Distinctly Detroit

Welcome back to the Distinctly Detroit Podcast!

Today our guest is Ameer Stein, better known as Mersiless Amir.

Ameer’s first release was A Day Without a Rhyme in 1989 and grabbed attention from record labels like Def Jam Records, Smash Records, and Warner Brothers to name a few. He has performed across the world, in Chicago, L.A., NYC, London, and more. His discography is continuing to grow with his most recent release True Legend streaming now. Please help us welcome the Hip Hop legend Mersiless Amir!

Welcome back to the Distinctly Detroit Podcast! Today our guest is Professor Dara Hill. Professor Hill works at the University of Michigan Dearborn Campus in Reading and Language Arts. She recently received praise and a grant from the 2023 Engage Detroit Workshop for her current research called The Best Classroom Project. This research project aims to assist parents in Detroit make informed decisions about their children’s school choices in Detroit while also supporting students in the college admission process. Please help us welcome the innovative Professor Dara Hill! 

Welcome back to the Distinctly Detroit Podcast! Our guest, Senghor Reid is an artist and an educator. Senghor is the Fine Arts Department Chair with Cranbrook Schools and has an upcoming solo exhibition with Michigan Contemporary Art in Detroit in May 2024. He is an alum of the University of Michigan with a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Stamps School of Art & Design, and earned his Master of Arts in Teaching from Wayne State University. He was recently featured in American Masters with PBS. The film, Senghor Reid: Make Way for Tomorrow, was showcased at the 2023 FREEP Film Festival. Please help us welcome the prolific Senghor Reid!

Professor Jerry Davis earned his A.B. in Philosophy with high distinction from the University of Michigan, his M.A. in Sociology from Stanford University, and his Ph.D. in Organizational Behavior from the Graduate School of Business at Stanford University. He is the Gilbert and Ruth Whitaker Professor of Business Administration at the Ross School of Business and a Professor of Sociology at the University of Michigan. Prof. Davis is also a faculty director at the Ross Business + Impact which has the vision to serve and empower the community through the lens of business with one initiative that equips entrepreneurs. Please help us welcome Prof. Jerry Davis!

Welcome back to the Distinctly Detroit Podcast! Our guest, Professor Angela Dillard was the Chair of the Department of History at the University of Michigan, but since the recording, Professor Dillard has been promoted as the first Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education. She is also the Richard A. Meisler Collegiate Professor of Afro-American & African Studies in the Residential College. Professor Dillard is a native Detroiter whose interdisciplinary research focuses on racial issues in America within the scope of religion and bi-partisan politics. She is working on her third book tentatively titled A Different Shade of Freedom that will examine the unexpected relationship between the Civil Rights Movement and the New Right. Please help us welcome Professor Angela Dillard!

In this episode, we have our Faculty Director, Prof. Paul Draus. Inspired by working with tuberculosis control, he wrote his first book, Consumed in the City: Observing Tuberculosis at Century’s End. Today, he is a professor of Sociology at the University of Michigan Dearborn and the new faculty director for the University of Michigan Detroit Center. Please help us welcome Prof. Paul Draus.

In this episode, we have Lisa DuRussel. Lisa accepted her first leadership position as the senior landscape architect and project manager with Mathews Nielsen Landscape Architects in New York City for three years. Today, she is still in architecture as the senior landscape architect with the Unknown Studio and as an independent consultant. Lisa is also an assistant professor at the University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability. Please help us welcome the accomplished Lisa DuRussel!

In this episode, we have Professor Karla Mallette. She is a professor of Italian and Mediterranean Studies at the University of Michigan and the Chair of the Department of Middle East Studies. Prof. Mallette is also the author of three books with her most recent book, Lives of the Great Languages: Arabic and Latin in the Medieval Mediterranean. Please help us welcome Karla Mallette!

On today's episode, we are joined by Dale Thomson and Michael Randall. Members of the Grandmont Rosedale Development Corporation, GRDC. The GRDC is a non-profit organization dedicated to revitalizing the Grandmont Rosedale communities of Northwest Detroit. They organize a wide range of community improvement programs designed to help their community prosper as a place to live, work, and play. Please help us welcome Dale Thomson, President, and Michael Randall, Executive Director of the GRDC.

On today’s episode, we have Todd Sachse. He graduated from the University of Michigan with his Bachelor of Science degree in pre-med. He has started and owned three businesses to our knowledge. He is the founder and CEO of the Sachse Construction company, a Partner with Broder & Sachse real estate company, and the Principal of Zolman Restoration Company.

The Sachse Construction Company in 2022 earned about $170 million in revenue and was awarded with both National and Metropolitan Detroit’s Best and Brightest Companies, and Fortune Best Workplaces to work for. DDP welcomes the accomplished Todd Sachse! 

On today’s episode, we have David Merritt, a modern renaissance man. He graduated from the University of Michigan after leading his team as captain to the NCAA championships during the 2008-2009 season. He is the co-founder and board member of the Give Merit non-profit that is over the FATE program.

The goal of this non-profit is to invest in the youth to see them excel in their schools and bring the dream of college into reality. In addition, he is a part-owner of the Narrow Way Cafe in Detroit. When he is not managing businesses or attending board meetings for his non-profit, David is serving as an associate pastor with the Straight Gate International Church and being a father and husband to his beautiful family. DDP welcomes the accomplished David Merritt! 

Today's guest is Lisa Howze. The author of Candy Girl Mentality: Keys to Turning Bitter Moments into Sweet Success. Lisa has served as a Michigan elect for the House of Representatives, and Chief of Staff for the office of Mayor Duggan. She is now an author and entrepreneur. Please help us welcome Lisa Howze!

Our guest today is Ryan Myers-Johnson. Ryan has traveled extensively as a dancer, filmmaker, and producer. She is a curator of place-based performance and installation art that specializes in community engagement. Ryan is the founder and executive director of Sidewalk Detroit. A coalition of creative space strategists and artists working at the intersection of creative place-making, research, advocacy, and socially relevant art. She received her B.A. in Dance and Film from the University of Michigan. Please help us welcome Ryan Myers-Johnson.

Please welcome Lamont Cole. Lamont has 20 years of experience in community organizing, project management, and educational innovation. Join us as we sit down and discuss the differences between East and West Detroit, and how to discover your multiple intelligence.

Welcome back to the Distinctly Detroit Podcast. On today’s episode, we have Isis Damil. Isis earned her B.A. in Communication and Media Studies from the University of Detroit Mercy in 2014. Stream Her latest single, Real Love, on all platforms.

Welcome back to the Distinctly Detroit Podcast. On today’s episode we have Obie King Jr.. He is Obie King, the lead singer from Obie King and the Muthafunkas. He began his singing career in 2013, and since then has worked with David Branden and the All Stars, Weebone, and Obie King & The Reinforcements. Obie King has performed in many live venues throughout Detroit and is the 2022 winner of the Detroit Black Music Awards Best Male Vocalist & runner up in the Entertainer of the Year. When he is not charming crowds with his performances and songwriting he is pursuing his additional career as an entrepreneur. Please help us welcome the talented Obie King Jr.!

The DDP welcomes University of Michigan alumni and lead superintendent of the Michigan Central Station project, Manuel Martinez Jr..

After graduating from the University of Michigan with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology, our next guest became one of the best chefs to graduate from the Cooking and Hospitality Institute of Chicago.  His Four Cheese Mac-N-Cheese is a tasty compliment to the "Yard Bird" sandwich and savory Bar BQ.  He currently co-owns and operates 3 restaurants (2 in Detroit and 1 in Grand Rapids) and a Food Truck.  The DDP welcomes Slows Bar BQ Executive Chef Brian Perrone

This week, the DDP welcomes real estate agent and University of Michigan alumni Eugene Kelley II. 

The DDP welcomes Ericka Matthews-Jackson, the Senior Director of Undergraduate Admissions at Wayne State University.

Today’s guest is passionate to his core, about music, art, history and his beloved city, Detroit. He is a graduate of Wilberforce University with a Bachelor's Degree in Marketing. He is the founder and President of the Detroit Musix Museum. The DDP Welcomes Samuel J. Donald!

Today, the DDP welcomes Dana Thompson, clinical professor of law at the University of Michigan and member of Wayne State University Board of Governors.

For the first episode of the distinctly Detroit Podcast's third season, we welcome Emmy-nominated television producer and University of Michigan Alumni Gerry Zonca.

While studying psychology at the University of Michigan, our next guest went from "Freddy and the 7 Dwarfs" to being a walk-on Captain of the University of Michigan Men's Basketball Team.  A team that played in the NCAA Men's Basketball National Championship game; and he accomplished this while battling spina bifida.  After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree, he worked for "Think Detroit" and is currently the Acting Chief Executive Officer for the Detroit Police Academic League (PAL).  The DDP welcomes Fred "Freddie" Hunter.

Today's guest was convicted of accessory to murder and imprisoned as a teenager to life without parole (LWOP).  His unwavering hope led him to improve his education during his incarceration.  He completed his high school requirements and obtained an Associate's degree in Para-Legal Services from Jackson College; and a Bachelor's degree in Behavioral Science from Spring Arbor University.   He became a real "Jail-House Lawyer," serving others by filing legal documents and motions on their behalf.  After serving over 42 years in prison, he has outlined ways to make the criminal justice system fairer and more effective for everyone.  The DDP welcomes Edward Sanders.

Our guest today was a White House Political Appointee during Barack Obama's presidency.  Today, he wants to be a catalyst in the intersection of sports, the private sector and social responsibility.  He received his Master of Professional Studies from Georgetown University and a Bachelor of Arts in Sports Management from the University of Michigan.  Hailing from Metropolitan-Detroit, he is currently the Director of Social Impact and DEI strategy at Buzzer, a technology company that delivers personalized live moments in sports to fans. He uses the power of sports to improve race relations and drive social progress. We proudly welcome Dexter Mason to the DDP.

Today's guest was recognized as a rising star by "Michigan's Super Lawyers" in 2014 and placed on the "Best Lawyers" ones to watch list in 2021.  He was also a prosecuting attorney for Oakland County.  He is a graduate of the National Institute for Trial Advocacy, receiving a Juris Doctorate from the University of Toledo and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Michigan.  He is currently a partner at Dykema Gossett PLLC., and pastor of the Arc Detroit church.  The DDP welcomes Boyd White III to our 16th episode.

Our next guest is a singer/songwriter, musician, producer, and instructor.  He and his band are well versed in Jazz, Blues, R&B, Motown, and Classic Rock.  He holds a Maters's degree in music and directs the Washtenaw Community College Jazz Band and the Ypsilanti Youth Orchestra.  On July 23 at 8:30pm he and his band will take control of the University of Michigan Detroit Center Wolverine Outdoor Stage. The DDP welcomes Steve Somers of the Steve Somers's Band to the DDP.

Today, the DDP speaks with a nationally recognized leader that wants Black Detroiters to buy back the block.  He's a critical voice in Detroit's policy making and revitalization efforts. His long term goal is for Detroit to become a beacon of Black culture and Black innovation in community, ownership and development.  His short term goal is to see Black Detroiters transform and take agency over their own communities.  He sustains social and economic development projects that engage distressed communities in creating impactful, resident led change that improves livability for all Detroiters.  Hundreds of Detroit, Hamtramck and Highland Park residents have benefitted from his knowledge of Real Estate development.  Focusing on small Real Estate projects and providing technical assistance to small developers is his passion.  A former Real Estate attorney that obtained a Juris Doctor from the University of Michigan Law School and a governor appointee to the Board of Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons.  The creator of the "Better Buildings, Better Blocks" program and current Executive Director of "Building Community Value"...Chase Cantrell.

The University of Michigan Detroit Center has participated in the annual Concert of Colors for ten years. The Concert of Colors is Metro Detroit's free annual diversity themed music festival and 2022 is the 30th Anniversary of the event.  The University of Michigan Detroit Center produces the "Wolverine Outdoor Stage" at the festival and this year is going to be our best production.  Welcome to a special edition of the Distinctly Detroit Podcast, highlighting some of the performers that will be energizing the Wolverine Outdoor Stage July 2022.  Today, we have the honor of speaking with Malik Yakini.  Malik is the band leader of our headlining act, Mollywop.  They play a hard hitting style of Funk, Rock, Reggae, Hip-Hop, and their own original  grooves.  Performing Sunday, July 24 at 9pm, Malik Yakini!

Today our guest is a native Detroiter who received a master's degree in community development from the University of Detroit Mercy and chairs the Detroit Planning Commission. She is the founder and director of The Institute of Afro-Urbanism, which focuses on the intersection of racial justice and community planning. She is currently leading a new project, The Detroit Thriving Index, to promote development, city planning, and philanthropy in the neighborhoods. The DDP welcomes Lauren Hood.

Today we are joined by a reporter, editor, and author.  She worked for the Philadelphia Inquirer, the Philadelphia Daily News,  and the New York Daily News.  She moved to Downtown Detroit in 2014 and created "Chalk Beat Detroit".  A non profit Education news organization  designed to untangle the complexities of school politics in Detroit, giving the people a voice.  She is a University of Michigan Alumna and the author of "The Pages in Between".  The DDP welcomes NBC News reporter Erin Einhorn.

Today we speak with a theatre artist who received his Bachelor's degree from the University of California Irvine.  He continued to pursue and achieve a successful career in acting, directing, and playwriting. He also teaches acting and playwriting to students from adolescence to senior citizens.  He has many accolades on his resume and is the current Artistic Director for the Black and Brown Theatre.  We welcome Emilio Rodriguez to the DDP.

Our guest today was born in Puerto Rico but raised in Southwest Detroit. He is an Activist, Educator, Historian, and Musician that has served the community by being directly involved. He has a passion for celebrating music and culture to impact social change. He has held numerous human service, academic, and cultural roles to promote and celebrate Detroit's Latin community.  The Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services, Latino Family Services, State of Michigan Department of Human Services, Wayne County Community College, Madonna University, Wayne State University, and the University of Michigan have all benefitted from his leadership.  He received a Bachelor degree from Wayne State University and a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Michigan. A former "Michigander of the Year" and current leader of the Latin/Jazz Salsa Band La Inspiracion...the "Bomba King"...Osvaldo "Ozzie" Rivera  joins the DDP!

Today's guest is a successful senior executive that specializes in International team building, team management, and implementing change that delivers innovative solutions to organizational issues.  He served our country as an Air Force Electronic Technician; he served our community as a high school teacher for Detroit Public Schools; and he devoted more than 25 years to Ford Motor Company as a Director.  He received a Bachelor degree from Wayne State University and a MBA from Michigan State University.  He is currently the President/CEO of J3P Enterprise LLC., and Director of the Michigan Engineering Zone at the University of Michigan Detroit Center.  The DDP welcomes Julian E. Pater, III.

Our guest today was an All-American Linebacker and Captain of the University of Michigan Wolverines football team.  He’s managed business ventures for Fortune 500 companies such as Amazon, McDonalds and Tysons Foods. His personal client portfolio included Tiger Woods, Derek Jeter, and Venus and Serena Williams.  He combined a sales career with an athletic career and is currently the Vice President of Sales for Smith & Nephew Inc.; a Global Medical Technology company.  He holds an undergraduate degree in Sports Management & Communications, and a graduate degree in Kinesiology; both from the University of Michigan.    Today we are privileged to speak with “Texan” Jarrett Irons. Welcome to the DDP Episode 7.

In this episode we speak with the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Dunamis Clean Energy Partners, LLC. She’s recognized as the first African American woman owned Electric Vehicle Charging Manufacturer. Prior to forming Dunamis, she served as co-founder, Vice President and General Counsel of J.King Solar Technologies, LLC. She is a licensed corporate and real estate attorney with a big heart.  She’s fed thousands of homeless and hungry citizens in Detroit with her annual “Backyard BBQ” event. A native Detroiter earning her Undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan and Juris Doctorate degree from Wayne State University Law School. She’s an Attorney, Professor, Author, and recipient of the 2021 “Entrepreneur of the Year Award” for Michigan and Northwest Ohio. We welcome Natalie King to episode 5 of the DDP.

Our guest today is a native Detroiter and graduate of Detroit Public Schools, the University of Michigan, and Wayne State University.  She has worked in Detroit Public Schools for more than 20 years. Originally a middle school Science teacher and currently the Deputy Superintendent External Partnerships, Enrollment and Specialty programming for the Detroit Public School District. There were a lot more positions and responsibilities in between. We are going to explore it all with Alycia Meriweather.

In Episode 4, Distinctly Detroit explores the mind of an "African Centered Historian" who's tours have educated young and old about the African and African American History in the city of Detroit.  He has been featured on C-Span, American History TV, and is the creator of the Black Scroll Network.  Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer recently appointed him to the State of Michigan's Freedom Trail Commission. Today we welcome the city of Detroit's first "Official Historian" Jamon Jordan to the DDP.  

The Black Scroll Network: https://blackscrollnetwork.weebly.com  

Jamon's book recommendations:  

The Detroit Almanac - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/334528.The_Detroit_Almanac 

Origins of the Urban Crisis - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22476.The_Origins_of_the_Urban_Crisis?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=60l9cFDXRD&rank=1 

Black Detroit - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30653851-black-detroit?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=j7spHuQ8ke&rank=1 

Million Dollars Worth of Nerve - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24802484-million-dollars-worth-of-nerve?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=sgnnb7u2hz&rank=1 

Fluid Frontier - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27070315-fluid-frontier?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=qtgXfDwv0f&rank=1 

Grant - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34237826-grant  

Jamon's restaurant recommendations: 

Urban Soul - https://urbansoulrestaurant.com/main-menu/ 

Bert's - https://www.eatatberts.com 

Savanah Blue - https://savannahbluedetroit.com 

Motown Museum - https://www.motownmuseum.org

In today's Episode of the Distinctly Detroit Podcast, Feodies hosts a visionary leader with 20 years of experience in government, private industry, and the non-profit sector.  She is the Deputy Director/Chief Engineer for the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department; and an Alumna of the University of Michigan College of Engineering. DDP proudly welcomes Palencia Mobley.  

Detroit Water and Sewerage Department: https://detroitmi.gov/departments/water-and-sewerage-department

Where you can find Palencia: 

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/palencia.mobley

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/pmobley97/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/palencia-mobley-p-e-26a8117/

In this episode of Distinctly Detroit, Feodies probes the political mind of a native Washingtonian planted in the city of Detroit. He currently serves as a Senior Consultant for Guide House Consulting and is an alumnus of the University of Michigan Ford School of Public Policy. We are proud to welcome Jai Singletary for our season two debut of the DDP!

In the Season 1 finale, Distinctly Detroit host Katie Benjamin interviews James Logan, a Sucess Coach and Program Coordinator at the University of Michigan. Join them as they discuss football, dreams, change, U of M, and all things Detroit.

In this week's episode of Distinctly Detroit, host Katie Benjamin speaks with Dr. Rashid Faisal, an Educational Activist. Join them as they discuss education in Detroit, and how the city inspires and motivates Dr. Faisal and his continuing work for the city's future generations.

Detroit Center Talks features interviews with U-M graduates who are currently making a positive impact in the Detroit metropolitan area. Featuring: Dana Williams, Chief of Staff and Director of Employment Engagement, Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation

In the latest episode of Distinctly Detroit, host Katie Benjamin interviews Lanie Dixon, the Director of Performance Excellence and Patient Experience at St. Joseph Mercy Oakland Pontiac for Trinity Health. Lanie talks about her career path and what it’s like to work in a hospital as a non-medical professional.

Join us for another episode of Distinctly Detroit as host Katie Benjamin interviews Ralph Valdez, the Deputy Director of the Concert of Colors and the Executive Director of the Dearborn Community Arts Council. Learn more about what goes on behind the scenes at the Concert of Colors and about the arts community around Detroit.

Host Katie Benjamin interviews Michael Cheatham, native Detroiter and Banking Center Manager for Comerica Bank. After graduation from the University of Michigan, Michael’s long career with Comerica Bank has kept him in the city of Detroit. Hear him talk about giving back to the community and how he has gotten to where he is today.

Join host Katie Benjamin as she interviews Dennis Archer Jr. Dennis is the CEO of Ignition Media Group, a leading integrated marketing agency, and president and founding  partner of Archer Corporate Services (ACS). Archer's hospitality holding company, Congress Hospitality, is creator and managing  partner of Central Kitchen + Bar, named by The Detroit Free Press as one of Detroit’s top restaurants of the year, within a year of opening.