Detroit is Different

“My dad quietly made some very significant contributions… he brought Rosa Parks to Detroit for the first time.” In this powerful episode of Detroit is Different, Khary Frazier sits down with Jane Fran Morgan of JFM Consulting Group. As the conversation moves forward, she recounts how her academic wanderings—through sociology and vet science at Michigan State—led her to urban planning and community-driven data work. The heart of the episode pulses in her help bringing to life the Neighborhood Vitality Index: a Detroit-born tool designed by residents, for residents—measuring safety, housing quality, upward mobility, and community pride. Advocating for neighborhood voices in policy conversations, Jane weaves together personal narrative and professional purpose, showing how data becomes power only when the people shape it. This interview is essential listening for anyone invested in the soul of Legacy Black Detroit—and in what it takes to heal and rebuild through culture, connection, and collective data-driven action. 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 experience more of what makes Detroit different. Follow, like, share, and subscribe to the Podcast on iTunes, Google Play, and Sticher. Comment, suggest and connect with the podcast by emailing info@detroitisdifferent.com

“I belong anywhere I want to be.' That moment snapped the energy for this episode, where Kiana Montgomery dives deep into her legacy as a third-generation Detroiter and how her public relations work is rooted in uplifting Legacy Black Detroit. She shares, “If you want to engage with that audience… that's the audience I'm looking to connect with,” weaving stories of family reunions enduring a 74% decline, summers spent in New Jersey, her grandfather's journey from Alabama with just a dollar in his pocket, and building a business servicing Detroit's cultural gatekeepers. Along the way, she reflects on how her military brat upbringing and HBCU experience at FAMU shaped her voice and how the city—with its cold winters and resilient communities—became her chosen home during the turmoil of 2020. You'll hear how she strategically connects national brands to local narratives, the power of organic networking (even through "statement piece" shoes), and why Detroit is “Clique‑ish”—a badge of respect she leverages to elevate neighborhood voices on a national stage. 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 experience more of what makes Detroit different. Follow, like, share, and subscribe to the Podcast on iTunes, Google Play, and Sticher. Comment, suggest and connect with the podcast by emailing info@detroitisdifferent.com

"I'm working on my obituary," Alex Washington says with a laugh, but the weight of her words hits home. In this intimate, in-depth conversation with Khary Frazier, journalist and culture writer Alex Washington dives deep into her Detroit roots, her love of storytelling, and the fierce loyalty to her city's people and legacy. From memories of Renaissance High to her first feature in the Free Press, she reflects on how being raised by union workers and a village of elders shaped her vision for journalism. Her start in Detroit hip hop journalism during the mixtape era—covering artists like Big Sean and Danny Brown—revealed the city's raw cultural power and inspired her commitment to documenting the stories others overlook. “Detroit taught me how to be a neighbor, a friend—it taught me how to love people.” Alex opens up about the grind of Black journalism, content creation, and why the stories that don't go viral—like the woman hand-making Kwanzaa kinaras or the mom-and-pop flower shop on Six Mile—matter the most. She also unpacks the state of Detroit journalism today, from shrinking newsrooms to the shifting roles of legacy institutions and independent outlets. “Detroit is not a monolith,” she reminds us. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who cares about preserving the authenticity of Detroit's Black legacy while imagining its future. 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 experience more of what makes Detroit different. Follow, like, share, and subscribe to the Podcast on iTunes, Google Play, and Sticher. Comment, suggest and connect with the podcast by emailing info@detroitisdifferent.com

“He didn't say he wanted to die. He said he didn't give an F about dying. That's different.” — Victoria Camille. In this powerful and deeply sobering episode of the Detroit is Different podcast, host Khary Frazier sits down with Victoria Camille of the Coalition for Police Transparency and Accountability (CPTA) to examine the disturbing details surrounding the July 12, 2024, shooting death of Sherman Lee Butler. “Nothing about this looks like self-defense to me.” — Khary Frazier. Sherman Butler was killed during an eviction at his apartment on Manderson St., near Palmer Park in Detroit. He was tased by Detroit Police officers and then fatally shot by a Wayne County Bailiff—while recovering from foot surgery and experiencing mental distress. “We all have a story. Show compassion. Sherman deserved to live.” — Victoria Camille What You'll Learn in This Episode: Detailed Analysis of the Footage: Victoria Camille and Khary Frazier analyze the DPD-released bodycam footage, breaking down how the incident escalated—despite clear protocol violations. Critical Facts Revealed: The bailiff used a DPD-issued radio improperly. DPD officers did not follow policy requiring them to control the scene. Mental health teams were called but failed to respond promptly. Tasers were used on a person visibly in mental and physical distress—against DPD policy. A DPD officer read the eviction notice, an act outside of their scope. “Nothing about this looks like self-defense to me.” — Khary Frazier “This wasn't just a policy failure; it was a moral one.” — Victoria Camille After Months of Advocacy: The community organized protests, FOIA requests (led by Taura Brown), and weekly meetings demanding transparency. On December 23, 2024, a partial video was finally released. Victoria Camille's Op-Ed led to a formal Citizen Complaint, triggering a deeper investigation by the Board of Police Commissioners' Office of the Chief Investigator. Policy Violations Found: At least 10 DPD policy violations identified by the OCI. Mental health co-response teams were eating at McDonald's while the call was active. The bailiff continued to conduct evictions after the shooting. What the Community Demands: Accountability from DPD, Wayne County Prosecutor, and the media. Clarity on reforms for Bailiffs and Officers. Passage of the Video Release Ordinance by MLK Day 2026—requiring release of all use-of-force videos within 7-37 days. Stay Informed. Stay Active. Share This. This episode isn't easy to hear—but it's necessary. Join us in healing community through truth, culture, and advocacy. Support the Coalition for Police Transparency and Accountability (CPTA) Email: DetroitCPTA@gmail.com Website: DetroitCPTA.org Like, Subscribe, and Share to uplift truth and push for justice. DetroitIsDifferent #JusticeForShermanButler #PoliceAccountability #VictoriaCamille #DetroitCPTA #EvictionCrisis #MentalHealthJustice #PoliceReform #CommunityHealing

“I wish I could just clone myself…have a digital version of me doing the work while I get paid” – that line from Brandon Cooper set the tone for this electric conversation on Detroit Is Different. In this compelling episode, Khary Frazier sits down with Brandon Cooper—Detroit native, former Apple Senior Advisor, meditation advocate, and the visionary CEO behind Aphid AI—to explore the intersections of legacy Black Detroit, tech innovation, and ancestral wisdom. They take listeners on a journey from Rosedale Park and Seven Mile playgrounds where bike‑built forts and street basketball sparked young Brandon's creative ingenuity, to the spiritual practices—including chakra work and Qigong—that awakened him to the concept of energetic frequencies shaping our lives. Along the way, Brandon reflects on growing up fatherless, witnessing his mother's unshakeable strength, and navigating elite spaces like DAP‑CEP and Michigan State where stepping outside comfort zones shaped his worldview. As he shifted from hip‑hop culture and early app‑store entrepreneurship to managing end‑to‑end Mac troubleshooting at Apple, Brandon developed a rare blend of technical fluency and spiritual insight. Now, with Aphid, he's building “digital clones” that can replicate human work through autonomous AI agents—positioning Black creators and founders on the leading edge of a future Detroit can command. Whether unpacking the power of intuitive flow or calling for banishing violent rap from the soundtrack of youth, Brandon's perspective holds one central thread: the stories we write in Detroit's past light the path to transcendent, tech‑empowered futures. 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 experience more of what makes Detroit different. Follow, like, share, and subscribe to the Podcast on iTunes, Google Play, and Sticher. Comment, suggest and connect with the podcast by emailing info@detroitisdifferent.com

“I started taking piano lessons when I was four… and by twelve I had swapped classical sheet music for jazz improv—I was playing from my head, not the page,”—Ian Fink dives deep into the layered roots of Legacy Black Detroit, bridging generational migration, jazz lineage, and the raw ingenuity of Detroit's music scene. In this rich, in-depth episode of Detroit is Different, host Khary Frazier sits down with Ian Fink—a pianist, producer, and conduit of Detroit's legacy Black culture—to unpack how jazz camp with Rodney Whitaker and Marcus Belgrave set the tone for his artistry, how early classical training at age four paved the way for profound improvisation, and how his classical-jazz foundations seamlessly birthed a sonic switch into house and techno influenced by Detroit icons like Theo Parrish and Scott Grooves. They dig into family history—from Dexter/Linwood's Jewish-Black narratives to movement between Detroit and West Bloomfield—bringing light to how personal origin stories shape cultural creation. Ian chronicles his transition from working through Video Seven—an artist collective of critical thinkers turned performers—to independently launching Freak Press, producing annual showcases during Movement Festival, and crafting a forthcoming solo piano album under his label. Along the way, he reflects on the significance of reading Black liberation texts, embracing intergenerational Black resistance, and returning to musical performance with ‘a revitalized sense of purpose.' By threading together stories of legacy, creativity, and reinvention, this episode shows how Detroit's past and future collide in the sound and vision of a modern-day local legend. 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 experience more of what makes Detroit different. Follow, like, share, and subscribe to the Podcast on iTunes, Google Play, and Sticher. Comment, suggest and connect with the podcast by emailing info@detroitisdifferent.com

“I didn't think if I stayed, I'd be alive'—that electrifying moment, when Konstance Patton revealed how everything changed the moment she stepped out of Detroit, sets the tone for this compelling episode. In a deeply resonant conversation with Khary Frazier, Patton weaves together the threads of her Black Detroit legacy—from ancestral roots in the Carolinas, Virginia, and New Orleans to intergenerational artistry that stretches back to her grandmother's kiln in Brightmoor and massive bead‑worked Last Supper in a Petoskey museum. She reflects on formative childhood memories riding a bike past seven‑mile gravesites, the comfort of her grandmother's quilts and pottery, and how early encounters with classical violin and swimming taught discipline and collaboration. Through her travels—from a shocking culinary awakening in London to soulful inspirations in Egypt, India, Italy—Patton found her voice in visual storytelling. Now, drenched in paint at her annual ‘potluck' gatherings at Detroit's Talking Doll Studios, her immersive events bring together healing, yoga, music, food, and multi‑generational Black creatives. She tears back the curtain on how grief, burnout, and pandemic‑era protests catalyzed her bold new goddess sculptures—resin and bronze Venus figures cast with beads and needles from her lineage—and how her guerrilla‑style Imani portrait in NYC still stops strangers in their tracks. With upcoming shows at the DIA and deep ties to Detroit institutions like Bird's bar and Talking Doll Studios, this episode captures a living legacy—rooted in the past, dynamically shaping the future of Legacy Black Detroit. 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 experience more of what makes Detroit different. Follow, like, share, and subscribe to the Podcast on iTunes, Google Play, and Sticher. Comment, suggest and connect with the podcast by emailing info@detroitisdifferent.com

“It's not about me—it's about my community waking up and taking back our future!” In this electrifying episode of Detroit is Different we welcome Michigan State Representative and 13th District U.S. Congress candidate Donovan McKinney for a powerful conversation that spans from the struggles of his childhood—“we lived in cars, we lived in shelters, we didn't know where our next meal was coming from”—to his bold legislative victories like statewide community violence intervention funding. McKinney shines a light on Detroit's legacy of resilience and the responsibility of service: “My life no longer belongs to me… When I meet my Maker, I want Him to say, ‘well done.'” This candid discussion is packed with personal milestones, critical truth-telling on gun violence, budget battles in Lansing, and the vision for a future rooted in legacy Black Detroit—a future he's running to represent on Capitol Hill. 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 experience more of what makes Detroit different. Follow, like, share, and subscribe to the Podcast on iTunes, Google Play, and Sticher. Comment, suggest and connect with the podcast by emailing info@detroitisdifferent.com

“This is a movement, not a campaign—from the North End to the future of Legacy Black Detroit.” In this powerful, deeply personal episode of Detroit is Different, host Khary Frazier sits down with Todd Russell Perkins—attorney, community leader, and mayoral candidate whose roots run as deep as his passion for Detroit. Todd opens up about the intergenerational legacies that shaped him—from his father's resume‑building work during GM layoffs to the entrepreneurial and educational values instilled by his parents. He traces Detroit's historical pillars—its innovation, Motown legacy, and the foresight embedded in municipal law—and weaves them into a bold vision for the city's future. With candid reflections on family, law, city governance, and mobilizing Detroit's Black political power, Todd challenges listeners to see Detroit's next chapter not as another election but as a movement rooted in purpose, unity, and generational uplift. Tune in to hear why this conversation matters—for the past, present, and future of Legacy Black Detroit. 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 experience more of what makes Detroit different. Follow, like, share, and subscribe to the Podcast on iTunes, Google Play, and Sticher. Comment, suggest and connect with the podcast by emailing info@detroitisdifferent.com

“Most folks that came north from the South weren't migrants—they were refugees,” Jen Ingram declares, setting the tone for this powerfully layered conversation. In this Detroit is Different episode, we trace coins and culture with Numismatics Noir founder Jen Ingram, whose passion for Black coin collecting merges family legacy, precious metals, and African American storytelling. “I'm building this bridge for them,” she recalls from a poem her great-grandmother recited, honoring the journey of her fourth-generation Detroit family from Mississippi to a duplex on Whitney. Jen shares her Detroit roots, her professional climb through healthcare and philanthropy, and the entrepreneurial leap into calibrating cultural pride through currency. From Harriet Tubman's golden likeness to the hidden Black faces of U.S. money, Jen reveals how coins hold both historical weight and future economic promise. This episode is a masterclass in legacy, wealth, and Detroit soul. 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 experience more of what makes Detroit different. Follow, like, share, and subscribe to the Podcast on iTunes, Google Play, and Sticher. Comment, suggest and connect with the podcast by emailing info@detroitisdifferent.com

"Solar power is just sunlight hitting your skin, because your skin is a semiconductor too." That quote from Ali Dirul of Ryter Cooperative Industries launches a Detroit is Different conversation that electrifies history and reimagines the future. In this powerful episode, Ali breaks down energy democracy, off-grid engineering, and building a sustainable Detroit from D-Town Farms to Highland Park's streetlights. "We're not just placing panels—we're placing power back in the hands of the people," he says. With stories tracing back to his grandfather's Ford Model T factory job, African-centered schooling at Aisha Shule, and a capstone project at Oakland University, Ali ties Black legacy to Black futures. This is innovation rooted in community, fueled by melanin, and structured with purpose. It's a conversation that honors how Detroit built the world—and now might just rewire it. 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 experience more of what makes Detroit different. Follow, like, share, and subscribe to the Podcast on iTunes, Google Play, and Sticher. Comment, suggest and connect with the podcast by emailing info@detroitisdifferent.com

"People don't care about policy—they want to know if you care about them." Detroit is Different is back in studio with District 1 Detroit City Councilmember James Tate, and we're getting deep. Tate returns to the mic not just as a policymaker but as a Black man opening up about what it truly means to protect your crown—mentally, spiritually, and politically. In one of the most personal Detroit is Different interviews ever, Tate unpacks his own mental health journey, revealing how heartbreak and betrayal spiraled into alcohol dependency, and how that pain sparked a long road toward healing. “I was a functioning alcoholic, self-medicating while trying to keep a public face,” he admits, sharing the raw truth of how anxiety manifests in his life and why he's no longer hiding from it. From behind the wheel of his car, sweating through moments of panic, to behind the podium of city council meetings, Tate discusses how mental health impacts leadership, legacy, and being a Black man in a society that expects stoic strength. 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 experience more of what makes Detroit different. Follow, like, share, and subscribe to the Podcast on iTunes, Google Play, and Sticher. Comment, suggest and connect with the podcast by emailing info@detroitisdifferent.com

"If you don't impact your environment, your environment's going to impact you." That's how Glenn Wilson, President and CEO of Communities First Inc., sets the tone in this powerful Detroit is Different episode. What started as a casual connection in New Orleans blossoms into a deeply honest conversation about housing, healing, and hope. Glenn shares the raw journey from surviving a childhood house fire in Flint to leading a multi-state nonprofit developing thousands of affordable housing units. From reflections on faith—"Statistically, I shouldn't be here"—to breaking down what “capital stack” really means in community development, this interview is a must-listen. With tales of hot plates on broken stoves, bird nests in rooftops, and turning trauma into mission, Glenn reminds us: “The very things we take for granted are the very things people pray for.” This is about more than real estate—this is about legacy, trust, and doing the work. "It's not about being a gatekeeper. It's about being a gate opener.” 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 experience more of what makes Detroit different. Follow, like, share, and subscribe to the Podcast on iTunes, Google Play, and Sticher. Comment, suggest and connect with the podcast by emailing info@detroitisdifferent.com

"Hip hop wasn't just music—it was a mirror, a movement, and a megaphone for the unheard. We weren't just playing records; we were broadcasting revolution."Detroit is Different episode featuring Brother Sayeed Sanders, executive producer of the legendary 1990s Detroit/Windsor-based hip-hop TV show Kicking Knowledge. From Mississippi roots and snowy first days on Linwood to being recruited into engineering at MSU with Black Power speeches featuring Malcolm X and Elijah Muhammad, Sayeed breaks down a layered life of Black resilience, radical education, and revolutionary media-making. "People thought rap was noise, but I saw poetry and power." Sayeed shares behind-the-scenes stories from his time interviewing Public Enemy, Outkast, LL Cool J, and launching Flavor TV across the border. "We didn't just shoot shows—we preserved culture." He also speaks on Detroit's failing sewer infrastructure, cultural censorship, and the politics of Black image in media. A blend of engineering mind, cultural vision, and community-centered storytelling—this episode is for every Detroiter who remembers what came before YouTube, and why it still matters. 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 experience more of what makes Detroit different. Follow, like, share, and subscribe to the Podcast on iTunes, Google Play, and Sticher. Comment, suggest and connect with the podcast by emailing info@detroitisdifferent.com

"Man, I felt taller, lighter — like I lost a burden I didn't even know I was carrying.” That's how Ray Stone describes the moment everything changed. In this powerful and provocative Detroit is Different interview, Stone breaks down the realness behind his health journey, the legacy of Detroit's Black neighborhoods, and the deeper meanings of healing and ownership. With quotes like “All problems begin within” and “The body is your mind, too,” Ray dives into the colon cleanse that transformed him, the firehouse culture that shaped him, and the books he wrote to make holistic health accessible to Black Detroiters. From South Carolina State to South Beach, and back to the 6 Mile and Hubble block of his roots, Ray shares how healing, family, and purpose intersect. This is more than a talk about food — it's about freedom, manhood, and finding your way back home. Don't miss this episode packed with truth, grit, and inspiration. 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 experience more of what makes Detroit different. Follow, like, share, and subscribe to the Podcast on iTunes, Google Play, and Sticher. Comment, suggest and connect with the podcast by emailing info@detroitisdifferent.com

"I saw who murdered my son—why won't the justice system believe me?" In this gripping and emotional episode of Detroit is Different, Shamayim "Mama Shu" Harris returns to the studio to share a raw and heartbreaking account of the murder of her son, Chinyelu Humphrey, in the winter of 2021. Mama Shu opens up about the pain of witnessing the crime, the years of being ignored by law enforcement, and her relentless pursuit of justice. "It's disrespectful to Chin, to me, and to our whole community," she declares, as she details the broken systems that have failed her family. This is more than a mother's grief—it's a call to action for anyone who believes in safety, accountability, and justice. Tune in for a conversation that will challenge your spirit and stir your soul. 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 experience more of what makes Detroit different. Follow, like, share, and subscribe to the Podcast on iTunes, Google Play, and Sticher. Comment, suggest and connect with the podcast by emailing info@detroitisdifferent.com

"You can't fix what you don't understand, and I understand Detroit because I've lived it." This week on Detroit is Different, Saunteel Jenkins takes the mic and the city into her heart as she opens up about growing up on Joy Road with six kids, one bathroom, and more love than space. “I didn't even know we were poor,” she laughs, describing a Detroit childhood full of dance routines, Kool-Aid houses, and lessons in resilience. From Focus: HOPE to fighting for public policy with City Council, Saunteel shares how a moment of grief after her brother's murder pushed her to finish school — not just for him, but for the kids who took his life. “They needed the love he had,” she says. Now running for mayor, she reflects on lessons from working with Maryann Mahaffey, how her father's 47 years as a letter carrier shaped her work ethic, and why every city employee should be a customer service rep for Detroiters. “This isn't just politics — it's personal.” You'll hear why this isn't just another campaign; it's a calling. 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 experience more of what makes Detroit different. Follow, like, share, and subscribe to the Podcast on iTunes, Google Play, and Sticher. Comment, suggest and connect with the podcast by emailing info@detroitisdifferent.com

"You've got to have something you control—and for us, that's Soul Detroit." Zana Smith, founder of Spectacles Boutique, as she reflects on 41 years of fashion, funk, and fearlessness in Detroit's ever-changing downtown. In this deep-dive episode of Detroit is Different, Zana opens up about starting on Dexter in the psychedelic '70s, when “we were one of the first head shops with Easy Widers and Liquid Silver chains,” to anchoring downtown Detroit with Black fashion, music, and soul. “You don't go into business for your friends and family. You go into business for your customers,” she states firmly, detailing how her “marriage” to her boutique built the blueprint for longevity. From housing pop-ups and DJs to launching iconic Soul Detroit gear, Zana has cultivated more than just a shop—she's built a cultural institution. This episode is packed with Detroit history, hard-won wisdom, and humor that only decades in the game can deliver. “Sometimes what's unknown becomes the biggest reward.” 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 experience more of what makes Detroit different. Follow, like, share, and subscribe to the Podcast on iTunes, Google Play, and Sticher. Comment, suggest and connect with the podcast by emailing info@detroitisdifferent.com

"If you want to make $100K as a filmmaker, all you need is $11.40 an hour—24 hours a day." That's the kind of paradigm-shifting wisdom Timashion Jones drops in this electric episode of Detroit is Different. From childhood summers flipping on mattresses in west side alleys to building cinematic masterpieces screened on Tubi and PBS, Timashion shares how his upbringing in a tight-knit Detroit neighborhood, rooted in Black entrepreneurship and creative hustle, shaped his vision as a filmmaker. "We caught the bus everywhere," he says. "But once I got that Pontiac 6000, we were EVERYWHERE." He breaks down how being raised by a mother who ran transmission shops and bounce house businesses inspired his leap from engineering to independent film. From the Emmy-winning "Cody High" documentary to his latest hit "Mirror of Deception," Timashion tells stories that uplift, educate, and heal. This episode is a journey through legacy, Detroit culture, family, faith, tech, and tenacity. “My mom told me, 'What's the worst that can happen? You just go back to work.' So I bet on myself.” 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 experience more of what makes Detroit different. Follow, like, share, and subscribe to the Podcast on iTunes, Google Play, and Sticher. Comment, suggest and connect with the podcast by emailing info@detroitisdifferent.com

"I came to Detroit and realized—this ain't a city you read about. This is a city you live." In this Detroit is Different episode, Joshua LaMere unpacks a cultural journey that spans from North Minneapolis to the heart of Highland Park, and what it means to truly fall in love with a city that keeps it real. “Detroiters don't wait for a crisis to care,” he reflects, contrasting the stiff, buttoned-up culture of Minnesota with Detroit's open-armed grit. Joshua shares how his life changed forever after discovering Nandi's Knowledge Cafe. “This ain't gentrification, this is cultural resurrection,” he says, pushing a vision of Highland Park as the next Harlem. Whether it's Dutch Girl at 2 AM or lessons from Malcolm X, this conversation is Detroit culture. 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 experience more of what makes Detroit different. Follow, like, share, and subscribe to the Podcast on iTunes, Google Play, and Sticher. Comment, suggest and connect with the podcast by emailing info@detroitisdifferent.com

"Are you gonna paint that, or feel that?" Sydney G. James drops that kind of heat in this no-holds-barred Detroit is Different conversation. She brings the stories behind the Blackout Walls, the politics of public art, and the legacy of Black family in Detroit into vivid focus. “People don't understand—when I painted at MOCAD, folks walked in and said, ‘This feel like Grandma's house.' That's art!” Sydney shares her journey from drawing cartoons at three to setting visual standards with murals that honor, heal, and celebrate Detroit. “We need pamphlets with every house in Conant Gardens,” she says, lifting up the deep lineage of culture in neighborhoods dismissed as 'red zones.' From Cass Tech to CCS, from LA TV sets to East Side lots, this episode is a masterclass in keeping it real, bold, and Black in the city that raised her. “I didn't paint next to another Black woman until I hired her,” she reveals—making clear why Black women artists must not just be included but lead. 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 experience more of what makes Detroit different. Follow, like, share, and subscribe to the Podcast on iTunes, Google Play, and Sticher. Comment, suggest and connect with the podcast by emailing info@detroitisdifferent.com

“I had to unlearn the industry to remember my soul.” That's the heartbeat of this Detroit is Different episode featuring Sarah Jane Mark—a fiber artist, educator, and spiritual architect of community healing. In this conversation, Sarah Jane shares her journey from the fast-paced fashion world of Los Angeles to the soulful streets of Detroit, where she co-founded Neighborhood Art School and Selah House with her husband, Billy Mark. She delves into how her experiences in artist residencies and spiritual communities have shaped her approach to sustainable fashion and community engagement. Listeners will be inspired by her commitment to creating spaces that nurture creativity, spirituality, and communal living. Join us as we explore the transformative power of art, faith, and community in Sarah Jane's life and work. 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 experience more of what makes Detroit different. Follow, like, share, and subscribe to the Podcast on iTunes, Google Play, and Sticher. Comment, suggest and connect with the podcast by emailing info@detroitisdifferent.com

"‘Don't send me home—I'm in pain.' That's what I told the ER doctor. If she hadn't listened, I probably wouldn't be here today." Lisa Whitmore Davis sits down in the Detroit is Different studio on Mother's Day and unpacks a journey that touches the soul and strikes a chord in every Detroit family. From her upbringing in Benton Harbor—"We were the only Whitmores in the phone book"—to leading cultural change in organizations like AARP, Lisa's story is rich with service, legacy, and resilience. In this powerful interview, Lisa speaks candidly about her battle with breast cancer, the power of Black women's voices in healthcare—"I had to fight to be believed"—and the documentary project birthed from her pain. Along the way, she shares why she chose Detroit over Birmingham, how her daughter's school sat next to the Charles H. Wright Museum, and the spirit of service instilled by her missionary father and nursing mother. This episode dives deep into culture, caregiving, spirituality, community, and the healing power of storytelling. “Culture is identity,” Lisa says. And her identity is deeply Detroit. 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 experience more of what makes Detroit different. Follow, like, share, and subscribe to the Podcast on iTunes, Google Play, and Sticher. Comment, suggest and connect with the podcast by emailing info@detroitisdifferent.com

"I used to think I had it all together—until I saw my own Facebook post saying I was studying in the library the same semester I failed every class." This brutally honest, powerful, and uplifting Detroit is Different episode features Shawntae Harris Mintline, Detroit Center Director for Grand Valley State University's OMNI program, who shares her incredible story of resilience through housing insecurity, financial struggle, and academic burnout. From couch surfing through the Great Recession to eventually earning multiple degrees and shaping innovative higher ed solutions, Shawntae breaks down how navigating systemic gaps turned her into an empathetic, radically student-centered leader. With raw reflections on poverty (“It costs more to be poor”), emotional truths about being a first-gen college student, and sharp insights into building support systems for adults with unfinished degrees, Shawntae shows how lived experience becomes expertise. Hosted by Khary Frazier, this episode is a masterclass in how personal transformation meets institutional change—with Montell Jordan playing in the background and a trip to Bert's BBQ sealing the Detroit stamp of approval. Tune in to hear why Grand Valley's Detroit Center is not just another campus—it's a place where doors open, people say “yes,” and education bends to meet you where you are. 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 experience more of what makes Detroit different. Follow, like, share, and subscribe to the Podcast on iTunes, Google Play, and Sticher. Comment, suggest and connect with the podcast by emailing info@detroitisdifferent.com

"If you never lived in a beloved community, you'll never know what it's all about." In this powerful and personal episode of Detroit is Different, Coach Kellogg known on the ballot as Kevin Jones—steps into the studio not just as a lifelong Eastsider but as a griot of the neighborhood he loves and serves. From growing up on St. Aubin and Leland to organizing one of Detroit's largest neighborhood cookouts and now running for City Council in District 5, Kevin drops gems like, "We are not just restoring homes, we are restoring hope." This conversation covers everything from his family's Great Migration story out of Bessemer, Alabama, to the transformative power of youth basketball leagues, and the resilience it took to turn incarceration into community planning. As he says, "My nonprofit was born behind prison walls, but its mission was born from love." If you've ever questioned what real grassroots leadership looks like in Detroit, this is the blueprint. Tune in for a dialogue packed with purpose, Eastside pride, and the kind of truth that makes you lean in and listen harder. 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 experience more of what makes Detroit different. Follow, like, share, and subscribe to the Podcast on iTunes, Google Play, and Sticher. Comment, suggest and connect with the podcast by emailing info@detroitisdifferent.com

"You only sustain a business when your team feels like family and your customers feel like home." In this powerhouse episode of Detroit is Different, entrepreneur and Good Cakes and Bakes founder April Anderson returns to the studio to deliver game like only she can. From rocking Chadsey gear around the Northwestern representer, territory to diving deep into the ever-evolving landscape of Detroit's small business ecosystem, April keeps it raw, insightful, and inspiring. She unpacks what 12 years of entrepreneurship has taught her—especially post-pandemic—about leadership, empathy, culture, and customer service. Whether it's discussing her journey from building an e-commerce platform before it was trendy, maintaining payroll through lean seasons, or how she's learned that she might need to be less of a boss and more of a bridge, this episode is pure gems. April lays out the real on building a team, making tough calls, and the pivot from selling sweets to sustaining community. It's about legacy, leadership, and lemon meringue cupcakes. Don't miss this masterclass in Black business brilliance from one of Detroit's most respected voices. 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 experience more of what makes Detroit different. Follow, like, share, and subscribe to the Podcast on iTunes, Google Play, and Sticher. Comment, suggest and connect with the podcast by emailing info@detroitisdifferent.com

“The breath is the spirit, and your diaphragm is the altar.” In this episode of Detroit is Different, Bryce Detroit opens the mic and the mind. From respiratory therapy to rap, ancestral stories from Lexington, Mississippi to Kinston, North Carolina to the East Side of Detroit, Bryce reveals the roots that shaped his revolutionary rhythm. “You know your breath ain't right when your shoulders rise—that's not breath, that's stress.” A deep dive into the soul science of breathing, Black migration, music engineering, and building Black economic infrastructure. Bryce drops life lessons, laughs, and liberation philosophies. “We're not mimicking the system—we're building our own damn machine.” Tune in for ancestral tributes, Halle Raiders memories, Cast Tech revelations, and how a Merlot Benz, Jarvis from Iron Man, and Trading Places all connect to healing through culture. “Call yourself the thing, then do the thing—identity is the key to behavior.” You'll learn, feel, and be inspired to build the new Detroit. 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 experience more of what makes Detroit different. Follow, like, share, and subscribe to the Podcast on iTunes, Google Play, and Sticher. Comment, suggest and connect with the podcast by emailing info@detroitisdifferent.com

"You don't know Detroit 'til you know Vinewood!" In this deeply-rooted, powerful conversation, Victoria Camille takes us on a journey through generational migration, community transformation, and grassroots organizing. From her granddad “Kid Heney” the boxer at Joe Louis Arena, to growing up in River Rouge and Santa Rosa, to facing the harsh realities of returning to a declining Vinewood, Victoria brings layered Detroit truths: “I thought I saw a ghost—it was Auntie Lulu on my porch.” This Detroit is Different episode spans from field trips in a hippie teacher's van to fighting off street racers with flower beds and block clubs. Victoria shares the real reasons she's running for Police Commissioner in District 7: “We need to move from policing to true community safety.” If you've ever wondered how to turn inherited homes into healing spaces or how to push yourself to the edge like a 400-meter sprint, this one's for you. 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 experience more of what makes Detroit different. Follow, like, share, and subscribe to the Podcast on iTunes, Google Play, and Sticher. Comment, suggest and connect with the podcast by emailing info@detroitisdifferent.com

"Supporting your people isn't always convenient—but it's powerful.” That's the gospel according to poet, author, and creator Shaun Moore-Bey. In this soul-stirring Detroit is Different episode, Shaun takes us on a journey from Conant Gardens to the Cass Tech classrooms, from Mississippi family reunions to standing-room-only poetry readings. “I was the nerd with a hundred X-Men toys, making up universes,” Shaun recalls. But his imagination and deep ancestral lessons from his grandfather—"Jesus is Black" being the first eye-opener—planted a seed that bloomed through hip hop, community activism, and the written word. From prison time to poetic purpose, Shaun's story is a testimony to transformation. He speaks candidly about internal healing, cultural pride, and why “words are spells” that can build or break a people. Tune in to hear how this Positive Poet uses storytelling to uplift Black women, honor elders, and create a legacy for the next thousand years. "To love me is to love Black women," he says. "We're not separate—we're two sides of the same coin." 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 experience more of what makes Detroit different. Follow, like, share, and subscribe to the Podcast on iTunes, Google Play, and Sticher. Comment, suggest and connect with the podcast by emailing info@detroitisdifferent.com

"I never ran for office thinking that I was going to be rich. I already knew. How did I know? Because your dad, my dad, we weren't poor as folks would like to say. Folks don't like to use the word poor anymore. But we weren't in poverty, or we weren't unfortunate in a lot of ways, but we weren't rich. We still had tough times." From family councils and tech legacies to state politics and AI innovations, Fred Durhal III's life is a masterclass in leadership forged through Detroit's unique cultural and political terrain. Raised in a family that counted MLK allies and owned tech firms before Black tech was a trend, Durhal says, “Public service was never a choice — it was a calling.” He shares how music shaped his leadership style, the reality of being a Black state rep under constant scrutiny, and why he's running for mayor: “I want to rebuild Detroit through the strength of our families.” This Detroit is Different interview dives into roots, representation, and the relentless hope that fuels his vision. 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 experience more of what makes Detroit different. Follow, like, share, and subscribe to the Podcast on iTunes, Google Play, and Sticher. Comment, suggest and connect with the podcast by emailing info@detroitisdifferent.com

"I sang before I could talk,” says Steffanie Christi'an, capturing the essence of a voice born in rhythm and raised on soul. In this powerful Detroit is Different interview, Steffanie weaves a narrative of musical lineage rooted in Southfield, church choirs, and impromptu jam sessions with her grandfather who taught her guitar and blues. She reflects on her time at Aisha Shule, calling it "one of the most enlightening and enriching experiences in my life," and opens up about the real grind behind artistry—from acapella basement recordings to demo sessions in New York. Her journey, blessed by mentors like Proof and molded by family legacy, affirms the beauty of persistence. “I always wanted to be Beyoncé before Beyoncé,” she laughs, before revealing how redefining success keeps her creating across genres, from rock and roll to house music with Inner City. As she puts it, “Rock and roll is just the blues sped up,” and Steffanie Christi'an's story is a soundtrack of resilience, reinvention, and unapologetic Black womanhood in music. 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 experience more of what makes Detroit different. Follow, like, share, and subscribe to the Podcast on iTunes, Google Play, and Sticher. Comment, suggest and connect with the podcast by emailing info@detroitisdifferent.com

“My grandmother taught me how to program when I was seven,” Bryan Campbell shares, setting the tone for a story that stretches from East Side Detroit roots to Silicon Valley boardrooms. In this powerful Detroit is Different interview, Bryan opens up about hacking school systems as a teenager, building websites for Michigan State before they even knew what email was, and becoming a key engineer behind ad systems that generated billions at Google. With family ties to tech pioneers and civil rights activism, Bryan's journey includes personal battles—divorce, depression, and alcohol abuse—during his tenure at tech giants like Google and Amazon. Yet his story transforms when he returns to Detroit and builds his own firm, Pec Tech, from the ground up. “I didn't walk away from Amazon; I walked toward healing,” Bryan says, reflecting on faith, failure, and finding purpose beyond corporate success 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 experience more of what makes Detroit different. Follow, like, share, and subscribe to the Podcast on iTunes, Google Play, and Sticher. Comment, suggest and connect with the podcast by emailing info@detroitisdifferent.com

“An abandoned house is not an abandoned house unless I see it as that.” In this soul-stirring Detroit is Different interview, Kim Sherobbi reflects on her lifelong commitment to community, tracing her purpose from childhood fashion shows on Bethune Street to founding the Birwood House as a space of radical love and collective leadership. Guided by a lineage of powerful Black women like her grandmother Lula White—"block club president for real"—and shaped by organizers like Ron Scott and the Boggs Center, Sherobbi affirms, “We can figure out how to go through this journey no matter what.” Her story illustrates how deeply community, family, and grief interweave into our purpose: “Community is big… people came to us and loved on us.” Through organizing block parties, teaching physical education with intention, and nurturing youth through programs like Community Lens, Kim lives the ethos that supporting others in finding their power is where transformation begins. 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 experience more of what makes Detroit different. Follow, like, share, and subscribe to the Podcast on iTunes, Google Play, and Sticher. Comment, suggest and connect with the podcast by emailing info@detroitisdifferent.com

“You can't put love into a house you don't own.” That one quote encapsulates the spirit of Ken Elkins' journey, vision, and mission as founder of Renewed. In this powerful Detroit is Different interview, Ken speaks truth to the generational impact of housing instability, sharing how growing up in a series of rentals shaped his understanding of pride, permanence, and purpose. From his early days in Saginaw, working at Chuck E. Cheese and joining the Navy Reserves just to find a path to college, to co-founding Ferris State's “Black Leaders Aspiring for Critical Knowledge,” Ken's life is a testament to how community can turn potential into power. “When I owned my first home, I felt value for the first time,” he reflects. Now, he's pouring that lesson back into Detroit, offering affordable homes where the mortgage is never more than 25% of your income. It's not just about equity—it's about emotional stability, dignity, and the ripple effects of ownership for families who have long been priced out of their own neighborhoods. As Ken puts it, “I can't stop the developers, but I can flip one house and keep that in the community.” Filled with laughter, real talk, and a deeply rooted love for the culture—yes, lamb chops, buffs, and all—this episode is a masterclass in what it means to build legacy through healing and homeownership. 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 experience more of what makes Detroit different. Follow, like, share, and subscribe to the Podcast on iTunes, Google Play, and Sticher. Comment, suggest and connect with the podcast by emailing info@detroitisdifferent.com

"We are not here for ourselves—we are here for other people. Period." These words from Orena Perry don't just summarize her perspective—they declare her purpose. Her story, like so many rooted in Detroit, is a vibrant blend of faith, family, and fearless entrepreneurship. From her great-grandmother's home on Calvert to the stages of Jazz on the Boulevard and the halls of Redford High, Orena's life journey has been one of intention, perseverance, and spiritual grounding. “I've always been a servant,” she says, reflecting on years organizing events, empowering Black-owned businesses, and uplifting voices through conferences, prayer breakfasts, and women's luncheons. After surviving a near-fatal car accident in high school, Orena's life took on a deeper clarity—faith became more than a belief; it became her strategy. “God can tell you when to move, when to stop, and when something is over—but you've got to be able to listen,” she shares. As a mother of three daughters who each embody her entrepreneurial spirit—one in design, one in administration, and one leading programs for autistic youth—Orena has turned her business into a family legacy. Watching them blossom, she says, is her proudest accomplishment. Whether mentoring young boys through the Loop It program, or sharing stages with legends during her Detroit Black Expo days, her impact has always extended far beyond any resume. “It was never about me,” she insists. “It was always about them.” With a laugh that warms the soul and a conviction that can organize armies, Orena Perry walks in grace, models resilience, and reminds Detroit—and the world—that healing begins when we make space to breathe, listen, and serve. What in Orena's journey inspires you to listen more deeply to your own calling? 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 experience more of what makes Detroit different. Follow, like, share, and subscribe to the Podcast on iTunes, Google Play, and Sticher. Comment, suggest and connect with the podcast by emailing info@detroitisdifferent.com

“You all live in the realm of impossibility because you've been conditioned by Western society to understand why a thing is not possible. Unlike you, my friends, I live in the realm of the impossible.” In this rich and deeply introspective episode of the Detroit is Different podcast, community organizer and cultural educator Raúl Echevarría shares a powerful narrative of transformation, memory, and resistance through his journey from Chicago's Puerto Rican Humboldt Park to Detroit's vibrant but complex Southwest. With profound insight into community organizing, Raúl emphasizes the spirit and commitment it takes to truly work within and uplift neighborhoods: “You've got to come correct,” he says, reflecting on his own approach to entering Detroit's unique cultural landscape. This isn't just talk—it's a testament to a life of praxis rooted in justice, spirituality, and cultural preservation. He unpacks his work saving the oldest Puerto Rican mural in Chicago, “The Crucifixion of Don Pedro,” noting, “We own our own shit,” affirming a community's right to its land and legacy. Through storytelling, Raúl brings the listener into the sacred act of community dreaming, describing workshops where “memory energy” transforms defeat into imagination. He challenges the false idol of rugged individualism, reminding us that “we've always been collective,” and that collectivity is a form of resistance in a system that benefits from our fragmentation. From maroon communities resisting colonial empires to the reawakening of African memory through Puerto Rican Bomba, Raúl's perspective connects dots across time, space, and struggle. “Part of the challenge for the organizer,” he explains, “is can the organizer adopt the motif of vision caster... who goes into the other realm and then convinces the people?” This episode is a masterclass in organizing as spiritual and cultural labor, where remembering itself is revolutionary. 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 experience more of what makes Detroit different. Follow, like, share, and subscribe to the Podcast on iTunes, Google Play, and Sticher. Comment, suggest and connect with the podcast by emailing info@detroitisdifferent.com

We need to be healed as a community.” Krystal Larsosa, co-founder of the Black Marriage Movement, sits down to share an intimate and powerful journey rooted in love, healing, and transformation through marriage. Raised on the same Detroit block where she met her now-husband Jasahn at age 12, Krystal opens up about the realness of growing into womanhood in the heart of the city, the impact of protection and stability in relationships, and the vision she and Jasahn share for healing Black families through the institution of marriage. From weathering literal fires in their home to building the Black Marriage Movement from the ground up, Krystal speaks with vulnerability and wisdom on the challenges and triumphs of cultivating a love that not only nurtures a household but strengthens a community. She speaks candidly on learning the true roles of wife and mother, reshaping narratives around submission and support, and creating spaces like the Detroit Wives Club and Birth Fathers Detroit to educate, affirm, and uplift Black love. This episode is a rich blend of personal storytelling, cultural critique, and community visioning, echoing the foundational Detroit is Different mission of “healing community through culture.” Krystal's story is more than a testimony—it's a blueprint for rebuilding the foundation of family, legacy, and power in our neighborhoods. 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 experience more of what makes Detroit different. Follow, like, share, and subscribe to the Podcast on iTunes, Google Play, and Sticher. Comment, suggest and connect with the podcast by emailing info@detroitisdifferent.com

"The gift of God to us in marriage is that it perfects our love." In this powerful second installment of the Black Marriage Movement series, Jasahn Larsosa shares an emotionally resonant reflection on what it means to grow as a man, a husband, and a father within the framework of love, commitment, and community. Joined in life and purpose by his wife, Krystal Larsosa, Jasahn unpacks the complex journey from his early ideals shaped by television portrayals of Black family life to the real-world models of married couples in his Detroit neighborhood—people who anchored and enriched the block. His story of longing for Krystal since they were teenagers, detouring through revolutionary activism and spiritual searching, and ultimately returning to build a life together, is filled with depth and honesty. From navigating the unspoken fears Black men carry around provision and protection, to enduring a house fire that reshaped their home and outlook, Jasahn reveals how marriage has refined not only his sense of responsibility, but also his sense of self. Together, the Larsosas are redefining Black love through the Black Marriage Movement, a ministry of healing, truth-telling, and empowerment that challenges dominant narratives and uplifts the unseen strength of Black fathers and husbands. This isn't just a story of partnership—it's one of purpose, legacy, and the sacred work of building family as a revolutionary act. 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 experience more of what makes Detroit different. Follow, like, share, and subscribe to the Podcast on iTunes, Google Play, and Sticher. Comment, suggest and connect with the podcast by emailing info@detroitisdifferent.com

“You know Detroit is about the look, the feel, it's a Detroit essence to the culture.” That essence radiates through Jessica Blair, the visionary behind Jessica Blair Beauty, a proudly Black-owned beauty supply store in the heart of Rosedale Park on Grand River. From learning hair care in her grandmother's community-rooted home on Blaine Street to launching her own store after midnight shifts in psych hospitals, Jessica's journey is one of resilience and intention. “It sounded crazy, but I felt like it was God telling me — no, this is what you need to do,” she shares. Her shop bridges tradition and trend, offering everything from natural hair essentials like TGIN to bundles and silk press staples. And she's not just selling beauty — she's restoring a legacy. “It was very community oriented,” Jessica remembers of her upbringing, a value now baked into her brand. Through thefts, floods, and pandemic pivots, she turned setbacks into success. Her grand opening on February 21 marked more than a business launch — it's a celebration of Detroit beauty, Black womanhood, and the power of doing it yourself, for your people. 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 experience more of what makes Detroit different. Follow, like, share, and subscribe to the Podcast on iTunes, Google Play, and Sticher. Comment, suggest and connect with the podcast by emailing info@detroitisdifferent.com

“God said, give 'em drum machines—and see what happens.” That's the dream Mike Huckaby shared, and it's the heartbeat of God Said Give 'Em Drum Machines, the acclaimed documentary by Detroit filmmaker Kristian Hill that restores techno's true story—deeply rooted in Black Detroit creativity, culture, and resilience. “We had a grocery store on Hastings Street. My grandfather ran numbers,” Hill recalls, grounding his storytelling in generations of Detroit legacy, from his grandmother Mabel White teaching home economics at Kettering and cooking for Aretha Franklin, to DJing with friends like Al Ester and parking cars outside Cheeks while legends like Jeff Mills and Stacey Hale spun inside. The film traces the untold journey of techno's pioneers—Juan Atkins, Kevin Saunderson, Derrick May, Eddie Fowlkes, Blake Baxter, and Santonio Echols—as Hill and his team follow the music from Detroit to Amsterdam, Japan, South Africa, and even Nizhny Novgorod, Russia, where locals called it “the Detroit of Russia” and clubs pulsed with Detroit's sound. “We got the stars,” Hill says, referring to the Belleville Three and others, “but nobody ever tells the story.” Fueled by years of footage and shaped in long, late-night edit sessions, the documentary is not only a cinematic reclaiming of techno's Black roots but a personal odyssey of creative purpose. “It's not just a link. It's an experience,” Hill emphasizes, reminding audiences that this is more than a movie—it's Detroit history set to a beat that moved the world. 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 experience more of what makes Detroit different. Follow, like, share, and subscribe to the Podcast on iTunes, Google Play, and Sticher. Comment, suggest and connect with the podcast by emailing info@detroitisdifferent.com

“I told my mama, ‘I want to take my dad to school,' and she said, ‘Pick a man you like.' I said, ‘Richard Pryor.' She said, ‘All right, that's your daddy.'” That's how Spanky Hayes kicks off a raw, hilarious, and deeply Detroit story in his Detroit is Different interview. From dodging gang members in LA while wearing a bloody borrowed T-shirt, to his Cuban roots in Havana where “it's like being in 1984,” Spanky brings humor and heart. His reflections on Hollywood hit just as powerfully: “To be a star, you gotta be likable—people gotta want to be around you for 30 days straight on set.” He opens up about the ups and downs of holding deals, the pain of seeing his original crew's idea become Wild 'N Out without the proper credit, and how he helped build it from the ground up. “We didn't get the deal, but Nick did—and he kept his word.” Spanky also breaks down how the internet changed comedy forever: “It's not about talent anymore—it's about who's posting the most.” Despite the challenges, he's still committed to the craft: “I'm the Morpheus for Detroit comedians in LA. I've got the keys to the game.” With stories from backstage with MC Lyte to acting dreams sparked by Juice, Spanky blends street wisdom, comedic hustle, and cultural commentary in a way only a Detroiter can. 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 experience more of what makes Detroit different. Follow, like, share, and subscribe to the Podcast on iTunes, Google Play, and Sticher. Comment, suggest and connect with the podcast by emailing info@detroitisdifferent.com

"My mother said, 'You are what you say.'" Kalimah Johnson—also known on Detroit's hip hop scene as the legendary emcee Nikki D—graces the Detroit is Different studio with a life story that echoes through generations, cultures, and communities. This deeply moving and powerful episode journeys through Kalimah's evolution from North End storyteller and spoken word champion to founder and CEO of SASHA Center, Detroit's leading resource for sexual assault healing centered on Black women. "Hip hop prepared me for audience energy," she reflects, tracing her artistry back to freestyle battles with Mozzy Ski and her tenure at World One Records where “they took good care of me.” We hear of ancestral roots from the Bradley Plantation in Kentucky to Black Bottom Detroit, and we witness the impact of “culture curing and history healing.” She speaks of spiritual fortitude—“There is something spiritual and transformative about using your voice”—and boldly confronts trauma with a call for love and accountability: “Violence doesn't have a gender. We all need a soft place to land.” The episode dives into Kalimah's multifaceted life as a natural hair cultivator, poet, social worker, and visionary, creating sacred spaces for Black men and women to reclaim their narratives. “You can't make sense out of nonsense,” she and host Khary Frazier agree, as they unravel the cultural, political, and personal threads shaping Detroit's soul. 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 experience more of what makes Detroit different. Follow, like, share, and subscribe to the Podcast on iTunes, Google Play, and Sticher. Comment, suggest and connect with the podcast by emailing info@detroitisdifferent.com