detroit politics

This week, Authentically Detroit sat down with Founder and CEO of Rebirth, Cheetara Heath

Donna and Orlando spoke with Cheetara about the Non-Profit Organization and her mission to break generational barriers by means of housing and supportive services. A single mother of 5 and formerly unhoused person, Cheetara knows what it means to overcome adversity. Since beginning Rebirth in 2018, she’s purchased multiple multi-family housing units and land to help domestic violence victims and their children.

Those interested in volunteer, sponsorship or investment opportunities can contact Rebirth at rebirthanpo@gmail.com

FOR HOT TAKES:

COVID PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY ENDED THURSDAY, WHAT DOES THAT MEAN FOR MICHIGAN? 

SUSPECT WHO ALLEGEDLY KIDNAPPED AND MURDERED LOCAL NURSE HAS BEEN ARRESTED

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Do you have a vision for what you would like your life to be?  Your dreams and goals are unique and so is the journey you’re traveling to get there. However, one thing that seems to be true for everyone is that the road isn't often easy – but that’s not a bad thing!  According to our guest Lisa Howze, it’s actually those times when we fail or fall short that can be our best teachers and motivators.  “Losses are no more than lessons that lead to your next blessing”, she says.  

 Lisa Howze is the author of “Candy Girl Mentality: Keys to Turning Bitter Moments into Sweet Success”.  Her resume indeed has a string of amazing successes, but they did not come without failures, disappointments and setbacks. This CPA, author, speaker, professional strategist and public servant (including being a Michigan state representative) has experienced more than her share. Through it she has continued to move forward guided by faith, perseverance, resilience and the desire to help others.

Lisa’s enthusiasm and courage are infectious, and we promise you’ll learn and be entertained by listening to her story and her advice. If you’re ready to rise higher, click play to up your resilience factor!


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Visit Lisa's Website

For more info on IMAGINE YOURSELF with Lanée Blaise and Sandy Kovach or to contact us, visit imagineyourselfpodcast.com

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This week, Authentically Detroit is talking about the city’s new down payment assistance program.  

At the end of March, Detroit announced the launch of a down payment assistance program aimed at lower-income earners who may be able to afford a monthly mortgage payment but don’t have enough savings for a down payment. Donna and Orlando spoke with David Palmer of DC Palmer LLC about the research and analysis team conducted around this new program.  

For more information on the Down Payment Assistance Program, click here.

FOR HOT TAKES:

DETROIT'S LAWYER SAYS CITY COUNCIL DOESN'T NEED TO FOLLOW SURVEILLANCE LAW 

DETROIT ACADEMY TEMPORARILY CLOSES AMID HIGH RATE OF FLU LIKE ILLNESS

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Authentically Detroit discusses closing the racial wealth gap in the city and beyond. 

On this episode, Donna and Orlando speak with Michelle Matthews and Elizabeth Luther of Capital Impact. The four of them discuss Capital Impact’s decision to work more closely with people actually from our city to help close the racial wealth gap. Their Equitable Development Initiative seeks to help local real estate developers of color take a leadership role in redeveloping Detroit’s landscape. This allows projects affecting the community to be led by the communities they impact.  

FOR HOT TAKES:

DESPITE VOWS, DEMOCRATS DO LITTLE TO IMPROVE MICHIGAN GOVERNMENT TRANSPARENCY 

DETROIT LAND BANK HOME RENOVATION PROGRAM LEAVES HALF OF BUYERS WITH TAX DEBTS

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Donna and Orlando gathered the youth together for a discussion centering their perspectives on different types of violence in the community. The group’s roundtable talk covers metal detectors inside of schools, gun violence, violence targeting the LGBTQ+ community, and more. 

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The two current front-running candidates for President are a combined 156-years old. The U.S. Constitution has a lower age limit on the presidency but not an upper age limit. On a new Daily J WWJ's Zach Clark wonders how old is too old to be an American President? (PHOTO: Andrew Nelles/USA Today) 

Highland Park is asking the State of Michigan to expedite proceedings that would allow the city to declare bankruptcy as the the enclave tries to bail itself out of millions of dollars of debt. On a new Daily J, WWJ's Zach Clark wonders what would happen if Highland Park was left to its own devices. (PHOTO: Charlie Langton/WWJ)

Authentically Detroit covers the wave of violence seemingly taking over the city and more. 

On this episode, Donna and Orlando discuss environmental justice, reparations, and gun violence. Over the last week, there were multiple instances of simple disagreements escalating to gun violence. In one instance, a Detroit man shot two teens and two adults after his food was incorrectly delivered to their home. In another, an Employee was fatally shot after ‘cutting in line’ dispute inside of a Greektown store. 

Activists say gun reform law doesn’t do enough for Detroit, but what’s next?

FOR HOT TAKES:

DETROITERS RECLAIM EARTH DAY FOR ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE 

DETROIT REPARATIONS TASK FORCE STARTS WITH 'BABY STEPS'

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A new article in the Detroit News revealed that DTE has spent over $30 million on political lobbying in the last decade. While that's not illegal, on a new Daily J, WWJ's Zach Clark learns that some in the community think the public is getting the short end of the stick. (PHOTO: Mandi Wright/USA Today)

The City of Detroit has been snapping up thousands of blighted properties for well over a decade now. On a new Daily J, WWJ's Zach Clark learns as the city points to progress, others are wondering why the quasi-governmental department is allowed to operate in the shadows. (PHOTO: Getty Images)

UAW members from across North America will spend the next several days in downtown Detroit to set their priorities for their upcoming negotiations with the Detroit 3 auto companies. On a new Daily J, WWJ's Zach Clark learns that thanks to a new union president and legislation in Lansing, the stakes couldn't be higher. (PHOTO: Eric Seals/USA Today)

Starting today, March 1, the state of Michigan lost over $100 million a month in additional SNAP funding combined, impacting 1.3 million residents. On a new Daily J, WWJ's Zach Clark examines the loss of assistance and high food costs that are cutting into household budgets statewide.  (PHOTO: Getty Images)

While health insurance can certainly be helpful when needed, it can also be an incredibly expensive and cumbersome proposition. On a new Daily J, WWJ's Zach Clark talks to experts to try and unravel the mystery that is the American health insurance system.  (PHOTO: Getty Images) 

Less than 48 hours after three of their classmates were shot to death and five more were critically wounded, Michigan State University students took to the steps of the State Capitol to demand change. On a new Daily J, WWJ's Zach Clark looks at what that change might look like, and how fast it could arrive. (PHOTO: Nick King/USA Today)

In other states, we are in the end of winter. But here in Michigan, we call it something else: "pothole season." On a new Daily J, WWJ's Zach Clark explores what can Metro Detroit drivers expect this year. (PHOTO: Mandy Wright/Detroit Free Press)

While inflation continues to be a problem, Michigan Democrats are proposing relief for taxpayers. On a new Daily J, WWJ's Zach Clark tries to figure out if these so-called "inflation relief checks" are the answer, or if there was a better way to deliver help. (PHOTO: Ryan Garza/USA Today)

For almost 20 years, it has been against the law for school districts in Michigan to start the year before Labor Day. On a new Daily J, WWJ's Zach Clark asks the experts if it should stay that way or if change needs to happen. (PHOTO: Getty Images)

As the country protests the killing of Tyre Nichols at the hands of a specialized unit within the Memphis Police Department, people in Michigan might see similarities to Detroit back in the 70s. On a new Daily J, WWJ's Zach Clark highlights the violence between the DPD STRESS Unit and Detroiters. (PHOTO: David Van Wie)

Michigan highways need help and the gas tax doesn't pack the punch it used to. Are toll roads the answer?

There has been conversation for generations about how to improve Michigan's roadways. And while many things have been tried, toll roads have not. On a new Daily J, WWJ's Zach Clark examines if toll roads could be just what we need. (PHOTO: Getty Images)

Now that the Democrats control the legislature in Lansing, they have begun to move on their 2023 agenda. One of the highlights? Tax breaks. On a new Daily J, WWJ's Zach Clark looks at from where that relief might come, and who could benefit. (PHOTO: Robert Killips/Lansing State Journal/USA TODAY NETWORK)