Detroit Is Different

Arlyssa Heard struggles with crushing debt from student loans and a high-interest car payment. The single mom was excited to get a promotion at her job, but did not want a huge raise. “The extra $150 extra take-home in my paycheck meant losing benefits worth far more,” she said. Detroit residents like Heard hear over and over again they’re to blame for their financial situations and the state of their neighborhoods. They’re told they can pull themselves up by the bootstraps if only they try hard enough. Yet the system that’s supposed to help Arlyssa keeps her from getting ahead. Our current economic system is not working to improve the lives of people in this city. Every day, Detroiters are struggling to make ends meet while enduring exploitative, poverty-wage jobs and punitive, deficit-based social support programs. For decades now, Detroit has been ranked among the cities with the highest rates of poverty. As a native Detroiter, this sobering reality hits home. Detroiters deserve better…Detroiters demand b

Ypsilanti is a city between Detroit and Ann Arbor that mixes a bit of both culture. Chanel Stitt grew up in Ypsilanti with interest in Detroit. Detroit captured her heart at a young age. U of M Dearborn was Chanel’s gateway to activism, culture, entertainment, restaurants, and small business throughout Detroit. Chanel joined many student organizations and eventually interned with the Detroit Free Press. Today she covers many small businesses and local businesses throughout the city. We discuss Generation Z take on the quality of life through COVID-19, Detroit business, and social media. 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 Find out more at https://detroit-

Entertainment, cultural events, and live productions add to the essence of Detroit Summers and make Detroit Winters enjoyable. Nina Payne and Foundation Management have been a key part of high-level productions for years. Now she will welcome a collection of her friends, colleagues, and contacts in the production world to share on the All Behind the Scenes podcast. Nina shares what’s kept her working in the field, her love for events, and why she is starting her podcast.  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 Find out more at https://detroit-is-different.pinecast.co Send us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/detroit-is-different/13fc7b4f-ad

The legendary Maryann Mahaffey took a chance to work with a bright-eyed and bushy-tailed Regina Ann Campbell while serving office. Today leading Build Institute Regina applies that same selfless understanding of the people to advocate for them to systems bigger than their present state. Business development, training, and opportunity are ideas that occupy Regina’s mind. Leading Build Institute, she’s facilitating relationships between the business system and Detroit’s Small Business owners to heighten the quality of life for Detroiters. Regina’s journey is an unexpected path that is rich in community, family, academics, and prosperous relationships. Check out the Detroit is Different feature of Regina Ann Campbell.  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,

Buying a home is a benchmark of success and a sign of stability for economists and people in finance. For a family owning a home creates a place to develop culture, ethics, and find comfort. Tansley Stearns has assisted Michiganders in this journey leading Community Financial Credit Union. Tansley’s travel in career began in the world of marketing and communications. Early on in her career, she had the opportunity to work with a credit union in what has become a lifelong passion. In this interview, we discuss the Path to Homeownership, the value of diversity, and the relationship between the workplace & Generation Z. This dynamic interview explores Tansley’s drive to build relationships and bonds. Check out the Detroit is Different feature of Tansley Stearns. 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 s

If Erykah Badu and Jill Scott rhymed over something with essence was the sound Mahogany Jones was searching for. An emcee battle led her to discover Detroit as the place with that for her. Mahogany is a world-traveling emcee that mixes energy, spirit, and joy to deliver live performances that win over the most hardcore hip-hop fan and the elder that hates rap music. Mahogany opens up about her music and Detroit's role in developing her sound. We explore the role of women emcees in hip-hop, popular culture, and hip-hop culture. Check out the vibe of Mahogany Jones in her Detroit is Different feature. 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 Find out more at htt

Intelligence is as different as Detroit. One of God's greatest gifts is how our minds process, interpret, and understand information and apply it. Myka Burley had a family of love that poured into brilliance from a young age. A Grandbaby Baby, Myka grew up doted and dolled over at an early age. The principles and ethics of spending time with her elders gave Myka a mature and discipline disposition that anchors her today. Myka works to connect people and communities experiencing the digital divide to resources to succeed in today’s world of information technology. This is while assisting her son to tap into his genius of invention and love for scientific engineering. Check out the Detroit is Different feature with Myka Burley better to understand the relationship between Family & Gifted Children. 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

New Jersey is more than the home of blue-collar work and the backdrop for Bruce Springsteen records; it’s a place filled with the grit and tough attitude Detroit has. Rebecca’s journey to Detroit started long ago, transversing many places. The grit and attitude place her right at home in Detroit. Rebecca’s start in missions much more significant than herself started with connecting students to essential support labeled as additional support. From a few schools, an initiative started by Rebecca was eventually implemented across the state of New Jersey. As the program's growth spawned, the realities and limitations of the political infrastructure of America imposed the capacity restrictions of working with the people vs. the corporations. This same bold attitude in collecting thought led Rebecca to dig deeper into her experience and skills through research, data, analysis, and how that can change the community. This is an informative discussion about how developing something takes an insightful commitment. Chec

Acknowledging the brilliance of being Gifted and the essence of being Beloved are ways family poured into Sherry Gay Dagnogo as a child. Her love for Detroit runs deep from a tradition of family working for the ‘Fords’ and walking with Faith. Gospel music, math, and science were platforms that grew Sherry’s confidence to take on the world. One of the first of many college graduates from her family, Sherry blazed an unprecedented path. Her passion for teaching and delivering the best education for students moved her into community work. Learn how she keeps pace, focus, and optimism that peaceful successes and opportunities can reign upon us all. Check out the Detroit is Different feature with Sherry Gay Dagnogo. 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 S

Source Booksellers welcomed the poet, performer, and all-around creative Gia Scott Heron for a special in-store Detroit is Different podcast recording. Gia Scott-Heron is the daughter of the revolutionary artist and creative Gil Scott-Heron. Spectrum Legal Services, led by Attorney Michael Fortner, welcomed Gia here to perform in honor of the ‘Different Rules Documentary screening. In the podcast, Gia opens up about the relationship between herself and creativity. Gia speaks to the growth in her voice and now vision in artistry. How her Father’s struggles with proclivities impacted the family. The beauty of Gia and Gil’s relationship is the ways they work together. The spirit and light of an empowering message with culture, revolution, and spirit speak in Gia’s works. Check this interview out to better understand Gia's and her family's strengths.  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 hea

Kristy Love is a Detroit original sharing her love of life with the world. At a young age, Kristy began honing her talents in video, audio, graphics, and more. Taking lessons learned in her broadcast journalism major and applying them immediately strengthened Kristy’s confidence, talents, and skills. Kristy explains how exploring self-growth, motivations, and passions bounced her back. We discuss the pressures of expectations and misunderstandings we have of expectations. The love of process and self-discovery gave Kristy the tools to find purpose. This is an essential discussion about motivation and why. Today Kristy is publishing books, speaking at events, and coaching others on connecting to self-love and self-discovery. Check the Detroit is Different feature with Kristy Love out today. 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.

Jam sessions are a kinetic, eclectic, and improvisational expression of creativity. Juuni, Nique Love Rhodes, and Sophiyah E have expanded that energy into D Cipher. Juuni is a world-class drummer. Nique Love Rhodes is a band-leading emcee meshing live instruments and hip-hop. Sophiyah E is an expression of keys and mixed medium art. Together with (Allandra Bulger, aka Insite The Riot) created a mastermind collective of musicians, a non-profit advocating for music equity in Detroit and beyond. Juuni, Nique, and Sophiyah E sit down with Detroit is Different and open up about how, why, and what their work means to Detroit’s musical performance artists. Learn how their roots connect to deeper culture across the diaspora into Haiti, Jamaica, New Orleans, and certainly Detroit’s Joy Rd. 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

Dexter Sullivan’s family’s roots are grounded deep in Detroit. Passion for the people, culture, and essence of Detroit is the reality for Dexter Sullivan. Today his work in mentorship, communication, and Faith all place him in positions of influence nationally. In his Detroit is Different feature, we discuss the ways he discovered opportunity in having the courage to leave Detroit for Tulsa, OK. The Oral Roberts graduate further developed skills, talent, and self-confidence. Returning to Detroit, Dexter better understands how he plays a role in all community development. We also discuss the lack of Black Men in the church and why. This feature is a fruitful discussion. 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 t

Eastern Michigan University welcomed one of the largest collections of Legacy Black Detroit students from 2000 – 2015. Ypsilanti was filled with an active Black Greek Life, Spoken Word Poetry collectives, Open Mic Hip-hop, and a rebellious NAACP Chapter. Brandon Jessup was one of the Legacy Black Detroiters ready to debate, challenge, and engage any students about the best practices and methods towards advocacy and empowerment. Brandon’s brash attitude and intellect connected him to the Proposal 2 Affirmative Action fight. Since then, he has become an experienced analyst in political strategy and community organizing. In this Detroit is Different, I introduce you to one of my homies and a key asset for Detroit politics, Brandon Jessup. We discuss voter suppression, political media, Black Male Leadership in Detroit, and more. 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 m

The 1990s welcomed the talking points of melting point, the Browning of America, and English as a Second Language programming. Today these concepts are seen as insensitive at worse and antiquated at best. For Angela Lugo-Thomas, the dual reality of living in Detroit and Puerto Rico impacted her deeply. Metro-Detroit is home to many cultures of the Arab world, Asian world, and a huge Mexican population. The ways other Latino cultures have a presence in Detroit are similar to the Caribbean cultures here. Living as a proud Boriqua (Puerto Rican Woman) left an impression on Angela to love culture and understand the value of identity. As a wife and mother, this has strengthened her journey of connecting with Highland Park’s social & political landscape. Today Angela has raised a family in Highland Park and poured love, commitment, and understanding into the city initiative. Our interview discusses the relationship between Highland Park & Detroit & Michigan. Surprisingly this also has similarities to Pu

Battle rapping, performing, break dance, and hip hop culture captured the heart and mind of Supa Emcee as a child. One of the youngest emcees to cipher and freestyle with Proof (RIP & honor) has become a staple in all things Highland Park, MI. Kent ‘Supa Emcee’ Brown has used hip-hop as a gateway through Hollywood, NYC, Atlanta, and every stage rapper's travel in Detroit. His charisma and presence are signatures and are recognized by any that have witnessed his talents. His music and voice have become part of Detroit’s hip-hop soundtrack. We discuss the Almighty Dreadnaughtz, Iron Fist Record, Proof, also the interesting relationship his grandfather had with Linwood Ave’s Black Jesus.  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, sugge

Gaining an understanding of Detroit culture has grounded Jeremiah Staes for a lifetime. Living a life in a majority Black populated and politically influenced city gives Jeremiah a different perspective on Metro Detroit. A Mother that passed at a young age and a Father that was a visual artist added to Jeremiah's connection to the city. Raised in the culture of Detroit's artisan class of the 80s and 90s impacted his belief in arts, his need for culture, and his love for the city. We discuss the start of Daily Detroit and how independent media is Different than traditional media. From years of experience working in TV news, he knows the depth of understanding that most Detroit news needs. The lens of race and class color all Detroit issues, and exploring them are imperative. In this interview, we talk about content. Why giving voice to Detroit stories is essential too. Check out the full Detroit is Different feature of Daily Detroit founder Jeremiah Staes. Detroit is Different is a podcast hosted by Khary Fraz

The Sweet Spot of the Avenue of Fashions is Good Cakes and Bakes. April Anderson loved baking sweets and witnessing people fall in love with her gift. After college, career, grad school, and marriage, she makes the entrepreneurial leap. Her story is about learning to develop quality sweets and business systems and enjoying the process. April’s understanding of where she fits into her business is explored here. Many gems are shared about money, time, family, and balancing the self. 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 Find out more at https://detroit-is-different.pinecast.co Send us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/detroit-is-different/38

Mission, vision, and purpose are associated with organizational development. Racheal Allen has spent a lifetime re-entering herself around these concepts. Racheal's journey from Southern California to Detroit Eastside's Sojourner Truth homes is a start to a grand understanding of the Detroit Community. Racheal is a Margrove graduate and now works on the campus of Marygrove, bringing to life the business dreams of others. In this interview, her experience as a daughter, mother, manager, salesperson, wife, and creative are expressed in love. Learn so much more behind the mind of a woman advocating empowering Black women entrepreneurs through Operation School. 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 b

In the Fall of 2022, The Detroit Digital Justice Coalition green-lighted Tawana Honeycomb Petty bringing together an eclectic mix of creative working in technology, media, and music to deliver a DiscoTech. DiscoTechs, short for Discovering Technology, has the potential to provide a positive and hopeful experience for youth and seniors, creating a platform where we can teach and learn with each other in ways that allow us to investigate ourselves and our communities. This creates pathways toward solving problems collectively rather than waiting for others to solve them. The Disco Tech allowed families to engage with electronics, the internet, the community, media, and public policy inside their community. At Alkebu-Lan Village on Detroit’s Eastside, attendants had the bonus of delicious vegan pizza from its Food Detroit and roller skating to enjoy their time. Detroit is Different was there to gather perspective from a series of attendants creatively offering this dynamic event. Detroit is Different is a podcas