Created Equal WDET

In 2023, the nonprofit Climate Central found that the urban heat island effect is elevating local temperatures by at least eight degrees Fahrenheit in 44 U.S. cities — including Detroit — exposing residents to higher risks of heat-related illness and higher cooling costs. Sustainability expert Hessam AzariJafari and local forester Lawrence Sobson join the show to discuss innovative ways for Detroit to make the summer heat more bearable for its residents. 

Juneteenth marks our nation's second independence day — when the last of America's slaves were freed by executive decree. The day has long been celebrated by the African American community, but how do Americans commemorate the holiday today? On today's episode of "Created Equal," we take a look back at some previous conversations on the show that examine racial equity and history in the United States.

The increasing prevalence of mass shootings in schools and public places has forged an alternate name for Generation Z. Growing up in the midst of America’s gun violence crisis, some are calling them the “lockdown generation.” On today's episode of "Created Equal," Stephen Henderson speaks with a student, a former educator and a gun-violence expert on Tuesday to discuss how gun-violence in schools has affected younger generations.

In his latest book, "Raw Deal: The Indians of the Midwest and the Theft of Native Lands," Michigan author Robert Downes aims to highlight the often unknown history of the Indigenous populations in the region. Downes joins "Created Equal" to talk about his book and his life-long interest in Native American history.

How can you still maintain a relationship with your child after being behind bars? On this episode of "Created Equal," host Stephen Henderson discusses the many challenges incarcerated parents face with advocate and public speaker Tore Price — an incarcerated father himself who was sentenced to 10 years in prison and left behind his 2-year-old son. Price shares his experience with fatherhood, incarceration and the proposed legislation he advocates for.

In 1997, a 13-year-old Black boy named Lenard Clark was attacked by a group of older white teenagers in Bridgeport, Chicago. The attack was so severe that Clark fell into a coma. Chicago’s response revealed how underlying racial dynamics in its neighborhoods worked against black Americans’ pursuit of justice for racial beatings. This case motivated Yohance Lacour to become a journalist. His award-winning podcast, “You Didn’t See Nothin,” recounts the events surrounding the attack. The seven-part series focuses less on the attack and more on public and media responses. Lacour joined Stephen Henderson on "Created Equal" to discuss the case.