The Authentically Detroit Podcast Network in collaboration with Detroit One Million presents: The Black Detroit Democracy Podcast, hosted by Donna Givens Davidson and Sam Robinson!

Together, Donna and Sam illuminate the complexities of Detroit’s unique political landscape and give residents a resource for navigating civic engagement and election season.

On this episode A. Nzere Kwabena, Executive Director of LGBT Detroit joined Donna and Sam to discuss homophobia in the local Democratic party following homophobic comments made and supported by prominent members of the party. Together they explore how religious views impact political representation, mental and physical challenges affecting LGBTQ+ Detroiters, and the importance of politicians showing up for the community rather than merely claiming support.

For more episodes of the Black Detroit Democracy Podcast, click here.

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This week, Donna and Orlando sat down with Jonathan Barlow to discuss his vision for Detroit’s future. This episode is the sixth in a series of interviews with candidates in the race to become Detroit’s 76th mayor.

Jonathan Barlow is a Detroit Public Schools graduate, attendee of Wayne State University, CEO, and lifelong advocate for youth, families, and entrepreneurs. He has spent over 20 years fighting for Detroit’s future, helping homeowners during the foreclosure crisis, building businesses that create jobs, and working with city leaders to drive economic growth.

Jonathan is running for mayor because he believes Detroit deserves leadership that works for all of us - not just the few. His vision is to bring good-paying jobs, affordable housing, modernized city services, and innovative technology solutions that will propel Detroit forward.

To learn more about Jonathan Barlow and his vision for Detroit, click here.

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The Authentically Detroit Podcast Network in collaboration with Detroit One Million presents: The Black Detroit Democracy Podcast, hosted by Donna Givens Davidson and Sam Robinson!

Together, Donna and Sam illuminate the complexities of Detroit’s unique political landscape and give residents a resource for navigating civic engagement and election season.

On this episode they discuss the upcoming 2025 election and how it's bound to change the landscape of Detroit. They take a look at the mayoral, Congressional District 13, and city council races and how identity politics intersects with substantive policy positions. Overall, the question remains which candidates will represent neighborhood interests, serve as effective checks on executive power, and govern with integrity.

For more episodes of the Black Detroit Democracy Podcast, click here.

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This week, Donna and Orlando sat down with Todd Perkins to discuss his vision for Detroit’s future. This episode is the fifth in a series of interviews with candidates in the race for Detroit’s 76th mayor.

Todd Perkins grew up in the North End, raised by parents who instilled in them the values of hard work, education, faith, and integrity. The home he lives in today was purchased by his great-grandparents nearly a century ago. As a proud graduate of The University of Detroit Jesuit High School, he credits them with instilling the mission of being “A man for others.”

As the founder and owner of one of Detroit’s largest Black-Owned law firms, The Perkins Law Group, he’s dedicated his career - spanning three decades - to serving the city. In addition to his law firm, he founded and has continued to operate a sports management company representing athletes from their high school to and through their professional careers. 

Todd also leads a nonprofit organization, The People’s Voice, dedicated to giving back to Detroiters. He believes that together - with bold, experienced, and compassionate leadership that puts people first - we can make Detroit a better place.

To learn more about Todd Perkins and his vision for Detroit, click here.

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The Authentically Detroit Podcast Network in collaboration with Detroit one million presents: The Black Detroit Democracy Podcast, hosted by Donna Givens Davidson and Sam Robinson!

Together, Donna and Sam illuminate the complexities of Detroit’s unique political landscape and give residents a resource for navigating civic engagement and election season.

On this episode Arlyssa Heard, Parent Leader and Education Organizer with 482Forward, joins Donna and Sam to discuss how real change requires both political and grassroots activism in order to create the strongest resistance against injustice.

For more episodes of the Black Detroit Democracy Podcast, click here.

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The Authentically Detroit Podcast Network in collaboration with Detroit one million presents: The Black Detroit Democracy Podcast, hosted by Donna Givens Davidson and Sam Robinson!

Together, Donna and Sam illuminate the complexities of Detroit’s unique political landscape and give residents a resource for navigating civic engagement and election season.

On this episode, Reverend Larry Simmons rejoins Donna and Sam to discuss how we can restore Detroiters’ faith in democracy and community during these times of crisis. They explore what’s possible for Detroiters as local elected officials focus on military investments and insist that providing necessities, such as affordable housing, is not the role of government.

For more episodes of the Black Detroit Democracy Podcast, click here.

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Last week, Donna and Orlando sat down with Mary Sheffield to discuss her vision for Detroit’s future. This episode is the fourth in a series of interviews with candidates in the race for Detroit’s 76th mayor.

Mary Sheffield is a native Detroiter with a demonstrated track record of service,  empowerment and leadership in the community. Currently serving as the City Council President, Mary has earned widespread admiration for her unwavering commitment to uplifting her constituents and fostering positive change. Mary's deep-rooted passion for her hometown fuels her tireless efforts to make a difference. 

In November of 2013, Mary embarked on her journey of service and made history by becoming the youngest person ever elected to the Detroit City Council at the age of 26. Mary's visionary leadership and collaborative spirit have helped shape policies that promote inclusivity, equity, and opportunity for all Detroiters. 

With a keen focus on revitalizing neighborhoods, creating economic opportunities, and ensuring access to essential services, Mary has become a beacon of hope for residents across the city. 

To learn more about Mary Sheffield and her vision for Detroit, click here.

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The Authentically Detroit Podcast Network in collaboration with Detroit one million presents: The Black Detroit Democracy Podcast, hosted by Donna Givens Davidson and Sam Robinson!

Together, Donna and Sam illuminate the complexities of Detroit’s unique political landscape and give residents a resource for navigating civic engagement and election season.

On this episode, they are joined by the Director of Community Engagement and Organizing at MACC Development, City of Detroit Reparations Task Force member, and East Side Queen - Edythe Ford to discuss passing the political torch to the next generation of Detroiters. 

To learn more about Edythe and her legacy, click here.

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This week, Donna and Orlando sat down with Fred Durhal III to discuss his vision for Detroit’s future. This episode is the third in a series of interviews with candidates in the race for Detroit’s 76th mayor.

Fred Durhal III is a Detroit City Councilmember, representing District 7 since 2021. He also serves as the Chair of the Budget, Finance, and Audit Standing Committee and Vice-chair of the Planning and Development Standing Committee. 

Durhal’s legislative career began in 2014 when he was elected to the Michigan House of Representatives for the 5th House District. He quickly rose to leadership roles, including Assistant House Democratic Leader and Minority Vice-Chair of the House Appropriations Committee. 

Durhal’s passion for improving Detroit extends beyond his official duties, having volunteered with organizations like AmeriCorps, Habitat for Humanity, and UAW Local 60006. His focus remains on stabilizing neighborhoods, increasing public safety, and fostering economic development throughout Detroit.

To learn more about Fred Durhal III and his vision for Detroit, click here.

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The Authentically Detroit Podcast Network in collaboration with Detroit one million presents: The Black Detroit Democracy Podcast, hosted by Donna Givens Davidson and Sam Robinson!

Together, Donna and Sam illuminate the complexities of Detroit’s unique political landscape and give residents a resource for navigating civic engagement and election season.

On this episode, they are joined by author, community builder, and founder of Umoja Debate League - Jerjuan Howard - to discuss how he went from law school hopeful to shaping the minds of Detroit’s youth with the art of debate. 

To learn more about Jerjuan and Umoja Debate League, click here.

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