JerJuan Howard

JerJuan Howard serves as the Director of Youth Affairs for the City of Detroit, where he works to elevate youth voices, embed young people into policy decisions, and build clear, equitable pathways that allow Detroit’s youth to shape and benefit from the city’s future. In this role, he partners with city agencies, community organizations, and young leaders to ensure youth perspectives inform governance, program design, and long-term civic strategy.

A nationally recognized community builder, JerJuan is the Founder of Umoja Debate League, a Detroit-based nonprofit serving youth ages 11–18 through competitive debate, leadership development, academic enrichment, and civic engagement across dozens of Detroit-area schools. Under his leadership, Umoja Debate League has become a powerful pipeline for youth voice, confidence, and critical thinking.

JerJuan is also the visionary behind multiple place-based development projects rooted in culture and community ownership. These include Umoja Village and the Howard Family Bookstore, a community-centered bookstore and cultural hub on Detroit’s west side that promotes literacy, dialogue, and neighborhood connection.

Across government, nonprofit, and entrepreneurial spaces, JerJuan’s work is guided by a simple belief: when young people are meaningfully invested in, trusted, and resourced, cities grow stronger, more innovative, and more just for future generations everywhere.