Created Equal

On this episode of "Created Equal," host Stephen Henderson is joined by PR and communications consultant Karen Dumas and Arab American News publisher Osama Siblani to discuss the first 2024 debate between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump — strong and weak points, the presidential race and how the debate affects African American and Arab American voters.

The first debate between former President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden is coming up tonight. Earlier this month, Trump made a campaign stop at 180 Church in Detroit in an attempt to appeal to both Black and Latinx voters. Today on "Created Equal" we're joined by five guests — including Lorenzo Sewell, lead pastor at 180 Church — to discuss the role voters of color will play in the 2024 election.

ReThink I-375, a coalition of community voices challenging the “I-375 Reconnecting Communities Project,” released a list of 11 action items directed to the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and other government officials on Tuesday. Coalition members Melanie Markowicz and Kimle Nailer join "Created Equal" to discuss the group's action items and how the state has responded so far.

In the years following the Civil War, formerly enslaved Black Americans in the South were promised "40 acres and a mule" to provide them with land and resources for economic self-sufficiency. For many that promise was never fulfilled, and a recent investigation by the Center for Public Integrity found that more than 1,200 people received – and then lost – their land under the program. April Simpson, a reporter with the Center for Public Integrity and co-author of the "40 Acres and a Lie" report, joins "Created Equal" to discuss her findings.

the first over the counter birth control pill is now available in pharmacies across the U.S. Dr. Meredith Field, an assistant professor in the Division of Social Sciences at Alfred University in New York, joined Created Equal on Monday to discuss how over-the-counter birth control access provides opportunities for greater gender equality and bodily autonomy in America.

Today on "Created Equal," we share highlights from this week's episodes, including “heat islands” and why urban areas like Detroit are more at risk during heat waves; how Gen Z became known as the “lockdown generation,” and more.

In 2023, the nonprofit Climate Central found that the urban heat island effect is elevating local temperatures by at least eight degrees Fahrenheit in 44 U.S. cities — including Detroit — exposing residents to higher risks of heat-related illness and higher cooling costs. Sustainability expert Hessam AzariJafari and local forester Lawrence Sobson join the show to discuss innovative ways for Detroit to make the summer heat more bearable for its residents. 

Juneteenth marks our nation's second independence day — when the last of America's slaves were freed by executive decree. The day has long been celebrated by the African American community, but how do Americans commemorate the holiday today? On today's episode of "Created Equal," we take a look back at some previous conversations on the show that examine racial equity and history in the United States.

The increasing prevalence of mass shootings in schools and public places has forged an alternate name for Generation Z. Growing up in the midst of America’s gun violence crisis, some are calling them the “lockdown generation.” On today's episode of "Created Equal," Stephen Henderson speaks with a student, a former educator and a gun-violence expert on Tuesday to discuss how gun-violence in schools has affected younger generations.

In his latest book, "Raw Deal: The Indians of the Midwest and the Theft of Native Lands," Michigan author Robert Downes aims to highlight the often unknown history of the Indigenous populations in the region. Downes joins "Created Equal" to talk about his book and his life-long interest in Native American history.

How can you still maintain a relationship with your child after being behind bars? On this episode of "Created Equal," host Stephen Henderson discusses the many challenges incarcerated parents face with advocate and public speaker Tore Price — an incarcerated father himself who was sentenced to 10 years in prison and left behind his 2-year-old son. Price shares his experience with fatherhood, incarceration and the proposed legislation he advocates for.

In 1997, a 13-year-old Black boy named Lenard Clark was attacked by a group of older white teenagers in Bridgeport, Chicago. The attack was so severe that Clark fell into a coma. Chicago’s response revealed how underlying racial dynamics in its neighborhoods worked against black Americans’ pursuit of justice for racial beatings. This case motivated Yohance Lacour to become a journalist. His award-winning podcast, “You Didn’t See Nothin,” recounts the events surrounding the attack. The seven-part series focuses less on the attack and more on public and media responses. Lacour joined Stephen Henderson on "Created Equal" to discuss the case.

Imagine being convicted of a crime you did not commit and wasn’t present when it occurred. This sentencing is possible under a legal doctrine called felony murder. It has the power to sentence a person to a maximum of life in prison for their non-participation in heinous crimes. Sarah Stillman, the winner of the 2024 Pulitzer Prize in Explanatory Writing, joined "Created Equal" to discuss her examination of felony murder.

Black Americans searching for employment during the Civil War is not something we often think about. Massachusetts was known as a free state during this time, which made African Americans living in Boston not part of the enslaved population in the United States. But when it comes down to knowing what the word "free" really means, many Americans may not know the full story. Author Jacqueline Jones joined "Created Equal" host Stephen Henderson to discuss what African American lives were like from the perspective of freedom versus slavery.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer joins "Created Equal," to share more about what she'd like to accomplish at this year's Mackinac Policy Conference, and what her immediate goals for the state are. Also, U.S. Representatives Elissa Slotkin and Dan Kildee join the show to discuss their goals for this year's conference, as well as Rip Rapson, president and CEO of The Kresge Foundation, and Wendy Jackson, managing director for the Detroit Program at Kresge, to talk about the organization's 100th anniversary.

Everyone who attends the Mackinac Policy Conference has their own specific agenda they'd like to accomplish. On Wednesday's special MPC episode of "Created Equal," host Stephen Henderson was joined by Democratic U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters, as well as Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, to hear their goals for this week and plans for the future.

Stephen Henderson is broadcasting live this week from the Mackinac Policy Conference with WDET colleagues Cheyna Roth (MichMash), Russ McNamara (All Things Considered) and Nick Austin (The Metro). Listen to his conversations with some of the state's top decision makers here, or go to wdet.org/mpc. We'll be back with more Created Equal on Friday.

For the first time in Mackinac Policy Conference history, Senate hopefuls have declined the Detroit Regional Chamber's invitation to debate on the island. Sandy Baruah, president and CEO of DRC, joined "Created Equal" host Stephen Henderson to discuss how changing U.S. political dynamics have altered candidates' campaign strategies.

Today on "Created Equal," we share highlights from this week's episodes, including a new wage increase for migrant workers and how it's putting pressure on Michigan farmers; the concerning rise of children unintentionally consuming cannabis edibles and more.

Memorial Day weekend in Detroit means Movement — the popular, funky dance festival that celebrates electronic music. On today's episode, we talk with two of the city's cultural icons, Adriel Thornton and Stacey Hotwaxx Hale, about the origins of electronic and House music in Detroit, and how the growth of the music dovetails with the creation of a safe space for the city's Black and queer communities to be expressive.