Introduction

Description: The Journey Behind “Civil Rights & Campus Protests: Michigan Universities React to Palestine Activism | Public Hearing” and Its Premiere on Detroit is Different

Detroit is Different is honored to present the premiere of its latest documentary, “Civil Rights & Campus Protests: Michigan Universities React to Palestine Activism | Public Hearing,” a project that highlights the resilience, courage, and determination of student activists as they fight for justice and civil liberties on Michigan campuses. The film, directed by the renowned Baracka Elmdari.

A Story of Resistance and Advocacy

The documentary is inspired by the events of Spring 2024, when peaceful student-led encampments at the University of Michigan and Wayne State University were dismantled by university administrators and law enforcement. These encampments were powerful symbols of advocacy for Palestinian liberation, racial justice, and broader equity, serving as platforms for marginalized voices to demand change.

Students faced tear gas, arrests, and disproportionate disciplinary actions as they stood firm in their mission to hold universities accountable. The film shines a spotlight on these events, capturing the bravery of students and the systemic challenges they encountered.

A Collaborative Effort to Document Justice

“Civil Rights & Campus Protests” was filmed during a public hearing hosted by the National Conference of Black Lawyers (NCBL) at the Detroit People’s Food Co-op. This live event featured testimonies from student activists, community members, and legal experts. The hearing provided a safe and transparent space to dissect issues surrounding First Amendment rights, university protest policies, police responses, and surveillance of student activism.

Filming this documentary was no small feat. Aligning the creative vision of director Baracka Elmdari, the expertise of the NCBL, and the mission-driven production team at Detroit is Different required patience, determination, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. The result is a film that blends storytelling with social commentary to explore the intersections of civil rights, academic freedom, and grassroots advocacy.

The Power of Storytelling

At the heart of this film are the personal accounts of students who endured state-sanctioned repression and systemic inequities. Their stories resonate with the broader movements for racial, social, and economic justice, shedding light on how activism on campus reflects the larger struggle for equality.

The documentary also explores the solidarity between Black and Palestinian communities, illustrating how their shared experiences with oppression create opportunities for unity and collective action. Legal analysis provided by the NCBL contextualizes these struggles within the framework of constitutional rights, making the documentary both a historical record and a call to action.

The Premiere: A Community Milestone

The premiere of “Civil Rights & Campus Protests” is more than just a release; it is a celebration of community resilience, a platform for critical conversations, and a testament to the power of collaboration. On Wednesday, December 4, 2024, at 10:00 AM EST, viewers around the world are invited to join the movement by tuning in to the Detroit is Different YouTube channel for the first public screening.

What to Expect

This 90-minute documentary delivers a rich narrative woven from multiple perspectives:

• Emotional student testimonies recounting the encampments, police responses, and their fight for justice.
• Legal insights from the NCBL, highlighting disparities in law enforcement and the importance of protecting First Amendment rights.
• Historical context, connecting contemporary protests to the long-standing fight for civil rights.
• Calls to action, urging viewers to stand in solidarity with activists and advocate for systemic change.

The film captures moments of vulnerability, strength, and resilience, emphasizing the importance of community support and collaboration in the face of adversity.

Director’s Vision

Director Baracka Elmdari shares her perspective on the project:
“This film is about more than protests or policies—it’s about people. It’s about students who dared to imagine a better future and refused to back down when their rights were under attack. Through this film, we hope to inspire audiences to recognize their role in creating change and to stand in solidarity with those on the frontlines.”

The Role of Detroit is Different

As a multimedia platform committed to healing community through culture, Detroit is Different was proud to take on the production of this documentary. With its deep roots in Detroit’s Black community and its mission to amplify underrepresented voices, Detroit is Different serves as the ideal partner to bring this story to life.

Founder Khary Frazier reflects on the project:
“This documentary embodies what Detroit is Different stands for—uplifting voices that challenge the status quo and drive meaningful conversations. We are honored to premiere this film and continue the work of amplifying the stories that matter.”

Why Watch?

The premiere of “Civil Rights & Campus Protests” is an opportunity to engage with a story that transcends campuses and speaks to universal struggles for justice and equality. Whether you are a student, educator, activist, or community member, this film offers valuable insights and inspiration.

By tuning in, you become part of a collective effort to uphold civil liberties, amplify marginalized voices, and advocate for systemic change.

How to Watch

The documentary premieres on the Detroit is Different YouTube channel at 10:00 AM EST on Wednesday, December 4, 2024. Subscribe to the channel and set a reminder so you don’t miss this pivotal release.

Join the Conversation

Following the premiere, Detroit is Different will host an online discussion where viewers can share their reflections, ask questions, and explore ways to support ongoing advocacy efforts. Stay connected with Detroit is Different on social media (@detroitisdifferent) for updates and details about this interactive event.

About Detroit is Different

Detroit is Different is a storytelling platform that celebrates Detroit’s rich Black culture, fosters community organizing, and produces multimedia content that inspires action and healing.

Mark your calendars and join us for this transformative documentary. Together, we can create a future rooted in justice, equity, and collective empowerment.

Discover how dreams, community, and history intertwine in the heart of Detroit with Shalece Daniels. Listen to our conversation about transformative community initiatives and personal journeys on the Detroit is Different podcast.

Transitioning from personal history to present endeavors, Shalece and Khary delve into the significance of community work and homeownership in Detroit. Shalece’s involvement in two dynamic initiatives—Renewed Homes and Black Leaders Detroit—highlights her commitment to serving the community by providing opportunities for financial literacy and homeownership education.

Renewed Homes focuses on rehabilitating properties for individuals who might otherwise struggle with creditworthiness, offering pathways to ownership below market value. This initiative is not just about real estate; it’s about nurturing a sense of pride and responsibility in homeownership, fostering stable and sustainable communities.

#CommunityInitiatives #DetroitHistory #PassionAndPurpose

Detroit is Different welcomes back Baba Malik Yakini for the 10-year anniversary episode of the Detroit is Different podcast. As both a witness and a catalyst for change, Baba Malik shares his personal growth over the years. Understanding the importance of vision, institutional resilience, and community engagement, he reflects on the challenges and triumphs of building a sustainable movement. His commitment to creating spaces where Detroiters can reclaim agency over their food systems stands as a testament to the city’s enduring spirit of ingenuity and self-determination.

Baba Malik was the first guest on the podcast, which initially began at Le Petit Zinc restaurant without a formal studio. Over the years, the podcast has evolved, and Baba Malik, an influential mentor and community leader, returns to reflect on Detroit’s Black community. Baba Malik also shares updates about the Detroit Black Community Food Sovereignty Network and the Detroit People’s Food Co-operative, which opened a community-owned grocery store on May 1st. Throughout the discussion, he emphasizes the significance of sustained community effort, the importance of organizing, and his own journey towards self-care and balance after stepping down as Executive Director. The episode delves into history, personal growth, relationships, and the evolving roles and rites of passage at different life stages.

From humble beginnings at a Detroit club (now a laundromat) on Livernois and McNichols, DJ Stacey Hotwaxx Hale emerged as Detroit’s first female house music artist, guided by her engineering background and inspired by her mother’s groundbreaking work in federal government contracting in the 1970s. Known as the Godmother of House Music, Hale’s masterful ability to play the right song at the right time has taken her from underground dance clubs like Studio 54 and The Warehouse to prestigious venues, including the Apollo Theater and Fox Detroit, where she continues to blend dance floor hits with orchestral melodies and live music, cementing her legacy in American music culture.

Tonya Myers Phillips, an attorney deeply committed to justice for Detroit, has long advocated for Right to Counsel for residents facing foreclosure and many other community-centered causes. At the Sugar Law Center, where she serves as Community Partnerships & Development Director, Tonya collaborates closely with local organizations, working to establish community benefits agreements and offer legal guidance on economic issues impacting Detroiters. Now a candidate for Michigan State Representative for District 7, Tonya’s journey is rooted in a strong educational foundation from Renaissance High School and the University of Michigan (both undergraduate and law school). Her dedication to public service is demonstrated by her time as a Commissioner on the Detroit Charter Revision Commission from 2010 to 2012, where she was known for treating colleagues and constituents with dignity and casting votes aligned with her values of community service. In this episode of Detroit is Different, Tonya shares her story of commitment to Detroit and its people.

Visit www.tonyamyersphillips.com for more information.

All Things Detroit is Metro Detroit’s largest small business shopping experience, bringing hundreds of local vendors and thousands of shoppers together in Eastern Market’s Sheds 3, 4, and 5 each Spring and Fall. Curated by Jennyfer Crawford over the past decade, the event showcases Detroit-made food, clothing, candles, and even Faygo jams and jellies, creating a unique celebration of local culture and commerce. In this interview on Detroit is Different, Jennyfer shares her vision for the next decade and the ways she pours her passion into supporting both buyers and sellers at All Things Detroit.

Baba Ari Shen has been cutting, sculpting, and celebrating natural Black hair for over 56 years, from the 1970s to now, witnessing the transformation of Black hair culture through different eras. His journey began in Indiana, where he learned from legends in Black hair care and became a master of his craft. His work has taken him across the country to cities like Seattle and Los Angeles, but it was Detroit that captured his heart. Since the early 1980s, Baba Ari Shen has embraced Detroit’s rich Black culture, expression, and history, finding it to be the most profound Black experience of his life. In this dynamic Detroit is Different episode, he reflects on his roots, the influence of Gary, Indiana, including stories of the Jackson 5 before Motown, and his love for natural hair that continues to inspire his work today.