This week, Donna and Orlando spoke about everything from fresh collard greens, vital city statistics, to innovative educational partnerships all of which celebrate Detroit's cultural legacy and future potential.

They began with a brand-new segment, "Detroit by the Numbers" featuring Alex B Hill of Detroitography who breaks down surprising statistics shaping our city. These numbers tell a powerful story about civic participation, energy infrastructure, and housing vulnerability that affects every resident.

Next, they welcomed Chef Keisha, crowned champion at Detroit is Different’s 2025 Collard Green Cook-Off. Her Alabama-inspired greens earned a perfect score from the judges. More than just a culinary triumph, her story celebrates the cultural preservation work happening through food traditions that bring Detroiters together.

Finally, they explored a groundbreaking educational partnership as Robin Kinnie of Audio Engineers of Detroit discussed their recent collaboration with Ferris State University. This alliance creates a clear pathway for Detroiters to transform technical training into university credits toward a bachelor's degree.

From voter statistics to soul food traditions to educational innovation, this episode showcases the people working to preserve Detroit's cultural legacy while creating new opportunities for its future.

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The Authentically Detroit Podcast Network in collaboration with Detroit One Million presents: The Black Detroit Democracy Podcast, hosted by Donna Givens Davidson and Sam Robinson!

Together, Donna and Sam illuminate the complexities of Detroit’s unique political landscape and give residents a resource for navigating civic engagement and election season.

On this episode Kenneth Russell, a rising junior at Southeastern High School, joins them to provide a youth perspective on politics in Detroit, the mayoral race, and how politicians can do a better job of reaching young voters.

For more episodes of the Black Detroit Democracy Podcast, click here.

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This week, Donna and Orlando sat down with the President and CEO of the Hudson Webber Foundation, Donald Rencher to discuss the election, Detroit’s housing market, public safety beyond policing, and expanding access to capital for small businesses and entrepreneurs from historically marginalized communities.

Donald Rencher assumed the role of President and CEO at the Hudson Webber Foundation in February 2024. Prior to his tenure at the foundation, Rencher served as the Group Executive for Housing, Planning & Development for the City of Detroit, a role he held since January 2021.

Rencher's impact on Detroit's landscape is undeniable, having held progressive leadership positions within the city for nine years. Rencher's leadership and commitment to equitable urban development make him a driving force in shaping the future of Detroit's built environment and ensuring opportunities for all its residents.

To learn more about Donald Rencher and his work with the Hudson Webber Foundation, click here.

FOR HOT TAKES:

VOTER TURNOUT WAS UP DURING MICHIGAN'S 2024 ELECTION. FIGURING OUT EXACTLY WHY MAY BE TOUGH.

IN THE PAST 50 YEARS, WE'VE LOST MORE THAN 150 MAJORITY-BLACK NEIGHBORHOODS

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