Brilliant Together Brilliant Detroit

In today’s episode, we shine a light on some of the incredible leaders working out of the Brilliant Detroit Martin Park Hub. For listeners unfamiliar with the city, Martin Park is a tight-knit community located just South of Palmer Park and East of University of Detroit Mercy’s campus. The neighborhood was once the home of Motown legends Martha Reeves and Gladys Knight, but today there are new luminaries in Karlita Johnson, Brittane Harris and Chantai Williams. All three of these women play important roles in the success of our Martin Park site; Karlita as our Outreach Manager and Brittane and Chantai as volunteer members of our Brilliant Detroit Advisory Board and highly engaged parents. We are so grateful to have such active leaders and passionate advocates as we build kids’ success in Martin Park.

Always a champion for children, Larry Charleston, a masterful community engagement specialist, shares stories and recommendations for getting more men involved as role models and active participants in kid success. This feel-good episode covers the positive impact ranging from simple read-alouds to the mutually beneficial outcomes from his effective “Off the Chest” program. Brilliant Detroit’s Rich Colon hosts this energized conversation and shared belief in tapping the power of men.

Brilliant Detroit’s Rich Colon hosts Richard Smart and Devon Jackson, two impressive civic leaders passionate about harnessing the power of educated black men to impact the outcomes of troubled youth. Both were drawn to civic service as part of their affiliation with the global fraternity, Kappa Alpha Psi, and its efforts to inspire young people to leadership in social, educational and economic transformation. Both Richard and Devon share personal stories of moments of service with Brilliant Detroit as well as challenge listeners to mentorship and service themselves.

Cassie Williams, Executive Director of K-12 Literacy for Detroit Public Schools, hosts a conversation with Lexie Neeley of Little Free Library and Michelle Torgerson from Raising a Reader. This inspiring discussion covers the deep impact reading has on developing empathy, critical thinking and expression while strengthening family bonds. 

Former NFL player, Alan Ball, now a small business investor, licensed builder, developer, and owner of Next Phase Investments, shares the impact literacy and a strong education had on his career after football, as well as his mission to pay that forward. While his professional work includes building residences in highly distressed neighborhoods, Alan also trains and mentors high school, college, and professional athletes for success off the field. He is passionate about coaching boys and young men to take on greater roles and bigger dreams.

Carolyn and Jim Bellinson, prominent lawyers, business owners and co-founders of Brilliant Detroit with Cindy Eggleton share their passion for helping others and what led to the creation of Brilliant Detroit. This discussion dives into the challenges and opportunities they faced in one of the nation’s most fractured cities, and the growing successes that are currently being realized. The Bellinsons share a vision for expansion into other Brilliant Cities until our nation enjoys fully resourced and thriving communities that no longer require such support.