Send us Fan Mail

Attorney Todd Perkins sits down with Anthony Eid, a Detroit policy advocate, community leader, former commissioner and chairman of the Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission, and candidate for the Michigan House of Representatives in District 9. 

Anthony discusses his path into public service, why he decided to run for state representative, and the experiences that have shaped his approach to leadership. The conversation examines the issues affecting Detroit families and neighborhoods, including housing affordability, healthcare access, transportation, education, economic opportunity, community development, and government accountability.

In this episode:

•  Why Anthony Eid is running for Michigan House District 9 
•  His experience in public policy and community advocacy 
•  Housing affordability and neighborhood development 
•  Access to healthcare, transportation, and education 
•  Lessons from Michigan’s independent redistricting process 
•  Building coalitions and moving legislation through Lansing 
•  What accountable representation should look like for Detroit residents 

What issue should the next representative for House District 9 address first? Join the conversation in the comments, share the episode, and subscribe to Perkins for the People for more discussions with the people shaping Detroit and Michigan.

Websites

Learn more about Anthony Eid and his campaign:
www.voteanthonyeid.com

Learn more about Attorney Todd Perkins and Perkins Law Group:
www.perkinslawgroup.net

#AnthonyEid #MichiganHouseDistrict9 #ToddPerkins #PerkinsForThePeople #DetroitPolitics #DetroitCommunity #MichiganPolitics

Send us Fan Mail

An eight-hour job should not require a six-hour commute.

Attorney Todd Perkins sits down with Wayne County Executive Warren Evans for a direct conversation about the Wayne County Transit Millage 2026, SMART bus service, DDOT, and what the August 4 election could mean for residents across Wayne County.

Voters will decide on a 10-year, 0.9831-mill public transportation proposal estimated to raise approximately $57.6 million in its first year. The revenue would be distributed among Wayne County, SMART, DDOT, and other community and regional transit providers to operate, maintain, improve, and expand public transportation services. 

Wayne County says the existing millage supporting SMART expires at the end of 2026 and that communities currently receiving SMART service could lose that service if the proposal does not pass, with exceptions for DDOT and other locally funded transportation. SMART has also released proposed route extensions, new fixed routes, and expanded on-demand Flex service for currently underserved communities. 

In this episode, Attorney Perkins and Executive Evans discuss:

•  Why some passengers spend two or three hours traveling to work—and another two or three hours getting home 
•  How long commutes affect workers, single parents, children, seniors, and people with disabilities 
•  Whether SMART bus service could end in some communities after 2026 
•  What taxpayers would be funding under the proposed millage 
•  Proposed new routes, route extensions, paratransit, and microtransit services 
•  Coordination between SMART, DDOT, and local transportation providers 
•  How the public can measure results and hold officials accountable 
•  Voter participation, political distrust, and why local elections matter 

Transit is not only about getting people to work. It is also about getting them back home to their families.

Whether you support the proposal, oppose it, or remain undecided, hear the facts, the costs, the promises, and the accountability questions before making your decision.

Comment below: How has public transportation—or the lack of it—affected your family, job, education, or community?

Subscribe to Perkins for the People for real questions, direct answers, and conversations about the decisions affecting everyday people.

Episode: Wayne County Transit Millage 2026: Could SMART Bus Service End? Warren Evans Explains

Need an attorney?

www.perkinslawgroup.net

Need Voter Information?

https://www.michigan.gov/sos/elections/voting

Want more information about the Transit Millage?

https://www.waynecountymi.gov/Government/Boards-Authorities/WC-Transit-Authority

#WayneCountyTransitMillage #WarrenEvans #SMARTBus #PerkinsForThePeople #DetroitTransit

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of Perkins for the People, host and attorney Todd Perkins sits down with Detroit Chief of Police Todd Bettison for an in-depth conversation on the city’s evolving approach to public safety.

From his personal journey through law enforcement to the strategies driving Detroit’s recent crime reduction, Chief Bettison shares how community collaboration, data-driven policing, and innovative initiatives are reshaping the narrative around safety in the city. The discussion explores everything from gun safety education and retail crime prevention to the growing role of mental health response in modern policing.

With a focus on transparency, trust, and continuous improvement, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at what’s working—and what’s next—for Detroit.

Whether you’re a resident, business owner, or simply interested in the future of public safety, this conversation highlights how strong partnerships between law enforcement and the community can create lasting change.

Please contact a trusted attorney if you have any questions:

www.perkinslawgroup.net

Follow Attorney Todd Perkins on social media:

FB  / toddrussellperkins_  

IG / toddrussellperkins  

FB / perkinsforthepeople  

Youtube / @toddperkinsforthepeoplepodcast

Podcast Episode Chapters

00:00

Chief Todd Medicine's Background and Education

03:26

Support from the Community and Administration

07:45

Collaboration and Crime Reduction Strategies

13:11

Statistics on Crime Reduction

18:17

Preventative Measures and Community Engagement

21:13

Future Plans for Detroit's Safety and Growth

26:03

Combatting Retail Fraud and Porch Pirates

27:40

Cultural Shift in Police Community Relations

30:21

Community Safety and Crime Reduction Strategies

33:44

Innovations in Mental Health Response

38:12

Addressing Mental Health Stigma

Send us Fan Mail

Attorney Todd Perkins speaks with Alexis Ramsey, Executive Director of We Care Foster Care, about the foster care crisis, the foster-care-to-prison pipeline, and how education, mentorship, and housing can help vulnerable youth build self-sufficient futures.

What happens when children in foster care age out of the system without the support they need to succeed?

In this episode of Perkins for the People, Attorney Todd Perkins sits down with Alexis Ramsey, Executive Director of We Care Foster Care, to discuss the realities facing youth in foster care, and the innovative programs working to change their trajectory.

Alexis shares her journey from a 25-year career in education, including teaching in Detroit, Malawi, Beijing, and Hanoi, to leading an organization focused on helping foster youth build stable, self-sufficient lives.

The conversation explores the challenges many foster children face, including trauma, educational barriers, and housing instability, and the community-driven solutions that can help break cycles of poverty, incarceration, and homelessness.

About Alexis Ramsey:

Alexis Ramsey is the CEO and Executive Director of We Care Foster Care, a Michigan-based nonprofit dedicated to supporting youth in foster care.

Before leading the organization, Alexis spent 25 years as an educator, beginning with Detroit Public Schools and later teaching internationally in Malawi, China, and Vietnam while working alongside organizations such as USAID and the United Nations International School.

Throughout her career, Alexis has been deeply committed to advocating for children's access to quality education and supporting the development of the whole child. Her work now focuses on creating pathways for foster youth to achieve education, stability, and independence.

What You'll Learn in This Episode

The Foster Care Crisis in America

Children in foster care often face significant barriers that impact their long-term success.

Alexis explains that:

• Only 38% of youth in foster care graduate high school, the lowest graduation rate of any special population in Michigan.
• Many youth who age out of the system lack stable housing or career opportunities.
• Studies estimate that up to one-third of foster youth experience homelessness by age 21.

These statistics highlight the urgent need for programs that support foster youth beyond basic placement.

What We Care Foster Care Is Doing to Change the Outcome

We Care Foster Care focuses on helping youth build a roadmap to self-sufficiency through three core initiatives:

Education & Workforce Development

Providing tutoring, GED programs, and career training opportunities that prepare youth for stable employment.

Health & Wellbeing

Supporting the emotional and physical health of youth who have experienced trauma.

Agency & Advocacy

Helping young people develop confidence, independence, and the ability to advocate for themselves.

Connect with We Care Foster Care

Learn more or get involved:

Website
 https://www.wecarefostercare.org

Facebook
 https://www.facebook.com/wecarefostercare

LinkedIn
 https://www.linkedin.com/company/we-care-foster-care

Instagram
 https://www.instagram.com/wecarefostercare/

TikTok
 https://www.tiktok.com/@we.care8

YouTube
 https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMiNnxSRf8yCjC7YaJmJ86g

Send us Fan Mail

In this compelling interview, Hartford Smith Jr. shares his inspiring life journey, from Alabama to Detroit, highlighting the systemic challenges faced by Black Americans and the ongoing fight for justice. Drawing from history, politics, and firsthand community activism, he offers powerful insight into the roots of inequality and presents practical strategies for meaningful social change. His story serves as both a blueprint for action and a testament to resilience.

Resources:

• Seeds of Discontent Series – https://uwmadison.edu/seeds-of-discontent
• Hartford Smith Jr.’s Lectures and Recordings – https://youtube.com/seedsofdiscontent
• Wayne State University – https://archive.org/details/HartfordSmithJr_Seeds_Ep21
• Morehouse College – https://morehouse.edu
• Law Services: www.perkinslawgroup.net 
• email Todd Perkins: [email protected]

Watch the Youtube Podcast:

https://www.youtube.com/@PerkinsforThePeoplePodcast

Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction and the Significance of Black History Month
02:35 – Alabama Roots and Early Childhood
07:00 – Poverty, Violence, and Healthcare Disparities in the South
15:35 – Early Motivation to Leave the South and Pursue Education
18:35 – Journey to Atlanta and Morehouse College
20:35 – Studying Social Sciences and Activism in Atlanta
23:02 – Transition to Detroit and Wayne State University
25:05 – Academic and Athletic Pursuits at Wayne State
27:41 – Legal Studies and Work at Wayne County Juvenile Court
32:44 – Innovations in Juvenile Justice and Community Programming
36:44 – Challenges in Implementing Social Programs
41:01 – Progress and Setbacks in Race Relations
43:18 – The Election of Barack Obama and Its Impact
50:57 – Rising Resentment and the Role of Media and Politics
55:55 – Economic Inequality, Wages, and the American Dream
01:01:39 – Hope for the Future and Collective Action
01:08:54 – Strategies for Social Change: Boycotts and Coalitions
01:14:29 – Final Reflections from Hartford Smith Jr.

Send us Fan Mail

This Black History Month, Perkins for the People honors a living chapter of Detroit Black history with Judge Joseph Norvell Baltimore, retired former Chief Judge of Detroit’s 36th District Court.

Judge Baltimore takes us from the Virginia farm where he started working at seven years old to the courtrooms of Detroit, sharing the discipline, faith, and determination it took to build a life in the law when the odds weren’t designed in his favor. He reflects on what it meant to be a Black lawyer in a predominantly white legal system, how those experiences shaped him on the bench, and why respect, compassion, and dignity have to be part of justice.

This isn’t just a career story. It’s a reminder that Black history isn’t something we only read about, it’s something we carry, build, and pass forward.

Judge Baltimore shares:

• Growing up working on a Virginia farm at age seven
• Choosing education when it wasn’t encouraged
• Navigating law school and the legal world as a Black man
• The transition from attorney to judge
• Why compassion and respect belong in every courtroom

Black history isn’t only behind us, it’s living, breathing, and still being written. This episode is proof.

Please contact a trusted attorney if you have any questions:

www.perkinslawgroup.net

Follow Attorney Todd Perkins on social media:

FB  / toddrussellperkins_  

IG / toddrussellperkins  

FB / perkinsforthepeople  

Youtube / @toddperkinsforthepeoplepodcast

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of Perkins for the People, Attorney Todd Perkins sits down with Inkster Mayor Byron Nolen for a real, unfiltered conversation about leadership, justice, and the fight for community power. Mayor Nolen shares his journey from attorney to public servant, explaining what pushed him to step up when his community needed a voice.

Together, they unpack the real issues—skyrocketing water bills, the emotional weight of losing public schools, and the daily struggle of serving a city with dignity and transparency. They also dive into hard truths around national and international politics, including the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and how these global events impact local communities.

This episode isn’t about political theater—it’s about purpose. Mayor Nolen speaks candidly about his congressional run in Michigan’s 12th district and the importance of leading with compassion, not ambition. If you’ve ever wondered what it means to lead with integrity in today’s world, this conversation is a must-listen.

Please contact a trusted attorney if you have any questions:

www.perkinslawgroup.net 

Follow Attorney Todd Perkins on social media:

FB  / toddrussellperkins_  

 IG / toddrussellperkins  

 FB / perkinsforthepeople  

 Youtube / @toddperkinsforthepeoplepodcast

Chapters

00:00 – Introduction to Mayor Byron Nolen
05:41 – The Impact of Community Engagement
08:59 – Education and Community Identity
11:51 – Water Management Challenges
14:41 – Political Aspirations and Community Needs
19:02 – The Importance of Representation in Politics
22:12 – Due Process and Rights of Individuals
25:33 – The Role of Wealth in Politics
28:44 – The Complexity of Global Conflicts
30:34 – The Numbness to Global Suffering
32:01 – The Challenge of Peace in Conflict Zones
33:21 – Local Politics and National Implications
34:47 – The Role of Public Service
36:06 – The Future of Political Representation
38:33 – Campaign Communication and Engagement
40:57 – Legal Career vs. Public Service
42:08 – Reflections on the Shaw-More Incident
43:41 – University of Michigan’s Handling of Controversy
48:53 – Political Landscape and District Dynamics
51:15 – Independent Candidates and Political Strategy

Send us Fan Mail

In this urgent episode of Perkins for the People, Todd Perkins delivers powerful legal guidance in response to rising fears in our communities—from ICE raids to surprise visits from law enforcement.

He answers real questions from his producer, Connie Smith about the follow: What are your rights if someone knocks on your door? What should you tell your kids? How do we protect each other legally and constitutionally?

This episode is a critical listen for anyone trying to stay safe, stay smart, and stay free in Detroit and beyond.

Protecting yourself from I.C.E.

If You Open the Door, Get Caught Outside, or They Say They Have a Judicial Warrant:

• Ask if they are immigration agents and what they are there for.
• Ask to see their badge or ID through a window or peephole.
• Remember the agent’s name—you may need it later.
• Ask to see a Judicial Warrant (not just any warrant).
• Have them place it on a window or slip it under the door—do not open the door.

Check the Warrant for These:

• Signed by a judge.
• Has your address listed.
• Describes the person or items they want to seize.
• Dated within the last 14 days.

If it doesn’t meet those requirements, you do NOT have to let them in. Say:
“I do not consent to your entry.”

Whether they enter or not:

• You have the right to remain silent.
• You don’t have to say anything—even if they have a warrant.
• Do not lie or give false documents.
• Anything you say can be used against you—silence is protection.

Please contact a trusted attorney if you have any questions:

www.perkinslawgroup.net 

Follow Attorney Todd Perkins on social media:

FB  / toddrussellperkins_  

 IG / toddrussellperkins  

 FB / perkinsforthepeople  

  Youtube / @toddperkinsforthepeoplepodcast

Send us Fan Mail

In this powerful and timely conversation, Detroit City Ombudsman Sherry Gay-Dagnogo joins host Attorney Todd Perkins to discuss community leadership, education, justice, equity, and political accountability—and why all of it matters now more than ever.

As Detroit’s Ombudsman, Sherry Gay-Dagnogo serves as an advocate for residents, working to hold city departments accountable while ensuring voices from the community are heard. In this episode, she shares her personal journey in public service, her deep commitment to education as a tool for change, and how understanding history, governance, and civic responsibility shapes stronger policies and more equitable outcomes.

This conversation explores:

• The role of the Detroit City Ombudsman and how the office supports residents
• Why education changes life trajectories and strengthens communities
• The importance of justice, equity, and political accountability in local government
• How community engagement leads to better governance and policy outcomes
• The challenges of political advocacy and the need for collaborative solutions
• Building a lasting legacy of leadership that empowers future generations

Sherry Gay-Dagnogo also reflects on the evolving political landscape in Detroit, the importance of youth involvement, and future initiatives focused on education, outreach, and resident advocacy.

If you care about Detroit politics, civic engagement, government accountability, education reform, and community leadership, this episode offers insight, inspiration, and real-world perspective from someone doing the work on the ground.

Subscribe for more conversations on leadership, law, politics, and community impact
Like, comment, and share to help elevate important voices shaping Detroit’s future

More about Sherry Gay-Dagnogo:

https://detroitmi.gov/government/ombudsman

The Perkins Law Group:
http://perkinslawgroup.net/

Follow Attorney Todd Perkins on social media:

  / toddrussellperkins_  

  / toddrussellperkins  

  / perkinsforthepeople  

   / @toddperkinsforthepeople

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of Perkins for the People, Detroit Attorney Todd Perkins sits down with Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido to unpack Michigan’s $312 million child support crisis—and a bold new vision to fix it.

Lucido outlines a first-of-its-kind child support specialty court, designed to help parents behind on payments get jobs, avoid felonies, and support their families. Together, he and Perkins explore how family dynamics, rehabilitation, and mental health must take center stage in true justice reform.

They also get real about cultural understanding, integrity in public service, and what it means to build the next generation of leaders—with accountability, not punishment.

This is more than policy—it’s people-powered change.
 Because Detroit deserves better—and we’re going to build it.

Key Topics covered:

• $312M in unpaid child support
• Innovative legal reform
• Family and fatherhood
• Rehabilitation over incarceration
• Integrity in prosecution
• Hate crimes and cultural diversity
• Investing in future leaders
• Serving, not sentencing

The Perkins Law Group:

http://perkinslawgroup.net/

To Watch the Video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8e9IvtDTyhc

Follow Attorney Todd Perkins on social media:

https://www.instagram.com/toddrussellperkins_/

https://www.facebook.com/ToddRussellPerkins

https://www.tiktok.com/@perkinsforthepeople

https://www.youtube.com/@ToddPerkinsforThePeople