Darren Brown is a visionary. In this interview, we explore how he began filming with the dream and learned the rest through experience. We talk Sibley’s Shoes, Rap videos in the 2000s, and today’s Detroit movie industry. Friday, October 29 Darren’s new movie Dymez premiere’s at the Bel Air Luxury Cinema. Check out this interview to learn more about Detroit films as a director and executive producer.
Yasmin Majid was inspired by her neighborhood. As a child, the legacy of Langston Hughes, witnessing her family support Malcolm X, and watching the start of the Black Panther Party reach New York inspired her. Yasmin’s work with the Party placed her in journalism assisting with the Panther Paper, information dissemination, and supporting artists. Working alongside the likes of Assata Shakur and Afeni Shakur, Yasmin is part of the strength of the legacy of Brilliant Sisters that led the Panther Party. Today her work is centered around freeing the many political prisoners that were nation-building and community organizing for the Black Panther Party. In this fruitful discussion, we speak on women in the Black Panther Party, Political Prisoners, and the role the Black Panther Party plays with the Langston Hughes Library. Yasmin Majid blesses Detroit is Different with information and grace.
Harold Taylor is from Black Los Angeles. Taylor’s swagger and vibe ooze the essence of the LA street smarts well aware of Black consciousness. Taylor was a comrade and soldier in arms with the late LA Black Panther Party leader Bunchy Carter. Taylor’s work organizing churches for the breakfast program and recruiting attendants for the political education classes placed him in high regard throughout Los Angeles. In this interview, Taylor opens up about Bunchy Carter, community organizing, and Black Los Angeles of the 1960s. Harold Taylor shares perspective and vision in this interview of what was, is, and can be with Detroit is Different.
Arthur League was born in Tennessee. Growing as a child in the American South through the 50’s and 60’s being Black instilled discipline and willingness in Arthur. From TN his journey landed him in Los Angeles where he was drawn to the Black Panther Party. Protecting the neighborhood against destructive elements of dope pushers and Police brutality was the work of the Black Panther Party Arthur took up. A month after joining the Party he faced the charges and conviction of firing and fighting officers. Upon his release from incarceration, Arthur has stayed true to revolutionary works. His Detroit connection and bond with Yusef Shakur was sparked more than 10 years ago at the United States Social Forum. Arthur League joins Detroit is Different to talk about Community and more in this candid interview.
Colleen Ivana Jones, also known as Vonnie Pill, is a less seasoned Detroiter that is making a big impact on the city’s art scene. She is the art director for the Juneteenth Jubilee Detroit Committee, a proprietor of Lifted Literacy and Arts organization as well as Luxana Body & Locs. She is very adamant about including and uplifting local artists by creating events that will showcase the talent Detroit has to offer. Within this interview, she highlights her artistic influences, her talented family, the power of words, and her journey as a “functional artist.”
Richard Mack is a lifelong Detroit that represents the people in what he does. Attorney Mack works on behalf of workers and labor rights against the greed and exploitive nature of business. Attorney Mack is also one of the elected Detroit City Charter Commissioners that has worked tirelessly with his colleagues to ensure Detroit has an equitable and progressive charter. He joined Detroit is Different to speak about the NEED to VOTE YES on Proposal P and much more. Mack unpacks the value of Proposal P and the process of getting it made. He also shares why the campaign against Proposal P is being led by corporate interest and not the people of Detroit.
Vaughn Arrington is memorable. The laugh, smile, inspirational perspective, and stories stand out. Vaughn opens up about his childhood and living in the 1980’s Detroit as both his parents dove into the street economy. After serving a 10-year sentence starting at the age of 16 Vaughn returned to Detroit inspired. Today Vaughn’s work with Detroit Public Schools, the President Biden campaign, and many more organizations and groups touches tens of thousands. Also, learn about the Human Flyer business and how the idea collaboratively from Khary Frazier and Vaughn Arrington has birthed a very successful business and brand.
Cliff Green is an example of professional cool. Green’s style and perspective have been a guide for all men in Detroit looking for fashion ideas since the 1980s. Cliff Green is an owner of Hot Sam’sClothing celebrating 100 years of business. In this interview, Green opens upabout the deal to buy Hot Sam’s in 1994. Cliff shares how his family has played arole in the business and the success of business must be anchored with successin family. Cliff celebrates 100 years of Hot Sams Clothing.
