The Pro Football Hall of Fame and Meridian Health Plan of Michigan (Meridian) collaborated for the first time to hold a Strong Youth Strong Communities (SYSC) Summit at Wayne State University in Detroit. SYSC is founded on the idea that investing in today’s kids may have a beneficial impact on communities and provide generational dividends. It is led by former University of North Carolina women’s basketball star Iman McFarland and Pro Football Hall of Famers Darrell Green and Aeneas Williams. About 400 children from the Detroit Public Schools Community District attended the event, which featured Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s opening video remarks.
The incident occurs at a time when various behavioral and mental health issues are plaguing young people throughout the state. In 2023–2024, 66% of children in Detroit public schools were classified as chronically absent, and over 45% of young people in Detroit live in poverty, compared to 18.2% of Michigan youth. By sharing their inspiring personal tales of triumphing over hardship, the former athletes gave young people a powerful message of fortitude, tenacity, and the ability to direct their lives.
“Our young people are facing a range of challenges, and through Strong Youth Strong Communities, we’re stepping up to help them and let them know that they are not alone,” stated Pro Football Hall of Famer Darrell Green. “We’re here to let young people know that they can discuss the challenges they may be facing, that there are resources available to help them, and that they matter. By doing so, we’re creating strong young people and strong communities in Detroit and across the state.”
The youth summit included icebreaker moments, as well as interactive breakout sessions, where participants could discuss the issues that they may be encountering in their communities or at home.
“We’re proud to host the SYSC summit this year in Detroit on the campus of Wayne State University. We all know Detroit students face many challenges at home, in their neighborhoods, and in the classroom. However, we also know Detroit students are strong, and they are among the best and the brightest and the most resilient in the state. They are stronger than any obstacles they may face, and they have what it takes to overcome and succeed. This summit is really about bringing teenagers together to learn lessons on life skills and leadership to help them unlock their potential and to provide a safe space for them to discuss issues that are important to them,” stated Patty Graham, Plan President and CEO of Meridian.
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