60 Examples of Detroit Genius: 51-60
Detroit youth possess genius. Their talent comes in all forms: academics, arts, sports, service to the community, and more.
To celebrate Detroit genius, we asked the community-at-large to let us know of young people who astonish and inspire.
Here, we highlight honorees 51 through 60.
Detroit’s Young Protest Leaders
Age: 16-24
Genius: Community Organizers
Several Detroit youth—including 16-year-old Stefan Perez and 24-year-old Nakia Wallace—have emerged as leaders in Detroiter’s demonstrations to end police brutality and advance racial justice.
Tanay Dixon
Age: 18
Genius: Academic Superstar
Tanay was valedictorian of her class at Chandler Park Academy and attended Harvard’s Secondary Summer School Program, earning a 3.75 GPA and eight college credits.
The Cody Rouge Youth Council
Ages: 14-18
Genius: Community Organizing
The Cody Rouge Youth Council spent the last two years working with the City of Detroit to develop a youth-centered Neighborhood Framework Plan.
The Detroit 7
Ages: 20-24
Genius: Groundbreaking Advocates
In 2016, seven Detroit students filed a lawsuit arguing that literacy is a constitutional right that they and their peers were denied. Four years later, a federal appeals court sided with the Detroit 7, but facing immense political pressure, took the rare step of vacating its favorable ruling. The State of Michigan settled the lawsuit, including proposed legislation to provide Detroit public schools with $94.4 million for literacy-related programs.
The Detroit Phoenix Center Youth Action Board
Ages: 21-23
Genius: Community Service Leaders
This Youth Action Board built a hygiene and resource closet at a Detroit high school and distributes supply bags to students in need.
Tiara E. Jones
Age: 24
Genius: Stellar Consultant
A management consultant at Accenture, Tiara helps both for-profit and nonprofit organizations solve complex business problems, improve operations, and get measurable results.
Undra & Austin Mack
Ages: 12 & 14
Genius: Young Entrepreneurs
Undra and Austin’s business endeavors include operating a landscaping company, selling thousands of copies of an original book, and developing mobile apps.
Victoria BD Bradley
Age: 16
Genius: Recording Artist & Record Producer
Writing about personal and social issues, Victoria began producing music with the Michigan State University Community Music School at age 12. She released her first solo project on her 16th birthday.
Zwena Gray
Ages: 17
Genius: Youth Champion
A talented coder and fashion designer, Zwena coached an elementary robotics team and sells her designs to raise money for other youth.
The University Prep Science & Math Middle School Chess Team
Ages: 10-14
Genius: Chess Champions
The UPSM Chess Team are national champions, competing in tournaments all over the country and consistently bringing trophies home to Detroit.
Check out the full list of Detroit Genius honorees and share this blog using #DetroitGenius.
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.