The Skillman Foundation

Here at The Skillman Foundation, we are big fans of Authentically Detroit, a podcast hosted by Donna Givens Davidson and Orlando Bailey that takes a comprehensive look at contemporary issues—such as housing, spatial racism, economic development, neighborhood planning, self-care, and community trauma—and how they impact Detroit.

With a love of listening to the perspectives of young people, we provided funding for Authentically Detroit to produce a series that would feature Detroit youth while teaching them the ropes of podcast production. The Vaulted Youth Podcast is led by five youth fellows who are trained to research, produce, engineer, and host. Each fellow is mentored by an experienced journalist and introduced to local political, philanthropic, and nonprofit leaders who impart information on Detroit’s history, current events, and government affairs. Each fellow receives a stipend of $1,200 and produces at least two livestream broadcasts.

Listen to the Vaulted Youth Podcast

Detroit Teens: No Snitching & Surveillance
A discussion about Detroit’s Project Greenlight program and Detroit’s no-snitch culture with Kayla Jemison, Johnathon Cook and Nashae Johnson (featured in the photo below).

Detroit Teens: Feeling Seen & Heard
A discussion about gun violence affecting young lives in Detroit and the nation. Isaiah Bell, Kayla Jemison and Nashae Johnson (featured in the photo below) interview Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib about the realities of they face as young Detroiters.

Detroit Teens: Our In-School Experience
Nashae Johnson, Donavan Krease, Stephon Anderson, and Johnathan Cook talk about their learning experiences during the COVID pandemic.  

Detroit Teens: We’re Better Than What The Media Says About Us
Nashae Johnson, Kayla Jemison, Donavan Krease, and Johnathan Cook critique how the media portrays Detroit youth.