“God said, give ’em drum machines—and see what happens.” That’s the dream Mike Huckaby shared, and it’s the heartbeat of God Said Give ‘Em Drum Machines, the acclaimed documentary by Detroit filmmaker Kristian Hill that restores techno’s true story—deeply rooted in Black Detroit creativity, culture, and resilience. “We had a grocery store on Hastings Street. My grandfather ran numbers,” Hill recalls, grounding his storytelling in generations of Detroit legacy, from his grandmother Mabel White teaching home economics at Kettering and cooking for Aretha Franklin, to DJing with friends like Al Ester and parking cars outside Cheeks while legends like Jeff Mills and Stacey Hale spun inside. The film traces the untold journey of techno’s pioneers—Juan Atkins, Kevin Saunderson, Derrick May, Eddie Fowlkes, Blake Baxter, and Santonio Echols—as Hill and his team follow the music from Detroit to Amsterdam, Japan, South Africa, and even Nizhny Novgorod, Russia, where locals called it “the Detroit of Russia” and clubs pulsed with Detroit’s sound. “We got the stars,” Hill says, referring to the Belleville Three and others, “but nobody ever tells the story.” Fueled by years of footage and shaped in long, late-night edit sessions, the documentary is not only a cinematic reclaiming of techno’s Black roots but a personal odyssey of creative purpose. “It’s not just a link. It’s an experience,” Hill emphasizes, reminding audiences that this is more than a movie—it’s Detroit history set to a beat that moved the world.
We Don’t Work for the System—We Build Our Own: Bryce Detroit’s North End Vision
“The breath is the spirit, and your diaphragm is the altar.” In this episode of Detroit is Different, Bryce Detroit
We Don’t Work for the System—We Build Our Own: Bryce Detroit’s North End Vision
From Vinewood to Victory: Victoria Camille’s Journey through Detroit’s Soul
“You don’t know Detroit ’til you know Vinewood!” In this deeply-rooted, powerful conversation, Victoria Camille takes us on a journey
From Vinewood to Victory: Victoria Camille’s Journey through Detroit’s Soul
Words Are Spells: Shaun Moore-Bey’s Journey from X-Men to Malcolm X
“Supporting your people isn’t always convenient—but it’s powerful.” That’s the gospel according to poet, author, and creator Shaun Moore-Bey. In
Words Are Spells: Shaun Moore-Bey’s Journey from X-Men to Malcolm X
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“You know Detroit is about the look, the feel, it’s a Detroit essence to the culture.” That essence radiates through Jessica Blair, the visionary behind Jessica Blair Beauty, a proudly Black-owned beauty supply store in the heart of Rosedale Park on Grand River. From learning hair care in her grandmother’s community-rooted home on Blaine Street to launching her own store after midnight shifts in psych hospitals, Jessica’s journey is one of resilience and intention. “It sounded crazy, but I felt like it was God telling me — no, this is what you need to do,” she shares. Her shop bridges tradition and trend, offering everything from natural hair essentials like TGIN to bundles and silk press staples. And she’s not just selling beauty — she’s restoring a legacy. “It was very community oriented,” Jessica remembers of her upbringing, a value now baked into her brand. Through thefts, floods, and pandemic pivots, she turned setbacks into success. Her grand opening on February 21 marked more than a business launch — it’s a celebration of Detroit beauty, Black womanhood, and the power of doing it yourself, for your people.
“I told my mama, ‘I want to take my dad to school,’ and she said, ‘Pick a man you like.’ I said, ‘Richard Pryor.’ She said, ‘All right, that’s your daddy.’” That’s how Spanky Hayes kicks off a raw, hilarious, and deeply Detroit story in his Detroit is Different interview. From dodging gang members in LA while wearing a bloody borrowed T-shirt, to his Cuban roots in Havana where “it’s like being in 1984,” Spanky brings humor and heart. His reflections on Hollywood hit just as powerfully: “To be a star, you gotta be likable—people gotta want to be around you for 30 days straight on set.” He opens up about the ups and downs of holding deals, the pain of seeing his original crew’s idea become Wild ‘N Out without the proper credit, and how he helped build it from the ground up. “We didn’t get the deal, but Nick did—and he kept his word.” Spanky also breaks down how the internet changed comedy forever: “It’s not about talent anymore—it’s about who’s posting the most.” Despite the challenges, he’s still committed to the craft: “I’m the Morpheus for Detroit comedians in LA. I’ve got the keys to the game.” With stories from backstage with MC Lyte to acting dreams sparked by Juice, Spanky blends street wisdom, comedic hustle, and cultural commentary in a way only a Detroiter can.
“My mother said, ‘You are what you say.'” Kalimah Johnson—also known on Detroit’s hip hop scene as the legendary emcee Nikki D—graces the Detroit is Different studio with a life story that echoes through generations, cultures, and communities. This deeply moving and powerful episode journeys through Kalimah’s evolution from North End storyteller and spoken word champion to founder and CEO of SASHA Center, Detroit’s leading resource for sexual assault healing centered on Black women. “Hip hop prepared me for audience energy,” she reflects, tracing her artistry back to freestyle battles with Mozzy Ski and her tenure at World One Records where “they took good care of me.” We hear of ancestral roots from the Bradley Plantation in Kentucky to Black Bottom Detroit, and we witness the impact of “culture curing and history healing.” She speaks of spiritual fortitude—“There is something spiritual and transformative about using your voice”—and boldly confronts trauma with a call for love and accountability: “Violence doesn’t have a gender. We all need a soft place to land.” The episode dives into Kalimah’s multifaceted life as a natural hair cultivator, poet, social worker, and visionary, creating sacred spaces for Black men and women to reclaim their narratives. “You can’t make sense out of nonsense,” she and host Khary Frazier agree, as they unravel the cultural, political, and personal threads shaping Detroit’s soul.
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Breaking Barriers Without a Degree
"One thing that Harper Hudson mandated was that to be a teaching physician or nurse, you needed an education degree. But my mom, with her exceptional talent and without a master`s in education, became a teacher in the 70s despite facing strong racism. She was an anomaly."From Detroit is Different interview with Bryce Detroit.
Detroit is Different episode 447 with Bryce Detroit
We Don’t Work for the System—We Build Our Own: Bryce Detroit’s North End Vision
#BreakingBarriers #DiversityInEducation #Trailblazers
Balancing Growth and Equity in Detroit
"Intentionality is key in balancing growth and resources in Detroit." - Mary Sheffield
Join us for an insightful conversation on Detroit Next as mayoral candidate Mary Sheffield discusses strategies for incorporating community benefits into city planning. Explore her approach to advocating for resources that serve both affluent neighborhoods and those in greater need.
Leading Detroit a Conversation with Council President & Mayoral Candidate Mary Sheffield
Detroit Next episode 6 with Mayoral Candidate Mary Sheffield
Detroit Next is a special project from Bride Detroit and Detroit is Different collaboration
#DetroitPolitics #MarySheffield #DetroitMayorRace #BlackLeadership #CommunityEmpowerment #UrbanDevelopment #DetroitCityCouncil #DetroitFuture #InclusiveDevelopment #CommunityAdvocacy
Community Struggles with Bureaucracy Over Land Access
"Making Detroit the best city in America to start a small business is our vision," declares Mary Sheffield. Dive into the upcoming reforms designed to streamline city government and empower local entrepreneurs. Explore how these changes can bring city services into your neighborhood.
Leading Detroit a Conversation with Council President & Mayoral Candidate Mary Sheffield
Detroit Next episode 6 with Mayoral Candidate Mary Sheffield
Detroit Next is a special project from Bride Detroit and Detroit is Different collaboration
#DetroitPolitics #MarySheffield #DetroitMayorRace #BlackLeadership #CommunityEmpowerment #UrbanDevelopment #DetroitCityCouncil #DetroitFuture #BusinessGrowth
Making Detroit the Best City in America for Small Business
"Making Detroit the best city in America to start a small business is our vision," declares Mary Sheffield. Dive into the upcoming reforms designed to streamline city government and empower local entrepreneurs. Explore how these changes can bring city services into your neighborhood.
Leading Detroit a Conversation with Council President & Mayoral Candidate Mary Sheffield
Detroit Next episode 6 with Mayoral Candidate Mary Sheffield
Detroit Next is a special project from Bride Detroit and Detroit is Different collaboration
#DetroitPolitics #MarySheffield #DetroitMayorRace #BlackLeadership #CommunityEmpowerment #UrbanDevelopment #DetroitCityCouncil #DetroitFuture #BusinessGrowth
49% of Full-Time Workers in Detroit Earn Below Living Wage
"49% of Detroit full-time workers earn below a living wage.” In our Detroit Next interview with mayoral candidate Mary Sheffield, we delve into the urgent need for quality jobs and the strategies to empower Detroiters with essential skills. Join us as we explore her vision for economic mobility and how the proposed Department of Human Family and Homeless Services plans to make a tangible difference.
Leading Detroit a Conversation with Council President & Mayoral Candidate Mary Sheffield
Detroit Next episode 6 with Mayoral Candidate Mary Sheffield
Detroit Next is a special project from Bride Detroit and Detroit is Different collaboration
#DetroitPolitics #MarySheffield #DetroitMayorRace #BlackLeadership #CommunityEmpowerment #UrbanDevelopment #DetroitCityCouncil #EconomicEmpowerment
Grassroots Legislation: Real Voices, Real Policies
"Real policy solutions arise from the voices of the people, not rhetoric." Explore how over 20 pieces of grassroots legislation are reshaping Detroit, driven by the concerns of everyday voices and backed by sound policy. Discover the significant strides in affordable housing, economic development, and crime reduction. #DetroitProgress #GrassrootsLegislation
Leading Detroit a Conversation with Council President & Mayoral Candidate Mary Sheffield
Detroit Next episode 6 with Mayoral Candidate Mary Sheffield
Detroit Next is a special project from Bride Detroit and Detroit is Different collaboration
#DetroitPolitics #MarySheffield #DetroitMayorRace #BlackLeadership #CommunityEmpowerment #UrbanDevelopment #DetroitCityCouncil #DetroitProgress #GrassrootsLegislation
FREE for All – Your First Taste Ticket is On Us!
Join us Saturday, July 26, 2025, from 2 PM – 6 PM at Chandler Park for the Collard Green Cook-Off, Detroit’s signature celebration of Black culture, community, and culinary excellence. Now in its third year, this FREE event transforms soul food into artistry, with bold and creative collard green dishes prepared by Detroit’s finest Black chefs using greens from local Black-owned farms. Rooted in the legacy of the Great Migration and flavored with Detroit pride, the Cook-Off is more than a tasting—it’s a cultural experience. Enjoy music, live performances, and community vibes, and grab your first taste ticket on us! All are welcome!
Public Engagement and Transparency in Action
"Public engagement and transparency are key in decision-making, and it`s all about partnering with the community," Mayoral Candidate Saunteel Jenkins shared in our recent interview. Discover how Jenkins plans to incorporate community input into strategic master planning, focusing on comprehensive development in each of Detroit`s seven districts. Don’t miss out on this insightful discussion.
From Council, to CEO, to Mayoral Candidate Saunteel Jenkins on Detroit`s Path Forward
Detroit Next episode 5 with Mayoral Candidate Saunteel Jenkins
Detroit Next is a special project from Bride Detroit and Detroit is Different collaboration
#SaunteelForDetroit #DetroitNext #Detroit2025 #LeadershipWithLove #CommunityFirst #BlackWomenLead #DetroitPolitics #StrategicVision #DetroitNext #DetroitFuture #CommunityEngagement