blur_strength=&#8221;header_4_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93&#8243; header_4_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=&#8221;1px&#8221; header_5_text_shadow_horizontal_length=&#8221;header_5_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93&#8243; header_5_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=&#8221;0px&#8221; header_5_text_shadow_vertical_length=&#8221;header_5_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93&#8243; header_5_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=&#8221;0px&#8221; header_5_text_shadow_blur_strength=&#8221;header_5_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93&#8243; header_5_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=&#8221;1px&#8221; header_6_text_shadow_horizontal_length=&#8221;header_6_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93&#8243; header_6_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=&#8221;0px&#8221; header_6_text_shadow_vertical_length=&#8221;header_6_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93&#8243; header_6_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=&#8221;0px&#8221; header_6_text_shadow_blur_strength=&#8221;header_6_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93&#8243; header_6_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=&#8221;1px&#8221; box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=&#8221;0px&#8221; box_shadow_vertical_tablet=&#8221;0px&#8221; box_shadow_blur_tablet=&#8221;40px&#8221; box_shadow_spread_tablet=&#8221;0px&#8221; z_index_tablet=&#8221;500&#8243;]
<h2>On the next American Black Journal,</h2>
Stephen talks with the new CEO of the <a href="https://www.bgcsm.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Boys &amp; Girls Clubs</a> of Southeastern Michigan, Shawn Wilson, about his partnership with Detroit rapper Big Sean and his efforts to transform the facilities in the area. And, we&#8217;ll hear from Big Sean at the reveal of a content and production studio at the Boys &amp; Girls Club in the Cody-Rouge neighborhood, funded by his <a href="https://www.seanandersonfoundation.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sean Anderson Foundation</a>.  Plus, we&#8217;ll talk with two young African American executives who are working to develop and support other <a href="https://www.philanthropy.com/interactives/20190709_LeadersOfColor" target="_blank" rel="noopener">leaders of color</a> in the non-profit sector.
Featured Image: Leadership, Photo by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/wokandapix-614097/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Wokandapix</a> via pixabay.com cc 2.0 
<h3>WATCH NOW:</h3>
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&nbsp;
Don&#8217;t miss American Black Journal on Sunday at 9:30 a.m. and again on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. on Detroit Public TV, WTVS-Channel 56.
<h3><a href="http://www.pbs.org/show/american-black-journal/">View more from American Black Journal &gt;</a></h3>
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

9/1/19: American Black Journal – Boys & Girls Clubs / Non-Profit Leaders of Color

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header_6_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=&#8221;1px&#8221; box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=&#8221;0px&#8221; box_shadow_vertical_tablet=&#8221;0px&#8221; box_shadow_blur_tablet=&#8221;40px&#8221; box_shadow_spread_tablet=&#8221;0px&#8221; z_index_tablet=&#8221;500&#8243;]
<h2>On the next American Black Journal,</h2>
The <a href="https://www.detroitalphas.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Detroit chapter</a> of <a href="https://apa1906.net/our-history/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Alpha Phi Alpha</a> Fraternity celebrates its centennial this year. Stephen talks with the president of the Gamma Lambda Chapter about the men&#8217;s commitment to community service and the anniversary gala planned for October. Plus, we&#8217;ll get details about a new social media initiative that seeks to change the narrative about African American <a href="https://leegroupinnovation.com/detroit-has-talent/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">contributions</a> in the city of Detroit. And, we&#8217;ll meet up with a woman who is a cultural icon in Detroit &#8212; <a href="https://www.davidclementsproductions.com/lottie-the-body-built-like-two-stacks-of-pancakes-there-is-a-lot-of-lottie-online/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Lottie &#8220;The Body&#8221;</a> &#8212; as she visits one of the locations where she gained popularity as an African American  burlesque dancer in the 1960s. 
Featured Image: 1920 photograph of the Gamma Lambda Chapter of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Photo by <a href="https://gala.detroitalphas.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">gala.detroitalphas.org</a>
 
<h3>WATCH NOW:</h3>
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&nbsp;
Don&#8217;t miss American Black Journal on Sunday at 9:30 a.m. and again on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. on Detroit Public TV, WTVS-Channel 56.
<h3><a href="http://www.pbs.org/show/american-black-journal/">View more from American Black Journal &gt;</a></h3>
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

8/18/19: American Black Journal – Alpha Phi Alpha Centennial / Roster Detroit / Lottie “The Body”

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header_4_text_shadow_blur_strength=&#8221;header_4_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93&#8243; header_4_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=&#8221;1px&#8221; header_5_text_shadow_horizontal_length=&#8221;header_5_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93&#8243; header_5_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=&#8221;0px&#8221; header_5_text_shadow_vertical_length=&#8221;header_5_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93&#8243; header_5_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=&#8221;0px&#8221; header_5_text_shadow_blur_strength=&#8221;header_5_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93&#8243; header_5_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=&#8221;1px&#8221; header_6_text_shadow_horizontal_length=&#8221;header_6_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93&#8243; header_6_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=&#8221;0px&#8221; header_6_text_shadow_vertical_length=&#8221;header_6_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93&#8243; header_6_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=&#8221;0px&#8221; header_6_text_shadow_blur_strength=&#8221;header_6_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93&#8243; 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<h2>On the next American Black Journal,</h2>
Stephen sits down with local writer <a href="https://www.freep.com/staff/27945/mark-stryker/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mark Stryker</a> to talk about his new book, &#8220;<a href="https://www.freep.com/story/entertainment/music/2019/06/30/jazz-from-detroit-mark-stryker-book-excerpt/1590096001/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jazz From Detroit</a>,&#8221; which traces the city&#8217;s profound influence on modern and contemporary jazz. Plus, a new <a href="https://familypicturesusa.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">PBS series</a> explores America&#8217;s history and diversity through the pages of family photo albums, and Detroit is featured in an episode. One Detroit&#8217;s Will Glover catches up with the show&#8217;s Executive Producer <a href="https://familypicturesusa.com/about/team-2/don-perry/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Don Perry</a> during his recent visit to the city.
Featured Image: Michelle Lanier of North Carolina presenting her grandmother Ann Eliza Lanier Caution, Photo by <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/familypicturesusa/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Family Pictures USA</a> via flickr.com 
<h3>WATCH NOW:</h3>
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&nbsp;
Don&#8217;t miss American Black Journal on Sunday at 9:30 a.m. and again on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. on Detroit Public TV, WTVS-Channel 56.
<h3><a href="http://www.pbs.org/show/american-black-journal/">View more from American Black Journal &gt;</a></h3>
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8/4/19: American Black Journal – Jazz From Detroit / Family Pictures USA

Bibbs_Evolution-of-the-Adorning-Glory5-e1556810267837

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<h2>On the next American Black Journal,</h2>
&nbsp; 
We&#8217;ll remember federal judge and civil rights champion, the <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2019/04/28/obituaries/damon-keith-dies-at-96.html" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Hon. Damon Keith</a>, when he sat down with Stephen in 2014 for a rare one-on-one interview. Plus, internationally acclaimed artist <a href="https://www.cbibbs.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Charles Bibbs</a> talks about his unique work and the impact of African American art. And, <a href="https://www.focushope.edu/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Focus: HOPE</a> is recruiting Detroiters for its free job training program. We&#8217;ll find out what it takes to enroll and the types of job opportunities it can lead to. 
&nbsp; 
Featured Image: Evolution Of The Adorning Glory, Image courtesy of Charles Bibbs 
&nbsp;
<h3>WATCH FOR UPCOMING VIDEOS:</h3>
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header_4_text_shadow_vertical_length=&#8221;header_4_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93&#8243; header_4_text_shadow_blur_strength=&#8221;header_4_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93&#8243; header_5_text_shadow_horizontal_length=&#8221;header_5_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93&#8243; header_5_text_shadow_vertical_length=&#8221;header_5_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93&#8243; header_5_text_shadow_blur_strength=&#8221;header_5_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93&#8243; header_6_text_shadow_horizontal_length=&#8221;header_6_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93&#8243; header_6_text_shadow_vertical_length=&#8221;header_6_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93&#8243; header_6_text_shadow_blur_strength=&#8221;header_6_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93&#8243; z_index_tablet=&#8221;500&#8243;]
&nbsp;
Don&#8217;t miss American Black Journal on Sunday at 9:30 a.m. and again on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. on Detroit Public TV, WTVS-Channel 56.
<h3><a href="http://www.pbs.org/show/american-black-journal/">View more from American Black Journal &gt;</a></h3>
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5/5/19: American Black Journal – Judge Damon Keith / African American Art / Focus: HOPE

Every-school-day-counts2

[et_pb_section bb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; inner_width=&#8221;auto&#8221; inner_max_width=&#8221;none&#8221;][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;3.22.4&#8243; text_text_shadow_horizontal_length=&#8221;text_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93&#8243; text_text_shadow_vertical_length=&#8221;text_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93&#8243; text_text_shadow_blur_strength=&#8221;text_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93&#8243; link_text_shadow_horizontal_length=&#8221;link_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93&#8243; link_text_shadow_vertical_length=&#8221;link_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93&#8243; link_text_shadow_blur_strength=&#8221;link_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93&#8243; ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length=&#8221;ul_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93&#8243; ul_text_shadow_vertical_length=&#8221;ul_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93&#8243; ul_text_shadow_blur_strength=&#8221;ul_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93&#8243; ol_text_shadow_horizontal_length=&#8221;ol_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93&#8243; ol_text_shadow_vertical_length=&#8221;ol_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93&#8243; ol_text_shadow_blur_strength=&#8221;ol_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93&#8243; quote_text_shadow_horizontal_length=&#8221;quote_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93&#8243; quote_text_shadow_vertical_length=&#8221;quote_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93&#8243; quote_text_shadow_blur_strength=&#8221;quote_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93&#8243; header_text_shadow_horizontal_length=&#8221;header_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93&#8243; header_text_shadow_vertical_length=&#8221;header_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93&#8243; header_text_shadow_blur_strength=&#8221;header_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93&#8243; header_2_text_shadow_horizontal_length=&#8221;header_2_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93&#8243; header_2_text_shadow_vertical_length=&#8221;header_2_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93&#8243; header_2_text_shadow_blur_strength=&#8221;header_2_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93&#8243; header_3_text_shadow_horizontal_length=&#8221;header_3_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93&#8243; header_3_text_shadow_vertical_length=&#8221;header_3_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93&#8243; header_3_text_shadow_blur_strength=&#8221;header_3_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93&#8243; header_4_text_shadow_horizontal_length=&#8221;header_4_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93&#8243; header_4_text_shadow_vertical_length=&#8221;header_4_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93&#8243; header_4_text_shadow_blur_strength=&#8221;header_4_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93&#8243; header_5_text_shadow_horizontal_length=&#8221;header_5_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93&#8243; header_5_text_shadow_vertical_length=&#8221;header_5_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93&#8243; header_5_text_shadow_blur_strength=&#8221;header_5_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93&#8243; header_6_text_shadow_horizontal_length=&#8221;header_6_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93&#8243; header_6_text_shadow_vertical_length=&#8221;header_6_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93&#8243; header_6_text_shadow_blur_strength=&#8221;header_6_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93&#8243; z_index_tablet=&#8221;500&#8243;]
<h2>On the next American Black Journal</h2>
The <a href="https://www.everyschooldaycountsdetroit.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Every School Day Counts Detroit</a> campaign is part of a <a href="https://nces.ed.gov/pubs2009/attendancedata/chapter1a.asp" target="_blank" rel="noopener">national initiative</a> to combat chronic student absences, which tend to peak after spring break. The campaign includes a citywide student-to-student &#8220;challenge&#8221; demonstrating reasons to be engaged and present at school.&nbsp; Plus, Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy and her father Clifford talk with Stephen about Clifford&#8217;s new autobiography detailing the segregation and other struggles he experienced at <a href="https://www.ebony.com/news/west-point-racism/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">West Point</a> and in the Army.
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<h3>Watch Now:</h3>
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_video_slider _builder_version=&#8221;3.12.2&#8243; controls_color=&#8221;light&#8221;][et_pb_video_slider_item _builder_version=&#8221;3.12.2&#8243; admin_title=&#8221;Seg 1&#8243; background_layout=&#8221;dark&#8221; src=&#8221;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xKyut9zDdbE&#8221; /][et_pb_video_slider_item _builder_version=&#8221;3.12.2&#8243; admin_title=&#8221;Seg 2&#8243; background_layout=&#8221;dark&#8221; src=&#8221;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JDxw7cmu1w&#8221; /][et_pb_video_slider_item _builder_version=&#8221;3.12.2&#8243; admin_title=&#8221;Seg 3&#8243; background_layout=&#8221;dark&#8221; src=&#8221;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D29V4nFpC38&#8243; /][/et_pb_video_slider][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;3.12.2&#8243;]
&nbsp;
Don&#8217;t miss American Black Journal on Sunday at 9:30 a.m. and again on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. on Detroit Public TV, WTVS-Channel 56.
<h3><a href="http://www.pbs.org/show/american-black-journal/">View more from American Black Journal &gt;</a></h3>
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4/14/19: American Black Journal – Every School Day Counts Detroit / The Black Knight

Portrait_of_Frederick_Douglass_as_a_younger_manb

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<h2>On the next American Black Journal</h2>
Stephen gets details on the special <a href="https://mymodernmet.com/cristi-smith-jones-black-history-month-photo-project/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Black History Month</a> programming at the <a href="https://thewright.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Charles H. Wright Museum</a> of African American History, which includes a book talk and signing and a tribute to Detroit&#8217;s pioneering hip-hop producer <a href="http://www.j-dilla.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">J. Dilla</a>.  Plus, a new book uses DNA evidence and the findings of historians and scientists to prove the presence of people of African descent in <a href="https://bibleisblackhistory.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">biblical history</a>.
Featured Image: Frederick Douglass, “<a href="http://mentalfloss.com/article/92216/20-powerful-quotes-frederick-douglass" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Knowledge makes a man unfit to be a slave</a>.” Engraved by J.C. Buttre from a daguerretotype (public domain)
&nbsp;
<h3>Watch Now:</h3>
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_video_slider _builder_version=&#8221;3.12.2&#8243; controls_color=&#8221;light&#8221;][et_pb_video_slider_item _builder_version=&#8221;3.12.2&#8243; admin_title=&#8221;Seg 1&#8243; background_layout=&#8221;dark&#8221; src=&#8221;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ivm_ikMaxv4&#8243; /][et_pb_video_slider_item _builder_version=&#8221;3.12.2&#8243; admin_title=&#8221;Seg 2&#8243; background_layout=&#8221;dark&#8221; src=&#8221;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6UAuu8bKU8Y&#8221; /][et_pb_video_slider_item _builder_version=&#8221;3.12.2&#8243; admin_title=&#8221;Seg 3&#8243; background_layout=&#8221;dark&#8221; src=&#8221;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s04ZFeIpTPU&#8221; /][/et_pb_video_slider][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;3.7.1&#8243;]
&nbsp;
Don&#8217;t miss American Black Journal on Sunday at 9:30 a.m. and again on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. on Detroit Public TV, WTVS-Channel 56.
<h3><a href="http://www.pbs.org/show/american-black-journal/">View more from American Black Journal &gt;</a></h3>
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2/10/19: American Black Journal – Black History Month at The Wright / The Bible is Black History

Lady-Justice

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<h2>On the next American Black Journal</h2>
The <a href="https://wolverinebar.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Wolverine Bar Association</a> celebrates 100 years of supporting current and aspiring <a href="https://shoppeblack.us/2018/08/top-black-attorneys/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">African American attorneys</a> in Michigan.  Plus, <a href="http://thecarrcenter.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Carr Center</a> uses African and African American cultural arts programming to entertain, educate and inspire the community.  And, a statewide report details how the arts are impacting Michigan residents and the economy.
Featured Image: Lady Justice, Blinded to ensure justice for all irrespective of race, gender, wealth or power, Photo by <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sniegowski/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Don Sniegowski</a> via flickr.com cc 2.0
&nbsp;
<h3>WATCH NOW:</h3>
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_video_slider _builder_version=&#8221;3.12.2&#8243; controls_color=&#8221;light&#8221;][et_pb_video_slider_item _builder_version=&#8221;3.12.2&#8243; admin_title=&#8221;Seg 1&#8243; background_layout=&#8221;dark&#8221; src=&#8221;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMUzdY_8Zg4&#8243; /][et_pb_video_slider_item _builder_version=&#8221;3.12.2&#8243; admin_title=&#8221;Seg 2&#8243; background_layout=&#8221;dark&#8221; src=&#8221;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w3WWdVGtX2U&#8221; /][et_pb_video_slider_item _builder_version=&#8221;3.12.2&#8243; admin_title=&#8221;Seg 3&#8243; background_layout=&#8221;dark&#8221; src=&#8221;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oPqPUtkkT6c&#8221; /][et_pb_video_slider_item _builder_version=&#8221;3.12.2&#8243; admin_title=&#8221;Full Episode&#8221; background_layout=&#8221;dark&#8221; src=&#8221;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-wjbih0W5_g&#8221; /][/et_pb_video_slider][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;3.12.2&#8243;]
&nbsp;
Don&#8217;t miss American Black Journal on Sunday at 9:30 a.m. and again on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. on Detroit Public TV, WTVS-Channel 56.
<h3><a href="http://www.pbs.org/show/american-black-journal/">View more from American Black Journal &gt;</a></h3>
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2/3/19: American Black Journal – Wolverine Bar Association / The Carr Center / Creative Many

Martin_Luther_King_Jr

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<h2>On the next American Black Journal</h2>
A volunteer <a href="http://www.mlktaskforcemi.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">grassroots organization</a> is keeping Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.&#8217;s legacy alive through its annual <a href="https://www.cityofsouthfield.com/NewsEvents/tabid/158/newsid1480/2427/mid/1480/34th-annual-Southfield-MLK-Peace-Walk-Celebration-set-for-Monday-January-21--/Default.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Peace Walk</a> in Southfield on the King Holiday.  Nearly 2,000 people take part in the walk, program and tastefest.  Plus, the non-profit organization <a href="http://brilliantdetroit.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Brilliant Detroit</a> uses a unique neighborhood approach to creating successful families with children who are ready for school and thriving in a healthy and stable environment.
Featured Image: Martin Luther King, Jr., Photo by <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yoichi_Okamoto" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Yoichi Okamoto</a>, Lyndon B. Johnson Library and Museum via wikimedia
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<h3>WATCH Now:</h3>
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_video_slider _builder_version=&#8221;3.12.2&#8243; controls_color=&#8221;light&#8221;][et_pb_video_slider_item _builder_version=&#8221;3.12.2&#8243; admin_title=&#8221;Seg 1&#8243; background_layout=&#8221;dark&#8221; src=&#8221;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UkfxIVV67vA&#8221; /][et_pb_video_slider_item _builder_version=&#8221;3.12.2&#8243; admin_title=&#8221;Seg 2&#8243; background_layout=&#8221;dark&#8221; src=&#8221;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o2PTi8zGLWs&#8221; /][et_pb_video_slider_item _builder_version=&#8221;3.12.2&#8243; admin_title=&#8221;Seg 3&#8243; background_layout=&#8221;dark&#8221; src=&#8221;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8s0-XHTfoGo&#8221; /][/et_pb_video_slider][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;3.7.1&#8243;]
&nbsp;
Don&#8217;t miss American Black Journal on Sunday at 9:30 a.m. and again on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. on Detroit Public TV, WTVS-Channel 56.
<h3><a href="http://www.pbs.org/show/american-black-journal/">View more from American Black Journal &gt;</a></h3>
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1/20/19: American Black Journal – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Task Force / Brilliant Detroit

ABJ4627

Watch Stephen Henderson&#8217;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.
Watch our exclusive, <a href="https://youtu.be/15CWkJ-Qvkc" target="_blank" rel="noopener">FULL interview with Dr. Dyson &gt;</a>

6/3/18: A Conversation with Dr. Michael Eric Dyson

4-22-18

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On the next American Black Journal, Stephen sits down with the president of the Detroit NAACP, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n81o9TuOUgw&amp;index=42&amp;list=PLwe1DQGIxfLOa2s6dLwpXQprZcuvhwu1S" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Rev. Wendell Anthony</a>, to talk about the recent events involving racial profiling and attacks on Black men, including the arrests of two men at a Starbucks store and a local teen who was shot at by a homeowner after knocking on his door to get directions.  Plus, the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D_WPZC3NdEk&amp;list=PLwe1DQGIxfLOa2s6dLwpXQprZcuvhwu1S&amp;index=41" target="_blank" rel="noopener">National Kidney Foundation</a> launches a public service announcement about kidney disease and organ donations in the Black community.
Related Links:
<a href="http://detroitnaacp.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Detroit Branch N.A.A.C.P.</a>
<a href="https://www.nkfm.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">National Kidney Foundation of Michigan</a>
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<h3>WATCH NOW:</h3>
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_video _builder_version=&#8221;3.2.2&#8243; src=&#8221;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SSsQT06z0r4&amp;index=26&amp;list=PLwe1DQGIxfLOa2s6dLwpXQprZcuvhwu1S&amp;t=0s&#8221; image_src=&#8221;//i.ytimg.com/vi/SSsQT06z0r4/hqdefault.jpg&#8221; /][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;3.2.2&#8243;]
Don&#8217;t miss American Black Journal on Sunday at 9:30 a.m. and again on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. on Detroit Public TV, WTVS-Channel 56.
<h3><a href="http://www.pbs.org/show/american-black-journal/">View more from American Black Journal &gt;</a></h3>
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4/22/18: Racial Attacks / National Donate Life & Minority Health Month

3-25-18

[et_pb_section bb_built=&#8221;1&#8243;][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;3.2.2&#8243;]
On the next American Black Journal, Detroit-born actress, activist and author <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKOcG_RZ60Y&amp;index=63&amp;list=PLwe1DQGIxfLOa2s6dLwpXQprZcuvhwu1S" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Denise Nicholas</a> receives a National Living Legend Award in Detroit. She stops by WDET Radio to talk with Stephen about her legendary career and her involvement in the civil rights movement. Plus, two national civil rights experts give their perspectives on the civil rights struggle in this country 50 years after the death of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Watch Stephen Henderson&#8217;s FULL interview with<a href="https://youtu.be/Qbsvbg4BK0Q" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> legend Denise Nicholas</a>.
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<h3>WATCH NOW:</h3>
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_video _builder_version=&#8221;3.2.2&#8243; src=&#8221;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJYxher12GI&amp;index=52&amp;list=PLwe1DQGIxfLOa2s6dLwpXQprZcuvhwu1S&amp;t=1s&#8221; image_src=&#8221;//i.ytimg.com/vi/BJYxher12GI/hqdefault.jpg&#8221; /][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;3.2.2&#8243;]
Don&#8217;t miss American Black Journal on Sunday at 9:30 a.m. and again on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. on Detroit Public TV, WTVS-Channel 56.
<h3><a href="http://www.pbs.org/show/american-black-journal/">View more from American Black Journal &gt;</a></h3>
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3/25/18: Denise Nicholas / State of the Civil Rights Movement

3-18-18

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On the next American Black Journal, author, social advocate and Robin Hood Foundation CEO <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LFei1zEIsfM&amp;list=PLwe1DQGIxfLOa2s6dLwpXQprZcuvhwu1S&amp;index=73" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Wes Moore</a> sits down with Stephen to talk about the fight to alleviate poverty and his best-selling book about the line between success and failure in our communities. Plus, we&#8217;ll get details on an upcoming <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HV59gVoWe3A&amp;index=72&amp;list=PLwe1DQGIxfLOa2s6dLwpXQprZcuvhwu1S" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Small Business Workshop</a> that will provide business owners with advice on how to attract and retain customers.
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&nbsp;
<h3>WATCH NOW:</h3>
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_video _builder_version=&#8221;3.2.2&#8243; src=&#8221;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nz4rBtaiwN4&amp;index=56&amp;list=PLwe1DQGIxfLOa2s6dLwpXQprZcuvhwu1S&amp;t=25s&#8221; image_src=&#8221;//i.ytimg.com/vi/Nz4rBtaiwN4/hqdefault.jpg&#8221; /][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;3.2.2&#8243;]
Don&#8217;t miss American Black Journal on Sunday at 9:30 a.m. and again on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. on Detroit Public TV, WTVS-Channel 56.
<h3><a href="http://www.pbs.org/show/american-black-journal/">View more from American Black Journal &gt;</a></h3>
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3/18/18: Robin Hood Foundation / Small Business Workshop

1-28-18b

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On the next American Black Journal, Detroit non-profit organizations that <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JAU6ClVPM-k&amp;list=PLwe1DQGIxfLOa2s6dLwpXQprZcuvhwu1S&amp;index=106&amp;t=12s" target="_blank" rel="noopener">assist the homeless</a> launch a new approach at getting people off the streets and into shelters and housing. We&#8217;ll get the details on this new program model.  Plus, a two-year pilot program named the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q9ukgKAzm5g&amp;list=PLwe1DQGIxfLOa2s6dLwpXQprZcuvhwu1S&amp;index=106" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Equitable Development Initiative</a> gives African American real estate developers a chance to take part in the rebuilding of Detroit.
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<h3>WATCH NOW:</h3>
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_video _builder_version=&#8221;3.2.2&#8243; src=&#8221;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yQ8mCGIBjhs&amp;index=92&amp;list=PLwe1DQGIxfLOa2s6dLwpXQprZcuvhwu1S&amp;t=2s&#8221; image_src=&#8221;//i.ytimg.com/vi/yQ8mCGIBjhs/hqdefault.jpg&#8221; /][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;3.2.2&#8243;]
Don&#8217;t miss American Black Journal on Sunday at 9:30 a.m. and again on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. on Detroit Public TV, WTVS-Channel 56.
<h3><a href="http://www.pbs.org/show/american-black-journal/">View more from American Black Journal &gt;</a></h3>
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1/28/18: Detroit Homeless Continuum of Care / Equitable Development Initiative

1-21-18

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On the next American Black Journal, we&#8217;ll have the incredible story of <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aWa1tSByS7U&amp;index=113&amp;list=PLwe1DQGIxfLOa2s6dLwpXQprZcuvhwu1S&amp;t=0s" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mario Bueno</a>, who turned his life around after a childhood filled with drug abuse, violence and a prison sentence for killing a drug dealer at the age of 16. Today, Mario is a college graduate, an author, and the founder of a non-profit organization that assists returning citizens.  Plus, we&#8217;ll remember the life of African American business pioneer <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=boiQ_FBN9w0&amp;index=108&amp;list=PLwe1DQGIxfLOa2s6dLwpXQprZcuvhwu1S&amp;t=1s" target="_blank" rel="noopener">John W. Barfield</a> who passed away this month at the age of 90.
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<h3>WATCH NOW:</h3>
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Don&#8217;t miss American Black Journal on Sunday at 9:30 a.m. and again on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. on Detroit Public TV, WTVS-Channel 56.
<h3><a href="http://www.pbs.org/show/american-black-journal/">View more from American Black Journal &gt;</a></h3>
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1/21/18: Reformed: Memoir of a Juvenile Killer / John W. Barfield Interview

1-14-18

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On the next American Black Journal: The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History is hosting a commemorative breakfast and daylong celebration for the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PLddnNqERgU&amp;list=PLwe1DQGIxfLOa2s6dLwpXQprZcuvhwu1S&amp;index=117" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Martin Luther King holiday</a>. We&#8217;ll get the details on the family friendly activities and special guests at the event.  Plus, an FBI report shows hate crimes spiked in Michigan in 2016.  We&#8217;ll talk with the head of the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OjpL47nKHm4&amp;list=PLwe1DQGIxfLOa2s6dLwpXQprZcuvhwu1S&amp;index=128" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Michigan Department of Civil Rights</a> about this alarming trend and the people most affected.
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Related Links:
<a href="http://www.michigan.gov/mdcr/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Michigan Department of Civil Rights</a>
<a href="http://thewright.org/index.php/explore/events/upcoming-events/event/2721" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Charles H. Wright Museum&#8217;s Dr. King Celebration</a>
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<h3>WATCH NOW:</h3>
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_video _builder_version=&#8221;3.2.2&#8243; src=&#8221;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jyZEyElxQUg&amp;t=0s&amp;list=PLwe1DQGIxfLOa2s6dLwpXQprZcuvhwu1S&amp;index=104&#8243; image_src=&#8221;//i.ytimg.com/vi/jyZEyElxQUg/hqdefault.jpg&#8221; /][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;3.2.2&#8243;]
Don&#8217;t miss American Black Journal on Sunday at 9:30 a.m. and again on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. on Detroit Public TV, WTVS-Channel 56.
<h3><a href="http://www.pbs.org/show/american-black-journal/">View more from American Black Journal &gt;</a></h3>
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1/14/18: MLK Day at the Wright Museum / Hate Crimes Rise

12-17-17-1

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On the next American Black Journal: New FBI statistics show that <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OjpL47nKHm4&amp;t=1s&amp;list=PLwe1DQGIxfLOa2s6dLwpXQprZcuvhwu1S&amp;index=129" target="_blank" rel="noopener">hate crimes</a> reported to police spiked last year in Michigan.  Stephen talks with the head of the Michigan Department of Civil Rights about this disturbing trend.  Plus, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1UnshmmYNIY&amp;t=0s&amp;list=PLwe1DQGIxfLOa2s6dLwpXQprZcuvhwu1S&amp;index=130" target="_blank" rel="noopener">local students</a> team up with the Detroit Police Department to urge residents to celebrate the New Year without firing guns into the sky.  And a special Detroit Performs feature about Detroit poet <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mnRW9UNqghw&amp;list=PLwe1DQGIxfLOa2s6dLwpXQprZcuvhwu1S&amp;index=125&amp;t=0s" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tawana Petty</a>.
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Related Links:
<a href="http://www.michigan.gov/mdcr/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Michigan Department of Civil Rights</a>
<a href="https://www.nso-mi.org/2017-yip-hugs-not-bullets-kick-off.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hugs Not Bullets</a>
<a href="https://www.dptv.org/blogs/one-detroit/48217-michigans-most-toxic-zip-code/?blog_promo_page=88">More coverage of &#8216;Toxic City&#8217;</a>
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<h3>WATCH NOW:</h3>
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Don&#8217;t miss American Black Journal on Sunday at 9:30 a.m. and again on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. on Detroit Public TV, WTVS-Channel 56.
<h3><a href="http://www.pbs.org/show/american-black-journal/">View more from American Black Journal &gt;</a></h3>
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12/17/17: Hate Crimes Spike in Michigan / Hugs Not Bullets

12-10-17

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On the next American Black Journal: The first round of matching grants in the new <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6JSAwS2clo&amp;t=0s&amp;index=133&amp;list=PLwe1DQGIxfLOa2s6dLwpXQprZcuvhwu1S" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Motor City Re-Store</a> program has been announced. More than 40 Detroit business owners will get financial assistance to make exterior improvements to their businesses. We&#8217;ll get details and talk with a couple of the grantees. Plus, we&#8217;ll learn about a local organization that is helping female survivors of abuse recover and get back on their feet by making jewelry.
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Related Links:
<a href="http://www.motorcityre-store.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Motor City Re-Store</a>
<a href="https://www.mendonthemove.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mend On The Move</a>
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<h3>WATCH NOW:</h3>
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Don&#8217;t miss American Black Journal on Sunday at 9:30 a.m. and again on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. on Detroit Public TV, WTVS-Channel 56.
<h3><a href="http://www.pbs.org/show/american-black-journal/">View more from American Black Journal &gt;</a></h3>
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12/10/17: Motor City Re-Store / Mend on the Move

9-3-17

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After the violence in Charlottesville, Virginia, how does the nation move forward? We&#8217;ll have a frank conversation about <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=edG8AhsXl6s&amp;index=202&amp;list=PLwe1DQGIxfLOa2s6dLwpXQprZcuvhwu1S&amp;t=0s" target="_blank" rel="noopener">hatred, racism and anger</a>.  Plus, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=icwIMQpuLds&amp;index=200&amp;list=PLwe1DQGIxfLOa2s6dLwpXQprZcuvhwu1S&amp;t=0s" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Detroit Future City</a> releases an in-depth data report that provides a reliable snapshot of Detroit&#8217;s progress. And, we&#8217;ll have a special One Detroit report on a Detroit high school teacher who uses music to teach students about black history.
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<h3>WATCH NOW:</h3>
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_video _builder_version=&#8221;3.2.2&#8243; src=&#8221;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O1i8jx-YUAo&amp;t=0s&amp;list=PLwe1DQGIxfLOa2s6dLwpXQprZcuvhwu1S&amp;index=193&#8243; image_src=&#8221;//i.ytimg.com/vi/O1i8jx-YUAo/hqdefault.jpg&#8221; /][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;3.2.2&#8243;]
Don&#8217;t miss American Black Journal on Sunday at 9:30 a.m. and again on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. on Detroit Public TV, WTVS-Channel 56.
<h3><a href="http://www.pbs.org/show/american-black-journal/">View more from American Black Journal &gt;</a></h3>
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9/3/17: Hatred in America / “139 Square Miles” Report

ABJ4537seg1

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On the next American Black Journal: As Donald Trump nears the 6-month mark of his presidency, we reconvene a special roundtable of guests to talk about his policies so far and the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_j3haiNTzME&amp;index=251&amp;list=PLwe1DQGIxfLOa2s6dLwpXQprZcuvhwu1S&amp;t=0s" target="_blank" rel="noopener">impact on minorities</a>.  The panel also discusses the recent acquittals of police officers in the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n9BTPrhYY3M&amp;index=249&amp;list=PLwe1DQGIxfLOa2s6dLwpXQprZcuvhwu1S&amp;t=0s" target="_blank" rel="noopener">fatal shootings</a> of African Americans.
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<h3>WATCH NOW:</h3>
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_video _builder_version=&#8221;3.2.2&#8243; src=&#8221;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_XLTPL6y-M&amp;list=PLwe1DQGIxfLOa2s6dLwpXQprZcuvhwu1S&amp;index=242&amp;t=0s&#8221; image_src=&#8221;//i.ytimg.com/vi/a_XLTPL6y-M/hqdefault.jpg&#8221; /][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;3.2.2&#8243;]
Don&#8217;t miss American Black Journal on Sunday at 9:30 a.m. and again on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. on Detroit Public TV, WTVS-Channel 56.
<h3><a href="http://www.pbs.org/show/american-black-journal/">View more from American Black Journal &gt;</a></h3>
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7/2/17: Hot Topics: President Trump & Police Shootings

ABJ4533seg3

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On the next American Black Journal: Award-winning author Herb Boyd joins Stephen to talk about his new book that documents the stories of African Americans in Detroit from the 1800s to the present day. Plus, a local production by the Matrix Theatre Company gives voice to the unique experiences and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9HqgeLpvugg&amp;index=265&amp;list=PLwe1DQGIxfLOa2s6dLwpXQprZcuvhwu1S&amp;t=0s" target="_blank" rel="noopener">perspectives of Detroiters</a> immediately following the 1967 civil disturbance.
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<h3>WATCH NOW:</h3>
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Don&#8217;t miss American Black Journal on Sunday at 9:30 a.m. and again on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. on Detroit Public TV, WTVS-Channel 56.
<h3><a href="http://www.pbs.org/show/american-black-journal/">View more from American Black Journal &gt;</a></h3>
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6/4/17: Black Detroit: A People’s History of Self-Determination / Dream Deferred: Detroit, 1967

AMERICAN4531HDseg2

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On the next American Black Journal: May is <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OyoRKOFKffI" target="_blank" rel="noopener">National Foster Care Month</a>, a time to recognize the importance of foster families who are giving tens of thousands of children and youth a safe living environment. Plus, a local non-profit is holding a 6K Run/Walk to raise funds for the every day financial struggles of <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j2teMmMaLbo" target="_blank" rel="noopener">cancer survivors</a> and their families.  And, a One Detroit follow-up on the Pathways to Prison.
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Related Links:
<a href="http://www.thechildrenscenter.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Children&#8217;s Center</a>
<a href="http://www.carn.co/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Cancer Awareness and Resource Network</a>
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<h3>WATCH NOW:</h3>
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_video _builder_version=&#8221;3.2.2&#8243; src=&#8221;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qhjzmh2O0hY&amp;feature=youtu.be&#8221; image_src=&#8221;//i.ytimg.com/vi/Qhjzmh2O0hY/hqdefault.jpg&#8221; /][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;3.2.2&#8243;]
Don&#8217;t miss American Black Journal on Sunday at 9:30 a.m. and again on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. on Detroit Public TV, WTVS-Channel 56.
<h3><a href="http://www.pbs.org/show/american-black-journal/">View more from American Black Journal &gt;</a></h3>
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5/21/17: National Foster Care Month / “Colors of Cancer Race 4 Resources”

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