fbpx
Advertisement for the NFL Draft event in Detroit from April 25-27, with free entry. Register now.

Black Detroiters to Know About This African-American History Month

Continue to Support the Local Community This Month by Following Black Detroiters Making History

MINT ARTISTS GUILD VP, ALEXIS BAGLEY WITH HER ARTWORK IN DETROIT, PHOTO @lexxiiterrestrial ON INSTAGRAM

Today’s Black Detroiters are an exemplary reflection of Detroit’s Black History. We’ve witnessed physical and mental shifts through movements, art, and culture. The Detroit community can’t make change without reflecting on its history. Detroit is a story of rising from the ashes and the story is passed down to the next generation of Black youth excellence.

What better way to get inspired about the future than to look at the current changemakers found in the younger folks? Not to mention, February is also Black History Month, also known as African-American History Month. The Skillman Foundation is a great withstanding organization that amplifies the otherwise “smaller” voices to help them become huge leaders.

Detroitisit rounded up a fresh list of Black Detroiters that still have plenty of years ahead of them to forge a brighter path for the Detroit community, but they can’t do it alone!

 

alexis bagley detroit youth artist

ALEXIS BAGLEY IN DETROIT WITH HER ARTWORK, PHOTO @lexxiiterrestrial ON INSTAGRAM

ALEXIS BAGLEY

Starting off this list of Black Detroiters to know about is Alexis Bagley, the 2022 elected Board Vice President of Mint Artists Guild. Alexis Bagley is a 23-year-old,  long-time participant at MAG. She’s a painter and digital artist whose work includes abstract. This youth-focused, youth-led organization fosters creative youth talent while also helping them see art as a tangible career through proper programming.  Click HERE to learn more about the Mint Artists Guild. You can follow Alexis on Instagram HERE. Support creative young artists in Detroit!

 

AMA RUSSEL & EVA OLEITA

ama russel detroit black lives matter in all capacities

AMA SPEAKING AT THE MARCH 2021 CANDLELIGHT VIGIL IN DETROIT, PHOTO SHANNA DEMPSEY / @BLMIAC ON IG

Co-founders and classmates, Ama and Eva founded Black Lives Matter In All Capacities (BLMIAC) at age 17 in 2021. which empowers Black people through education and awareness. From Detroit high school students to strategic community organizers, they’ve teamed up together to lead the way in bold action that seriously helps save the lives of their fellow black community. They particularly protest for other marginalized young black girls whose stories are being erased from our nation’s history. Support their liberation success!

 

ANGEL CLARK

Black Detroiters to know about include literal angels. Angel Clark had a clear vision. The pandemic was one uphill battle after another, especially for those that were already facing physical and mental challenges. Thanks to Angel’s pure-hearted work and advocacy, she stepped up to help out Detroit’s deaf community through sign language interpretation and connections to resources during the pandemic.

farm and finance michigan nature teen impact

JACOB WILLIAMS, JAYDEN WILLIAMS, AND ALEX JONES PHOTO FARM AND FINANCE RESCUE MI NATURE

JACOB WILLIAMS, JAYDEN WILLIAMS, & ALEX JONES

All teens, the youngest being around 12 years old, these young men are making a difference while helping preserve nature/green spaces as the city of Detroit becomes more urbanized. While working with Rescue MI Nature Now’s Farm and Finance Program, they’ve helped to rescue, transform, and maintain over 30 parcels of land in Detroit.  Rescue MI Nature Now, Inc. is a Michigan nonprofit organization that is dedicated to developing green spaces within the community and providing nature-based educational programs. 

CHASE WADE

chase wade detroit mocad teen council

CHASE WADE, PHOTO THE ROEPER SCHOOL

As the 2022 executive director of MOCAD’s Teen Council, Chase was given the opportunity to lead new artists and create events and exhibitions that highlight youth voices. The MOCAD Teen Council is designed to inspire local youth with the power of art. Council members meet weekly after school to participate in discussions, practice art, visit local galleries and museums, and work with emerging creatives to present workshops to their peers. Click HERE to stay updated on the teen council application updates and maybe you could be on board!

 

jeremiah green bgsem

JEREMIAH GREEN, PHOTO PERRY HASEIDEN

JEREMIAH GREEN

Black Detroiters to know about this African-American History Month empower and educate other young women and men the more they’re involved in the community. If any community knows about leaving an impact on youth, families, and entrepreneurs, it’s the Boys & Girls Club of Southeast Michigan (BGCSEM). Check out Jeremiah Green’s volunteer impact for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan’s Passport to Manhood program. Jeremiah since age 17 has acted as a positive male role model to young men across Detroit. Click HERE to join the Youth Membership and learn more about how to get involved.

TRENT GARCON

 Trent Garcons and Andrew Judnic created a fashion and art pop-up in Greektown’s former PizzaPapalis building.

TRENT GARCONS AND ANDREW JARDNIC’S FASHION AND ART POP-UP, PHOTO DETROIT METRO TIMES

This 2023 list of Black Detroiters wouldn’t be complete without mentioning more young Detroit artists! The Detroit art scene is getting well-deserved national recognition, especially for the vibrant street art murals in Detroit. Last summer, Trent Garcons, 18, of Detroit, and Andrew Judnic, 20, of Grosse Pointe, created a new history in a historic building located in Greektown’s former PizzaPapalis building. The Monroe Street Gallery displayed original art pieces and their fashion brands, Garcons’s display-er, and Judnic’s Nine Clothing Co.

 

 

 

As always, be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for regular updates on all things Detroit and more.

Subscribe
Notify of
1 Comment
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
trackback

[…] owner of this woman/black-owned clothing line that offers comfy and stylish apparel to uplift the black community as well as anyone looking to live their life to the fullest. Find crewnecks, beanies, and jogger […]

FEATURED VIDEO

GET "IT"
DELIVERED
TO YOUR INBOX