Strengthening the future as the Umoja Debate League trains Detroit’s next generation of civic leaders

Imagine a city where young voices are not only heard, but actively shape the future. Detroit is witnessing this very transformation, as students who were once overlooked are empowering themselves through the Umoja Debate League. The main focus of this initiative, founded by Jerjuan Howard of Detroit, goes beyond debate. She focuses on cultivating critical thinkers, future policymakers and engaged citizens who understand their role in building the Detroit of tomorrow. This is the work that changes lives, communities and ultimately the world.

Jerjuan Howard is leading a quiet revolution in Detroit, educating the next generation of informed citizens through the Umoja Debate League. His mission cannot be underestimated: He wants to empower young Detroiters by teaching them how to control and influence their city’s politics. In doing so, Howard is developing a generation of future leaders who understand the intricacies of civic engagement and public policy.

Founded in 2021, the Umoja Debate League has evolved into a vehicle to teach critical thinking, conflict resolution and literacy skills to Detroit students ages 11 to 18. Additionally, students learn how to win arguments; You delve deep into the legislative process. From reading and interpreting public policy to understanding how city government works, they’ll gain skills that will help them become active and informed participants in shaping Detroit’s future.

Howard transformed three run-down properties near his childhood home on Detroit’s west side into a community space that now serves as a hub for civic engagement. The space includes a garden, a Little Free Library, and a debate stage where students can practice and hone their skills. His work highlights the importance and integrity of neighborhood beautification of all parts of the neighborhood, especially the abandoned parts, and of creating a place for community dialogue and empowering young people to think critically about the issues affecting them and their families.

The Detroit City Council recently honored Howard and his students with the Spirit of Detroit Award, recognizing his contributions to youth mentoring and civic education. Howard’s work did not go unnoticed by Councilwoman Angela Whitfield-Calloway, who formed a youth engagement task force after meeting with him. This type of recognition underscores the importance of the Umoja Debate League’s work in the community and the lasting impact it has on young Detroiters.

Educating the next generation of informed citizens requires more than just classroom instruction. This summer, Howard took 15 students from Henry Ford High School, Cass Technical High School and Bates Academy to Ghana for a cultural immersion program. The trip offered these students a unique opportunity to experience the world outside of Detroit, understand their role in a global society, and broaden their perspectives on civic responsibility. These experiences are invaluable as Howard prepares them to become well-rounded, informed and engaged citizens.

“Ghana didn’t just leave me speechless; It also opened my eyes to a world where the connections we often overlook are no longer undeniable,” said Howard. “From the moment we landed, it was clear that this trip would be more than just a cultural exchange for the Umoja Debate League and the 15 students from Detroit, but a positive exploration of our shared cultures and values.”

Last week, the Umoja Debate League made a powerful statement when its students hosted a dynamic, student-led forum for Detroit School Board candidates at the Shrine of the Black Madonna. These young minds, equipped with skills in public speaking and policy analysis, confronted the very leaders who will shape the future of their education. The event demonstrated how the Debate League goes beyond classroom learning and provides students with real-world platforms to challenge, question and influence the political landscape of their community.

“During my debate at Achimota Academy, I teamed up with a Ghanaian boy who was really smart and we developed cross-examination questions together,” said Kyndall McNeil, 12, and a student at Bates Academy. “I have a lot of similarities with him that I didn’t know about before this trip. I didn’t know what Ghana would be like so I googled it and it’s still not what I expected… it’s much better.”

The importance of these opportunities cannot be overemphasized. For many young people, particularly in underrepresented communities, understanding how to navigate the political landscape is key to creating lasting change. Howard’s students learn these skills at a critical time in their lives, as they begin to develop their own ideas about how they can impact their community. By giving them the tools to read laws, interpret policies, and engage with candidates, Howard ensures that these students are not just spectators in the political process, but active participants.

The Umoja Debate League is also helping to change the narrative around civic engagement in Detroit. In a city that has faced many challenges, Howard’s work is a reminder of the power of young people to shape the future. By teaching them to think critically, engage in constructive dialogue and take an active role in their community, Howard is helping to build a generation of leaders ready to address the issues facing Detroit and beyond are.

Howard’s vision for the Umoja Debate League is simple but profound: to create a pipeline for civic engagement. He knows that young people will be better able to advocate for themselves and their communities if they are given the opportunity to learn more about their government and understand how it works. And in a city like Detroit, where young people’s voices are often overlooked, the work of the Umoja Debate League is more important than ever.

The community space Howard created on Detroit’s west side should not only become a place for debate, but rather is a symbol of what is possible when young people are given the tools and platform to make their voices heard provide. It’s a reminder that every neighborhood in Detroit has the potential to be a place of learning, growth and civic engagement. And with the Umoja Debate League, Howard is ensuring that Detroit’s future is in good hands.

As Umoja Debate League students prepare for what is to come, they prepare to take their place as the next generation of informed citizens ready to make an impact on their city. The work Howard is doing is a testament to the power of education and civic engagement and the lasting impact they will have on Detroit’s future.

About the author of the post

Ebony JJ Curry, senior reporter

Ebony JJ is a master journalist with an extensive background in all areas of journalism, with an emphasis on impactful stories that highlight the progress of the Black community through politics, economic development, community and social justice. She serves as lead reporter and can be reached via email: [email protected]
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