Detroit Is A Vibe

08/29/2026

08/29/2026

In the heart of Northwest Detroit, the intersection of San Juan Drive and McNichols Road, previously known as Six Mile Road, tells a vibrant story of community and growth. This tree-lined area, steeped in history, flourished during the 1920s and 1930s as Detroit expanded. Residents experienced a close-knit neighborhood atmosphere, with trees creating canopies overhead and local shops like the San Juan Market providing fresh produce.
The University of Detroit Mercy, which moved to West Six Mile Road in the 1920s, became a cultural anchor for the surrounding neighborhoods, impacting areas like Bagley and Pallister Park. Generations of families enjoyed local delis and bakeries, making this area a bustling hub of activity.
In recent years, the Live6 Alliance has initiated a modern resurgence at the Six Mile and Livernois intersection. Community-driven projects have revitalized the area, leading to new investments and developments. Among these is the Detroit Pizza Bar, a popular gathering spot for locals to enjoy delicious Detroit-style pizza. This blend of historical charm and contemporary vibrancy makes the San Juan area unique and inviting. The spirit of the community continues to thrive, with the enticing aroma of fresh pizza filling the air, bringing together both old and new residents in celebration of their shared neighborhood.Asia Denson, known as “The Lady Contractor,” is a Detroit-based General Contractor, real estate investor, developer, and founder of Denson Construction Services. She and her partners are also the creators of Real Estate Fridays, a monthly event series connecting and educating Detroit’s real estate community. From rehabs to new construction, Asia is actively building in Detroit while teaching others how to invest, develop, and create wealth through real estate.

08/27/2026

On August 14, 2003, Detroit experienced a sudden and widespread blackout that changed the city’s landscape. Around 4 PM, transmission lines brushed against trees, creating a chain reaction that led to the power failure. Within hours, nearly 500,000 residents were plunged into darkness.
As night fell, the city was eerily quiet without the usual sounds of electricity. Traffic lights went dark, leading to chaos on the streets as cars became stuck in gridlock. Panic spread as people realized grocery stores were closing, and fears of food spoilage grew.
Hospitals relied on backup generators, and emergency services scrambled to maintain order. Many gas stations were unable to pump fuel, leaving residents without options for generators.
The blackout lasted about 30 hours for some areas. By the morning of August 16, power began to return, but the experience left a lasting impact on the community. It highlighted the need for infrastructure improvements and brought residents together during a challenging time.
The blackout was a wake-up call for Detroit, emphasizing the importance of reliable energy and emergency preparedness in a modern world.

08/26/2026

It's going down September 5, 2026, African Festival of the Arts, Saturday Headliner, see you there!

08/25/2026

The Birwood Wall is a significant historical structure in Detroit, built in 1941 as a response to racial segregation in housing. Developed by real estate developer James T. McMillan, it was constructed to facilitate a white housing project known as Blackstone Park. This project was tied to federal financing from the Federal Housing Administration, which had policies that favored white neighborhoods and discriminated against Black communities.
To secure the necessary funding, McMillan erected the Birwood Wall, a six-foot-tall and one-foot-thick concrete barrier extending for three city blocks, to physically separate the new white development from the adjacent Black neighborhood. The wall was not a government project itself, but it was a direct result of government policies that promoted segregation.
As time went on, the demographics shifted, and by the 1970s, the neighborhoods on both sides of the wall became predominantly Black. In 2006, artist Chazz Miller and community members transformed the wall into a canvas for murals that celebrate Black history and resilience. The wall was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2021, serving as a powerful reminder of the legacy of segregation and the community’s ongoing journey toward unity and justice.
The invisible wall of 8 Mile Road represents a socio-economic and racial boundary that has long separated the predominantly Black city of Detroit from its historically white northern suburbs. Crossing 8 Mile into areas like Warren or Livonia often meant facing intense police profiling and harassment, a practice known as “Driving While Black.”
While the Birwood Wall enforced physical separation, 8 Mile became a heavily policed line where Black individuals faced systemic discrimination. Many suburbs north of 8 Mile historically operated as sundown towns, where Black individuals were unwelcome and often forced out by law enforcement after dark. I don’t own the rights

08/25/2026

Here I stand at the location of Club 666, a well-known jazz nightclub that thrived in Detroit’s historic Paradise Valley neighborhood. Originally opened around 1941 or 1942 as Dance Paradise, it was later renamed Club 666, a moniker that many believe reflects the address at 666 East Adams Avenue. Club 666 became a prominent venue for legendary jazz performances. It was renowned for its vibrant atmosphere, featuring a show bar and a chorus line, with seating for about 750 guests. The club was more than just a place to listen to music; it was a cultural hub where people gathered to celebrate life, community, and the power of jazz. It became a launching pad for many artists, providing them with opportunities to share their talents with enthusiastic audiences. This club hosted iconic artists such as Duke Ellington, Sarah Vaughan, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Dizzy Gillespie, Count Basie, Kenny Burrell, Tommy Flanagan, Lucky Thompson, the Basin Street Boys, and comedian Johnny Hudgins, who entertained audiences with their extraordinary talents. Local musicians like Kenny Burrell and Tommy Flanagan began their careers here, while Lucky Thompson led the house orchestra, helping to shape the sound of Detroit jazz. The Basin Street Boys had a notable residency in 1947, and comedian Johnny Hudgins entertained audiences with his unique pantomime acts, adding a distinctive flair to the performances. The club’s vibrant environment and rich history served as a beacon of hope and creativity during a time when opportunities for Black artists were limited. Sadly, the club and the surrounding neighborhood were displaced during urban renewal and highway construction, changing the landscape of this once-vibrant area. Club 666 remains a significant part of Detroit’s rich jazz history, celebrating the contributions of Black artists and the cultural legacy of Paradise Valley. In honor of Black Business #