This week, Donna and Orlando took an opportunity to catch up with each other on current events local and nationwide!

Detroit's current political landscape is buzzing with anticipation as the mayoral race heats up, with key candidates vying for the position amid pressing social issues and community needs.

This discussion highlights the desire for compassionate leadership and deeper engagement with residents. They also tackle critical topics like immigration policies and how they affect us locally as well as public health concerns around the closure of Lafayette Coney Island.

If you have topics you want discussed on Authentically Detroit, click here!

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Authentically Detroit presents a special interview with Detroit-born director and writer, Lawrence Lamont!

Lawrence Lamont got his start shooting music videos for Grammy-Nominated Artist, Big Sean. Previously Lawrence directed multiple episodes of HBOMax's Rap Sh!t Season 1 and 2, produced by HOORAE Productions. He also completed a pilot for HBOMax and shot the Detroit Pistons branding campaign for the 2022-2023 season.

“One Of Them Days,” starring Keke Palmer and SZA, serves as his feature directorial debut. The film follows best friends and roommates Druex (Keke Palmer) and Alyssa (SZA) after they discover Alyssa’s boyfriend has blown their rent money, the duo finds themselves going to extremes in a comical race against the clock to avoid eviction and keep their friendship intact.

To watch the trailer for “One Of Them Days,” click here.

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This week, Donna was joined by guest host Dwan Dandridge and Marc Alexander, the founder of Lite Tuition. Together, they discuss the transformative potential of economic solidarity and the strategic navigation of social circles to overcome systemic obstacles.

Marc’s story is a testament to the collaborative spirit that can drive significant social change. In 2009, Marc Alexander was a senior at Kettering University struggling to finance his next semester of school. When word of his struggles to secure a student loan reached his local paper, he was blessed to receive an anonymous check in the mail to cover the rest of his education. The check came with one message, "Pay it forward," and Marc set out to do exactly that.

In his mission to support other students struggling to finance their education, Marc created the company Lite Tuition, a social tech company that empowers students to increase their fundraising potential through a custom built crowdfunding platform. Light Tuition is a beacon of hope for those burdened by financial struggles due to student loans debt.

For more information on Marc Alexander and Lite Tuition, click here.

FOR HOT TAKES:

WAYNE COUNTY PARKS DIRECTOR, HUSBAND FACE GUN CHARGES AFTER DISPUTE OVER 10-CENT CAN DEPOSIT

HOW DETROIT WANTS TO SPEND $346 MILLION IN FEDERAL DISASTER RECOVERY AID

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