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. Concert of Colors: A Freedom & Healing Music Festival with Charles Erza Ferrell, De’Sean Jones and Kenny Green

    2H AGO

    Concert of Colors: A Freedom & Healing Music Festival with Charles Erza Ferrell, De’Sean Jones and Kenny Green

    On this episode, Donna and Sam sat down with Charles Erza Ferrell, De’Sean Jones, and Kenny Green to discuss the upcoming Concert of Colors Neighborhood Programs event. The Concert of Colors in Detroit is one of the nation’s longest-running, largest, free and global music festivals. It is music from around the world at its best. The Concert of Colors was established by Ismael Ahmed – the former head of the human services organization ACCESS – and New Detroit in 1993 as a one-day event at Chene Park on Detroit's riverfront. The inaugural event drew a modest crowd to Chene Park, but by 1999, some 10,000 music lovers were coming out each year. The festival expanded to three days in 2001, when it was part of the official festivities for Detroit's 300th birthday, drawing an audience of 100,000.  In 2019, the concert expanded to nine days. In 2026, as America marks its 250th anniversary, the Concert of Colors will honor the nation’s enduring spirit of unity, creativity, and resilience through its neighborhood programs. rooted in the belief that art is a bridge between people, this landmark visionary series brings the sounds and stories of Detroit's distinctive neighborhoods to life, connecting communities through shared heritage, dialogue, and hope. This project embraces and affirms the power of the arts to unite and uplift. To register for Concert of Colors, click here.  WHAT WE’RE READING FROM THE MI CHRONICLE: BENSON TALKS DATA CENTERS, RESPONDS TO RACIAL DISCRIMINATION LAWSUITINKSTER MAYOR CITES TLAIB'S LACK OF SUPPORT FOR KAMALA HARRIS IN CONGRESSIONAL CHALLENGE36TH DISTRICT COURT WAIVES LATE FEES, WARRANT COSTS

    1h 13m

  2. MAR 10

    Amplify Outside: Recreation as Liberation with Ian Solomon

    On this episode, Donna and Sam sat down with interdisciplinary artist and founder of Amplify Outside, Ian Solomon to discuss recreation as liberation and how he plans to further amplify this message as the newest addition to the Authentically Detroit Podcast Network! Ian John Solomon is an interdisciplinary artist from Detroit, Michigan. After receiving his B.A. in broadcast journalism from Walter Cronkite School and a stint as a congressional reporter in D.C., he found his love for community activism and storytelling required a more expansive platform. Deeply motivated by environment, Ian uses land as foundation and guidance for artistic expression and questioning. Ian has exhibited and won awards across the Midwest, including being a 2023 Summer Fellow at Ox-Bow School of Art, 2024 Playground Detroit Fellow and 2024 Cranbrook Art Museum Purchase Award Nominee. Ian has received two Emmy nominations, an Emmy Award and a First Place award from the Society of Professional Journalists as host of a PBS-Great Lakes Now series’ Ian Outside’. Beyond his artistic practice Ian founded Amplify Outside, a Detroit based organization Amplifying Black outdoor recreation. To learn more about Ian Solomon and his work, click here.  FOR HOT TAKES: WORKING FAMILIES PARTY: MICHIGAN DEMOCRATS 'SQUANDERED' LEGISLATIVE TRIFECTA BENSON: TRIPS TO SELMA'S EDMUND PETTUS BRIDGE 'CREATED MY WHOLE LIFE'

    1h 42m
  3. Rebuilding The Village with Kayana Sessoms and Tarsha Gale

    MAR 3

    Rebuilding The Village with Kayana Sessoms and Tarsha Gale

    On this episode, Donna and Sam sat down with Hitha Healing House Founder and Executive Director, Kayana Sessoms and Executive Director of Brilliant Detroit, Tarsha Gale to discuss how their partnership is helping Detroit moms and their families. In February, Brilliant Detroit unveiled a new partnership with Hitha Healing House that will allow the nonprofit to continue its programming, including its signature maternal wellness program, Nurturing Roots via Brilliant Detroit’s Central Hub following a December fire that rendered Hitha Healing House’s programming space unusable. The Hitha Healing House provides holistic maternal wellness services grounded in cultural healing traditions and trauma informed care. Through the partnership, Hitha Healing House’s Nurturing Roots program will offer mothers up to ten paid wellness sessions following birth, including nutrition counseling, massage therapy, lactation support, chiropractic care and emotional wellness services at Brilliant Detroit. To learn more about the partnership between Hitha Healing House and Brilliant Detroit, click here.  Detroit By The Numbers with Alex B. Hill: $500 million Property assessment valuation announced by the Sheffield administration. Read more on Detroitography!254,700 occurrences of eBird observations within the City of Detroit boundaries (including Belle Isle). From the eBird Observation Dataset.23% - Jobs in City pay 23% more than state average (UM RSQE - research seminar in quantitative economics)6,500 Respondents to the Detroit Rise Higher community survey from Mayor Mary Sheffield, if you haven’t yet check it out and provide your input.Support the show Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

    1h 3m
  4. Live Episode: Detroit History Is Black History III with Dr. Anna Malaika Tubbs

    MAR 2

    Live Episode: Detroit History Is Black History III with Dr. Anna Malaika Tubbs

    On this episode, Donna and Dr. Anna Malaika Tubbs sat down for a live book talk at Wayne State University for their Black History Month program.  Anna, a two-time New York Times best-selling author, whose work explores the intersection of history, sociology and gender, is best known for her book The Three Mothers, which examines the lives and influence of the mothers of Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X and James Baldwin. Together, they honor these three mothers and discuss how their ideas, labor, and love shaped American history. They also connect their work to Detroit’s legacy, the erasure of women throughout history, and how Black women can reclaim their narratives in the present day. To learn more about Dr. Anna Malaika Tubbs and her work, click here.  Support the show Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

    1h 22m
  5. Building BLAC Power in Detroit with Dexter Sullivan

    FEB 24

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

    FEB 18

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

    FEB 17

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

    FEB 4

    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
See All (313)

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
    313
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Donna & Sam
  • Show Website
    Authentically Detroit

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