When Malcolm X delivered his historic ‘Message to the Grassroots Speech’ at King Solomon Baptist Church, a young Malik Shelton had the opportunity to meet him, igniting within him the roots and understanding of self-determination and Pan-Africanism. As a teenager, Shelton organized a series of Black organizing and militant actions to safeguard their Southwest Detroit neighborhood from intimidation by motorcycle gangs and police. Today, Shelton is a journalist and political activist delving into municipal bonding and electoral politics. In this “Detroit is Different,” we delve into the myriad relationships of Black organizing and the pivotal role self-determination played in 1970s Detroit. Meet Malik Shelton on this Detroit is Different.