Usher Raymond, an icon known for his contributions to music and entertainment, is set to take his influence to new heights. On September 12 and 13, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan will host Usher for a two-day event that seeks to ignite the conversation on a crucial issue: the need for expanded afterschool programs. Usher’s appearance will continue a national campaign, stopping in Detroit, to shed light on the importance of these programs and how they shape the futures of Black youth, especially in underserved communities.
“As the founding CEO of Usher’s New Look, and I am excited to work with Usher again in my capacity with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan to amplify the need to expand afterschool programs. It’s a true full-circle moment,” said Shawn H. Wilson, president and CEO of BGCSM. “For 25 years, Usher has shown a commitment to impacting the lives of youth after school, and I can’t think of anyone else who has the credibility and demonstrated dedication in this space.”
As Honorary Chair of the nationwide ‘Lights on Afterschool’ campaign, Usher plans to share his own story, reflecting on how afterschool programs played a pivotal role in his journey to success. This partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs not only showcases Usher’s deep commitment to the next generation, but it also positions him as a leading voice advocating for expanded access to afterschool programs across the country. For Detroit, a city that consistently fights for resources and opportunities for its youth, this event holds significant weight.
Usher will be present at the event to engage with youth, share his personal story of how afterschool programs shaped his life. Usher’s New Look will collaborate with BGCSM and various industry partners to offer teens interactive learning opportunities, including the 3C Sports Zone, an Industry Clubs showcase, and the Corewell Health Wellness Hub, all designed to help them discover their passions and explore potential career paths. During the event, Usher will also announce his role as the honorary chair of ‘Lights on Afterschool,’ a national initiative promoting the importance of afterschool programs.
“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.”
The program promises a series of interactive and engaging activities aimed at expanding their horizons, both career-wise and personally. Career exploration will be at the forefront, with interactive booths dedicated to various fields, including entertainment, technology, music, and healthcare. These booths will allow young people to imagine themselves in industries that might otherwise feel out of reach, and it’s an opportunity to connect with professionals and resources that could guide them toward these paths.
Usher’s New Look foundation will also be on-site, offering hands-on activities designed to engage youth directly. The foundation, already known for its work in leadership and talent development, focuses on equipping young people with skills for the future. These activities will show Detroit youth not only the value of dreaming big but also the concrete steps they can take to realize those dreams. From understanding the music business to exploring tech, the activities are tailored to the interests and ambitions of young people, with a keen focus on those who are too often overlooked in these conversations.
A health fair and skating rink will round out the event, bringing together physical wellness and fun. The rink offers an outlet for the youth to let loose while the health fair will connect them to vital wellness resources, showing that their holistic development matters just as much as academic or career success. The inclusion of health resources ensures that young people see the importance of taking care of their bodies as they grow into their futures.
What’s most compelling about this event is its connection to a larger, nationwide movement. Afterschool programs have long been a refuge for youth, especially in cities like Detroit, where families may not have the resources to offer a full range of extracurricular activities. These programs often provide a safe space, offer mentorship, and introduce kids to new career paths that they may not encounter otherwise. Usher’s decision to anchor this movement in Detroit speaks volumes about the city’s ongoing push for expanded opportunities for its Black youth.
Afterschool programs often serve as lifelines for parents who need safe and engaging environments for their children when school hours end. These programs are more than just a place to go—they are hubs for learning, mentorship, and growth. Unfortunately, access remains limited, especially in underfunded communities, making the nationwide focus of the ‘Lights on Afterschool’ campaign all the more important. It’s about making sure that every child, regardless of their zip code, has access to the tools and support they need to thrive. And Usher, through his own story, exemplifies how afterschool programs can truly change lives.
This event will undoubtedly put a spotlight on the need for sustained investment in afterschool programming, not just in Detroit but across the nation. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan have long served as a pillar of support in the community, and this partnership with Usher’s campaign adds a layer of visibility and urgency that could move the needle on funding and resources. This is a call to action for policymakers, local leaders, and community advocates to rally behind the push for expanded programming.
As Usher uses his platform to inspire the next generation, the hope is that this Detroit event will galvanize the community to recognize the power of afterschool programs and fight for every child’s right to have access to them. It’s a mission that’s deeply tied to the future of cities like Detroit—where youth are not just the future but the present, and investing in them now is a matter of necessity.
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