Detroit’s legacy breathes through the lives and voices of those who’ve carved pathways of resilience, creativity, and cultural pride, and Mama Lohren’s journey is a testament to this spirit. Lohren Carter-Nzoma story is a vivid tapestry of cultural preservation, family legacy, and transformative education rooted in Detroit’s Black community. A seco…

Every Detroiter carries a tapestry of stories woven from history, resilience, and boundless creativity, and Loke’s narrative is a masterclass in how place shapes purpose. Detroit native Loke embodies the vibrant intersection of culture, creativity, and community that defines the city. Rooted in generations of storytelling, from his grandmother's mi…

Step into the Detroit is Different studio for a dynamic conversation with the legendary Miles Dixon, a trailblazer in Detroit's podcasting and hip-hop scenes. From humble beginnings to becoming a cornerstone of Motor City storytelling, Miles's journey is as vibrant as the city itself. Raised in a family rich with resilience and creativity, Miles’s …

In this dynamic episode of Detroit is Different, we dive deep into the rich, multifaceted journey of Brent Smith—a hip-hop artist, urban gardener, and community builder. Raised in a family steeped in the legacy of Detroit and Flint, Brent’s narrative threads through generational agriculture, black artistry, and grassroots organizing. Discover how h…

Find out what does a tunk strategy, family humor, and the perfect collard greens have in common? In this episode of Detroit is Different, we’re joined by Howie Bell, a comedic force whose story is as inspiring as it is entertaining. From his roots in Detroit’s Mumford neighborhood to graduating from King High School, Howie shares how his family bui…

Step into the vibrant world of Detroit hip-hop and cultural storytelling with Kahn Santori Davison, a writer whose work has become the heartbeat of the city’s artistic narrative. From losing his parents in a tragic incident and being raised by his grandparents, to building a legacy as a columnist for The Michigan Citizen and Metro Times, Kahn has s…

Eric Cook’s story is a testament to Detroit’s spirit of perseverance and innovation. With roots in the historic Number Streets on the Westside, Eric’s journey is woven into the fabric of the city, where he’s built a thriving presence along the iconic West McNichols corridor. As the proud owner of Raw Space, located at 8420 W McNichols Rd, Detroit, …

In the summer of 1967, as Detroit was embroiled in one of its most transformative moments, Glady's Bettis found herself halfway across the globe in Germany, where her journey as a trailblazer began. In this inspiring episode, Glady's—known affectionately as "MaBus"—shares her incredible story of leadership as a big sister, her role as a guiding for…

In this episode of the Detroit is Different podcast, host Khary Frazier welcomes Jason Ford, widely known as “Squeeze,” a Saginaw-born and Detroit-rooted writer, poet, actor, performer, and producer whose spoken word artistry and theatrical writing have transformed stages and sparked dialogue across the city. Squeeze reflects on the journey that le…

"Cultivating Queens of Creativity": In this enlightening episode of Detroit is Different, host Khary Frazier welcomes Alexis Smith, whose radiant passion for nurturing young Black girls’ artistry beams as bright as a mural on a summer day in the city. Smith, shaped by the rich history and legacy of Malcolm X Academy and guided by the vision of Dr. …

Discover how dreams, community, and history intertwine in the heart of Detroit with Shalece Daniels. Listen to our conversation about transformative community initiatives and personal journeys on the Detroit is Different podcast. Transitioning from personal history to present endeavors, Shalece and Khary delve into the significance of community wor…

Dive into the heart of Detroit hip hop history with P Groove! From the legendary Rhythm Kitchen era to today's scene, discover the beats and stories that shaped it all. Through thick waves of artistic evolution, P Gruv grows his skill set during his school years, embodying the diversity of hip hop culture. Highland Park High School becomes a breedi…

Detroit is Different welcomes back Baba Malik Yakini for the 10-year anniversary episode of the Detroit is Different podcast. As both a witness and a catalyst for change, Baba Malik shares his personal growth over the years. Understanding the importance of vision, institutional resilience, and community engagement, he reflects on the challenges and…

From humble beginnings at a Detroit club (now a laundromat) on Livernois and McNichols, DJ Stacey Hotwaxx Hale emerged as Detroit's first female house music artist, guided by her engineering background and inspired by her mother's groundbreaking work in federal government contracting in the 1970s. Known as the Godmother of House Music, Hale's maste…

Tonya Myers Phillips, an attorney deeply committed to justice for Detroit, has long advocated for Right to Counsel for residents facing foreclosure and many other community-centered causes. At the Sugar Law Center, where she serves as Community Partnerships & Development Director, Tonya collaborates closely with local organizations, working to esta…

All Things Detroit is Metro Detroit's largest small business shopping experience, bringing hundreds of local vendors and thousands of shoppers together in Eastern Market's Sheds 3, 4, and 5 each Spring and Fall. Curated by Jennyfer Crawford over the past decade, the event showcases Detroit-made food, clothing, candles, and even Faygo jams and jelli…

Baba Ari Shen has been cutting, sculpting, and celebrating natural Black hair for over 56 years, from the 1970s to now, witnessing the transformation of Black hair culture through different eras. His journey began in Indiana, where he learned from legends in Black hair care and became a master of his craft. His work has taken him across the country…

Carolyn Baker of the General Baker Institute shares her passion for preserving the legacy of her father, General Gordon Baker, Jr., and her mother’s advocacy, while also honoring other legends in the fight for Black social justice. The General Baker Institute (GBI) is dedicated to providing educational courses, programs, and activities for the comm…

Ajara Alghali, co-founder and Director of TéMaTé Institute for Black Dance and Culture, is a performance artist and thought leader at the intersection of dance and cultural representation. Drawing from her Sierra Leonean-American roots, her work highlights the connections among African people across the diaspora. The TéMaTé Institute, a social just…

Furqan Mohammed, nephew of Elijah Muhammad, gives his first exclusive podcast interview to Detroit is Different, sharing the remarkable story of his life and family. Furqan opens up about how his family collectively joined the Nation of Islam, tracing their strong and self-determined beginnings from Georgia to Detroit's historic Black Bottom. He de…

Restaurants often struggle in their first three years, but Yum Village, a fusion of African and Caribbean cuisine founded by Godwin Ihentuge, opened its doors on Woodward Avenue during the challenges of COVID-19. This venture was the realization of Godwin’s life vision, rooted in his upbringing on Detroit's Westside as the eldest son in a Nigerian …

In the 1970s, Toni McIlwain was drawn to Detroit by the promise of a thriving Black business community. Leaving Akron, Ohio, she set out with her four children in search of a fresh start. However, the road was not easy; for 18 months, she and her family were unhoused, grappling with feelings of hopelessness. It was during this trying time, while se…

Renika McQueen’s journey in managing a correctional facility and producing films reflects her understanding of structure, discipline, and leadership in both arenas. Her passion for writing, which began in childhood, has always been a way for her to express her emotions, thoughts, and talents. What started as a simple outlet has grown into a flouris…

Evan Daugherty's journey in public service and public affairs began at an early age, rooted in the values of his politically and socially active family on Detroit's Westside. Growing up in the close-knit, walkable community of Rosedale Park, he developed a deep understanding of social justice and racial equity, which became central to his life's wo…

"A Day Without a Rhyme" is a song that captured the heart of the Hip-hop world, solidifying its place in Detroit's music legacy. Eminem's induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame further underscores the song's profound impact on his career and the genre at large. Mersiless Amir, a DJ by origin, continues to make waves with his forthcoming rele…

Get ready for a truly unique and exciting experience at the Taste of Black Spirits: National Conference Cocktail Concierge! In this engaging podcast, we explore the role of Black ownership in the liquor industry and what it signifies. Whether you're a seasoned connoisseur or simply curious to discover new flavors, this event promises something spec…

Marshalle Favors leads the 5th annual Detroit Black Film Festival (DBFF), continuing its mission to showcase the voices and stories of Black independent filmmakers from across the nation. In this episode, we explore how film production plays a pivotal role in curating the festival and more. DBFF is committed to screening exceptional films from both…

Shelby Love is pouring her passion for art and expression into the vibrant Detroit art scene. In this episode, we explore how her creativity was ignited through music and song from her mother, while her father’s love for sketching nurtured her talent for visual art. As the Head Artist and Director of Detroit Does It Better: Art Exhibition, Shelby i…

Miss Eva's is an upcoming speakeasy experience in the Grandmont Rosedale Park community, offering a unique blend of crafted cocktails inspired by the African diaspora, along with exceptional non-alcoholic options. This intimate venue will also serve as a destination for live neo-soul and R&B concerts, creating a cozy yet vibrant atmosphere. The ven…

Asandi Conner's journey with the Detroit Equity Action Lab and Wayne State University is one that unfolded in ways she never anticipated. Growing up in the historic Conant Gardens on Detroit's Eastside and proudly graduating from Osborn High School, Asandi's early years were steeped in writing and fueled by a dream of becoming a newscaster—a dream …

Crystal L. Gunn is a Financial Strategist and Women's Empowerment Coach who has built a career dedicated to empowering others with the knowledge she has gained from her own experiences. Raised in a home where reading and writing were emphasized, she now uses these talents to inspire, collaborate, and uplift others. From her early business education…

Kamau Inaede is a unique blend of roles seldom seen together: Cigar Social and Networking enthusiast, Life Insurance Sales Agent, Curator, Musician, and Board Chairman. His journey of creativity and initiative began at an early age as one of the founding members of the internationally touring Spain Elementary Marching Band, which grounded him in st…

In high school, running cross country provided Karen Dumas with a competitive edge that she carries with her today. Growing up on the lower Eastside by the Detroit River, where she still resides, Karen found clarity in her career path after one year at Michigan State University, realizing her passion for business. She founded Ideas and Images, a co…

Detroit is Different, started in 2014, is often regarded as an original podcast from Detroit, but it is part of a broader legacy that began with Chris Massey and The Chris Massey Show years earlier. Chris, born on Detroit's Eastside to two hardworking parents who provided a strong foundation, has woven a rich tapestry of music, storytelling, and di…

Last NFL season, the Detroit Lions made a significant achievement by reaching the playoffs and winning two games, marking their first playoff run since 1991. This momentous occasion was captured on NFL Hard Knocks, where comedian Josh Adams played a key role in boosting the team's morale. Just like the Lions, Josh Adams embodies resilience and dedi…

Detroit, once home to nearly 2 million residents due to a bustling industrial age, became a focal point for the deindustrialization of America. As the city's industrial base declined, Black leadership emerged, with figures like Coleman Young, Erma Henderson, Bill Becham, Fannie Peck, and George Crockett striving to manage a city under-resourced and…

Mama Imara, a proud and confident gardener in Southwest Detroit, embodies the balance of one of the most poignant and strategic minds in community activism, always accompanied by a life-filled laugh and smile. As a member of Detroiters for Tax Justice, she advocates for her beloved city, driven by a lifelong love of books and libraries. As a child,…

The impact of Detroit politics on American politics, focusing on the upcoming August primary election featuring a Hollywood star. Hill Harper, who gained insights into community leadership and the Black power base in Detroit while studying at Harvard Law, has decided to run for office. Inspired by legends like Congressman Conyers, Congresswoman Car…

In this episode of Detroit is Different, we delve into the journey of Tepfirah Rushdan, Detroit's Director of Sustainability, whose love for camping blossomed into a career dedicated to sustainable land use for Detroiters. A Cass Tech graduate rooted in the 7 Mile and Wyoming neighborhood, Tepfirah shares her insights on self-sustainability and com…

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 Fa…

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 w…

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 Bla…

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 s…

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…

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 Fre…

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 sha…

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 A…

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 al…

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 u…

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 h…