Community engagement, advocacy, and social change are lifelong passions for Alexa and Johnnie Turnage. They share how a chance meeting on a flight to Detroit led to a friendship that blossomed into marriage. The Turnages’ Black Tech Saturdays has evolved into a national effort. In this interview, they discuss how this initiative aligns with their shared passion for using technology to unite communities around social change. They also delve into how their family roots have inspired them to build and develop community, and highlight how Johnnie’s mom was ahead of her time in website development and coding. Tune in to “Detroit is Different” with Alexa and Johnnie Turnage, founders of Black Tech Saturdays, for more insights.
Carolyn Baker of the General Baker Institute Honors Her Parents’ Legacy and Inspires Social Justice Through Innovative Education Programs
Carolyn Baker of the General Baker Institute shares her passion for preserving the legacy of her father, General Gordon Baker,
Carolyn Baker of the General Baker Institute Honors Her Parents’ Legacy and Inspires Social Justice Through Innovative Education Programs
Ajara Alghali: Cofounder of TéMaTé Institute on Dance, Culture, and Resistance — Highlighting the Diaspora’s Rhythmic Roots at the Convening for Dance and Culture in Detroit
Ajara Alghali, co-founder and Director of TéMaTé Institute for Black Dance and Culture, is a performance artist and thought leader
Ajara Alghali: Cofounder of TéMaTé Institute on Dance, Culture, and Resistance — Highlighting the Diaspora’s Rhythmic Roots at the Convening for Dance and Culture in Detroit
Founder of Yum Village Godwin Ihentuge speaks about Developing through Vision
Restaurants often struggle in their first three years, but Yum Village, a fusion of African and Caribbean cuisine founded by
Founder of Yum Village Godwin Ihentuge speaks about Developing through Vision
Video Playlist
Podcasts
Collective enjoyment, live entertainment, dancing, and Prince music have made Detroit summers popular for years. On Wednesday, August 14, 2024, Build Institute will host an interactive and fun fundraiser at the Aretha Amphitheater, featuring the extraordinary drummer Sheila E. Regina Ann Campbell, CEO of Build Institute, will join us to discuss the fundraiser and much more. Discover how Build Institute is expanding its business development services to help businesses grow! We’ll also explore the relationship between Build Institute, Detroit is Different, and community engagement. This is a fun and engaging conversation. Tune in to Detroit is Different with Regina Ann Campbell, CEO of Build Institute
David ‘Hump the Grinder’ Humphries, a pivotal figure in Detroit’s Black culture of music and hair design, has been producing Hair Wars since the era when Mojo’s radio shows kept people dancing through the night. Returning to Detroit is Different, Hump discusses the upcoming Hair Wars and his experiences traveling with Hip-hop’s first tour, ‘The Fresh Fest’ from 1984 to 1986, and street team promotions. On July 20, 2024, join Hump and the hair designers at Artist Village for the Hair Wars Party and Strolling Hair Show, promising a unique party experience from 6 PM to 3 AM.
The Collard Green Cook-Off was a cultural experience that connected with hundreds of Detroiters last year. This year, Detroit is Different will expand the experience by adding the Collard Green Cook-Off Playoffs. The Playoffs will be held this Thursday during the Juneteenth Jubilee Celebration, organized by Black Leaders Detroit and led by Sharea Ayers. In this Detroit is Different interview, Khary Frazier is interviewed by Sterling Toles, who explores the idea, concept, and energy of the Collard Green Cook-Off. This engaging and introspective discussion highlights ten years of Detroit is Different and delves into visions for the next decade. Don’t miss this episode of Detroit is Different with Khary Frazier and Sterling Toles.
Donation
Detroit Next
Do Any Candidates Have What it Takes to be Mayor? - Detroit Next Episode 8
Get Latest Updates
Featured Podcast
Archives
Follow Us On Intagram
Why AI Can`t Replace Human Creativity
"AI can`t do what I do. Because you can`t make it feel like something, `cause AI don`t know how to feel." Sydney G. James, a pioneering visual artist, explores the limits of AI in creativity. In our interview for Detroit is Different, she delves into why human touch in art cannot be replicated by machines. Discover how embracing technology can still be about maintaining authenticity and creativity.
You Can’t AI Artistic Soul: Sydney G. James on Murals, Memory, and Making Detroit Seen
Detroit is Different episode 453 with Sydney James
#AIandArt #HumanCreativity #SydneyGJames #DetroitIsDifferent
Economics of Art, Why Fundraising Matters
"You`re hosting this festival inside of a black-ass city, the blackest city in America, and you`re not bringing any black artists." In a powerful interview with Detroit is Different, Visual Artist Sydney G. James discusses the economic impact of art and the importance of fundraising to support artists. Discover how art fuels local economies and why inclusivity is crucial in creative spaces. This conversation is a must-watch for anyone interested in the intersection of art and community.
You Can’t AI Artistic Soul: Sydney G. James on Murals, Memory, and Making Detroit Seen
Detroit is Different episode 453 with Sydney James
#ArtEconomics #CommunitySupport #CulturalInclusion #DetroitArt
Execution Over Policy, the True Test of Leadership
"However, the best written ordinance means nothing if you can`t execute." In her Detroit is Different interview, Mayoral Candidate Saunteel Jenkins emphasizes the importance of executive experience in transforming policies into action. She shares insights on building effective coalitions and tackling the complexities of legislation and funding to address vital issues. Learn how Jenkins has been making a difference at Thaw for over a decade.
Detroit Made Me: Saunteel Jenkins on Grief, Grit, and Growing Up on Joy Road
Detroit is Different episode 457 with Saunteel Jenkins
#Leadership #Detroit #SaunteelJenkins #PolicyExecution #CommunityImpact
Step Into Service: One Day, One Stop, One Career with Wayne County Sheriff
Join the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office for a unique One-Stop Hiring Event on Saturday, June 28, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM at the Wayne County Criminal Justice Center (5301 Russell Street, Detroit, MI 48211). This event is open to anyone 18 and older looking to begin a career in law enforcement. Attendees can pre-register at sheriffconnect.com/onestop to fast-track their experience, allowing recruiters to conduct pre-checks and provide key details ahead of time. Walk-ins are welcome but may experience slower processing. Participants will complete a written exam, health screening (no drug testing), and an agility test—all in one visit. Expect a welcoming environment with snacks, mentorship from current deputies, and the chance to explore specialty units like the SWAT team, K9s, Mounted Patrol, Motorcycle Unit, and more. Registration requires your name, phone number, email, birthdate, and driver’s license number. The full process takes about two hours, making this a streamlined, same-day opportunity to step into a meaningful career with the Wayne County Sheriff`s Office.
Drawn from Detroit: Sydney James and the Art of Coming Full Circle
When I say the experience of Black family, I went into a room and felt like, damn, this was my grandma house." In this powerful episode of Detroit is Different, Sydney James — renowned muralist, painter, and cultural curator — takes us into the heart of her artistry and the legacy she honors with every brushstroke. From painting on her childhood bedroom walls to transforming Detroit’s cityscape, Sydney shares how her youthful passions became a career rooted in purpose. "Everything I do now for a career, I did as a kid," she reflects, as we discuss her unforgettable MOCAD exhibit `A Girl Raised in Detroit,` the bold spirit behind her fashion-infused art, and her creative leadership in anchoring spaces like the Chroma building. With shout-outs to icons like Halima and stories that echo through generations, this interview is more than talk — it’s testimony. Tune in and feel the vibrance of a visionary who turns memory into movement.
#DetroitIsDifferent #SydneyGJames #BlackArtMatters #DetroitArtist #MuralMovement #BlackCreativeExcellence #ArtAsResistance #DetroitCulture #BlackWomenArtists
Why Detroit Will Always Be Home
"Detroit is the best place for Black people...because it`s home." In a powerful interview on "Detroit is Different," visual artist Sydney G. James shares her deep-rooted connection to the city she calls home. She explores the sense of belonging that Detroit provides and reflects on her artistic journey within this vibrant, diverse community. Discover why Sydney chooses to plant herself in Detroit despite opportunities elsewhere, and how this city continues to fuel her creativity.
You Can’t AI Artistic Soul: Sydney G. James on Murals, Memory, and Making Detroit Seen
Detroit is Different episode 453 with Sydney James
#DetroitIsHome #VisualArt #CommunityRoots #BlackArtists #DetroitCommunity #ArtisticJourney
The One-Minute Budget Miracle
"On the campaign trail, it`s a challenge: `You have one minute to tell me how you`re gonna balance the budget for the next 20 years.` But it`s essential to have deeper conversations about what elected officials can realistically accomplish. In my latest conversation with Detroit Mayoral Candidate Saunteel Jenkins, we delve into the complexities of district versus at-large representation, and the real power — or lack thereof — that local council members hold. Discover why understanding these nuances is crucial for Detroit`s future.
Detroit Made Me: Saunteel Jenkins on Grief, Grit, and Growing Up on Joy Road
Detroit is Different episode 457 with Saunteel Jenkins
#DetroitPolitics #LocalGovernment #BudgetManagement #Elections2025
Detroit is Different & Good Cakes and Bakes Present
What’s Sweet & What’s Spicy: A Live Podcast on Black Business & Community
📅 Thursday, June 19, 2025 | 🕒 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM
📍 Good Cakes and Bakes | 19363 Livernois, Detroit, MI 48221
🎟️ Free and open to the public
Join us for a sweet slice of culture and conversation during the Avenue of Fashions Juneteenth Celebration! Detroit is Different goes live in-store with a special podcast hosted by Khary Frazier, featuring a powerful dialogue with April Anderson, owner of Detroit’s cherished Good Cakes and Bakes.
From 3 PM to 4 PM, we’ll dive into April’s journey—baking brilliance, community commitment, and entrepreneurial grit—all grounded in the rich legacy of Black business in Detroit. Stay afterward to connect, reflect, and celebrate culture with us.
Live podcast, good vibes, and a community that rises—together.
#DetroitIsDifferent #GoodCakesAndBakes #WhatsSweetAndSpicy #BlackBusinessMatters #JuneteenthDetroit #AvenueOfFashions #DetroitCulture #CommunityConversation #LivePodcast #SupportBlackBusiness #KharyFrazier #AprilAnderson #DetroitEvents #CulturalCelebration