Introduction

The legacy and wisdom of Detroit’s own Helen Moore, a trailblazer in community organizing and education advocacy, as she shares an inspiring journey spanning nearly nine decades. From surviving the racial tensions of 1940s Detroit to her pivotal role in shaping the city’s educational landscape, Moore reflects on her family’s migration story, Detroit’s history of rebellion, and her relentless fight to empower Black children through equitable education. Listen as she weaves stories of courage, strategy, and collective action—taking on systemic racism, advocating for African-centered education, and mobilizing parents and communities to keep the vote and protect Detroit’s schools. This episode is a masterclass in resistance, resilience, and the power of a united community to create change.

Journey into the heart of Detroit’s vibrant culture as we welcome Ber-Henda Williams to the Detroit is Different podcast. In this powerful and introspective conversation, Ber-Henda reflects on her journey as an educator, poet, and community leader rooted in the legacies of Detroit’s Black history. From the resilience of her family’s migration story to her father’s dynamic contributions as a Southfield volunteer, Ber-Henda weaves tales of artistry, hope, and transformation. A bilingual poet and Spanish educator, Ber-Henda shares how embracing the Espanol has expanded her world, built bridges across cultures, and added a unique layer to her artistry and community work. Whether performing bilingual spoken word or teaching poetry in schools where she speaks Spanish from the time she enters until she leaves, Ber-Henda’s journey highlights the power of language to create connections and deepen understanding. Together, we explore themes of healing through community, the role of creativity in navigating life’s transitions, and the grounding power of poetry as a tool for self-expression and connection. This episode is a celebration of heritage, love, and the unwavering strength of Detroit’s soul.

Unapologetic conversation with political strategist Brandon Jessup, who’s on a mission to ignite Black political power and transform grassroots organizing in Michigan. In this episode, we dissect the frustrations fueling voter apathy, explore how systemic disenfranchisement has left Black communities politically homeless, and chart a bold path forward. As a national leader in advancing equity and a candidate for chair of the Michigan Democratic Black Caucus, Jessup delivers an inspiring blueprint for building community power, from empowering precinct delegates to mobilizing around reparations. He unpacks how Detroit’s unique political and cultural landscape can spark statewide change while emphasizing the importance of intergenerational leadership, economic justice, and staying grounded in community values. Whether you’re a seasoned activist or new to organizing, this conversation will leave you informed, energized, and ready to take action.

Get ready for an inspiring conversation with Maria Franklin, a powerhouse leader committed to uplifting Detroit’s youth and community. A fourth-generation Detroiter, Maria’s journey from a military upbringing to becoming Executive Director of the non-profit Life Leaders is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and purpose. She shares how losing her father at 16 shaped her work ethic, and how teaching nutrition in Detroit schools exposed her to systemic challenges like poverty, food insecurity, and limited opportunities. Fueled by these experiences, Maria now leads efforts to empower young people through leadership and entrepreneurship training, offering them mentorship, resources, and a vision for success. In this candid discussion, Maria delves into the importance of youth voices in decision-making, the transformative power of exposure, and her unwavering commitment to fostering opportunities for Detroit’s next generation. With her eye on the future, Maria Franklin proves that when young people are empowered, entire communities can thrive. Don’t miss this conversation packed with wisdom, passion, and actionable insights for change.

T.Barb, a powerhouse comedian and entertainer, proudly represents the Detroit is Different family, bringing laughter and light to the heart of Detroit and beyond. A natural-born performer, T.Barb’s talent is rooted in her family’s rich legacy of creativity, with her father and great-grandparents blazing trails in entertainment before her. She has taken the stage by storm with her comedy album, Retired Hood Rat Podcast, and her newest venture as executive producer of the hit Tubi series Only in My Hood. Through triumphs and challenges—including the profound losses of her brother and sister—T.Barb remains resilient, turning personal pain into creative inspiration. Boldly declaring herself one of the best stand-up comedians in the nation, she is unapologetic about her greatness and passionate about elevating Detroit’s incredible talent. T.Barb also embraces her role as a mentor, grooming her son Reggie to continue the “family business” and championing the importance of community and collaboration. With her unshakable confidence, sharp humor, and heartfelt dedication to her city, T.Barb is amplifying Detroit’s unique stories on national platforms and proving that her voice—and Detroit’s—is unforgettable.

Detroit’s legacy breathes through the lives and voices of those who’ve carved pathways of resilience, creativity, and cultural pride, and Mama Lohnren’s journey is a testament to this spirit. Lohren Carter-Nzoma story is a vivid tapestry of cultural preservation, family legacy, and transformative education rooted in Detroit’s Black community. A second-generation Detroiter with familial ties to Alabama’s rich agricultural heritage, she embodies a connection to both the South’s resilience and the North’s industrial promise. Her mother’s fearless advocacy for justice and her father’s unyielding discipline instilled a foundation of excellence that shaped Lohren’s Pan-African identity. From navigating racially divided schools in Waterford to leading Montessori classrooms in Pontiac, Lohren’s journey is a masterclass in bridging gaps and fostering unity. Her discovery of African dance and drum at Oakland University, sparked by a chance meeting with the legendary Mama Safiya Tsekani, unlocked an immersive understanding of African-centered education. This ignited a lifelong passion for grounding youth in the stories, movements, and rhythms of their ancestors. Through Nsoroma Institute, she cultivated a space where children thrived in cultural empowerment and collective responsibility, ensuring that education extended beyond books to embrace community, tradition, and the richness of Black identity.

Every Detroiter carries a tapestry of stories woven from history, resilience, and boundless creativity, and Loke’s narrative is a masterclass in how place shapes purpose. Detroit native Loke embodies the vibrant intersection of culture, creativity, and community that defines the city. Rooted in generations of storytelling, from his grandmother’s migration from Eufaula, Alabama, to Detroit for opportunities during the Great Migration, to his mother’s Parisian roots as the daughter of a veteran, Loke’s lineage is as rich as the Detroit soil that nurtured him. Growing up between Midtown’s cultural corridors and suburban enclaves, he absorbed a dynamic worldview shaped by both struggle and progress. His educational journey began at Flix, an immersion school where language and cultural diversity built his foundation of global awareness. At U Prep, he explored ancient Egypt and grassroots organizing, experiences that now resonate in his multifaceted artistry. From freestyle ciphers to poetry inspired by the Last Poets, Loki’s creative path weaves Detroit’s hip-hop legacy with his own vision of uplifting communities. This passion carried him to stages like the KRS-One benefit concert for Highland Park’s Avalon Village, where his words connected Detroit’s historical legacy to its present struggles and triumphs. Through collaborations with organizations like Detroit Future City and Vanguard CDC, Loki’s work transcends art, becoming a beacon of empowerment for Detroiters navigating a rapidly evolving cultural and economic landscape.

In this dynamic episode of Detroit is Different, we dive deep into the rich, multifaceted journey of Brent Smith—a hip-hop artist, urban gardener, and community builder. Raised in a family steeped in the legacy of Detroit and Flint, Brent’s narrative threads through generational agriculture, black artistry, and grassroots organizing. Discover how his early days performing in local open mics and forming the rap group “Cold Men Young” shaped his artistry and how the hustle of music tours and urban gardening ignited a new vision. From growing collard greens for downtown restaurants to activating spaces for hip-hop in Detroit’s urban gardens, Brent reflects on balancing creativity, culture, and community. This conversation is a vibrant tapestry of resilience, innovation, and Detroit pride, showcasing the power of hip-hop and agriculture to transform spaces and inspire growth. Tune in for a story about breaking molds, growing roots, and cultivating legacy.