May 2022

Urban Organic is the brand and it was a vision of Drake Phifer. The vision was a place and space for cool Soul and people to vibe together. In the early 2000’s the space for Neo Soul, Afro Beat, House, and Future music from a Black lens was rare.

Today 20 years later the brand has traveled the Metro Detroit area, Michigan, the Nation and world alike. This weekend the brand carries the essence with Day Party is King. In its 4th Memorial Day Installation, the Detroit Diaspora Day Party returns to delight dance floor fanatics both near and far with DJ sets from: Marilyn Griffin | Griffin Gardens, Phifedom | Urban Organic, Diviniti | HoneyComb Music, DJ Vern English | The Tandem, DJ Righteous | D.R.U.M.M, DJ Duane Powell | SoundRotation – Chicago.

The day will include: 5PM- 6PM – Diaspora Tribute Dinner Honoring Zana Smith of Spectacles Boutique and internationally renowned musician, Amp Fiddler prepared by Chef Nik R Cole of Fried Chicken and Caviar

Engineering is a very creative discipline. Volcano’s work to the masses for years was Hip-hop Artist & Rock & Roll Emcee. For over 15 years The Fillmore, CroFoot, The Emerald, are only a few venues in the area crushed by Volcano. As a recording engineer, rapper, music producer, and musician he’s touched thousands. As an engineer and designer, he’s changed the way we move in cars, planes, and even barbeque food. In this interview, we explore his family’s roots from Mississippi to Detroit and the unique perspective of his family during America’s Reconstruction era. Learn how Volcano has a niche in manual machining, 3d design, and building solutions to technical challenges. Check out how www.volcanicengineering.com is a staple and flagship for providing needed experience and knowledge for Black engineers. 

Doctor in Theology, Principal of the Detroit High School for Fine & Performing Arts, Pastor of Fellowship Chapel, and my BIG cousin are only some of the titles held by Mayowa Reynolds. Joining me for a second Detroit is Different interview we discuss the role of mentoring and teaching. Her passion as a child was sparked and flourished through dance. Mayowa is one of the few and proud formerly trained Katherine Dunham dancers. Her start honing a craft and talent in a competitively formal space has empowered her role reaching heights of success. Today her passion is to inspire others and empower their dreams. We discuss differences between students today and ‘back in the day,’ and so much more. This was a fun and colorful interview which will inspire you.

Mayor Monique Owens is dynamic, driven, and divine. For her, Detroit is Different interview Monique opened up how her love for East Coast Hip-hop and Church was a balance she found. This is the same energy that connects her as an Eastpointe resident turned Police Officer, Comedian, now Mayor, and candidate for State Senate. Monique Owens is what many identify as a trailblazer. Setting the standard high as an influential leader with poise, integrity, and historical determination, Monique Owens continues to show what excellence looks like. She was born in Detroit, Michigan, on February 21, 1984, and although she was considered gifted and inquisitive by her teachers, it was at the age of 34 years old when her historic journey began. Monique Owens was elected in 2017 as Eastpointe Michigan’s first black councilwoman. In 2019, only two years into her term, she decided to run for mayor and became Eastpointe’s first black woman and youngest mayor to hold office in Macomb County’s history.