BlackCount is launching Culture to Civic: Detroit Youth Takeover, a bold, high-energy pop-up experience where culture meets leadership and young people step into their voice in real time.

This is not a panel. Not a workshop. Not another program youth sit through.

This is an immersive, youth-led experience designed to feel like the spaces they already love—music, conversation, creativity, but with a deeper purpose. Through live elements, storytelling, and interactive moments, young people will explore leadership, identity, and the power they hold to shape their communities.

The experience will be activated in a dynamic Detroit cultural setting, such as a summer gathering or live venue space, where youth are already present and engaged. By meeting young people where they are, we create a space that feels authentic, accessible, and energizing.

Detroit is a city rich in culture, resilience, and influence. This project taps directly into that energy by creating a space where youth don’t just participate, they lead. They share perspectives, connect with mentors, and see firsthand how culture, entrepreneurship, and community impact intersect.

What makes this project “awesome” is that it flips the script. Instead of asking youth to adapt to traditional systems, we bring leadership and opportunity into spaces that already feel real to them. It creates a moment where young people can see themselves differently.

This is the first activation of a model BlackCount plans to expand, turning culture into a gateway for confidence, connection, and leadership.