Introduction - page 20

Urban Organic is the brand and it was a vision of Drake Phifer. The vision was a place and space for cool Soul and people to vibe together. In the early 2000’s the space for Neo Soul, Afro Beat, House, and Future music from a Black lens was rare.

Today 20 years later the brand has traveled the Metro Detroit area, Michigan, the Nation and world alike. This weekend the brand carries the essence with Day Party is King. In its 4th Memorial Day Installation, the Detroit Diaspora Day Party returns to delight dance floor fanatics both near and far with DJ sets from: Marilyn Griffin | Griffin Gardens, Phifedom | Urban Organic, Diviniti | HoneyComb Music, DJ Vern English | The Tandem, DJ Righteous | D.R.U.M.M, DJ Duane Powell | SoundRotation – Chicago.

The day will include: 5PM- 6PM – Diaspora Tribute Dinner Honoring Zana Smith of Spectacles Boutique and internationally renowned musician, Amp Fiddler prepared by Chef Nik R Cole of Fried Chicken and Caviar

Engineering is a very creative discipline. Volcano’s work to the masses for years was Hip-hop Artist & Rock & Roll Emcee. For over 15 years The Fillmore, CroFoot, The Emerald, are only a few venues in the area crushed by Volcano. As a recording engineer, rapper, music producer, and musician he’s touched thousands. As an engineer and designer, he’s changed the way we move in cars, planes, and even barbeque food. In this interview, we explore his family’s roots from Mississippi to Detroit and the unique perspective of his family during America’s Reconstruction era. Learn how Volcano has a niche in manual machining, 3d design, and building solutions to technical challenges. Check out how www.volcanicengineering.com is a staple and flagship for providing needed experience and knowledge for Black engineers. 

Doctor in Theology, Principal of the Detroit High School for Fine & Performing Arts, Pastor of Fellowship Chapel, and my BIG cousin are only some of the titles held by Mayowa Reynolds. Joining me for a second Detroit is Different interview we discuss the role of mentoring and teaching. Her passion as a child was sparked and flourished through dance. Mayowa is one of the few and proud formerly trained Katherine Dunham dancers. Her start honing a craft and talent in a competitively formal space has empowered her role reaching heights of success. Today her passion is to inspire others and empower their dreams. We discuss differences between students today and ‘back in the day,’ and so much more. This was a fun and colorful interview which will inspire you.

Mayor Monique Owens is dynamic, driven, and divine. For her, Detroit is Different interview Monique opened up how her love for East Coast Hip-hop and Church was a balance she found. This is the same energy that connects her as an Eastpointe resident turned Police Officer, Comedian, now Mayor, and candidate for State Senate. Monique Owens is what many identify as a trailblazer. Setting the standard high as an influential leader with poise, integrity, and historical determination, Monique Owens continues to show what excellence looks like. She was born in Detroit, Michigan, on February 21, 1984, and although she was considered gifted and inquisitive by her teachers, it was at the age of 34 years old when her historic journey began. Monique Owens was elected in 2017 as Eastpointe Michigan’s first black councilwoman. In 2019, only two years into her term, she decided to run for mayor and became Eastpointe’s first black woman and youngest mayor to hold office in Macomb County’s history.

Sterling Toles’s key expression is love. Sterling’s friendships and relationships are built on connecting people to his understanding of love. As a music producer, public speaker (when requested), DJ, and visual artist, Sterling’s works make waves. His current visual art showing at the MOCAD is an exploration of how we identify ourselves through seeking external validation while lacking internal peace. The S(h)elf exhibit is showing in the white house space on the campus of MOCAD. The home welcomes you into the mind of Sterling’s concepts on how we lack connection with others. The lack of connecting with others impacts how we love ourselves and best express who we are. There is a mix of paintings, display pieces, 3-D video work, and abstract interpretations. We discuss in depth how the showing came about and what his inspirations were for this show. Also, learn about his peaceful approach toward creation. 

The Marijuana movement is upon America. In my lifetime the taboo and underground world of indulging in Marijuana has now become a business of interest and popular culture.

State and local governments across the United States of America began sanctioning medical marijuana whereas now recreational use is welcome and open to the world. The federal government still classifies marijuana as a schedule 1 drug substance. This creates many banking and taxation challenges on a Federal level. These challenges are exclusionary barriers creating a very low glass ceiling for many Black business people to enter the marijuana industry.

Levels of capitalization, Internal Revenue Service code IRC 280-E, and the State of Michigan (and many others) Metric system all can be logistical nightmares if not executed well.

Greg Frazier CPA (my Father) comes back to Detroit is Different and shares his understanding and knowledge of the barriers in existence and the way to operate out of jail and debt entering the marijuana industry in Michigan. This is an in-depth video covering many of the ideas and concepts associated with accounting that are imperative to run, operate, and have a marijuana business in compliance with the US Government and the State of Michigan.

For more information and inquiries please contact Greg Frazier CPA at www.gregfraziercpa.com or through LinkedIn  

Buy the block is a phrase often spoken. Mama Shu was fulfilling this mission and purpose before the concept was trendy. Avalon street is a community that, in the mid to late 2000s, saw so much more attention and intentionality. During her many journeys, Mama Shu was drawn to the street owning and operating the Black Hole community space in unions and in partnership with others. Avalon started as a property she exclusively believed in and now welcomes tens of thousands annually to s actual space. Learn more of Mama Shu’s background at Kettering HS, Alkebulan Village, Aisha Shule, and even working at the Belle Isle Big Boys. Mama Shu is a staple in her neighborhood and has a can-do spirit to meet and match the creativity, vision, and passions through providing access and opportunity. Mama Shu’s willingness to dream big, think big, and act big has inspired many, many more (like myself) to engage the community. All this is through the lens of two sons tragically murdered, which pushes her through in spirit towards success. 

Mental Health is a buzzword today. The cohesive nature that makes up us all easily forgotten is Mental Health. Mental Health for Black men is genuinely an unspoken condition to heal, deal with, and prosper. Prostell Thomas joins Detroit is Different to open up about how to deliver in this space through the synergy of connecting with others. Learn about his time on Detroit’s historic  North End, Aknartoons, Northern HS Jayhawks, etc. Prostell shares his process of spending mornings with music, technique, and thought to build up his resolve to engage the world. Please find out how he fills his tank to engage with many who feel like no one cares.

Join HEAL: A Community Mental Health Conversation @ Avalon Village on April 24, 2022, 12 pm – 4 pm. Give to the GoFundme drive HEAL: A Mental Health Conversation as well.