American Black Journal looks back at the stories and conversations highlighting African American current events, the arts and “The Black Church in Detroit.” From the 10-year anniversary of the Flint water crisis and the 17th annual Silence the Violence March and Rally to conversations with techno artist Carl Craig, renowned poet Nikki Giovanni and others, American Black Journal brings you its top stories from 2024.

The Wright Museum opened ‘Double ID’ exhibit from TV actress, art collector CCH Pounder 

The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History opened “Double ID,” an art exhibit featuring 54 works from the private collection of acclaimed actress CCH Pounder. The exhibit delved into the representation of Black men through the lens of W.E.B. Du Bois’ theory of “double consciousness.” Stephen Henderson talked with Pounder about the works in the exhibit. 

Poet Nikki Giovanni discussed her literary works and a new documentary about her life 

Renowned poet Nikki Giovanni had a documentary released this year about her life. “Going to Mars: The Nikki Giovanni Project” details the extraordinary life and career of Giovanni. She passed away in December at age 81. Contributor Cecelia Sharpe sat down with Giovanni at the Wright Museum for a wide-ranging conversation about her life, career and literary works. Plus, Giovanni discussed the “Going to Mars” documentary and her fascination with outer space. 

Hundreds attended 17th annual Silence the Violence march to end gun violence 

The 17th annual Silence the Violence march and rally this summer brought together families and supporters to honor loved ones lost to gun violence and advance the efforts to eradicate the shootings. This year’s event included Michigan Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II, then-Detroit Police Chief James White and others. Contributor Daijah Moss talked with attendees and heard from Church of the Messiah Pastor Barry Randolph. 

Black churches provide sanctuary, support for youth facing mental health challenges 

Mental health challenges have become more prevalent among African American teens and young adults. Suicide rate among Black youth ages 10 to 19 increased 54% since 2018, according to Pew Charitable Trusts, surpassing that of their White peers. “The Black Church in Detroit” series examined the church’s role in providing a safe place and support for young people struggling with mental health challenges. Host Stephen Henderson and guests Minister Mikiah Keener of Triumph Church and seminary student Ashley Lewis explored the reasons for the growing rates of depression, loneliness, anxiety and suicides among young African Americans and how the church can lead the way in promoting mental wellness. 

Actor Roger Guenveur Smith visited The Wright Museum, discussed his collaborations with Spike Lee 

American Black Journal contributor Cecelia Sharpe of 90.9 WRCJ had an in-depth conversation with acclaimed actor, writer and director Roger Guenveur Smith at The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History. Smith talked about the major role literacy played in his life as a child growing up and his collaborations with filmmaker Spike Lee, including his role in the movie “Do the Right Thing.” 

Flint marks 10 years since water crisis began: Mayor Neeley reflected on the city’s progress, challenges

This year marked a decade since the Flint water crisis began. The public health disaster exposed tens of thousands of residents in the predominantly African American city to perilously high levels of lead contamination. Host Stephen Henderson talked with Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley about the city’s current water quality, how residents are doing, and the challenges that are still present. 

The restoration of Malcolm X’s former home in Inkster, Michigan

American Black Journal and BridgeDetroit teamed up for a special episode on the restoration of Malcolm X’s former home in Inkster. The nonprofit Project We Hope Dream & Believe and Wayne State University’s Anthropology Department are renovating and preserving the history of the house where the Nation of Islam minister and civil rights activist lived for a short time with his brother. BridgeDetroit reporter Micah Walker visited the home during the renovation and spoke with some of the people behind the preservation project. Plus, host Stephen Henderson learned about the history of the house and what visitors will experience at the future museum.

Faith and politics: Detroit’s Black churches mobilized voters ahead of the 2024 election 

“The Black Church in Detroit” series examined the role Black churches play in elections and how faith intersects with politics. Guest host Trudy Gallant-Stokes talked with Rev. Dr. Georgia Hill of LifeChurch Riverside Detroit, Rev. Lawrence Rodgers from Second Baptist Church of Detroit, and Rev. Ralph Godbee, Jr. of Triumph Church. They discuss the importance of voting in the African American community, how people can act out their faith in the voting booth, mobilizing young African American voters, dispelling misinformation around the election, and eliminating voter apathy in the Black community. 

Techno’s African American roots: Pioneering producer Carl Craig on carving a lane for Black electronic music 

You can’t talk about Detroit’s African American techno roots without talking about pioneering producer Carl Craig. For Black History Month this year, host Stephen Henderson talked with Craig, a leading figure in the second wave of Detroit techno, about the city’s history in techno music. Plus, they discussed the importance and influence of the Black music experience locally and globally. 

The 2024 Detroit Jazz Festival opened with a splash at the newly built Gretchen C. Valade Jazz Center

This year’s Detroit Jazz Festival was celebrated alongside the grand opening of the Gretchen C. Valade Jazz Center at Wayne State University, named in honor of the late jazz advocate Gretchen C. Valade. The center is part of the Hilberry Gateway integrated performing arts complex. Detroit Jazz Festival Foundation President Chris Collins talked about the festival’s impact on Detroit. Plus, Wayne State University Vice President for Government & Community Affairs Patrick Lindsey shared how the Jazz Center impacts the university’s music program.