Seeing yourself reflected in the world around you as a child of color can be a lifeline, especially in a city like Detroit, where Black kids often confront challenges that stem from systemic inequities. Cultural and systemic racism create hurdles but combating that trauma with the joy that comes from positive representation is essential. For Black kids, seeing themselves in powerful, positive roles in media, art, and leadership is crucial for their well-being and development. This is where the Southeast Michigan Boys and Girls Club and the students at Cass Tech High School step in, providing tangible opportunities to fill that gap and offer hope.
Harvard University’s Center on the Developing Child outlines the harsh realities faced by many families of color, stating, “Adding to the sources of stress felt by all caregivers, many families of color experience other substantial burdens: unequal treatment in health care, education, child welfare, and justice systems; entrenched barriers to economic advancement; and frequent indignities resulting from cultural racism.” This heavy load takes a toll on children who are constantly navigating a world that often does not reflect them in a positive light. The impact on their mental, emotional, and physical health can be immense. Yet, the presence of representation and opportunities that nurture their potential offers an antidote to the trauma many Black children face.
Representation matters, not just on the surface, but in profound, life-altering ways. When children of color see themselves portrayed in positive roles in media or positions of power, it opens their minds to what is possible. It affirms that they too can dream big and achieve those dreams. “Decades of research have also documented how racism in particular—whether overt or invisible to those who are not affected directly—can negatively influence the well-being of children and families” (Harvard). Still, when these kids are shown a different, positive narrative, the weight of that trauma lightens, and hope grows.
Detroit has no shortage of programs aimed at uplifting Black youth. The Southeast Michigan Boys and Girls Club has become a beacon of hope for Black kids in the city, especially with the involvement of figures like Usher Raymond. Usher, a celebrated Black artist and activist, chose the Southeast Michigan Boys and Girls Club—the only one in Michigan—as the launch site for his national campaign to expand afterschool programs. His New Look program offers young people a hands-on experience designed to inspire and empower. The inclusion of a vibrant skating rink added a special touch, combining fun with fitness. Usher’s presence alone, as a successful Black man who has used his platform for good, sends a powerful message to these kids: they are seen, valued, and worthy of greatness.
“My after-school experience at the Boys & Girls Clubs in Chattanooga, Tennessee, is where I found my spark for music —a passion that became my career. That experience is where I found my purpose which motivated me to start Usher’s New Look, an after-school program that has been empowering youth for the past 25 years. Every child should have a place which sparks their interests and helps them find their passions and purpose,” said Usher. “Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan is a powerful example of the innovation and transformational impact occurring every day at after school organizations across the country. As this year’s Honorary Chair of ‘Lights On Afterschool,’ I hope my voice can help amplify the need to close the gap for the 25 million youth who still need after school services.”
Programs like this one provide not just a safe space for Black kids but a reminder that they are deserving of the best life has to offer. These opportunities allow them to engage in enriching activities that help to combat the effects of systemic racism and cultural oppression. They create avenues for Black joy—an often-radical act in itself.
“I think it’s exciting for our kids to be able to have these kinds of opportunities to broaden their thinking, broaden their horizon,” said Shawn H. Wilson, president and CEO of BGCSM. “It helps them understand that they can accomplish anything that they want to accomplish from, you know, being an 8-time Grammy winning artist to becoming Vice President of the United States, right, absolutely.”
In addition to Usher’s impactful presence at the Southeast Michigan Boys and Girls Club, some of the young participants were also given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet Vice President and presidential hopeful Kamala Harris. Her visit added another layer of inspiration, as the children were able to see firsthand a powerful Black woman who has broken barriers on the national stage. Harris’ presence underscored the importance of representation, showing these kids that they too can aspire to leadership roles and make a difference in the world.
“So, you know the big thing we have youth here from our workforce development program, kids who have presented during New York Fashion Week as part of our fashion industry club,” Wilson said. “We have our autonomous racing team here who just competed in Abu Dhabi took first place amongst high school teams. So, I think one of the game changes for us is that we went from that gym and swim afterschool safe place model to an economic mobility workforce training and development organization.”
Beyond the Boys and Girls Club, other institutions in Detroit are creating one-of-a-kind opportunities for Black youth. Cass Tech High School, a cornerstone in Detroit’s educational landscape, consistently works to ensure its students experience the best. Under the leadership of Principal Lisa Phillips, Cass Tech has hosted events and visitors that most schools only dream of. One particularly remarkable moment was when United States Secretary of Education Dr. Miguel Cardona visited the school. Dr. Cardona’s presence at Cass Tech was a recognition of the excellence and potential that exists within Detroit’s Black students. Cass Tech was the only high school in Michigan chosen to host this prestigious visit.
“One of my key responsibilities as principal is ensuring that my Cass Tech students are connected to opportunities both locally and nationally,” said Phillips. “Last month, we had the honor of hosting Dr. Miguel Cardona, the United States Secretary of Education. This visit was especially meaningful because we were selected by the White House as one of the only high schools in the state to be recognized for our achievements in academics, athletics, diversity, and scholarship opportunities. It was important for my students to lead the visit, allowing them the chance to speak candidly with Dr. Cardona about their successes and future goals. It was a proud and remarkable day for us at Cass Tech.”
This level of engagement sends a strong message: Black kids in Detroit are capable of achieving anything, and they deserve to have opportunities that nurture their talents and dreams. Too often, the potential of Black children is underestimated or dismissed, but programs like those at the Southeast Michigan Boys and Girls Club and Cass Tech High School are proof that when given the right opportunities, these children can thrive.
“It’s essential for all kids to connect with individuals who represent their heritage. It instills a deep sense of pride and hope for the future. These connections often inspire our youth to believe, ‘I can achieve my goals because someone who looks like me has succeeded, and I can succeed too!”
Detroit has a unique ability to shape the future of its youth, particularly its Black youth. Representation in media, powerful leadership roles, and educational opportunities all serve as critical pillars in helping Black kids see beyond the limits imposed by a society still grappling with racism.
For Black children, it’s not only about what they see in themselves but also about what the world reflects back to them. Whether it’s seeing someone who looks like them in a powerful position, engaging in activities that cultivate their skills, or being part of conversations that center their experiences, Black children in Detroit need spaces where they are affirmed and celebrated. As Dr. Cardona’s visit to Cass Tech highlighted, Detroit’s Black students have exceptional potential, and they are worthy of the best opportunities available.
Detroit is special. Its kids are special. Black kids in Detroit are brimming with potential, and when they are surrounded by positive, affirming representations of what they can become, there are no limits to what they can achieve. The opportunities provided by the Southeast Michigan Boys and Girls Club and Cass Tech High School are lifelines. They ensure that Black children in this city have every chance to succeed.
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