Nina Payne is helping ‘We Found Hip-hop’ grow. The institution developed to provide women safe, productive, and sustaining platforms to express Hip-hop. Nina’s experience in the world of music runs deep. Promoting parties, concerts, and managing tours are all tasks she took on in college. In her, Detroit is Different feature Nina opens up about her perspective of accompanying the vision of an artist as a business partner and more. Nina also shares some of her memories from the road touring with ...
Mar 05, 2020•1 hr 19 min
Attending the University of Michigan changed Rich Feldman’s life. The movements on the campus and activism outside the classroom inspired his lifetime of commitment to social justice. Anti-War, Anti-Racism, Anti-Capitalism, and Human Rights in action all have moved beyond theory, to practice, and action for Rich. For decades his understandings of strengthening people and community have been led by the works of Grace Lee Boggs and Jimmy Boggs. Rich Feldman currently carries on the vision and miss...
Feb 26, 2020•58 min
Flint MI is a kindred spirit with Detroit. Black pride, community love, and survival beyond industrial America are narratives that bind us together beyond the short distance in travel. Quarles' upbringing in Flint shaped an understanding for Detroit making him a top appointee to former Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick in the Michigan Legislature and the City of Detroit. In this interview, we discuss his understanding of business, politics, race, opportunity, and growth. The importance of his historically ...
Feb 26, 2020•1 hr 23 min
Yusef Bunchy Shakur is a revolutionary. His Autobiography ‘Window to my Soul,’ is an emotional read about his transformation from founding the gang Zone 8 to becoming a Black revolutionary organizer in his community. Today he is encouraged by his Father’s impact to become smarter, stronger, and committed to Black people. Building a relationship with his Father while in prison strengthened him to develop an understating for knowledge of self. Yusef is balanced by the work of his Mother who feeds,...
Feb 20, 2020•1 hr 44 min
This week’s features for Detroit is Different highlight Black men that express themselves in creativity that is not given mass appeal. Ismail Walton is one of Detroit’s original breakdancers. Jitting (jitterbug), popping and locking, breaking, and ticking all have deep roots in Detroit culture. Soul train and many late 80’s early 90’s New Jack Swing videos feature dancers, steps, and styles Detroiters like Ismail directly influenced. His Detroit is Different feature that gives perspective into h...
Feb 20, 2020•1 hr
The Black experience in America is often misunderstood. The context in which Black culture is developed, society engages it, and values are built upon it in America is historically problematic. ‘Own Your Story’ is a program led by TandemEd and partnering with Campaign for Black Male Achievement here in Detroit. The mission is to unite our neighborhoods in Detroit, and the Metro-Detroit area, around healthy perspectives and positive stories that we can be proud of, stories that will cast the visi...
Feb 13, 2020•1 hr 5 min
Stephanie Johnson-Cobb is and has been working within her neighborhood for years. Born and raised in the Linwood/Davison community she’s seen her community for decades with family, extended family, and now work. Stephanie works with Hope Village Revitalization bringing to life the interests, love, and passion of residents. In this interview, Stephanie shares how her mission to re-open and clear a park in the neighborhood strengthened her. Today Stephanie’s work is family, neighbor, love based en...
Feb 10, 2020•56 min
The Muhammad Family has made a mark on Detroit for generations. Jahleel carries the legacy of a Mother and Father who have played roles in and out of the house with many. The Father of three today stretches the reach more. Speaking, martial arts, and seeking knowledge is the evident value set Jahleel has shown in this interview. We talk about the North End, Kettering HS, Minister Louis Farrakhan, and Black Faith in this interview. Deloris Bennett, Dawud Muhammad (former Minister for the Detroit ...
Feb 06, 2020•1 hr 24 min
Michelle Oberholtzer of the United Community Housing Coalition comes back to Detroit is Different to talk Detroit Homeowner's rights. Michelle shares how you can contest the tax assessment of your property and many of the injustices that exist within these systems. This was an information-based discussion that should prepare homeowners and inform those interested. Michelle Oberholtzer (313) 963-3310 | moberholtzer@uchdetroit.org United Community Housing Coalition 2727 Second Ave #313 | Detroit M...
Feb 06, 2020•54 min
Racial Healing and Equity in Community Development was a discussion held by the Michigan Roundtable for Diversity and Inclusion led by myself (Khary Frazier) and Yusef Shakur. Tuesday, January 21, 2020, at the Urban Network (2433 Ferry Park Detroit MI 48208) we welcomed a small and impactful group of community-minded activists, thinkers, entrepreneurs, and organizers. Documenting this discussion naturally led to the realization that more will be needed. Facets of Community Development Block Gran...
Jan 30, 2020•1 hr 57 min
“Why You Wanna Fly Blackbird,” is an exhibit by Sabrina Nelson exploring the relationship between Black Women and children they’ve lost. In her, Detroit is Different interview Sabrina shares her story on growing up in Detroit and how Art is her voice. The joy of using designing clothes, painting, drawings, and more as a gateway to developing confidence and identity is explored in this interview. Visit the “Why You Wanna Fly Blackbird” Exhibit by Sabrina Nelson at Madonna University 36600 Schoolc...
Jan 23, 2020•1 hr 13 min
Experiencing Detroit nightlife is something that has inspired the dance culture of Germany, has nightclubs mimic the feel in NYC, and from Madonna to Motown has soundtracked parties EVERYWHERE. Shed Amin began creating spaces and places for Michigan State University students from Detroit to gather and now has built a niche and career in the business. If you attend any events sponsored and endorsed by premiere liquor brands featuring Urban entertainment in Metro-Detroit it’s a 90% chance you are ...
Jan 16, 2020•52 min
Imagination is a tool that captures the essence of a child. SF Hardy used her imagination as a tool to teach, guide, and connect with her son. Storytelling was a gateway for the connection with her son to grow stronger. Today (as her son is in college) she uses the stories to help connect parents to their children. Her children’s book ‘Like a Salad’ has received national acclaim and presents the concept of diversity and inclusion to children. SF Hardy opens up about her story growing up on Detro...
Jan 09, 2020•1 hr 2 min
Community Activism in her own neighborhood developed unity, confidence, and networks that have propelled Tiffany Tilley in life. Politicians and Community Leader are titles that Tiffany holds and carries. The love she’s given her children is the care she offers to the people. In this interview, we discuss her journey in family, activism, and leadership. Tiffany shares her motivation to be grounded in her work. We also discuss her role as a member of the Michigan State Board of Education and how ...
Dec 26, 2019•1 hr 17 min
Blocks away from White’s Records (the Original White’s Records) a child was born into the love for vinyl. Leonard “Drummer B” Ware speaks with his hands and not through sign language, through DJing. Rome, Egypt, and Detroit’s St Andrew’s Hall all have felt the energy and influence of DJ Drummer B. In the interview, he opens up about working with Proof, Derrick May, Nick Speed, and Danny Brown. He also discusses the resource that Underground Resistance and Murals in the Market have been in the pr...
Dec 19, 2019•1 hr 3 min
JayFades is a creative that uses talents as a barber, organizer, model, actor, event planner, and public speaker to develop opportunities. Jay joins Detroit is Different to share how hit Mother’s roots from Honduras intersected with his Father’s family ties to Mack and Bewick giving him an international perspective of one of Detroit’s most historic neighborhoods. Jay shares his journey into entrepreneurship starting at the age of 12 and the ways family and community developed his understanding o...
Dec 12, 2019•1 hr 17 min
Thornetta Davis-Anderson and James Anderson share in love, art, and family. In their interview, they open up about meeting for the first time as ‘the Blackman’ DJ’ed a set. James and Thornetta also discuss where Blues music has taken them together as a couple and how Detroit Blues impacts the world. Thornetta shares how her ‘Honest Woman’ album took 20 years to write and her process of writing songs. Detroit is Different is a podcast hosted by Khary Frazier covering people adding to the culture ...
Nov 22, 2019•59 min
Ron Taylor is the new President and CEO of Detroit Area Agency on Aging. For over a year he’s taken the helm of the organization that was run by Paul Bridgewater for years. Ron’s experience in organization, aging, and leadership has taken his travels through Atlanta and now he’s in the original chocolate city of Detroit. In his interview, we discuss his upbringing in Toledo, family, and aging care. We also talk about why so much Funk music was coming out of Dayton? This was a great introduction ...
Nov 14, 2019•36 min
Jennifer Harge expresses thought, emotion, and spirit through the art of dance. Sterling Toles interview Jennifer on how she conveys poignant messages in motion. Jennifer shares her motivations in dance and visions on what’s to come next. This is a very interesting discussion on art, community, dance, society, and culture. Episode Notes Detroit is Different is a podcast hosted by Khary Frazier covering people adding to the culture of an American Classic city. Visit www.detroitisdifferent.com to ...
Nov 07, 2019•55 min
Senghor Reid is a visual artist, teacher, father, and close friend of Sterling Toles. Senghor opens up about how Cass Tech, Detroit, and Hip-hop all impact his visual arts. This was a discussion whereas a listener you connect with artists discussing their friendship, process of creativity, and vision. Episode Notes Detroit is Different is a podcast hosted by Khary Frazier covering people adding to the culture of an American Classic city. Visit www.detroitisdifferent.com to hear, see and experien...
Nov 07, 2019•49 min
“I won Showtime at the Apollo and thought everything would change,” Josh Adams is immensely talented, smart, and always joking. The comedian’s journey on stage began in the middle of the 2000s and since then he has not gone 4 days without telling jokes as a stand-up comedian. In this interview Josh opens up about Mississippi, his parents, Livernois, and more. He also shares his thought process into being funny on stage. Josh also welcomes you to listen to his podcast weekly on Detroit is Differe...
Oct 17, 2019•1 hr 7 min
Dara Harper has been driven to share stories that offer the Black perspective for children and families. A life-long Disney fan never found stories in America’s mainstream that represented her beauty, character, and upbringing. Her ‘Sky Princess’ animation is available on Amazon streaming and features Vivica Fox and more known voice talents. Dara was raised in the heart of Detroit’s Westside and now resides in Los Angeles. Currently, her play ‘Half Truths Full Plate’ is being produced in Los Ang...
Oct 10, 2019•1 hr 16 min
Zana Smith has been adding value to the culture of Detroit for years. Spectacles is a boutique that provides us with a peek into the cool Zana has helped curate. Clothes, music, accessories, books, and art are how other retailers would categorize what Spectacles offers us if you know it’s cool culture. Zana shared her story of how she started a boutique on Dexter Blvd and now stands as one of the only Black-owned retailers in Detroit’s Downtown today. Zana is joined by Piper Carter of We Found H...
Oct 01, 2019•1 hr 7 min
Idlewild is a town that was established and maintained by a rich history of African American commitment and love. The town’s prominence as ‘Black Eden’ came to life in an America with explicit segregation where the African American affluent sought out a place to vacation and enjoy Summer on the water. Today families from Detroit, Chicago, St. Louis, and Milwaukee carry the tradition of keeping the town together. There is a strong tie from Idlewild to Detroit and poet Tawana ‘Honeycomb’ Petty and...
May 09, 2019•7 min
Idlewild is a town that was established and maintained by a rich history of African American commitment and love. The town’s prominence as ‘Black Eden’ came to life in an America with explicit segregation where the African American affluent sought out a place to vacation and enjoy Summer on the water. Today families from Detroit, Chicago, St. Louis, and Milwaukee carry the tradition of keeping the town together. There is a strong tie from Idlewild to Detroit and poet Tawana ‘Honeycomb’ Petty and...
May 09, 2019•9 min
Idlewild is a town that was established and maintained by a rich history of African American commitment and love. The town’s prominence as ‘Black Eden’ came to life in an America with explicit segregation where the African American affluent sought out a place to vacation and enjoy Summer on the water. Today families from Detroit, Chicago, St. Louis, and Milwaukee carry the tradition of keeping the town together. There is a strong tie from Idlewild to Detroit and poet Tawana ‘Honeycomb’ Petty and...
May 09, 2019•9 min
Idlewild is a town that was established and maintained by a rich history of African American commitment and love. The town’s prominence as ‘Black Eden’ came to life in an America with explicit segregation where the African American affluent sought out a place to vacation and enjoy Summer on the water. Today families from Detroit, Chicago, St. Louis, and Milwaukee carry the tradition of keeping the town together. There is a strong tie from Idlewild to Detroit and poet Tawana ‘Honeycomb’ Petty and...
May 09, 2019•8 min
Idlewild is a town that was established and maintained by a rich history of African American commitment and love. The town’s prominence as ‘Black Eden’ came to life in an America with explicit segregation where the African American affluent sought out a place to vacation and enjoy Summer on the water. Today families from Detroit, Chicago, St. Louis, and Milwaukee carry the tradition of keeping the town together. There is a strong tie from Idlewild to Detroit and poet Tawana ‘Honeycomb’ Petty and...
May 09, 2019•9 min
Idlewild is a town that was established and maintained by a rich history of African American commitment and love. The town’s prominence as ‘Black Eden’ came to life in an America with explicit segregation where the African American affluent sought out a place to vacation and enjoy Summer on the water. Today families from Detroit, Chicago, St. Louis, and Milwaukee carry the tradition of keeping the town together. There is a strong tie from Idlewild to Detroit and poet Tawana ‘Honeycomb’ Petty and...
May 09, 2019•12 min
Idlewild is a town that was established and maintained by a rich history of African American commitment and love. The town’s prominence as ‘Black Eden’ came to life in an America with explicit segregation where the African American affluent sought out a place to vacation and enjoy Summer on the water. Today families from Detroit, Chicago, St. Louis, and Milwaukee carry the tradition of keeping the town together. There is a strong tie from Idlewild to Detroit and poet Tawana ‘Honeycomb’ Petty and...
May 09, 2019•12 min
