American Black Journal
10th Annual Black Friday Scholarship Bootcamp offers educational opportunities rather than shopping sprees
In a bid to transform Black Friday from a day of shopping sprees to a day of educational empowerment, Gwen Thomas, the founder and executive director of Fresh Perspectives Seminars, is gearing up for the 10th annual Black Friday Scholarship Bootcamp on Nov. 24 in Detroit. This year, the event will offer four scholarships, including two $1,000 prizes, one $500 award, and one $250 grant for graduating seniors. More than just monetary rewards, the Bootcamp provides an array of resources such as coaching, ACT/SAT preparation, academic advising, and even assistance with resumes or CVs. With a track record of helping students secure over $22 million in scholarships and study abroad funding to over 100 countries, the Bootcamp is a beacon for those seeking higher education opportunities. Beyond scholarship insights, the event will feature an exciting seminar on the entertainment field, engaging attendees with celebrity entrepreneurs. Fresh Perspectives Seminars’ Founder and Executive Director Gwen Thomas speaks at the 2022 Black Friday Scholarship Bootcamp. | Photo courtesy of Fresh Perspectives Seminars’ Host Stephen Henderson recently caught up with Thomas to discuss the unique approach of encouraging families to shop for scholarships instead of retail bargains at the mall. Additionally, they delve into federal, state, and private loans, grants, and shortcuts to navigate the FAFSA process. The day-long workshop, to be held at the prestigious Detroit Golf Club, is not just a seminar, it’s a transformative journey offering valuable insights for high school juniors and seniors and their parents. Stay Connected: Subscribe to Detroit Public Television’s YouTube Channel & Don’t miss American Black Journal on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 9:30 a.m. on Detroit Public TV, WTVS-Channel 56. Catch the daily conversations on our website, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @amblackjournal. View Past Episodes > 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.
Michigan’s higher education experts discuss college access, equity for communities of colorv
A sobering reality persists for many students from communities of color trying to enter one of Michigan’s many higher education institutions. Often, they’re met with a myriad of challenges and barriers in the pursuit of higher education access and admission. From systemic inequities to financial constraints, these aspiring scholars often confront multifaceted hurdles that can hinder their dreams of post-secondary education. RELATED: In a high-impact panel discussion led by host Stephen Henderson, some of the state’s top experts in higher education diversity, equity, and inclusion including Fatima Salman, President of the National Association of Social Workers-MI; Kimberly Faison, Director of Community and Economic Development at Detroit Future City; and Onjila Odeneal, Senior Director of Policy and Advocacy at The Institute for College Access & Success (TICAS), came together to address the issues of college access and achievement for students of color in Michigan’s higher education system. The panelists talk about how Michigan can improve outcomes for young students of color and what Michigan’s institutions of higher education must do to diversify their admissions and ensure first-generation students have the support they need. Stay Connected: Subscribe to Detroit Public Television’s YouTube Channel & Don’t miss American Black Journal on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 9:30 a.m. on Detroit Public TV, WTVS-Channel 56. Catch the daily conversations on our website, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @amblackjournal. View Past Episodes > 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.
The Blackbottom Group’s EV Automotive Mobility Program prepares Detroiters for an electrified future
The Blackbottom Group has launched an innovative program, the EV Automotive Mobility Program, that equips Detroiters with the skills necessary for jobs that will soon be in high demand. The Program offers hands-on training in the maintenance and repair of electric vehicles, as well as education in internal combustion engine technology, in an effort to bridge the gap and address the racial disparity within the electric vehicle (EV) industry. Only roughly 2% of EV owners are Black, a statistic often attributed to vehicle costs and a notable lack of charging stations in predominantly Black neighborhoods, often referred to as “charging deserts.” The racial disparity within the EV industry is not just about car ownership; it extends to broader implications for public health and economic opportunities. RELATED: Students of The Blackbottom Group’s EV Automotive Mobility Program in Detroit learn how to repair and perform maintenance on electric vehicles. | Photo by One Detroit High asthma rates and air pollution have disproportionately affected Black Americans in zip codes where electric vehicle adoption has been slower due to a lack of infrastructure. Additionally, the lack of charging stations has hindered mobility and participation in the gig economy, especially in urban areas. Ray Smith, the visionary behind the Deroit program, spoke with One Detroit Senior Producer Bill Kubota, to shed some light on the critical mission of the program and the skills students are being taught. Smith also talks about how he hopes the program will narrow the employment gap, improve health outcomes, and promote green job opportunities in communities of color. Stay Connected: Subscribe to Detroit Public Television’s YouTube Channel & Don’t miss American Black Journal on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 9:30 a.m. on Detroit Public TV, WTVS-Channel 56. Catch the daily conversations on our website, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @amblackjournal. View Past Episodes > 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.
New Black-owned grocery store aims to tackle the food desert on Detroit’s eastside
In a promising development for Detroit’s Jefferson-Chalmers neighborhood on the city’s eastside, African American entrepreneur Raphael Wright is set to open the doors of Neighborhood Grocery LLC. This establishment is poised to make history as the first Black-owned grocery store in Detroit in nearly a decade. Entrepreneur Raphael Wright (right) gives BridgeDetroit’s Orlando Bailey (left) a tour through Neighborhood Grocery LLC, a new Black-owned grocery store in Detroit’s Jefferson-Chalmers neighborhood. The grocery store is a full-service market that promises to provide much-needed access to fresh, healthy foods in an area that has long struggled with limited grocery options. Detroit, like many urban areas, has grappled with food deserts where residents often have limited access to affordable, nutritious food. Wright’s venture not only aims to fill this critical gap but also demonstrates the power of grassroots efforts to create sustainable change. RELATED: Worker-owned Pingree Detroit creates equity, shares success with employees Another key feature of Neighborhood Grocery is its business model and innovative approach to funding. The store is partially funded through a crowdfunding and profit-sharing model that allows Michiganders to invest in the project for as little as $50. BridgeDetroit’s Orlando Bailey spoke with Wright about his vision for Neighborhood Grocery, its innovative profit-sharing model, and its pivotal role in addressing food desert challenges while fostering a stronger sense of community. Stay Connected: Subscribe to Detroit Public Television’s YouTube Channel & Don’t miss American Black Journal on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m and Sunday at 9:30 a.m. on Detroit Public TV, WTVS-Channel 56. Catch the daily conversations on our website, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @amblackjournal. View Past Episodes > 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.
