Youth LEAD Detroit

HerSheKissis Media & the Youth LEAD Detroit Initiative

We believe Detroit can achieve 100% 4-year high school graduation rates, and at least 87% by 2030, matching national 4-year graduation trends. We support this in part through programs that empower youth to assess and address their districts' needs through organizing, advocacy, and education campaigns. Youth engage through school-based fellowships to develop leadership and advocacy skills as part of the Youth LEAD Detroit initiative, which follows Dr. King's Nonviolent Campaign approach to advancing systemic changes. Here, young people work together to Learn about the issues; Enlist stakeholders, including those responsible for injustices; Act to incentivize change; and Determine the next course of action.

Through our partnership with HerSheKissis, A Detroit-based girl-run media platform, youth develop media advocacy skills and learn to leverage their social media channels to amplify their voices to millions of viewers.

As the central focus of Black Marriage Movement is generational prosperity, the initiative is underpinned by life skills training, including homemaking, family planning, health across the reproductive span, relationship and communication education, and financial literacy and capabilities coaching. Youth who participate are more prepared to engage in healthy relationships, make solid life plans, and serve as leaders and advocates within their communities.

HerShekissis co-lead Karis Robinson-Larsosa works with Black Marriage Movement Board Chair and GreenLight Fund Executive Director Jasahn Larsosa (who is also her father) to organize a group of teens, who steer a $600k investment to promote college access and persistence for Detroit youth.

Left: Celebrating the beauty and brilliance of Black parenthood, with a strong focus on the vital role Black fathers play in their children's lives.

Right: Exploring the dynamics and conditions modern mothers need to effectively and gracefully raise a child, while encouraging teens to reflect on family planning, marriage, and balancing responsibilities.

In collaboration with HersheKissis, Black Marriage Movement provides youth with leadership opportunities across various platforms, including social media workshops, political events, and community outreach programs. Through our social media workshops, we teach teens how to build their personal brands, create impactful content, and leverage digital platforms to advocate for meaningful causes. At political events, we engage youth in discussions about civic responsibilities, educate them on policy-making processes, and empower them to amplify their voices in matters that impact their communities. Through community outreach programs, we foster mentorship opportunities, organize service projects, and encourage collaboration to address social challenges. Together, we equip young people with the tools, confidence, and connections to become leaders of today and tomorrow.

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse