Authentically Detroit is the leading podcast in the city for candid conversations, exchanging progressive ideas, and centering resident perspectives on contemporary issues — such as housing, racism, economic development, neighborhood planning, self-care, and more.

What is Authentically Detroit?

|

What is Authentically Detroit? |

Donna Givens Davidson

Donna Givens Davidson has over 35 years’ nonprofit leadership experience in areas of youth and family development, community economic development, community partnerships, and community education. Over the years, she has developed and implemented demonstration programs and worked in partnership with a number of community-based organizations with the consistent goal of increasing opportunity, building capacity, and fostering growth.

Now serving as President and CEO of Eastside Community Network as well as Lecturer at Columbia University School of Professional Studies, Ms. Givens Davidson formerly served as President of the Youth Development Commission, CEO of Visions Education Development Consortium, LLC, Executive Director of Vanguard CDC, Vice President Programs, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metropolitan Detroit and in leadership positions at several other nonprofit organizations. She serves as Vice Chair for Pewabic Pottery; board member of New Detroit, Inc., Michigan College Access Network, and Urban Research Centers; member of the Bridge Detroit Magazine Advisory Council and the Charles H. Wright Community Advisory and Action Council; and Steering Committee Member for the Lower Eastside Action Plan, Building the Engine for Community Development in Detroit, and the Detroit Resident’s First Fund.

Mrs. Givens Davidson has earned a Masters of Ed Leadership from Wayne State University, Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Michigan and a Certificate of Completion from the Harvard University Summer Leadership Institute.

Follow me

Facebook

Orlando Bailey

A lifelong Detroiter, Orlando P. Bailey learned how to practice community development in the neighborhood where he was born. Passionate about shifting the narrative of Black cities & neighborhoods, Bailey is an Emmy Award winning journalist, Director of Engagement for BridgeDetroit, co-host of the podcast Authentically Detroit, and host of Urban Consulate.

A sought-after voice for public dialogues & media, Bailey has appeared on stages & screens for The Aspen Institute, SXSW, Canadian Urban Institute, Wellbeing Cities Forum, American Black Journal on Detroit Public TV & more. In 2019, Bailey traveled across Europe with The German Marshall Fund of the United States. In 2020, he was named a BMe Vanguard Fellow. In 2015, he was selected as an Emerging City Champion by Knight Foundation and 880 Cities in Toronto. 

In 2010, Bailey was the recipient of the Martin Luther King Humanitarian Award from Eastern Michigan University, where he received his bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism. Since then, Bailey has had the privilege to interview hundreds of visionaries & changemakers, including Dr. Cornel West, Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II, Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib, Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist, U.S. Attorney Barbara McQuade, Dr. Andre M. Perry & more.

Rooted in his faith and radical love for his community, Bailey is a passionate advocate for city residents as experts in their lived experience. He continues to reside on Detroit’s Eastside.

Follow me

Instagram – Facebook – Twitter