Detroit is Different

Malik Yakini is a Detroit original. Naturally creative and driven towards a higher quality of life through Black Liberation, Gardening, and seeking Knowledge are pillars of life I’ve witnessed from Baba Malik. He was the original guest on Detroit is Different and seven years later he joins me again to speak in more of the macro on philosophy, theory, and the need for action in our community. Malik...

Design is the key to all art. Mike Willingham is an artist that has used design to guide a career, business, and opportunity. Michael Roze Artistry has a portfolio of jewelry, visual arts, clothing, and more. He joins Detroit is Different to discuss the impact of Cass Tech, his Father, visions, and plans for art, and more. This is an insight into how a designer thinks about art and more. Witness m...

Give to the Detroit is Different Ca$hApp Crowdfund Campaign at $Detroit501c3 on CashApp Detroit is Different Community Group is a nonprofit Michigan corporation formed by Khary Frazier to bridge the gap between marginalized Black Detroiters and traditional local media outlets by producing an annual 12-week summer series entitled a lot of Studio.” An obvious play on words and true to its name, a lo...

Detroit Hip-hop has roots that reach through the 1990s, connecting rappers, producers, and DJs. DJ Butter was one of the first hip-hop DJs with an official mixtape, I remember. Kill the DJ was an album he pressed up thousands of albums independently distributing and marketing. In this Detroit is Different interview, we discuss J Dilla, Proof, his start in Highland Park with hip-hop, and more. Toda...

Mentorship and seeking brotherhood were tenets of life that guided Greg G Mac McKenzie at an early age. The master emcee of hip-hop helping lead vocals for Detroit's eclectically African-centered band experience of Mollywop opens up about his journey as a child. Boxing, hip-hop, and joining a gang were his understandings of brotherhood until destiny connected him with the Alekebulan Village. In th...

T Barb’s laugh, smile, and joking style have been a beckon of light in tough times and a gateway for business opportunities. The lifelong Detroiter groomed in the Mackenzie neighborhood is now a national brand. The Vegan Chef, Author, Business Consultant, and Comedian are hats she wears, but her personality anchor her in many things. Learning about her journey through a rougher childhood connected...

The original interview with Charlie Beckham was fun, engaging, and eye-opening. Today he is back to talk more about his life story. The one-man stage play is now a film shown on Thursday, November 11, 2021, at 7 pm at the Charles H Wright Museum. His story opens up about the targeting of leaders and public officials under a microscope from the FBI. This interview explores in more detail the roles...

Stefany Washington is a self-proclaimed “whole vibe” and interviewing her was a joyous experience. Frustrated with the city’s approach to economic development, this local Detroiter decided to do something about it. Not only did she put in her bid as a mayoral candidate, but she has also been helping community members understand the ins and outs of home improvement, homeownership, and navigating po...

Tia Ervin is a legitimate hustler, social media influencer, and young parent-turned advocate. She works in the field of education and community outreach. Although she has a number of projects that she’s working on, her priority is supporting her children to cultivate their goals into businesses. In this interview, we explore the background of this Detroit native, what makes her different, and what...

Steve Spreitzer of the Michigan Roundtable for Diversity and Inclusion joins me in a deep discussion on race in America and Detroit. Steve opens up about the current collaboration with MRDI and Dr. Carl Taylor. This was a deep conversation where I share more on the history of race in America and why race is so important. Learn about the leadership initiative with MRDI and ways the organization is...

Darren Brown is a visionary. In this interview, we explore how he began filming with the dream and learned the rest through experience. We talk Sibley’s Shoes, Rap videos in the 2000s, and today’s Detroit movie industry. Friday, October 29 Darren’s new movie Dymez premiere’s at the Bel Air Luxury Cinema. Check out this interview to learn more about Detroit films as a director and executive produce...

Episode Notes Colleen Ivana Jones, also known as Vonnie Pill, is a less seasoned Detroiter that is making a big impact on the city’s art scene. She is the art director for the Juneteenth Jubilee Detroit Committee, a proprietor of Lifted Literacy and Arts organization as well as Luxana Body & Locs. She is very adamant about including and uplifting local artists by creating events that will show...

Episode Notes Richard Mack is a lifelong Detroit that represents the people in what he does. Attorney Mack works on behalf of workers and labor rights against the greed and exploitive nature of business. Attorney Mack is also one of the elected Detroit City Charter Commissioners that has worked tirelessly with his colleagues to ensure Detroit has an equitable and progressive charter. He joined Det...

Episode Notes Vaughn Arrington is memorable. The laugh, smile, inspirational perspective, and stories stand out. Vaughn opens up about his childhood and living in the 1980's Detroit as both his parents dove into the street economy. After serving a 10-year sentence starting at the age of 16 Vaughn returned to Detroit inspired. Today Vaughn's work with Detroit Public Schools, the President Biden cam...

Episode Notes Beverly Kindle Walker Candidate for Detroit City Clerk. Riverwise Magazine & Detroit is Different 2021 Candidate Interview Series for Mayor of Detroit. This is a special election feature for the August 2021 Primary election for the City of Detroit. These interviews feature one-on-one question-and-answer content about Detroit public safety, water rights, property taxes, and vision...

Episode Notes Kinda Anderson Write-In Candidate for Detroit City Clerk. Riverwise Magazine & Detroit is Different 2021 Candidate Interview Series for Mayor of Detroit. This is a special election feature for the August 2021 Primary election for the City of Detroit. These interviews feature one-on-one question-and-answer content about Detroit public safety, water rights, property taxes, and visi...

Episode Notes Linda Bernard Candidate for Detroit Board of Police Commissioners for District 2. Riverwise Magazine & Detroit is Different 2021 Candidate Interview Series for Mayor of Detroit. This is a special election feature for the August 2021 Primary election for the City of Detroit. These interviews feature one-on-one question-and-answer content about Detroit public safety, water rights,...

Episode Notes Lavish Williams Candidate for Detroit Board of Police Commissioners for District 2. Riverwise Magazine & Detroit is Different 2021 Candidate Interview Series for Mayor of Detroit. This is a special election feature for the August 2021 Primary election for the City of Detroit. These interviews feature one-on-one question-and-answer content about Detroit public safety, water rights...

Episode Notes Scott Boman Candidate for Detroit Board of Police Commissioners for District 4. Riverwise Magazine & Detroit is Different 2021 Candidate Interview Series for Mayor of Detroit. This is a special election feature for the August 2021 Primary election for the City of Detroit. These interviews feature one-on-one question-and-answer content about Detroit public safety, water rights, pr...

Episode Notes Gabriela Santiago-Romero City Candidate for Detroit City Council for District 6. Riverwise Magazine & Detroit is Different 2021 Candidate Interview Series for Mayor of Detroit. This is a special election feature for the August 2021 Primary election for the City of Detroit. These interviews feature one-on-one question-and-answer content about Detroit public safety, water rights, p...

Episode Notes Ane Bomani Candidate for Detroit City Council for District 4. Riverwise Magazine & Detroit is Different 2021 Candidate Interview Series for Mayor of Detroit. This is a special election feature for the August 2021 Primary election for the City of Detroit. These interviews feature one-on-one question-and-answer content about Detroit public safety, water rights, property taxes, and...

Episode Notes Mary Waters Candidate for Detroit City Council for Council at Large. Riverwise Magazine & Detroit is Different 2021 Candidate Interview Series for Mayor of Detroit. This is a special election feature for the August 2021 Primary election for the City of Detroit. These interviews feature one-on-one question-and-answer content about Detroit public safety, water rights, property taxe...

Episode Notes Nicole Small Candidate for Detroit City Council for Council at Large. Riverwise Magazine & Detroit is Different 2021 Candidate Interview Series for Mayor of Detroit. This is a special election feature for the August 2021 Primary election for the City of Detroit. These interviews feature one-on-one question-and-answer content about Detroit public safety, water rights, property tax...

Episode Notes Virgil Smith Candidate for Detroit City Council for District 4. Riverwise Magazine & Detroit is Different 2021 Candidate Interview Series for Mayor of Detroit. This is a special election feature for the August 2021 Primary election for the City of Detroit. These interviews feature one-on-one question-and-answer content about Detroit public safety, water rights, property taxes, an...

Episode Notes William M Davis Candidate for Detroit City Council for District 7. Riverwise Magazine & Detroit is Different 2021 Candidate Interview Series for Mayor of Detroit. This is a special election feature for the August 2021 Primary election for the City of Detroit. These interviews feature one-on-one question-and-answer content about Detroit public safety, water rights, property taxes,...