What Black Michiganders say their communities need

Coup D’état is a one of two local shops in Michigan to be chosen for New York Times list of 50 Best Clothing Stores in America. The article states Coup D'etat is inspirational and distinctive in its approach to customers and its community.  Located on Detroit's east side, its nestled in a growing community of new and legacy Detroit residents. The store has embedded itself with local movers and shakers, making sure to be present and open to support local makers. In 2025, Coup D'état held an art exhibition honoring the legacy of Detroit photographer Bill Rauhauser, highlighting the work he did capturing everyday life in Detroit through the 20th century. Angela Wisenski-Cobbina is the owner and founder of Coup D’état. She wanted to make sure the boutique was than luxury shop, she wanted it to be inclusive for all people at all price points. Angela spoke with The Metro's Tia Graham about opening the space in 2019 and the journey so far.

What policies do Black residents in Michigan want to see? The Center for Community Uplift at the Brookings Institute surveyed Black residents across the state of Michigan to uncover policies they felt improved their quality of life. They released a report with 29 recommendations. Andre Perry, a senior fellow at Brookings and the director of the center joined the show and broke down some of the findings from the report.

Detroit siblings Miriam and Ernesto came to the U.S. together as toddlers. They grew up one grade apart, sharing a life, a city, and a future. Now Ernesto is behind the walls of the North Lake immigration detention center in Baldwin after being detained by ICE on his way to work — despite legal work authorization and a pending green-card application. After Miriam tells their story, The Metro also spoke with Christine Suave of the Michigan Immigrant Rights Center, who explains the legal landscape and what options remain for someone in Ernesto’s position, and State Sen. Stephanie Chang, who discusses what Michigan lawmakers can and cannot do in response to federal immigration enforcement decisions. Listen to part 1

Detroit siblings Miriam and Ernesto came to the U.S. together as toddlers. They grew up one grade apart, sharing a life, a city, and a future. Now Ernesto is behind the walls of the North Lake immigration detention center in Baldwin after being detained by ICE on his way to work — despite legal work authorization and a pending green-card application. His sister Miriam joins us to reflect on their childhood and the shock of his arrest.  The Metro also spoke with Christine Suave of the Michigan Immigrant Rights Center, who explains the legal landscape and what options remain for someone in Ernesto’s position, and State Sen. Stephanie Chang, who discusses what Michigan lawmakers can and cannot do in response to federal immigration enforcement decisions.

Lue Yang was born in a Thai refugee camp after his family fled Laos. The Hmong refugee has lived in Michigan since he was 8 months old. While he is here legally, Yang previously had a 1997 criminal conviction. Though it was expunged in Michigan, that isn’t recognized by federal immigration law. That resulted in ICE agents arresting Yang in July at his work. He was in prison until last week when he was released with the help of Michigan Republican Congressman Tom Barrett. The congressmember joined Robyn Vincent to discuss. 

When Michael Ibrahim’s parents handed him an oud at ten years old they sparked a drive within him to honor the music that was central to his upbringing. Years later, he founded the National Arab Orchestra, which has performed across the country and established itself as a national leader in Arab music. Michael Ibrahim, who is also the organization's music director, joined the program to share his musical origins, how the orchestra came to be, and why he believes music can bring communities together.

Last month, the Michigan State Board of Education changed its standards guidelines for the first time since 2007. Those changes include explaining and exploring things like gender identity, gender expression, healthy romantic relationships, and understanding one's own emotions. Co-Vice President for the State Board of Education Tiffany Tilley joined The Metro to discuss what the changes might mean for schools and students across the state.

As one of metro Detroit’s premiere dance companies, Eisenhower Dance Detroit provides local choreographers and directors opportunities to showcase their work. It also gives dancers a space to work and develop their craft in an industry that is extremely competitive.  The dance company is now working with world renowned dance choreographer Maxine Doyle.  Doyle is best known as co-director and choreographer of Sleep No More, the groundbreaking immersive production that redefined site-specific performance in New York and London.  Doyle has showcased across the globe, in countries like England, Germany, Switzerland and now the US in Detroit.  “Beyond” will debut at the Detroit Film Theatre in April of 2026.  “I Am Not Myself,” commissioned by Doyle, will be a featured.  Maxine Doyle and Artistic Director of Eisenhower Dance Detroit Stephanie Pizzo joined The Metro’s Tia Graham to speak about the power of dance. 

Jazz emerged from the Black community in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in the South.  The Great Migration and the promise of a better life brought jazz north, where Detroit became a mini haven for the genre and its expanding sound.   The film titled "The Best of the Best: Jazz from Detroit” wants to remind audiences and lovers of jazz of the rich history and artists that Detroit has shared with the world.  The documentary transports audiences through time, exploring the intersections of Detroit jazz with the importance of the Great Migration to Black Bottom and beyond. It features giants that you’ve heard on The Metro before like Rodney Whitaker, Marion Hayden, Regina Carter, Kareem Riggins and Endea Owens.  Best of the Best: Jazz from Detroit is streaming on Prime Video. Mark Stryker is a journalist, author and filmmaker. He is also a co-producer of “The Best of the Best: Jazz from Detroit”. 

Detroit’s children have weathered school closures, aging buildings, and years of state oversight. Now Michigan voters may decide whether a surtax on the wealthiest residents can change the story. Co-host Robyn Vincent talks with organizer Imani Foster about what Invest in MI Kids could repair.