“The right time is right now” sets the tone for this powerful Detroit is Different conversation with Portia Roberson, CEO of Focus: HOPE, as she breaks down leadership, legacy, and what it means to serve Detroit with purpose. From her years as a Detroit attorney learning to “really practice law” in Frank Murphy Hall of Justice, to working on Barack Obama’s historic 2008 campaign, to now guiding one of Detroit’s most iconic institutions, Portia shares a journey rooted in Black political possibility, organizational discipline, and community care. She reflects on Focus: HOPE’s origin after the 1967 rebellion, its role as an advocacy organization, and why she believes in returning to the core mission because “all money’s not good money.” This interview connects the past and future of Legacy Black Detroit through stories of partnership, food justice, early childhood education, workforce development, and multigenerational responsibility. Portia also offers deep insight into Black leadership, Detroit’s legal culture, the emotional meaning of Obama’s rise, and the ongoing work of building institutions that truly help families. This is a rich conversation about strategy, service, and sustaining community through change.
- Latest episode: “The Right Time Is Right Now: Portia Roberson on Leading Focus: HOPE Into Detroit’s Future”
- Latest episode: “Community Power and the Politics of Housing, Conversation with Haley Stevens”
- Latest episode: “From Black Pages to Detroit Smart Pages: Beverly Smith’s Media Journey”
- April 8, 2025
- 9:48 am
The Right Time Is Right Now: Portia Roberson on Leading Focus: HOPE Into Detroit’s Future
“The right time is right now” sets the tone for this powerful Detroit is Different conversation with Portia Roberson, CEO
The Right Time Is Right Now: Portia Roberson on Leading Focus: HOPE Into Detroit’s Future
Community Power and the Politics of Housing, Conversation with Haley Stevens
“Housing is a human need, and policy has to meet people there.” Haley Stevens says in this Detroit is Different
Community Power and the Politics of Housing, Conversation with Haley Stevens
From Black Pages to Detroit Smart Pages: Beverly Smith’s Media Journey
“Everybody was moving to the north for jobs,” Beverly Smith says, and in that one line she opens a powerful
From Black Pages to Detroit Smart Pages: Beverly Smith’s Media Journey
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What Detroiters Should Expect if Mary Sheffield Becomes Mayor
“Housing is a human need, and policy has to meet people there.” Haley Stevens says in this Detroit is Different conversation, and that line sets the tone for an interview grounded in family legacy, public service, and a belief that community is built through organizing. Stevens reflects on her family’s deep ties to Detroit—from her grandfather coming for Ford work, to her father’s stories of Comstock Street, to her mother’s pride in working in the Fisher Building—and explains how a blue-collar, union-connected, small business-oriented upbringing shaped her understanding of people power. She shares how witnessing the labor movement, thinking deeply about racial justice as a young person, and later working on Barack Obama’s 2008 presidential campaign helped frame politics not as performance, but as bringing people together around real needs. The discussion also looks forward, as Stevens connects Michigan’s housing challenges to public policy pathways that can expand access, protect working families, and create more opportunity for residents. This is a rich conversation about Detroit’s past, Michigan’s future, and why organizing still matters.
“Everybody was moving to the north for jobs,” Beverly Smith says, and in that one line she opens a powerful story of migration, Black ambition, and building something lasting in Detroit. In this Detroit is Different conversation, the founder and CEO of Detroit Smart Pages reflects on arriving in Detroit from Lake Charles, Louisiana in 1968, just after the rebellion, with her husband and young child, chasing opportunity and a bigger life. What unfolds is a rich journey through entrepreneurship, from early business ownership with Black Pages roots, to photography, to becoming a longtime publisher uplifting Black business, neighborhood stories, and Detroit’s living legacy. Smith’s voice carries the wisdom of someone “of the community, in the community,” and her reflections on mentors like David Rambeau and Ron Scott connect her personal path to a wider tradition of Black media, activism, and cultural documentation. This episode matters because it shows how Black Detroit has always created its own platforms, archives, and celebrations of “legends, luminaries and legacy.” Beverly Smith’s story is about more than publishing—it is about how community storytelling preserves the past while giving future generations a roadmap for self-determination, visibility, and pride.
“‘You got to love your way through this’ is more than a quote in this Detroit is Different conversation with Terry Campbell—it’s the thread connecting a life built through Detroit legacy, Black migration, industry, policy, and purpose.” In this rich episode, Terry traces her family’s journey from Alabama, Florida, the West Indies, and Windsor into five generations of Detroit life, reflecting on Black Bottom, Northwest Detroit, Cass, Henry Ford, and the neighborhood values that shaped her. She shares how growing up in an engineering-minded household led to a career at General Motors, where years of building management and leadership skills in Flint factories and the GM Tech Center taught her how systems work, how communities are affected, and why “at some point, it wasn’t fun anymore” watching industry decline. That experience became a gateway to transformative public service—first helping lead Eastern Market, then stepping into U.S. Senate offices to advocate for urban agriculture, food justice, transit, infrastructure, and Detroit neighborhoods. With lines like “people are people” and “everybody’s got to do their piece where they fit in,” Terry offers a masterclass in Legacy Black Culture, civic responsibility, and how Detroit wisdom can shape the future.
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Unexpected Conversations: The Most Interesting Talks
"In conversations, sometimes unexpected brilliance shines through those we least expect. This excerpt from our 500th podcast episode of `Detroit is Different` delves into one such dialogue with the legend from the Four Tops. Khary Frazier engages with the fascinating storyteller who’s been behind their tour wardrobe for years. Discover why these stories are so vibrant and unmissable. Watch to be intrigued by tales that promise more depth beyond what meets the eye.
From Grandma’s Bedroom to 500: The Pulse of Legacy Black Detroit
Detroit is Different episode 500 featuring Khary Frazier hosted by Khan Santori
#DetroitIsDifferent #UnexpectedConversations #PodcastMilestone
The Start of Detroit is Different in 2014
"Let me introduce people to the Detroit that I know." Khary Frazier shares the vision and story behind "Detroit is Different," a podcast that began at a small French restaurant and grew into a cultural hub. Uncover the early days featuring conversations with local icons like Malik Yakini and rockers like Carolyn Striho. This platform has brought together voices from all walks of life to tell Detroit`s unique story. As we commemorate the 500th episode, join us in this celebration of community and cultural dialogue.
From Grandma’s Bedroom to 500: The Pulse of Legacy Black Detroit
Detroit is Different episode 500 featuring Khary Frazier hosted by Khan Santori
#DetroitStories #CulturalConversations #KharyFrazier #DetroitIsDifferent
Authentic Detroit Story
"I`m glad that I`ve built what I built, how I built it." Celebrate a milestone with Detroit is Different`s 500th podcast, featuring founder Khary Frazier. Uncover the thought-provoking dialogue that sets this podcast apart, focusing on authentic storytelling rather than superficial stories. Khary Frazier`s commitment to genuine interviews ensures a deep connection to the heart of Detroit.
From Grandma’s Bedroom to 500: The Pulse of Legacy Black Detroit
Detroit is Different episode 500 featuring Khary Frazier hosted by Khan Santori
#DetroitIsDifferent #PodcastMilestone #KharyFrazier #AuthenticityInStorytelling #DetroitVoices
Building Dreams with Support of my Mom, God Mother, & Dad
"My mom really is liking it...this is the last memory of me and my mom interacting." Join Khary Frazier as he opens up about the personal and professional tapestry woven through his family ties in the 500th episode of Detroit is Different. Dive into the narrative that explores a deep connection to his parents and godmother, and how these bonds have shaped his path in Detroit`s creative scene. A touching reflection not to be missed.
From Grandma’s Bedroom to 500: The Pulse of Legacy Black Detroit
Detroit is Different episode 500 featuring Khary Frazier hosted by Khan Santori
#DetroitLegends #PodcastAnniversary #FamilySupport
Detroit, Thank You. From living-room brainstorms to citywide storytelling, your listens, shares, prayers, and pull-ups made Detroit is Different more than a platform—it’s a people-powered movement. We’ve felt the love through every high and every hurdle, and we’re still here because you show up. To our elders, youth, artists, activists, and everyday geniuses: you are the heartbeat. The work continues—louder, safer, and stronger.
In Love for your Support through the Growth of me to share collective Detroit stories
#DetroitIsDifferent #ThankYouDetroit #CommunityPower #BlackDetroit #StorytellingMatters #shorts
From Grandma’s Bedroom on Rosa Parks to a citywide archive: Khary Frazier sits with Kahn Santori for the 500th episode of Detroit is Different this Week! No clickbait—just the heartbeat of Legacy Black Detroit: My Natural Hair Show, Collard Green Cook-offs, & much more.
#DetroitIsDifferent #Episode500 #LegacyBlackDetroit #313
With hearts full of gratitude, we invite you to Legacy of Support: A Celebration of Thank You—honoring every guest, collaborator, listener, neighbor, collard green grower, natural hair stylist, podcast producer, elder, and all who’ve poured into Detroit is Different since our first podcast in 2014. What began as a concept has grown into a mission and a community of storytellers, culture keepers, organizers, artists, and everyday Detroiters. We’ll celebrate the love and labor behind our milestones, lift up the people who’ve built with us on air, online, and in community, and share what’s next—because the vision ahead is big and only possible with you. This is our way of saying thank you for your time, trust, testimonies, and ten-toes-down commitment to Detroit culture. Come be seen, be celebrated, and add your story to the legacy.
Invitations for RSVP coming very soon
#DetroitIsDifferent #LegacyOfSupport #DetroitCulture
Success Takes Time a 20-Year Journey
"It might not happen right there, but perseverance is key. Earl `E-40` Stevens remarked on his 11-year journey in the spirits industry, emphasizing long-term vision and adaptation. In his exclusive Detroit interview, E-40 delves into the importance of understanding market trends and staying healthy in business. Gain a fresh perspective on navigating challenges and staying ahead. Don`t miss this enlightening discussion on music, business, and personal growth.
The Game Ain’t Changed—Just the Product: E-40 Talks Ownership at Taste of Black Spirits Detroit
Detroit is Different episode 494 with Earl `E-40` Stevens
#E40 #BusinessStrategies #DetroitTalks #Perseverance #IndustryInsights
