Send a text

In this compelling interview, Hartford Smith Jr. shares his inspiring life journey, from Alabama to Detroit, highlighting the systemic challenges faced by Black Americans and the ongoing fight for justice. Drawing from history, politics, and firsthand community activism, he offers powerful insight into the roots of inequality and presents practical strategies for meaningful social change. His story serves as both a blueprint for action and a testament to resilience.

Resources:

• Seeds of Discontent Series – https://uwmadison.edu/seeds-of-discontent
• Hartford Smith Jr.’s Lectures and Recordings – https://youtube.com/seedsofdiscontent
• Wayne State University – https://archive.org/details/HartfordSmithJr_Seeds_Ep21
• Morehouse College – https://morehouse.edu
• Law Services: www.perkinslawgroup.net
• email Todd Perkins: tp@perkinslawgroup.net

Watch the Youtube Podcast:

https://www.youtube.com/@PerkinsforThePeoplePodcast

Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction and the Significance of Black History Month
02:35 – Alabama Roots and Early Childhood
07:00 – Poverty, Violence, and Healthcare Disparities in the South
15:35 – Early Motivation to Leave the South and Pursue Education
18:35 – Journey to Atlanta and Morehouse College
20:35 – Studying Social Sciences and Activism in Atlanta
23:02 – Transition to Detroit and Wayne State University
25:05 – Academic and Athletic Pursuits at Wayne State
27:41 – Legal Studies and Work at Wayne County Juvenile Court
32:44 – Innovations in Juvenile Justice and Community Programming
36:44 – Challenges in Implementing Social Programs
41:01 – Progress and Setbacks in Race Relations
43:18 – The Election of Barack Obama and Its Impact
50:57 – Rising Resentment and the Role of Media and Politics
55:55 – Economic Inequality, Wages, and the American Dream
01:01:39 – Hope for the Future and Collective Action
01:08:54 – Strategies for Social Change: Boycotts and Coalitions
01:14:29 – Final Reflections from Hartford Smith Jr.

Send a text

This Black History Month, Perkins for the People honors a living chapter of Detroit Black history with Judge Joseph Norvell Baltimore, retired former Chief Judge of Detroit’s 36th District Court.

Judge Baltimore takes us from the Virginia farm where he started working at seven years old to the courtrooms of Detroit, sharing the discipline, faith, and determination it took to build a life in the law when the odds weren’t designed in his favor. He reflects on what it meant to be a Black lawyer in a predominantly white legal system, how those experiences shaped him on the bench, and why respect, compassion, and dignity have to be part of justice.

This isn’t just a career story. It’s a reminder that Black history isn’t something we only read about, it’s something we carry, build, and pass forward.

Judge Baltimore shares:

• Growing up working on a Virginia farm at age seven
• Choosing education when it wasn’t encouraged
• Navigating law school and the legal world as a Black man
• The transition from attorney to judge
• Why compassion and respect belong in every courtroom

Black history isn’t only behind us, it’s living, breathing, and still being written. This episode is proof.

Please contact a trusted attorney if you have any questions:

www.perkinslawgroup.net

Follow Attorney Todd Perkins on social media:

FB / toddrussellperkins_

IG / toddrussellperkins

FB / perkinsforthepeople

Youtube / @toddperkinsforthepeoplepodcast

Send a text

In this episode of Perkins for the People, Attorney Todd Perkins sits down with Inkster Mayor Byron Nolen for a real, unfiltered conversation about leadership, justice, and the fight for community power. Mayor Nolen shares his journey from attorney to public servant, explaining what pushed him to step up when his community needed a voice.

Together, they unpack the real issues—skyrocketing water bills, the emotional weight of losing public schools, and the daily struggle of serving a city with dignity and transparency. They also dive into hard truths around national and international politics, including the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and how these global events impact local communities.

This episode isn’t about political theater—it’s about purpose. Mayor Nolen speaks candidly about his congressional run in Michigan’s 12th district and the importance of leading with compassion, not ambition. If you’ve ever wondered what it means to lead with integrity in today’s world, this conversation is a must-listen.

Please contact a trusted attorney if you have any questions:

www.perkinslawgroup.net

Follow Attorney Todd Perkins on social media:

FB / toddrussellperkins_

IG / toddrussellperkins

FB / perkinsforthepeople

Youtube / @toddperkinsforthepeoplepodcast

Chapters

00:00 – Introduction to Mayor Byron Nolen
05:41 – The Impact of Community Engagement
08:59 – Education and Community Identity
11:51 – Water Management Challenges
14:41 – Political Aspirations and Community Needs
19:02 – The Importance of Representation in Politics
22:12 – Due Process and Rights of Individuals
25:33 – The Role of Wealth in Politics
28:44 – The Complexity of Global Conflicts
30:34 – The Numbness to Global Suffering
32:01 – The Challenge of Peace in Conflict Zones
33:21 – Local Politics and National Implications
34:47 – The Role of Public Service
36:06 – The Future of Political Representation
38:33 – Campaign Communication and Engagement
40:57 – Legal Career vs. Public Service
42:08 – Reflections on the Shaw-More Incident
43:41 – University of Michigan’s Handling of Controversy
48:53 – Political Landscape and District Dynamics
51:15 – Independent Candidates and Political Strategy