This Week on American Black Journal:

BridgeDetroit hosts upcoming Community Conversation on housing, home repairs in Detroit

Detroit faces significant challenges with housing and home repairs, a topic of increasing concern as residents grapple with deteriorating conditions and limited resources. Data from the University of Michigan show that over 37,000 Detroit residents live in inadequate housing conditions due to unaffordable repairs.

On Aug. 20, BridgeDetroit will host its latest Community Conversation focusing on housing and home repairs. The event aims to shed light on the pressing needs of Detroit residents and explore available resources to address these issues.  

The goal of the series is twofold: to facilitate dialogue between reporters and residents and to hear from city and state officials as well as those directly affected by these challenges. This upcoming Community Conversation will provide a platform for Detroiters to learn about resources and support available for homeowners and renters. 

BridgeDetroit Managing Editor Christine Ferretti shares a preview of the event with host Stephen Henderson. Ferretti highlights the critical issue of home repairs and the University of Michigan’s data on housing conditions in Detroit. She also discusses a new City of Detroit initiative, the Senior Accessibility Home Repair Fund, aimed at improving home accessibility for residents with disabilities.

Award-winning poet, activist and filmmaker jessica Care moore discusses her role as Detroit Poet Laureate

Earlier this year, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan announced jessica Care moore will serve as the city’s new Poet Laureate. A lifelong Detroiter, moore is an award-winning poet, activist, and filmmaker. She succeeds the late Naomi Long Madgett, a revered figure in the city’s literary history.  

In her role as Poet Laureate, she will be responsible for leading poetry events across Detroit, delivering an annual address at the Detroit Public Library, and participating in programs that reflect the city’s diversity. She will also compose a special poem for a year-end presentation. 

Moore is the founder of Black WOMEN Rock! – Daughters of Betty, an organization that has long championed women’s empowerment through music. She also established The Moore Art House, a nonprofit focused on enhancing literacy through the arts, and Moore Black Press.  

In 2023, Moore gained attention as the new voice of Pure Michigan, with her poem “I Am Detroit Summer” receiving acclaim for its celebration of the city’s working class spirit. Additionally, her 2022 poem, “We Wear The Working Day,” commissioned by Gucci, was displayed at the Siren Hotel in Detroit.

Host Stephen Henderson sits down with moore to talk about her appointment to the role of Detroit Poet Laureate and her responsibilities.  She discusses how she came to love poetry and its impact on people. She also talks about the 20th anniversary of the Black Women Rock concert, which takes place on Aug. 31 at The Fillmore Detroit, and other projects including her feature film debut. 

Collard Greens Cook-Off Championship in Detroit returns with new flavors, expanded competition

Detroit’s Joseph Walker Williams Recreation Center will transform into a culinary battleground on Aug. 15, as the annual Collard Green Cook-Off Championship returns for its second year. The event, which celebrates the cultural significance of collard greens in the Black community, will run from 4-7 p.m. and is free to the public. 

Created by Detroit-based media group Detroit is Different, the cook-off has expanded significantly this year and will include an additional 150 pounds of collard greens, bringing the total to 350 pounds. This year’s contestants include Tolani Anthony of Zella’s Bakery, Harriette Brown of Sisters on a Roll, Sean Brumfield, Jasmine Jones of The Flavor Initiative, and Moe Vito of A Thoughtful Plate. 

They will face off against defending champion Chef Buddah Calhoun of Buddah Foods, who won last year with his pan-fried vegan greens. This year’s event features greens sourced from local farms such as D-Town Farms, Oakland Avenue Urban Farms, Liberated Farms, Green Thumb, and Urban Youth Agriculture Farm.  

The competition will be judged by a panel that includes April Anderson, co-owner of Good Cakes and Bakes; comedian Howie Bell; Ederique Goudia, founder of In The Business of Food; and Aisha Tillman, Vice President of Build Institute. In addition to the judges, attendees will also have a chance to cast a vote for their favorite.  

BridgeDetroit reporter Jena Brooker and One Detroit’s Chris Jordan talked to Calhoun about what makes his greens so special and the significance of collard greens in the African American community. Watch the full interview here.

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