Authentically Detroit Donna & Orlando

This week, Stefen Welch joined Donna and Orlando in the studio to discuss his journey as a leader, role with the Detroit Pistons, and the war on DEI.


Stefen Welch serves as vice president of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) for the NBA’s Detroit Pistons. A Detroit native, Welch focuses on the team’s strategy to attract and acquire diverse talent, professional development opportunities for employees, and identifying strategic business initiatives. 


For more information on Stefen and his work, click here. 



FOR HOT TAKES:


GILBERT'S HUDSON BUILDING UNLIKELY TO MEET PROMISED JOB, TAX REVENUE WHEN GM WORKERS MOVE IN 


MICHIGAN'S HEALTH CARE DISPARITIES STARK FOR BLACK RESIDENTS, STUDY FINDS


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This week, Rick Sperling and Nafeesah Symonette joined Donna and Orlando in the studio to discuss the Detroit Excellence in Youth Arts (DEYA) Launch Awards.
The Launch Awards are a transformative opportunity for creative youth in Detroit, created by DEYA in collaboration with the Detroit Youth Arts Provider Network. The microgrants are specifically tailored to fill gaps in artistic development, making arts education more equitable and accessible for all of Detroit’s young creatives.
The Launch Awards consist of $40,000 distributed evenly over March, June, September, and December of 2024. Eligible youths, aged 11-19, have the chance to apply quarterly for awards up to $250 to help foster their artistic journeys.
For more information on the DEYA Launch Awards and to apply, click here. 



FOR HOT TAKES:


FAKE SOCIAL MEDIA RENDERING OF DETROIT SIGN SET EXPECTATIONS TOO HIGH, DUGGAN SAYS


TREAT OUR RESIDENTS WITH RESPECT: DETROIT ORDINANCE LOOKS TO TACKLE FUGITIVE DUST


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This week Chase Cantrell joined Authentically Detroit as guest host and Akil Talley, Lanay Gilbert-Williams, and Malik Yakini of the Detroit People’s Food Co-Op gave a sneak peek into how they’re changing Detroit’s food ecosystem.


Opening on May 1st, the Detroit People’s Food Co-Op is a Black-led and community-owned grocery cooperative. Following a model developed throughout the world as a way to increase access to healthy, sustainably grown food, the Detroit People’s Food Co-Op is located in the historic North End neighborhood. 


The Detroit People’s Food Co-Op will offer a full-line of groceries, be open to the general public, and cooperatively owned. Their unique model differs from many food co-ops in the United States as it serves an urban, predominantly African American, low and moderate-income community.


For more information on the Detroit People’s Food Co-Op and to get involved, click here. 



FOR HOT TAKES:


DETROIT CREDIT RATING UPGRADED 2 NOTCHES, REACHES INVESTMENT GRADE FOR 1ST TIME SINCE 2009 


AS HOMELESS CRISIS GROWS, STATES AND CITIES ARE TURNING TO VOTERS FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING


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This week Authentically Detroit sat down with nurse and life coach, Patrice Wilson-Graham!


Charity Dean joined Orlando as guest host for our final celebration of the women making history in the city of Detroit. Born and raised on Detroit’s east side, from a young age, Patrice faced challenges that would break even the strongest of spirits. 


However, armed with a desire to prove her doubters wrong, she achieved her dream of becoming a Registered Nurse (RN). Her accomplishments extend beyond the realm of healthcare as she is also a licensed minister, dedicated mentor, non-profit CEO, and powerful motivational speaker. Patrice’s mission is simple yet profound - to inspire, uplift, and empower others to unleash their full potential and achieve their dreams. 


For more information on Patrice and her work, click here. 



FOR HOT TAKES:


DETROIT URBAN AGRICULTURE LEADER TO HEAD SUSTAINABILITY OFFICE, SOLAR EFFORTS 


MOBILE HOME RESIDENTS FIGHT RENT HIKES AND DEPLORABLE CONDITIONS


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Last November Khary Frazier, Co-Host and Founder of the Detroit Is Different podcast, joined us on Authentically Detroit. So, it’s only right that Donna and Orlando joined him on his show!


Detroit is Different is known for exploring guests, Detroit story, or how they and/or their family came to be in Detroit. On this episode, Donna shared her family’s Detroit story, dating back to the early 1900s. From her revolutionary grandmother, to Donna's work in the present day, this conversation highlights Detroit’s legacy as the Blackest city in America. 

For more information on Detroit is different, click here. 
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This week Authentically Detroit sat down with the leadership team of 98Forward and Charity Dean joined as guest host!


In celebration of Women’s History Month, we sat down with three remarkable women reshaping the PR landscape as leaders of 98Forward, Michigan’s largest Black-owned, Women-led PR and communications firm. Our conversation touched upon 98’s legacy and its future trajectory after 25 years in business. We delved into the unique experiences of not just being women but being Black women in various spaces. 


If you’re interested in learning more about 98Forward and their work over the years, click here. 



FOR HOT TAKES:


DETROIT REPARATIONS TASK FORCE HOSTS TOWN HALLS WITH BLACK AUDIT PROJECT 


MICHIGAN LAWMAKERS REVIVE TOLL ROAD DEBATE


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