Jerjuan Howard, a former high school debater, has been a prominent activist in Detroit since his early days. He was inspired by the shooting of Trayvon Martin, a Black unarmed 17-year-old who was shot and killed by George Zimmerman. Howard, who served in the National Guard to fund his college education, has since returned to his home and started giving back to community engagement. He has also helped organize a community garden, opened a bookstore, and founded a local business association. His most notable initiative is the nonprofit Umoja Debate League, which has attracted hundreds of students. Howard has been appointed as Detroit's first director of youth affairs by Mayor Mary Sheffield to support opportunities for young people.