Detroit Branch NAACP Sets Students up for Success with Career Day and Youth Summit

Earlier this month, hundreds of young people from all over the city attended the Detroit Branch NAACP’s 2023 Career Day and Youth Summit, which allowed students to explore potential post-high school pathways. The free learning and networking event, sponsored by the DTE Foundation and Freedom Institute, featured industry experts and an on-site college and career resource fair.

Hosted at Fellowship Chapel, where Detroit Branch NAACP President Dr. Wendell Anthony is pastor, students from various Detroit Public Schools Community District high schools rotated through daylong sessions about careers from STEM and the arts, to branches of the military and entrepreneurship. Little Caesars pizza was donated for attendees to enjoy during refreshment breaks.

“Events like this are important because they teach young people about the multitude of routes they have after graduating from high school,” said Kamilia Landrum, Executive Director of the Detroit Branch NAACP. “We want students to know that there isn’t just one option. There are Black colleges across the country, as well as local colleges where students can stay in Detroit and work to make our city a better place. Here, we’re allowing them the chance to network and find those opportunities.”

For over a century, the Detroit Branch NAACP has been one of the most active and influential branches in the country. The organization is involved in numerous initiatives, including voter registration drives, educational programs, community outreach, as well as their Youth Initiative, which seeks to engage young people and empower them to become leaders in their communities.

The Ilitch Companies have, for decades, supported the Detroit Branch NAACP in community efforts, in creating opportunities for Detroit residents and in fundraising for the NAACP Youth Council. One of the Detroit Branch NAACP’s most important fundraising events is the annual Fight for Freedom Fund Dinner, and this year, Ilitch Companies CEO Chris Ilitch is serving as the event’s Senior Corporate Chair.

To see more about the Youth Summit, watch here.

‍