July 2024

My Natural Hair Show Credits
2023 My Natural Hair Show
In Honor of the Legacy of Work of
Nefertiti Harris of Textures by Nefertiti

Saturday October 23, 2023
@ the Andy Arts Center
3000 Fenkell Detroit MI 48238

Detroit is Different Production

Executive Producers
Suzanne Cleage, Khary Frazier, & Lumumba Leon Reynolds II

Associate Executive Producers
Sharde Crutchfield & Greg Frazier CPA

Director & Editing
Khary Frazier

Director
Lumumba Leon Reynolds II

Production & Scenic Design
Lumumba Leon Reynolds II

Editor
Baraka Elmadari

Associate Editor
Rishi Gudduguriki

Music & Score
Sterling Toles

Dai-Zhanie Plummer (Stage Manager)
Suzanne Cleage (Associate Stage Manager)
Sharde Crutchfield (Associate Stage Manager)
Maulana Tolbert (African Drummer)
Imani Jamal (African Drummer)
Ry’Anne Tracey (Lighting)
Baraka Elmadari (Camera)
D’Mareae J Miller (Camera & Photography)
Rishi Gudduguriki (Camera)
Tyler Parker (Camera)
Joe Black (Production Staff)
Tiamat Dismuke (Sound)
Jacob Woodward (Sound)
Eboni Rousell (SC Design)
Tene Dismuke (Model Instructor)
Piper Carter (Photography)

Jeol Fluent Greene (Host)
Scheherazade Washington Parrish (Spoken Word Artist)
Kevlar (Spoken Word Artist)
Drizzy Dria (Spoken Word Artist)

Hair Designer: Chika
Morgan Payne (Chika Model)
Dai Henderson (Chika Model)
Alexis Carter (Chika Model)
Juwan Graham (Chika Model)
Taylor Purrell (Chika Model)
Anthony Stewart (Chika Model)

Hair Designer: Endia
Kayla Jones (Endia Model)
Madison Cloud (Endia Model)
Imani Jones (Endia Model)
Nya Williams (Endia Model)

Hair Designer: Jacky B
Tamara Toole (Jacky B Model)
Sarayah (Jacky B Model)
Boog Brown (Jacky B Model)
Shakirra (Jacky B Model)

Hair Designer: LaDonna Sims
Diamon Johnson (LaDonna Model)
Jayne McGee (LaDonna Model)
Hanifah Cannon (LaDonna Model)
Ayinde Perry (LaDonna Model)

Hair Designer: Lauren
Crystal (Lauren Model)
Dani (Lauren Model)
Danyelle (Lauren Model)
Danequa (Lauren Model)
Nyla (Lauren Model)
Caleynn (Lauren Model)

Hair Designer: Mia
Darrick Sanders (Mia Model)
Ian Price (Mia Model)
Savanna Brewer (Mia Model)
Nicole Perry (Mia Model)

Hair Designer: Shelby
Deshon Pickett Jr. (Shelby Model)
Taylor Evans (Shelby Model)
Tau Brown (Shelby Model)
Darryl Gaddy (Shelby Model)

Hair Designer: Tyra
Desiree Winslow (Tyra Model)
Rashad Watson (Tyra Model)
Eboni (Tyra Model)
Tierees O’Neal (Tyra Model)

Special Thanks to Build Institute, the Andy Arts Center, Detroit City Distillery, Pegasus Entertainment, Foundation Management, N’Jore’s Love INC, Creative Differences Marketing INC, and Still Standing INC.

Michael Forsyth, Vicki Green, Kaylin Reynolds, and Legacy Black Detroit

Celebrate culinary excellence and community spirit at the 2024 Collard Green Cook-Off Championship! This free event, produced by Detroit is Different, promises a blend of culture and creativity as Detroit’s finest chefs compete for the coveted title of Best Collard Green Chef.

Last Year’s Champion:
Chef Buddah, who captivated taste buds with his Vegan Gumbo Spiced Collard Greens, returns to defend his title. Will he emerge victorious again, or will one of this year’s challengers take the crown?

This Year’s Contestants:
Our five playoff winners are ready to bring their A-game:

Tolani Anthony of Zella’s Bakery (Vegan)
Chef Bee of Sisters on a Roll (Vegan)
Sean Brumfield (Smoked Turkey)
Chef Moe Vito of A Thoughtful Plate LLC (Vegan)

These talented chefs will battle against Chef Buddah, the 2023 Collard Green Cook-Off Champion.

Esteemed Judges:
The Collard Green Cook-Off Championship judges include April Anderson of Good Cakes and Bakes and Detroit Comedian Howie Bell. Comedian Mic Larry will host the event once again.

Event Details:
Date: Thursday, August 15, 2024
Time: 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: Joseph Walker Williams Center, 8431 Rosa Parks Blvd, Detroit, MI 48206

Event Highlights:
Locally Sourced Ingredients: All the delicious dishes are crafted using ingredients from Detroit Black Farmer Land Fund growers.
Audience Participation: While expert and celebrity judges will be present, the ultimate decision rests with you, our valued audience. Your vote will determine the winner!
Cultural Experience: Enjoy cornbread muffins provided by Good Cakes and Bakes, adding a delightful touch to this cultural celebration.

About Detroit is Different:
Detroit is Different is committed to healing the community through culture, media, and events. This cook-off is more than a competition; it’s a chance to come together, celebrate our heritage, and enjoy some fantastic food.

Don’t miss out on this vibrant community event! Bring your family and friends to experience the flavors, fun, and fellowship.

Mama Imara, a proud and confident gardener in Southwest Detroit, embodies the balance of one of the most poignant and strategic minds in community activism, always accompanied by a life-filled laugh and smile. As a member of Detroiters for Tax Justice, she advocates for her beloved city, driven by a lifelong love of books and libraries. As a child, Mama Imara saw libraries as castles full of fairy tales, information, and more. However, the tax captures from the executive administration have left her cherished branch closed for years, fueling her commitment to the cause. Her work continues the legacy of the League of Revolutionary Workers, movements for Black Studies in high schools and colleges, the Republic of New Afrika, and the Shrine of the Black Madonna. Discover more about Mama Imara and her vital contributions to the community.

The impact of Detroit politics on American politics, focusing on the upcoming August primary election featuring a Hollywood star. Hill Harper, who gained insights into community leadership and the Black power base in Detroit while studying at Harvard Law, has decided to run for office. Inspired by legends like Congressman Conyers, Congresswoman Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick, and Congressman Charles Diggs, Harper learned about their significant contributions to the city from two classmates. Now, as he raises his son, Harper has chosen to move to Detroit and aims to empower Michigan if elected. We delve into his vision for Detroit and why he believes it’s crucial to advocate for the city.

In this episode of Detroit is Different, we delve into the journey of Tepfirah Rushdan, Detroit’s Director of Sustainability, whose love for camping blossomed into a career dedicated to sustainable land use for Detroiters. A Cass Tech graduate rooted in the 7 Mile and Wyoming neighborhood, Tepfirah shares her insights on self-sustainability and community reliance through farming. As a founding member of the Detroit Black Farmer Land Fund, she has become an expert in urban agriculture and land access, advocating passionately for Black people to join her in this journey. Tune in to hear Tepfirah’s inspiring story and her vision for a more sustainable Detroit.

Writing and storytelling are talents that Rocki Harris has passionately developed into professional skill sets. Raised on Detroit’s Eastside, with a grandmother dedicated to teaching grammar, writing, and language, Rocki has loved words for a lifetime. Today, she hosts Rocki’s Reality Podcast, which airs on Rocki’s Reality YouTube and Facebook accounts on Thursday nights, podcasting live in the studio from Detroit is Different Studios. In this feature, she opens up about her understanding of the Mack neighborhood, her experiences at Cass Tech and U of M in the late 1990s, and much more. Learn how her writing and social work background have led her into journalism and beyond. Check out this Detroit is Different feature with Rocki Harris, host and producer of Rocki’s Reality Podcast.

In the 1990s, Detroit had a profound impact on Moudou Baqui and his entire family. They had moved from Tennessee to escape racism and limited opportunities, eventually establishing roots in Detroit. The Petty family began to settle in Detroit when the land beyond 8 Mile Road was still farmland, owned and cultivated by them. This included the area where the Kroger at 8 Mile and Wyoming now stands, which was seized through eminent domain, resulting in the loss of 40 acres of farmland. Moudou’s family history is a testament to Black independence and resilience in the face of the systemic challenges imposed by America. Moudou, born Justin Petty, has a story that intertwines civil rights, street life, Black liberation, African-centered education, and healing, reminiscent of a modern-day Forrest Gump. In this interview, he shares his insights on healing, movement, and much more. Tune in to “Detroit is Different” with Moudou Baqui to learn more about his remarkable journey.

Inkster, MI, became a suburban destination for Black families in the Metro Detroit region in the 1970s. Jason Turner’s family moved there in the late 1960s. Today, Jason works within his community alongside his family, focusing on creativity and community initiatives. He is a founding member of Building Black Brick Masters, an intergenerational Black men’s community organizing group. Jason shares his experiences of navigating two realities after his parents separated, reflecting on how street life, photography, and recreation have all played significant roles in his life.