Hood Research, Haunted Houses & Harlem Roots Story of Theo Broughton

“You stay vibrant, you stay young, you stay healthy by participating in the life that’s going on around you.” On this episode of Detroit is Different, we sit down with the incomparable Theo Broughton, a true pillar of Detroit’s Black political and cultural community. As the co-founder of Hood Research, Theo has spent decades shaping political awareness, fostering community engagement, and preserving Black history in the city. From Harlem’s jazz era—where her father played saxophone with Duke Ellington and Louis Armstrong—to the mid-1950s when she arrived in Detroit, Theo shares her journey through the city’s evolution. We dive into her deep involvement in Detroit’s political landscape, from working alongside the legendary Barbara-Rose Collins to leading community forums with greats like Dr. Claud Anderson and Bob Law. She recounts her groundbreaking haunted house project that brought joy and excitement to Detroit’s youth, her years of activism through media, and her relentless push for civic engagement. Theo’s wisdom, passion, and storytelling bring history to life as she reflects on how Detroit has changed and what the future holds for its people. Tune in for a conversation that is as inspiring as it is deeply rooted in Detroit’s legacy of resilience and empowerment!