“Poverty is a choice to allow that to go on in the city,” says Denzel McCampbell, and that fire fuels this Detroit is Different conversation. In this episode, Khary Frazier sits down with McCampbell—four generations deep in Detroit, raised in the Pershing neighborhood rooted in union jobs and Alabama migration stories—to unpack his run for City Council in District 7. From his mother’s firsthand memories of Selma’s Jim Crow violence to his father’s UAW legacy, McCampbell threads together personal history and public service. He breaks down what it means to organize against environmental racism where factories sit next to family homes, why “our solutions are in our neighborhoods,” and how expanding voting rights and fighting disinformation are extensions of Detroit’s long struggle for self-determination. This isn’t just campaign talk; it’s a vision of Detroit’s past and future colliding—one that calls back to Mayor Coleman Young’s political movement while looking ahead to what equitable development and true public safety could mean for Black Detroit today. Whether you lived through Eyes on the Prize on PBS or you’re just waking up to how policies shape your block, this is a powerful sit-down that roots politics in people and legacy.
- Latest episode: “Denzel McCampbell on Detroit’s Fight for Equity”
- Latest episode: “From Pac-Man to Pages: Jelani Stowers on Books, Philosophy, and Black Detroit’s Future”
- Latest episode: “From Van Dyke to Hampton to Healing: The Journey of Mindful B Anthony”
- April 8, 2025
- 9:48 am
Denzel McCampbell on Detroit’s Fight for Equity
“Poverty is a choice to allow that to go on in the city,” says Denzel McCampbell, and that fire fuels
Denzel McCampbell on Detroit’s Fight for Equity
From Pac-Man to Pages: Jelani Stowers on Books, Philosophy, and Black Detroit’s Future
“Nobody was the right person for the job … it just had to be me right now.” That’s how Jelani
From Pac-Man to Pages: Jelani Stowers on Books, Philosophy, and Black Detroit’s Future
From Van Dyke to Hampton to Healing: The Journey of Mindful B Anthony
“Gratitude is the space where we humble ourselves to the blessing of life itself.” From the jump, Mindful B Anthony
From Van Dyke to Hampton to Healing: The Journey of Mindful B Anthony
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“Nobody was the right person for the job … it just had to be me right now.” That’s how Jelani Stowers breaks down the whirlwind journey of taking ownership of Pages Bookshop in Rosedale Park, a cultural anchor in Detroit. In this conversation with Khary Frazier, Jelani traces his family’s roots—grandparents who migrated from Alabama and Virginia to Detroit for Wayne State, a father balancing electrician work with film, and a mother who shaped young lives as a preschool teacher. He talks about growing up in Rosedale Park, remembering the neighborhood-wide yard sales that felt like “Halloween with treasures,” and how early lessons at the African-centered Nsoma Institute taught him to respect Africa, compost waste, and even see Pac-Man through a philosophical lens. From coding internships to studying philosophy at Wayne State, Jelani connects gentrification, democracy, and Detroit’s cultural resilience into a philosophy of action. The heart of this episode? How saving a bookstore became about more than books—it’s about legacy, community continuity, and ensuring that Black Detroiters still have space to gather, learn, and dream in their own neighborhoods. If you care about Detroit’s past struggles and its future possibilities, this is a conversation you need to sit with.
“Gratitude is the space where we humble ourselves to the blessing of life itself.” From the jump, Mindful B Anthony sets the tone for a Detroit story rooted in legacy, resilience, and transformation. In this Detroit is Different conversation, he takes us on a journey from his family’s four-generation hold on Van Dyke and Mack—where his grandmother insisted “this land will always have value”—to the bus routes that taught him the city block by block, and the classrooms that sparked his love for math, language, and purpose. He reflects on leaving Renaissance for Southeastern, catching the 6 Mile across town before dawn, and navigating Hampton University’s business of education while rediscovering his true calling in healing, creativity, and entrepreneurship. What begins with childhood alley basketball games and honor roll trophies unfolds into a life of activism with We the People of Detroit, a mentorship lineage through Charity Hicks and Tawana Petty, and the artistry of copper and crystals turned into “energy tools disguised as jewelry.” This episode is a blueprint of how Black Detroit’s past—our migrations, our neighborhood pride, our community organizing—feeds the future of culture creators who, like Anthony, are shaping new ways of living, healing, and building legacy. If you’ve ever wondered how Detroit blocks, schools, buses, and bands prepare us for the world stage, this is the conversation you need to hear.
“I went to grad school out of spite—to learn how to beat developers at their own game.” From that first thunderclap, author-organizer Ru Colvin takes us on a deeply Detroit journey that stretches from their grandmother’s migration from York, Alabama to the east side blocks of Jefferson Chalmers, where “we grew up around the water” and a school culture that was “very Black—we sang ‘Lift Every Voice’ every morning.” Colvin threads memory and movement: a violin at Cass, Black Planet-era fan fiction, Wayne State in Obama ‘08, then the dissonance of working downtown as foreclosure swept neighborhoods—“they called it a comeback while my family lost our home in 2014.” That rupture births purpose: corporate book clubs turn to street-level facilitation, AmeriCorps in the East Side Solutionaries, and the mantra “our communities are up to us.” They name names—Land Bank tours full of non-Detroiters, bedrock power reshaping blocks—and still insists on possibility, writing a house’s autobiography in Home and imagining “liberation zones” in gardens where a family home once stood. With Khary,they honor teachers like Ms. Green who kept their pen alive. Along the way, Colvin reframes planning as protection, storytelling as strategy, and memory as infrastructure: “Translating what people say into something we can use.”
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From Alabama to Detroit a Legacy of Community and Activism
"My mom, growing up 25 miles outside of Selma, shared stories of hope amidst struggle, which shaped my journey." Denzell McCampbell, a candidate for the Detroit City Council District 7, speaks in a Detroit is Different episode about his upbringing influenced by the winds of change in both Alabama and Detroit. Discover how early lessons in community and determination inspired his path in public organizing and civic leadership. Tune in for a compelling conversation about heritage and empowerment.
Denzell McCampbell on Detroit’s Fight for Equity
Detroit is Different episode 493 with Denzell McCampbell
#DetroitIsDifferent #LegacyOfActivism #DetroitPolitics #DenzellMcCampbell #VotingRights
A House’s Tale Detroit Through Its Walls
"A house holds more than just walls; it cradles stories, hopes, and histories. In `A House’s Tale: Detroit Through Its Walls,` delve into the life of a Detroit home from the thirties onwards. This captivating narrative sees its life through the eyes of the very house, inviting readers to ponder the evolving meaning of home. From family goodbyes to the emergence of community spaces, Ru Colvin`s storytelling invites a reflection on communal living and liberation zones. Discover her unique perspective and join the conversation.
From Foreclosure to Liberation Zones: Writing Detroit’s Future with Ru Colvin
Detroit is Different episode 489 with Ru Colvin
#DetroitAuthers #CommunitySpaces #RuColvin
Respect and Admiration for Africa
"The principle (I learned attending Nsoroma Institute) is that Africa is a place to be respected, admired, and looked at with admiration." Join us in uncovering the unique narrative crafted by Jelani Stowers, co-owner of Pages Bookshop, where early environmental education meets cultural appreciation. Dive into the childhood experiences that foster a love for diversity and sustainability while nurturing today`s leaders. Engage with these powerful stories of wisdom and growth.
From Pac-Man to Pages: Jelani Stowers on Books, Philosophy, and Black Detroit’s Future
Detroit is Different episode 492 with Jelani Stowers
#DetroitStories #CulturalRespect #EnvironmentalEducation #InclusiveLearning
Shiny Objects Lure: The Real Impact of Charter Schools
"Charter schools were once hailed as the promised saviors, but what`s really happening behind the curtains? As Arlyssa Heard reveals, there`s a business side to these institutions that impacts the education of our children. She shares insights into the real motivations and consequences of charter school operations. How are these changes affecting Detroit`s public school students and their families? Don`t miss this eye-opening conversation.
From Redistricting to the Ombudsman: Sherry Gay-Dagnogo on Power, Schools & Service
Detroit is Different episode 488 with Sherry Gay-Dagnogo
#DetroitEducation #CharterSchools #ArlyssaHeard #482Forward #PublicEducation
Bridging Cultures a High School Project That Inspired an International Business Career
"From high school project to international business career: `I remember having to come up with a growth plan for a cell phone company to go to Italy.` Discover how Brittany Vanderbeek`s early passion for culture and business has transformed into a dynamic career with Aqua Action. As an outlier among her family of healthcare professionals, Brittany pursued her love for math and English, finding her niche in global marketing. Trace her journey from the University of Michigan to Aqua Action`s Detroit office. Explore how this blend of interests opened new doors for her career.
Water We Inherit: Entrepreneurship, AI, and Detroit’s Blue Economy with Brittany Vanderbeek
Detroit is Different episode 487 with Brittany Vanderbeek
#InternationalBusiness #CareerJourney #DetroitBusiness #AquaAction #BusinessDevelopment
Growing Political Fatigue Efforts vs Outcomes
"Many are feeling fatigue, seeing the scales tipping away from balance." In our latest Detroit is Different interview with Sherry Gay-Dagnogo, we delve into the pressing concerns about political engagement and the perceived lack of reciprocation for African American communities` hard work. Sherry, a Detroit Public School Community District board member and former Michigan State Representative, speaks candidly about the enduring struggle and advocacy efforts. Discover her insights and experience in navigating political dynamics within the Democratic Party.
From Redistricting to the Ombudsman: Sherry Gay-Dagnogo on Power, Schools & Service
Detroit is Different episode 488 with Sherry Gay-Dagnogo
#PoliticalEngagement #AfricanAmericanVoices #DetroitLeadership #CommunityAdvocacy #DetroitIsDifferent
Ripple Effect of Good Schools
"If education thrives, the community flourishes." Join Detroit is Different for an insightful discussion with Arlyssa Heard as she explores the ripple effect of effective school systems. Learn how her experience with local organizations like the Detroit Public Schools and founding 482 Forward propelled her passion for community advocacy. Arlyssa’s story is a testament to the power of organized parental influence in shaping educational policy and driving community transformation. Tune in for more!
Dexter to Delray to DPSCD: Arlyssa Heard on Saving Detroit Schools
Detroit is Different episode 490 with Arlyssa Heard
#ArlyssaHeard #EducationMatters #DetroitCommunity #SchoolAdvocacy #482Forward
Hidden Water Cost of AI Technology
"The hidden water cost of AI technology: `AI is having a direct impact on water sustainability.` Dive into this thought-provoking discussion as Brittany Vanderbeek of Aqua Action reveals the surprising ways AI technology affects our water resources. Discover how data centers are inadvertently consuming gallons of water with each simple request. Learn why small changes to our interactions with AI can have significant consequences. Watch the full conversation to understand how Aqua Action, with its American office based in Detroit, is tackling these challenges.
Water We Inherit: Entrepreneurship, AI, and Detroit’s Blue Economy with Brittany Vanderbeek
Detroit is Different episode 487 with Brittany Vanderbeek
#AI #WaterSustainability #AquaAction #Detroit
