BLAC Magazine November 2022

OUR FAVORITE THINGS

Making the Holidays Bright U.S. NOVEMBE ISSUE

$4.99 2022 2211

FRISK IT OR RISK IT

Shay Sharpe: Two Time Cancer Survivor and Warrior for Women’s Health CONGRESSWOMAN BRENDA LAWRENCE

Writing the Next Chapter of Her Legacy

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NOVEMBER 2022

INSIDE 6

Online at BLACdetroit.com

9

Letter from the Editor

10

Contributors

• FEATURES 12

FRISK IT OR RISK IT Shay Sharpe: Two Time Cancer Survivor and Warrior for Women’s Health

30 CONGRESSWOMAN BRENDA LAWRENCE Writing the Next Chapter of Her Legacy 36 OUR FAVORITE THINGS Making the Holidays Bright

IN STYLE 30

DETROIT COATS & BOOTS

FOOD AND DRINK 34

COOKING WITH BLAC: SWEET POTATO SENSATIONS

43

ALL THINGS SWEET POTATO

• DEPARTMENTS DISCOVER 16

I TRIED AN HERBALIST

24

WE OWN THIS BLOCK: URBAN FICTION

48

DETROIT’S TALKING: TOP 10

TRAVEL 28

MY CANCUN STORY

SEEN 51

WINTER EVENTS, CONCERTS, AND FESTIVALS

SUBSCRIBE TO

TODAY!

36 4 BLAC • NOVEMBER 2022 • BLACdetroit.com

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Online in November

BLACdetroit.com

RON CARTER: FINDING THE RIGHT NOTES

The Ferndale-born jazz legend is being celebrated in a new PBS documentary

PAYING THE PRICE

The effect racism and hate speech has on our bodies

COFFEE BREAK AT ROSA’S Grabbing a cup at Rosa’s, the only Black-owned coffee shop in Rosedale Park.

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6 BLAC • NOVEMBER 2022 • BLACdetroit.com

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BLACdetroit.com • NOVEMBER 2022 • BLAC 7

EDITOR’S LETTER

To quote Nicki Minaj in Moment for Life: “I wish I That I could Have This Moment For Life.”

During BLACs new ownership, so much change took place. Detroit’s cannabis legacy license failed, the big slide made a worldwide comeback, Motown started phase #1 of their $50M renovation, and Detroit was named in Time Magazine’s Most desirable places to live. By the time this is published we will have a black women in Michigan’s Supreme Court justice.

DARRALYNN HUTSON Editor-in-Chief

And even at BLAC, there’s been a changing of the guard.

Being the New editor-in-chief of BLAC comes with a change in my mindset. There’s that pressure that comes with being the leader of anything and that excitement about how much positive change could be possible during my tenure. I find myself moving from writer to editor and recognizing how much weight my opinion and expertise holds. Trusting yourself is a much more arduous task when you remember that what you say goes, and it affects a team of people whom you care for and really want to succeed.

In the face of so much change, we hold tight to the things that stay consistent. One of the many things I love about BLAC is how it champions the doers of Detroit and their ever-present passion in doing what we do in our community and for our people. Love for the city of Detroit runs through the pages of BLAC’s November Holiday Entertaining. The cover and its feature represents a local group of brands dedicated to providing holiday warmth and gifts to you, all born, bred and made in the D. These business owners work tirelessly so we hope that you will support them. Because we’re creeping towards Thankful and Giving season, comfort lives in Black family kitchens from sweet potatoes recipes to wines and liquors, BLAC has you covered. Not one of recipes and black-owned brands puts less than all of themselves into what they do.

The legacy of a leader has been at the top of my mind since taking the position. It’s funny how you think of the end just as you start a new beginning. I should hope mine upholds the standard set by our advertisers, and especially our publisher Billy Strawter, Jr. and his team at Milo: acting with love, respect yet empathy for Black culture and creative enthusiasm. I want to thank you for setting such a beautiful stage for our words.

We are looking forward to serving you Detroit, Darralynn.

8 BLAC • NOVEMBER 2022 • BLACdetroit.com

HEAR ARE SOME OF MY FAVORITE DETROIT BRANDS

DETROIT COCOA BAR Owners Deirdre Johnson, Rosalind Jackson and Vonetta Robinson of Detroit Cocoa Bar are bringing the holiday season to your door.

They are among the vendors featured at All Things Detroit: Holiday Experience, Nov. 13 at Detroit’s historic Eastern Market.

Detroit Cocoa Bar is a womenowned, Detroit-based independent business and will serve cocoa, chocolate chip cookies, oatmeal cookies, chocolate bars and fudge brownies. Great stocking stuffers.

CALYXEUM CANNABIS GUMMIES The Calyxeum brand is owned by Detroiters, LaToyia and Rebecca and their Edible Cannabis line includes high-quality gummies producing effective, long-lasting, and safe effects. The Key Lime Pie infused edibles contain a significant amount of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and can induce relaxation, euphoria, increased appetite and sleepiness, perfect for the holiday weekends. It gives just the right kick with a hint of spice that clears your sinuses.

CREAM BLENDS Cream Blends is a skincare brand started in 2013 by Detroit couple Yolanda and her husband Rick Williams. The couple and family of sons pride ourselves on creating quality products that not only smell great but feel amazing and are gentle on your skin. My absolute addictive favorite is the Oatmeal Honey Body Butter with its base of shea butter infused with coconut oil, almond oil, grapeseed oil and vitamin E. MBrown Floral Design

BLACdetroit.com • NOVEMBER 2022 • BLAC 9

CONTRIBUTORS

Meet Our Contributors

Each issue would be impossible without the help of our freelance writers and creative contributors.

RAQUELLE “ROCKI” HARRIS Always game to share a great story, Raquelle “Rocki” Harris is a content curator with a gift to facilitate layered discourse. As an insightful writer, editor and media correspondent, she values substance while appreciating style. Her vibrant nature attracts and motivates people to embrace transparency. She is known for getting others to be their authentic selves with her candid communication style.

Her unmatched moxie shines during her in depth chats with celebrities, influencers and entrepreneurs.

Using her influence to educate and entertain while affecting change, she hosts and produces Rocki’s Reality podcast, on Motor City Woman radio network. Her platform explores essential topics in culture, entertainment and relationships.

Unafraid to explore what others are thinking, she is comfortable with unfiltered and unapologetic perspectives.

In addition to curating content, Rocki also hosts and emcees events. Her ultimate goal is to shift narratives with keen storytelling, while building reciprocal relationships.

Focusing on progress instead of perfection is how she serves her clients, collaborates with colleagues, and inspires her supporters.

SHERRI MCGEE MCCOVEY Sherri McGee McCovey is a veteran television Writer/ Producer and journalist. She currently serves as a Writer on the Audacy podcast, K[no]w Mercy with Stephen A. Smith, hosted by the outspoken ESPN analyst. Over the course of her career, McCovey has written and produced scripted and unscripted content for ABC, Showtime, VH-1, Oxygen, BET, TV-One and Aspire networks, and worked alongside several high-profile artists, including comedians Kevin Hart, Emmy Award winner, Steve Harvey, and Oscar Award-winning actress/comedienne, Mo’Nique.

FRENCHIE DAVIS Frenchie Davis has been a student all of her life. Undergrad and two Masters programs under her belt, but she will tell you her most prized education came from being a global citizen. Frenchie, also coined as the Sexual Abolitionist (as being a sexologist) is all about getting free from life’s oppressions through travel. Frenchie has studied in Amsterdam, she was a research scholar at the Cuba Delegation for Race, Culture, Gender, and Sexuality and also a scholar at the Black Feminism Summer School in Cachoeira, Brazil for the Decolonization of Black Feminism program with renowned academic and activist Angela Davis. Frenchie has traveled abroad to more than 30 countries and knows her travel journeys are really just beginning. She is an avid world traveler and hosts

LAUREN MARI Lauren Mari is a savvy lifestyle influencer, beauty enthusiast and youtube vlogger inspiring women to embrace their inner beauty. She is also a licensed Michigan realtor.

10 BLAC • NOVEMBER 2022 • BLACdetroit.com

Rocki’s past bylines include BlackLove.com, For Harriet, Empire Life, Nia, Speakers magazine and SoulBounce. She currently contributes to rolling out magazine, ThisisRnB. com and Career Mastered magazine. Her affiliations include the Aspiring Writers Association of America and the Detroit chapter of the National Association for Black Journalists.

McCovey is a New York Times best-selling author of three books written with Mo’Nique: Skinny Women are Evil, Skinny Cooks Can’t Be Trusted, and the YA novel Beacon Hills High. She is a proven journalist whose byline has appeared in print and online in the publications, USA Today, Food &Wine, Parents, Essence, Ebony, InStyle, Kindred, and LA Parent.

emotional literacy retreats in Costa Rica annually. Frenchie believes that taking Americans outside of the US gives a refreshing world view on life and invites introspection at a holistic level. For the last 10 years, she keeps her annual travel ritual of leaving America and bringing in the New Year in a new country. She celebrates and learns about cultural customs and rituals that are vastly different than traditional American practices. She starts her new year off with a new meditation and refreshed perspective for the New Years goals and aspirations. Her top goals are to make it to all 7 continents, she only has two left to explore.

She hopes to inspire more people to break out of their American norm and become a citizen of all humanities near and far. Stay tuned.

WE'RE ALWAYS LOOKING FOR TALENTED CONTRIBUTORS!

If you're an experienced writer, photographer or artist interested in working with BLAC, email your résumé and samples of your work to editor@BLACdetroit.com.

DISCOVER

Frisk It or Risk It

So speaking of boobs, I wanted to share a testimony about Shay Sharpe, a brave 2x survivor of breast cancer. Yes 2 TIMES! Once at 26 and exactly ten years later at 36 when her breasts had already been removed.

By: Frenchie Davis

I

know we don’t want to talk about it, but let’s talk about it anyway. I call on you to break out the breast! That’s sort of what I did in my interview with Shay Sharpe. Like literally the button gaped on my shirt and my cleavage did an about face, how timely. We had a good laugh as I repositioned the buttons on my blouse so I could stop flashing Ms. Sharpe.

So speaking of boobs, I wanted to share a testimony about Shay, a brave 2x survivor of breast cancer. Yes 2 TIMES! Once at 26 and exactly ten years later at 36 when her breasts had already been removed. Quietly young Black women are moving through this world uninformed about the lumps, cyst and potential to carry cancer in their breast. Shay, like many, was caught off guard because she thought if there wasn’t a family history there was little to worry about—but, “80% of all breast cancer cases have no family history of breast cancer”. I took a deep gasp as

Shay described the second time she found a nodule in her chest under her armpit.

Yes, her “chest” because you don’t have to have breasts to have breast cancer. And you don’t have to be middle-aged to have breast cancer. Shay recalls the doctors telling her she was too young to have breast cancer, she drudges up the hurdles and obstacles that no 26 or 36 year old should have to experience.

Everything from the bankruptcies, insurance claim denials, estrogen resistance, job losses, expenses and medications that are not designed to work on breast cancer survivors under 30.

Learning through all of these experiences inspired Shay to develop a non-profit called Pink Wishes in 2011. She is an advocate and beacon of light for so many who quietly hold their chest. Shay gives a lot of love to cancer warriors, but says she has no single advice to give.

“People ask me what I would say to

12 BLAC • NOVEMBER 2022 • BLACdetroit.com

help a woman through breast cancer but this is not a one size fits all. What works for one young woman will not work for ten others. The scenarios change. There are no two survivors alike”.

This is why Shay advocates for self/ partner examinations through the course of your life. And when you discover something unfamiliar take the time to dispel any possibilities, and since you have 2 breasts make the exception to get two medical opinions. Shay being a super veteran to breast cancer, I have coined her the Harriet Tubman of breast cancer for Black women survivors. Being so young she was one of the earliest survivors to navigate treatment resistance because medications weren’t designed for women her age and were never really considered.

There has been significant progress in treating younger women today and Shay is certainly credited with being a part of those advancements while working with the Kimmel Breast Cancer program of

Johns Hopkins Institute. And just like Harriet, she returns to ensure that young Black women impacted by breast cancer can make it through this intricate gauntlet.

Seldom do we discuss the barriers specifically for Black women ranging from:early age preexposure, melanin complexities, breast scarring, radiation for brown skinned women, estrogen resistance to pre-menopausal women and medical discrimination. Pink Wishes serves as a type of YELP index for Black women who lack the information and knowledge they need to navigate breast cancer. This is an education not given in class, in medical offices, with mothers or at breast cancer walks. Wearing pink bows will not save you, but being as informed as possible and having the bravery and tenacity to be vigilant about testing will. We thank you Shay Sharpe for going beyond the shadows and showing not just your battle scars but how healing comes through information and community kinship.

BLACdetroit.com • NOVEMBER 2022 • BLAC 13

present. So many of their cars were. It’s also true that the physical space taken up by the show was smaller than in some prior editions.

The pandemic has left its mark. But the fact is, we’d already started seeing carmakers absent themselves from such shows even before Covid-19. But as soon as the turnstiles opened, the general public crowds came in droves, tens of thousands of car fans flocked to Huntington Place over the weekend.

5

TOP EIGHT THINGS Black Detroiters Are Talking About in 2022

City Girls’ Yung Miami Dating Diddy

Sean “Diddy” Combs publicly fessed up to dating City Girls rapper Yung Miami — who, at 28, is nearly a quarter-century his junior.

The truth came out during the premiere of Yung’s new series “Caresha Please,” which featured Diddy, 52, as the first guest star. As their conversation unfolded — and multiple rounds of drinks were consumed — the Bad Boy Records founder progressively alluded to various past experiences shared between him and Yung while dropping hints about future travel together. Diddy then summarized his take on their “status,” telling Yung, “We date. We’re dating. We go have dates, and we’re friends. We go to exotic locations, we have great times, we go to strip clubs, church…”

by Darralynn Hutson

We made it through a world pandemic and literally skipped over 2021 trying to re-connect with the world and ended up at the end of another year.

As 2022 comes to a close, here are the top ten most notable Detroit conversations of the past year. Yes, for a moment in early summer it seemed that 2021 didn’t even happen.

However, it did, we made it through a world pandemic and literally skipped over 2021 trying to re-connect with the world and ended up at the end of another year.

Here are our top eight things that Detroiters were discussing in 2022. Several of these stories will continue into 2023 and beyond, so stay tuned.

1

Detroit’s Cannabis Legacy License Fail

The City of Detroit failed to provide Detroiters the opportunity to participate in the recreational marijuana industry. Due to a recent federal court ruling, the City Council is heading back to the drawing board. Like many cities all over Michigan, The City of Detroit sought to adopt social equity programs to address this systemic injustice. During Mayor Mike Duggan’s State of the City address back in January 2019, he announced that the City Council would introduce their recreational marijuana facilities ordinance.

Isiah Thomas’ new champagne

2

Michigan’s 1st Black Female Supreme Court Judge

State Rep. Kyra Harris Bolden is running for the Michigan Supreme Court, which along with high courts in other states, holds more power and is getting more attention than ever.

Because state Supreme Court candidates technically run as nonpartisan, Michigan voters who vote straight-ticket Democratic or Republican will miss state Supreme Court races unless they make a point to look out for them on the ballot.

3

Motown’s $55M Renovation

The new 40,000-square-foot building will rise behind Hitsville U.S.A. will offer interactive exhibits, an expanded retail experience and the Ford Motor Company Theater. The new space follows the first two phases of the project, Hitsville Next and Rocket Plaza.

4

Auto Show Moving to September

The North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), a Detroit show that by tradition kicked off the American car show circuit in January of every year, has had a rough go of it the past three years. In fact it hasn’t taken place in that time. The last Detroit Auto Show, as it’s also known, took place in early 2019.

This year, the Detroit Auto Show came back Sept 16 - 24. And Yes, it’s true that the show did not generate the same buzz as in the past. The majority of manufacturers were not

6

Detroit Makes Time Magazines’ “World’s Greatest Places 2022” list

This year, Detroit was named one of the world’s 50 greatest places in 2022, by TIME Magazine. Detroiters have always known how great this city is, but what separates Detroit as such an extraordinary place this year in particular; its new developments.

7

African World Festival Comes Back To Hart Plaza

The Charles H. Wright Museum’s 39th African World Festival was held in Hart Plaza on July 15-17, 2022 this year and featured an eclectic group of artists and genres, ranging from local vocalists of note to nationally acclaimed performers. This year’s event returned to Hart Plaza after being held on the museum ground for more than a decade.

8

Belle Isle Giant Slide Makes a Worldwide ComeBack

One of Michigan’s most famous slides reopened after being shut down the last two years because of COVID. The giant slide on Detroit’s Belle Isle welcomed back thrillseekers beginning on Friday, August 19. that hit the internet and set it ablaze with videos and memes. After a fresh application of wax transformed the slide into a speedway, sending kids and adults, alike, zipping into the air. Videos spread across social media like wildife and the park closed the ride again hopefully until next season.

DISCOVER

My Healthcare Journey with a Naturopathic Doctor

by Lauren Mari

We learn from an early age that if we get sick, we go to the hospital and we take medicine. Did you know that there are other options available to you? Naturopathy or naturopathic medicine is an option that we as black people, should take the time to learn about. It uses natural remedies like herbology, nutrition, acupuncture and other non-invasive techniques to promote self healing. It has been around for a very long time, and you would be amazed to know there are great naturopathic doctors available to you right here in the city of Detroit. I actually went to one, and I am sharing my experience on my journey with a naturopathic doctor...

S

ince I was a child, I was programmed to believe, if you get sick, go to the doctor, get medicine. Later in life, I realized that pharmacy is a business, BIG business. The industry doesn’t make money by healing, but by writing more and more prescriptions. I remember seeing my grandma take like 12 different pills each day.

One for this, one for that. She still died of several cancers. Let’s face it, black people haven’t always been treated the best in America’s healthcare system. For this reason, we need to know that there are other options out there.

One option is naturopathy or naturopathic medicine.

It uses natural remedies like, herbology, nutrition, acupuncture and other non-invasive techniques to promote self healing.

It has been around for a very long time, and I was amazed to know there are great naturopathic doctors right here in the city of Detroit.

I found out about Dr. Karla Mitchell of HAUS of Healthy Living. HAUS is an acronym for Health Achieved Using the Simplicity of Healthy Living. She has been in the naturopathic health industry for 18 years. Her philosophy is that you are your own healer, and she is just a facilitator on your healing journey. Her own cervical cancer diagnosis was the sole inspiration 18 BLAC • NOVEMBER 2022 • BLACdetroit.com

for becoming a naturopathic doctor. She alone was able to reverse the diagnosis without medical intervention. Ever since then, she made it her business to use natural approaches to effectively address commonly diagnosed conditions that range from acute to chronic. I was especially impressed when I found out that she was able to help 9 women with fertility issues successfully birth children.

That is pretty amazing.

Walking into the office I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I did notice that it was a very comfortable feeling. It smelled like aromatherapy, and had a very calming atmosphere. I was greeted by a nice young lady, and then introduced to Dr. Karla. I honestly did not know what to expect. Once I filled out the assessments, and let her know my top health concerns, she explained to me the whole

process of how everything worked. I was so shocked to find out that she did not use blood tests or x-rays. So I thought to myself, how can she accurately tell me if anything is wrong? I was a bit skeptical. Then I realized that I had to be open-minded, and unlearn what I’ve been taught all of these years so-to-speak. She explained to me that she had ways to tell when the body is not happy or needed to improve in certain areas.

She used a series of tests. One test was done by sending a sample of my hair, saliva, nails and urine to a lab to be tested to see how they react to different things. This test indicates what might be wrong in the body.

It takes two weeks to receive the results.

Another test was an alternative medicine technique used in Eastern medicine, called Iridology. Iridology is the study of colors, patterns and characteristics of the iris of the eye used to determine a person’s health.

Different parts of the iris represent different parts, organs and functions of the body.

You can visibly see when things are wrong.

The other test was a meridian check. In traditional Chinese medicine, meridians are strings connecting points on the body that are like passageways for energy to flow. They are connected to organs, extremities and collaterals. The final test she used was sort of like an energy scanner for the entire body that read signals from your hand. The whole time I was asking myself how accurate this test could be...

Was I shocked?? Absolutely. Not only were the tests spot on, but there was

something I did not mention to her that she brought up to me. The reason I did not bring it up was because most doctors do not ask.

She told me that the test indicated that I was holding onto a lot of grief, sadness or heartbreak. Once she said that, she could look at me and see my eyes watering. She asked if I needed a tissue. Yes, I did. I asked her if this was normal, she assured me that people cry in her office. I laughed.

I say that to say this, our emotional state affects our health too. Grief, sadness, anger, all affect our health. To have a health professional tell me this showed on my assessment was a wake up call. It has definitely made me more aware of the fact that I need to address some things and find out a way to heal and let things go. Everything else on the test was spot on. From the vitamin and mineral deficiencies, to the food I am allergic to.

After going over my findings, normally I’d be ready to faint from anxiety of the results. This time was different. When Dr. Karla was explaining the things that needed to be improved about my health, she said it in a way where it wasn’t a bad thing. I asked her why she sounded so optimistic during such a gloomy conversation. She told me she doesn’t get down because she doesn’t doubt that things will improve. Our body is one big chemistry problem. The answers are here.

Our bodies were made to heal themselves.

We just have to figure out what we are missing.

ONE thing I was impressed about Dr. Karla, was when she told me my body was lacking certain vitamins and minerals. Her first instinct wasn’t to start prescribing me supplements. She said first, let’s get your body back in balance. When that is corrected,

you may start absorbing the vitamins and minerals better. Let’s not start just giving you things without getting to the root of the problem. I was blown away. I feel like if I were anywhere else, I would have left with 10 prescriptions for 10 different things.

Once my test results from the saliva, hair, nail and urine samples, I will have a full report of my health. Then she will be able to create an individualized protocol. The treatments will consist of natural methods that include supplements, guided fasting and other homeopathic options. The goal is to restore the health to its optimal balance.

Once your condition is improved, you just come back in for routine exams. Wow,

the goal is to actually address the issue, and not to just keep me on a prescription? It was a relief. I have learned so much just from one visit. I can’t wait for my two week follow up appointment. This was one of the most amazing experiences I have ever had for a healthcare visit, unlike any other.

I can’t wait to keep you updated on the results and my healthcare journey with a naturopathic doctor. Until next time... @accesslauren or Lauren Mari

BLACdetroit.com • NOVEMBER 2022 • BLAC 19

October 2, 2022 - January 22, 2023

Tickets at dia.org Vincent van Gogh (Dutch, 1853–1890). The Bedroom (detail), 1889. Oil on canvas; 29 x 36 5/8 in. (73.6 x 92.3 cm). The Art Institute of Chicago, Helen Birch Bartlett Memorial Collection, 1926.417.

Van Gogh in America is organized by the Detroit Institute of Arts and is part of the Bonnie Ann Larson Modern European Artists Series.

Lead support is generously provided by the Founders Junior Council, The J. Addison and Marion M. Bartush Family Foundation, Bank of America, Cadillac, and Nancy and Sean Cotton.

Major support is provided by the William H. and Patricia M. Smith Family, Kenwal Steel, Frances and Kenneth Eisenberg, Nicole and Stephen Eisenberg, Alex Erdeljan, James and Sally Scapa Foundation, Marjorie and Maxwell Jospey Foundation, Spencer & Myrna Partrich, Friends of Art & Flowers, Joanne Danto, Arnold Weingarden & Jennifer Danto Shore, Huntington, Ford Motor Company Fund, DTE Energy Foundation, Jennifer Adderley, and The Family of Christopher R.W.D. Stroh.

Additional support is provided by the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, Wells Fargo, Gilbert Family Foundation, Nancy S. Williams Trust and executor, Sharon Backstrom, and Aaron and Carolynn Frankel.

This exhibition is supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts, as part of the Dutch Culture USA program by the Consulate General of the Netherlands in New York, and the European Paintings Council.

Funding is also provided by Mrs. William Clay Ford, Mr. and Mrs. John W. Ingle, Jr., Mr. and Mrs. John W. Ingle III, Mr. and Mrs. John M. Sullivan, Jr., Eleanor and Frederick Ford, and Kathleen and Robert Rosowski.

The exhibition is supported by an indemnity from the Federal Council on the Arts and the Humanities.

Major funding for the exhibition catalogue is generously provided by Jo Elyn and George M. Nyman.

144909_VanGoghinAmerica_Print_7_375x9_7967_F2.indd 1

8/31/22 10:08 AM

APPRAISED

Sydney G. James Elevates Art as a Girl Raised In Detroit “Being a girl raised or even a person raised in Detroit, it’s a special place. … Black love resides here; the work ethic resides here, that hustle resides here,” she says. “No matter what it looks like, it can look dilapidated or it can look built up. But the common thread is the people; you’re gonna feel welcomed and you’re gonna feel like family.”

I

t’s has been a little over 10 years since Sydney G. James, returned to shift Detroit’s resurgence. Proudly hailing from the eastside, the fine arts painter and muralist elevates the city that raised her with images spanning from Highland Park to Hawaii. Many of her works reflect our beauty and capture our struggles, while others exude joy. Yet, they each celebrate our humanity while centering Black heritage.

“Being a girl raised or even a person raised in Detroit, it’s a special place. …

Black love resides here; the work ethic resides here, that hustle resides here,” she says. “No matter what it looks like, it can look dilapidated or it can look built up. But the common thread is the people; you’re gonna feel welcomed and you’re gonna feel like family.”

“That’s the beautiful thing we got to see during our inaugural BLKOUT Walls Festival, last year,” the co-founder recalls.

“People came from out of state just for the

festival. People drove in from Richmond.

People came from Boston, people came in from as far as California to experience it. I want people to be on the look out for what BLKOUT Walls becomes.”

Indeed, Detroit is a prolific community built by the people who rest here and it extends globally. The BLKOUT Walls festival is set to return for two times in, 2023, in the spring and during Detroit Month of Design in September.

Once you engage with James’ it’s clear why her aplomb draws reverence. She is unequivocal about her message, as she reps the Girl Raised in Detroit (G.R.I.N.D) moniker given to her by photographer and filmmaker, Lamar Landers, who she affectionately describes as her “life partner and lover.” A brilliant resilience and audacity were honed when her mama told 3-year-old Sydney Genée James, to prove she had drawn—not traced—a picture of Gargamel from the ‘80s TV cartoon series “The Smurfs.”

“My peers inspire me more than anything, people that I have legit access to inspire me in different ways” Photos taken by Lamar Landers Article Written by Raquelle “Rocki” Harris

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Now, at 43, she has crafted countless drawings, paintings and murals, as well as custom designed Vans. Her favorite mural, “Codeswitchonya” (which was located in Hawaii), no longer exists because it was painted over, but she is in the process of reimagining the piece for an upcoming show at Detroit’s Museum of Contemporary Art and Design. The event is a continuation of her residency in New York, this past summer, at the International Studio and Curatorial Program.

“I’m working on recreating my lost murals, the ones that no longer exists, but as very large canvas pieces,” she reveals about her new projects coming in spring 2023. “The show is entitled, “Monumental Musings” because I’m making these pieces like a monumental size and it’s the evolution of these pieces; they’ll have sculptural elements.”

Representation matters, which why it’s essential that James’ impact ranges from grass roots to corporate collaborations that include PepsiCo, Ford Motor Company, Detroit Pistons and the Detroit Lions. With strokes of triumph dipped in perseverance, she often portrays current affairs and Black people’s experiences and interactions with the world. Her family and friends often serve as her muses.

“My peers inspire me more than anything, people that I have legit access to inspire me in different ways,” she shares.

“Sabrina Nelson, her son, Mario Moore, Her Shirley Woodson Reid, Hubert Massey—he was my painting teacher back in high school and he’s still a mentor now.”

“Even my mentees inspire me,” she adds. James also notes animation director, Lyndon Barrois (The Matrix Reloaded, The Matrix Revolutions) as a “mentor and one

22 BLAC • NOVEMBER 2022 • BLACdetroit.com

of my biggest supporters.” Another major influence on her career is Dubelyoo, the curator of Arts, Beats + Lyrics, a traveling art exhibition.

It’s true that artists are sensitive about their s---, but James protects her peace by disengaging from the negativity spewed by trolls. “I make a point to make if none of my business. … There’s a million different perceptions of you. Every time you meet someone, another character of you is created. The same goes for art or anything subjective. I can’t control what you think of my work, it’s none of my business. It’s also why I don’t read the comments [on social media].”

The pandemic and life after, taught James to redefine success as the opposite of traditional beliefs. Her keen response to what success looks like reflects how people from Detroit are different, in a great way.

“We’ve been taught that success looks like stuff: What kind of car you drive, what kind of home you own.

It looks like possessions,” she says.

“We never talk about what success feels like. Somebody’s therapist told them that the weight of success and the weight of failure, are the same.

It just depends on how you work through that weight. … Being able to enjoy peace and quiet in your personal space, is success to me.”

She concludes, “Working hard as an artist and constantly perfecting your craft, you’re always are a learner. The more you are open to learning, the better artist and person you will become. I think we’re living in a time now where everyone wants to be considered a master, but even masters are forever students. Be a forever student.”

BLACdetroit.com • NOVEMBER 2022 • BLAC 23

We Own This Block Written by Keith Owens, co-founder of Detroit Stories Quarterly

Monday, July 18, 2022 He’s been there two weeks now. Just one of those stray Detroit dogs that showed up here on the East side with no place else to go is what I figured. Not sure exactly what day.

Wait. Yeah I do know what day that was, ‘cause I remember thinking how it was funny the way he staked his claim, like he was establishing his independence. On Independence Day. And how funny it was imagining a dog celebrating its own Independence Day like that. Probably wasn’t funny to anybody else, but it was funny to me. But then my sense of humor has always been kinda off.

Anyway, mostly he doesn’t bother anybody unless they get too close. And most folks don’t need to ask how close is too close ‘cause he makes that real clear real quick with this deep growl that sounds more like a wolf than any dog I ever heard. But long as he gets left alone, all he does

24 BLAC • NOVEMBER 2022 • BLACdetroit.com

mostly is sun himself, roll around in the weeds, or just pace around the edge of the block like he’s out for a stroll. Maybe he leaves the block at night, but I’ve never seen him step outside that boundary during the day, so my guess is he doesn’t leave at night either. I have no idea what he eats or how because nobody can get close enough to try and feed him.

Except for that one time. Week ago this kid from outside the neighborhood thought it might be fun to play with the big black dog. Me and Fred were sitting on my porch smokin’ a joint, which is right across the street from the lot. That’s why I know so much about what that dog does – and doesn’t do. My house is the only one on that block across the street with people in it, namely me. There’s a vacant house next door.

So it was me and Fred sittin’ there, like I said, and we were just enjoying the day. It was a Saturday and both of us had jobs with the weekend off. That’s when we saw that kid coming down the street on his bike, and I didn’t recognize him as being from anywhere nearby. Most of the kids in the neighborhood I knew, but I didn’t know him. Looked like he was maybe early teens. Once he got in front of the house he stopped his bike, then looked at me and Fred and nodded. We nodded back.

“Whaddup young’un?” I said.

He smiled, which was nice to see.

“That y’all’s dog?” he asked.

We both shook our heads.

“Naw, and you wanna be careful too. Don’t let yourself get too close. He ain’t friendly. Trust me.”

The kid looked away from us to the dog, who just sat and stared at him, still as death.

He wasn’t panting, wasn’t wagging his tail, didn’t even look like he was breathing.

“He don’t look so bad though,” said the kid.

Fred twisted up his face, then shook his head.

“Kids always think they know shit they don’t know,” he said, more to me than the kid who was probably too far away to hear. But then he raised his voice.

“Hey little brother, you hear what my man here say? That’s ‘cause he know. Live right across the street from that dog. You ain’t even from around here, so how you know? Pay attention.”

I chuckled.

“Man, all you did is give him all the reason he need to ignore your adult ass. And if anybody oughta know that it should be you, wild as you were when you was a kid.”

Fred shrugged.

“Whatever. Maybe. Yeah.”

Sure enough, the youngster acted like he hadn’t heard a word Fred said. Kept looking at the dog for a few more minutes, then got off his bike and parked it on the sidewalk in front of the vacant house next door. He walked toward the lot real cautious, talking under his breath to the dog, I guess trying to friendly him up. The dog watched him advance, but still didn’t move. Strange thing was he didn’t growl this time, which made me nervous. Something made me stand up.

“Hey! Seriously now, you need to back up, OK? We don’t know where that dog came from.”

The kid giggled.

“Maybe he came from Mars.”

“Yeah, OK. You ain’t gonna be laughin’ when…”

That’s when the kid stepped onto the lot.

“Hey boy,” I heard him say, and that’s the last thing he ever said.

Everything after that was one long scream.

I wanted to help but it all happened so fast, the kid stepping onto the lot, the dog not just running but launching at him at a speed that didn’t even make sense, then shaking the kid back and forth like a rag doll until he went quiet, maybe out of shock because what kinda dog has that kind of strength? Then the dog dragged him away to the far side of the lot into the high weeds. There were some sounds, something being torn apart, that I won’t ever be able to get out of my head. We never saw that kid again, and Fred and I never talked about what we saw. I grabbed the bike from off the sidewalk and threw it across the street into the lot. Next day it was gone.

Yesterday, I saw a sister who I figured was somewhere around my age, in her mid-30s,

come around. I saw her from far away walking slow down the street and right then I knew it was that boy’s mother. I could feel the full weight of her grief and sadness from that far away, and I felt sick because I didn’t know what to do. I looked across the street and saw that dog sitting in that same spot where he watched the boy get off his bike. Now he was looking straight at me.

I wanted to go in the house and close the door until she passed by, and before she saw me, but something in me said I needed to stay where I was. I didn’t know what I was gonna tell her but I felt like I needed to at least be there for her in some kinda way. Like I owed it to her.

“Hello…?” she said once she got closer, giving me a weak smile she was trying to make stronger. Her voice sounded almost like she was begging.

“Yes m’am. You all right today?”

She worked hard to keep that smile, and I was working hard to sound like today was a day like any other. I smiled back, and she took a deep breath.

“Not really, if I’m being honest. Do you sit outside a lot? Hope you don’t mind my asking.”

“Whenever I can, yeah. With winters being like they are, I try to soak up as much good weather as I can whenever I can, you know?

Store it up inside to tide me over.”

She nodded.

“These days it’s good to store up anything good you can.”

I felt my stomach grip, but tried not to let it show.

“Something I can do for you, sister?”

Right then it looked like she almost wilted, like a plant been in the sun too long.

“My son. Jason. He hasn’t come home for several days now, and that’s not like him. Not like him at all.”

I cleared my throat, then looked away down the street to try and avoid her eyes.

“So you think he may have come this way?”

She shrugged her shoulders.

“Don’t know. I know he liked to ride his bike a lot, and sometimes he went a little farther than he probably should.”

“Yeah, you know kids, seems like they never do what they supposed to, right? Not a lotta kids around here ‘cause it’s so empty, but I’ll be sure to keep an eye out. For sure. I can do that.”

“So then I guess you haven’t seen him?” she asked, her voice sounding so small and weak.

“You been to the police? Maybe…”

She gave me that look most black folks around here will give you when you ask if they called the police.

“Right. OK. Well, like I said. I’ll be sure to keep an eye out. You got a number or something?”

She handed me a small blue card, looked like it had been in her pocket for a long while.

“That’s me at work on the front. Home number on the back.”

“OK.” She turned to leave, then noticed the dog across the street. She frowned, then I swear I think she shivered.

“That dog. He’s been there the whole time?

Watching us like that?”

I nodded.

“Been there damned near two weeks. Don’t know where he came from.”

“He don’t scare you? Somethin about him doesn’t look right.”

“Like how?”

For awhile, I thought maybe she wasn’t gonna answer, but then she said it.

“Evil.”

“Long as he stay over there and I stay over here, ain’t been a problem.”

“Huh…”

Tuesday, July 19, 2022 Damn. There are so many of them now. But I guess, you know, long as they stay over there.

Right?

BLACdetroit.com • NOVEMBER 2022 • BLAC 25

TRAVEL

CANCUN

TULUM BEACH

BEYOND THE SANDS OF

By Frenchie Davis

Just because your plane stops in Cancun, doesn’t mean you have to stay in Cancun! So often times when vacations are planned, they are stationary vacations. This is the first mistake. When planning a vacation be open to exploring nearby

cities and communities, especially if you choose to go the all-inclusive route. I know the term “all-inclusive” sounds ideal.

But “all-inclusive” is code for generic. Generic food, generic drinks, generic engagement. Don’t get me wrong, the staff

at all-inclusive resorts work very hard, they care about their guests, but they are very much a one-size fits all. Don’t be

afraid to go beyond the resort walls, in fact be emboldened. Plan to get beyond the same food plans, the watered-down rail alcohol and take advantage of the time you have away. It was me and a sister friend that ventured to Cancun, we decided to rent a car so we could do our own exploring. The all-inclusive resort did not compare.

28 BLAC • NOVEMBER 2022 • BLACdetroit.com

TULUM CENOTE

CASA MALCA HOTEL

WHERE TO REST YOUR SPIRIT:

MAYAN TEMOKES

Take advantage of the local Airbnb’s. the condo and rental-housing market is very strong in Mexican cities. They have top notch amenities, concierge, and location-locationlocation-location. The money you save on an all-inclusive you can use for going out on the town. Some of the non-inclusive resorts also sit directly on the beach. You can have the best of both worlds with a beach front rental and access to all types of local foods and shopping. Take advantage of the opportunity to city hop. This can be done via bus, taxi or uber. Even a two-hour ride can costs as little as $50 US dollars a person. When in Playa Del Carmen I enjoy personal rentals or Reef 28. When in Tulum and you want a little history with your vacation, stay at Pablo Escobar’s former house turned hotel, Casa Malca. If you want upscale Kin Toh, Azulik is a must stay. The Azulik is truly an unmatched vibe in Tulum

2

WHERE TO FEED YOUR SOUL: Speaking of vibe, the Kin Toh Mayan Jungle Tree House restaurant is an absolute MUST. Don’t get me wrong there is amazing food all through Mexico, but food is not only a taste it is an experience. Important note…Ladies wear your flats, NO HEELS. This is a genuine tree house restuarant.

This is no place for heels but have those pedicures ready. Of all the countries I have visited, I prefer Kin Toh over a window view restaurant at the Burj Khalifah in Dubai. If there is a groovy group of 7 or more, I would recommend you book a NEST (yes, an actual NEST) overlooking the Mayan jungle in t`he sunset. If it’s just a group of 4 or less try to get a window view that will add to the most delectable entrees, you will have in Tulum.

One of my other Favorites in Tulum was Rosa Negra the wagyu tacos will go well with a premium glass of red wine or martini. This is a place to test your tastebuds and have a social gathering of new flavors and spices introduced to your body and soul. If you’re in Playa del Carmen, you’ll love the steakhouse Harry’s or the Mediterranean restaurant Luna or the Alessia Rooftop restaurant. it’s intimate and leaves a smile on your face after you catch a food comma.

3

WHERE TO MAKE MEMORIES: There are loads of hidden gems throughout Mexico. Try the cenotes near the Mayan Ruins. I love the underground Cenotes Xkeken, but there are many to choose from. If you haven’t been to Egypt, make a pitstop to the Mayan Temples in Yucatan, Mexico. The drive is relaxing, and the ruins are breathtaking. Please don’t forget to stop and eat at the local restaurants along the way. Save some cash and support the community. There are cooking classes and Salsa dancing and mojito drinking at “La Bodeguita del medio”. If you want memories and pictures for Instagram that won’t look like anyone else’s pictures, be sure to try some of these unobvious adventures as well.

These adventures are great for small groups and solo travelers. You can always make new friends over margaritas and sunbathing.

Vamos!

KIN TOH NEST BAR

KIN TOH DESSERT

1

BLACdetroit.com • NOVEMBER 2022 • BLAC 29

IN STYLE

Coats &Boots

By Savannah Strawter

WoMen~

Jump into fall with these Blackowned coats and boots.

Sergio Hudson

Cropped Leather Jacket $1,895 • www.net-a-porter.com

Brother Vellies

Allora Over the Knee Boot in Cactus Suede Green $1,295 • brothervellies.com

Lisou

Bianca Chocolate Brown Velvet Tailored Jacket $755 • lisou.co.uk

Zou Xou

High Nerea Boot in Tan Snake $325 • zouxou.com

30 BLAC • NOVEMBER 2022 • BLACdetroit.com

All these home decor brands are Black-owned!

Men~

Daily Paper

Hot Fudge Brown Nakoma Long Jacket $330 • us.dailypaperclothing.com

Heron Preston

Nylon Camo Puffer $1,070 • www.heronpreston.com

Heron Preston

Military Boots $605 • www.heronpreston.com

Exclusive Green Oversized Blazer $725 • www.ssense.com

BLACdetroit.com • NOVEMBER 2022 • BLAC 31

FIND FAMILY FUN FOR LESS THAN $3 A DAY. FIND YOUR Y.

Give the gift that makes every day bettera YMCA Family Membership!

Enjoy swimming, childwatch, family fitness classes, wellness center access and more at no additional cost, and get cool discounts on after school, youth sports, summer camp, and more. Try the Y for free when you show this ad in-person.

Special membership pricing available for families who qualify for free & reduced lunch.

FIND YOUR Y AT YMCADETROIT.ORG JOIN TODAY @YMCADetroit ymcadetroit.org

FEATURE

THE LEGACY OF CONGRESSWOMAN

BRENDA LAWRENCE Retiring after 30 years in public service and nearly 8 years in Congress, Lawrence served as Co-Chair of the Democratic Women’s Caucus, 2nd Vice Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, Co-Chair of the Congressional Caucus on Black-Jewish Relations, and Vice Chair of the House Appropriations Committee.

A

s told to Darralynn Hutson by Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence

BLAC: Why retire now?

Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence: “I lost two sisters in twelve months; I am the only sibling left. I don’t have a brother, sister, mother, father, uncle or aunt and my family needs me. The pandemic has just been hard. I’m so grateful for the path the little black girl from the eastside of Detroit has gathered. The trust of people has given me the opportunity to serve. I want my legacy to be that I kept my oath of office and that I did serve and was a good public servant.

There is a time and season for everything and I looked at this a long time before I made my decision.”

BLAC: What’s next for your congresswoman Lawrence?

Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence: There are multiple ways that you can serve and I truly believe my calling is to be a public servant. If you look through my book of life, you’ll see that I have had this amazing life and if you really read a really good book you can’t wait to turn the page and read the next chapter and that’s where I am now. I’m excited about being able to turn the page and find new ways of sharing, nurturing and promoting the community by being a role model; lecturing, tutoring whatever it takes to instill all of this opportunity. I think about that a lot. Growing up on the eastside of Detroit by a grandmother, Etta Cranford, who didn’t have a high school education; my mom dying when I was 3, so my grandparents and my dad had to raise me. To be the one person in the family to complete college and to be elected to a public office.

There is no way I cannot believe that god’s grace has given me this opportunity and you know that thing is to those much is given, much is expected.chapter of my life and what i looks like.

BLACdetroit.com • NOVEMBER 2022 • BLAC 33

FEATURE

BLAC: What are your biggest concerns as you retire during an important midterm election?

Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence: I can tell you is high on my list of concerns and has really motivated me to continue to work, because this thing we call democracy is so tragic right now. This thing - ‘one nation under God and divisible with liberty and justice for all,’ doesn’t just happen; we had to fight to get here. Some people have become complacent and I would say lazy that they think just because I am who I am, I am entitled to this right. I firmly believed that as human beings, we have certain rights that our government should work hard to protect and to ensure that they’re fair; but we have to continue to work.

34 BLAC • NOVEMBER 2022 • BLACdetroit.com

BLAC: Who are you supporting in the primaries this November?

Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence: In the primary, I am supporting Whitmer In this election, I am not the person who votes for someone just because they’re democratic or just because they are republican. I can tell you my Governor has been one that has really stood up and she’s still standing and coupled with the programs and the fundings that is coming out of her leadership is going to make education in Michigan better. During COVID, my goodness, she was a guardian angel; she did everything she could, despite politics, to protect us and to give us resources that we needed to survive. I can tell you I am absolutely supporting Gretchen Whitmer. Also Harris is on the ballot for Supreme Court and we celebrated, the first black supreme justice, Michigan is supporting the first Black woman to serve on our supreme court and all it takes is for you to go to the ballot and vote..

BLACdetroit.com • NOVEMBER 2022 • BLAC 35

FEATURE

How BLACK is Entertaining

by Darralynn Hutson

We offer our Detroit brands knowledge to these Five Top Tips for how to entertain locally (without adding any stress). So, go ahead and send out that invite, because you’re going to master Detroit-themed holiday entertaining and gift giving this year.

36 BLAC • NOVEMBER 2022 • BLACdetroit.com

Once the clock strikes Halloween, the holiday season is upon us and there’s no letting up until the New Year’s ball drops.

Friendsgivings, cookie swaps, holiday brunches, cocktail parties—it can quickly become overwhelming. And it either excites you so much you follow all the hot Health Tik Tok influencers or it gives you such anxiety you debate faking the flu instead of hosting this year’s holiday gathering.

The biggest difference? Detroit. But since you’re unlikely to be born, bred and manufactured in the bowels of Detroit, BLAC thought we’d offer up advice from our collective brand resources.

We offer our Detroit brands knowledge to these Five Top Tips for how to entertain locally (without adding any stress). So, go ahead and send out that invite, because you’re going to master Detroit-themed holiday entertaining and gift giving this year.

Start Simply There’s no bigger buzzkill than arriving at a party finding the host or hostess christmases out. Avoid that by keeping the first visual simple. Mind you, a simple lights only Christmas Tree with a few simple gifts like watches and journals from Shinola wrapped in black-imaged wrapping paper does not mean boring it means classic.

BLACdetroit.com • NOVEMBER 2022 • BLAC 37

FEATURE

Have A ConversationStarter Sweet Tray The key to gatherings is the sweets because, with one bites of Detroit Cocoa Bars sweet chocolate chips cookies drizzled with chocolate dressing and then you’re ready for the first serving, and you’re for all sorts of complexity conversation— thanks to the combo of sweet, crunch and savory right up front.

38 BLAC • NOVEMBER 2022 • BLACdetroit.com

Give “Em A Choice With the Liquor Hear us out: when you buy black-owned brand at a quality liquor store in the city, they’ll often give you a discount for supporting local. But the real reason we do it? We tend to have a diverse pallet of drinks combinations throughout the evening and never want to limit our passions.

At an event like Thanksgiving, we budget a bottle per person—assuming we’re serving champagne, light, dark and wine from the McBride Sisters offered from appetizers through dessert from Sugar plums, our party lasts about 4 hours.

BLACdetroit.com • NOVEMBER 2022 • BLAC 39

FEATURE

It’s All About Presentation The holidays are full of glitz and glam so add a little of that spirit to your place setting. Floral arrangements work wonders classically and elegantly.

This is the time to break out the bucks for decorations; special occasion banners or a show stopping arches but other times, a classic floral design from M Brown Floral Designs sets the table off beautifully.

40 BLAC • NOVEMBER 2022 • BLACdetroit.com

Be On The Move If your party is a book, each area is a different chapter. Encouraging guests to move around your house from the table to the couch to the tree and the kitchen makes the party more dynamic. Start with a Card display at the refrigerator, then a bar set up near the window, appetizers of Shrimp & Grits from Le Petite’s in one space then move to the dinner table for the main courses of fried chicken and waffles and then relax in a more laidback snuggled in your Carhartt jackets and caps in a space like a living room.

BLACdetroit.com • NOVEMBER 2022 • BLAC 41

FOOD AND DRANK

COOKING SWEET POTATO PIES

SWEET POTATO Sensations

BLAC got a chance to experience a sweet potato pie from the one and only Cassandra (Momma) Thomas, co-founder and owner of Sweet Potato Sensations.

by Darralynn Hutson

42 BLAC • NOVEMBER 2022 • BLACdetroit.com

During one the the busiest times of the year, Sweet Potato Sensation and the Thomas kin can make over 100+ pies in a day.

The sweet potatoes are sourced from local farmers and peeled while still hot and dipped in cold water keeping a little flavor to the core insides.

Then the magic happens, mixing all of the Momma Thomas’s ingredients in one big pie pouring mixing machine because they have big orders to feed.

Every pie is measured to precise dimensions so that every pie comes out just right.

“We started poking holes in the crusts when we realized the stuffing was boiling over; it’s just one secret I can give you,” says Thomas during a busy lunch rush.

After the pie crusts are filled, they go 6 a batch into the ovens for about 30-40 mins until that sweet brownish covers the top.

By our standards, that’s what makes a perfect Sweet Potato Pie Sensations Sweet potato pies so good is the love that comes from the hands of the cooking staff and from the Thomas family as a whole.

With over 25 years in the sweet potato business; the Thomas’ restaurant, Sweet Potato Sensations in Redford started with love and continues to service their customers with love.

And BLAC loves sweet potato pies.

BLACdetroit.com • NOVEMBER 2022 • BLAC 43

Our mission is to teach people to by introducing more plant based foods into every day living.

ST

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E WHERE VEG AC AN L P

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Eat to live

ME

AT EATERS

CO

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Visit our website to learn more about our Meal Services, Catering, Private Events & Cooking Classes.

Do you have a business idea, but you’re unsure where to start? Or are you a solopreneur trying to boost your revenue?

Check out TechTown Detroit’s Ask an Expert program, and schedule your FREE 25-minute session today. Our experts cover topics including marketing, e-commerce, trademark and retail.

GET STARTED Visit techtowndetroit.org/ask-an-expert or scan the QR code to the right, choose a subject area, then schedule a time with an available industry expert.

TechTown Detroit is a nonprofit business service organization that provides programs, education and resources for early- to growth-stage small businesses and tech entrepreneurs. By building bridges for entrepreneurs to succeed, we are accelerating an inclusive and equitable economy for Detroit and Southeast Michigan.

SEEN AND DRANK FOOD

All Things

Sweet Potato

In a Pie, Candied And Roasted, Sweet Potatoes for Everyone.

A Black folks’ sweet potato recipes tastes like warm family memories, good times, and a legacy of the best holiday traditions handed down from one African American generation to another.

Whether it’s the scent of cinnamon-sugar in a pie or candied or roasted under a broiler; the smell sings sweet notes of “Home” like Stephanie Mills or Diana Ross in The Wiz. This old-fashioned Black folks’ Sweet Potato recipes may be single-handedly responsible for generations of nostalgic memories – especially in the Black community.

This pie, candied yams and roasted potatoes are traditionally made with softened or mashed sweet potatoes, eggs, brown sugar, butter, and the best blend of vanilla, cinnamon, and other sweet spices.

BLACdetroit.com • NOVEMBER 2022 • BLAC 45

Maple Cinnamon Over Roasted Sweet Potatoes Any vegetable is better with butter, right? And sweet potatoes are almost like a treat, especially when you add a little honey and cinnamon so no one could resist these!

They’re really easy to make. It’s just a bit of dicing then pour those sweet potatoes into a baking dish and toss everything with that melted, cinnamon honey butter mixture then toss it in the oven.

ONLY 5 INGREDIENTS NEEDED FOR THIS RECIPE! Sweet potatoes or yams (not the white or purple variety) Unsalted butter Honey Cinnamon Salt HOW TO MAKE ROAST SWEET POTATOES: 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 13 by 9-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. 2. In a small mixing bowl whisk together melted butter, honey, cinnamon and salt.

3. Place sweet potatoes in baking dish, pour honey butter mixture over top and toss well to evenly coat. 4. Spread into an even layer (they will overlap) and bake in preheated oven until soft, tossing each third of the way through (so twice during baking), about 50 – 55 minutes total. 5. Toss sweet potatoes with extra honey mixture at the bottom of the pan and serve warm.

Southern Candied Yams

INSTRUCTIONS:

Turn up your next holiday gathering by bringing Black folks Southern decadent candied yams to the table!

1. Wash the sweet potatoes. (I like to use this vegetable scrubber HERE.) 2. Peel and cut the sweet potatoes into thick round wedges. 3. Then set them aside to soak in a bowl of cool water to prevent browning while you’re preparing the candied yams syrup. 4. Melt the butter in a medium-sized bowl in the microwave. 5. Add the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, maple syrup, ginger, ground clove, and vanilla extract to the melted butter. 6. Mix the ingredients well to create the syrup glaze for the candied yams. 7. Next, Drain the sweet potato rounds in a colander. 8. Open the Instant Pot lid and add ½ a cup of water and the sweet potato rounds to the stainless-steel inner pot. 9. Pour the syrup glaze over the sweet potatoes. 10.

Close the Instant Pot lid (make sure the valve is up – in the position for sealing) and pressure cook on high for 5 minutes. 11. When the cooking time is finished, allow a natural pressure release for at least 5 minutes. 12. To open the Instant Pot lid, move the valve to ‘venting’ and manually release any remaining pressure, if applicable. 13. Optional – Open the Instant Pot lid and sprinkle the miniature marshmallows over the cooked, candied yams. 14. With the lid placed not entirely on the Instant Pot (in a resting position, so it doesn’t lock back into position on the pot) continue with the setting on ‘keep warm.’ 15. After about 5 minutes, check to see if the marshmallows have melted. 16. Once the marshmallows are melted, turn off the Instant Pot and transfer your Black folks’ Southern candied yams recipe to a serving dish. 17. Serve right away and enjoy!

Sometimes less is more when it comes to comfort foods like these sweet treats. So whether you’re hosting this year’s soul food Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving, or it’s a potluck at the office, Southern candied yams never disappoint when they’re made the soul food way.

KITCHEN EQUIPMENT: 3 -3 ½ pounds of sweet potatoes 6 cups of cool water ½ cup of water ½ cup of unsalted butter (or vegan butter) ½ cup of brown sugar ½ cup of granulated sugar 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon ½ teaspoon of nutmeg 2 tablespoons of maple syrup ¼ teaspoon of ground ginger (or minced) ¼ teaspoon of ground cloves 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract Optional – 1 ½ cups of miniature marshmallows for topping

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Sweet Potato Pie KITCHEN EQUIPMENT: Instant Pot electric pressure cooker Instant Pot Omni Plus oven (optional) Instant Pot Ace Plus blender or an electric mixer 9-inch deep-dish pie plate INGREDIENTS 1 ½ pound of sweet potatoes, washed and scrubbed (equals about 3 cups when softened and peeled) 12 oz. evaporated milk, 1 can 1 cup of light brown sugar 2 large eggs 5 tablespoons of unsalted butter, melted (or vegan butter) 2 tablespoons of vanilla extract 1 teaspoon of ginger, minced 1 teaspoon of ground nutmeg ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon ½ teaspoon of ground cloves ¼ teaspoon of salt INSTRUCTIONS: 1. Grease a 9-inch pie pan and set it aside. 2. See my recipe for homemade almond flour pie crust, or you can use a storebought pie crust, dough, or pie shell that may or may not come with its own pie pan. 3. Pro tip: Use an Instant Pot pressure cooker to soften and peel the sweet potatoes quickly and almost

effortlessly! 4. Open the Instant Pot lid and fill the stainless-steel inner pot with water to the ½ mark. 5. Add the scrubbed sweet potatoes to the pot of water. 6. Close the Instant Pot lid (make sure the valve is up – in the position for sealing) and pressure cook on high for 12 minutes to loosen the potato skin. 7. When the cooking time is finished, allow a natural pressure release for at least 12 minutes. 8. To open the Instant Pot lid, move the valve to ‘venting’ and manually release any remaining pressure, if applicable. 9. Pour the water and sweet potatoes into a colander in the sink to drain the hot water from the potatoes. 10. Once the sweet potatoes are cool to the touch, peel and discard the skin. 11. Gather 3 cups of sweet potato flesh. 12. Add to either the Instant Pot Ace blender or an electric mixer the sweet potato flesh, evaporated milk, brown sugar, egg, melted butter, vanilla extract, ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon, ground cloves, and salt. 13. Pulse or mix until the ingredients are combined and smooth. 14. Pour the sweet potato mixture into the pie crust. 15. Bake the sweet potato pie at 350 degrees F: in a conventional oven for 28-30 minutes, in the Instant Pot Omni Plus oven for 24-26 minutes, or until the pie is puffed and firm in the center. 16. Allow the sweet potato pie to cool for at least 2-4 hours before garnishing or slicing. 17. Garnish with whipped cream and cinnamon sprinkled on top. 18. Serve this Black folks’ sweet potato pie recipe warm and enjoy!

PRO TIPS: • You’ll probably have leftover sweet potato mix, depending on how deep-dish your pie pan is. You can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours. Or you can pour it into a Ziplock bag and freeze it for up to 3 months.

• You could also make mini-Black folks sweet potato pies with any leftover pie filling.

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Read it. Watch it. Listen to it.

HONORING the WORDSMITHS This month, BLAC celebrates African American wordsmiths that make us laugh, move us to tears, and cause us to think just by putting pen to paper.

W

here would the world be without wordsmiths?

Eloquent Black authors Alice Walker, James Baldwin, and Toni Morrison have given us classics.

Television writer/producer Quinta Brunson recently earned the Emmy Award for Outstanding Comedy Writer for her hit comedy, “Abbott Elementary” and Writer/Director Jordan Peele took home the Academy Award for Writing for his suspenseful debut film Get Out. If it isn’t first on the page, it isn’t on the stage, the screen, or in print.

This month, BLAC celebrates African American wordsmiths that make us laugh, move us to tears, and cause us to think just by putting pen to paper.

TV FILMS

ALL SAINTS CHRISTMAS

THE FIRST NOELLE

HALLMARK CHANNEL NOVEMBER 5, 2022

STREAMING ON BET+ NOVEMBER 10, 2022

In All Saints Christmas singer Ledisi stars as Lisette, a popular R&B singer who’s getting ready to travel home to New Orleans for Christmas. When the media mistake a photo of her with her music producer ex as an engagement announcement, her family insists that he join her on the trip. Starring Ledisi and Roger Cross.

After 20 years of friendship, Terrance and Noelle finally decide to date each other but ultimately break up when Terrance moves to London for work. Now that Terrance is back in Atlanta for Christmas with his new girl, also named Noelle, the first “Noelle” is determined to get him back and say goodbye to being friend-zoned forever.”

Starring Novi Brown, LaLa Milan, Todd Anthony

INVENTING THE CHRISTMAS PRINCE HALLMARK CHANNEL NOVEMBER 18, 2022 Hallmark Channel is brimming with festive holiday films perfect for the whole family. Inventing the Christmas Prince stars Tamera Mowry-Housely as a rocket engineer who is on the verge of quitting her demanding job until her daughter becomes convinced that her Scrooge-like boss is the Christmas Prince from a story Shelby made up years ago.

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BOOKS picture book about a young Wakandan finding her destiny.

RUNNING TO FALL: A NOVEL

By Kalisha Buckhanon AALBC PUBLISHING RELEASE DATE: NOVEMBER 1, 2022 Tragedy and Victor Powell have moved to the desirable but dark Grayson Glens enclave of dream homes just outside of Chicago. Stressed urbanites, they’ve got to live large in real life to stay large online. With only a few blacks in their elite gated community, they settle in but never quite feel at home. Then, a missing young black woman floats up in the Grayson River. Running to Fall is a suspenseful, truthful look into the lives of women who drink to survive or just to cope, with a provocative narrator who carries readers along an emotional journey to acceptance.

The Courage to Dream tells the story of Assata, a young Wakandan who hopes to become one of the Dora Milaje, the warriors who protect Wakanda. But because of Assata’s disability, she lets go of her dream.

Assata’s light shows through all the same, introducing her to surprising friends: the princess Shuri, the warrior Okoye, and the powerful M’Baku.

But only Assata can give herself what she’s missing: the courage to dream.

New York Times best-selling author Frederick Joseph (The Black Friend) and New York Times best-selling illustrator Nikkolas Smith (The 1619 Project: Born on the Water) bring Wakanda to life in this inspiring picture book about discovering who you can be.

relationships? How can we discover strength and community inside our differences? What tools do we use to address feelings of self-doubt or helplessness? What do we do when it all starts to feel like too much?

Michelle Obama offers readers a series of fresh stories and insightful reflections on change, challenge, and power, including her belief that when we light up for others, we can illuminate the richness and potential of the world around us, discovering deeper truths and new pathways for progress. Drawing from her experiences as a mother, daughter, spouse, friend, and First Lady, she shares the habits and principles she has developed to successfully adapt to change and overcome various obstacles—the earned wisdom that helps her continue to “become.” She details her most valuable practices, like “starting kind,” “going high,” and assembling a “kitchen table” of trusted friends and mentors. With trademark humor, candor, and compassion, she also explores issues connected to race, gender, and visibility, encouraging readers to work through fear, find strength in community, and live with boldness. To catch Michelle Obama’s Light We Carry tour, check out the link. www.michelleobamabooks.com

THE LIGHT WE CARRY: OVERCOMING IN UNCERTAIN TIMES

By Michelle Obama RELEASE DATE: NOV 15, 2022

BLACK PANTHER: WAKANDA FOREVER THE COURAGE TO DREAM

By Frederick Joseph, Illustrated

by Nikkolas Smith AALBC PUBLISHING RELEASE DATE: NOVEMBER 1, 2022 Set in the world of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever from Marvel Studios, The Courage to Dream is an inspiring

In an inspiring follow-up to her critically acclaimed, #1 bestselling memoir Becoming, former First Lady Michelle Obama shares practical wisdom and powerful strategies for staying hopeful and balanced in today’s highly uncertain world.

There may be no tidy solutions or pithy answers to life’s big challenges, but Michelle Obama believes that we can all locate and lean on a set of tools to help us better navigate change and remain steady within flux. In The Light We Carry, she opens a frank and honest dialogue with readers, considering the questions many of us wrestle with: How do we build enduring and honest

EAT PLANTS, B*ITCH

By Pinky Cole RELEASE DATE: NOVEMBER 15, 2022 GALLERY BOOKS/13A PUBLISHER: SIMON & SCHUSTER, INC. When Clark Atlanta University grad Pinky Cole opened her first Slutty Vegan food truck in Atlanta in 2018, she was inspired by her love of vegan comfort food. Now, after having expanded to restaurants, a bar, and

a philanthropic organization, Cole is ready to bring her best recipes straight to you. Cole now shares a collection of ninety-one delicious, guilt-free, plant-based recipes that you will love to indulge in from the comfort of your own home. With mouthwatering photographs and easy-tofollow instructions, Eat Plants, B*tch celebrates Cole’s belief that it’s fun and accessible to cook and enjoy irresistible vegan comfort food. From Avocado Egg Rolls to her Black Pea Cauliflower Po’Boy or Oyster Mushroom Parm and everything in between, it won’t be long before you will also be declaring Cole’s timeless mantra: Eat Plants, B*tch!

PODCAST

K[NO]W MERCY WITH STEPHEN A. SMITH

NEW EPISODES EVERY MONDAY, WEDNESDAY, AND FRIDAY AUDACY APP The outspoken ESPN analyst of the #1 morning sports show, First Take, brings his irreverent style to the podcast world with three-times-a week episodes that cover a variety of topics. From politics and social justice issues to celebrity interviews, and, yes, of course, sports, Smith is a master interviewer unafraid to speak his mind about anything to anyone. Guests include, rapper/actors Snoop Dogg and LL COOL J, Emmy Awardwinning talk show host, Tamron Hall, social media influencer Jake Paul, Emmy winning actress, Sheryl Lee Ralph, conservative Fox News pundit, Sean Hannity, and former CNN commentator, Chris Cuomo, you never know who will turn up in Stephen A’s world, or what he will say. November topics include midterm elections, the NBA, and more. K[no]w Mercy is produced by Cadence13 and available via the Audacy app, or wherever you get your podcasts.

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ACCESS November 20 Je’Caryous Johnson Presents “New Jack City”

November 11 - December 17 Downtown Detroit Markets and The Cadillac Lodge Cadillac Square 662 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI Cadillac Square is the spot to shop this holiday season. Whether you’re window shopping or on a spree, you can find locally made, oneof-a-kind gifts from a collection of curated Detroit vendors

Music Hall Detroit 350 Madison St, Detroit MI

November 12 Detroit Doll Show & Expo Northwest Activities Center 18100 Meyers Rd, Detroit MI The Detroit Doll Show/Expo mission is to celebrate history, culture, self love and diversity with the promotion of dolls of color.

Winter events,

concerts November 18 19th Annual Detroit Tree Lighting Campus Martius The Downtown Detroit Partnership and DTE Energy Foundation will officially kick off this year’s holiday season with the 19th annual Detroit Tree Lighting, held at the awardwinning Campus Martius Park from 5 p.m. - midnight

“NEW JACK CITY LIVE, transports audiences to metropolis-Harlem, NY where they bear witness to the journey of the infamous Nino Brown, a drug lord who, when caught in the crossfires of the dangerous drug game, must decide what’s most important: friendship, money, or total domination.

Balancing betrayal between friends, lovers, and ultimately generational hardships, this riveting rendition of the time-honored movie will have everyone leaving the theatre wondering “Am I my brother’s keeper?”

& FESTIVALS

It’s November, and you know what that means: it’s time to get out there and have some fun!

In Metro Detroit, there are dozens of events happening this month. Whether you’re into art, live music, or sports—or all three—you’re sure to find something you’ll love.

Access from BLAC has you covered with a list of some of our favorite upcoming Detroit Events and Festivals for November 2022

November 20 Damien Escobar Light Up Beacon Park Beacon Park 1901 Grand River Ave, Detroit, MI It’s an evening to remember.

Beacon Park kicks off the holiday season with plenty of festive sights and sounds of the season, including an amazing Holiday Lighting Spectacular, Santa visits, a heated Winter Lodge, food trucks and bars

November 19 Carriage Rides in Downtown Detroit Woodward Esplanade 600 Woodward Ave, Detroit, Michigan Experience the magic of Downtown Detroit from inside an enchanted horse-drawn carriage. Carriage rides take passengers on a journey through the bustling city.

Al Turner Live at The Charles H. Wright Museum Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History 315 E. Warren Ave, Detroit MI

Sound Board Theater 2901 Grand River Ave, Detroit MI MotorCity Casino Hotel welcomes Damien Escobar to Sound Board on Sunday, Nov 20, 2022, at 7:30PM.

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