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American Black Journal
Detroit native Dr. Melba Joyce Boyd named Michigan’s third-ever poet laureate
Detroit native Dr. Melba Joyce Boyd has been named Michigan’s new poet laureate. She is the third person to be appointed to the role. “American Black Journal” host Stephen Henderson sat down with Boyd to talk about the power of poetry, what her new position as Michigan Poet Laureate entails, and what influences her own writings. Plus, Boyd reads one of her Detroit-centric poems, “Stage Black.”
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This year’s Kresge Eminent Artist, the relationship between Black and Jewish communities in Detroit.
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“The Lion King” is back and a look at civil rights leader Jesse Jackson’s appearance on ABJ in 2015.
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American Black Journal sits down with “Encourage Me I’m Young” and The Skillman Foundation.
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A look at small businesses, tech firm expanding to Detroit and Negro Leagues veteran Ron Teasley.
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A look at the African presence in the Bible and a new project encourages stories about faith.
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Conversations with Brian Taylor, Dr. Funkenstein and a performance from the Sphinx Competition.
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A pivotal moment in the history of baseball and the Detroit Women in Jazz Oral History Project.
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Gerald McBride’s role in shaping Black radio in Detroit and a preview of a new PBS documentary.
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ABJ talks with ministers about why some young people are not involved in the Black church.
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How United Way for Southeastern Michigan is helping feed families and more on caregiving.
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A look at The Henry Ford’s MLK Day programming and Keith Knight's talk at the Charles H. Wright Muse
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American Black Journal is looking back at some of the guests and topics covered in 2025.