Authentically Detroit

Donna & Sam

Authentically Detroit is the leading podcast in the city for candid conversations, exchanging progressive ideas, and centering resident perspectives on current events. Hosted by Donna Givens Davidson and Sam Robinson.  Produced by Sarah Johnson and Engineered by Griffin Hutchings.  Check us out on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter @AuthenticallyDetroit!

  1. 2 DAYS AGO

    Building BLAC Power in Detroit with Dexter Sullivan

    On this episode, Donna and Sam sat down with Dexter Sullivan, founder of the Black Legacy Advancement Coalition (BLAC) to discuss how they’re building Black power and continuing Detroit’s legacy as a Black city.  The roots of BLAC began to take form in the heart of its founder, Dexter Sullivan, in the early 2000s. Then, in 2020, the world stopped as black residents were impacted at a disproportionate rate. Under the conditions of lockdown, we could no longer numb ourselves with the routine obligations of life and career. Instead, we were forced to reckon with the physical, psychological, emotional, and spiritual ramifications of actively witnessing black lives destroyed without the responsible parties being held accountable.  As a coalition, they are driven by passion, healing and legacy-creation. While they strive toward a bold and powerful vision, they are clear that their efforts will require a commitment that spans decades and, perhaps, generations. Still, they are committed to creating a world that builds on the legacy of our ancestors who fought and died for centuries in an effort to secure our civil liberties and equity. To learn more about Black Legacy Advancement Coalition (BLAC) and their work, click here.  FOR HOT TAKES: TERMINATION THREAT OVER DETROIT IMMIGRATION ARREST ANGERS MICHIGAN CONSERVATIVES INTERNAL POLLING SHOWS BENSON LEADS JAMES AND DUGGAN IN RACE FOR MICHIGAN GOVERNOR Support the show Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

    1h 13m

  2. 18 FEB

    Detroit’s Black Bottom: Remembered and Reclaimed with Marcia Black and Lex Draper Garcia Bey

    On this episode, Donna and Sam sat down with Co-Executive Directors of the Black Bottom Archives, Marcia Black and Lex Draper Garcia Bey, to discuss how they’re working to uncover and restore our stories as Black Detroiters. At the heart of Black Bottom Archive’s work are the people (and their descendants) who lived, worked, and built lives in Black Bottom and Paradise Valley. Their stories, resilience, and cultural contributions served as an inspiration for their organization. From entrepreneurs and artists to families and community leaders, these individuals embody the rich Black heritage they strive to preserve and celebrate. To learn more about Black Bottom Archives and their work, click here.  FOR HOT TAKES: BLACK MAYORS BACK BENSON FOR MICHIGAN GOVERNOR MIKE DUGGAN SAYS 'THE PAIN WHEN ICE IS IN YOUR COMMUNITY IS VERY REAL Support the show Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

    1h 13m

  3. 17 FEB

    Behind The Mountaintop: Humanity, History, and Detroit with Stephanie Wright Griggs and Brian Sullivan Taylor

    On this episode, Donna and Sam spoke with Stephanie Wright Griggs and Brian Taylor Sullivan about preserving Black history, the legacy of Dr. Charles H. Wright, and The Mountaintop, written by Katori Hall and currently directed by Brian Marable at the Detroit Public Theatre. Healthcare Administration and African American history are the paths by which Stephanie has given a lifetime of public service. Her passion for both runs deep. She organically entered the path of preserving African American history in childhood as her father founded Detroit's Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History.  Brian Sullivan Taylor is a SAG-AFTRA actor, director, and acting coach from Southfield, Michigan. He has experience across film, television, theatre, commercial, print, and voiceover. brian is the founder of the award-winning Detroit Drama Studio, where he trains actors using the Ivana Chubbuck Technique. Brian is honored to portray Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on The Mountaintop.  To learn more about Detroit Public Theatre and purchase tickets to The Mountaintop, click here.  FOR HOT TAKES: HOLLIER DROPS SECRETARY OF STATE BID TO LAUNCH EASTSIDE STATE SENATE CAMPAIGN Support the show Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

    1h 14m

  4. 4 FEB

    Thriveworks: A Holistic Approach to Community Building with Urenia Johnson and Adelina Robinson

    On this episode, Donna and Sam sat down with Urenia Johnson and Adelina Robinson to discuss their newly formed collaboration, Thriveworks Coalition and how they’re amplifying access to essential services for families through a unified, holistic approach. Founded by leaders from diverse nonprofit backgrounds, Thriveworks brings together organizations Corporate Development Institute (CDI) and Purposed Hands to create a “one-stop shop” for legal, financial, educational and family support. Founded by Attorney Urenia Ricks-Johnson, Corporate Development Institute (CDI) is a 501(C)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to educating and empowering underserved communities through financial literacy, youth mentorship and legal advocacy.  Founded by Adelina Robinson, Purposed Hands is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to assisting low-income families in Westland, Detroit and surrounding areas.  To learn more about CDI, Purposed Hands, and Thriveworks Coalition, click here.  FOR HOT TAKES: 'NATIONAL SHUTDOWN' IN DETROIT: CASS TECH HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS WALK OUT TO PROTEST ICE DATA CENTERS, DIRTY DIRT AND DUGGAN VS. DEMOCRATS Support the show Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

    45 min
  5. From Data to Dignity: Detroit’s Housing Reality with Alex B. Hill and Kirsten Elliott

    27 JAN

    From Data to Dignity: Detroit’s Housing Reality with Alex B. Hill and Kirsten Elliott

    In this episode, Donna and Sam had a virtual sit down with Alex B. Hill for Detroit By The Numbers and Kirsten Elliott, the CEO and President of Community Housing Network. Together, they trace a clear line from protest and media narratives to the daily math of housing: water debt, fixed incomes, PSH funding, and what “affordable” actually costs. Community Housing Network empowers people to live in affordable homes to help build thriving communities. They envision a future where everyone can achieve stability, dignity, and opportunity. They aim to create thriving communities with affordable homes, connect individuals and families to essential resources, and foster a supportive workplace for their employees.  Their work is rooted in the idea that decent, affordable, and stable housing is a necessary foundation for a healthy, successful life.  For more information on Community Housing Network and their work, click here.  FOR DETROIT BY THE NUMBERS WITH ALEX B. HILL: 4 District-wide school closures for snow or cold weather this month (DPSCD)1,827 Households signed up for 5,000 spots in the Lifeline H2O water assistance program. (Outlier/DWSD)50% Detroit Seniors spend 30%or more of income on housing costs (The Conversation)6%  Census estimates show Detroit’s population at ~637 k with a high citizenship rate (~96.7 %) and a relatively small foreign-born share (~5.9 %) — below the average of 13% for other large cities. (Census)Support the show Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

    1h 7m
  6. Equity First, By Design with Graig Donnelly and Aaron Abney

    13 JAN

    Equity First, By Design with Graig Donnelly and Aaron Abney

    On this episode, Donna welcomes new co-host Sam Robinson to Authentically Detroit! They’re joined by Graig Donnelly and Aaron Abney of the newly launched Community Owner’s Representative Initiative (CORI) to discuss how they’re building Detroit’s capacity for equitable real estate. The Community Owner’s Representative Initiative (CORI) is building Detroit's capacity for equitable real estate development, poised to model a new way forward to deliver impact through technical assistance while training leaders in the field.CORI is a long-term partnership between proxy and CDAD driven by the belief that we all deserve access to beautiful, uplifting spaces — because good design is not a luxury, it is a decision.    They believe that while the current ecosystem of funding, training, and coalition-building has strengthened the capacity of organizations to expand their programming and overall footprint in their communities. We need a systems-level approach to develop and preserve the real estate projects that neighborhoods need to thrive, not just projects that the private market will support. For more information on CORI and to apply to the Quick + Equitable Fund, click here.  FOR HOT TAKES: "GENERATIONAL CHANGE HAPPENING": MICHIGAN LAWMAKERS CROSS PATHS AT SHEFFIELD INAUGURATION GILCHRIST ENDS GUBERNATORIAL CAMPAIGN, LAUNCHES SECRETARY OF STATE BID Support the show Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

    1h 5m

  7. 6 JAN

    Orlando’s Farewell and 482Forward with Molly Sweeney

    On this episode, Donna and Orlando reflect on their evolution since starting the podcast in 2019 as Orlando bids farewell to Authentically Detroit. Together they look at how time sharpens politics and encourage Detroiters to keep showing up and building power where it matters. They also sat down with the Co-Founder and Executive Director of 482Forward to discuss how their work helps Detroiters to become fully engaged participants in efforts to change Detroit for the better. 482Forward grew out of trial by fire. Many of the founding organizations had previous relationships and shared work in Detroit, but came together for a special purpose– to create the 482Forward network.  Molly Sweeney and Jamila Martin, founding co-directors, convened a roundtable of community-based partners at Excellent Schools Detroit who were interested in engaging in education organizing in their neighborhoods. Together, they are creating a Detroit where every student graduates ready to become a fully engaged participant in the world, equipped with the character and the capacity to negotiate her environment and change it for the better. Sign up to gather signatures and join Love Beats Greed actions here.  FOR HOT TAKES: JAMES TATE SELECTED AS DETROIT COUNCIL PRESIDENT  Support the show Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

    1h 16m

  8. 16/12/2025

    From City Hall To 98Forward: Legacy, Lessons, And The Future Of Detroit Communications with Georgella Muirhead and Antonice Strickland

    On this episode Orlando sat down with legendary public relations executive, Georgella Muirhead and Vice President of 98Forward, Antonice Strickland to discuss how Georgella’s career shaped Detroit's communications landscape and paved the way for the next generation of leadership at 98Forward. After nearly five decades of shaping Detroit’s civic, corporate, and community narratives, Georgella Muirhead, a trailblazer in public relations and communications, will retire at the end of 2025. Her retirement marks the culmination of an extraordinary career defined by leadership, integrity, and impact — and ushers in a bold chapter for 98Forward, one of Michigan’s most experienced and respected strategic PR and communications firms. As 98Forward enters this next chapter, the firm remains anchored in the principles that have defined it for nearly 30 years: authenticity, strategy, and impact. With a Detroit soul and a national reach, the agency continues to lead with purpose — telling the stories that move communities, conversations, and the industry forward. To learn more about 98Forward and their work, click here.  FOR HOT TAKES: THE MOTOR CITY CONTRACTOR FUND INVITES DETROIT CONTRACTORS TO PURSUE THE "ULTIMATE GIFT" THIS HOLIDAY SEASON: BIGGER, BETTER BUSINESS  MICHIGAN QUICKLY DELETES GOVERNMENT CHATS, RAISING TRANSPARENCY QUESTIONS Support the show Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

    55 min
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About

Authentically Detroit is the leading podcast in the city for candid conversations, exchanging progressive ideas, and centering resident perspectives on current events. Hosted by Donna Givens Davidson and Sam Robinson.  Produced by Sarah Johnson and Engineered by Griffin Hutchings.  Check us out on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter @AuthenticallyDetroit!

Information

  • Creator
    Donna & Sam
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    309
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Authentically Detroit
  • Show Website
    Authentically Detroit

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