After school, more than 25 million children in the United States don’t have access to programs. In Michigan, 750,000 children need after-school programs. This means they miss out on a safe and supportive environment for learning and growing. Usher Raymond and the Boys and Girls Club of Southeastern Michigan are changing that.
The room erupted in screams and cheers when Usher Raymond entered the building and took over the Boys and Girls Club of Southeastern Michigan (BGCSM) on day 1 of his 2-day tour in Detroit for the ‘Usher Club Takeover’ for the ‘Lights on Afterschool’ program.
Hundreds of excited youths greeted him as he flashed his signature smile. Taking a break from his highly anticipated tour, the Grammy-winning artist spent Thursday afternoon delivering a memorable experience for the youth in attendance.
“I was telling our staff, there’s not a lot of people that get to wake up and inspire kids every day and change the course of someone’s life, really think about that. I’m trying to be in the moment and take it all in,” Shawn H. Wilson, President & CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan, said.
“To understand that there are going to be kids leaving out of here today saying, ‘You know, I think I want to go into tech. I think I want to go into mobility, or maybe even I want to be the next Usher’; you just never know. And that’s, that’s a powerful thing, to be able to provide that for 1600 to 1800 kids today.”
Youth with interactive career booths
During the event, in between screams and excitement, Usher shared personal stories about how afterschool programs shaped his life and announced his new role as Honorary Chair of Lights on Afterschool. The visit marked the start of his nationwide tour, highlighting the critical need for greater access to afterschool programs nationwide.
“Today is a dream come true for me, and when I was in Chattanooga, Tennessee,” Usher said as he pointed to his childhood picture behind him.
“I wanted you guys to see me then and understand the dream you can find, the passion you find and want to do with your life. I’m an example of that. But to be honest, you are the representation of what I saw back then.”
The event featured a variety of engaging activities for young attendees, including interactive career booths focused on entertainment, music, technology, and healthcare. In addition, a health fair was on site, providing valuable information and resources to promote well-being among the youth.
As part of Usher’s New Look program, the young participants had the opportunity to take part in hands-on activities designed to inspire and empower them. However, the main attraction was the inclusion of a vibrant skating rink, which offered a combination of getting active and a fun, energizing experience for all those in attendance.
“I feel good today because the kids in the city I grew up in get to experience this. The Boys and Girls Club, they always do a phenomenal job,” Kyle Black, Owner of Rollercade said.
“We’ve worked with them in the past, and every time we work with them, it’s something major, something huge, and it always benefits the local kids. So that’s a good feeling. I’m happy to be a part of it.”
Usher Raymond addressing youth
Before Usher left the excited youth, he told the room he would be back in Detroit and that this was only the beginning. He left the kids with inspirational words to keep with them as they continue to navigate through their educational journey and transition into the challenges of the real world.
“This will not be the last time; I’m in Detroit. This is only the beginning; this is only your beginning. I want you to believe in the things I know that you are,” Usher said.
“See it, say it, and make it happen”.
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