Ajara Alghali, co-founder and Director of TéMaTé Institute for Black Dance and Culture, is a performance artist and thought leader at the intersection of dance and cultural representation. Drawing from her Sierra Leonean-American roots, her work highlights the connections among African people across the diaspora. The TéMaTé Institute, a social justice organization, uses dance as a tool for community engagement, focusing on dance justice and cultural equity. Inspired by the Temate dance of the Yacouba and Whêbe people from the Ivory Coast, the institute honors the joy and relationship between people and the land. The 4th Convening for Dance and Culture, featuring dance and drum workshops on October 19 and 20 at SAY Detroit Play Center and a concert with Afriky Lolo and Detroit’s House of Jit on October 19 at Detroit School of Arts, embraces the theme “Rooted in Rhythm,” symbolizing our shared rhythm and interconnectedness, much like the roots of a tree. This grassroots, artist-led, and self-funded organization works to uplift diaspora arts, and in this Detroit is Different feature, Ajara shares insights into her roots, family, and the geopolitical role of dance as a tool for tradition, spirituality, and resistance against colonialism.
From the Kitchen Table to Hollywood: The Laughter and Legacy of a Comedy Visionary, Howie Bell
Find out what does a tunk strategy, family humor, and the perfect collard greens have in common. In this episode
From the Kitchen Table to Hollywood: The Laughter and Legacy of a Comedy Visionary, Howie Bell
From Hip-Hop to Healing: The Detroit Storytelling Journey of Kahn Davison
Step into the vibrant world of Detroit hip-hop and cultural storytelling with Kahn Santori Davison, a writer whose work has
From Hip-Hop to Healing: The Detroit Storytelling Journey of Kahn Davison
Eric Cook: Rooted in Detroit’s Legacy, Running for Community Change
Eric Cook’s story is a testament to Detroit’s spirit of perseverance and innovation. With roots in the historic Number Streets
Eric Cook: Rooted in Detroit’s Legacy, Running for Community Change
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Restaurants often struggle in their first three years, but Yum Village, a fusion of African and Caribbean cuisine founded by Godwin Ihentuge, opened its doors on Woodward Avenue during the challenges of COVID-19. This venture was the realization of Godwin’s life vision, rooted in his upbringing on Detroit’s Westside as the eldest son in a Nigerian family. Once an introvert, Godwin developed a skill set in empathetic listening that has been key to building a strong team. Yum Village, which began as a smartphone app, has evolved into a full cultural experience, blending food with fashion and more. This Detroit is Different feature explores how defining and committing to a vision can lead to extraordinary growth.
Furqan Mohammed, nephew of Elijah Muhammad, gives his first exclusive podcast interview to Detroit is Different, sharing the remarkable story of his life and family. Furqan opens up about how his family collectively joined the Nation of Islam, tracing their strong and self-determined beginnings from Georgia to Detroit’s historic Black Bottom. He details how the teachings of WD Fard Muhammad in Black Bottom welcomed his family, and how his uncle Elijah Muhammad rose to leadership as the messenger for the Nation of Islam. Furqan also shares memories of his family running a restaurant next to the Nation of Islam Mosque on Linwood for generations. This interview offers a unique glimpse into Detroit’s history, Black history, and American history through the lens of Furqan’s family. Attorney Gregory Reed, who will be traveling and exhibiting artifacts of Furqan’s father, made the interview possible.
In the 1970s, Toni McIlwain was drawn to Detroit by the promise of a thriving Black business community. Leaving Akron, Ohio, she set out with her four children in search of a fresh start. However, the road was not easy; for 18 months, she and her family were unhoused, grappling with feelings of hopelessness. It was during this trying time, while searching for food to feed her family, that Toni made a heartfelt prayer, vowing that if she could receive help, she would dedicate her life to helping others. This pledge became the guiding principle of her life. Her journey of service began in her own neighborhood, where she organized a block club to help her neighbors reclaim their streets from crime and build a safer, more united community. From those small beginnings, Toni went on to lead the Ravendale Community Network, working tirelessly to uplift her community and beyond. She remains a powerful example of faith in action, demonstrating that with determination and divine purpose, transformation is always possible. Check out Toni McIlwain and her work at Ravendale Community Network.
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Living in the Realm of the Impossible
One of the greatest lessons learned from Professor Jose Lopez is his challenge to `live in the realm of the impossible.` Embracing the impossible allows leaders to transcend societal conditioning and become vision casters who ignite the imagination and drive innovation. Join us as we explore this transformative leadership approach in the latest Detroit is Different interview with Raúl Echevarría.
Detroit is Different episode 438 with Raúl Echevarría
Remember to Remember: Raúl Echevarría on Culture, Community, and the Power of the Impossible
#Leadership #Innovation #DetroitIsDifferent
Living in the Realm of the Impossible
One of the greatest lessons learned from Professor Jose Lopez is his challenge to `live in the realm of the impossible.` Embracing the impossible allows leaders to transcend societal conditioning and become vision casters who ignite the imagination and drive innovation. Join us as we explore this transformative leadership approach in the latest Detroit is Different interview with Raúl Echevarría.
Detroit is Different episode 438 with Raúl Echevarría
Remember to Remember: Raúl Echevarría on Culture, Community, and the Power of the Impossible
#Leadership #Innovation #DetroitIsDifferent
Drinking the Kool-Aid on what`s Independence
"The gift of marriage is realizing that love is perfected through understanding and patience. It`s about appreciating your partner`s strengths and working together for a stronger bond."
Detroit is Different episode 437 with Krystal Larsosa
Healing Starts at Home, Detroit Love Story with Krystal Larsosa
#MarriageJourney #LoveAndGrowth #PartnerAppreciation #DetroitIsDifferent
Drinking the Kool-Aid on what`s Independence
"The gift of marriage is realizing that love is perfected through understanding and patience. It`s about appreciating your partner`s strengths and working together for a stronger bond."
Detroit is Different episode 437 with Krystal Larsosa
Healing Starts at Home, Detroit Love Story with Krystal Larsosa
#MarriageJourney #LoveAndGrowth #PartnerAppreciation #DetroitIsDifferent
Glimpse into Detroit`s Bankruptcy Conversations with My Dad
There`s a famous picture of me and my dad on the house floor, discussing the complexities of Detroit`s bankruptcy. How leadership and tough decisions shaped the city in challenging times.
Detroit is Different episode 444 with Fred Durhal III
Raised by Revolutionaries, Built for the Future: Fred Durhal III Is Running Detroit His Way
#Leadership #Legislation #DetroitHistory #FredDurhalIII #2025DetroitMayoralElection #DetroitMayor
Glimpse into Detroit`s Bankruptcy Conversations with My Dad
There`s a famous picture of me and my dad on the house floor, discussing the complexities of Detroit`s bankruptcy. How leadership and tough decisions shaped the city in challenging times.
Detroit is Different episode 444 with Fred Durhal III
Raised by Revolutionaries, Built for the Future: Fred Durhal III Is Running Detroit His Way
#Leadership #Legislation #DetroitHistory #FredDurhalIII #2025DetroitMayoralElection #DetroitMayor
From Stranger to Comrade through the Boggs Center
A conversation that began on a bus led Kim Sherobbi to impactful connections and a lasting relationship with the Boggs Center. Discover how a chance meeting turned into a story of activism and community at the heart of Detroit.
Detroit is Different episode 441 with Kim Sherobbi
Community is the Curriculum: Kim Sherobbi on Legacy, Leadership, and Love
#DetroitHeritage #SocialChange #KimSherobbi #GraceLeeBoggs #BoggsCenter #JimmyBoggs
From Stranger to Comrade through the Boggs Center
A conversation that began on a bus led Kim Sherobbi to impactful connections and a lasting relationship with the Boggs Center. Discover how a chance meeting turned into a story of activism and community at the heart of Detroit.
Detroit is Different episode 441 with Kim Sherobbi
Community is the Curriculum: Kim Sherobbi on Legacy, Leadership, and Love
#DetroitHeritage #SocialChange #KimSherobbi #GraceLeeBoggs #BoggsCenter #JimmyBoggs
Community Triumph Preserving The Crucifixion of Don Pedro
One of the projects that I was honored to be a part of was the protection and recovery of the oldest Puerto Rican mural in the neighborhood, the Crucifixion of Don Pedro. The community in Chicago came together, organized, and successfully turned a development site into a vibrant community space. This is a testament to the power of community organizing and leadership.
Detroit is Different episode 438 with Raúl Echevarría
Remember to Remember: Raúl Echevarría on Culture, Community, and the Power of the Impossible
#CommunityTriumph #Preservation #CulturalHeritage
Community Triumph Preserving The Crucifixion of Don Pedro
One of the projects that I was honored to be a part of was the protection and recovery of the oldest Puerto Rican mural in the neighborhood, the Crucifixion of Don Pedro. The community in Chicago came together, organized, and successfully turned a development site into a vibrant community space. This is a testament to the power of community organizing and leadership.
Detroit is Different episode 438 with Raúl Echevarría
Remember to Remember: Raúl Echevarría on Culture, Community, and the Power of the Impossible
#CommunityTriumph #Preservation #CulturalHeritage
Marriage Perfects Our Love
"The gift of marriage is realizing that love is perfected through understanding and patience. It`s about appreciating your partner`s strengths and working together for a stronger bond."
Detroit is Different episode 436 with Jasahn Larsosa
Building Love, Building Legacy: Jasahn Larsosa on the Power of Black Marriage
#MarriageJourney #LoveAndGrowth #PartnerAppreciation #DetroitIsDifferent
Marriage Perfects Our Love
"The gift of marriage is realizing that love is perfected through understanding and patience. It`s about appreciating your partner`s strengths and working together for a stronger bond."
Detroit is Different episode 436 with Jasahn Larsosa
Building Love, Building Legacy: Jasahn Larsosa on the Power of Black Marriage
#MarriageJourney #LoveAndGrowth #PartnerAppreciation #DetroitIsDifferent
Sacrificing for the Village True Leadership Defined
"Leadership isn`t just about caring for your own family; it`s about the sacrifice you make for the entire village. We failed if the streets aren`t safe for every child." - Insights from Fred Durhal III. Discover what true community leadership looks like and how we can build a brighter future for all generations to come.
Detroit is Different episode 444 with Fred Durhal III
Raised by Revolutionaries, Built for the Future: Fred Durhal III Is Running Detroit His Way
#CommunityLeadership #DetroitStrong #Fred Durhal III #2025DetroitMayoralElection #DetroitMayor
Sacrificing for the Village True Leadership Defined
"Leadership isn`t just about caring for your own family; it`s about the sacrifice you make for the entire village. We failed if the streets aren`t safe for every child." - Insights from Fred Durhal III. Discover what true community leadership looks like and how we can build a brighter future for all generations to come.
Detroit is Different episode 444 with Fred Durhal III
Raised by Revolutionaries, Built for the Future: Fred Durhal III Is Running Detroit His Way
#CommunityLeadership #DetroitStrong #Fred Durhal III #2025DetroitMayoralElection #DetroitMayor
Busy People Developing Future Leaders through the Lens
"Have you ever heard a busy person? If you wanna get something done, you deal with a busy person." Explore how the Community Lens initiative is empowering young people to develop their leadership skills by engaging with their communities. Discover more insights from my interview with Kim Sherobbi on Detroit is Different.
Detroit is Different episode 441 with Kim Sherobbi
Community is the Curriculum: Kim Sherobbi on Legacy, Leadership, and Love
#LeadershipDevelopment #CommunityEngagement #FutureLeaders #DetroitIsDifferent
Busy People Developing Future Leaders through the Lens
"Have you ever heard a busy person? If you wanna get something done, you deal with a busy person." Explore how the Community Lens initiative is empowering young people to develop their leadership skills by engaging with their communities. Discover more insights from my interview with Kim Sherobbi on Detroit is Different.
Detroit is Different episode 441 with Kim Sherobbi
Community is the Curriculum: Kim Sherobbi on Legacy, Leadership, and Love
#LeadershipDevelopment #CommunityEngagement #FutureLeaders #DetroitIsDifferent