Keith Bennett is known to many in Detroit as the mind behind Flip the Script. The journey to helping returning citizens came from a love of basketball. As a high school student, Bennett was a basketball mastermind that became a student assistant coach. In this interview, he discusses how Curt Jones became the gateway for him to fall in love with basketball and leave baseball. The study and work ethic attracted the attention of coaches. This led to his journey of promotions in the nightlife of the 1970s and 1980s in Metro Detroit. This is Part I of the Keith Bennett interview on Detroit is Different.
Mark Crain’s dedication to community and development has forged a profound connection with Dream of Detroit, where his commitment to family, business acumen, passion for the Woodrow Wilson community, and Islamic faith have converged to drive transformative change in the heart of Detroit.
Mark Crain’s business acumen has been instrumental in Dream of Detroit’s growth and impact. His strategic thinking, financial expertise, and networking abilities have helped secure funding and collaborations, enabling Dream of Detroit to initiate transformative projects in the community. Mark’s business background has also instilled in him a sense of accountability and efficiency, ensuring that every effort contributes to sustainable, long-term development in the area.
The Woodrow Wilson community holds a special place in Mark’s heart. It is a neighborhood rich in history and potential, yet plagued by decades of neglect and disinvestment. Mark’s connection with the community runs deep, as he witnesses firsthand the challenges faced by its residents. His Grand Fathers Locksmith shop across the street from Central HS grounded Mark there as a child. Dream of Detroit’s mission to revitalize the Woodrow Wilson community aligns perfectly with Mark’s vision for a thriving, inclusive, and vibrant neighborhood that residents can take pride in.
Mark Crain’s Islamic faith serves as a guiding principle in his life and work. The values of compassion, social justice, and service to others, as emphasized in Islam, resonate deeply with his commitment to community development. Through Dream of Detroit, Mark channels his faith into action, working tirelessly to create positive change and empower those in need. His faith reminds him of the importance of humility and selflessness, qualities that have earned him the respect and trust of the Woodrow Wilson community.
The Summer Oasis Music Festival in Idlewild, MI, has emerged as the ultimate glamping experience that the house music and dance culture needed, enticing DJs worldwide to visit this picturesque destination. At the heart of this exceptional event lies the vision and dedication of Cedric McDougle, whose passion for music, culture, and community led him to create a festival like no other.
Cedric McDougle, a visionary entrepreneur and music enthusiast, envisioned a festival that would not only celebrate the electrifying beats of house music but also pay homage to the rich cultural history of Idlewild, MI. The town, renowned for its significance as a historic African American resort, served as a source of inspiration for Cedric. He wanted to create an event that would foster a sense of unity and empowerment, drawing from the vibrant legacy of the town’s past.
The idea of combining glamping with the immersive experience of house music and dance culture sprang from Cedric’s desire to offer festival-goers an unparalleled experience. He believed that providing luxurious amenities in the midst of nature would enhance the overall festival vibe, attracting a diverse audience from all corners of the globe.
Cedric McDougle’s vision for the Summer Oasis Music Festival was to create more than just a music event; he aimed to cultivate a community. He wanted festival-goers to feel a sense of belonging, to connect with one another through music, and to share in the joy of celebration. By curating workshops, talks, and interactive experiences, he ensured that the festival became a space for dialogue, creativity, and networking for artists and industry professionals alike.
Nusrat Moghul, is a charismatic real estate broker who is as enchanting as the city itself. With a deep-rooted passion for Detroit, Moghul has an everlasting love for Motor City.
From the moment you meet her, Moghul’s energy is infectious. Her unwavering enthusiasm for Detroit’s housing stock, architecture, and community runs deep. Her travels across the world, living in the UK, and experiences with internationally rich and famous people have not been as fulfilling as her times in Detroit. With a keen eye for hidden gems and untapped potential, she breathes new life into all neighborhoods, transforming them into vibrant communities.
Moghul’s love affair with Detroit goes beyond her profession. She wholeheartedly believes in the city’s resilience and creativity. She works in the North End and lives in the North End and Loves it! Her dedication to preserving Detroit’s rich history while fostering growth is nothing short of remarkable.
In this interview, Moghul shares her journey from Pakistan to the United States and Metro Detroit. Learn about her work as a Lawyer in the UK and now Real Estate Broker & Realtor specializing in the Detroit market. In a city filled with dreams and possibilities, Nusrat Moghul stands tall as a beacon of hope and a driving force behind helping families fulfill theirs by finding homes.
The 1980s mixed a cultural movement that highlighted electronics and technology. As computers moved from government spaces to businesses to homes some American children became mesmerized with the personal computer. Terrance Campbell was one of the many American children in that group. Being an African American kid from Flint Terrance stood out in this group. Am interest grew into a love that now is the business. Terrance opens up about Flint Hip-hop, Michigan Transportation, and much more. Get an understanding of coding languages and much more in this Detroit is Different feature.
Confessions of a Menopausal Femme Fatal is the one-woman show experience by Satori Shakoor happening July 21 – 23 at Detroit Public Theatre. Satori comes back to Detroit is Different to open up about her show and much more. We discuss the Secret Society of Twisted Storytellers and the role storytelling plays in society, civilization, and life.
Satori Shakoor, founder of The Secret Society Of Twisted Storytellers® holds nothing back in her solo, standup storytelling concert. Satori’s riveting performance reflects on 12 years of her journey through the change in life. Wrought with twists and turns, Satori discovers early on that change comes at a very high price. She must confront and overcome a dark secret from her past. As Satori confesses her crime and owns it, she finds freedom and the grace to be fully ALIVE. Confessions of a Menopausal Femme Fatale is a mood-swinging, hot flash of emotion, told through music, song, and in Satori’s unique style. In a jaw-dropping, taboo-busting, drop-the-mic performance, her story will leave audiences giddy with laughter, moved to tears, breathless, and cheering in triumph.
Two million women enter menopause every year. It’s shocking that no one is talking to them, with the exception of drug companies, who focus mainly on alleviating physical symptoms. Confessions of a Menopausal Femme Fatale speaks to a hungry woman over 45 who has to hear stories that more fully represent their experiences. Confessions will encourage women to break the silence, end the shame, and inspire conversations that are uplifting, informative, thought-provoking, and supportive. Come out. Share stories. Celebrate this rite of passage called menopause, “the change of life!”
Standing as a beacon of hope and inspiration for the community is her purpose. Angela Calloway is the District 2 Detroit City Councilmember and so much more. With an unwavering belief in God and deep roots in Detroit, Calloway is driven by a steadfast commitment to uplift and empower her Detroit community. Her tireless efforts to bring positive change and promote unity have made her a friend to neighborhood groups and associations alike. A woman of strong faith, Calloway draws her strength and determination from her belief in a higher power. She firmly believes that her purpose in life is to serve others, guided by the principle. With God as her foundation, she approaches every decision with unwavering integrity and a deep sense of responsibility to her community. Born and raised in the heart of the city, she has witnessed firsthand the struggles and triumphs of her neighbors, instilling in her a profound sense of connection and dedication. Her experiences have fueled her passion for community development, inspiring her to fight for equitable opportunities, improved education, and safer neighborhoods. Meet Angela Whitfield-Calloway on Detroit is Different.
Dexter is one of Detroit’s most spoken-of streets. Kash Doll’s new album introduced hip-hop listeners to the street worldwide. For Achsha Jones, it was home for her family through the 1980s and 1990s. Achsha is the founder and director of Trip Slip to people that meet her in the technology space. In this Detroit is Different feature, you are introduced to the kid from Dexter who witnessed how crack cocaine, the prison industrial complex, and poverty strengthened her for the rollercoaster of American Life. Achsha shares her love for creativity. Find out about her journey as a 1998 graduate of the Original (old) Detroit High School for Fine and Performing Arts. She shares how watching an idea become a reality is an impactful inspiration that drives her today. Check out the Detroit is Different feature with Trip Slip’s Achsha Jones.
