Detroit’s Youth Assembly took place this past week, bringing together young leaders from across the city for an evening of engagement, learning, and civic dialogue. The event, organized by the City of Detroit’s Youth Affairs team, aimed to empower youth voices and give participants tools to make an impact in their communities.
“One thing I’m taking from today’s event is definitely to be a little more compassionate. While we see a lot of issues and instantly want to blame somebody, it’s never really one person’s fault. But if a lot of people can get together to work towards something, it can be fixed,” said Cierra Gee, 17, from Jalen Rose Leadership Academy.
Gee who is also a youth activist and organizer reflected on the need for more youth-centered programming like this one—Detroit Youth Assembly, “While it may be seen as catered towards youth, only youth really know what they need. So definitely just focusing a little more on what is actually needed in the community,” she said.
Valerie Brown, 17, senior at Western International High School, highlighted the need for year-round career opportunities for youth in tandem with programs like Grow Detroit’s Young Talent (GDYT) . “I’d like to see more internships and connections with law firms, nursing, doctors, and other career paths—not just during the summer,” she said.
Shamere Duncan, Youth Affairs Engagement Coordinator, reflected on the event as a “full circle” experience.
“I came to the mayor’s office at 19 during the Mayoral Fellowship program, and during that time, I learned a lot about what was happening in my neighborhood and behind the scenes of city government. To put together an event that would do that same thing for other young people…was a full circle moment,” Duncan said.
She added that the assembly equips youth with critical information and resources for the future: “I think a lot of young people are walking away with so much information—information they need to store in the back of their brains so that when the time comes, they know about it.”
Duncan also shared dreams for the Youth Affairs Department’s future, including expanding the team to reach more young people citywide and continuing to prioritize youth voices in decision-making.
As students and community members left the assembly, there was a sense of purpose and determination. “The city is giving us opportunities to be heard, and we have to take them,” Cierra Gee said.
The Detroit Youth Assembly, which is one of many events put on by the Department of Neighborhoods’ Youth Affairs, continues to serve as a bridge between young people and city leadership, empowering Detroit’s next generation to actively shape the future of their neighborhoods.
