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Category: People

2024 Detroit Jazz Festival artist-in-residence Brian Blade and The Fellowship Band perform

The Detroit Jazz Festival Foundation has announced acclaimed drummer, composer, and bandleader Brian Blade as the artist-in-residence for this year’s Labor Day weekend festival. As part of his residency, Brian Blade and The Fellowship Band performed during a special preview event at the Gretchen C. Valade Jazz Center at Wayne State University. Watch a portion of Blade’s performance.

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Poet Nikki Giovanni discusses her literary works, outer space and a new documentary about her life

A new documentary, “Going to Mars: The Nikki Giovanni Project” details the extraordinary life and career of renowned poet Nikki Giovanni. Contributor Cecelia Sharpe sat down with Giovanni at the Wright Museum for a wide-ranging conversation about her life, career, literary works and future plans. Plus, Giovanni discusses the “Going to Mars” documentary and her fascination with outer space.

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An evening with Kara Swisher and Mary Barra | Wallace House Center for Journalists

The University of Michigan Wallace House Center for Journalists hosts a conversation with award-winning journalist and author Kara Swisher as part of its continuing series: “Democracy in Crisis: Views from the Press.” Swisher talks about her new memoir “The Burn Book: A Tech Love Story” and explores the dynamic interplay of legacy companies, innovation, strategic bets on the future, and tech’s potential to solve problems with General Motors CEO Mary Barra.

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Toronto transplant and Integral CEO Ashok Sivanand shares why Detroit became home for him and his business

Toronto transplant and Integral CEO Ashok Sivanand has chosen to call Detroit home. One Detroit contributor Zoe Clark sat down with Sivanand at the Detroit Policy Conference to talk about what drew him to work in the city and make Detroit his home. Sivanand talks with Clark about the sense of community he found in Detroit and the opportunities to grow as a member of the community.

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Michigan ranks second-last in U.S. population growth. Former Ambassador John Rakolta, Jr. explains why.

One Detroit contributor Nolan Finley sat down with Ambassador John Rakolta, Jr., co-chairman of the Growing Michigan Together Council, at this year’s Detroit Policy Conference to talk about where Michigan stands when it comes to growing its population. They discuss the four drivers of growing the state’s population and the improvements needed for Michigan to succeed.

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Rose Morton unravels her family’s history of slavery in her book ‘Our Family’s Keepers’

For many African Americans, tracing their family’s past can come with challenges. Contributor Daijah Moss talks with author Rose Morton, a local woman who set out to learn about her enslaved ancestors and the families that owned them. Morton shares her quest for identity, talks about her book “Our Family’s Keepers,” and discusses the profound impact of her discovery on the people connected to a South Carolina plantation.

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Remembering the legacy of African American minister Rev. Dr. Charles G. Adams

Detroit and the nation are mourning the loss of one of this country’s most influential Black ministers. Rev. Dr. Charles G. Adams, pastor emeritus of Detroit’s Hartford Memorial Baptist Church, passed away at age 86. Rev. Charles Christian Adams, the son of Rev. Adams, talks about his father’s legacy after more than 50 years in the pulpit.

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Rob Edwards’ forthcoming graphic novel details a little-known story in America’s Black history

Detroit-born screenwriter Rob Edwards has a new graphic novel coming out in February 2024 detailing a little-known figure of America’s Black history: Robert Smalls. Edwards joined One Detroit’s Chris Jordan at Comics & More to talk about his forthcoming graphic novel “Defiant,” its Kickstarter support, and why a comic book is a perfect, if unorthodox, way to teach kids Black history.

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Reboot, Third Man Records hosts Monster Mash author talk with Adam Mansbach

Reboot, an arts and culture nonprofit, hosted its first event in Detroit at Third Man Records featuring an exploration of the Jewish folklore and myth of the Golem. The event featured art, music, film, and literature and a book talk with award-winning author Adam Mansbach for his book “The Golem of Brooklyn.” One Detroit’s Chris Jordan has the story.

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African American tenor, trailblazer George Shirley reflects on his storied career

As one of the first African American operatic performers, renowned tenor and trailblazer George Shirley’s contributions to the world of opera and music education have left an indelible mark on the industry. Shirley sat down for an exclusive one-on-one conversation with 90.9 WRCJ’s Cecelia Sharpe about his remarkable entry into the opera scene and his history as a music educator.

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Are smart cities smart enough? | Policy Talks @ Ford School

Explore how urban technology is shaping social policy in “smart cities” like New York and beyond, and how can we ensure that emerging technology serves the public interest with former New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio and University of Michigan STPP Director Shobita Parthasarathy.

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Curtis Chin’s new memoir chronicles life lessons learned in a Chinese restaurant

In the heart of Detroit’s bygone Chinatown, a vibrant oasis once thrived and diverse patrons, from celebrities to everyday families, shared more than just meals at Chung’s restaurant. Curtis Chin, a Detroit native, author and activist, takes readers on an evocative journey through his upbringing in Detroit’s former Chinatown in his book, “Everything I Learned, I Learned in a Chinese Restaurant.”

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Detroit artist Mike Han debuts his first solo exhibit during 13th annual Detroit Month of Design

Detroit-based designer and artist Mike Han presents his debut solo exhibition during Design Core Detroit’s 13th annual Detroit Month of Design. Han’s inaugural solo exhibit, titled “Mike Han: United by Design,” takes people on a captivating exploration of his creative practice, which is infused with Korean techniques, graffiti inspiration, and modern design elements. The exhibit runs through Sept. 30 at Playground Detroit.

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Imagining Michigan’s future with Richard Florida and Zoe Clark

Michigan continues to trail behind other states in population growth. A new study by renowned urbanist Richard Florida compares regions across North America to Michigan and provides recommendations on how the state can become more competitive. Florida shares the results of his study and how to ensure the state’s long-term prosperity.

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Black Midwest Symposium in Detroit Focuses on Unique Midwest Challenges, Solutions

The second biennial Black Midwest Symposium convenes in Detroit, exploring the unique challenges of African Americans in the Midwest and Rust Belt. Host Stephen Henderson talks with Marquis Taylor, one of the event’s planning committee members, to learn more about the goal of the Oct. 20-22, 2022 symposium, this year’s theme— Presence and Protest, and the notable speakers participating.

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Antisemitism Now and Then: Michigan’s Response to the Holocaust and Rising Antisemitism Today

What role did Michigan and its most popular figures play in America’s response to the Holocaust? Ken Burns’ new PBS documentary, “The U.S. and the Holocaust,” is generating conversation about America’s response to the Holocaust. WDET reporter Eli Newman moderates a conversation with experts from the metro Detroit Jewish and interfaith communities about Michigan’s perspective on the Holocaust and the anti-semitism that still exists today.

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‘Life in Bloom’ host J Schwanke teaches the art of making beautiful flower arrangements

What does it take to create beautiful flower arrangements year-round in Michigan? “Life in Bloom” host J Schwanke invites WRCJ radio host and producer Cecelia Sharpe into his Grand Rapids home for a lesson on flower arranging. Together, they create a two-sided flower arrangement, discuss some common obstacles to flower health, and talk about how viewers can build their own at home.

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‘Detroit Remember When’ Documentary Details Radio Legend Dick Purtan’s Rise to Notoriety in Detroit

Detroit radio fans likely know the name Dick Purtan, the Detroit radio legend and community philanthropist known for his whimsical mix of radio satire, one-liners and deadpan jokes, but do you know how the Detroit radio legend made his way to the Motor City? A new episode of Detroit Public Television’s “Detroit Remember When” documentary series looks at Purtan’s road to notoriety in Detroit.

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Fundraising gala celebrates legacy of WGPR-TV 62, America’s first Black-owned TV station

WGPR Historical Society President Joe Spencer and ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith join Stephen Henderson to talk about an upcoming fundraising gala celebrating the legacy of WGPR-TV 62, America’s first Black-owned and operated television station. WGPR-TV 62 went on the air in 1975 and launched the careers of several African American media professionals before being sold in 1995.

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Placemaking: The Path to Increasing Quality of Life, Talent Attraction in Michigan

Future of Work host Will Glover examines whether Southeast Michigan has the infrastructure, amenities and investments to attract and retain the future of workforce talent, the barriers against placemaking efforts, how the future of work intersects with residents’ quality of life, and the need for strategic city planning and public transit in Michigan with a panel if expert guests.

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Detroit’s Coalition on Temporary Shelter Nonprofit celebrates 40 years fighting homelessness

Coalition on Temporary Shelter CEO Cheryl Johnson joins “American Black Journal” host Stephen Henderson for a conversation about how the organization has evolved over the years to meet the changing needs of the community, and how its focus has shifted from not only providing temporary housing solutions, but also offering long-term strategies to help disrupt the cycle of generational poverty.

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Rise of Anti-Asian Hate Revives Asian American Civil Rights Movement Sparked by Vincent Chin’s Murder

Nearly 40 years after the racially motivated murder of Chinese American Vincent Chin in Detroit, the hate crime is being seen in a new light alongside a more recent rise in anti-Asian hate across the country; one that looks similar to Chin’s case, but some experts say is much worse. One Detroit’s Bill Kubota explores how Vincent Chin’s legacy shaped Asian American civil rights activists today.

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Sustainable sushi? How one metro Detroit chef is attempting to change the seafood industry

One Detroit Editor Chris Jordan talks with Detroit Free Press Food Critic Lyndsay Green about the sustainability efforts that landed Sozai Restaurant as the Free Press’ best new restaurant in metro Detroit for 2022. Then, Jordan heads down to Sozai himself to talk with Sozai Restaurant owner and chef Hamiije Sato about food sustainability, Great Lakes fish, and how to practice sustainability while eating out.

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Collection of Horace Sheffield, Jr.’s Archives Coming to Wayne State University, WCCCD

Stephen talks with Horace Sheffield, Jr.’s son, Rev. Horace Sheffield III, about the influence and impact his father had on the trade unions during the civil rights movement. Plus, Sheffield III talks about upcoming plans to house thousands of items from his father’s archives in a massive collection at Wayne State University and Wayne County Community College District.

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2/15/22: American Black Journal – Horace Sheffield Jr.’s Archives, Olayami Dabls, Tylonn Sawyer

American Black Journal continues to celebrate Black History Month by taking a closer look at the legacy of Horace Sheffield, Jr., a trailblazer in the African American labor union movement. Then, producer Marcus Green profiles this year’s Kresge Eminent Artist Olayami Dabls at his MBAD African Bead Museum on Detroit’s west side. Plus, One Detroit Associate Producer Will Glover has a conversation with Detroit artist and educator Tylonn Sawyer about the importance of depicting contemporary messages in his artwork.

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Pioneering Global Architect Minoru Yamasaki brought beauty to Detroit’s buildings

As part of Detroit Public Television’s documentary “Detroit Designs the World,” we transport back to 1950’s Detroit when architect Minoru Yamasaki (1912 – 1986) began to make his mark on the Detroit skyline. Detroit architecture, design and history experts explore Yamasaki’s designs across Detroit, examine the beauty and diverse influences of his designs, and reflect on the legacy he left in the Motor City.

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Remembering the Legacy Architect Albert Kahn Left in Detroit

Whether it was the Highland Park Ford plant in 1910 or the Fisher Building in 1928, architect Albert Kahn revolutionized the architecture industry with his large, sweeping designs with lots of open space and his use of ornate artistry like sculptures and bronze work. Detroit Experience Factory Founder and Executive Director Jeanette Pierce, Michigan Historic Preservation Officer Brian Conway, Cranbrook Center for Collections and Research Director Gregory Wittkopp, and President and CEO of Albert Kahn Associates, Inc. Alan Cobb discuss the lasting legacy Kahn left in the motor city.

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Remembering Benny Napoleon

Detroit Public Television spent some time with Benny Napoleon in 2014 when the Wayne County Sheriff talked to producer Bill Kubota about some of the famous Detroit brands he remembered.

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  • News Wrap: King Charles returning to public duties after 3-months of cancer treatment

    In our news wrap Friday, Britain's King Charles will return to public duties after a three-month break for cancer treatment, Egypt sent a high-level delegation to Israel hoping to revive talks for a hostage deal and cease-fire with Hamas and Secretary of State Blinken warned Chinese President Xi against supporting Russia's war in Ukraine.

  • Israelis mark Passover amid conflict, loss and trauma

    This week, Jews around the world are observing Passover, the festival of liberation that marks the historic exodus from ancient Egypt. But this year, joy is tempered with loss and trauma. More than 160,000 Israelis will mark the holiday while displaced from their homes. Still, others have empty chairs at the dinner table as their loved ones are still held captive by Hamas. Ali Rogin reports.

  • How college protests against war in Gaza compare to demonstrations of the past

    As protests of Israel's war in Gaza spread to campuses across the country, some see parallels between today's demonstrations and college protests of the past. Amna Nawaz discussed that with University of Texas history professor Steven Mintz and professor and historian at the City University of New York, Angus Johnston.