State Rep. John Olumba, I-D, Detroit, says he wants to lead Detroit. In an interview with the Michigan Citizen, Olumba said he wants to lead the troubled city into an “age of revival.” “I’m encouraged because we’ve always shown our ability to bounce back,” he said. But he questions the record of some of the candidates. “Are we going to go with someone who’s been a part of the political establishment? Across ...

Detroit hip hop artists are respected around the world as masters of their craft, but while much of the attention is given to the men holding the microphone, the women in the city have commanded the stage and set their own mark as leaders among a global community of artists. On May 14, the women of hip hop in Detroit will headline the stage as 5e Gallery’s The Foundation celebrates its fourth anniversary at ...

Old school hip hop fans are in for a treat as Slick Rick (left) and Doug E Fresh (right), along with Big Daddy Kane, MC Lyte, Sugarhill Gang, Rob Base and Whodini, take the stage for a one night only performance May 18 at the Fox Theatre. The concert begins at 8 p.m. Tickets are on sale now at the Fox Theatre and Joe Louis Arena box offices. Also at all Ticketmaster locations and Ticketmaster.com. For more ...

Over 60 residents and community leaders called on local, state and federal officials to design an evacuation plan in wake of the April 27 explosion at the Marathon Petroleum refinery in the 48217 neighborhood. State Representative Rashida Talib, Detroit City Council Member Brenda Jones and members of the Community Advisory Panel: Theresa Landrum, Dr. Delores Leonard, Jackie Smith and Tyrone Carter held a pr ...

“I’m leaving, but I won’t be far….I’m leaving, but I won’t be gone….I’m leaving, but I’ll still be here.” DPS Emergency manager Roy Roberts announced his retirement to board members at his 14th floor offices at the Fischer Building May 2. However, after the meeting, board members said he sounded as though he would still be around, telling them after his contract expired May 16, he would serve as a consultan ...

Recent evictions in the downtown and midtown area send the message to some that the new Detroit does not include many of the old Detroit residents. “This is going to end up like Harlem,” says lifelong Detroiter Betty Scruse. “They’re going to have the best and we’re going to have what’s left.” Scruse, 56, was recently evicted from her apartment at the newly renovated Alden Towers at 8100 East Jefferson. ...

Julie Colquitt, owner of Just Cuttin’ Up, always knew she would be a barber. The 47-year-old received her first set of tools as a pre-teen. “When I was in the seventh grade, I asked my mother for a pair of clippers for my birthday, and she honored me,” said Colquitt. “I had never been to a barbershop, I had three brothers, and I had never seen them get their hair cut.” Colquitt says she always knew cutting ...

Golightly Career and Technical Center Agriscience program is continuing a tradition that began over 30 years ago. Since 1981, students at the Detroit Public School have sold plants at the Belle Isle Conservatory. This year, Golightly students will hold a plant sale May 18-19 and a Community Garden Day May 21. The Golightly students belong to the National FFA (formerly Future Farmers of America), which suppo ...

Hip hop music needs a return to the fundamentals, bass-heavy beats, drums to get the people moving and an emcee to keep the crowd hype. “For Namesake,” the new album from Nametag and Nameless, is one of those albums that will make fans remember why they first fell in love with hip hop, from the first turntable scratch to the last bass kick. ...

5e Gallery in Detroit has been a mainstay in the city’s hip hop landscape since 2008. Since its opening on Michigan Avenue in Corktown, 5e has provided a welcoming creative atmosphere for the area’s large community of talented hip hop artists. In the summer of 2010, the gallery moved down the street to its current location, 2661 Michigan, Avenue, a larger building that could better accommodate the founders’ ...