Best Black Leaders Detroit Podcasts (2024)

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BLD Presents: Speak For Yourself - S2EP13 - Monique Phillips, Matrix Human Services 40:35

1M ago40:35

40:35

Join us as BLD interviews entrepreneurs and changemakers about their personal journeys while delving into crucial topics like access to capital and equity. In this episode, Ken sits down with Monique to talk about her work as Vice President of Development and Marketing for Matrix Human Services. Not only are they Detroit's largest head start provid…

1
BLD Presents: Speak For Yourself - S2EP12 - Crystal L. Gunn, Financial Strategist and President of United Community Solutions 25:42

2M ago25:42

25:42

Join us as BLD interviews entrepreneurs and changemakers about their personal journeys while delving into crucial topics like access to capital and equity. In this episode, Dwan and Ken sit down with Crystal to talk about the steps to take to become financially liberated. To learn more about Crystal L. Gunn, go to: https://www.crystalgunn.com/ Foll…

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BLD Presents: Speak For Yourself - S2EP11 - Lori Ward, Executive Director of Figure Skating In Detroit 21:10

2M ago21:10

21:10

Join us as BLD interviews entrepreneurs and changemakers about their personal journeys while delving into crucial topics like access to capital and equity. In this episode, Dwan and Ken sit down with Lori to talk about mentoring the youth and creating the next generation of leaders. To learn more about Figure Skating In Detroit, go to: https://www.…

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BLD Presents: Speak For Yourself - S2EP10 - Ber-Henda Williams - Founder, Culture Shift(Hers) Unite 31:48

2M ago31:48

31:48

Join us as BLD interviews entrepreneurs and changemakers about their personal journeys while delving into crucial topics like access to capital and equity. In this episode, Dwan and Ken sit down with Ber-Henda to talk about empathic feminine leadership for an emerging world, among other things. To learn more about Ber-Henda and Culture Shift(Hers) …

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BLD Presents: Speak For Yourself - S2EP9 - Doug Bitonti Stewart, Executive Director - Max M. & Marjorie S. Fisher Foundation 59:31

2M ago59:31

59:31

Join us as BLD interviews entrepreneurs and changemakers about their personal journeys while delving into crucial topics like access to capital and equity. In this episode, Dwan and Ken sit down with Doug to talk about his passion for BLD, what he has learned from following Black leadership in Detroit, and his experiences on the Ride For Equity. Th…

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BLD Presents: Speak For Yourself - S2EP8 - Beth Brandvain and Marlyn Minus, 2023 Ride For Equity participants 49:15

3M ago49:15

49:15

Join us as BLD interviews entrepreneurs and changemakers about their personal journeys while delving into crucial topics like access to capital and equity. In this episode, Dwan and Ken sit down with Beth and Marlyn to talk about their experience last year on our annual Ride For Equity, where we cycle from Detroit to The Mackinac Policy Conference …

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BLD Presents: Speak For Yourself - S2EP7 - Eric Thomas - Storyteller, Creator, and Speaker 56:06

3M ago56:06

56:06

Join us as BLD interviews entrepreneurs and changemakers about their personal journeys while delving into crucial topics like access to capital and equity. In this episode, Dwan and Ken sit down with Eric and talk about what it takes to be friends with people who have differing beliefs, among other things. Discover more about Eric Thomas: https://w…

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BLD Presents: Speak For Yourself - S2EP6 - Damon Cannon and Regina Ward, Hired Muscle, LLC 43:59

3M ago43:59

43:59

Join us as BLD interviews entrepreneurs and changemakers about their personal journeys while delving into crucial topics like access to capital and equity. In this episode, Dwan and Ken sit down with Damon and Regina and talk about the trials and tribulations of starting their own labor and logistics enterprise. Discover more about Hired Muscle, LL…

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BLD Presents: Speak For Yourself - S2EP4 - Johnnie Turnage, co-founder of Black Tech Saturdays 21:08

4M ago21:08

21:08

Join us as BLD interviews entrepreneurs and changemakers about their personal journeys while delving into crucial topics like access to capital and equity. In this episode, Dwan sits down with Johnnie to talk about the state of Black people in Tech and what the future needs to look like. Discover more about Black Tech Saturdays: https://www.blackte…

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BLD Presents: Speak For Yourself - S2EP3 -Courtney Smith, Founder & CEO of Detroit Phoenix Center 32:31

4M ago32:31

32:31

Join us as BLD interviews entrepreneurs and changemakers about their personal journeys while delving into crucial topics like access to capital and equity. In this episode, Dwan and Ken sit down with Courtney to talk about improving the outcomes for resilient and resourceful young people in Detroit. Discover more about Detroit Phoenix Center: https…

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BLD Presents: Speak For Yourself - S2EP2 - Cydney and Kevin Hill of The Austin Foundation 28:44

4M ago28:44

28:44

Join us as BLD interviews entrepreneurs and changemakers about their personal journeys while delving into crucial topics like access to capital and equity. In this episode, Dwan and Ken sit down with sister and brother Cydney and Kevin Hill to discuss all the exciting works they are doing in Detroit. Discover more about The Austin Foundation: https…

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BLD Presents: Speak For Yourself - S2EP1 - Nina Love, The Love Experience 23:27

4M ago23:27

23:27

Welcome to Season 2! Join us as BLD interviews entrepreneurs and changemakers, delving into crucial topics like access to capital and equity. In this episode, Dwan sits down with Nina Love to discuss the former Brooklynite's entrepreneurial journey in Detroit. We also have her surprise singing debut! Discover more about The Love Experience: https:/…

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Introducing Created Equal with Stephen Henderson 51:30

4M ago51:30

51:30

Created Equal is about the promise of opportunity and the challenge of inequality from the city that built America — Detroit. Exploring the strings of inequality that run through the American experience, each episode explores the question: How did we arrive at this moment in history? Stephen Henderson hosts, building on familiar themes from Detroit…

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BLD Presents: Speak For Yourself - EP51 - Larry Moore, CEO of Marketech Broadcasting 27:28

4M ago27:28

27:28

Join us as BLD interviews entrepreneurs and changemakers, delving into crucial topics like access to capital and equity. In this episode, Dwan and Ken are regaled by stories from Larry's past, as he talks about what led to the creation of Marketech Broadcasting. Join BLD in providing access to capital for businesses like Marketech for just $1/week …

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BLD Presents: Speak For Yourself - EP50 - Ericka Woods, Founder of 1 Mother 2 Another 18:27

5M ago18:27

18:27

Celebrating 50 Episodes of BLD Presents: Speak For Yourself! Join us as BLD interviews entrepreneurs and changemakers, delving into crucial topics like access to capital and equity. In this special anniversary episode, Dwan and Ken sit down with Ericka Woods to discuss her incredible decade-long journey supporting mothers and the community. Discove…

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BLD Presents: Speak For Yourself - EP49 - Tiffany Brown, Founder and Executive Director, Developing Despite Distance 23:09

5M ago23:09

23:09

BLD Presents: Speak For Yourself - BLD interviews Black entrepreneurs and other changemakers about issues surrounding access to capital, equity, and more. In this episode, Dwan and Ken speak with Tiffany about the work she does in supporting young men with incarcerated parents in Detroit. Learn more about Developing Despite Distance: https://www.de…

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BLD Presents: Speak For Yourself - EP48 - Sharnese Marshall, Founder & CEO of The Konnection 25:37

5M ago25:37

25:37

BLD Presents: Speak For Yourself - BLD interviews Black entrepreneurs and other changemakers about issues surrounding access to capital, equity, and more. In this episode, Dwan and Ken speak with Shanese about the impact her organization, The Konnection, is making in the lives of youth in Detroit. Learn more about The Konnection: https://www.thekon…

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BLD Presents: Speak For Yourself - EP47 - Jennyfer Crawford-Williams, Founder of Ask Jennyfer and All Things Detroit 25:54

5M ago25:54

25:54

BLD Presents: Speak For Yourself - BLD interviews Black entrepreneurs and other changemakers about issues surrounding access to capital, equity, and more. In this episode, Dwan and Ken speak with Jennyfer about how journey as an entrepreneur and how she got started with Ask Jennyfer and All Things Detroit. Learn more about Ask Jennyfer: https://www…

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BLD Presents: Speak For Yourself - EP46 - Chris Waston, Black Male Educators Alliance (BMEA) 43:05

6M ago43:05

43:05

BLD Presents: Speak For Yourself - BLD interviews Black entrepreneurs and other changemakers about issues surrounding access to capital, equity, and more. In this episode, Dwan and Ken speak with Chris about transforming education for Black and Brown students Learn more about BMEA: https://blackmaleeducatorsalliance.org/ Join BLD in helping provide…

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Best of: How New Orleans prioritized people over pavement 48:33

6M ago48:33

48:33

Much like I-375 in Detroit, cities around the US are undergoing highway removal projects. But what can we learn from how they engage with the communities who will be affected by the plans? Asali DeVan Ecclesiastes, chief executive with the Ashé Cultural Arts Center in New Orleans, joins Stephen to share what it’s like for the community to be involv…

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Best of: MDOT explains why it's replacing I-375 with a boulevard 50:04

6M ago50:04

50:04

Continuing our Reckoning 375 series, Jonathan Loree from the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) joins Stephen to explain why the department plans to build a road where I-375 currently exists. Then, former Detroit Free Press columnist John Gallagher explains how we got to this point in the project's existence.…

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Best Of: The impact of I-375's construction on two historic Black neighborhoods 50:59

6M ago50:59

50:59

On this re-aired conversation, we continue our mini-series "Reckoning 375" with a look at the history of Black Bottom and Paradise Valley. Stephen Henderson is joined by Detroit historian Jamon Jordan and researcher Emily Kutil to take a closer look at the history and culture of Black Bottom and Paradise Valley amid plans to replace I-375 in downto…

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Best Of: Will the state reckon with the construction and rebuild of I-375? 51:59

6M ago51:59

51:59

Beginning with the voices of people who lived in or were connected to Black Bottom and were forced to move due to the construction of I-375, Stephen Henderson and Nick Austin re-air this Detroit Today miniseries — Reckoning 375 — every Friday until late November. In this episode, they listen to recordings from Bert Dearing, Jr. of Bert's Marketplac…

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Breaking down Whitmer's State of the State address 45:56

6M ago45:56

45:56

From policy proposals to 80s music references, a lot happened at Gov. Whitmer's 2024 State of the State address. Zach Gorchow of Gongwer News Service, longtime political consultant Greg Bowens, and Lauren Gibbons of Bridge Michigan, join Stephen to break down the speech, including the specific policy proposals and what we should expect from Lansing…

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How Whitmer's proposed caregiver tax credit could help Michigan families 45:01

6M ago45:01

45:01

A new proposed tax credit from Gov. Gretchen Whitmer would provide up to $5,000 in relief to caregivers in the state. Advocates suggest the relief would be especially helpful for members of the 'sandwich' generation -- working adults who care for their minor children, while simultaneously serving as the primary caregiver for aging parents and the c…

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What’s going on with Detroit’s Reparations Task Force? 49:26

6M ago49:26

49:26

Detroit’s Reparations Task Force has had a bumpy road of late, with three vacancies and inconsistent meetings. So, what’s next with the task force? And, what are they doing to get back on track. Reparations Task Force Co-chair Keith Williams, and the founders of the African American Redress Network discuss the new efforts that are happening to stud…

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The case for small dollar mortgages in Detroit 33:46

6M ago33:46

33:46

Half of Detroit’s residents are renters. On this re-aired episode of Detroit Today, Anika Goss, CEO of Detroit Future City says to increase homeownership in the city, we need banks to support lending for homes priced under $100,000. Goss and Stephen also discussed the barriers to homeownership for Black residents and the importance of homeownership…

1
Are sports teams worth the public money we give them? 26:45

6M ago26:45

26:45

Sports stadiums and teams get millions and even billions of dollars of tax breaks and that begs the question: Should Detroit and other cities be luring sports teams if they have to give up a lot of money in order to do so? Bill Shea, a sports business journalist and novelist, and David Berri, a sports economist and professor at Southern Utah Univer…

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What the Lions mean to Detroiters 15:07

6M ago15:07

15:07

The Detroit Lions are going to the second round of the playoffs, and it has a lot of people really excited. Tim Alberta, best-selling author and staff writer for The Atlantic magazine, received national acclaim for his article, “The Thrill of Defeat”, which highlights how his life was shaped by watching the Detroit Lions lose. Tim joins Stephen to …

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The opportunity gap for Black students in Michigan is widening. Can we reverse the trend? 32:04

6M ago32:04

32:04

A new report by the Annie E. Casey Foundation highlighted a growing opportunity gap between African American students in the state and their white peers. How much of that is simply about poverty? And, how can we help close it? Detroit Public Schools Community District Superintendent Dr. Nikolai Vitti joins Stephen to discuss. Then, Brookings Instit…

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Amusement taxes are common across the country. Why not in Detroit? 41:35

6M ago41:35

41:35

Amusement taxes are common way for cities to capture revenue from sporting events, but not in Michigan. Could a new tax provide much-needed funding for city services? Eric Lupher, Robin Boyle and Charles Ballard join Stephen to discuss the renewed push for implementing amusement taxes in Detroit.By WDET

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Why homelessness still exists in the richest country in the world 44:47

6M ago44:47

44:47

Why does America still have a problem with homelessness, and why has the issue been getting worse more recently in both the city and our country? Journalist Nushrat Rahman and Tonya Hogan, a formerly homeless individual in Detroit, explore the issue locally. Then, scholar and author Gregg Colburn joins Stephen to discuss why homelessness is fundame…

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Remembering Dr. King's legacy in Detroit 51:54

6M ago51:54

51:54

Detroit's NAACP President Reverend Wendell Anthony joins Stephen to discuss Dr. Martin Luther King's impact in Detroit as well as his relationship to the NAACP. Then, we take a listen to Dr. King's "I Have a Dream" speech in Detroit, where he first gave it.By WDET

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Michigan’s juvenile justice reforms and what’s to come next 47:38

6M ago47:38

47:38

State lawmakers have done a lot to reform its juvenile justice system, but advocates want to see more done to help rehabilitate, rather than simply punish, young people who’ve done harm. Advocates from the ACLU of Michigan, in addition to a state senator and law professor join Stephen to discuss the reforms that have happened in this space, and wha…

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Should Michigan’s political maps be changed? 50:19

7M ago50:19

50:19

A court recently ruled that some of Michigan’s state House and Senate maps violated the Voting Rights Act and made it harder for Black Detroiters to achieve proper representation. The Michigan Independent Citizen’s Redistricting Commission -- the body that created the state's maps -- has voted to appeal this decision, but the claim suggests a lot o…

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The case for Land Value Tax in Detroit 45:40

7M ago45:40

45:40

Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan's Land Value Tax Plan would change the way the city values houses and the land. But is it a good idea? Nick Allen suggested the solution to the mayor and joins Stephen to make the case for the plan. Alex Alsup also joins the show to discuss if it will force land speculators in the city to behave any differently. This episo…

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Michigan GOP votes to remove Kristina Karamo as party chair 49:12

7M ago49:12

49:12

On Saturday, Michigan Republicans voted to oust party chair Kristina Karamo. While Karamo maintains the removal is invalid, what are the ramifications for the state ahead of the 2024 elections? Vance Patrick, chairman of the Oakland County Republican Party joins Stephen to discuss why he believes the vote occurred and what it means for the party. N…

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Best of 2023: The disconnect between conservativism and the Republican Party 52:00

7M ago52:00

52:00

Stephen talks with David French about the disconnect between conservatism and the Republican Party. Originally published November 22, 2022.By WDET

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Best of 2023: The Democrats running for Senate in Michigan 52:01

7M ago52:01

52:01

A number of Democrats are running to take over for Sen. Debbie Stabenow, who decided to not run for reelection. In this re-aired episode of Detroit Today, Stephen talks with some of those candidates, in addition to Senator Debbie Stabenow.By WDET FM

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Best of 2023: The Republicans running for Senate in Michigan 50:58

7M ago50:58

50:58

Several Republicans have jumped into the race for Senate in Michigan. On this re-aired program, Detroit Today looks back at the candidates running for the seat made open by Sen. Debbie Stabenow's decision not to run for reelection.By WDET FM

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Best of 2023: Can centrist third party No Labels win the presidential ticket in Michigan? 51:00

7M ago51:00

51:00

Can a third party ticket like the one proposed by No Labels prevail in Michigan? Retired Michigan U.S. Rep. Fred Upton and political science professor Bernard Tamas joined Detroit Today to discuss the No Labels party and its chances to succeed in the 2024 election.By WDET

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Best of 2023: The 20-year quest for bridge-to-bridge access on Detroit's Riverwalk 44:23

7M ago44:23

44:23

After 20 years of development, Detroit’s Riverwalk now spans 3.5 miles. Detroit Riverfront Conservancy president and CEO Mark Wallace joins Stephen to share the story of Detroit's riverfront development, and what they hope to accomplish in the future.By WDET

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Best of 2023: DTE rate hikes and Line 5 tunnel approved by Michigan Public Service Commission 44:54

7M ago44:54

44:54

In December, the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) approved a rate increase for DTE Energy customers and greenlit the construction of a tunnel for Enbridge Energy's Line 5 fossil fuel pipeline under the Straits of Mackinac. Dan Scripps, Chair of the MPSC joined Stephen to explain why the 3-person committee approved both of the controversial…

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Best of 2023: Michigan Democrats divided on Israel-Hamas conflict 48:05

7M ago48:05

48:05

With Israeli military action accounting for more than 20,000 deaths in Gaza, the Israel-Hamas war is dividing Democratic representatives and voters here in southeast Michigan. Metro Detroit is home to 70,000 Jewish residents and the largest concentration of Arab Americans in the U.S. Stephen spoke with Dennis Darnoi and Greg Bowens about how both p…

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Best of 2023: The case for small dollar mortgages in Detroit 33:30

7M ago33:30

33:30

Half of Detroit’s residents are renters. Anika Goss of Detroit Future City says to increase homeownership in the city, we need banks to support lending for homes priced under $100,000. Goss and Stephen also discussed the barriers to homeownership for Black residents and the importance of homeownership as a key way to build generational wealth. Orig…

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What’s driving you nuts? Detroit Today celebrates its annual Festivus 47:49

7M ago47:49

47:49

We’ve had some ups and downs in 2023 but we made it to Festivus! Following the holiday spirit, Detroit Today discusses things that drive us nuts to honor the fake holiday made famous by Frank Costanza on the 90s sitcom Seinfeld. Nancy Kaffer, the editorial page editor of the Detroit Free Press, Kim Trent, the Deputy Director for the Michigan Depart…

1
What's behind the rising extremism in the evangelical church? 27:38

7M ago27:38

27:38

In 2016, Donald Trump won 81 percent of the white Evangelical vote. In the 2020 presidential election, that number went essentially unchanged. Over the last few decades, white evangelical Christians have become a critical part of the Republican Party. And because of that, they both changed American politics and the way the church operates. In a new…

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What can Michigan do to attract young people to the state? 35:38

7M ago35:38

35:38

Governor Whitmer created the "Growing Michigan Together Council" earlier this summer to reverse Michigan's sluggish population growth. In July, Stephen sat down with a group of young professionals to talk about choosing to live in Michigan (or not).By WDET

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A new way to think about food security in Detroit 43:57

7M ago43:57

43:57

Detroit has lost 10 grocery stores since 2017. What does this mean for residents and how are community members working to reverse this trend? Malik Yakini of the Detroit Black Community Food Sovereignty Network joins Stephen to discuss the differences between food security and food sovereignty, and what he believes the city can do to increase acces…

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BLD Presents: Speak For Yourself - EP45 - Madala Mathurin, Co-Founder and CEO of Kozen 25:05

7M ago25:05

25:05

BLD Presents: Speak For Yourself - BLD interviews Black entrepreneurs and other changemakers about issues surrounding access to capital, equity, and more. In this episode, Dwan and Ken speak with Madala about what it takes to start a tech company. Learn more about Kozen: https://www.getkozen.com Join BLD in helping provide access to capital for bus…

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Black Leaders Detroit Podcasts

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