The case for a more representative democracy

George Wallace's observational humor, and masterful storytelling have earned him a place among comedy's most iconic figures.  As a comic, writer and actor he has been casted in "Seinfeld," "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air," "Mr. Deeds" and so many more staple TV shows and films. Wallace is perhaps best known for his iconic “I Be Thinkin’ routines and his signature “Yo Mama” jokes. He currently stars alongside Laverne Cox in the comedy series, "Clean Slate."  In 2004, Wallace headlined his own show at The Flamingo Hotel in Las Vegas. It was initially only greenlit for 30 days, but the show became so popular it ran for over a decade. That's how he earned the nickname “The New Mr. Vegas.” Wallace joined the The Metro to discuss all the things he appreciates most in his life. He will take his impeccable timing and authentic insights to the Fisher Theatre stage Saturday October 25th.  

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has now pardoned Lue Yang, a Hmong refugee and father of six facing deportation to Laos — a country he’s never lived in. Just before that decision was announced, The Metro’s Robyn Vincent spoke with immigration attorney Aisa Villarosa of the Asian Law Caucus about Yang’s detention, due-process concerns, and the calls for his release. Listen to The Metro weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon ET on 101.9 FM and streaming on-demand.

America does not have a democracy. Author Osita Nwanevu, a writer at The New Republic and The Guardian, says that's true because of the electoral college, gerrymandering in the House of Representatives, and a Senate that gives more power to land than people.  Nwanevu joined The Metro to discuss his new book, and why creating a fully representative democracy could make us all better off. 

At Comerica Park, deaf and hard-of-hearing volunteers say they were excluded from a concessions program after a confusing interaction with a “secret shopper.” Now their lawsuit, led by the Sugar Law Center, is testing what equal communication means under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Co-host Robyn Vincent speaks with attorney Liz Jacob about access and accountability. Access a full transcript of their conversation at wdet.org. Listen to The Metro weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon ET on 101.9 FM and streaming on demand.

While the arts and humanities are facing defunding and disinvestment nationally, there’s a brand new space to experience the arts in Detroit’s Live 6 neighborhood.  The Detroit Mercy Black Box Theatre opens next month with a production of Shakespeare's “Twelfth Night.” It is the university’s first permanent theater on that campus, despite a 150-year history of theatre productions. Previously, students in the award-winning theatre program had practiced and performed in temporary buildings and spaces, including a space in the YMCA in Downtown Detroit. Jocelyn Boryczka, Dean of the College of Humanities, Arts and Social Science at University of Detroit Mercy, joined Tia Graham to discuss the new Detroit Mercy Black Box Theatre and what it means for the future of arts programming in the Live 6 area. She says the vision for the theatre extends beyond the university walls and invites residents of the Live 6 neighborhoods to be a part of the theatre now and in the future. The Detroit Mercy Black Box Theatre’s first production will be Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night,” with performances November 7-16. Tickets available online.

Michigan attorney Huwaida Arraf helped lead a humanitarian flotilla carrying aid to Gaza earlier this month. The ships were intercepted by Israeli forces, and she was detained before being deported. She tells The Metro’s Robyn Vincent why she keeps returning to sea and what she’s witnessed as aid access to Gaza remains restricted. Listen to The Metro weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon ET on 101.9 FM and streaming on demand.

Last week, the local campaign to implement ranked choice voting took a hit. That’s because the Michigan Association of County Clerks came out against it. What are clerks' concerns? And, can they be resolved? Oakland County Clerk Lisa Brown joined The Metro to explain.  Listen to The Metro weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon ET on 101.9 FM and streaming on-demand.

For almost 30 years now, InsideOut Literary Arts has helped countless Detroit students find a love and passion for creative writing. InsideOut was founded by Dr. Terry Blackhawk, a Detroit Public Schools teacher, who had a goal to inspire young people through the written and spoken word. Since 1995, the organization has expanded, offering classroom instructions, free performances and career opportunities after participation. This year, the organization made it a point to fill spaces throughout the city with youth poetry. They purchased 30 billboards, replacing ordinary ads with student writing. And as you drive through the Avenue of Fashion, you’ll see a new mural by artist Oshun Williams.  To cap the end of its 30th year, a party at The Norwood celebrates the joy and impact InsideOut Literary Arts over the past three decades. Suma Karaman Rosen is Executive Director of InsideOut literary Arts. Hajjar Baban is an InsideOut Alum and has a master's in fine arts from University of Virginia. She is an award-winning poet and currently a poetry reader for Muzzle Magazine. They joined The Metro's Tia Graham to talk more about 30 years of poetry and more.

The Detroit Public Library continues to expand its offerings in the community with a celebratory event blending Halloween with “Day of the Dead." The day of dancing will have music from Filipino EDM artist With Love, Harlow and Erika Irie. With Love, Harlow joined The Metro to talk more about Filipino “Day of the Dead”. We were also joined by Detroit Public Library Manager Cully Sommers. The event will take place at Detroit Public Library, its main branch, on Saturday, November 1 from 2-5 p.m. 

The Detroit Women's Commission is a new group in the mayor’s office. They’re meeting monthly to discuss challenges women face in Detroit and how to improve the lives and experiences of women calling Detroit home. It’s getting started at an interesting time. Detroit could have its first woman mayor in November, a mayor that this commission would be working with. Producer Jack Filbrandt spoke with Detroit Documenters Colleen Cirocco and Noah Kincade to learn more about Detroit's Women's Commission.