May 2024 - page 2

Stephanie Fazekas stands as a beacon of cool, her roots intertwined deeply with Detroit’s Eastside and Westside. Seamlessly blending her innate understanding of the city’s culture with her passion for art, Stephanie is poised to debut her inaugural art exhibition alongside her son Tory, a fitting celebration for Mother’s Day 2024. Together, we embark on a journey through the origins of Crockett High School, the vibrant tapestry of Detroit’s salon culture, and the transformative impact of Wayne State University’s Africana Studies program on Stephanie’s worldview. Delving into the annals of history, Stephanie illuminates how the convergence of the Labor Movement and the Black experience has profoundly shaped Detroit and reverberated throughout the fabric of America, offering keen insights into the intricate dynamics of race and power. Amidst our conversation, Stephanie graciously shares her foray into children’s literature and the evolution of her characters through art, while Tory joins us to provide a glimpse into their collaborative process and offer a sneak peek into their upcoming art show, showcasing the magic of merging their creative energies.

Dr. Bill Lovejoy boasts a distinguished 30-year tenure as a professor at the University of Michigan, where his expertise spans the realms of academia and business. His academic journey, rooted in a background in mathematics, has been enriched by extensive travels around the globe, affording him unique opportunities to showcase the alignment of his talents with both scholarly pursuits and practical business applications. Currently, Dr. Lovejoy leads a pivotal survey study at the University of Michigan, delving into the emotional toll experienced by African Americans living in a racially charged society. Drawing upon his wealth of experience and scholarly insight gained from reviewing previous studies on the psychological impacts of racism on Black Americans, he spearheads this crucial examination. Partnering with the Ross School of Business, the University of Michigan Detroit Center is set to host an afternoon event on Saturday, May 4, 2024, inviting African Americans aged 18 and above to anonymously share their perspectives through a one-hour survey session. Dr. Lovejoy’s forthcoming discussion promises to illuminate the findings of this study and elucidate its significance in addressing pressing societal issues.