In the summer of 1967, as Detroit was embroiled in one of its most transformative moments, Glady’s Bettis found herself halfway across the globe in Germany, where her journey as a trailblazer began. In this inspiring episode, Glady’s—known affectionately as “MaBus”—shares her incredible story of leadership as a big sister, her role as a guiding force for siblings, children, and NFL moms, and her unwavering commitment to family. Discover how she initially resisted her son Jerome’s passion for football but became his biggest supporter, never missing a game. Dive into the Bettis family’s deep love for bowling, their fierce dedication to one another, and the heartwarming tale of how her husband, John Bettis Sr., literally swept her off her feet. Their enduring love and legacy laid the foundation for one of the greatest Super Bowl stories in NFL history, culminating right here in Detroit. Don’t miss this captivating episode of Detroit is Different, featuring Glady’s “MaBus” Bettis!
In this episode of the Detroit is Different podcast, host Khary Frazier welcomes Jason Ford, widely known as “Squeeze,” a Saginaw-born and Detroit-rooted writer, poet, actor, performer, and producer whose spoken word artistry and theatrical writing have transformed stages and sparked dialogue across the city. Squeeze reflects on the journey that led him from Eastern Michigan University’s cultural organizing spaces to the heart of Motown’s creative scene, including the honor of becoming a Motown Mic finalist. Along the way, he delves into his book, The Sub American Dream, and previews forthcoming work that continues the series, illuminating the intersections between art, activism, and everyday life. From strolling through Detroit’s Fitzgerald neighborhood and engaging community members on foot, to capturing truth in verse and performance, Squeeze explores how staying visible and present can nurture deeper connections, leaving listeners with inspiration for their own paths of cultural enrichment and community building.
“Cultivating Queens of Creativity”: In this enlightening episode of Detroit is Different, host Khary Frazier welcomes Alexis Smith, whose radiant passion for nurturing young Black girls’ artistry beams as bright as a mural on a summer day in the city. Smith, shaped by the rich history and legacy of Malcolm X Academy and guided by the vision of Dr. Watson, reflects on being among the first female students and one of Nefertari’s mentees to carry forward this spirit of empowerment. With vivid recollections of singing in choirs, honing her culinary artistry, and exploring a world of visual expression, Alexis shares how these early experiences inspired her to pay it forward. Today, she’s creating a girls’ program that braids together the cultural threads of African-centered mentorship with a deep appreciation for culinary, visual, and performing arts, weaving a supportive tapestry that honors the past while uplifting the next generation of creative Black girls in Detroit.
Description: The Journey Behind “Civil Rights & Campus Protests: Michigan Universities React to Palestine Activism | Public Hearing” and Its Premiere on Detroit is Different
Detroit is Different is honored to present the premiere of its latest documentary, “Civil Rights & Campus Protests: Michigan Universities React to Palestine Activism | Public Hearing,” a project that highlights the resilience, courage, and determination of student activists as they fight for justice and civil liberties on Michigan campuses. The film, directed by the renowned Baracka Elmdari.
A Story of Resistance and Advocacy
The documentary is inspired by the events of Spring 2024, when peaceful student-led encampments at the University of Michigan and Wayne State University were dismantled by university administrators and law enforcement. These encampments were powerful symbols of advocacy for Palestinian liberation, racial justice, and broader equity, serving as platforms for marginalized voices to demand change.
Students faced tear gas, arrests, and disproportionate disciplinary actions as they stood firm in their mission to hold universities accountable. The film shines a spotlight on these events, capturing the bravery of students and the systemic challenges they encountered.
A Collaborative Effort to Document Justice
“Civil Rights & Campus Protests” was filmed during a public hearing hosted by the National Conference of Black Lawyers (NCBL) at the Detroit People’s Food Co-op. This live event featured testimonies from student activists, community members, and legal experts. The hearing provided a safe and transparent space to dissect issues surrounding First Amendment rights, university protest policies, police responses, and surveillance of student activism.
Filming this documentary was no small feat. Aligning the creative vision of director Baracka Elmdari, the expertise of the NCBL, and the mission-driven production team at Detroit is Different required patience, determination, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. The result is a film that blends storytelling with social commentary to explore the intersections of civil rights, academic freedom, and grassroots advocacy.
The Power of Storytelling
At the heart of this film are the personal accounts of students who endured state-sanctioned repression and systemic inequities. Their stories resonate with the broader movements for racial, social, and economic justice, shedding light on how activism on campus reflects the larger struggle for equality.
The documentary also explores the solidarity between Black and Palestinian communities, illustrating how their shared experiences with oppression create opportunities for unity and collective action. Legal analysis provided by the NCBL contextualizes these struggles within the framework of constitutional rights, making the documentary both a historical record and a call to action.
The Premiere: A Community Milestone
The premiere of “Civil Rights & Campus Protests” is more than just a release; it is a celebration of community resilience, a platform for critical conversations, and a testament to the power of collaboration. On Wednesday, December 4, 2024, at 10:00 AM EST, viewers around the world are invited to join the movement by tuning in to the Detroit is Different YouTube channel for the first public screening.
What to Expect
This 90-minute documentary delivers a rich narrative woven from multiple perspectives:
Emotional student testimonies recounting the encampments, police responses, and their fight for justice.
Legal insights from the NCBL, highlighting disparities in law enforcement and the importance of protecting First Amendment rights.
Historical context, connecting contemporary protests to the long-standing fight for civil rights.
Calls to action, urging viewers to stand in solidarity with activists and advocate for systemic change.
The film captures moments of vulnerability, strength, and resilience, emphasizing the importance of community support and collaboration in the face of adversity.
Director’s Vision
Director Baracka Elmdari shares her perspective on the project: “This film is about more than protests or policies—it’s about people. It’s about students who dared to imagine a better future and refused to back down when their rights were under attack. Through this film, we hope to inspire audiences to recognize their role in creating change and to stand in solidarity with those on the frontlines.”
The Role of Detroit is Different
As a multimedia platform committed to healing community through culture, Detroit is Different was proud to take on the production of this documentary. With its deep roots in Detroit’s Black community and its mission to amplify underrepresented voices, Detroit is Different serves as the ideal partner to bring this story to life.
Founder Khary Frazier reflects on the project: “This documentary embodies what Detroit is Different stands for—uplifting voices that challenge the status quo and drive meaningful conversations. We are honored to premiere this film and continue the work of amplifying the stories that matter.”
Why Watch?
The premiere of “Civil Rights & Campus Protests” is an opportunity to engage with a story that transcends campuses and speaks to universal struggles for justice and equality. Whether you are a student, educator, activist, or community member, this film offers valuable insights and inspiration.
By tuning in, you become part of a collective effort to uphold civil liberties, amplify marginalized voices, and advocate for systemic change.
How to Watch
The documentary premieres on the Detroit is Different YouTube channel at 10:00 AM EST on Wednesday, December 4, 2024. Subscribe to the channel and set a reminder so you don’t miss this pivotal release.
Join the Conversation
Following the premiere, Detroit is Different will host an online discussion where viewers can share their reflections, ask questions, and explore ways to support ongoing advocacy efforts. Stay connected with Detroit is Different on social media (@detroitisdifferent) for updates and details about this interactive event.
About Detroit is Different
Detroit is Different is a storytelling platform that celebrates Detroit’s rich Black culture, fosters community organizing, and produces multimedia content that inspires action and healing.
Mark your calendars and join us for this transformative documentary. Together, we can create a future rooted in justice, equity, and collective empowerment.
Discover how dreams, community, and history intertwine in the heart of Detroit with Shalece Daniels. Listen to our conversation about transformative community initiatives and personal journeys on the Detroit is Different podcast.
Transitioning from personal history to present endeavors, Shalece and Khary delve into the significance of community work and homeownership in Detroit. Shalece’s involvement in two dynamic initiatives—Renewed Homes and Black Leaders Detroit—highlights her commitment to serving the community by providing opportunities for financial literacy and homeownership education.
Renewed Homes focuses on rehabilitating properties for individuals who might otherwise struggle with creditworthiness, offering pathways to ownership below market value. This initiative is not just about real estate; it’s about nurturing a sense of pride and responsibility in homeownership, fostering stable and sustainable communities.
Dive into the heart of Detroit hip hop history with P Groove! From the legendary Rhythm Kitchen era to today’s scene, discover the beats and stories that shaped it all. Through thick waves of artistic evolution, P Gruv grows his skill set during his school years, embodying the diversity of hip hop culture. Highland Park High School becomes a breeding ground for networking and artistic exchange, leading to influential connections with names like DJ Butter, Super MC, and others who share his passion for the craft. During this time, he also earns a reputation in both production and engineering, navigating Detroit’s studio scene and innovating within hip hop’s sonic framework. P Gruv, a figure rooted in Detroit’s hip hop scene, shares his journey in the industry, starting from his early days influenced by Run DMC, breakdancing, and forming his first group in high school. The conversation delves into the formation of his group Da Enna C, their early projects, and their DIY approach to music production. P Gruv discusses his family’s migration from Alabama to Detroit, his father’s influence and entrepreneurship, and the pivotal role of iconic Detroit figures like DJ Dez and J Dilla in his musical growth. The interview also touches on the changing landscape of music production from analog to digital and the importance of creativity over competition.
Detroit is Different welcomes back Baba Malik Yakini for the 10-year anniversary episode of the Detroit is Different podcast. As both a witness and a catalyst for change, Baba Malik shares his personal growth over the years. Understanding the importance of vision, institutional resilience, and community engagement, he reflects on the challenges and triumphs of building a sustainable movement. His commitment to creating spaces where Detroiters can reclaim agency over their food systems stands as a testament to the city’s enduring spirit of ingenuity and self-determination.
Baba Malik was the first guest on the podcast, which initially began at Le Petit Zinc restaurant without a formal studio. Over the years, the podcast has evolved, and Baba Malik, an influential mentor and community leader, returns to reflect on Detroit’s Black community. Baba Malik also shares updates about the Detroit Black Community Food Sovereignty Network and the Detroit People’s Food Co-operative, which opened a community-owned grocery store on May 1st. Throughout the discussion, he emphasizes the significance of sustained community effort, the importance of organizing, and his own journey towards self-care and balance after stepping down as Executive Director. The episode delves into history, personal growth, relationships, and the evolving roles and rites of passage at different life stages.
From humble beginnings at a Detroit club (now a laundromat) on Livernois and McNichols, DJ Stacey Hotwaxx Hale emerged as Detroit’s first female house music artist, guided by her engineering background and inspired by her mother’s groundbreaking work in federal government contracting in the 1970s. Known as the Godmother of House Music, Hale’s masterful ability to play the right song at the right time has taken her from underground dance clubs like Studio 54 and The Warehouse to prestigious venues, including the Apollo Theater and Fox Detroit, where she continues to blend dance floor hits with orchestral melodies and live music, cementing her legacy in American music culture.
