The Authentically Detroit Podcast Network in collaboration with Detroit One Million presents: The Black Detroit Democracy Podcast, hosted by Donna Givens Davidson and Sam Robinson!

Together, Donna and Sam illuminate the complexities of Detroit’s unique political landscape and give residents a resource for navigating civic engagement and election season.

On this episode Bryce Huffman, Bridge Detroit’s Engagement Editor, joined Donna and Sam to discuss how Detroit's mayoral and council races are unfolding as candidates learn from each other and adapt their platforms to community feedback, creating a dynamic competition of ideas that could reshape the city's political landscape.

For more episodes of the Black Detroit Democracy Podcast, click here.

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Last week, Abdul El-Sayed sat down with Donna to discuss his candidacy for the U.S. Senate!

Abdul is running for the U.S. Senate because he believes life in Michigan shouldn’t be this hard — or this expensive. After a successful career of making government work for Michiganders, he wants to take his vision to Washington and make the United States Senate work for you. 

He was born and raised in southeast Michigan and proudly attended public schools where he captained his high school football, wrestling, and lacrosse teams. Abdul was raised by his father, Mohamed, an Egyptian immigrant, and his stepmom, Jackie, whose family has lived in Gratiot County, Michigan, since the 1800s. he graduated from the university of michigan with the highest distinction and played on the wolverines men’s lacrosse team. Abdul earned his medical degree from Columbia University on an NIH-funded fellowship and a second doctorate at Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar. 

Abdul currently lives in Ann Arbor with his wife, Sarah, and their two brilliant young daughters, Emmalee and Serene.

To learn more about Adbul El-Sayed and his vision for Michigan, click here.

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The Authentically Detroit Podcast Network in collaboration with Detroit One Million presents: The Black Detroit Democracy Podcast, hosted by Donna Givens Davidson and Sam Robinson!

Together, Donna and Sam illuminate the complexities of Detroit’s unique political landscape and give residents a resource for navigating civic engagement and election season.

On this episode they discuss the importance of participating in Detroit’s August 5th primary election. They go over how political endorsements are creating interesting divisions, District 5’s diversity of interesting city council candidates, low projected voter turnout (13%-18%), and whether or not Zohran Mamdani’s victory for democratic socialists in NYC could have an impact on Detroit’s politics. 

For more episodes of the Black Detroit Democracy Podcast, click here.

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On this episode, Donna and Orlando sat down with Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II to discuss his vision for Michigan’s future. This episode is part of a series of interviews with candidates in various political races throughout the state of Michigan.

Garlin is running for Governor to build on the progress of the Whitmer-Gilchrist administration by bringing bold new ideas to help Michiganders thrive. Growing up in Detroit, Garlin knows what it feels like to be part of communities across Michigan, the Midwest, and country that have been forgotten. 

Prior to serving as Lieutenant Governor, Garlin worked at Microsoft as a software engineer that helped build SharePoint into the fastest growing product in the company’s history. As the City of Detroit’s Director of Innovation, he created the Improve Detroit smartphone app that allows residents to report issues for the city to address like running water, potholes, damaged street signs, and other issues.

Garlin is the highest ranking Black elected official in Michigan history.

To learn more about Garlin Gilchrist and his vision for Michigan, click here.

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This week, Donna and Orlando sat down with Joel Haashiim to discuss his vision for Detroit’s future. This episode is the ninth in a series of interviews with candidates in the race to become Detroit’s 76th mayor.

Joel Haashiim believes that for radical change we must refocus our energy from fighting the old, to building the new. At 20 years old, he opened up his first store called brothers party store on 7mile and Hartwell. Afterwards, he opened two more stores. Later, he sold those stores and became a wholesaler and distributor. Throughout his career, he sold to chain stores like Kmart, Spartan, and Wynn Dixie.

He has experienced and witnessed the many ups and downs Detroit has gone through. That's why he stepped up to the plate. He believes he understands what is needed for our city to come out of the mud and regain the crown we once had. For Joel, this is about us and making sure we Detroiters will have a say in the revitalization of our great city.

To learn more about Joel Haashiim and his vision for Detroit, click here.

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Last weekend Authentically Detroit teamed up with Daily Detroit, Outlier Media, and Eastside Community Network to bring together some of the top polling candidates in the running to become Detroit’s 76th Mayor!

Candidates in Attendance:

• Fred Durhal III
• Saunteel Jenkins
• Todd Perkins
• Mary Sheffield

The debate included questions and topics specifically highlighted by the audience members. If you’re interested in watching the full debate, click here.

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The Authentically Detroit Podcast Network in collaboration with Detroit One Million presents: The Black Detroit Democracy Podcast, hosted by Donna Givens Davidson and Sam Robinson!

Together, Donna and Sam illuminate the complexities of Detroit’s unique political landscape and give residents a resource for navigating civic engagement and election season.

On this episode they discussed Detroit’s first televised mayoral debate which revealed deep division amongst the candidates. The debate which featured four out of nine candidates exposed some of the strengths and weaknesses of those seeking Detroit’s top office. 

For more episodes of the Black Detroit Democracy Podcast, click here.

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The Authentically Detroit Podcast Network in collaboration with Detroit One Million presents: The Black Detroit Democracy Podcast, hosted by Donna Givens Davidson and Sam Robinson!

Together, Donna and Sam illuminate the complexities of Detroit’s unique political landscape and give residents a resource for navigating civic engagement and election season.

On this episode Black Democracy Project interns - Antwan Hart and Sedrick Huff Jr. - from the MSU Innovate Program joined the conversation around Detroit’s alleged comeback. Both Antwan and Sedrick are political science majors on the pre-law track at Michigan State with an interest in reforming the criminal justice system. These impressive rising leaders will be assisting with the Black Democracy Project over the summer.

For more episodes of the Black Detroit Democracy Podcast, click here.

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Last week, Donna and Orlando sat down with Jer Staes and Norris Howard of Daily Detroit teamed up to discuss the upcoming debate featuring some of the top polling candidates in the running to become Detroit’s next mayor!

Together, they discuss the upcoming mayoral debate partnership and the surprising withdrawal of candidate Solomon Kinloch Jr. from this community forum. They explore how campaign finances and strategic choices provide windows into how these candidates might govern, with Mary Sheffield recently crossing the million-dollar fundraising threshold.

This collaborative episode between Authentically Detroit and Daily Detroit demonstrates our commitment to putting community needs above competition. Join us at the Eastside Community Network on June 21st as we bring the remaining mayoral candidates face-to-face with the community's most pressing questions. 

For more information about the upcoming debate, click here. 

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On this episode, Donna and Orlando sat down with the Former Police Chief of Detroit James Craig  to discuss his vision for Detroit’s future. This episode is the eighth and final interview in a series of interviews with candidates in the race to become Detroit’s 76th mayor.

James Craig began his career as a Detroit police officer in 1977. After gaining experience in Detroit, he continued his law enforcement career in Los Angeles, where he spent nearly three decades with the LAPD.

In 2013, James Craig returned home to Detroit to take on one of the toughest law enforcement jobs in the country—leading the Detroit police department

He is running for mayor because he believes Detroit needs bold, decisive leadership that puts the people first. he understands that crime, economic growth, education, and government transparency are top concerns for Detroiters, and he has a plan to address them head-on.

To learn more about James Craig and his vision for Detroit, click here.

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On this episode, Donna sat down with write-in candidate Rogelio Landin to discuss his vision for Detroit’s future. This episode is the seventh in a series of interviews with candidates in the race to become Detroit’s 76th mayor.

Rogelio Landin is a longtime community activist. He has a long history of being involved in Latino civil rights groups in Southwest Detroit. He is currently president of the state chapter of United Latin American citizens (LULAC). He's a contributing political columnist for El Central newspaper in Detroit and in recent years has been involved in five neighborhood advisory committees.

He believes in part that by annexing 28 “distressed” communities in Macomb, Oakland, and Wayne counties, Detroit will once again have the clout to solve many of the city's woes. 

To learn more about Rogelio Landin and his vision for Detroit, click here.

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The Authentically Detroit Podcast Network in collaboration with Detroit One Million presents: The Black Detroit Democracy Podcast, hosted by Donna Givens Davidson and Sam Robinson!

Together, Donna and Sam illuminate the complexities of Detroit’s unique political landscape and give residents a resource for navigating civic engagement and election season.

On this episode A. Nzere Kwabena, Executive Director of LGBT Detroit joined Donna and Sam to discuss homophobia in the local Democratic party following homophobic comments made and supported by prominent members of the party. Together they explore how religious views impact political representation, mental and physical challenges affecting LGBTQ+ Detroiters, and the importance of politicians showing up for the community rather than merely claiming support.

For more episodes of the Black Detroit Democracy Podcast, click here.

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This week, Donna and Orlando sat down with Jonathan Barlow to discuss his vision for Detroit’s future. This episode is the sixth in a series of interviews with candidates in the race to become Detroit’s 76th mayor.

Jonathan Barlow is a Detroit Public Schools graduate, attendee of Wayne State University, CEO, and lifelong advocate for youth, families, and entrepreneurs. He has spent over 20 years fighting for Detroit’s future, helping homeowners during the foreclosure crisis, building businesses that create jobs, and working with city leaders to drive economic growth.

Jonathan is running for mayor because he believes Detroit deserves leadership that works for all of us - not just the few. His vision is to bring good-paying jobs, affordable housing, modernized city services, and innovative technology solutions that will propel Detroit forward.

To learn more about Jonathan Barlow and his vision for Detroit, click here.

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The Authentically Detroit Podcast Network in collaboration with Detroit One Million presents: The Black Detroit Democracy Podcast, hosted by Donna Givens Davidson and Sam Robinson!

Together, Donna and Sam illuminate the complexities of Detroit’s unique political landscape and give residents a resource for navigating civic engagement and election season.

On this episode they discuss the upcoming 2025 election and how it's bound to change the landscape of Detroit. They take a look at the mayoral, Congressional District 13, and city council races and how identity politics intersects with substantive policy positions. Overall, the question remains which candidates will represent neighborhood interests, serve as effective checks on executive power, and govern with integrity.

For more episodes of the Black Detroit Democracy Podcast, click here.

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This week, Donna and Orlando sat down with Todd Perkins to discuss his vision for Detroit’s future. This episode is the fifth in a series of interviews with candidates in the race for Detroit’s 76th mayor.

Todd Perkins grew up in the North End, raised by parents who instilled in them the values of hard work, education, faith, and integrity. The home he lives in today was purchased by his great-grandparents nearly a century ago. As a proud graduate of The University of Detroit Jesuit High School, he credits them with instilling the mission of being “A man for others.”

As the founder and owner of one of Detroit’s largest Black-Owned law firms, The Perkins Law Group, he’s dedicated his career - spanning three decades - to serving the city. In addition to his law firm, he founded and has continued to operate a sports management company representing athletes from their high school to and through their professional careers. 

Todd also leads a nonprofit organization, The People’s Voice, dedicated to giving back to Detroiters. He believes that together - with bold, experienced, and compassionate leadership that puts people first - we can make Detroit a better place.

To learn more about Todd Perkins and his vision for Detroit, click here.

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The Authentically Detroit Podcast Network in collaboration with Detroit one million presents: The Black Detroit Democracy Podcast, hosted by Donna Givens Davidson and Sam Robinson!

Together, Donna and Sam illuminate the complexities of Detroit’s unique political landscape and give residents a resource for navigating civic engagement and election season.

On this episode Arlyssa Heard, Parent Leader and Education Organizer with 482Forward, joins Donna and Sam to discuss how real change requires both political and grassroots activism in order to create the strongest resistance against injustice.

For more episodes of the Black Detroit Democracy Podcast, click here.

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The Authentically Detroit Podcast Network in collaboration with Detroit one million presents: The Black Detroit Democracy Podcast, hosted by Donna Givens Davidson and Sam Robinson!

Together, Donna and Sam illuminate the complexities of Detroit’s unique political landscape and give residents a resource for navigating civic engagement and election season.

On this episode, Reverend Larry Simmons rejoins Donna and Sam to discuss how we can restore Detroiters’ faith in democracy and community during these times of crisis. They explore what’s possible for Detroiters as local elected officials focus on military investments and insist that providing necessities, such as affordable housing, is not the role of government.

For more episodes of the Black Detroit Democracy Podcast, click here.

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Last week, Donna and Orlando sat down with Mary Sheffield to discuss her vision for Detroit’s future. This episode is the fourth in a series of interviews with candidates in the race for Detroit’s 76th mayor.

Mary Sheffield is a native Detroiter with a demonstrated track record of service,  empowerment and leadership in the community. Currently serving as the City Council President, Mary has earned widespread admiration for her unwavering commitment to uplifting her constituents and fostering positive change. Mary's deep-rooted passion for her hometown fuels her tireless efforts to make a difference. 

In November of 2013, Mary embarked on her journey of service and made history by becoming the youngest person ever elected to the Detroit City Council at the age of 26. Mary's visionary leadership and collaborative spirit have helped shape policies that promote inclusivity, equity, and opportunity for all Detroiters. 

With a keen focus on revitalizing neighborhoods, creating economic opportunities, and ensuring access to essential services, Mary has become a beacon of hope for residents across the city. 

To learn more about Mary Sheffield and her vision for Detroit, click here.

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The Authentically Detroit Podcast Network in collaboration with Detroit one million presents: The Black Detroit Democracy Podcast, hosted by Donna Givens Davidson and Sam Robinson!

Together, Donna and Sam illuminate the complexities of Detroit’s unique political landscape and give residents a resource for navigating civic engagement and election season.

On this episode, they are joined by the Director of Community Engagement and Organizing at MACC Development, City of Detroit Reparations Task Force member, and East Side Queen - Edythe Ford to discuss passing the political torch to the next generation of Detroiters. 

To learn more about Edythe and her legacy, click here.

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This week, Donna and Orlando sat down with Fred Durhal III to discuss his vision for Detroit’s future. This episode is the third in a series of interviews with candidates in the race for Detroit’s 76th mayor.

Fred Durhal III is a Detroit City Councilmember, representing District 7 since 2021. He also serves as the Chair of the Budget, Finance, and Audit Standing Committee and Vice-chair of the Planning and Development Standing Committee. 

Durhal’s legislative career began in 2014 when he was elected to the Michigan House of Representatives for the 5th House District. He quickly rose to leadership roles, including Assistant House Democratic Leader and Minority Vice-Chair of the House Appropriations Committee. 

Durhal’s passion for improving Detroit extends beyond his official duties, having volunteered with organizations like AmeriCorps, Habitat for Humanity, and UAW Local 60006. His focus remains on stabilizing neighborhoods, increasing public safety, and fostering economic development throughout Detroit.

To learn more about Fred Durhal III and his vision for Detroit, click here.

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The Authentically Detroit Podcast Network in collaboration with Detroit one million presents: The Black Detroit Democracy Podcast, hosted by Donna Givens Davidson and Sam Robinson!

Together, Donna and Sam illuminate the complexities of Detroit’s unique political landscape and give residents a resource for navigating civic engagement and election season.

On this episode, they are joined by author, community builder, and founder of Umoja Debate League - Jerjuan Howard - to discuss how he went from law school hopeful to shaping the minds of Detroit’s youth with the art of debate. 

To learn more about Jerjuan and Umoja Debate League, click here.

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This week, Donna and Orlando sat down with Saunteel Jenkins to discuss her vision for Detroit’s future. This episode is the second in a series of interviews with candidates in the race for Detroit’s 76th mayor.

Saunteel Jenkins is a lifelong Detroiter, former Detroit City Council President, gun violence prevention advocate, and former CEO of The Heat and Warmth Fund (THAW), where she kept families healthy, safe, and warm.  

Saunteel worked as a social worker, director of the residential treatment center at the Mariners Inn homeless shelter for men in Detroit, national business development director for a private education company that provides services to low-income children in at-risk school districts, and at one time ran her own dessert catering company, Petite Sweets.

She is a proud graduate of Cass Technical High School and Wayne State University, where she earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Social Work.

To learn more about Saunteel Jenkins and her six priorities for Detroit, click here.

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The Authentically Detroit Podcast Network in collaboration with Detroit one million presents: The Black Detroit Democracy Podcast, hosted by Donna Givens Davidson and Sam Robinson!

Together, Donna and Sam illuminate the complexities of Detroit’s unique political landscape and give residents a resource for navigating civic engagement and election season.

On this episode, they are joined by community advocate and candidate for city council in District 7, Denzel McCampbell to discuss the role of city council in a strong mayor city, why he’s running, and what voters should expect. 

To learn more about Denzel and his campaign, click here.

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This week Donna and Orlando hosted a live episode at the Stoudamire Wellness Hub with Yodit Mesfin Johnson, the President and CEO of Nonprofit Enterprise at Work (NEW) to discuss navigating the new normal.

Utilizing facts published by the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, they define the new normal as the dismantling of our government’s systems and institutions. Together, they come up with practical solutions and also invite the audience to offer wisdom and share strategies of resistance. 

As President & CEO of NEW, Yodit stewards their bold vision, strategic direction and overall operations. A mother, poet, strategist, and champion for human rights and social change, she first joined NEW as a consultant in 2008, and became CEO in 2020. 

Yodit thrives in building community around the questions that matter most; how can we unlock the potential and possibility needed to radically transform our communities, see the ecosystem and the whole, and design and act in ways that bend the long arc of history towards balance and harmony?

For more information on Yodit’s work with NEW, click here.

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The Authentically Detroit Podcast Network in collaboration with Detroit one million presents: The Black Detroit Democracy Podcast, hosted by Donna Givens Davidson and Sam Robinson!

Together, Donna and Sam illuminate the complexities of Detroit’s unique political landscape and give residents a resource for navigating civic engagement and election season.

On this episode, they are joined by Kamau Clark, the Southeast Michigan Lead Organizer for We The People Michigan, to discuss how he got into organizing, his role in this year’s elections, and how to engage young people in local politics. 

Topics of Discussion include:

• The opening of the Hudson’s building
• The validity of research methodology of Black and Hispanic wealth increases
• Community Violence Intervention (CVI) as an alternative to policing
• The male loneliness epidemic and right wing messaging 
• Defining the working class
• Journalism's role in highlighting the working class

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