One Detroit – Critical Race Theory, Michigan Childcare, Workplace DEI, Bill Bonds

This Week on One Detroit:

Artist Jonathan Harris’ Viral Painting Sparks Conversations About Critical Race Theory 

When Jonathan Harris first previewed his painting “Critical Race Theory” at his TRIPTYCH: Stronger Together exhibit at the Irwin House Gallery this past November, it sat on a wall just outside the gallery’s main room, but despite its less-than-prominent placement, it sold easily. It was the first step toward a virality that swept over Harris’ painting and sparked a national conversation about critical race theory and the ways social and political issues are taught in America’s classrooms.

RELATED: Irwin House Gallery Features Detroit Artists in TRIPTYCH Exhibit 

“Critical Race Theory,” which depicts the white-washing of Black history, began its viral journey when The Other 98%, a nonprofit focused on social justice, shared Harris’ painting with their nearly 6.5 million followers. Then, the Oklahoma City chapter of Black Lives Matter shared the image, garnering thousands more shares and spreading the painting across the globe. One Detroit’s Bill Kubota met up with Harris in Detroit on signing day, where he signed and sold out of 250 prints of the painting, to discuss his painting’s swift rise to global acclaim and share what he thinks about critical race theory in the classroom.

Future of Work | Have Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Progressed in the Workplace?

One Detroit contributor and American Black Journal host Stephen Henderson checks in with marketing consultant Mark S. Lee, president of The Lee Group, MI LLC, on where diversity, equity and inclusion are in the workplace. They explore the progress that’s been made and what’s still lacking nearly two years after the topic re-emerged into the mainstream, after George Floyd’s death.

RELATED: Watch the extended interview on American Black Journal

Michigan’s High Childcare Costs Continue As Financial Assistance Remains Untapped

While 35% of Michigan’s children five years and under qualify for child care subsidies, only 5% of families are tapping into the state’s financial resources. At the same time, nearly 44% of Michigan families live in childcare deserts — geographic hot spots where there’s a lack of licensed child care providers 

RELATED: 35% of Michigan Kids Under 5 Qualify For Child Care Subsidies. Only 5% Use Them.

One Detroit’s Will Glover sat down with BridgeDetroit reporter Nushrat Rahman, who authored the article that sparked this story, to talk about the state of childcare in Michigan. They explore the state’s high childcare costs, how to identify childcare deserts and how fewer options for childcare providers have impacted the cost to families. 

Remembering Bill Bonds: Detroit’s Most Opinionated Newsman 

Chances are if you grew up watching Detroit’s news during the 1970s, 80s and on, you know Detroit television news anchor and reporter Bill Bonds. A Detroit-native since birth, the WXYZ Action News anchorman would have turned 90 years old this month. Bonds passed away in his Bloomfield Hills home in 2014.

RELATED: Bill Bonds Remembers, Reminisces on History of Detroit Television News

Bonds became widely known for his “Up Front” news segment where he would confront national sources with tough questions. He was the newsman marked in controversy — some people hated him; some people loved him. One Detroit’s Bill Kubota and Detroit Public Television Senior Vice President and host Fred Nahhat give a nod to the late reporter who wasn’t afraid to be opinionated. The duo remember Bonds’ legacy and discuss what he might have said about the state of Detroit and our nation today. 

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