This Week on American Black Journal:
Local Black churches play a supporting role in students’ education
As students return to the classroom, the faith-based community continues to play a supporting role in their education. The partnerships created between school districts and churches often bridge gaps in resources, provide emotional support, and address various challenges faced by the school system.
American Black Journal’s “Black Church in Detroit” series explores the contributions of local churches. Guest host Trudy Gallant-Stokes leads a discussion with Bishop Dr. Corletta Vaughn of Holy Ghost Cathedral Church and Pastor Velma Jean Overman of Christ Temple City of Refuge.
Bishop Vaughn, a board member of the Detroit Public Schools Community District, talks about the spiritual support faith leaders provide to students, parents, and educators. She emphasizes the faith community’s role in addressing chronic absenteeism, which has been a major issue for the district.
At Pastor Overman’s church, students are rewarded for consistent school attendance. Pastor Overman discusses those efforts and emphasizes the close collaboration between her church and local educators to enhance out-of-school time learning opportunities for children.
National Black Business Month underscored by need for financing, networking opportunities in Detroit
August is National Black Business Month, a time to celebrate and support Black-owned businesses across the United States. Established in 2004 by historian John William Templeton and engineer Fredrick E. Jordan, this annual observance aims to spotlight the needs of Black business owners and foster economic empowerment within Black communities.
In Detroit, a city with a rich history of Black entrepreneurship, the significance of National Black Business Month is underscored by ongoing discussions about the challenges and opportunities facing local Black business owners.
Guest host Trudy Gallant-Stokes speaks with Bartel Welch, president of The Detroit Black Chamber of Commerce, and Kai Bowman, chief strategy officer at the Michigan Black Business Alliance (MBBA), about these issues and how their organizations are addressing them.
Welch and Bowman discuss the importance of supporting Black entrepreneurs through growth initiatives, sustainability programs, and policy advocacy. Plus, both leaders acknowledge the unique hurdles faced by Black entrepreneurs, such as securing financing and expanding professional networks. Bowman highlights recent legislative efforts by the MBBA that he hopes will improve access to capital and foster networking opportunities for Black business owners.
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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.
