Articles - A Near Future

Youth · Opportunity · Detroit

Usher Is Putting Detroit Youth In the Building - Literally

In partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Detroit and his New Look Foundation, Usher is selecting 10 young Detroiters for a paid 11-week internship on his R&B Tour with Chris Brown. Interns get hands-on experience across production, wardrobe, multimedia, community impact, and operations as the tour hits the road.

Black Founders · Finance · Venture

$643 Million Raised by Black Founders in a Single Quarter - But Most Still Can't Access It

TechCrunch reports Black-led startups hit their highest quarterly funding total since Q2 2022 in early 2026. The gains were concentrated - a handful of large bets, not broad access across the ecosystem. The funding window is opening. The door still isn't equally wide for everyone.

Detroit · Culture · Arts

Detroit's Culture Just Showed Up on a Whole New Stage

The city's first-ever Detroit Multicultural Dance Festival made its debut this month, celebrating the full range of Detroit's local dance scene. Presented by nathan trice/RITUALS in partnership with the Detroit Institute of Arts and Wayne State University. This is what it looks like when a city invests in its creatives.

Business · Entrepreneurship

Gen Z Is Rewriting the Rules of Entrepreneurship - And They're Not Asking Permission

A new wave of young founders is building companies without waiting for traditional gatekeepers. They're leveraging social media, creator tools, and peer networks to launch, market, and scale - often before they graduate high school. The playbook has changed.

Detroit · Business · Diversity

Detroit's Business Diversity Rankings Are Rising - and the Work Is Just Beginning

Detroit ranks among the top metros for minority business ownership, according to a recent analysis. But behind the headline numbers, advocates say the infrastructure for sustainable growth - access to capital, mentorship, and community investment - still needs to catch up.

Culture · Youth · Creative Economy

The Purpose-Driven Creator Economy Is Here - and Young People Are Leading It

A growing number of young creators are building platforms not just for views and revenue, but with an explicit community mission. From education to mentorship to local journalism, purpose-driven content is reshaping what it means to build online.