At Campaign Zero, we believe in connection, creativity, and the potential of young people—especially those who have been overlooked by society. 

That’s the heart behind our continued collaboration with the Cuyahoga County Juvenile Court: a workshop  series that brings artists, leaders, and changemakers to the Juvenile Detention Center for a powerful week of hands-on learning, storytelling, and celebration.

This summer, we returned for our most ambitious program yet—six days of community connection,  immersive workshops, and field day activities. From designing magazine covers to mental health sessions, from entrepreneurship to fashion, the Cuyahoga Summer Series was built to reflect a world of possibility and to meet youth where they are, with the tools and people that show them they matter.

Programming With Purpose

Each day of the Cuyahoga Summer Series was designed to foster connection and spark creativity and to make sure every young person at the Juvenile Detention Center had access to it. We reached every resident with programming, every hour of every single day.

The week followed a thoughtfully built schedule: programming kicked off Monday from 3 to 9 p.m., continued with full days Tuesday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and wrapped with two immersive weekend days on Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Mornings and afternoons were filled with hands-on sessions covering everything from mural making, cooking, and fashion design to podcasting, leadership, and public speaking. Youth pitched their own start-up business concepts, built social media strategies, and learned new skills in photography, culinary arts, fitness, and advocacy. A literacy power hour offered a chance to reflect and learn, while mental health and restorative practices created space for healing.

The week also included a mini film festival and photography showcase, team-based field day competitions, and travel and culture discussions that inspired bigger dreams. No matter the session, every experience was rooted in the same goal: helping young people feel seen, supported, and full of possibility.

A Community of Mentors

Over six full days—nearly 50 hours of back-to-back sessions—we were honored to welcome 30 speakers who filled the space with their expertise, wisdom, and lived experience. Our lineup included:

• Felton Brown, Creative Director & Brand Strategist
• Trier Bryant, Investor & Entrepreneur
• Crystal Carson, Communications Director to First Lady Michelle Obama 
• Angelina Darrisaw, Career Coach & DEI Strategist
• Kelly Davis, Managing Director of Advocacy & Organizing at Campaign Zero
• Akio Evans, Renowned Artist & Film Producer
• Myesha Evon, Photographer & Director
• Kim Foxx, Former Cook County State’s Attorney
• Maria Griffin, Former Teacher & Senior Development Leader
• Hazim Hardeman, Presidential Scholar & PhD Candidate at Harvard
• Christopher “CJ” Hart, Model & Photographer
• Kaya Henderson, Executive VP at The Aspen Institute
• Chris Holliday, Storytelling Strategist & Cultural Connector
• Irv “Zeus” Hyppolite, Wellness Coach & Life-Changer
• Damon D. Jones, Chief Communications Officer at Procter & Gamble
• D’Angelo “D’Lo” Louis, Writer, Producer, & Film Director
• Da’Shaunae Marisa, Photographer & Archivist
• CJ Mitchell, Former D3 Basketball Player
• Jessica Nabongo, Author & World Traveler
• Emmanuel Bobby Nweke, Public Speaker & CEO of Ready Consulting
• Jide Osifeso, Head of Basketball at Reebok
• Gia Peppers, Journalist & Creator of Healed Girl Era Podcast 
• Jessica Rhau, Senior Director at Education Leaders of Color
• Katie Ryan, Executive Director at Marshall Leadership Institute
• Patrick Smith Jr., Recording Artist & Creative
• Rahsaan “New York” Thomas, Multimedia Social Justice Advocate
• Kashmir Thompson, Artist & Creative Director
• Jade Verette, Chef, Podcaster, & Wellness Advocate
• Nicole Warren, Literacy Advocate & Partner at Lit
• Katherine Westerhold, Education & Public Policy Expert

Each speaker contributed something real—sharing their stories, teaching technical skills, and holding space for authentic dialogue and healing.

In Their Words

The most powerful feedback, however, comes from those doing the work on the ground.

“This was a unique experience that left me more hopeful about our future. Knowing that I’m supporting an organization that understands that our future is in every kid, lets me know I’m doing needed work. These kids still have open hearts after being unconsidered time and time again and I believe this work will help their hearts remain open.”
— Christopher “CJ” Hart

Staff inside the facility felt it, too:

“The [speakers] were amazing in showing residents positive work and what passion looks like… I was proud of my residents that they… engaged in programming and handled the tough questions and brainstorming.”

“The residents were focused and locked in… keep [bringing] the positive energy & positive vibes.”

Youth put it in their own words, giving “5 out of 5” in feedback surveys on their experience:

“Because you guys came in and showed us love.”

“Everyone we spoke to taught me something from their situation.”

And the sessions left students sparked with ideas:

“I’m inspired to take photos for album covers and everything else!” 

“There are many ways to put your mind to something and make it great.” 

“All of them were my favorite, different but the same attention to take their time with us!”

The Work Continues

Programs like the Summer Series remind us what’s possible when you combine care, creativity, and community. These young people aren’t broken—they’re brilliant. And they deserve the chance to be seen, heard, and supported.

This marked the third series Campaign Zero has co-led with the Cuyahoga County Juvenile Court to uplift and empower youth experiencing incarceration at the Juvenile Detention Center. What began during Winter 2024 has since evolved into something even more expansive. This summer, we built on that foundation with more speakers, the addition of a community connection day, and two full-scale field days designed to foster joy, belonging, and healthy competition.

“We deliver for our kids what CEOs would get,” DeRay McKesson, Executive Director of Campaign Zero, said about the experience.

That standard of excellence is intentional. It’s about reshaping what our systems say kids in detention are worth. It’s about rewriting the narrative around youth impacted by incarceration and reaffirming that being separated from society doesn’t mean being separated from your dignity. These young people are not disposable. Their past does not define their future. One child at a time, this work reminds them—and the world—that they still matter.

Campaign Zero is proud to stand alongside the Cuyahoga County Juvenile Court, whose commitment to the youth in their care is unwavering. Together, we’re not just teaching skills. We’re helping shape futures.

You can learn more about the Cuyahoga County Juvenile Court’s recent achievements and support initiatives like these by donating to Campaign Zero. Together, we can create more opportunities for young people to learn, grow and thrive.