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In this episode, Donna and Sam discuss some of the biggest political narratives dominating Michigan’s headlines including Kamala Harris' Detroit visit and the relationship between Detroit rappers and MAGA. Together they dive into the frustration that builds when local media cannot get answers while national cameras set the stage. From there they zoom out to the shifting shape of Democratic politics heading toward 2028: generational change, frustration with entrenched power, and the way identity based shortcuts can distort how people judge candidates. They also connect Detroit’s history of Black political leadership to today’s low turnout reality, where large parts of the city feel disconnected from party institutions and policy agendas. They also explore how conservative messaging can feel persuasive in divested neighborhoods, how “work for our votes” lines spread, and how culture, misogyny in mainstream hip hop, and hustle mentality can quietly align with grievance based politics. Finally, they finish by confronting the trust problem: corporate media credibility, the rise of independent news ecosystems, and what happens when skepticism turns into a battle over basic facts. To stay up to date on all things Authentically Detroit, click here.  WHAT WE’RE READING THIS WEEK IN THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE: KAMALA HARRIS IN DETROIT:'I HAVEN'T DECIDED' WHETHER TO RUN FOR PRESIDENT IN 2028 DETROITERS REMEMBER RENAISSANCE CENTER AS SYMBOL OF BLACK LEADERSHIP  Support the show Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

On this episode, Monet Harris and Dawn Wilson-Clark join Arlyssa to discuss the beginning of the school year in Detroit and the Metro Detroit area. Together, they talk through the issues that keep showing up across Detroit schools, DPSCD and charters alike: broken communication, last minute changes, and the customer service gap that leaves parents chasing answers. From there they get into the basics that should never be up for debate, including dirty classrooms, pests, broken facilities, air quality concerns, and how staffing and budgets shape the reality kids walk into every morning. If you’re a parent, educator, or community member who wants safer schools, stronger academics, and real accountability, press play, share this with someone who needs it, and leave a review with the change you want to see most! Support the show Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

In this episode, Donna and Sam sat down with Joseph Middlebrooks, the Economic Growth Manager at Eastside Community Network (ECN) to discuss the upcoming Sustainability Summit, where environmental wellness meets local entrepreneurship and community connection.  From rooftop solar power and battery storage that supports real energy resilience to new public space improvements tied to the Angela Brown Wilson Gardens - they get into all of the exciting things taking place at ECN. They also discuss why shopping local is not a side note. It is economic sustainability, a circular economy, and a way to help Detroit small businesses turn ideas into stable growth through technical assistance, resources, and partnerships. Then they shift to the week’s biggest civic conversation: the Renaissance Center redevelopment proposal, the $548 million public ask, and the community benefits ordinance process. Together, they break down how the Neighborhood Advisory Council works, why impact areas matter, what accountability could look like through clawbacks and public reporting, and why affordable housing targets tied to AMI can miss the realities of Detroit incomes. To stay up to date on all things Authentically Detroit, click here.  WHAT WE’RE READING THIS WEEK IN THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE: BEDROCK, GM WANT $548M FOR $2.2B RENAISSANCE CENTER REDEVELOPMENT Support the show Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

In this episode, Donna and Sam discuss whether Black voters in Detroit are actually moving toward Republicans in the 2026 cycle, or if the story has been overstated by headlines and echo chambers.  They also weigh in on what Abdul El-Sayed’s candidacy reveals about coalition politics, media narratives, and the double standards candidates of color face. The conversation moves through the issues dividing voters right now: housing affordability, college debt, climate change, and the moral urgency many younger voters bring to Israel and Gaza. To stay up to date on all things Authentically Detroit, click here.  WHAT WE’RE READING THIS WEEK IN THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE: CONGRESSIONAL BLACK CAUCUS PAC ENDORSES EL-SAYED AS SOME DETROIT VOTERS HESITATE Support the show Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

In this episode, Donna and Sam sat down with Jamila Martin from the Movement Voter Project to discuss the political environment on the left - generational divides, growth of a multi-cultural coalition, and the widespread rejection of corporate politics.  The Movement Voter Project funds local organizing and movement-building to shift culture, win power, and shape policy. MVP is like a “mutual fund” for political giving: they raise money from donors, then channel it toward the most impactful organizations and power-building work around the country. They do the research so you don’t have to, streamlining your giving and maximizing your impact by investing in the most effective organizations and innovative strategies. They believe to build a progressive era, we need governing majorities, political will for bold policy change, and shifts in public opinion, worldviews, and culture. MVP is contributing to this plan in three key ways: mobilizing historic investment in organizing, providing wrap-around support to build groups’ capacity, and catalyzing collaboration at all levels. To stay up to date on all things Authentically Detroit, click here.  WHAT WE’RE READING THIS WEEK: JUST BE A REAL PERSON FIRST. REPORTERS FORGET TO DO THAT. Support the show Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

In this episode, Donna and Sam sat down with Tiara Jones, founder of Black Beautiful and Brilliant to discuss how their brand is centering identity, legacy, resilience, and empowering our community. Black Beautiful & Brilliant was created with Black women at the center. It exists as inspiration — to affirm their worth, reflect their power, and remind them of who they are, even in seasons that try to break them. This brand speaks to the woman who shows up, who carries generations, who holds it together, and still chooses to rise. The brand was first imagined by Tiara’s late husband, Brian, long before they met. He believed deeply in the brilliance of Black women — in their resilience, intelligence, and ability to create something meaningful even in the face of adversity. He believed Black women deserved to be celebrated boldly and unapologetically, not just for what they endure, but for who they are. To stay up to date on all things Authentically Detroit, click here.  THIS WEEK IN THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE: CONYERS, BURTON, GILMER-HILL HIGHLIGHT NEW MEMBERS TO DETROIT'S LEGISLATIVE CAUCUS MICHIGAN DEMOCRATS RALLY FOR UNITY AFTER CONTENTIOUS PRIMARY  Support the show Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

In this episode, Donna and Sam sat down with the State Director of the Working Families Party to discuss the results of Michigan’s 2026 primary election. Michigan’s 2026 primary election gained significant national attention as Abdul El-Sayed and Haley Stevens faced off in a race that some said would determine the future of the democratic party.  The Working Families Party believes that future includes making our nation work for the many, not the few. State by state they’re building a multiracial party of working class people to transform our country. This year, in Michigan’s election, they endorsed several candidates including several who have either appeared on Authentically Detroit plus several other candidates running for office across the state. To stay up to date on all things Authentically Detroit, click here.  THIS WEEK IN THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE: BATTLE FOR THE SOUL OF THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY: VOTERS SOUND OFF BLACK VOTERS SHAPED THE DISCOURSE IN MICHIGAN U.S. SENATE PRIMARY  Support the show Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

In this episode, Donna and Sam sat down with Jai Smith, an official Influencer for Detroit Public Schools Community District to discuss a youth perspective on politics ahead of the 2026 Michigan Primary Election. If you’re looking to learn more about candidates in each race check out our forum, held in partnership with SEIU Michigan, which took place on July 18th, ahead of the 2026 Michigan U.S. House, State House, and State Senate elections. At the forum, residents had the chance to learn where candidates stand on community priorities, local policy, and issues shaping Detroit’s Eastside. To stay up to date on all things Authentically Detroit and watch the forum replay, click here.  THIS WEEK IN THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE: WAYNE COUNTY VOTERS WILL SHAPE THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY'S FUTURE WHITMER ENDORSES STEVENS IN U.S. SENATE RACE Support the show Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

In this episode, Donna and Sam sat down to discuss what went down at the 2026 Eastside Candidate Forum.  The Eastside Candidate Forum, held in partnership with SEIU Michigan, took place on July 18th, ahead of the 2026 Michigan U.S. House, State House, and State Senate elections. At the forum, residents had the chance to learn where candidates stand on community priorities, local policy, and issues shaping Detroit’s Eastside. To stay up to date on all things Authentically Detroit and watch the replay, click here.  THIS WEEK IN THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE: NO SHRI FOR ME: MCKINNEY BRINGS PROGRESSIVE CONGRESSIONAL HOPEFULS Support the show Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

In this episode, Donna and Sam sat down with Organizer and Labor Policy Expert, Jasmine Kaltenbach to discuss the upcoming 2026 Eastside Candidate Forum. The Eastside Candidate Forum , held in partnership with SEIU Michigan, takes place on July 18th, ahead of the 2026 Michigan U.S. House, State House, and State Senate elections. At the forum, residents will have the chance to learn where candidates stand on community priorities, local policy, and issues shaping Detroit’s Eastside. To stay up to date on all things Authentically Detroit and register for the forum, click here.  THIS WEEK IN THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE: HOW THE OBAMAS ARE MOTIVATING BLACK VOTERS IN MICHIGAN'S U.S. SENATE RACE Support the show Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

In this episode, Donna and Sam sat down with the City Council Person for District 4, Latisha Johnson Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Wayne State Dr. William Shuster, and Environmental Justice Director at Eastside Community Network, Dr. Marie Garcia to discuss what’s happening with the Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) and the canals in the Jefferson Chalmers neighborhood. To stay up to date on all things Authentically Detroit, click here.  THIS WEEK IN THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE: ABDUL EL-SAYED LAUNCHES NEW AD TARGETING BLACK VOTERS AFTER MALLORY MCMORROW DROPS BID FOR SENATE  Support the show Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

In the first episode of Have You Heard?, Arlyssa Heard sits down with father, mentor, coach, author, and youth advocate Jonathan Shropshire to discuss the rise in fighting, bullying, and violence in schools.  Together, they explore how social media conflicts spill into classrooms, what's driving these behaviors, and what parents, schools, and communities can do to better support our children. Subscribe to Have You Heard? on all platforms! Support the show Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

In this episode, Donna and Sam sat down with Sheba Rogers, Liz Kennedy, Ali Lakhani  and Valerie Kelly-Bonner to discuss a series of mental health roundtable discussions Detroit Justice, Henry Ford Health’s Trauma Recovery Center, and Strategies to Overcome Obstacles and Avoid Recidivism (SOOAR) have hosted in the city. Trauma is often thought of as an injury resulting from a motor vehicle crash or gunshot wound. However, trauma can be any event resulting in physical, emotional, or life-threatening harm that has lasting adverse effects on an individual. The Trauma Recovery Center (TRC) is working to promote resiliency and holistic recovery for survivors following a crime. Their mission is to maximize the recovery of traumatically injured patients, families and communities through support, mental health services, education and access to resources. Since its founding in 2005, SOOAR has been committed to enhancing the lives of those in need throughout the Metro Detroit area. They measure success not just through data, but through the stories, feedback, and visible improvements in community well-being. SOOAR uses a holistic approach—offering education, support, and engagement—to promote healthier behaviors, reduce harms, and build stronger, resilient communities. The Detroit Justice Center (DJC) is a non-profit law firm and advocacy organization working to create just cities where every life is valued and supported with dignity and care. They are a national organization rooted in Detroit—a city emblematic of both the harms of racial capitalism and the resilience of community-led solutions. They engage in legal, policy, and narrative work to inspire the work of building just cities across the nation. To stay up to date on all things Authentically Detroit, click here.  THIS WEEK IN THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE: BENSON BRINGS GOVERNOR CAMPAIGN ACROSS MICHIGAN  Support the show Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

In this episode, Donna and Sam ran down some of the hottest political topics across the city including some of the upcoming primary elections. They also sat down the Jessica Kwalli, the owner of Jessica Blair Beauty. Jessica Kwalli is no stranger to identifying and servicing the needs of others which is why she is the Founder & CEO of Black Diamond Beauty Supply Co. LLC. As a native Detroiter, she was always at the epicenter of beauty and fashion. Growing up in the inner city made her realize there was a lack of representation and ownership in the hair care industry reflecting its largest consumers––African Americans. After repeated incidents of poor customer service and a lack of knowledge in Black hair at local beauty supply businesses, Kwalli made it her mission to create a hair care disruptor by the people and for the people. To stay up to date on all things Authentically Detroit, click here.  THIS WEEK IN THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE: STATE SENATE CANDIDATES AIYASH, ONWENU CLASH AT DETROIT FORUM  Support the show Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

In this episode, Donna and Sam ran down some of the hottest political topics across the city including Mike Duggan’s exit from the governor’s race, Detroit’s census case, UAW endorsements, money out of politics, and more! They also discuss Juneteenth and the importance of telling the story of Black people’s freedom. The word "Juneteenth" bleeds "June" and "nineteenth," and the day is the oldest known celebration of the end of slavery in the United States. It became a federal holiday in 2021. Juneteenth marks the arrival of Union troops in Galveston, Texas. Many enslaved people already knew about the Emancipation Proclamation, issued by President Abraham Lincoln on January 1, 1863. What they lacked was the power to make freedom real. Union troops enforced emancipation and helped transform freedom from a proclamation into a reality.  Freedom on paper and freedom in practice were not always the same thing. Juneteenth reminds us that freedom delayed is freedom denied — and freedom enforced changes lives. To stay up to date on all things Authentically Detroit, click here.  THIS WEEK IN THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE: SHEFFIELD BACKS BENSON IN MICHIGAN GOVERNOR'S RACE  Support the show Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.