Imagine a city where young voices are not just heard but are actively shaping the future. Detroit is witnessing that very transformation as students, once overlooked, are stepping into their power through the Umoja Debate League. Founded by Detroit’s own, Jerjuan Howard, this initiative main focus goes beyond debate, it focuses on cultivating critical thinkers, future policymakers, and engaged citizens who understand their role in building the Detroit of tomorrow. This is the work that changes lives, communities, and ultimately, the world.
Jerjuan Howard is leading a quiet revolution in Detroit, training the next generation of informed citizens through the Umoja Debate League. His mission is one to not be understated: empower young Detroiters by teaching them how to navigate and impact their city’s policies. By doing so, Howard is cultivating a generation of future leaders who understand the intricacies of civic engagement and public policy.
Founded in 2021, the Umoja Debate League has become a vehicle for teaching Detroit students, ages 11 to 18, critical thinking, conflict resolution, and literacy skills. In addition to these students learning how to win arguments; they are diving deep into the legislative process. From reading and interpreting public policy to understanding how city government works, they are gaining skills that will help them become active and informed participants in shaping Detroit’s future.
Howard transformed three blighted lots near his childhood home on Detroit’s west side into a community space that now serves as a hub for civic engagement. The space includes a garden, a little free library, and a debate stage where the students practice and hone their skills. His work highlights the importance and integrity of neighborhood beautification of all parts of the neighborhood, especially the abandoned parts and creating a place for community dialogue and empowering young people to think critically about the issues that affect them and their families.
Detroit City Council recently honored Howard and his students with the Spirit of Detroit Award, acknowledging his contribution to youth mentorship and civic education. Howard’s work did not go unnoticed by Council Member Angela Whitfield-Calloway, who created a youth engagement task force after meeting him. This kind of recognition underscores the importance of the Umoja Debate League’s work in the community and the lasting impact it is having on young Detroiters.
Training the next generation of informed citizens requires more than just classroom instruction. This summer, Howard took 15 students from Henry Ford High School, Cass Technical High School, and Bates Academy to Ghana for a cultural immersion program. The trip gave these students a unique opportunity to see the world beyond Detroit, helping them understand their role in a global society and broadening their perspectives on civic responsibility. These experiences are invaluable as Howard prepares them to become well-rounded, informed, and engaged citizens.
“Ghana didn’t just leave me speechless; it also opened my eyes to a world where the connections we often overlook become undeniable,” said Howard. “From the moment we landed, it was clear that this journey would be more than just a cultural exchange for Umoja Debate League and the 15 students from Detroit but an affirmative exploration of our shared cultures and values.”
Last week, the Umoja Debate League made a powerful statement as its students hosted a dynamic, student-led forum for Detroit school board candidates at the Shrine of the Black Madonna. These young minds, equipped with skills in public speaking and policy analysis, confronted the very leaders who will shape the future of their education. The event showcased how the debate league transcends classroom learning, providing students with real-world platforms to challenge, question, and influence the political landscape of their community.
“During my debate at Achimota Academy, I partnered with a Ghanaian boy who was really smart, and we developed cross-examination questions together,” said Kyndall McNeil, 12, and a student at Bates Academy. “I have a lot of similarities with him that I did not know about before this trip. I did not know what Ghana would be like, so I googled it, and it’s still not what I expected… it’s a lot better.”
The importance of these opportunities cannot be overstated. For many young people, especially in underrepresented communities, understanding how to navigate the political landscape is key to creating lasting change. Howard’s students are learning these skills at a critical time in their lives, as they begin to form their own ideas about how they can impact their community. By giving them the tools to read legislation, interpret policy, and engage with candidates, Howard is ensuring that these students will not just be spectators in the political process—they will be active participants.
The Umoja Debate League is also helping to change the narrative around civic engagement in Detroit. In a city that has faced its share of challenges, Howard’s work is a reminder of the power of young people to shape the future. By teaching them how to think critically, engage in constructive dialogue, and take an active role in their community, Howard is helping to build a generation of leaders who are ready to tackle the issues facing Detroit and beyond.
Howard’s vision for the Umoja Debate League is simple but profound: to create a pipeline for civic engagement. He knows that if young people are given the opportunity to learn about their government and understand how it works, they will be better equipped to advocate for themselves and their communities. And in a city like Detroit, where the voices of young people are often overlooked, the work of the Umoja Debate League is more important than ever.
The community space that Howard created on Detroit’s west side should not be minced to just a place for debate, rather it’s a symbol of what’s possible when young people are given the tools and the platform to make their voices heard. It’s a reminder that every neighborhood in Detroit has the potential to be a place of learning, growth, and civic engagement. And with the Umoja Debate League, Howard is ensuring that Detroit’s future is in good hands.
As the students of the Umoja Debate League prepare for what’s to come, they are preparing to take their place as the next generation of informed citizens, ready to make an impact on their city. The work that Howard is doing is a testament to the power of education and civic engagement, and the lasting impact it will have on Detroit’s future.