Created Equal

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.

Dr. Dionne Powell, a psychoanalyst from New York City, joins the show to discuss the concept of racial ghosts and how it applies to the psychological wellness and treatments for Black Americans. 

Cases of unintentional cannabis use by children ages 4 to 13 grew by 60% in Michigan from 2020 to 2023, the Michigan Poison Center at Wayne State University reports. Robyn Vincent, a reporter for Chalkbeat Detroit who recently wrote about the rise in cannabis poisonings in Detroit schools; and Dr. Varun Vohra, director of the Michigan Poison Center, join the show to talk about the dangerous flip-side of the freedom that has come with legal marijuana use in Michigan.

Michigan's robust agriculture industry has come to rely quite a bit on migrant workers and the visas that bring them to our country. But a recent hike in the minimum pay for these workers has sparked a debate about the cost to farms — and potentially consumers — as well as about the pathway to opportunity for migrants. Detroit News reporter Grant Schwab and Gonzalo Peralta, staff attorney for the Michigan Immigrant Rights Center, join "Created Equal" to discuss the H-2A Visa Program and its downsides for both Michigan farmers and agriculture workers.

Today on "Created Equal," we share highlights from this week's episodes, including why schools in the U.S. are still segregated 70 years after the Brown v. Board of Education decision; the potential future of Detroit’s iconic Renaissance Center and more.

Sam White, founder of the nonprofit Shakespeare in Detroit, will return to the renowned Stratford Festival in Ontario, Canada to direct a production of "Romeo and Juliet." She joins the show along with Stratford's Artistic Director Antoni Cimolino to discuss equity in the arts and share what attendees can expect.