Blog
20 Black Detroiters Making History 2022
Detroit’s Black History is astounding. Black Detroiters have been on the forefront of the movements, art, culture, and ingenuity that we and the nation at-large celebrate in February and all year round.
We want to show the future of Detroit’s Black History.
In 2021, The Skillman Foundation first asked the community-at-large for examples of Black youth excellence that makes the world a better place. The campaign was so popular that we have decided to do it again. This year, we received dozens of nominations of young, Black Detroiters who are doing incredible work in their communities.
Below, we honor young people engaged in service, organizing, leadership, and support in their communities and who are making Black History.
1. Alexis Bagley
Age: 23
Alexis is a talented artist and graphic designer who mentors and supports young creatives through Mint Artists Guild.
2. Breanna Smith
Age: 20
Breanna is a fierce community advocate for COVID-19 vaccinations and helped neighborhood residents learn more about the vaccine and its benefits.
3. Brittyn Benjamin-Kelley
Age: 17
Brittyn is a champion of youth mental health and spearheads mental health initiatives at Detroit Area Youth United Michigan.
4. Carlito Smith
Age: 21
A musician and artist, Carlito creates music to uplift his community and marched for Black Lives in 2020.
5. Chase Wade
Age: 17
As the executive director of MOCAD’s Teen Council, Chase guides new artists and creates events and exhibitions that highlight youth voices.
6. Curtis Bates
Age: 20
Curtis co-produced and hosted Detroit’s first-ever Youth Summit in partnership with the Mike Ilitch School of Business at Wayne State University.
7. Emerson Jeffries & Jecholiah Marriott
Ages: 18 & 16
Emerson and Jecholiah helped to develop and advocate for an Online Learning Bill of Rights to ensure Detroit students could learn effectively and justly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
8. Ethan Kent
Age: 14
As a member of Communities First, Inc.’s Making A Difference program, Ethan’s work focuses on promoting civic and social involvement and connecting residents to healthy food options.
9. Jamarria Hall
Age: 22
One of the plaintiffs in Michigan’s right-to-literacy lawsuit, Jamarria continues to advocate for educational justice across the state.
10. Janiell Tyus
Age: 24
After graduating from college, Janiell returned to her alma mater, Western International High School, to serve as a mentor and advisor for students interested in college.
11. Jeremiah Green
Age: 17
As a volunteer for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan’s Passport to Manhood program, Jeremiah acts as a positive male role model to young men across Detroit.
12. Jurmel Mitchell
Age: 12
Jurmel works with the Association for the Advancement of Deaf/ Hard of Hearing (AADHH) to provide lawn care and home repair services to Detroit’s deaf and hard-of-hearing residents.
13. King Bethel
Age: 15
In 2021, King called on state representatives to advocate for better resource distribution and community development work in areas across the state.
14. Madison Reeves
Age: 14
Madison assists members of her community by volunteering with the Gleaners mobile grocery store and provides seniors with regular access to fresh and healthy foods.
15. Noah Harris
Age: 10
Noah is a literacy champion, donating books to local kids, sponsoring reading challenges in Detroit, and hosting online reading events.
16. Ragine Head
Age: 24
Ragine spent 2020 doing community outreach for both Census completion and voter registration and engagement efforts.
17. Robin Elliott
Age: 17
A champion of LGBTQIA+ students, Robin started a Gay-Straight Alliance organization at their school.
18. Sara Collins
Age: 17
As a volunteer for Life Remodled’s Youth Alliance, Sara engages young people and creates events to promote community development and pride.
19. Sharon Kimbrough
Age: 16
Sharon is the president of the Eastside Community Network’s Youth Center, The Vault, where she connects young people to community resources and hosts online events for youth.
20. Skye Morris
Age: 15
Skye co-created INFoUs Magazine, a local publication that shares youth voices and perspectives on key issues.
Do you know any young Black Detroiters making history? Share their stories in the comments below.
The Skillman Foundation
The Skillman Foundation is a grantmaking organization established in 1960 by Rose Skillman. We have granted out more than $730 million and have served as a vocal advocate to strengthen K-12 education, afterschool programming, child-centered neighborhoods, youth and community leadership, and racial equity and justice.
We are in the process of developing a new strategic framework, co-designed with Detroit youth and their champions.