This Week on One Detroit:

Eight-year-old Detroiter Rosie White goes viral for impressions of Black icons, historical figures

An eight-year-old Detroit girl and her family have gained national attention for their videos celebrating Black icons. Robyn McKee, known to her online followers as Rosie White, creates videos impersonating well-known Black historical figures like Harriet Tubman and Malcolm X, and icons such as Tina Turner, Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder. Her mother Kenya White and older sister A’Blesyn Davis, are also involved in making the videos. It started with Rosie’s impersonation of Rosa Parks, a video that gained over 500,000 views online. 

Inspired by a Black History Month assignment on Rosa Parks, Rosie’s journey began when she was just three years old. She memorized what was read to her about Rosa Parks. Soon after, her mother decided it was time for the world to see Rosie’s talents. Rosie has captured the attention of millions online, including celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey, Whoopi Goldberg and Michelle Obama. After reenacting a dinner scene from “The Color Purple,” Rosie and her family were invited to walk the purple carpet for the 2023 remake of the movie.

One Detroit contributor Daijah Moss joined Rosie and her family at their home to talk about the inspiration behind making videos celebrating Black history. 

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 his enduring commitment to music education have left an indelible mark on the industry. Notably, he was the first African American tenor and the second African American male to sing leading roles with the Metropolitan Opera, where he graced the stage for an impressive eleven years.

His achievements extended beyond the spotlight as the first Black member of the United States Army Chorus in Washington, D.C. and the first African American to hold a high school music teaching post in Detroit. Shirley has a music education career spanning nearly five decades, and he is a Grammy Award-winning artist who has been passionate about the profound value of music education and the pivotal role it plays in nurturing future talent. 

In a candid and insightful discussion, Shirley sat down for an exclusive one-on-one conversation with 90.9 WRCJ contributor Cecelia Sharpe about his remarkable entry into the opera scene and his history as a music educator. He also talks about his dedication to championing classical works by Black composers and emphasizing the importance of recognizing and preserving this rich musical heritage. 

Contributors discuss divide in Michigan GOP leadership, uncommitted Democratic primary votes

With a split in leadership in the Michigan Republican party and 13% of people voting uncommitted in the Democratic primary, a bit of turmoil has set in Michigan Democrats and Republicans ahead of the 2024 presidential election.  

Many uncommitted voters cast their ballots this way to share their dissatisfaction about how President Biden has handled the Israel-Palestine conflict. The last time an incumbent U.S. President saw a similar percentage of uncommitted votes was in 2012 during former President Barack Obama’s second term. On the other side of the aisle, Michigan Republicans have been disputing over leadership. 

A judge ruled that former Michigan GOP chair Kristina Karamo is no longer legally the group’s party leader. U.S. Rep Pete Hoekstra has been voted to replace Karamo as the Republican party gets ready for its 2024 caucus this weekend. Karamo has appealed the judge’s court orders, citing her own convention at Huntington Place in Detroit this weekend as a pressing issue, the Detroit Free Press reported. 

One Detroit contributors Stephen Henderson, host of “American Black Journal,” and Nolan Finley, editorial page editor for the Detroit News, talk about the divide in Michigan’s Republican party, the message sent by Democrats who voted uncommitted, and the impact Michigan, a swing state, could have on the presidential election.

One Detroit Weekend: March 1, 2024 

We’ve made it to March and there’s so much to do inside and outdoors in Detroit. This weekend, you can check out the world premiere of “Debating Destiny” at the Senate Theater in Detroit, catch Paw Patrol Live! at the Fox Theatre downtown, or get a taste of spring at the Hospitality House Food Pantry in Commerce Charter Township.  

Plus, get one last night of ice skating at The Rink at Campus Martius, check out the College for Creative Studies Scholastic Art Exhibition and more. See what else is coming up on “One Detroit Weekend” with Peter Whorf and Cecelia Sharpe of 90.9 WRCJ.  

Upcoming Events:   

  • The Mosaic Youth Theatre will perform “Debating Destiny,” a play by James Anthony Tyler, March 1 and 2 at the Senate Theater in Detroit. 
  • The beloved TV series Paw Patrol takes the stage at the Fox Theatre in Detroit for performances of Paw Patrol Live! “The Great Pirate Adventure” March 2 and 3. 
  • The “Magic School Bus: Lost in the Solar System” heads to The Berman Center for the Performing Arts in West Bloomfield Township for a performance March 3. 
  • This weekend is the last weekend to ice skate at The Rink at Campus Martius. The rink will be open through March 3.  
  • The Hospitality House Food Pantry hosts its “Taste of Spring” fundraising event March 6 where attendees can eat, drink and enjoy live music while supporting a good cause. 
  • Today is the last day to check out the College for Creative Studies’ Scholastic Art Exhibition featuring more than a thousand pieces of artwork on display at the Walter B. Ford II Building. 
  • The city of Saline hosts its Indoor Winter Market, featuring farmers market favorites and other artisan and handcrafted works, from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. on Saturdays.  
  • The Farmington Hills Nature Center hosts Maple Syruping workshops March 3 and 17 where visitors can learn the basics of collecting sap and making maple syrup from nature.

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