Introduction - page 6

Louisiana is known for its great food and warm hospitality. Ederique Goudia grew up loving both cooking and tasting a variety of dishes, surrounded by a family deeply rooted in Louisiana culture, where everyone from her mother and father to her aunts, uncles, and cousins cooked. Discovering in high school that she could turn her passion into a career, Ederique has been in the culinary industry ever since. For over 20 years, she has lived in Detroit, witnessing many changes in the city’s culture and cuisine. Dedicated to empowering creative culinary artists, she helps them ensure their businesses meet all necessary expectations to thrive, providing guidance on profit and loss, pricing strategies, and more. Meet Ederique Goudia on this episode of Detroit is Different. Contact Chef Ederique Goudia at eg@ibfdetroit.com

Football was the gateway that took Keith Williams to Eastern Michigan University, where his knack for sales soon took hold. In the 1980s, he was selling business forms and starting a printing company. We explore his transition from the Republican Party to help develop a farmers market of the Lodge Service Drive and Livernois. His love for Black people was his motivation. Keith opens up about a decision he regrets and discusses how politics is fundamentally about interests. He sees Black business and Black ownership as the primary interests at hand.

Serving the people was a mission instilled in Tarence Wheeler at a young age by his grandmother. Today, he channels his passion, talents, and skills to inspire everyone, especially young Black individuals, to take initiative in empowering their communities. The Southwestern and Arizona State University basketball star opens up about how basketball was a gateway to opportunities, but his true passion has always been the community. Tarence shares his experiences with the 1980s Detroit PSL team (excluding Southwestern players) and much more about hoops. We also discuss the journey of community work and the commitment it requires. Check out Tarence Wheeler in this edition of Detroit is Different.

Before he was born, Kirk Mayes’ great-aunt inspired his mother to serve their community in the hills of Jamaica. Decades later, Kirk Mayes has fed hundreds of thousands of families during a pandemic, driven by his mission to be a resource for his community. In this dynamic episode of Detroit is Different, Kirk opens up about his journey of learning how a Non-Profit Organization can support a community. Friendship, family, education, and culture have all shaped Kirk’s character and guided his path. Tune in to hear Kirk Mayes on Detroit is Different.

Black designers in fashion, furniture, and even aluminum cans are changing the world from Detroit. Keir Worthy returns to Detroit is Different to discuss his role as the Executive Director of the Organization of Black Designers. We explore the significant contributions Black people have made in establishing style and coolness globally and delve into the cultural dynamics of Detroit and New York. Tune in to this episode of Detroit is Different featuring Keir Worthy.

Sabrina Nelson is embarking on a transformative journey to Africa, driven by her passion for learning, teaching, and immersing herself in the world of art. With a rich history of creativity showcased during her original appearance on Detroit is Different, Sabrina has dedicated her life to sharing her artistic talents. Today, her artistic expression flows in sync with the rhythm of her spirit, seamlessly blending music, fashion, painting, sculpture, and beyond. As she prepares for her upcoming adventure to Africa, Sabrina eagerly anticipates the opportunity to both impart her knowledge and absorb the diverse artistic influences of the African Diaspora. Through teaching, learning, and experiencing artistry firsthand, Sabrina aims to further enrich her own creative journey while fostering cross-cultural connections and understanding.

Stephanie Fazekas stands as a beacon of cool, her roots intertwined deeply with Detroit’s Eastside and Westside. Seamlessly blending her innate understanding of the city’s culture with her passion for art, Stephanie is poised to debut her inaugural art exhibition alongside her son Tory, a fitting celebration for Mother’s Day 2024. Together, we embark on a journey through the origins of Crockett High School, the vibrant tapestry of Detroit’s salon culture, and the transformative impact of Wayne State University’s Africana Studies program on Stephanie’s worldview. Delving into the annals of history, Stephanie illuminates how the convergence of the Labor Movement and the Black experience has profoundly shaped Detroit and reverberated throughout the fabric of America, offering keen insights into the intricate dynamics of race and power. Amidst our conversation, Stephanie graciously shares her foray into children’s literature and the evolution of her characters through art, while Tory joins us to provide a glimpse into their collaborative process and offer a sneak peek into their upcoming art show, showcasing the magic of merging their creative energies.