At Campaign Zero, we believe in the power of connection — and in the young people too often left behind by our systems. That’s why we launched a youth speaker series in partnership with the Cuyahoga County Juvenile Court: to bring creative skill-based programming, storytelling, and mentorship to the residents of the Cuyahoga County Juvenile Detention Center.

In December of 2024, Campaign Zero launched our first partnership with the Cuyahoga County Juvenile Detention Center for a two-week speaker series designed to bring creativity, connection, and inspiration to the youth. This March, for Spring Break, we returned to fill the week with programming for the residents. 

This ongoing collaboration was created to be a tool for growth and new possibilities, as well as to spark moments of inspiration. By inviting artists, activists, educators, and professionals from around the country to lead workshops, share personal journeys, and create safe spaces for dialogue and creativity, we’re working to show justice-involved youth that they are not forgotten. They are part of a larger community that cares about them. These young people with long, productive lives ahead of them must know they are not forgotten. Many justice-involved youth feel isolated or abandoned by society, but programs like this serve as a reminder that they are still part of a community that cares for them and is rooting for their progress.

By creating meaningful, engaging opportunities for learning and self-expression, we reaffirm their potential and demonstrate that there are people and organizations dedicated to supporting their growth and success. This work is a vital part of Campaign Zero’s mission to address systemic injustices and create pathways for positive change.

This series also highlights the Cuyahoga County Juvenile Detention Center’s dedication to supporting its residents, including reaching the recent milestone of its first college graduate.

Spring Break 2025: Creativity Meets Community

Our most recent speaker series took place during Spring Break in March 2025, offering a weeklong schedule of intentional programming designed to meet young people where they are. Every session reflected the same goal: to remind youth that their stories matter and their futures do, too.

We led sessions from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday, that included every resident of the facility.

We were proud to welcome:

• Trier Bryant, investor, entrepreneur and co-founder of Just Work, on social styles and effective communication
• Brandon Breaux, Chicago-based artist and creative director, on the power of visual narrative
• Felton Brown, creative director and strategist, on hip-hop and cultural storytelling
• Sharhonda Bossier, founder of EdLoC, leading a session on education and identity through cursive writing
• Crystal Carson, media executive and former head of communications to Michelle Obama, on the power of personal narrative
• Angelina Darrisaw, CEO of C-Suite Coach, leading emotional regulation and leadership workshops
• Kelly Davis, activist and advocacy leader, on culinary creativity and resourcefulness
• Bobak Emamian, entrepreneur and investor, on building a start-up from the ground up
• Akio Evans, muralist and filmmaker, on wearable stories through design
• Travon Free, Oscar-winning filmmaker and writer, on photography and protest
• Kate Greer, founder of Cheerie Lane, on entrepreneurial storytelling through flavor
• Angel Gregorio, owner of The Spice Suite, on culinary identity and brand-building
• Christopher “CJ” Hart, artist and poet, on storytelling through photography
• Hasan Minhaj, Peabody-award winning comedian, on the power of comedy and perspective
• Myesha Evon, director and photographer, on self-expression through visual media
• Nekesa Moody, editor and journalist, on shaping headlines and telling community stories
• Jessica Nabongo, global explorer and author, on seeing the world from where you are
• Noémie Tshinanga, photographer and creative director, on framing identity through photography
• Kashmir Thompson, visual artist and activist, on dreaming and creating collaborations
• Jade Verette, chef and podcaster, on building your own storytelling platform
• Jerrie Johnson, actress and creative, on performing and discovering your personal journey

Rooted in the Work: December 2024

In December 2024, we piloted the first speaker series at Cuyahoga County Juvenile Detention Center. The impact extended beyond the workshops. We also provided essential resources, including toiletry kits, games and other necessities that help residents feel supported during their time at the facility.

The first series featured CJ Hart, Jerrie Johnson, Trier Bryant, Kelly Davis, Kate Greer, and more—each bringing their story, their skills, and their time to help youth tap into their own creativity and self-expression. Together, these sessions emphasized academic growth, mindfulness, and healing and highlighted just how impactful connection can be.

Testimonials from the Series

It was truly an honor to participate in the winter programming at Cuyahoga County Juvenile Detention Center. Talking to the kids about forensic and junk science, I was able to educate them on how these types of evidence are used in court and it was amazing to witness their ability to make direct correlations between the information we presented and their own lives and cases. Seeing their curiosity grow during our discussions was so cool, and I’m grateful to have been part of such an impactful program.

Kelly Davis

Continuing the Journey

At Campaign Zero, we believe in the power of community to drive meaningful change. We’re proud to collaborate with the Cuyahoga County Juvenile Court and its dedicated team, who are creating transformative opportunities for the residents of the Cuyahoga County Juvenile Detention Center. From providing innovative programming to celebrating milestones like their first college graduate, the Cuyahoga County Juvenile Court’s commitment to empowering youth is truly inspiring.

Find out 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.