June 2024

Community engagement, advocacy, and social change are lifelong passions for Alexa and Johnnie Turnage. They share how a chance meeting on a flight to Detroit led to a friendship that blossomed into marriage. The Turnages’ Black Tech Saturdays has evolved into a national effort. In this interview, they discuss how this initiative aligns with their shared passion for using technology to unite communities around social change. They also delve into how their family roots have inspired them to build and develop community, and highlight how Johnnie’s mom was ahead of her time in website development and coding. Tune in to “Detroit is Different” with Alexa and Johnnie Turnage, founders of Black Tech Saturdays, for more insights.

Collective enjoyment, live entertainment, dancing, and Prince music have made Detroit summers popular for years. On Wednesday, August 14, 2024, Build Institute will host an interactive and fun fundraiser at the Aretha Amphitheater, featuring the extraordinary drummer Sheila E. Regina Ann Campbell, CEO of Build Institute, will join us to discuss the fundraiser and much more. Discover how Build Institute is expanding its business development services to help businesses grow! We’ll also explore the relationship between Build Institute, Detroit is Different, and community engagement. This is a fun and engaging conversation. Tune in to Detroit is Different with Regina Ann Campbell, CEO of Build Institute

David ‘Hump the Grinder’ Humphries, a pivotal figure in Detroit’s Black culture of music and hair design, has been producing Hair Wars since the era when Mojo’s radio shows kept people dancing through the night. Returning to Detroit is Different, Hump discusses the upcoming Hair Wars and his experiences traveling with Hip-hop’s first tour, ‘The Fresh Fest’ from 1984 to 1986, and street team promotions. On July 20, 2024, join Hump and the hair designers at Artist Village for the Hair Wars Party and Strolling Hair Show, promising a unique party experience from 6 PM to 3 AM.

The Collard Green Cook-Off was a cultural experience that connected with hundreds of Detroiters last year. This year, Detroit is Different will expand the experience by adding the Collard Green Cook-Off Playoffs. The Playoffs will be held this Thursday during the Juneteenth Jubilee Celebration, organized by Black Leaders Detroit and led by Sharea Ayers. In this Detroit is Different interview, Khary Frazier is interviewed by Sterling Toles, who explores the idea, concept, and energy of the Collard Green Cook-Off. This engaging and introspective discussion highlights ten years of Detroit is Different and delves into visions for the next decade. Don’t miss this episode of Detroit is Different with Khary Frazier and Sterling Toles.

Crystal Bailey’s advocacy for mental and behavioral health on behalf of young people in the juvenile justice center inspired her to run for the Michigan State Representative District 5 position. Her work in the juvenile justice system has given her profound insights into tragic realities, motivating her to take action. In this interview, Bailey shares how her involvement in organizing a fashion show helped her forge deeper community bonds. From being a parent volunteer at her daughter’s school to serving on the school board, Bailey’s journey has enriched her understanding of the community’s needs and the essential changes required to support families in our collective growth. Meet Crystal Bailey on Detroit is Different.

Omari Barksdale’s roots in Alabama, Palestine, and Detroit’s Westside have instilled in him a profound understanding of resilience, strength, and creativity. Today, he advocates for men to build healthy and constructive relationships with women, shares the factual history of race relations in America through artifacts, and lobbies for equity for all people. His extensive work began with organizing initiatives during his teenage years. Omari discusses the lessons learned from his grandparents and mother, which continue to influence him deeply, and how the Honorable JoAnn Watson shaped his understanding of politics and Pan-African support. This enlightening and impactful discussion includes moments of retrospective laughter. Check out Omari Barksdale on Detroit is Different.

Faith producing works is an adage often shared in conversation, and Drey Skonie has witnessed it throughout his life. As a soul singer, he adds the feel of hip-hop, funk, house, and dance to the legacy of legends like Eddie Kendricks (of the Temptations), Philippé Wynne (of the Spinners), and Ron Banks (of the Dramatics). Drey stands out with his unique style, and his music reflects the vibe of his band, the Klouds. In this episode of Detroit is Different, we explore how he saw his grandparents build a church from the ground up with church funds and delve into much more of his experiences. Drey, a contestant on MTV’s Making the Band with Diddy, shares insights beyond the infamous cheesecake run, discussing the intricacies of the music industry. He also reveals his vision for his music and style and opens up about his role playing Mr. Entertainment, Jackie Wilson. Check out Drey Skonie on Detroit is Different for a deeper look into his journey.