Year in Review: Notable conversations and guests from 2023 | American Black Journal

This Week on American Black Journal:

From commemorating the anniversary of a historic civil rights march to conversations around police brutality, African Americans’ contributions to the arts, the impact of climate change on Black and brown communities, and stories on Detroit’s Black church community, American Black Journal reflects on some of its significant stories from 2023.

Tyre Nichols’ death: A roundtable about racism, police reform and racial trauma

After the death of Tyre Nichols, a 29-year-old Black man killed by five Black Memphis police officers, another wave of nationwide protests and demonstrations against police brutality spread in cities across the nation. Host Stephen Henderson led a roundtable to discuss Nichols’ death, police reform and accountability, and the importance of checking on your own mental health in the wake of tragedies like this one. 

Walking down memory lane: Two Detroit women reflect on attending the 1963 Walk to Freedom

In the sweltering heat of a vibrant Detroit summer, on June 23, 1963, a remarkable moment in American civil rights history unfolded as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered an early version of his iconic “I Have A Dream” speech. Two Detroit women, Dorothy Aldridge and Edith Lee-Payne, reflect on attending the Detroit Walk to Freedom 60 years ago, as well as the walk’s impact on their lives and its place in history.

Local environmental advocates step up to fight climate’s impact on Black Detroiters

Heavy rains, extreme heat and poor air quality continued to impact Detroiters in 2023, disproportionately affecting Black and brown residents. Host Stephen Henderson leads a roundtable to discuss how climate change impacts people of color. Plus, they talk about the health issues arising from climate change and the importance of residents speaking out on environmental issues to bring change.

Dr. Hasan Jeffries discusses hip hop’s history of politics and speaking out

Hip hop celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2023. In celebration of the historic milestone, Dr. Hasan Jeffries, an associate professor of history at The Ohio State University, shares the history of political messages in hip hop, and how artists use the genre to speak out and express opposition to what’s going on in society and as a voice for the oppressed and marginalized.

Rhythms of change: Motown Museum reflects on recording civil rights history 60 years ago

Sixty years ago, Motown Records founder Berry Gordy made a pivotal decision to immortalize Dr. King’s messages on record albums during the civil rights movement. This decision marked a momentous intersection of music and activism, providing a platform for Dr. King’s inspirational words to reach a broader audience. Motown Museum CEO Robin Terry shares how the collaboration between Motown Records and the Civil Rights Movement continues to influence the museum’s present-day projects.

Oscar-winning costume designer Ruth E. Carter exhibits ‘Black Panther,’ ‘Wakanda Forever’ costumes at The Wright Museum

Two-time Oscar-winning costume designer Ruth E. Carter, renowned for her work on iconic films like Black Panther, Malcolm X and Roots, has delved into the artistry of her designs in her exhibit at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History. The exhibit, “Ruth E. Carter: Afrofuturism in Costume Design,” is on display through March 31, 2024. It showcases the power of storytelling through costume design and honors ancient African cultures through Afrofuturistic pieces.

Black liberation & empowerment: The historical impact of Detroit’s Black churches

From serving as stations on the Underground Railroad to establishing schools and hospitals and hosting civil rights leaders, the Black Church in Detroit is an important part of Black liberation and empowerment. A Black Church pastor and a historian discuss the church’s origins and important roles in Black history, as well as the abolitionists and civil rights leaders who visited the churches and the impact the churches had in the African American community.

Detroit’s Black churches partner with city schools to champion students’ education

What role do Detroit’s Black churches play in the success of Detroit Public Schools and their students? American Black Journal’s “Black Church in Detroit” series examines the important role of the church as a champion for the city’s schools and students, and how the church fills the gaps, helps solve issues, and supports Detroit schools to make sure students can reach their full potential. 

The Black Church in Detroit: Preachers’ kids 

We don’t often hear the perspective that preachers’ kids have about growing up with a pastor as a parent. Three Detroit preachers’ kids reflect on the life lessons they learned from growing up with a pastor as a parent, the influence their fathers had on their present-day careers, and the legacies their fathers left behind in the church and community.