Magi, Wayne State University School of Law Juris Doctor Candidate & Musician

Former Hood: “Actually, I’m quite the nomad. I’m from the other side of the planet. As an infant and an early adolescent, I lived in Kaiserslautern, Germany. By the age of five my family and I made an exodus to Rochester, N.Y, where I lived until mid puberty. And in the summer of 1995 I moved to North Carolina, the tar-heel state and then moved to Detroit in August 2009”.

Current Hood: Midtown, Detroit

How long he’s been in the D: 8 months

Magi on his experiences as a Detroit Transplant:

“I moved to Detroit from North Carolina to get my juris doctorate degree at Wayne State University School of Law. My mom was excited about my move; she was all about trying to see David Ruffin at Hitsville. Her favorite movie is the Temptations.

The biggest difference between Detroit and North Carolina is the weather and North Carolina’s access to mountains and aggregate farmland.

In Detroit I enjoy dancing with the locals, being an open box and grooving to the beat with a smile on my face to an array of people”.

On his opportunities:

“Aside from Wayne, my other options were to study law in North Carolina or Florida, continue teaching, or pursue a PHD in History. In weighing my options, I chose Wayne State because I was impressed by their awesome law program. Besides Wayne State’s convenience, it’s also a great source of revenue for the city. Unfortunately it’s a commuter school; the vast majority of my classmates live outside of Detroit. There are some great professors at WSU Law, and some of them really have your back. Law School is difficult: life as a 1L is very robotic, that is, read, eat, sleep, read, eat, sleep—please repeat process every day. My social life exists in the realm of R.E.M. I’m a dreamer”.

On his other passion:

“I live music. I’m a psychic landscaper. I craft tunes using a multitude of soundscapes. My sound is best described as mind travel. The style varies depending on my mood. I make down-tempo, broken beat, lounge, hip-hop, trip hop, new bossa, and liquid jazz. I use a custom made MPC 1000 sampler/drum machine, SP-202 sampler, Roland 61 key synthesizer and keyboard, an m-audio midi synth keyboard, classical guitar, and countless crates of records. My music is featured in several skate videos. You can hear my music on my Afro Punk profile and my blog. I’m working on my 4th album now, “Lifeless Mythology”.

Detroit Discoveries:

“Great skate spots, great food, great dance scene, great art scene, talented people… Detroit’s soulful. I’ve discovered a plethora of art, music, and museums in Detroit. Detroit also has a vibrant dance scene, especially jitting. I get “loose” in a variety of styles. Recently, I’ve been focusing on “rocking”, a dance born in Brooklyn during the 1960s. Additionally, I dance funk styles, b-boy, salsa, and house. Since I’ve been here, I’ve danced at Motor City Funk Night, Afro Punk Tour, several break-dance battles, Dally in the Alley, drum circle, and several practice spots in areas surrounding campus. I’m always trying to get on a good foot.

When I’m not studying: My favorite place to go in Detroit is the DIA. My favorite things to do besides checking out art at the museums are skating ledges and handrails in midtown, searching for the unthinkable…whatever that may be, searching for new restaurants, going to shows at the Magic Stick/Majestic, and dancing at random spots. I’m always looking for something new”.

Most interesting person he’s met in The D: “Marvhe from Robotops. That kid has mad potential”.

Magi’s Future Plans: “Practice law, make music, spread love, travel the world, and debunk myths…”

Inspiration for others thinking of moving to the D:

“It’s not ghetto. Don’t believe the hype and keep an open mind. Just follow your dreams. Ignore the dissent!”

Related Websites:

• Magi’ Blog
• Magi’ Afro Punk Profile

Do you have an innovative idea that would positively impact the state of Michigan? Would you like a scholarship or internship in exchange for that idea? The Motivate Michigan Competition is offering college students just that!

“Motivate Michigan wants to take that future and make it the present. You can help do this by submitting your innovative ideas to help better Michigan and enter for the opportunity to compete for scholarships and internships! Lets do something positive for Michigan!”

Once you submit your idea, the top 10 entrants will receive scholarships and be voted on by the general public. The top 5 votes will go on the last phase which includes presenting in front of a judging panel.

Click here to see if your school is participating, hurry the deadline is March 12, 2010!

Source:  Time Detroit Blog

My-Ishia Cason-Brown, Actress, Dancer, Model, & Blogger

Age: 29

High School: Thurston High School

College: Oakland University

Neighborhood/City: Detroit

How she’s making her mark on the city of Detroit:

“I am a part of the emerging film industry that’s here in Michigan  I’ve worked on many movies sets  as an actress, PA and as a stand-in. I created MIbookedit.com because I was getting really frustrated with people jumping out of the woodwork ready to take advantage of Michigan actors who are excited about the new film industry here.  ‘Give me $400 dollars and I’ll teach you everything you want to know about acting in two days’. It was like every weekend there was some new over-priced workshop  making false promises to people”.

“MIbookedit.com is a great resource for actors here in Michigan.  I post tons of information and share links and articles about auditions, film festivals, contests, acting schools, and other industry information.  A lot of actors are still walking around with black and white head shots or some glamour shot that has been Gaussian-blurred the mess out of.  Big no-no, you have to look just like you plus everything is in color now. In order to compete with LA we need to step up our game!  So my blog’s purpose is to provide a guide to help out newer actors here in Michigan”.

On how she got her start:

“Years of training, auditioning and just keeping my eyes on the prize and moving forward. My mother has always kept me in the arts, at church events  I was on point with my Christmas and Easter speeches.  I  took dance classes, and performed in many plays and talent shows at the Northwest Activity Center.  I got great joy out of performing, I have always wanted to be an actress or some type of artist (laughs). I did a lot of research on talent agencies.  I would look in newspapers and online for auditions to go to.  My first professional role was a back up dancer in  Perilous Times at the Music Hall. ”

On her work:

Biggest role: “I played Veronica Yonker in “Valley Song” at Detroit Repertory Theatre.  I  have played a lot of lead roles in many independent films.  In Gran Torino I was the Muslim Receptionist, in Meet Monica Velour I played Jazelle and in the The Domino Effect directed by Paula van der Orest, I play the airline employee.  In 420, an independent movie that is currently filming here, I play the role of Tessa and I love this character because it is very mentally and physically challenging” .

On why she chooses to stay in Metro Detroit:

“Detroit is my home and it’s where my family is. I was inspired most by  my mother, she exposed me to museums, theaters, and opened me to appreciate life and everything in it. The city itself has so much potential with all of it’s jewels. I still believe in Detroit,  the work is coming here.  I like the challenge because as actors when we audition we’re going up against  LA , NY, and Chicago actors. To land a role is an amazing feeling.”

On her favorite things about Detroit:

“I love the Eastern Market, the Movement: Detroit Electronic Music Festival and the Detroit’s Winter Blast!”

On what she wishes you knew about Detroit:

“The historical importance.  Beautiful areas such as Black Bottom and Paradise Valley.  Famous shows that started off here such as Soul Train and the Scene.”

On future plans:

“I want to continue my success in the movie industry”.

My-Ishia’s words of wisdom:

“As far as trying to break into the Detroit Film Industry, if you are happy with just being on set as an extra it’s a piece of cake.  If you are more serious you’ll have to put a lot of work into it: taking classes, practicing monologues, auditioning for short films, plays and commercials.  Have a great talent agent that knows your strengths.  Self promotion is great. Self-produce your own work and have your tools together.  I know a lot of actors who have a talent for writing and they write, direct, and produce their own work.  If you are willing to put forth the effort you should do pretty well in the industry here.  Most importantly it’s about who you know, networking is very important!”

Related Websites:

• My-Ishia’s Website
• My-Ishia’s IMDB profile
• MIbookedit.com

-Margarita Barry

Detroit Young Professionals (DYP) is bringing together movers and shakers from across Southeast Michigan to honor 10 remarkable innovators and changemakers at our 2nd Annual Vanguard Awards. This event was established to recognize and celebrate outstanding Detroiters who have distinguished themselves through professional leadership and service to our community.

The Vanguard Awards will be held on Thursday, March 25, 2010 from 7:00pm – 10:00pm at Amnesia, Motor City Casino.
View the nominees and purchase your tickets here.

Andrew Wagner, the editor of our favorite DIY magazine ReadyMade, recently took a trip to Detroit and was so  inspired that he decided make future plans for the magazine’s involvement in the city.

He says:

“It’s hard to imagine a more ReadyMade city so please, keep an eye out over the next few months for our future involvement there. And while I saw A LOT over my three days there, I couldn’t capture everything that happened and I’m sure I missed some things so by all means, let us know what we need to see”.

Read more…

We can’t wait to see what ReadyMade has up their sleeves for the dirty mitten!

Source via Claire Nelson

Melinda Anderson, Event Designer & Producer at
MeMe Design & Events

Age: 34

High School: Cass Tech

College: University of Michigan, Architecture

Neighborhood/City: Oak Park (Coming back to The D Soon!)

How she’s making her mark on the city of Detroit:

“I design one-of-a kind events that highlight the great people, architecture, and music of the D.”

Photo by Myron Watkins

On how she got her start:

“I kind of stumbled upon it when I volunteered with Detroit Synergy for Linen on the Lawn years ago. I loved creating the event and working on the look and feel so much that I decided to do a career change. Initially I always wanted to move to New York or LA to pursue event design but decided to give it a go here. No one would hire me because I had no “real” experience…that is until I spoke to Todd Hardiek of Colonial Event Rental. He and his team were the first ones that gave me a shot and I have been designing ever since”.

On her work:

“I have done small and large, weddings, baby showers, birthday parties, SXBL 40, and fundraisers. Best Event: For five years I poured my heart into designing and producing Bravo Bravo at the Michigan Opera Theatre. Worst Event: The Mystique Masquerade at the Music Hall. I learned to under promise and over deliver.

Usually my events are hot and sexy with lots of hot music, flowing fabric, sleek furniture, and cabanas…LOTS of sexy people and a sexy look. For the  upcoming 80’s event, I am switching it up and will be making the vibe sexy, cheesy, and lots of fun. Think Animal House meets Sixteen Candles. I have break dancers, 3 DJ’s – Dj Surab Deb, Dj Dolce DeLuca, and DJ PhifeDog (Breakin/School Daze Rm), That 80’s Band will perform. I just found two Atari’s (flashback version) and TONS of 80’s style memorabilia. I have searched high and low through junk yards, and the Salvation Army for the perfect look. I will be joined by my talented partners Kia Chevon of Ke Event Productions, and Crystal Marie of C-My Style events producing and designing this event”.

On why she chooses to stay in Metro Detroit:

“I have always yearned to move back to Europe but my heart is here. I stay here because it is my desire and dream to build the impossible. I love Detroit and believe in the possibility of it becoming a truly great city. We need to start investing in this city with our time and talents. Right NOW!”

On her favorite things about Detroit:

“I love exploring Detroit with my family and friends. I have lived here for 33 years of my life however, I am always discovering more layers to this fascinating and underground city.”

Photo by Myron Watkins

On what she wishes you knew about Detroit:

“I wish people would not take Detroit for what they can see with their eyes, but for what they experience here. Detroit feels like a grown-up fraternity/sorority where many individuals are working hard to make great things happen.”

On future plans:

“I have bunch of GREAT events in the making for the summer and this fall. I plan to produce 6 big events and year and to continue to build my brands. Eventually, I would also like to get on the national circuit and to take a couple of the events on the road such as to the SuperBowl, Olympics, Grammy’s, or other big events such as that. That is my dream. But I plan to now build and establish my studio, and to make beautiful memories one event at a time”.

MeMe’s words of wisdom:

“You have to work your butt off. Although it is sometimes hard to to, you have to  believe in yourself and continue to make your dreams become a reality. My favorite quote is \”When one strives in the direction of his\her dreams, the outcome will be greater than anything every imagined…\” something like that, but I believe in this every day.”

Related Websites:

• MeMe Design & Events
• DetroitMe Blog

IAYD launched a month after this competition ended, but we thought this was just too awesome not to mention. Last year CNN Money’s Assignment Detroit asked five Detroit advertising agencies: Why would anyone smart, young, and creative move to or stay in Detroit? Which we’re geeked about, because that’s precisely the question we’re trying to answer with this blog. It’s very interesting to see their different takes on the question.

We loved Campbell-Ewald’s interview with Burn Rubber’s Ro Spit:

And Global Hue’s postcards definitely spoke to the heart of the Detroit that we grew up in.

McCann and and Leo Burnett also gave the others a run for their money.

Not sure who the winner was, but our vote goes to Doner’s Shackleton Plan Campaign, if only because it seems to be the only agency to keep the momentum going after the competition was over.

As for us…we’re no fancy schmancy agency, but we’ll continue to try to come up with new and creative ideas to attract and retain smart, young, and creative people to the D. Use our new “feedback” tab on the left to submit and vote for your favorite ideas.

If you’re looking for a larger outlet to share your ideas, don’t forget about the This Is Young Detroit event happening this week. IAYD’s own Margarita Barry will be there, if you’re interested in meeting the face behind the blog. Probably not, but you should go anyway.

Source: CNN

Lauren Henrikson, Founder of The Free Store/Free Change

Age: 23

High School: Wayne Memorial High School

College: Wayne State University

Neighborhood/City: Romulus

How she’s making her mark on the city of Detroit:

“Growing up in Metro Detroit, I knew that many people weren’t able to make ends meet within our economic system.  After working with a number of non-profit organizations in my teens, I wanted to start a program that would offer a unique solution to the problems that my community was facing, a program that would encourage people to work together to help themselves and each other.

In 2005, as a part of my second semester work in Wayne State University’s Honor’s Program, I developed The Free Store, a place where those in need could obtain clothing, food, and other necessities at no cost. Since our beginnings in the Cass Corridor, the event has moved around Detroit and has run on a weekly and monthly basis in donated spaces within Detroit, Highland Park, Hamtramck, and currently, Romulus, Michigan. I also work full-time as a researcher at the Center for Urban Studies on initiatives which aim to improve the safety and vitality of the Midtown area. ”

Photo by Detroitblogger John

On why she chooses to stay in Metro Detroit:

“I think Metro Detroit provides unique opportunities that aren’t available anywhere else.  Even when I was considering universities as a teen, I chose Wayne State because I thought that even the “best” universities, the Ivy League schools, wouldn’t provide the hands-on experience with urban issues that I could receive in Detroit.  We’re living in Detroit in a very interesting time–the city is a laboratory.  It’s ripe with potential”.

On how she accomplishes her goals:

“In many ways, Wayne State University was the catalyst for me, whether it was through encouraging me to pursue this idea in the real world, providing opportunities for research, or helping the organization receive non-profit status through the Community Legal Resource Center. I don’t think I could have done it without the support and assistance of family and friends.  My mom has been my partner in this through and through.”

On her favorite things about Detroit:

“I think the city is poetic.  It’s history, it’s current condition.  And the fact that at this point, if you have enough energy, you can really try anything here.”

On what she wishes you knew about Detroit:

“I wish that people knew about all of the the efforts of those working to improve Detroit.  I also wish they knew about all of the interesting events and attractions that the city has to offer.”

On future plans:

“I plan to continue working with Free Change/The Free Store to obtain a permanent place for our operations.  I also want shift the Free Store into a cooperative,  so that everyone that benefits from the Free Store will give back through donating their time/skills to fellow members.  Ideally, I’d like to see sustainable communities around The Free Store with members sharing skills and services outside of our economic system.

I also am currently developing a small business that sells natural and unique home and body products, Renaissance Verite. I also plan on working on music and a comic in the near future.”

Lauren’s words of wisdom:

“Anything is possible, you just have to take the first step and try.  Have confidence in your vision, but be realistic.  Don’t take negative people seriously.”

Related Websites:

• www.Free-Change.org
• Free Change’s Facebook Group
• Renaissance Verite
• www.cus.wayne.edu

We told you that this is a movement! Model D’s February Speaker Event is called This is Young Detroit and asks “Are we making Detroit a place where young and talented people want to be?”

The event will be held on Feb. 25 at the Majestic Theatre, 4120 Woodward Ave., in Midtown. and features guest speakers Brian Ellison, Palencia Mobley, Alok Sharma, Akindele Akinyemi, Roland Leggett, and James Canning.

For more info visit Model D

Detroit Transplant is a new feature that will spotlight those who have relocated to Detroit and found success.

Lori Robinson, Editor of B.L.A.C. Detroit Magazine

Former Hood: Born in Washington, D.C., raised in Silver Spring, MD.

Current Hood: Detroit

How long she’s been in the D: 5 years

Lori, on her experiences as a Detroit Transplant:

“[I moved because of] My husband’s job. He teaches at Wayne State. I didn’t know much about Detroit beyond Motown, the auto industry and the negative crime reputation promoted by national media”.

“This city produces an extraordinary number of extremely talented people! Detroiters are strong, resourceful and resilient. One disappointment is the lack of rapid transit. While Detroit has the same problems as other large urban centers, it has so much potential. I’ve learned that it also has a phenomenal history of positive social change and activism”.

On her opportunities:
“I am totally enjoying the opportunity I have to redesign and edit a magazine focused on Detroiters of African descent–our culture, our creativity, our challenges and our strengths”.

Inspiration for others thinking of moving to the D:
“I highly recommend my church, Transforming Love Community. It is a non-traditional, non-denominational spiritual home that welcomes everyone and inspires, motivates and uplifts. I also recommend living in downtown or midtown. After college, I lived in Brooklyn for a while. I love city living, having access to restaurants and shops nearby. We don’t have the mass transit we should yet, but there are some great spots to explore and enjoy downtown”.

Related Websites:

• www.BLACdetroit.com
• http://twitter.com/BLACMagazine
• www.facebook.com/BLACdetroitmagazine
• www.LoriRobinson.com