It may be summertime in Detroit, Michigan, but what brought the real heat was Global Citizen NOW: Detroit, which took place on July 10 and sparked fresh momentum for building sustainable cities where everyone can thrive.
Cities are engines of economic growth, centers of innovation, and increasingly, the frontlines in the global fight against poverty. From Detroit to Dhaka, London to Lagos, urban centers face urgent questions about their futures and are making bold, long-term investments that will either reduce or reinforce inequality.
Global Citizen NOW is the renowned summit driving action to address the world’s most urgent challenges. To foster immediate and critical impact for generations to come on the future of the world’s cities, Global Citizen NOW headed to Detroit for the first-ever US edition held outside New York City.
Global Citizen NOW: Detroit convened public and private sector leaders with local policymakers, grassroots organizers, and students to explore the question: How do we shape thriving, inclusive, and creative cities for all?
Presented by Bedrock and hosted by author, world-traveler, and humanitarian, Jessica Nabongo, Global Citizen NOW: Detroit brought together participants in conversation on how investing in people, particularly young adults, can impact the future of cities and foster urban revitalization.
Host Jessica Nabongo addresses the audience at Global Citizen NOW: Detroit. | Image: Jeff Schear/Getty Images for Global Citizen
Why Bring Global Citizen NOW to Detroit?
What should stand out most about Detroit is its lively spirit, its artistic soul, and its diverse people — but Detroit has long grappled with the effects of urban poverty, caused by disinvestment in the city, the foreclosure crisis, deindustrialization, and high unemployment. Today, more than 30% of Detroit residents live below the poverty line, a rate nearly three times higher than the national average.
The economic strain in the city has also opened the door to gentrification, which threatens to displace long-standing communities, particularly communities of color.
Yet Detroit is becoming a critical case study on the transformative potential of community-based urban development around the world. In fact, the city is ascending from some of its darkest days, illustrating the resilience and innovation of the city and its people.
With this in mind, the convening of influential leaders, innovative thinkers, and native Detroiters at Hudson’s Detroit on July 10 aligns with Global Citizen’s call for the creation of sustainable, livable cities that are free from poverty for all those who live in them.
Wyclef Jean lights up the stage during Global Citizen NOW: Detroit at Third Man Records. | Image: Jeff Schear/Getty Images for Global Citizen
Major Announcements at Global Citizen NOW: Detroit
- Applications Are Open for the Small Business Impact Awards
Global Citizen and PayPal have partnered up in a move to uplift small businesses through a new award — the Small Business Impact Awards. The aim is to spotlight entrepreneurs who are using commerce as a force for good through community initiatives or creating sustainable impact through their work. The award will see up to five business owners receive a cash prize of $25,000, and access to free business consulting services. Here’s where you can learn more and apply. - Velvet Peanut Butter Returns to Detroit
In a major move to drive job creation in Detroit, Velvet Peanut Butter CEO Mark Reith announced that the company will return its production to the city, with a new facility slated to open in 2026. As part of that mission, Velvet has partnered with Forgotten Harvest, delivering 35,000 jars of peanut butter to the nonprofit’s Oak Park distribution center. Reith added that the company looks forward to deepening its work with the community to help build a stronger Detroit. - Mona Launches in Detroit With $1M Commitment to Assist Local Entrepreneurs
Following a powerful panel discussion — hosted by entrepreneur and investor Mark Cuban — on the role of small businesses in driving inclusive economic growth, Co-Founder of Mona, Andrew Leon Hanna, announced the launch of Mona in Detroit. Hanna officially unveiled the Detroit Access to Capital Initiative, which aims to connect local entrepreneurs to over $1 million in affordable capital in the space of one year. Through partnerships with community-based organizations, Mona will offer small grants between $10,000 and $15,000 to help Detroit-area entrepreneurs fulfill their funding needs. - Apply Now for Bridgewater’s Forecasting the Future Challenge
Representatives from Bridgewater took to the stage to showcase the Forecasting the Future: A Modern Economics Challenge, inviting innovative thinkers to share their views on how today’s global trends — from tech to the economy — will shape our future. Applications for the challenge close on Aug. 1. Here’s where you can learn more and apply for the challenge. - Goodera and Global Citizen Partner on “AI for All” Initiative to Democratize AI Access
Goodera and Global Citizen have joined together to announce the “AI for All Mission,” a global initiative to make AI accessible to everyone. The initiative is working to mobilize over 1 million skilled volunteers, including thousands of AI engineers from top tech companies, to empower communities worldwide with AI education. The goal is to create 10 million AI-literate individuals by 2030. 50% of the AI literacy program participants will be women and youth from underserved regions, ensuring those historically left behind are first in line for the opportunities AI offers. - Strong Youth, Strong Community Initiative Comes to Detroit
Patty Graham, CEO of Meridian Health Michigan, along with the Pro Football Hall of Fame, announced the expansion of the Strong Youth, Strong Community initiative to Detroit. The aim is to bring together health and sports leadership to create meaningful opportunities for the next generation in Detroit. - Wyclef Jean Officially Becomes a Global Citizen Ambassador
Wyclef Jean, the Haitian rapper and producer, is the newest Global Citizen Ambassador. He brought his native Haitian culture to the heart of Detroit with an unforgettable performance at the iconic Third Man Records.
jessica Care moore takes the stage at the LOVE Building during Global Citizen NOW: Detroit. | Image: Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images for Global Citizen
Spotlight on Arts and Culture
- Sheefy McFly Created a Live Painting on Stage
The prolific multifaceted artist created a street art tribute to the city of Detroit, which was then displayed for audience viewing for the remainder of the summit. - An Ode to Motown
Hitsville NEXT artists and 2025 Motown Museum Amplify Artist of the Year Remington Loyd and Jasmine Terrell brought attendees to their feet with a special Motown musical medley before the high-energy drumline performance by the DrumKINGZ captivated the audience with rhythmic beats, taking them to the streets for a special procession led by Wyclef Jean to the LOVE Building to close out the show. - jessica Care moore’s Captivating Poetry
It was a wonder to have author, Detroit Poet Laureate, and Founder of Black Women Rock open the Global Citizen NOW: Detroit program with a compelling poem titled: You May Not Know My Detroit. The performance grounded the event, showcasing moore’s adoration of her city, and reemphasizing the need for community-driven change for Detroit. - Romeo Okwara and Jessica Nabongo Spotlight Young Detroit Artists
Filmmaker, artist, and retired Detroit Lion Romeo Okwara, alongside host, Jessica Nabongo, introduced the latest cohort of the Young Artists Collective — an initiative by Global Citizen created to empower budding artists who create socially impactful work that drives social change. The two unveiled a new class of artists, recognizing and shouting them out on stage as the 10 young creators acknowledged this recognition from the audience.
Ahead of the main event, Romeo Okwara welcomed this new cohort of student artists to his Detroit gallery for an intimate showcase of their work. The private event also offered an opportunity to engage with architecture-focused media and highlight the intersection of art, design, and community. - Ten Lucky Attendees Surprised With AfroFuture Tickets
Following a stimulating discussion on the main stage, Abdul Karim Abdullah, Founder and CEO of Culture Management Group, the parent company of AfroFuture Festival, delighted the Global Citizen NOW: Detroit audience with 10 tickets to the US debut of AfroFuture (formerly Afrochella) scheduled to take place in Detroit on Aug. 16-17.
Mark Cuban and Hilary Doe speak on stage during Global Citizen NOW: Detroit at Hudson’s Detroit. | Image: Jeff Schear/Getty Images for Global Citizen
What Else Happened at the Summit?
Global Citizen NOW: Detroit featured insightful panel discussions that inspired innovation and calls for action.
- Future Cities: Innovative Infrastructure and thriving communities —Moderated by Michael Berkowitz, Executive Director of the University of Miami’s Climate Resilience Institute, this conversation explored the intersection of infrastructure investment and community resilience. Berkowitz was joined by Kofi Bonner, CEO of Bedrock; Margaret Anadu, Senior Partner at the Vistria Group; Marvin Rees, former Mayor of Bristol, UK; and Brian Donlan, Director at Cisco Systems, who unpacked how investment in infrastructure directly impacts a city’s ability to foster equity and sustainability. Bedrock was also highlighted in the conversation for its pivotal role in reinvigorating Detroit's urban landscape.
- Precision Medicine: The Heart of Urban Resilience —Health equity took center stage during this discussion moderated by Global Citizen’s Liz Agbor-Tabi, Vice President of Global Policy. Dr. Anthony Chang, Founder and CEO of BAMF Health, and Stephen W. Durst, Dean of the College of Pharmacy at Ferris State University examined how precision medicine and access to health care and health education can minimize inequality in the sector and drive urban resilience. They also discussed the importance of inspiring youth to pursue STEM fields in order to unlock transformative opportunities for underserved communities.
- Fielding the Future: Empowering Youth to Strengthen Communities —In a conversation led by Jamir Howerton, Senior Manager of Digital Content at the Pro Football Hall of Fame, this panel celebrated the positive impact of sports on youth development. The panel, which featured Patty Graham, President and CEO of Meridian Health Plan of Michigan; NFL Hall of Famer and national youth advocate Darrell Green; and Iman McFarland, President and CEO of 21st Century Expo Group, highlighted programs supported by the Pro Football Hall of Fame and its players, specifically the Strong Youth, Strong Communities Initiative — now coming to Detroit.
- A More Secure Future for Food — Food insecurity is a symptom of poverty and in this panel discussion, award-winning chef, restauranteur, and advocate, Marcus Samuelsson led a conversation with Isabelle Kamariza, Founder and President of Solid’ Africa; Jon Kent, Co-Founder of Sanctuary Farms; and Kate Strauss, CEO of Fair Food Network to explore solutions designed to expand access to adequate nutrition.
- Shaping Narrative Through Art — Detroit is an artistic city, and a great deal of creators pull inspiration from the city itself. Moderated by Ashley Shaw Scott Adjaye, CEO and Co-Founder of The Stories of Us; and including jessica Care moore; Sheefy McFly, multifaceted artist; Deann Wiley, owner and artist at DeeLashee Artistry; the discussion looked at how Detroit has influenced their art, and considered the power of art to shape narratives.
- Breaking Bread, Finding Community — In a heartfelt and flavorful conversation moderated by Jessica Nabongo, chefs Marcus Samuelsson, Mamba Hamissi, and Amanda Saab explored the role of food in shaping identity and fostering community. The panel delved into how culinary traditions transcend borders, helping individuals establish roots in unfamiliar places. The speakers shared personal stories and cultural insights on how meals become more than nourishment.
- Next Is Now: Preparing Our Youth For A Tech-Driven World —This future-focused panel, led by Alexa and Johnnie Turnage, the Co-Founders of Black Tech Saturdays, considered how young people can be better-prepared for advancements in technology. Papanai Okai of Rocket, Sangita Sharma of the Delta Sustainable Skies Lab, and George Opare Addo, Ghana’s Minister of Youth Development and Empowerment, added their voices to the conversation to emphasize the need for access to education, mentorship, and real-world opportunities in tech.
- Small Business: The Fuel for an Economic Engine —Entrepreneur Mark Cuban led a dynamic discussion on the power small businesses have to drive economic growth. Joined by Andrew Leon Hanna, Co-Founder of Mona, and Anika Goss, CEO of Detroit Future City, the panel explored how investing in entrepreneurs can boost local economies through innovation and job creation.
- The Business of Attracting Talent — Hilary Doe, State of Michigan's Chief Growth Officer, and entrepreneur and investor Mark Cuban discussed how attracting and retaining talent to boost productivity and drive impact is essential for economic development.
- Creative Economy & The Community —Music journalist and author, Gary Graff, headed up this discussion with Robin Terry, Chairwoman & CEO, Motown Museum; Wyclef Jean, performing artist, composer, and advocate; and Ben Blackwell, Co-Founder and Co-Owner of Third Man Records that focused on how creative arts and culture sectors can ignite job creation opportunities.
- Playing The Long Game: When Sports Meets Community —This panel was moderated by Randall Lane, Chief Content Officer at Forbes alongside Melanie Harris, President of Business Operations for the Detroit Pistons; Patricia Branch, Vice President and Head of Business Strategy for NBA Africa, and Mark Cuban, entrepreneur and Co-Founder of Cost Plus Drugs. The group considered how sports teams and leagues use their platforms to elevate urgent issues.
As Detroit charts its path toward a more sustainable, inclusive, and equitable future, Global Citizen NOW: Detroit shows what’s possible when communities, businesses, policymakers, and young people come together to reimagine urban life. By putting people at the center of revitalization and championing bold ideas, we can transform cities into engines of opportunity that leave no one behind.
Hilary Doe, Alexa Turnage, Jessica Nabongo, Johnnie Turnage, and Romeo Okwara at Global Citizen NOW: Detroit, held at Hudson’s Detroit. | Image: Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images for Global Citizen
What is Global Citizen NOW?
Global Citizen NOW is Global Citizen’s premier thought leadership summit that convenes world leaders, innovators, advocates, and the biggest names in pop culture to collectively drive action to end extreme poverty — not someday, but now.
Global Citizen democratizes these catalytic conversations between the brightest minds and most influential decision makers by making these moments available online to Global Citizens everywhere.
Global Citizen NOW events dive into what’s working and what isn’t, and uncover what is needed NOW to build a prosperous and sustainable future for all.