October 2024

Carolyn Baker of the General Baker Institute shares her passion for preserving the legacy of her father, General Gordon Baker, Jr., and her mother’s advocacy while also honoring other legends in the fight for Black social justice. The General Baker Institute (GBI) is dedicated to providing educational courses, programs, and activities for the community, with a focus on young people. It examines the revolutionary life of General Baker (September 6, 1941 – May 18, 2014), his contributions to human rights struggles, and his co-founding of transformative organizations. As a center for teaching the history of Detroit and Highland Park, GBI critically explores their connection to global social movements while addressing contemporary issues. In the interview, Carolyn reflects on how her father’s love of basketball shaped her own passion for coaching, and she highlights GBI’s innovative educational approaches, such as their first Educational Fashion Show, which combines fashion and political education to make bold statements and inspire change.

Ajara Alghali, co-founder and Director of TéMaTé Institute for Black Dance and Culture, is a performance artist and thought leader at the intersection of dance and cultural representation. Drawing from her Sierra Leonean-American roots, her work highlights the connections among African people across the diaspora. The TéMaTé Institute, a social justice organization, uses dance as a tool for community engagement, focusing on dance justice and cultural equity. Inspired by the Temate dance of the Yacouba and Whêbe people from the Ivory Coast, the institute honors the joy and relationship between people and the land. The 4th Convening for Dance and Culture, featuring dance and drum workshops on October 19 and 20 at SAY Detroit Play Center and a concert with Afriky Lolo and Detroit’s House of Jit on October 19 at Detroit School of Arts, embraces the theme “Rooted in Rhythm,” symbolizing our shared rhythm and interconnectedness, much like the roots of a tree. This grassroots, artist-led, and self-funded organization works to uplift diaspora arts, and in this Detroit is Different feature, Ajara shares insights into her roots, family, and the geopolitical role of dance as a tool for tradition, spirituality, and resistance against colonialism.

Restaurants often struggle in their first three years, but Yum Village, a fusion of African and Caribbean cuisine founded by Godwin Ihentuge, opened its doors on Woodward Avenue during the challenges of COVID-19. This venture was the realization of Godwin’s life vision, rooted in his upbringing on Detroit’s Westside as the eldest son in a Nigerian family. Once an introvert, Godwin developed a skill set in empathetic listening that has been key to building a strong team. Yum Village, which began as a smartphone app, has evolved into a full cultural experience, blending food with fashion and more. This Detroit is Different feature explores how defining and committing to a vision can lead to extraordinary growth.

Furqan Mohammed, nephew of Elijah Muhammad, gives his first exclusive podcast interview to Detroit is Different, sharing the remarkable story of his life and family. Furqan opens up about how his family collectively joined the Nation of Islam, tracing their strong and self-determined beginnings from Georgia to Detroit’s historic Black Bottom. He details how the teachings of WD Fard Muhammad in Black Bottom welcomed his family, and how his uncle Elijah Muhammad rose to leadership as the messenger for the Nation of Islam. Furqan also shares memories of his family running a restaurant next to the Nation of Islam Mosque on Linwood for generations. This interview offers a unique glimpse into Detroit’s history, Black history, and American history through the lens of Furqan’s family. Attorney Gregory Reed, who will be traveling and exhibiting artifacts of Furqan’s father, made the interview possible.

In the 1970s, Toni McIlwain was drawn to Detroit by the promise of a thriving Black business community. Leaving Akron, Ohio, she set out with her four children in search of a fresh start. However, the road was not easy; for 18 months, she and her family were unhoused, grappling with feelings of hopelessness. It was during this trying time, while searching for food to feed her family, that Toni made a heartfelt prayer, vowing that if she could receive help, she would dedicate her life to helping others. This pledge became the guiding principle of her life. Her journey of service began in her own neighborhood, where she organized a block club to help her neighbors reclaim their streets from crime and build a safer, more united community. From those small beginnings, Toni went on to lead the Ravendale Community Network, working tirelessly to uplift her community and beyond. She remains a powerful example of faith in action, demonstrating that with determination and divine purpose, transformation is always possible. Check out Toni McIlwain and her work at Ravendale Community Network.

Renika McQueen’s journey in managing a correctional facility and producing films reflects her understanding of structure, discipline, and leadership in both arenas. Her passion for writing, which began in childhood, has always been a way for her to express her emotions, thoughts, and talents. What started as a simple outlet has grown into a flourishing career in film. In this Detroit is Different feature, Renika discusses her latest TV series on Tubi, The Stranger in Our House. She shares the evolution of her storytelling from urban novels to screenwriting, as well as her approach to balancing business and maintaining her creative spark. Renika also opens up about how the pillars of family and marriage have played crucial roles in keeping her grounded and focused on her work.