In 2023, Detroit witnessed an unprecedented surge in creativity, reaching new heights across various industries. This surge resulted in countless success stories and innovative breakthroughs. Music, media, visual arts, wellness initiatives, and community progress collectively formed the bedrock of a dynamic year that brought so much color to the city.
Tubi Takeover
Tubi, the popular streaming service, had the world in a chokehold this year. Often judged for having lower production budgets, outrageous storylines, and amateur acting, Tubi underwent a remarkable transformation in perception, particularly in Detroit. What was once deemed a joke turned into a global sensation, garnering millions of streams worldwide. The impact wasn’t limited to the success of black creatives; Detroit’s directors, actors, producers, and media companies all experienced significant achievements.
Dennis Reed II emerged as a powerhouse, delivering more than 20 films, 16 of which claimed the top spot. His influence extended further as he inaugurated a state-of-the-art production studio, solidifying his position in the production realm. Detroit’s film industry celebrated additional milestones with the debut of the Black Indiestream Film Festival & Awards (BIFFA), featuring the premiere of Dame Dash’s “Prince of Detroit” movie.
Randi Rossario made a significant impact by unveiling her eagerly awaited independent TV show, “The Randi Rossario Show,” which is available on streaming services. This release underscored her continual progression in the media sphere. Adding to the excitement, the announcement of the “6 Mile” series created a buzz in the city, with Detroit residents eagerly anticipating the narratives that will unfold about this infamous stretch of city street.
Love and Marriage Detroit
In 2023, “Love & Marriage: Detroit” made its debut, eliciting pride throughout the city. The OWN Network show served as a spotlight on a city in ascension, celebrating the strength of Black culture. Focused on three African-American couples deeply rooted in Detroit—Russell and Kolby Harris, Brandon and Kristina Bowman Smith, and Anthony and Dr. LaToya Thompson—the series showcased their commitment to staying in the city, striving to create the best possible lives for their families in this resurging community. Kingdom Reign Entertainment, the production powerhouse, managed all series within the ‘Love & Marriage’ franchise. Additionally, ITV America played a role in producing “Love & Marriage: Huntsville,” with executive producer King overseeing all three series.
Detroit Youth Choir
The Detroit Youth Choir envisions providing the youth of Metro Detroit with a top-tier performing arts experience that nurtures their creative skills and talents. Capturing global admiration during their appearance on America’s Got Talent, although not securing the grand prize, the choir went on to achieve remarkable feats, becoming a familiar presence at local and national singing events.
Adding to their accomplishments, the choir brought forth thrilling news in 2023—the production of their own reality show, set to air on the Disney network. This development marks a significant milestone for the talented youth, further expanding their reach and showcasing their journey to a broader audience.
Visual Artist
Murals took over the city in 2023 as Detroit artists were encouraged to leave their mark on the world. Phil Simpson, despite facing a mix of success and controversy when his distinctive smile mural was blown from the Broderick Tower, continued to leave an indelible mark by painting numerous murals across the city. His mission of spreading joy resonated throughout the year, earning him an exciting opportunity to contribute his artistry to the 2023 Ted Talk Detroit.
The emergence of The Coloring Museum provided a unique sanctuary for artists and those seeking an artistic outlet. This innovative business allowed individuals to literally color the walls, making a dynamic entrance into the Detroit scene and offering a fun and unexpected creative outlet that many were unaware they needed.
Detroit-based photographer Cyrus Tetteh made a significant impact by releasing a photo book titled “Only in Detroit.” The message conveyed to the world through his lens reflects the authentic spirit of Detroit, with the hope that people will embrace the essence captured in his moments. Tetteh’s goal is to challenge stereotypes and uplift the city.
Another source of pride in the photography community was Breanna White, recipient of the Michigan Chronicle 40 under 40 award. Her 2023 photo series, “Dance of a Black Man,” showcased stunning images of Black men portrayed as angels, contributing to a powerful narrative of beauty and grace.
We also got to witness the continued growth and emergence of artists, including Sheefy McFly, Mario Moore, Cydney Camp, Ijania Cortez, Cailyn Dawson, Bakpak Durden, Conrad Egyir, Jonathan Harris, Sydney James, Gregory Johnson, Sabrina Nelson, Patrick Quarm, Senghor Reid, Jamea Richmond-Edwards, Rashaun Rucker, and so many others.
Community Safety
New Era Detroit continued to promote change and community in 2023. In a significant move this year, the organization unveiled The Safe Zone app. This innovative tool empowers Detroit residents to report public safety incidents and directly call 911 from a mobile application, contributing to efforts aimed at reducing violent crime. The app’s purpose is to offer diverse civic engagement opportunities and resources for the community, providing a convenient platform for reporting and checking public safety concerns in specific areas.
Another notable community advocate in the spotlight this year was Darren Riley with JustAir. Riley’s activism and unwavering commitment to addressing environmental injustices are spreading like an infectious wave of equality throughout Detroit, reminiscent of the smoke from the Canadian wildfires. His mission revolves around empowering communities and ending environmental inequities by introducing innovative air pollution monitoring solutions and raising awareness about the urgent need for a healthier, cleaner future for all Detroiters.
During the past summer, Wayne County announced a groundbreaking collaboration with JustAir Solutions. This collaboration harnesses the cutting-edge technology developed by JustAir Solutions to track and combat air pollution, showcasing a forward-thinking initiative to address environmental challenges in partnership with the community. Riley was even included in a Joe Bidden commercial, furthering his impact.
Feel Good Folks
Throughout the year, certain creatives consistently drew us in for more, and rightfully so—they made us feel good. Mia Ray and her luxury brand Glamaholics not only delivered exceptional content but also crafted high-quality products, firmly establishing the brand’s reputation. Glamaholics made a notable change with their first-ever pop-up within the mall, offering a glimpse into a promising future. Keeping up with the luxury girls, Lip Bar found a new home, providing Detroiters with a space to take pride in, contributing to the flourishing Black Girl Boss movement unfolding in the city.
In the sports arena, pro boxer Claressa Shields maintained her undefeated record, keeping fans on the edge of their seats throughout the year. Shields opened up about her upbringing and motivations, endearing herself to fans even more. Meanwhile, Demetrius Harmon showcased his influence by becoming one of the city’s top influencers, spreading joy and laughter along the way.
The creative community truly sparked this year, injecting a radiant energy into the city. As we look ahead to 2024, anticipation builds for what’s to come in the evolving and thriving creative landscape.
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