Detroit Today with Stephen Henderson

Created Equal is about the promise of opportunity and the challenge of inequality from the city that built America — Detroit. Exploring the strings of inequality that run through the American experience, each episode explores the question: How did we arrive at this moment in history? Stephen Henderson hosts, building on familiar themes from Detroit Today, which is now an archived show. Search for Created Equal from WDET Detroit Public Radio on your favorite podcast app or WDET.org. Or listen live weekdays, 9-10 a.m. on 101.9 FM in Detroit.

Much like I-375 in Detroit, cities around the US are undergoing highway removal projects. But what can we learn from how they engage with the communities who will be affected by the plans? Asali DeVan Ecclesiastes, chief executive with the Ashé Cultural Arts Center in New Orleans, joins Stephen to share what it's like for the community to be involved at the onset of a highway's removal. Then, Regan Patterson, assistant professor of civil and environmental engineering at the University of California, stops by to share if there is an effective process for highway removal that can repair and reconcile communities next to highways.

Continuing our Reckoning 375 series, Jonathan Loree from the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) joins Stephen to explain why the department plans to build a road where I-375 currently exists. Then, former Detroit Free Press columnist John Gallagher explains how we got to this point in the project's existence.

On this re-aired conversation, we continue our mini-series "Reckoning 375" with a look at the history of Black Bottom and Paradise Valley. Stephen Henderson is joined by Detroit historian Jamon Jordan and researcher Emily Kutil to take a closer look at the history and culture of Black Bottom and Paradise Valley amid plans to replace I-375 in downtown Detroit with a six-lane boulevard.

Beginning with the voices of people who lived in or were connected to Black Bottom and were forced to move due to the construction of I-375, Stephen Henderson and Nick Austin re-air this Detroit Today miniseries — Reckoning 375 — every Friday until late November. In this episode, they listen to recordings from Bert Dearing, Jr. of Bert's Marketplace, Marsha Music, a voice narrator and artist, and Gloria Hopkins, a former resident of Black Bottom, and explore what the neighborhood mean to them and the consequences of dismantling it in lieu of constructing I-375.

From policy proposals to 80s music references, a lot happened at Gov. Whitmer's 2024 State of the State address. Zach Gorchow of Gongwer News Service, longtime political consultant Greg Bowens, and Lauren Gibbons of Bridge Michigan, join Stephen to break down the speech, including the specific policy proposals and what we should expect from Lansing ahead of the upcoming elections.

A new proposed tax credit from Gov. Gretchen Whitmer would provide up to $5,000 in relief to caregivers in the state. Advocates suggest the relief would be especially helpful for members of the 'sandwich' generation -- working adults who care for their minor children, while simultaneously serving as the primary caregiver for aging parents and the challenges they face with conditions like dementia. Danielle Atkinson, Founding Director of Mothering Justice, joins Stephen to discuss why her organization is supportive of the proposal. Then, Wayne State University Assistant Professor Amanda Leggett stops by to detail her research into the 'sandwich' generation, including what makes their caretaking challenges unique and ways we can help reduce the burden.

Detroit's Reparations Task Force has had a bumpy road of late, with three vacancies and inconsistent meetings. So, what's next with the task force? And, what are they doing to get back on track. Reparations Task Force Co-chair Keith Williams, and the founders of the African American Redress Network discuss the new efforts that are happening to study past harms done to Black Detroiters. Malachi Barrett of Bridge Detroit joins to offer context to the situation.

Half of Detroit's residents are renters. On this re-aired episode of Detroit Today, Anika Goss, CEO of Detroit Future City says to increase homeownership in the city, we need banks to support lending for homes priced under $100,000. Goss and Stephen also discussed the barriers to homeownership for Black residents and the importance of homeownership as a key way to build generational wealth.

Sports stadiums and teams get millions and even billions of dollars of tax breaks and that begs the question: Should Detroit and other cities be luring sports teams if they have to give up a lot of money in order to do so? Bill Shea, a sports business journalist and novelist, and David Berri, a sports economist and professor at Southern Utah University, join Stephen to discuss whether sports teams are worth it.

The Detroit Lions are going to the second round of the playoffs, and it has a lot of people really excited. Tim Alberta, best-selling author and staff writer for The Atlantic magazine, received national acclaim for his article, “The Thrill of Defeat”, which highlights how his life was shaped by watching the Detroit Lions lose. Tim joins Stephen to talk about what this moment means for them and Michiganders.

A new report by the Annie E. Casey Foundation highlighted a growing opportunity gap between African American students in the state and their white peers. How much of that is simply about poverty? And, how can we help close it? Detroit Public Schools Community District Superintendent Dr. Nikolai Vitti joins Stephen to discuss. Then, Brookings Institution Senior Fellow Jon Valant explores what policies need to be implemented to close the educational opportunity gap.

Amusement taxes are common way for cities to capture revenue from sporting events, but not in Michigan. Could a new tax provide much-needed funding for city services? Eric Lupher, Robin Boyle and Charles Ballard join Stephen to discuss the renewed push for implementing amusement taxes in Detroit.

Why does America still have a problem with homelessness, and why has the issue been getting worse more recently in both the city and our country? Journalist Nushrat Rahman and Tonya Hogan, a formerly homeless individual in Detroit, explore the issue locally. Then, scholar and author Gregg Colburn joins Stephen to discuss why homelessness is fundamentally a housing issue.

Detroit's NAACP President Reverend Wendell Anthony joins Stephen to discuss Dr. Martin Luther King's impact in Detroit as well as his relationship to the NAACP. Then, we take a listen to Dr. King's "I Have a Dream" speech in Detroit, where he first gave it.

State lawmakers have done a lot to reform its juvenile justice system, but advocates want to see more done to help rehabilitate, rather than simply punish, young people who've done harm. Advocates from the ACLU of Michigan, in addition to a state senator and law professor join Stephen to discuss the reforms that have happened in this space, and what more needs to be done.

A court recently ruled that some of Michigan's state House and Senate maps violated the Voting Rights Act and made it harder for Black Detroiters to achieve proper representation. The Michigan Independent Citizen's Redistricting Commission -- the body that created the state's maps -- has voted to appeal this decision, but the claim suggests a lot of questions. What do fair political maps look like in Southeast Michigan? And, what should political representation look like? A local representative from Detroit, and those opposing and supporting the court's decision join Stephen to discuss.

Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan's Land Value Tax Plan would change the way the city values houses and the land. But is it a good idea? Nick Allen suggested the solution to the mayor and joins Stephen to make the case for the plan. Alex Alsup also joins the show to discuss if it will force land speculators in the city to behave any differently. This episode first aired on WDET on November, 16, 2023.

On Saturday, Michigan Republicans voted to oust party chair Kristina Karamo. While Karamo maintains the removal is invalid, what are the ramifications for the state ahead of the 2024 elections? Vance Patrick, chairman of the Oakland County Republican Party joins Stephen to discuss why he believes the vote occurred and what it means for the party. Next, political consultant Dennis Darnoi discusses the underlying turmoil in the party and the historic nature of the vote. Finally, American Enterprise Institute senior fellow Tim Carney stops by to discuss the significance of the vote and how it fits into the broader political trends occurring in the Republican party.

Stephen talks with David French about the disconnect between conservatism and the Republican Party. Originally published November 22, 2022.

A number of Democrats are running to take over for Sen. Debbie Stabenow, who decided to not run for reelection. In this re-aired episode of Detroit Today, Stephen talks with some of those candidates, in addition to Senator Debbie Stabenow.

Several Republicans have jumped into the race for Senate in Michigan. On this re-aired program, Detroit Today looks back at the candidates running for the seat made open by Sen. Debbie Stabenow's decision not to run for reelection.

Can a third party ticket like the one proposed by No Labels prevail in Michigan? Retired Michigan U.S. Rep. Fred Upton and political science professor Bernard Tamas joined Detroit Today to discuss the No Labels party and its chances to succeed in the 2024 election.

After 20 years of development, Detroit's Riverwalk now spans 3.5 miles. Detroit Riverfront Conservancy president and CEO Mark Wallace joins Stephen to share the story of Detroit's riverfront development, and what they hope to accomplish in the future.

In December, the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) approved a rate increase for DTE Energy customers and greenlit the construction of a tunnel for Enbridge Energy's Line 5 fossil fuel pipeline under the Straits of Mackinac. Dan Scripps, Chair of the MPSC joined Stephen to explain why the 3-person committee approved both of the controversial and unpopular proposals. Rachel Gold, from the Rocky Mountain Institute also joined to discuss how other utility commissions operate elsewhere in the United States. Originally published December 8, 2023.

With Israeli military action accounting for more than 20,000 deaths in Gaza, the Israel-Hamas war is dividing Democratic representatives and voters here in southeast Michigan. Metro Detroit is home to 70,000 Jewish residents and the largest concentration of Arab Americans in the U.S. Stephen spoke with Dennis Darnoi and Greg Bowens about how both political parties are responding to the war and the consequences for future elections. Originally published November 1, 2023.

Half of Detroit's residents are renters. Anika Goss of Detroit Future City says to increase homeownership in the city, we need banks to support lending for homes priced under $100,000. Goss and Stephen also discussed the barriers to homeownership for Black residents and the importance of homeownership as a key way to build generational wealth. Originally published December 5, 2023.

We've had some ups and downs in 2023 but we made it to Festivus! Following the holiday spirit, Detroit Today discusses things that drive us nuts to honor the fake holiday made famous by Frank Costanza on the 90s sitcom Seinfeld. Nancy Kaffer, the editorial page editor of the Detroit Free Press, Kim Trent, the Deputy Director for the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, and WDET's Ryan Patrick Hooper, all joined to air their grievances with Stephen Henderson.

In 2016, Donald Trump won 81 percent of the white Evangelical vote. In the 2020 presidential election, that number went essentially unchanged. Over the last few decades, white evangelical Christians have become a critical part of the Republican Party. And because of that, they both changed American politics and the way the church operates. In a new book, “The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory: American Evangelicals in an Age of Extremism,” Brighton, Michigan native and author Tim Alberta explores this trend, and more.

Governor Whitmer created the "Growing Michigan Together Council" earlier this summer to reverse Michigan's sluggish population growth. In July, Stephen sat down with a group of young professionals to talk about choosing to live in Michigan (or not).

Detroit has lost 10 grocery stores since 2017. What does this mean for residents and how are community members working to reverse this trend? Malik Yakini of the Detroit Black Community Food Sovereignty Network joins Stephen to discuss the differences between food security and food sovereignty, and what he believes the city can do to increase access to healthy food and groceries. Then Winona Bynum from the Detroit Food Policy Council stops by to discuss the issue.

Detroit is nearing its lowest yearly murder total in almost 60 years. What is driving this reduction in crime? Detroit Police Department (DPD) Assistant Chief Charles Fitzgerald joins Stephen to discuss the collaborative efforts of city, county, and state officials under the Gun Violence Reduction Partnership he believes is critical to its success. Then, criminologist Ernesto Lopez joins to discuss nationwide trends in violent crime.

Detroit is now home to America's first stretch of road that wirelessly charges electric vehicles. The inductive-charging roadway in Corktown was a collaboration between four primary agencies — the Michigan Department of Transportation, the City of Detroit, Newlab at Michigan Central and the company Electreon. Tim Slusser, the Chief of Mobility Innovation at the City of Detroit joined Stephen to discuss the road project and the potential future of infrastructure in the city. Then, Nick Nigro, Founder of Atlas Public Policy, joined to explore America's growing electric vehicle infrastructure.

In the 1920s, Detroit considered replacing its streetcar system with a full blown subway system, but the city abandoned the idea. Jake Berman, author of the new book, “The Lost Subways of North America” joined Stephen to discuss why the public transit systems in American cities have been neglected and what it would take to create high-speed rail or subways in U.S. cities.

A new development proposal from Tom Gores, Henry Ford Health, the Detroit Pistons, and Michigan State University is seeking almost $300 million in tax subsidies from the city of Detroit. Three people with close connections to the project join Stephen Henderson to make the case for why the "Future of Health" project is, or isn't, a net positive for city residents.

Michigan's Republican Party is on the verge of bankruptcy, and many want to remove chair Kristina Karamo from her seat. What do Michigan Republicans see as the problems in their own party? And, what kinds of solutions are they putting forth? Vance Patrick, chairman of Oakland County Republican Party, and Bree Moeggenberg, committeewoman for District 2 of the state Republican Party, join Stephen to discuss. Then Detroit News reporter Craig Mauger offers more context for discord in the party.

Last Friday, the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) approved a rate increase for DTE Energy customers and greenlit the construction of a tunnel for Enbridge Energy's Line 5 fossil fuel pipeline under the Straits of Mackinac. Dan Scripps, Chair of the MPSC joined Stephen to explain why the 3-person committee approved both of the controversial and unpopular proposals. Rachel Gold, from the Rocky Mountain Institute also joined to discuss how other utility commissions operate elsewhere in the United States.

Wednesday evening, Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel delivered his “State of Macomb” speech to the public. Mark joined Nick Austin to share even more insight following the speech, including how he sees his role as County Executive, why diversity is important for the county, public transit, and what the county is doing to attract new residents to the state.

The United Automotive Workers settled with automakers in October, spurring ripple effects among non-union automotive companies. Many have preemptively offered wage increases following the settlement. David Straughn, an automotive journalist for Automoblog, joined Stephen Henderson to discuss how the UAW's contract negotiations have affected the auto industry in both broad and deep ways.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan recently reached a tentative verbal contract agreement with their workers. Derrick Jackson, Vice President of UAW Local 2500, joined Stephen to discuss the finality of their strike, which had been ongoing since September. The agreement, which still needs to be ratified, promises substantial changes for the workers, including higher pay for workers earlier in their careers.

Half of Detroit's residents are renters. Anika Goss, CEO of Detroit Future City says to increase homeownership in the city, we need banks to support lending for homes priced under $100,000. Goss and Stephen also discussed the barriers to homeownership for Black residents and the importance of homeownership as a key way to build generational wealth.

Church attendance numbers are in decline for all Americans, and that's also true of Black communities. How does this change the significance of the Black church in American life? Jason Oliver Evans, a PhD candidate at the University of Virginia, focusing on Christian theology and African American religion, joined Nick Austin to discuss the shifting role of the Black church and his own personal religious journey.

The Reverend Dr. Charles Adams passed away last week. He was a preacher who led one of Detroit's Hartford Memorial Baptist Church. Kim Trent grew up listening to Rev. Adams' sermons, and recently wrote a piece in the Detroit Free Press titled, “Rev. Charles Adams was more than a pastor. He was a legend.” Kim joined Nick Austin to honor Rev. Adams and explore what he meant to Detroiters.

This isn't the first time Detroit is managing a transition from a six-lane highway to a road. Our "Reckoning: 375” series continues to look at the I-375 Reconnecting Communities Project's proposal. Antoine Bryant, Director of the Planning and Development Department for the City of Detroit talked to Stephen about the city's engagement in the project. Laura Herberg, reporter at 101.9 WDET also joined to share her investigation comparing the roadway flowing out of the M-8 Davison Freeway to the I-375 project.

On Saturday. Dec. 2, Midtown Detroit, Inc is hosting the 49th annual Noel Night. 100 venues, museums and cultural institutions are open to the public and are planning to host 80 live performances. Susan Mosey, executive director of Midtown Detroit, Inc. talks with Stephen about how the event has grown over the decades. WDET's doors are also open from 5-10 p.m. Saturday. Stroll through at 4600 Cass Avenue.

Can we come up with a reasonable solution to high property taxes in Detroit? Eric Lupher, President of the Citizens Research Council of Michigan, and John Mogk, a law professor at Wayne State University, discuss the challenges in reforming Detroit's tax system and potential solutions that could be implemented.

Workers at MotorCity Casino and Hollywood Casino in Greektown have voted to ratify a new contract. Casino employees at MGM Grand Detroit remain on strike, holding out for a better deal. Marick Masters, Chair of the Department of Finance at Wayne State University and organized labor expert, joined Stephen to compare the Detroit Casino Council with the United Automotive Workers, the logistics of bringing together multiple unions, and the difficulties of multi-employer bargaining.

What is behind the rise in worker dissatisfaction? According to Sarah Jaffe, author and co-host of the podcast “Belabored”, there's been a fundamental shift in how workers perceive their relationship with their boss. She joined Stephen to talk about the gains unionized workers in Detroit have seen in 2023 and what they mean for the future.

Stephen Henderson and Nick Austin focus on the theme of development in Detroit this year and make the case for your financial support of Detroit Today. Celebrate WDET and become a monthly sustaining donor at wdet.org. #GivingTuesday

Congressman Dan Kildee (D-Flint) has decided not to run for reelection after a cancer diagnosis and subsequent treatment. He spoke with Stephen about his accomplishments and how politics has changed since he became a congressman.

Michigan Ph.D. candidate Aya Waller-Bey explains what trauma narratives are and how they affect Black students. This episode originally aired on Detroit Today on August 30, 2023.