A tragic drive-by shooting on Friday, June 27, at Skinner Playfield in Detroit claimed the lives of 4-year-old Samir Grubbs and 18-year-old Daviyon Shelmonson Bey. Samir was shot in the back while climbing a ladder—he never even got to the slide. Daviyon heroically dove in front of gunfire, attempting to shield others.

In light of the shootings that happened Sound Mind Sound Body Foundation has partnered with the Yorkshire Black Club, Detroit Police Department, the Rapper Trick Trick, The Ballmer Group/Unity Way, Denby HIgh School and several Criminal Violence Intervention Organizations to host a Unity in the Community Event July 2, 2025 from 1:00pm-4:00pm. It will include football...

By Demetrius Carrington

One day, I found myself behind the wheel, tears streaming silently down my face. It wasn’t any one thing, but a swirl of emotions: sadness, burnout, loneliness, and an overwhelming sense of being underappreciated. I couldn’t quite put my finger on the cause. I have amazing friends. I can be social when I want to be. But the truth is—I’m single, and I don’t want to be. I’m looking for the right situation. I want to be married. I want to live out the rest of my life in the middle of a beautiful, soul-deep love affair.

What I do know is this: I’m running on fumes. I’m overdue for a vacation. I’m burnt out—mentall...

By Larry Williams

What if the ID card in your wallet did more than prove your identity? What if it quietly chipped away at your privacy, personal freedom, and even religious rights? As the final national deadline for REAL ID enforcement looms, many Americans remain unaware of the full implications of this federally mandated identification system. Promoted as a way to enhance security and streamline identification, the REAL ID Act may actually be a gateway to something far more concerning: the erosion of fundamental civil liberties.

Originally passed in 2005 as a post-9/11 counterterrorism measure, the REAL ID Act was designed to standardize driver’s licenses across all 50 states. It r...

By Blain Dhowney Sr.

Hip-hop is more than a genre—it’s a movement, a voice, a reflection of culture, and a storytelling platform unlike any other in music. But somewhere along the way, the essence of hip-hop began to shift. The power of lyricism, substance, and real-life storytelling—the foundations laid by the greats—has been buried beneath waves of repetitive content, club beats, and shallow bravado. It’s time we ask: where are our legends, and why aren’t they front and center?

Unlike other musical genres where age adds value—think rock, jazz, or blues—hip-hop is the only art form where maturity is often met with resistance. The moment an MC r...

In an era where wellness often feels like a luxury or an afterthought, Stormie Anderson is leading a revolution—one that is grounded in compassion, rooted in science, and unapologetically transformative. As the visionary owner and operator of House of Contour Spa and Wellness in Southfield, Michigan, Stormie has carved out a space that is as healing as it is empowering.

Since opening its doors in 2021, House of Contour has become a sanctuary for over 500 clients, guiding them through their personal wellness journeys and collectively shedding more than 20,000 pounds—a remarkable feat by any standard. But numbers alone don’t tell the whole story. Behind each pound lost is a li...

When it comes to experiencing Detroit from a fresh perspective, there’s no better way than by water—and no one does it quite like Taylor Made Charters Detroit. Nestled at the Historic Sinbad’s Restaurant and Marina, this exceptional charter service offers more than just a boat ride—it provides an unforgettable escape, tailor-made for every guest.

Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, planning the perfect proposal, organizing a girls’ day out, or just looking to unwind on a beautiful summer day, Taylor Made Charters specializes in crafting personalized experiences that feel luxurious, effortless, and above all—memorable.

From the moment guests arrive ...

By D. O’Brien Martin

Our nation’s political loyalties, especially within the Black community, have shifted dramatically over the past century. Once hailed as “the Party of Lincoln,” the Republicans emerged from the Civil War and Reconstruction eras as champions of freedom, leading the fight to abolish slavery and enshrine civil rights through the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments. The party helped usher in an era where Black leaders like Robert Smalls and Hiram Revels rose to power, and it was the Republican Party that most African Americans supported passionately during the post-Civil War years.

But the political landscape began to shift in the 1930s with Franklin D. Ro...

By Dennis Barry

As Detroit awakens under warm summer skies, a new rhythm settles over its skyline: the steady hum of conversation, clinking glasses, and upbeat laughter drifting from rooftops across the city. These elevated venues are more than just bars—they’ve become stages for Detroit’s resurgence, where history meets modern luxury under the open sky.

Take The Monarch Club, perched atop the neo-Gothic Metropolitan Building. With its candlelit terraces, crackling fire pits, and plush banquettes, the venue feels like a rediscovered secret. Once the jewelers’ domain, the rooftop now blends mid-century grandeur with contemporary finesse, offering a 360-degree vista of do...

By April Riles

Summer’s warmth invites fresh flavors, vibrant colors, and carefree dining. Here are five sensational salads that capture the essence of the season—complete with easy-to-follow recipes and perfect wine pairings to elevate your table.

1. Peach Basil Summer Salad Bowl 🌿

Recipe:
4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
1 ripe peach, sliced
½ cup cooked quinoa
½ cup cooked chickpeas
¼ cup thin-sliced red onion
½ cup fresh mozzarella pearls

Peach-Basil Vinaigrette:
1 ripe peach, peeled & diced
3 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tsp honey
6 basil leaves
Pinch of salt & pepper

Blend until smooth.

Assembly: Toss all salad ingredients with vinaigrette.

Wine Pair...