In the 1990s, Detroit had a profound impact on Moudou Baqui and his entire family. They had moved from Tennessee to escape racism and limited opportunities, eventually establishing roots in Detroit. The Petty family began to settle in Detroit when the land beyond 8 Mile Road was still farmland, owned and cultivated by them. This included the area where the Kroger at 8 Mile and Wyoming now stands, which was seized through eminent domain, resulting in the loss of 40 acres of farmland. Moudou’s family history is a testament to Black independence and resilience in the face of the systemic challenges imposed by America. Moudou, born Justin Petty, has a story that intertwines civil rights, street life, Black liberation, African-centered education, and healing, reminiscent of a modern-day Forrest Gump. In this interview, he shares his insights on healing, movement, and much more. Tune in to “Detroit is Different” with Moudou Baqui to learn more about his remarkable journey.
Reimaginings in Verse: Jason “Squeeze” Ford on Creativity, Culture, and Community
In this episode of the Detroit is Different podcast, host Khary Frazier welcomes Jason Ford, widely known as “Squeeze,” a
Reimaginings in Verse: Jason “Squeeze” Ford on Creativity, Culture, and Community
Rooted in Vision: Alexis Smith’s Journey to Mentorship and Creativity
“Cultivating Queens of Creativity”: In this enlightening episode of Detroit is Different, host Khary Frazier welcomes Alexis Smith, whose radiant
Rooted in Vision: Alexis Smith’s Journey to Mentorship and Creativity
Civil Rights & Campus Protests: Michigan Universities React to Palestine Activism | Public Hearing
Description: The Journey Behind “Civil Rights & Campus Protests: Michigan Universities React to Palestine Activism | Public Hearing” and Its
Civil Rights & Campus Protests: Michigan Universities React to Palestine Activism | Public Hearing
Video Playlist
Podcasts
Detroit is Different Services
Inkster, MI, became a suburban destination for Black families in the Metro Detroit region in the 1970s. Jason Turner’s family moved there in the late 1960s. Today, Jason works within his community alongside his family, focusing on creativity and community initiatives. He is a founding member of Building Black Brick Masters, an intergenerational Black men’s community organizing group. Jason shares his experiences of navigating two realities after his parents separated, reflecting on how street life, photography, and recreation have all played significant roles in his life.
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.
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
Detroit is Different Community
Detroit Next
What Detroiters Need to Know After the August Primary - Detroit Next Episode 13
Get Latest Updates
Featured Podcast
Archives
Follow Us On Intagram
AI Bias the Disturbing Reality in Facial Recognition
"The assumption that technology can escape human biases is a myth. Join us in an enlightening conversation with Jelani Stowers from Pages Bookshop, as we dissect David Hume’s philosophy on rationality and ethics in the context of AI. Can machines truly offer unbiased solutions, or do they mirror our prejudices? Find out how these concepts shape the technology impacting our lives today.
From Pac-Man to Pages: Jelani Stowers on Books, Philosophy, and Black Detroit’s Future
Detroit is Different episode 492 with Jelani Stowers
#AITruth #TechBias #PhilosophyInAI #DetroitIsDifferent #PagesBookshop
Education`s True Goal Building Better Generations
"Education`s True Goal: Building Better Generations—Denzel McCampbell explores how education should empower our youth to discern right from wrong and instill values for a better future. In our latest Detroit is Different interview, discover how systemic issues, community dynamics, and environmental challenges intertwine in Detroit`s District 7. As a candidate for the City Council, McCampbell sheds light on the divisive strategies that pit communities against one another and discusses the pressing needs for equitable investment. Don`t miss his insights on creating cohesive neighborhoods through understanding and collaboration.
Denzell McCampbell on Detroit’s Fight for Equity
Detroit is Different episode 493 with Denzel McCampbell
#DetroitIsDifferent #DenzelMcCampbell #DetroitCityCouncil #Education #CommunityEngagement
Breaking Ground Reporting on the Early #MeToo Movement
"Journalism isn`t about age; it`s about courage and dedication." In our latest episode, Jelani Stowers delves into the early reporting on the `#MeToo` movement from the courage of a fellow HS classmate that shared the trauma she experienced and he wrote about it. Jelani shares his insights and reflections from those at the forefront. Discover how young journalists navigated complex and sensitive terrain while highlighting stories that urgently needed to be told. Jelani Stowers of Pages Bookshop shares his perspective on supporting emerging voices in journalism. Dive into the conversation and explore the delicate balance between storytelling and respect for interviewees.
From Pac-Man to Pages: Jelani Stowers on Books, Philosophy, and Black Detroit’s Future
Detroit is Different episode 492 with Jelani Stowers
#DetroitIsDifferent #MeToo #Journalism #PagesBookshop #InspiringStories
Redefining Public Safety Beyond Policing
"Public safety goes beyond policing. It’s about ensuring people have access to the resources they need to thrive. Detroit City Council District 7 candidate Denzel McCampbell shares with @DetroitIsDifferent how improving housing, healthcare, and transportation can make communities safer. McCampbell emphasizes the need to address quality of life issues to reduce crime rather than relying on surveillance. Dive into this thought-provoking conversation to discover how societal changes can foster safer environments for all.
Denzell McCampbell on Detroit’s Fight for Equity
Detroit is Different episode 493 with Denzel McCampbell
#PublicSafetyReform #DetroitCityCouncil #CommunityWellbeing
When Humility Meets Unexpected Praise
"Starting out with: `I wrote that first newsletter and they were just like, whoa, you wrote this?` Dive into the journey of Ru Colvin, the visionary author and founder of the Solutionaries, as they navigate the unexpected path from a simple newsletter to a prestigious fellowship. In this Detroit is Different interview, discover how the experiences of organizing and connecting within the abolitionist context shaped their perspective and career. Gain insights into how a compelling story and a strong community connection can lead to incredible opportunities.
From Foreclosure to Liberation Zones: Writing Detroit’s Future with Ru Colvin
Detroit is Different episode 489 with Ru Colvin
#RuColvin #Solutionaries #DetroitIsDifferent #JournalismJourney #AbolitionistContext
Bitter Medicine vs Sweet Poison the Democracy Dilemma
"There are doctors who are going to give you some bitter medicine, and there are candy salesmen who are gonna give you some great-tasting poison." In a compelling discussion, Jelani Stowers of Pages Bookshop explores the delicate balance between truth and appeal in democratic discourse. How does emotional resonance influence political platforms? Discover how Jelani relates this phenomenon to both literature and real-life decisions.
From Pac-Man to Pages: Jelani Stowers on Books, Philosophy, and Black Detroit’s Future
Detroit is Different episode 492 with Jelani Stowers
#DemocracyDilemma #TruthInPolitics #JelaniStowers #PagesBookshop #DetroitIsDifferent #RosedalePark
Real Talk on Black Business with April Anderson at Good Cakes and Bakes
Join us for an afternoon of insight, inspiration, and Detroit flavor! On Saturday, October 25, 2025, at 2PM, Detroit is Different presents a Black Business Discussion featuring April Anderson, the brilliant mind behind Good Cakes and Bakes, in conversation with Khary Frazier. This honest and soulful dialogue will dive deep into business ideas, creativity, and the real experiences of building success in Detroit. The event takes place at Good Cakes and Bakes, 19363 Livernois, Detroit, MI 48221, right on the Historic Avenue of Fashion. Come for the wisdom, stay for the community — and maybe grab a sweet treat while you’re there. This is free, open to the public, and rooted in truth and Detroit pride.
Transforming Voting Rights Key Improvements
"Our democracy flourishes when every voice is heard. The push for early voting, pre-registration, and ballot initiatives ensures that youth and student voices are not just heard but amplified. Delve into how these changes drive greater access and engagement with Denzel McCampbell`s insights. You won`t want to miss this deep dive into expanding voting access.
Denzell McCampbell on Detroit’s Fight for Equity
Detroit is Different episode 493 with Denzel McCampbell
#VotingRights #YouthEngagement #DetroitFuture #DenzelMcCampbell