Authentically Detroit

This week, Donna and Orlando sat down with the Executive Director of Umoja Debate League, Jerjuan Howard to discuss his trip to Ghana with 15 Detroit students!

Umoja Debate League is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that uses debate as the vehicle to teach Detroit youth ages 11-18 transferable life skills, such as critical thinking, confidence, conflict resolution, increased literacy, and self-expression.

In August, they proudly announced the successful conclusion of their 2024 trip to Ghana. Fifteen students from Henry Ford High School, Cass Tech High School, and Bates Academy, winners of our 2024 Championship Debate Tournament and Zip Code Improvement Speech Competition, engaged in an enriching eight-day cultural immersion experience.

This journey was an opportunity for students to connect with their lost heritage, broaden their global perspective, and build lasting memories. The experience enriched their understanding of African history and culture and strengthened their commitment to community leadership and Pan-African principles.

To learn more about Umoja Debate League, click here!

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BRIAN AND ALEXA COLE LAUNCH NEW BOOK, THE WILLINGNESS TO CHANGE, FEATURING FOREWORD BY NYT BEST-SELLING AUTHORS KEVONSTAGE AND MRSKEVONSTAGE

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This week Donna and Orlando spoke with Darell “Red” Campbell Jr. about The Yunion’s Keys 2 Life (K2L) performing arts summer camp, offering youth the opportunity to learn with some of Detroit’s most experienced musicians, mentors, instructors, and industry professionals.

The program's director, Darell "Red" Campbell Jr., is a platinum, stellar--award winning producer, musician, songwriter and teacher with a heart for creating opportunities for other children like he had at a young age, and empowering them to find hidden talent and potential within themselves.

K2L is a dynamic, immersive 6-week performing arts summer day camp at the held on Wayne State University's campus in collaboration with the Maggie Allesee Department of Theater and Dance beginning July 1.

Now in its 11th year and serving more than 1,125 students, the program's mission is to inspire and empower the next generation of performers through a diverse range of performing arts experiences such as beat making, dance and song writing, all designed to expand participants' skills, broaden their horizons and set them on a path to success.

For more information on Keys 2 Life and how to get involved, click here.

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LEGISLATION COULD BRING $1BILLION IN TRANSIT FUNDING TO METRO DETROIT OVER NEXT DECADE

DETROIT ICONS LAUNCH SERIES OF MICHIGAN CENTRAL FESTIVITIES

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This week Authentically Detroit welcomed Founder and Executive Director of Umoja Debate League, Jerjuan Howard!

Orlando spoke with Jerjuan about how the loss of his grandmother’s home led to the birth of Umoja Village. Born and raised on the Westside, Jerjuan’s close knit community and family roots created the foundation for his deep passion for community engagement and youth development.

Created in 2021, and using debate as a vehicle, the Umoja Debate League provides students with the opportunity to hone their self expression, critical thinking, and conflict resolution skills.

For more information on the Umoja Debate League, click here.

Support Umoja Debate League for Giving Tuesday!

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DETROIT HOMEOWNERS CAN GET HELP APPLYING FOR 2023 PROPERTY TAX RELIEF

OVERSIGHT LAW DIDN'T STOP SURVEILLANCE BOOM. ADVOCATES CALL FOR REFORMS

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This week Chase Cantrell joined Authentically Detroit as guest host and Akil Talley, Lanay Gilbert-Williams, and Malik Yakini of the Detroit People’s Food Co-Op gave a sneak peek into how they’re changing Detroit’s food ecosystem.

Opening on May 1st, the Detroit People’s Food Co-Op is a Black-led and community-owned grocery cooperative. Following a model developed throughout the world as a way to increase access to healthy, sustainably grown food, the Detroit People’s Food Co-Op is located in the historic North End neighborhood.

The Detroit People’s Food Co-Op will offer a full-line of groceries, be open to the general public, and cooperatively owned. Their unique model differs from many food co-ops in the United States as it serves an urban, predominantly African American, low and moderate-income community.

For more information on the Detroit People’s Food Co-Op and to get involved, click here.

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DETROIT CREDIT RATING UPGRADED 2 NOTCHES, REACHES INVESTMENT GRADE FOR 1ST TIME SINCE 2009

AS HOMELESS CRISIS GROWS, STATES AND CITIES ARE TURNING TO VOTERS FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING

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This week, Donna and Orlando sat down with Aisha J. Morrell Ferguson, Chief Development Officer at COTS Detroit and the founders of Black Tech Saturdays Alexa and Johnnie Turnage

Alexa and Johnnie Turnage are visionary leaders dedicated to reshaping the landscape of technology and fostering inclusivity. As the co-founders of Black Tech Saturdays, they have pioneered a groundbreaking movement aimed at empowering underrepresented communities within the tech industry.

Alexa's passion for technology and equality, combined with Johnnie's grassroots activism and entrepreneurial spirit, culminate in a powerful force for change. Together, they spearhead initiatives that offer educational workshops, mentorship programs, and networking events, creating pathways for aspiring Black professionals.

Their collaborative efforts exemplify a commitment to breaking down barriers and creating a more diverse and equitable tech ecosystem.

To learn more about Black Tech Saturdays, click here!

FOR HOT TAKES:

MICHIGAN HUMANE'S ANIMAL CARDS ARE ABOUT MORE THAN ADOPTION

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