Authentically Detroit

In this episode, Donna and Sam sat down with Justin Ward to discuss how his puppet show, Draw It Out, is helping kids learn to read. CallJimboFirst also joined to discuss his album, Weight of the World!

Justin, a 17-year-old puppeteer and creator of Draw It Out, breaks down the mechanics of teaching reading on screen. Together, they talk about how puppets, music, animation, and live action can turn literacy into something kids choose, not something they avoid. They also get honest about what creators face behind the scenes: distribution, engagement, and the constant fight for funding which leads us into a timely debate about AI generated media.

Then Detroit rapper and environmental educator Call Jimbo First gives a live sample of his single “Window Streets” and joins the conversation to unpack what he thinks is missing from the current rap moment. They talk about the Detroit sound, authenticity, innovation, and why storytelling matters across generations. Finally, they close with a sharp look at politics, including why campaigns obsess over Black Detroit voters and how the conversation shifts when we focus on policy instead of personality. 

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In this episode, Donna sat down with Asia McWright, Director of Operations at Vivent Health, to discuss their new HIV care and prevention center in Highland Park as well as protecting Black children’s futures. 

Together they get specific about what’s available, from specialized HIV care and primary care to an on-site pharmacy, case management, a food pantry designed for dignity, and harm reduction programming including syringe services.

They also unpack the human barriers that keep people from getting help: stigma, fear, and the myths that never seem to fully die. They go over meeting people where they are through mobile outreach, safer sex supplies, and practical support that recognizes social determinants of health like transportation, food insecurity, and housing instability.

Finally, they widen the lens to young people and the uncomfortable truth that many institutions avoid sexual health conversations even when kids need protection most. That includes school policy, school board power, and what parents can do to advocate for their children’s education and wellbeing, including how to think beyond test scores and pay attention to school culture and tracking. 

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In this episode, Donna and Sam discuss some of the biggest political narratives dominating Michigan’s headlines including Kamala Harris' Detroit visit and the relationship between Detroit rappers and MAGA.

Together they dive into the frustration that builds when local media cannot get answers while national cameras set the stage. From there they zoom out to the shifting shape of Democratic politics heading toward 2028: generational change, frustration with entrenched power, and the way identity based shortcuts can distort how people judge candidates. They also connect Detroit’s history of Black political leadership to today’s low turnout reality, where large parts of the city feel disconnected from party institutions and policy agendas.

They also explore how conservative messaging can feel persuasive in divested neighborhoods, how “work for our votes” lines spread, and how culture, misogyny in mainstream hip hop, and hustle mentality can quietly align with grievance based politics. Finally, they finish by confronting the trust problem: corporate media credibility, the rise of independent news ecosystems, and what happens when skepticism turns into a battle over basic facts.

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WHAT WE’RE READING THIS WEEK IN THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE:

KAMALA HARRIS IN DETROIT:'I HAVEN'T DECIDED' WHETHER TO RUN FOR PRESIDENT IN 2028

DETROITERS REMEMBER RENAISSANCE CENTER AS SYMBOL OF BLACK LEADERSHIP 

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On this episode, Monet Harris and Dawn Wilson-Clark join Arlyssa to discuss the beginning of the school year in Detroit and the Metro Detroit area.

Together, they talk through the issues that keep showing up across Detroit schools, DPSCD and charters alike: broken communication, last minute changes, and the customer service gap that leaves parents chasing answers. From there they get into the basics that should never be up for debate, including dirty classrooms, pests, broken facilities, air quality concerns, and how staffing and budgets shape the reality kids walk into every morning.

If you’re a parent, educator, or community member who wants safer schools, stronger academics, and real accountability, press play, share this with someone who needs it, and leave a review with the change you want to see most!

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In this episode, Donna and Sam sat down with Joseph Middlebrooks, the Economic Growth Manager at Eastside Community Network (ECN) to discuss the upcoming Sustainability Summit, where environmental wellness meets local entrepreneurship and community connection. 

From rooftop solar power and battery storage that supports real energy resilience to new public space improvements tied to the Angela Brown Wilson Gardens - they get into all of the exciting things taking place at ECN. They also discuss why shopping local is not a side note. It is economic sustainability, a circular economy, and a way to help Detroit small businesses turn ideas into stable growth through technical assistance, resources, and partnerships.

Then they shift to the week’s biggest civic conversation: the Renaissance Center redevelopment proposal, the $548 million public ask, and the community benefits ordinance process. Together, they break down how the Neighborhood Advisory Council works, why impact areas matter, what accountability could look like through clawbacks and public reporting, and why affordable housing targets tied to AMI can miss the realities of Detroit incomes.

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WHAT WE’RE READING THIS WEEK IN THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE:

BEDROCK, GM WANT $548M FOR $2.2B RENAISSANCE CENTER REDEVELOPMENT

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In this episode, Donna and Sam discuss whether Black voters in Detroit are actually moving toward Republicans in the 2026 cycle, or if the story has been overstated by headlines and echo chambers. 

They also weigh in on what Abdul El-Sayed’s candidacy reveals about coalition politics, media narratives, and the double standards candidates of color face. The conversation moves through the issues dividing voters right now: housing affordability, college debt, climate change, and the moral urgency many younger voters bring to Israel and Gaza.

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WHAT WE’RE READING THIS WEEK IN THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE:

CONGRESSIONAL BLACK CAUCUS PAC ENDORSES EL-SAYED AS SOME DETROIT VOTERS HESITATE

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In this episode, Donna and Sam sat down with Jamila Martin from the Movement Voter Project to discuss the political environment on the left - generational divides, growth of a multi-cultural coalition, and the widespread rejection of corporate politics. 

The Movement Voter Project funds local organizing and movement-building to shift culture, win power, and shape policy. MVP is like a “mutual fund” for political giving: they raise money from donors, then channel it toward the most impactful organizations and power-building work around the country.

They do the research so you don’t have to, streamlining your giving and maximizing your impact by investing in the most effective organizations and innovative strategies. They believe to build a progressive era, we need governing majorities, political will for bold policy change, and shifts in public opinion, worldviews, and culture.

MVP is contributing to this plan in three key ways: mobilizing historic investment in organizing, providing wrap-around support to build groups’ capacity, and catalyzing collaboration at all levels.

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WHAT WE’RE READING THIS WEEK:

JUST BE A REAL PERSON FIRST. REPORTERS FORGET TO DO THAT.

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In this episode, Donna and Sam sat down with Tiara Jones, founder of Black Beautiful and Brilliant to discuss how their brand is centering identity, legacy, resilience, and empowering our community.

Black Beautiful & Brilliant was created with Black women at the center. It exists as inspiration — to affirm their worth, reflect their power, and remind them of who they are, even in seasons that try to break them. This brand speaks to the woman who shows up, who carries generations, who holds it together, and still chooses to rise.

The brand was first imagined by Tiara’s late husband, Brian, long before they met. He believed deeply in the brilliance of Black women — in their resilience, intelligence, and ability to create something meaningful even in the face of adversity. He believed Black women deserved to be celebrated boldly and unapologetically, not just for what they endure, but for who they are.

To stay up to date on all things Authentically Detroit, click here. 

THIS WEEK IN THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE:

CONYERS, BURTON, GILMER-HILL HIGHLIGHT NEW MEMBERS TO DETROIT'S LEGISLATIVE CAUCUS

MICHIGAN DEMOCRATS RALLY FOR UNITY AFTER CONTENTIOUS PRIMARY 

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In this episode, Donna and Sam sat down with the State Director of the Working Families Party to discuss the results of Michigan’s 2026 primary election.

Michigan’s 2026 primary election gained significant national attention as Abdul El-Sayed and Haley Stevens faced off in a race that some said would determine the future of the democratic party. 

The Working Families Party believes that future includes making our nation work for the many, not the few. State by state they’re building a multiracial party of working class people to transform our country.

This year, in Michigan’s election, they endorsed several candidates including several who have either appeared on Authentically Detroit plus several other candidates running for office across the state.

To stay up to date on all things Authentically Detroit, click here. 

THIS WEEK IN THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE:

BATTLE FOR THE SOUL OF THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY: VOTERS SOUND OFF

BLACK VOTERS SHAPED THE DISCOURSE IN MICHIGAN U.S. SENATE PRIMARY 

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In this episode, Donna and Sam sat down with Jai Smith, an official Influencer for Detroit Public Schools Community District to discuss a youth perspective on politics ahead of the 2026 Michigan Primary Election.

If you’re looking to learn more about candidates in each race check out our forum, held in partnership with SEIU Michigan, which took place on July 18th, ahead of the 2026 Michigan U.S. House, State House, and State Senate elections.

At the forum, residents had the chance to learn where candidates stand on community priorities, local policy, and issues shaping Detroit’s Eastside.

To stay up to date on all things Authentically Detroit and watch the forum replay, click here. 

THIS WEEK IN THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE:

WAYNE COUNTY VOTERS WILL SHAPE THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY'S FUTURE

WHITMER ENDORSES STEVENS IN U.S. SENATE RACE

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