Authentically Detroit

Donna & Sam
  • 4.9 (50)
  • Society & Culture
  • Updated Weekly

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. Sep 3

    A New Era of Politics and Journalism with Jamila Martin

    In this episode, Donna and Sam sat down with Jamila Martin from the Movement Voter Project to discuss the political environment on the left - generational divides, growth of a multi-cultural coalition, and the widespread rejection of corporate politics.  The Movement Voter Project funds local organizing and movement-building to shift culture, win power, and shape policy. MVP is like a “mutual fund” for political giving: they raise money from donors, then channel it toward the most impactful organizations and power-building work around the country. They do the research so you don’t have to, streamlining your giving and maximizing your impact by investing in the most effective organizations and innovative strategies. They believe to build a progressive era, we need governing majorities, political will for bold policy change, and shifts in public opinion, worldviews, and culture. MVP is contributing to this plan in three key ways: mobilizing historic investment in organizing, providing wrap-around support to build groups’ capacity, and catalyzing collaboration at all levels. To stay up to date on all things Authentically Detroit, click here.  WHAT WE’RE READING THIS WEEK: JUST BE A REAL PERSON FIRST. REPORTERS FORGET TO DO THAT. Support the show Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

    A New Era of Politics and Journalism with Jamila Martin

  2. Aug 13

    The Vision Behind Black Beautiful & Brilliant with Tiara Jones

    In this episode, Donna and Sam sat down with Tiara Jones, founder of Black Beautiful and Brilliant to discuss how their brand is centering identity, legacy, resilience, and empowering our community. Black Beautiful & Brilliant was created with Black women at the center. It exists as inspiration — to affirm their worth, reflect their power, and remind them of who they are, even in seasons that try to break them. This brand speaks to the woman who shows up, who carries generations, who holds it together, and still chooses to rise. The brand was first imagined by Tiara’s late husband, Brian, long before they met. He believed deeply in the brilliance of Black women — in their resilience, intelligence, and ability to create something meaningful even in the face of adversity. He believed Black women deserved to be celebrated boldly and unapologetically, not just for what they endure, but for who they are. To stay up to date on all things Authentically Detroit, click here.  THIS WEEK IN THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE: CONYERS, BURTON, GILMER-HILL HIGHLIGHT NEW MEMBERS TO DETROIT'S LEGISLATIVE CAUCUS MICHIGAN DEMOCRATS RALLY FOR UNITY AFTER CONTENTIOUS PRIMARY  Support the show Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

  3. Aug 6

    2026 Michigan Primary Election Recap With Branden Snyder

    In this episode, Donna and Sam sat down with the State Director of the Working Families Party to discuss the results of Michigan’s 2026 primary election. Michigan’s 2026 primary election gained significant national attention as Abdul El-Sayed and Haley Stevens faced off in a race that some said would determine the future of the democratic party.  The Working Families Party believes that future includes making our nation work for the many, not the few. State by state they’re building a multiracial party of working class people to transform our country. This year, in Michigan’s election, they endorsed several candidates including several who have either appeared on Authentically Detroit plus several other candidates running for office across the state. To stay up to date on all things Authentically Detroit, click here.  THIS WEEK IN THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE: BATTLE FOR THE SOUL OF THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY: VOTERS SOUND OFF BLACK VOTERS SHAPED THE DISCOURSE IN MICHIGAN U.S. SENATE PRIMARY  Support the show Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

    2026 Michigan Primary Election Recap With Branden Snyder

  4. Jul 29

    Bridging The Political Divide - From B(oomer) To Gen Z With Jai Smith

    In this episode, Donna and Sam sat down with Jai Smith, an official Influencer for Detroit Public Schools Community District to discuss a youth perspective on politics ahead of the 2026 Michigan Primary Election. If you’re looking to learn more about candidates in each race check out our forum, held in partnership with SEIU Michigan, which took place on July 18th, ahead of the 2026 Michigan U.S. House, State House, and State Senate elections. At the forum, residents had the chance to learn where candidates stand on community priorities, local policy, and issues shaping Detroit’s Eastside. To stay up to date on all things Authentically Detroit and watch the forum replay, click here.  THIS WEEK IN THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE: WAYNE COUNTY VOTERS WILL SHAPE THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY'S FUTURE WHITMER ENDORSES STEVENS IN U.S. SENATE RACE Support the show Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

    Bridging The Political Divide - From B(oomer) To Gen Z With Jai Smith

  5. Jul 22

    2026 Eastside Candidate Forum Recap with Donna and Sam

    In this episode, Donna and Sam sat down to discuss what went down at the 2026 Eastside Candidate Forum.  The Eastside Candidate Forum, held in partnership with SEIU Michigan, took place on July 18th, ahead of the 2026 Michigan U.S. House, State House, and State Senate elections. At the forum, residents had the chance to learn where candidates stand on community priorities, local policy, and issues shaping Detroit’s Eastside. To stay up to date on all things Authentically Detroit and watch the replay, click here.  THIS WEEK IN THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE: NO SHRI FOR ME: MCKINNEY BRINGS PROGRESSIVE CONGRESSIONAL HOPEFULS Support the show Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

    2026 Eastside Candidate Forum Recap with Donna and Sam

  6. Jul 15

    2026 Eastside Candidate Forum Preview with Jasmine Kaltenbach

    In this episode, Donna and Sam sat down with Organizer and Labor Policy Expert, Jasmine Kaltenbach to discuss the upcoming 2026 Eastside Candidate Forum. The Eastside Candidate Forum , held in partnership with SEIU Michigan, takes place on July 18th, ahead of the 2026 Michigan U.S. House, State House, and State Senate elections. At the forum, residents will have the chance to learn where candidates stand on community priorities, local policy, and issues shaping Detroit’s Eastside. To stay up to date on all things Authentically Detroit and register for the forum, click here.  THIS WEEK IN THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE: HOW THE OBAMAS ARE MOTIVATING BLACK VOTERS IN MICHIGAN'S U.S. SENATE RACE Support the show Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

    2026 Eastside Candidate Forum Preview with Jasmine Kaltenbach

  7. Jul 8

    River Rise: Flooding and Basement Backups on Detroit’s Eastside: with Latisha Johnson, Dr. William Shuster & Dr. Marie Garcia

    In this episode, Donna and Sam sat down with the City Council Person for District 4, Latisha Johnson Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Wayne State Dr. William Shuster, and Environmental Justice Director at Eastside Community Network, Dr. Marie Garcia to discuss what’s happening with the Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) and the canals in the Jefferson Chalmers neighborhood. To stay up to date on all things Authentically Detroit, click here.  THIS WEEK IN THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE: ABDUL EL-SAYED LAUNCHES NEW AD TARGETING BLACK VOTERS AFTER MALLORY MCMORROW DROPS BID FOR SENATE  Support the show Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

    River Rise: Flooding and Basement Backups on Detroit’s Eastside: with Latisha Johnson, Dr. William Shuster & Dr. Marie Garcia

  8. Jul 6

    Have You Heard? Episode One

    In the first episode of Have You Heard?, Arlyssa Heard sits down with father, mentor, coach, author, and youth advocate Jonathan Shropshire to discuss the rise in fighting, bullying, and violence in schools.  Together, they explore how social media conflicts spill into classrooms, what's driving these behaviors, and what parents, schools, and communities can do to better support our children. Subscribe to Have You Heard? on all platforms! Support the show Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

    Have You Heard? Episode One
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4.9
out of 5
50 Ratings

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
    335
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Authentically Detroit
  • Show Website
    Authentically Detroit

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