Entering the 313…
manifesting detroit
It all started back in 2021, when Lamont invited me to Detroit to film a project. I was genuinely excited, the script was powerful, centered around music in Detroit! I low-key had been planning a midwest road trip and I wanted to hit St. Luweeee, Chicago and then end the trip in Detroit...So the idea was brewing. Around that time, I was just beginning to get my lupus under control. I decided to take a chance, come off my medication, and do everything in my power to take care of my body in a holistic way. Knowing I was at the early stages of holistic healing I knew that traveling to a new city and carrying the weight of directing would put too much stress on my body. So, I had to pass. Fast forward to November 2024, and I’m on set for a new film, working alongside some incredible humans. Alignment happened and my next project was…. You guessed it! Detroit! Not only was it a phenomenal filming experience but I got to experience winter time in Detroit! Detroit durning black history month! ANDDDD we filmed in legendary places! I WAlked THE SAME FLOORS AS MICHAEL JACKSON! I went into places I never imagine stepping foot in. Let me tell you though how God works… Back in September of 2024 I asked God for a year of traveling for work. I wanted to experience something new but I needed work to take me to the places. The wish was granted. January 1st I was on a plane headed to a place where many dreams have came true!
who needs tsa?? You Vanna…You need TSA!
This was my first time packing for a long trip. If you know me you know I love my clothes. I still don’t know why I didn’t check my duffle bag or just get a rolling carry-on. My backpack was heavy and full. I had a winter coat I had to carry… I did not have the best plan when it came to packing for this trip. The goal is to get better at packing for long term travel…..and get TSA pre-check because I almost missed my flight.
Some cool views from the sky. It felt like I was flying above Mars.
LANDING IN 313
GRATITUDE
MONEY TREES IS tHE PERFECT PLACE FOR SHADE
WHAT DOES THE CITY LOOK LIKE?
Fun fact about me! I am really into Architecture, designs of homes, neighborhoods, states. One of the reasons I enjoy traveling is seeing how the architecture of homes differ from state to state. The culture shock for me was the way everything looked. A lot of brick homes. Industrial building. I saw things I’ve never seen before. Have you seen a boiler before?!?!?!? It looks crazy !
detroit History
I made it a mission any time I had off to explore the city. Even if I wasn’t off and it was a evening event I did my best to participate in activities. It was cool to learn great facts about the city. Detroit is another one of those major black cities in the united states. I think everyone should visit Detroit but black people really should make it their mission to not only visit but contribute the growth to a black led city.
All the places I traveled to
Motown Museum
DIA Detroit Institute of the Art
The Charles E Wright African America Museum
A Theater… I can’t remember the name but it’s a legendary one.
Masonic Temple
Berry Gordy Mansion
Aretha Franklin Mansion
The largest Outlet Mall in Michigan
Belle Isle
Aretha Franklin Amphitheater Theater
Floods
People’s Record Store
The St. Regis Hotel (MLK Suite)
Piston’s Game Little Caesars Arena
All the malls! Y’all know I shopped
now let me act like i came here for work and not a vacation
One really unique thing about this project is we filmed in pretty cool locations. The Berry Gordy Mansion. Let’s talk about it. Growing up as a super fan of Michael Jackson all I could think when I was in the house was Michael Jackson walked the same floors I’m walking on. Marvin Gaye and Diana Ross sung in this room! The energy of the Motown lived in the building.
ever been in a house tunnel before?
aretha franklin mansion
learning adversity
life with the snow
This was my first time being in this type of snow. I’m from Las Vegas and any other place I’ve lived has never had a degree lower than 30. Now I was apart of that Atlanta snow day back in 2014 but that was chaos. No real snow. All of this to say I enjoyed the snow. This was my first birthday where I celebrated it actually cold. It was one degree on my birthday.
always pack a extra pair of shoes
everyday moves
Very blessed to have this experience. I worked with a great crew and cast! There are at least 5 experiences I had on this trip that I can now look at and see how god worked it all out. I ate gritz everyday and that’s how I gained the 13 pounds I’ve been trying to gain for many years.
