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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This week, Donna and Orlando sat down with Cartographer and founder of Detroitography, Alex B. Hill to discuss how data-driven neighborhood classification aids in the discrimination of Detroiters. 

Detroitography is a project started by Alex to bring together Detroit cartographers and their work. In 2021, he wrote that although over the past decade, redlining has received increased attention in popular press and across academic disciplines, there’s a larger story of spatial racism before and after redlining. 

Alex argues that spatial racism is not limited to a single set of maps, but is embedded within institutions. Now, he wants the long history of spatial racism teased out and examined as new data-driven practices have resulted in “orange lining” that generates inequitable opportunities for Detroiters. 

To read Alex’s full write up of how spacial racism is impacting Detroit, click here. 

FOR HOT TAKES:

DETROIT CHAMPION, FATHER, HUSBAND, DIES AFTER CORONAVIRUS DIAGNOSIS 

DETROIT 67 EXHIBIT BECOMES PERMANENT, DEDICATED TO MARLOWE STOUDAMIRE

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

The purpose of this podcast is to encourage Detroit's citizens to stay vigilant in the fight for justice and equality, with a special call to action for Black Detroit. We seek to build awareness of our history as a gateway to freedom, a beacon for justice, and a laboratory of liberation. Together, Donna and Sam will illuminate the complexities of Detroit’s unique political landscape and give residents a resource for navigating civic engagement and election season.

On this inaugural episode, they are joined by the one and only Reverend Larry Simmons, the Executive Director of Brightmoor Alliance who has been a fixture in the city of Detroit for decades. Topics of Discussion include:

• Emergency Management vs. DOGE
• Financialization of Detroit
• Race war vs. Class war
• Environmental Justice
• Immigrant labor exploitation and historical oppression of Black people
• The upcoming 2025 Detroit mayoral and city council elections

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This episode marks the first in a series of interviews with candidates in the race for Detroit’s 76th mayor. First up, Donna and Orlando sit down with Rev. Solomon Kinloch Jr. to discuss his vision for Detroit’s future.

Rev. Solomon Kinloch, Jr., was born to the late Solomon, Sr. and Janie Kinloch on July 28, 1973.He has been a minister since the age of 14, beginning under the tutelage of rev. Robert Smith, Jr. at the New Bethel Baptist Church in Detroit, Michigan.

In 1998, pastor Kinloch accepted the call to pastor at triumph church, in detroit, michigan. At the beginning of his tenure, Triumph's membership was less than 50 people. Under Kinloch's visionary leadership, Triumph church has since blossomed into a multi-site phenomenon, utilizing eight campuses and hosting fourteen weekly services for more than 35,000 members.

Extraordinary growth and dynamic leadership has helped drive Triumph's community outreach and ministry initiatives. Pastor Kinloch currently serves on the board of directors for various civic and community organizations. He is married to his best friend, and partner for life, Robin, and together they have one son, Kadin Elijah.

To learn more about pastor Kinloch, click here. 

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This week, Donna and Orlando sat down with Ebony Walls and Anne Marie Veneroni of Big Brothers Big Sisters to discuss their upcoming annual event and Imani Elie, the founder of The Detroit Travel Company (DTC) to discuss how she’s revolutionizing the way people think about travel. 

The Detroit Travel Company was created in December 2016 by Detroit native and Navy veteran, Imani Elie. Created as a boutique travel business, DTC has evolved into a multifaceted company known for its luxury travel experiences, adventure practices, and retail success. 

Today, DTC is a full-service hospitality company offering a one-of-a-kind mix of travel, concierge, event planning, and retail services.

Under Imani’s leadership, DTC is more than just a business—it's a platform to empower others, bring people together, and put Detroit on the map as a global destination for travelers and event-goers alike.

To learn more about Detroit Travel Co., click here. 

FOR HOT TAKES:

BARRIER-BREAKING DETROIT JOURNALIST AND MUSICIAN LUTHER KEITH DIES AT 74 

BID TO BUILD BRIGHTER FUTURES AT THE GREAT BIG AUCTION

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This week, Donna and Orlando sat down with Vaulted Youth Voices participant, Kenneth Russell and the curator for Umoja Fine Arts to discuss the Youth Artist Workshop, an initiative dedicated to celebrating African American creativity. 

Kenneth Russell is a young artist and sophomore at Southeastern High School who has been learning to combine his artistic background with civic engagement through the Vaulted Youth Voices podcasting program. 

Umoja Fine Arts (UFA) is a family-owned art publishing and distribution company committed to helping the Detroit Metropolitan area celebrate the great artistic achievements of local and internationally acclaimed artist. 

Founded by Ian Grant, they recently organized the Black History Month Youth Artist Workshop, an initiative dedicated to celebrating African American creativity and fostering the next generation of artists while encouraging the preservation of Black history and Culture through art.

To learn more about Umoja Fine Arts and Ian’s work, click here. 

FOR HOT TAKES:

MICHIGAN SCHOOLS, FAMILIES GRAPPLE WITH NEW TRUMP IMMIGRATION POLICIES

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This week, Donna and Orlando sat down with Sam Robinson, independent journalist and founder of Detroit one million, to discuss Michigan’s Democratic Convention plus the Mayoral and City Council races!

The trio discussed Sam’s insights about the convention and the implications for Detroit’s residents and leadership. Together, they explore the future of Detroit’s governance and how it will impact the community moving forward. 

Detroit one million is a journalism project centering a generation of Michiganders growing up in a state without a city with 1 million people, and the competing forces working to bring people back.

Sam is currently the only independent reporter covering the 2025 Detroit mayoral race through the lens of young people, who the city’s current mayor calls “Michigan’s greatest export.”

To learn more about Detroit one million and Sam’s work, click here. 

FOR HOT TAKES:

MICHIGAN LAWMAKERS OVERHAUL PAID LEAVE, WAGE LAWS IN LAST-MINUTE DEAL

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This week, Donna and Orlando sat down with journalist Aaron Mondry and the President and CEO of The Operations School or “OSchool,” Racheal Allen. 

Launched in 2019 by serial entrepreneur and nonprofit executive Racheal Allen, OSchool serves more than 1,200 students per year free of charge, helping them get their businesses legal, branded, operational, noticed, profitable, and ready to scale. 

Allen founded OSchool to help Black business owners beat the odds by drawing on lessons from her own experiences as an entrepreneur and modeling it into her flagship curriculum, “Get Your Business Legit.”

Housed in Centric Place, a first-of-its-kind incubation space for Black arts, culture and entrepreneurship in Farmington Hills, OSchool is expanding its reach through partnerships with the Apple Developer Academy, the Lansing Economic Development Corporation, and the Michigan Black Business Alliance. 

It also now has the financial backing of a 3-year, $2.8 million Small Business Support Hubs Grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. Allen was the only African American to receive the funding out of 27 recipients across Michigan.

For more information on Racheal and the OSchool, click here. 

FOR HOT TAKES:

THE REAL ESTATE SCHEME GOBBLING UP DETROIT, ONE DIGITAL TOKEN AT A TIME

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This week, Donna and Orlando took an opportunity to catch up with each other on current events local and nationwide!

Detroit's current political landscape is buzzing with anticipation as the mayoral race heats up, with key candidates vying for the position amid pressing social issues and community needs. 

This discussion highlights the desire for compassionate leadership and deeper engagement with residents. They also tackle critical topics like immigration policies and how they affect us locally as well as public health concerns around the closure of Lafayette Coney Island.

If you have topics you want discussed on Authentically Detroit, click here!

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Authentically Detroit presents a special interview with Detroit-born director and writer, Lawrence Lamont!

Lawrence Lamont got his start shooting music videos for Grammy-Nominated Artist, Big Sean. Previously Lawrence directed multiple episodes of HBOMax's Rap Sh!t Season 1 and 2, produced by HOORAE Productions. He also completed a pilot for HBOMax and shot the Detroit Pistons branding campaign for the 2022-2023 season. 

“One Of Them Days,” starring Keke Palmer and SZA, serves as his feature directorial debut. The film follows best friends and roommates Druex (Keke Palmer) and Alyssa (SZA) after they discover Alyssa’s boyfriend has blown their rent money, the duo finds themselves going to extremes in a comical race against the clock to avoid eviction and keep their friendship intact.

To watch the trailer for “One Of Them Days,” click here.

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This week, Donna was joined by guest host Dwan Dandridge and Marc Alexander, the founder of Lite Tuition. Together, they discuss the transformative potential of economic solidarity and the strategic navigation of social circles to overcome systemic obstacles.

Marc’s story is a testament to the collaborative spirit that can drive significant social change. In 2009, Marc Alexander was a senior at Kettering University struggling to finance his next semester of school. When word of his struggles to secure a student loan reached his local paper, he was blessed to receive an anonymous check in the mail to cover the rest of his education. The check came with one message, "Pay it forward," and Marc set out to do exactly that.

In his mission to support other students struggling to finance their education, Marc created the company Lite Tuition, a social tech company that empowers students to increase their fundraising potential through a custom built crowdfunding platform.  Light Tuition is a beacon of hope for those burdened by financial struggles due to student loans debt.

For more information on Marc Alexander and Lite Tuition, click here. 

FOR HOT TAKES:

WAYNE COUNTY PARKS DIRECTOR, HUSBAND FACE GUN CHARGES AFTER DISPUTE OVER 10-CENT CAN DEPOSIT

HOW DETROIT WANTS TO SPEND $346 MILLION IN FEDERAL DISASTER RECOVERY AID

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This week, Donna and Orlando sat down with Sarah Alvarez, the founder and editor-at-large of Outlier Media, to discuss their groundbreaking SMS System.

Sarah Alvarez, the visionary force behind Outlier Media, believes the best local reporting is a service that responds directly to community needs and reduces harm. In 2016, Outlier Media began as a “Txt Outlier” a texting service delivering critical information to Detroiters and allowing people to connect directly with a reporter.

As of today, this enhanced service allows their newsroom to better serve Detroiters, connecting them to information and resources they need in areas including housing, utilities, income support, employment, food and transportation.

Detroiters can text in at any time to get immediate, automated info, look up property details or get individual help. By texting “reporter” they can connect with an Outlier journalist, who may follow up with a phone conversation. The new system is more intuitive for users and improves internal workflows and communication.

For more information on Outlier Media and TXT Outlier, click here. 

FOR HOT TAKES:

DETROIT LIONS CLINCH NUMBER ONE SEED AND WIN NFC NORTH AFTER BEATING MINNESOTA VIKINGS

INTERNAL DIVISIONS DOOM MICHIGAN DEMOCRATS IN THEIR FINAL DAYS OF LEGISLATIVE CONTROL

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