Detroit is Different

Writing and storytelling are talents that Rocki Harris has passionately developed into professional skillsets. Raised on Detroit's Eastside, with a grandmother dedicated to teaching grammar, writing, and language, Rocki has been in love with words for a lifetime. Today, she hosts Rocki's Reality Podcast, which airs on Rocki's Reality YouTube and Facebook accounts on Thursday nights, podcasting liv...

In the 1990s, Detroit had a profound impact on Moudou Baqui and his entire family. They had moved from Tennessee to escape racism and limited opportunities, eventually establishing roots in Detroit. The Petty family began to settle in Detroit when the land beyond 8 Mile Road was still farmland, owned and cultivated by them. This included the area where the Kroger at 8 Mile and Wyoming now stands,...

Inkster, MI, became a suburban destination for Black families in the Metro Detroit region in the 1970s. Jason Turner's family moved there in the late 1960s. Today, Jason works within his community alongside his family, focusing on creativity and community initiatives. He is a founding member of Building Black Brick Masters, an intergenerational Black men's community organizing group. Jason shares...

Community engagement, advocacy, and social change are lifelong passions for Alexa and Johnnie Turnage. They share how a chance meeting on a flight to Detroit led to a friendship that blossomed into marriage. The Turnages' Black Tech Saturdays has evolved into a national effort. In this interview, they discuss how this initiative aligns with their shared passion for using technology to unite commun...

Collective enjoyment, live entertainment, dancing, and Prince music have made Detroit summers popular for years. On Wednesday, August 14, 2024, Build Institute will host an interactive and fun fundraiser at the Aretha Amphitheater, featuring the extraordinary drummer Sheila E. Regina Ann Campbell, CEO of Build Institute, will join us to discuss the fundraiser and much more. Discover how Build Inst...

David 'Hump the Grinder' Humphries, a pivotal figure in Detroit's Black culture of music and hair design, has been producing Hair Wars since the era when Mojo's radio shows kept people dancing through the night. Returning to Detroit is Different, Hump discusses the upcoming Hair Wars and his experiences traveling with Hip-hop's first tour, 'The Fresh Fest' from 1984 to 1986, and street team promot...

Crystal Bailey's advocacy for mental and behavioral health on behalf of young people in the juvenile justice center inspired her to run for the Michigan State Representative District 5 position. Her work in the juvenile justice system has given her profound insights into tragic realities, motivating her to take action. In this interview, Bailey shares how her involvement in organizing a fashion sh...

The Collard Green Cook-Off was a cultural experience that connected with hundreds of Detroiters last year. This year, Detroit is Different will expand the experience by adding the Collard Green Cook-Off Playoffs. The Playoffs will be held this Thursday during the Juneteenth Jubilee Celebration, organized by Black Leaders Detroit and led by Sharea Ayers. In this Detroit is Different interview, Khar...

Omari Barksdale’s roots in Alabama, Palestine, and Detroit’s Westside have instilled in him a profound understanding of resilience, strength, and creativity. Today, he advocates for men to build healthy and constructive relationships with women, shares the factual history of race relations in America through artifacts, and lobbies for equity for all people. His extensive work began with organizing...

Faith producing works is an adage often shared in conversation, and Drey Skonie has witnessed it throughout his life. As a soul singer, he adds the feel of hip-hop, funk, house, and dance to the legacy of legends like Eddie Kendricks (of the Temptations), Philippé Wynne (of the Spinners), and Ron Banks (of the Dramatics). Drey stands out with his unique style, and his music reflects the vibe of hi...

Managing people, personalities, and custom fashion stores came naturally to Constance Davis, who opens up about her can't-lose Homecoming Queen campaign and lifelong knack for people skills and smarts. Her son, Anthony 'Spice' Adams, applies similar creativity and genius to grow his brand after an NFL career. We delve into her experience managing high-end fashion stores, working in the Renaissance...

Louisiana is known for its great food and warm hospitality. Ederique Goudia grew up loving both cooking and tasting a variety of dishes, surrounded by a family deeply rooted in Louisiana culture, where everyone from her mother and father to her aunts, uncles, and cousins cooked. Discovering in high school that she could turn her passion into a career, Ederique has been in the culinary industry eve...

Football was the gateway that took Keith Williams to Eastern Michigan University, where his knack for sales soon took hold. In the 1980s, he was selling business forms and starting a printing company. We explore his transition from the Republican Party to help develop a farmers market of the Lodge Service Drive and Livernois. His love for Black people was his motivation. Keith opens up about a dec...

Serving the people was a mission instilled in Tarence Wheeler at a young age by his grandmother. Today, he channels his passion, talents, and skills to inspire everyone, especially young Black individuals, to take initiative in empowering their communities. The Southwestern and Arizona State University basketball star opens up about how basketball was a gateway to opportunities, but his true passi...

Before he was born, Kirk Mayes' great-aunt inspired his mother to serve their community in the hills of Jamaica. Decades later, Kirk Mayes has fed hundreds of thousands of families during a pandemic, driven by his mission to be a resource for his community. In this dynamic episode of Detroit is Different, Kirk opens up about his journey of learning how a Non-Profit Organization can support a commu...

Black designers in fashion, furniture, and even aluminum cans are changing the world from Detroit. Keir Worthy returns to Detroit is Different to discuss his role as the Executive Director of the Organization of Black Designers. We explore the significant contributions Black people have made in establishing style and coolness globally and delve into the cultural dynamics of Detroit and New York. T...

Sabrina Nelson is embarking on a transformative journey to Africa, driven by her passion to learn, teach, and immerse herself in the world of art. With a rich history of creativity showcased during her original appearance on Detroit is Different, Sabrina has dedicated her life to sharing her artistic talents. Today, her artistic expression flows in sync with the rhythm of her spirit, seamlessly bl...

American Street was a cherished emblem of family, love, and community for Kenyatta Stephens. Her grandparents paved the way, instilling a legacy of service as stewards, dedicated to empowering their community with access to opportunity, success, and an enhanced quality of life. Today, at the helm of Black Family Development, Kenyatta channels her familial affection and experiential passion, recogn...

Stephanie Fazekas stands as a beacon of cool, her roots intertwined deeply with Detroit's Eastside and Westside. Seamlessly blending her innate understanding of the city's culture with her passion for art, Stephanie is poised to debut her inaugural art exhibition alongside her son Tory, a fitting celebration for Mother's Day 2024. Together, we embark on a journey through the origins of Crockett Hi...

Dr. Bill Lovejoy boasts a distinguished 30-year tenure as a professor at the University of Michigan, where his expertise spans the realms of academia and business. His academic journey, rooted in a background in mathematics, has been enriched by extensive travels around the globe, affording him unique opportunities to showcase the alignment of his talents with both scholarly pursuits and practical...

Detroit kids navigate life in uniquely dynamic ways, shaped by the city's distinct signature. However, the tragic under-resourcing of Detroit's institutions profoundly impacts their experiences, amplifying the challenges they face. For these children, the reality is intensified, underscoring the crucial role of organizations like Friends of Children in our city. Derschaun Brown, a proud DPS gradua...

Finding purpose for Isaiah Orton-Bey was discovered in his quest for deeper understandings of life. Along the stretch of West Seven Mile between Greenfield and Southfield in Detroit, a vibrant scene unfolds outside Moor Herbs—a health market specializing in vitamins, alkaline water, wholesome foods, and healing literature. In a revealing Detroit is Different interview, Isaiah Orton-Bey shares his...

When Malcolm X delivered his historic 'Message to the Grassroots Speech' at King Solomon Baptist Church, a young Malik Shelton had the opportunity to meet him, igniting within him the roots and understanding of self-determination and Pan-Africanism. As a teenager, Shelton organized a series of Black organizing and militant actions to safeguard their Southwest Detroit neighborhood from intimidation...

Chef Buddah's journey sounds fascinating, especially with his deep roots in Detroit and his culinary adventures spanning from the Brewster Projects to various esteemed restaurants like Hudsons and the Summit Restaurant. Winning the 2023 Collard Green Cook-Off must have been a proud moment for him. His Vegan Gumbo sounds like a unique culinary experience, combining flavors and spices in a way that...

The longstanding business relationship between Detroit's municipal government and corporations traces its roots back several decades. Theo Pride, of Detroit People's Platform, offers insightful analysis, delving into both macro and micro perspectives on the historical trajectory and current dynamics. Through examining entities like the Downtown Development Authority and the significance of Communi...