1/27/22: One Detroit - Thought-Provoking Conversations on the Creative Arts

Since its inception, One Detroit has shared stories that bring value and context to our audience’s daily lives. The One Detroit team now re-shares some of these impactful stories in a series of “Best Of” episodes. Tonight, One Detroit presents Best Of: Thought Provoking Conversations on the Creative Arts.

This Week on One Detroit:

Marvel Comic Author Saladin Ahmed Discusses New Series ‘The Spine-Tingling Spider-Man’

You might know Eisner Award winning comic book author Saladin Ahmed from writing the Marvel comics “Ms. Marvel,” “Black Bolt” and “Miles Morales: Spider-Man;” or maybe you’ve read his original series “Abbott,” a supernatural mystery set in 1970s Detroit.

One Detroit Editor Chris Jordan sat down with the Detroit-based author at Vault of Midnight Comics to learn more about Ahmed’s current projects, like his new subscription-based comic website Copper Bottle and his new Marvel series, “The Spine-Tingling Spider-Man.” Ahmed also shares his philosophy around using comics to spark conversations about real-world issues and better represent the diverse audiences that read his work.

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Acclaimed Actor CCH Pounder Discusses Inspiration for Art Exhibit ‘Queen’

Award-winning actor Carol Christine Hilaria (CCH) Pounder is known for her roles in TV series NCIS and The Shield and movies like Avatar, but did you know she’s also a home restorationist and interior designer, as well as an avid art collector? Her curated exhibit titled “Queen,” a mixed-media exhibit displaying paintings, sculptures and more showcasing Black womanhood, beauty and empowerment, was previously featured at the Charles H. Wright African-American Museum.

During the exhibit, One Detroit’s Will Glover caught up with CCH to talk about the culmination of her 45 year career as an actor, the inspiration for collecting the artwork in her exhibit, and the growth of Black representation in public art spaces.

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Ray Gray, One of Michigan’s Longest-Serving Inmates, is Free

It was May 25, 2021 when Ray Gray finally walked out of Muskegon Correctional Facility a free man, 48 years after he was sentenced for a murder conviction, though his family, friends and supporters still argue he’s innocent. Gray agreed to a no contest plea to end his nearly half-century behind bars. One Detroit first told Gray’s story in 2020, when he was featured as an acclaimed incarcerated artist fighting for his innocence.

Now, upon his release, Gray celebrates with his wife and a trip to the art supply store. Gray plans to continue painting he said, with new themes likely to emerge in his work because of his freedom. One Detroit’s Bill Kubota caught up with Gray to talk about his time in prison during the pandemic, how he’s re-adjusting to the outside world, and how he and others continue to fight for justice and his innocence.