Authentically Detroit

This week Authentically Detroit sat down with the host of #AskJenn, Jennifer Onwenu!

Donna and Orlando sat down with Jenn to discuss her show, #AskJenn's rise to prominence. Started in 2022, #AskJenn has become a successful web platform that highlights the cultural cornerstones of being a Black Woman, Detroiter, autism parent, and millennial. Jenn uses a humorous and witty style to capture the attention of her audience. Garnering support online and in her community, Jenn hopes to combine the influence of Oprah and the humor of Monique to be the next talk show giant.

If you’re interested in learning more about #AskJenn, click here. 

FOR HOT TAKES:

CITY PLANS AB FORD PARK WALK-THROUGH AMID SOIL, TREE REMOVAL CONCERNS 

DETROIT POLICE OVERSIGHT BOARD MEMBERS ABUSED THEIR POSITIONS

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This week Authentically Detroit pulled up to Next Chapter Books for a book club discussion!

Donna and Orlando were joined by a live audience inside of the family-owned bookstore on Detroit’s east side. For our first book club podcast, we read and discussed “Black AF History: The Un-Whitewashed Story of America” by Michael Harriot.  

If you’re interested in learning more about Michael Harriot and Black AF History, click here. 

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This week Authentically Detroit welcomed two special guests!

First, during Hot Takes, Donna and Orlando spoke with Anthony Eid of the Michigan Redistricting Commission about how redistricting maps will impact Detroit’s voters in the upcoming elections.

Then, we had the opportunity to sit down with lawyer, union organizer, actor, father, and business owner Hill Harper! Hill discussed his candidacy for the U.S. Senate and his stance on key policy issues that will determine our quality of life in the near future. 

If you’re interested in learning more about Hill Harper and his candidacy, click here. 

FOR HOT TAKES:

REDISTRICTING MAPS GIVE GOP A FIGHTING CHANCE AND BOOST DETROIT'S CLOUT

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This week Authentically Detroit sat down with the one and only Shamiyam “Mama Shu” Harris of Avalon Village!

Donna and Orlando spoke with Mama Shu about the importance of building community and utilizing collective action to self-determine our futures. She also gave a sneak peak into the expansion of the Goddess Marketplace and Whine and Tea Shop and Avalon Village’s journey to becoming more sustainable. 

Mama Shu is CEO of Avalon Village in Highland Park, MI. She is a mother, a community activist, and a former school administrator, who served Detroit schools for 27+ years. Her dream of building this urban oasis was manifested after the tragic loss of her sons. In 2023, she became a CNN Hero Top 10 finalist.

If you’re interested in learning more about Mama Shu and Avalon Village, click here. 

FOR HOT TAKES:

AN ASSESSMENT OF DETROIT'S ECONOMIC CONDITION AND A CRITIQUE OF ITS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT EFFORTS 

DETROIT PEOPLE’S FOOD CO-OP OPENS MAY 1ST

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This week Authentically Detroit discusses the state of the city in 2024!

In honor of Donna’s invitation to the State of the State this week, Donna and Orlando sat down together to discuss what’s currently happening in the city of Detroit. The two of them discussed population growth, public safety, the social wellbeing of people and more. As President and CEO of the Eastside Community Network (ECN), Donna works to find solutions to many of the obstacles that Detroiters face on a daily basis. 

If you’re interested in learning more about ECN and their work, click here. 

FOR HOT TAKES:

BUCS RB TRIED TO PAY HOMAGE TO DETROIT WITH TOUCHDOWN CELEBRATION

MICHIGAN INDEPENDENT CITIZENS REDISTRICTING COMMISSION SEEKS PUBLIC INPUT IN DETROIT

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This week Authentically Detroit sat down with Kamau Jawara, the Southeast Michigan Lead Organizer for We the People Michigan. 

Donna and Orlando sat down with Kamau to discuss a thread he created on X, formerly known as Twitter. In the thread, Kamau detailed public safety narratives in the city, their history, and how we should utilize them moving forward into the election season. 

Kamau is a politocultural organizer and storyteller from Detroit’s east side who uses political education and cultural strategy to support concentrations of Energy Justice, Leadership Development, and Co-Governance. If you’re interested in the full thread on X and keeping up with Kamau and his work, click here. 

FOR HOT TAKES:

MURAL DOLLARS DENIED 

COMMUNITY CONCERNS, CONFUSION OVER BRIGHTMOOR STORMWATER PLAN

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Right before the holiday break, Orlando sat down with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Lt. Gov Garlin Gilchrist to discuss the state’s population growth plan following the Growing Michigan Together Council’s 85-page report designed to spur growth and attraction to the state. 

Check out the full write up, on Bridge Detroit!

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This week Charity Dean joined Authentically Detroit once again as a guest host! 

Founder of KwanzaaMe and Woodworker, Lawrielle West, joined Orlando and Charity to discuss the importance of celebrating the principles of Kwanzaa year-round. 

KwanzaaMe is a lifestyle brand that cultivates community and culture through their products and programming. A manifestation of the love of Black people, Black culture, and honoring Black traditions - KwanzaaMe represents the commitment to planning what Black freedom looks like. 

Combining woodworking with  years of community organizing experience, and a passion for community and shared values, KwanzaaMe embraces a Kwanzaa everyday lifestyle with open arms.

For more information on Lawrielle and KwanzaaMe, click here. 

FOR HOT TAKES:

HOW DETROIT FITS INTO MICHIGAN'S POPULATION GROWTH PLAN 

OFFICIALS TOUT DETROIT'S FALLING HOMICIDE RATE

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This week Charity Dean joined Authentically Detroit as co-host! 

President and CEO of TechTown Detroit, Ned Staebler joined Orlando and Charity to discuss TechTown Detroit’s designation as a Small Business Support Hub.

The Small Business Support Hubs (SBSH) program aims to establish and strengthen inclusive, accessible and effective regional ecosystems for entrepreneurs. The SBSH program aims to create a statewide network of entrepreneurial hubs equipped to serve the needs of small businesses through direct support and network referral relationships. 

Among its objectives, the SBSH program intends to strengthen and establish locally relevant, regionally based ecosystems to cultivate a more inclusive, accessible and effective entrepreneurial ecosystem; and position small business support hubs to increase the number of businesses served through new and scaled programming, technical assistance and other support services.

For more information on TechTown Detroit and their programs, click here. 

FOR HOT TAKES:

WHITMER: $550 TAX REFUND CHECKS COMING FOR 700,000 MICHIGAN HOUSEHOLDS 

DEAL WITH HENRY FORD, PISTONS, MSU DRAWS MIXED VIEW ON IMPACTS OF BENEFITS

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This week Authentically Detroit previewed the 2023 Eastside Summit - Pathways to Justice

With Donna as keynote, the 2023 Eastside Summit will highlight various pathways residents can take in order to secure justice and equity for our community. Through a series of panels and interactive workshops, attendees will learn about strategies being used to fight injustice across the city, and build their capacity to use these strategies in their own neighborhoods. 

The event takes place this Saturday, December 16th at The Stoudamire from 10:00 am - 2:30 pm, residents have the option to attend both in person and virtually. This year’s keynote speaker is none other than my co-host, Donna Givens Davidson!

For more information on the 2023 Eastside Summit click here. 

FOR HOT TAKES:

‘NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE THIS’: FOOD PANTRIES SEE SPIKE IN NEED 

TWO MEMBERS OF REPARATIONS TASK FORCE RESIGN WITHIN FIRST YEAR

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This week Authentically Detroit welcomed Founder and Executive Director of Umoja Debate League, Jerjuan Howard!

Orlando spoke with Jerjuan about how the loss of his grandmother’s home led to the birth of Umoja Village. Born and raised on the Westside, Jerjuan’s close knit community and family roots created the foundation for his deep passion for community engagement and youth development. 

Created in 2021, and using debate as a vehicle, the Umoja Debate League provides students with the opportunity to hone their self expression, critical thinking, and conflict resolution skills. 

For more information on the Umoja Debate League, click here. 

Support Umoja Debate League for Giving Tuesday!

FOR HOT TAKES:

DETROIT HOMEOWNERS CAN GET HELP APPLYING FOR 2023 PROPERTY TAX RELIEF 

OVERSIGHT LAW DIDN'T STOP SURVEILLANCE BOOM. ADVOCATES CALL FOR REFORMS

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This week Authentically Detroit welcomed Founder and Co-Host of Detroit Is Different, Khary Frazier!

Donna and Orlando spoke with Khary about his journey as a creative and what exactly makes Detroit different. The Detroit is Different podcast aims to expose people to all of the things that make Detroit a cultural mecca. Khary and his co-host, Sterling Toles, use their experiences in art and culture to open up discussions, showcasing the true stories from people shaping the culture of our city. 

For more information on Detroit is different, click here. 

FOR HOT TAKES:

WHO WINS WITH NEW INCENTIVES FOR CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTS? 

TAX ASSESSMENT TRANSPARENCY

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This week Authentically Detroit hosted a special live podcast, featuring the team behind CSforDetroit!

Kalisha Davis, Tawana Petty, and Dr. Chanel Beebe joined Donna and Orlando to discuss a newly launched program, committed to ensuring that historically marginalized students have sustainable access to high quality Computer Science learning that is culturally responsive and student-centered. Powered by Kapor Foundation, Google.org, Song Foundation, and CSforALL’s Accelerator Program, this initiative aims to champion lasting transformation in Detroit through deep investment in K-12 computer science (CS) education in partnership with Detroit Public Schools Community District.

For more information on CSforDetroit, https://csfordetroit.org/. 

FOR HOT TAKES:

IS IT TIME FOR DETROIT CITY COUNCIL REDISTRICTING? 

STUDENT USE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE SOFTWARE STIRS DISCUSSION IN MICHIGAN SCHOOL DISTRICTS

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This week Authentically Detroit welcomed CEO’s Cheryl P. Johnson and Kim Janey of COTS Detroit and EMPath!

Donna and Orlando spoke with Cheryl and Kim about their new practice, Mobility Mentoring! This research-backed, trauma-informed approach seeks to help families achieve economic mobility. This new certification marks the next step in a years-long partnership between the two organizations, which are both dedicated to supporting families as they climb the economic ladder. 

For more information on Mobility Mentoring, click here. 

FOR HOT TAKES:

ARTIST SAYS SHE WAS ASSAULTED THIS SATURDAY AT PARAMITA SOUND 

MICHIGAN DEMOCRATS BASH CONGRESSWOMAN RASHIDA TLAIB FOR PALESTINIAN COMMENTS

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This week Authentically Detroit welcomed Peter Blackmer, Lloyd Simpson, and Antonio Cosme of Voices from the Grassroot!

Donna and Orlando spoke with the trio about the upcoming project, which  highlights longtime Black Detroiters and grassroots organizers perspectives on revitalizing the city. The project, started in 2018, seeks to reckon with the lack of representation that leads to a distorted narrative of Detroit’s history along with the voices and vision of its people. Their launch event, commemorating the 10 year anniversary of emergency management’s imposition of democracy in Detroit, takes place Thursday, October 26th from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. at Wayne State University. 

If you’re interested in attending “Reckoning with Racism, Resistance, and Emergency Management,” click here. 

FOR HOT TAKES:

MICHIGAN DEMOCRATS SPLIT ON ISRAEL, PALESTINIAN SUPPORT 

SLAIN DETROIT AREA SYNAGOGUE LEADER 'FOUGHT FOR EVERYONE'

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This week Authentically Detroit welcomed Malachi Barrett and Nushrat Rahman of Bridge Detroit and Photographer Sarahbeth Maney.

Orlando, Malachi, Nushrat, and Sarahbeth discussed stories highlighting the housing crisis Detroiters face. One story that stood out is that of Tonya Hogan, a Detroiter who ended up losing her home following the unexpected death of her husband. Tonya represents an increasing portion of the population that finds themselves without a home or at risk of losing their homes. Many people sleeping in abandoned homes, cars, ‘couch surfing,’ etc. go unaccounted for in the official statistics. 

For Tonya’s full story and more information on housing in Detroit, click here. 

FOR HOT TAKES:

DETROIT COUNCIL MEMBER BACKS PLAN TO ELIMINATE PROPERTY TAXES

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This week Authentically Detroit welcomed Dr. Kamaria Washington, a physical therapist dedicated to healing Black people through a holistic, full-body approach. 

Donna and Orlando first met Dr. K during the inaugural cohort of the Authentically Detroit podcasting class. Her work providing pelvic floor therapy to Black mothers offers a little-known relief to the pain and discomfort associated with pregnancy. Dr. K blends her professional training with a passion for improving the peri-partum experience, mindfulness, community responsibility, and more. Her work is an integral part of the health and wellness wave that’s sweeping our community!

For more information about Dr. K and Pelvic Noire, click here.

FOR HOT TAKES:

'ANTI-GENTRIFICATION PROJECT' BRINGS HOUSING, GROCERY, AND RETAIL TO ART COMPLEX 

FROM SHELTER TO HOME - HOW ONE WOMAN CLIMBED OUT OF HOMELESSNESS

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This week Authentically Detroit welcomed former auto-worker, longtime community and labor activist, and board member at the Boggs Center, Richard Feldman. 

Together they discussed the historic “Stand Up Strike,” started by the United Auto Workers (UAW). This strike is the culmination of a workers movement that has taken over the United States. As a former auto-worker at one of the striking UAW plants and labor activist, Rich has a wealth of knowledge on the conditions that led to this groundbreaking strike. In the end, the trio expands upon what it will take to achieve true freedom for the working class.

For more information on the Boggs Center, click here!

FOR HOT TAKES:

MEET THE DEMOCRAT BLOCKING MICHIGAN ABORTION BILLS. SHE SAYS SHE'S NOT ALONE 

TAX REFORM, TENANTS RIGHTS, BUS DISCOUNTS: WHAT'S NEXT FOR SHEFFIELD'S "PEOPLE'S BILL”

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This week Authentically Detroit welcomed Camille Johnson, Director of Development and Communications at the Eastside Community Network (ECN) and Armond Harris, Owner of Jabs Gym.

Donna and Orlando discuss the UAW strike and its implications for Michigan’s financial future. Later on, Camille joins the duo to discuss the 35th annual Eastside Extravaganza taking place this Friday, September 22nd from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at ECN. 

Finally, Armond gives a first-hand account of the building collapse that took place over the weekend at the Eastern Market. While no one was injured in the incident, multiple businesses, including Jabs Gym have been devastated by what may have been a preventable tragedy. 

For more information on the businesses impacted and how to help, click here. 

FOR HOT TAKES:

UAW -AUTOMAKER STANDOFF PROMPTS WORRIES OVER MICHIGAN'S PLACE IN NEW ECONOMY

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This week Authentically Detroit finally returned from hiatus! Donna and Orlando joined each other inside of the DEEP Network’s podcast studio to catch up on what’s been happening in both of their lives lately. 

The two of them discuss the attack on the Stoudamire Wellness Hub and how the Eastside Community Network plans to rebuild and strengthen the community as a result. They also open up about some personal tragedies they’ve dealt with over the past few months and how self-care and community are the key to moving forward.

For those who don’t know, this week is National Suicide Prevention Week. If you or a loved one are in a crisis please call 988 or text TALK to 741741. For more information please, click here.

FOR HOT TAKES:

EASTSIDE COMMUNITY CENTER SHAKEN AFTER TRUCK RAMMING CLOSE CALL

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