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

Joel Haashiim believes that for radical change we must refocus our energy from fighting the old, to building the new. At 20 years old, he opened up his first store called brothers party store on 7mile and Hartwell. Afterwards, he opened two more stores. Later, he sold those stores and became a wholesaler and distributor. Throughout his career, he sold to chain stores like Kmart, Spartan, and Wynn Dixie.

He has experienced and witnessed the many ups and downs Detroit has gone through. That's why he stepped up to the plate. He believes he understands what is needed for our city to come out of the mud and regain the crown we once had. For Joel, this is about us and making sure we Detroiters will have a say in the revitalization of our great city.

To learn more about Joel Haashiim and his vision for Detroit, click here.

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Last weekend Authentically Detroit teamed up with Daily Detroit, Outlier Media, and Eastside Community Network to bring together some of the top polling candidates in the running to become Detroit’s 76th Mayor!

Candidates in Attendance:

• Fred Durhal III
• Saunteel Jenkins
• Todd Perkins
• Mary Sheffield

The debate included questions and topics specifically highlighted by the audience members. If you’re interested in watching the full debate, 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 discussed Detroit’s first televised mayoral debate which revealed deep division amongst the candidates. The debate which featured four out of nine candidates exposed some of the strengths and weaknesses of those seeking Detroit’s top office. 

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 Black Democracy Project interns - Antwan Hart and Sedrick Huff Jr. - from the MSU Innovate Program joined the conversation around Detroit’s alleged comeback. Both Antwan and Sedrick are political science majors on the pre-law track at Michigan State with an interest in reforming the criminal justice system. These impressive rising leaders will be assisting with the Black Democracy Project over the summer.

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

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Last week, Donna and Orlando sat down with Jer Staes and Norris Howard of Daily Detroit teamed up to discuss the upcoming debate featuring some of the top polling candidates in the running to become Detroit’s next mayor!

Together, they discuss the upcoming mayoral debate partnership and the surprising withdrawal of candidate Solomon Kinloch Jr. from this community forum. They explore how campaign finances and strategic choices provide windows into how these candidates might govern, with Mary Sheffield recently crossing the million-dollar fundraising threshold.

This collaborative episode between Authentically Detroit and Daily Detroit demonstrates our commitment to putting community needs above competition. Join us at the Eastside Community Network on June 21st as we bring the remaining mayoral candidates face-to-face with the community's most pressing questions. 

For more information about the upcoming debate, click here. 

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On this episode, Donna and Orlando sat down with the Former Police Chief of Detroit James Craig  to discuss his vision for Detroit’s future. This episode is the eighth and final interview in a series of interviews with candidates in the race to become Detroit’s 76th mayor.

James Craig began his career as a Detroit police officer in 1977. After gaining experience in Detroit, he continued his law enforcement career in Los Angeles, where he spent nearly three decades with the LAPD.

In 2013, James Craig returned home to Detroit to take on one of the toughest law enforcement jobs in the country—leading the Detroit police department

He is running for mayor because he believes Detroit needs bold, decisive leadership that puts the people first. he understands that crime, economic growth, education, and government transparency are top concerns for Detroiters, and he has a plan to address them head-on.

To learn more about James Craig and his vision for Detroit, click here.

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On this episode, Donna sat down with write-in candidate Rogelio Landin to discuss his vision for Detroit’s future. This episode is the seventh in a series of interviews with candidates in the race to become Detroit’s 76th mayor.

Rogelio Landin is a longtime community activist. He has a long history of being involved in Latino civil rights groups in Southwest Detroit. He is currently president of the state chapter of United Latin American citizens (LULAC). He's a contributing political columnist for El Central newspaper in Detroit and in recent years has been involved in five neighborhood advisory committees.

He believes in part that by annexing 28 “distressed” communities in Macomb, Oakland, and Wayne counties, Detroit will once again have the clout to solve many of the city's woes. 

To learn more about Rogelio Landin 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 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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