Jerjuan Howard
Jerjuan Howard is a community developer and founder of the Umoja Debate League and the Howard Family Bookstore in Detroit. Through Umoja, he leads youth development programs in over 25 schools, using competitive debate to teach critical thinking, confidence, and civic engagement. He is also the visionary behind Umoja Village, a transformed vacant lot turned into a community space with gardens, art, and events. On Puritan Avenue, Jerjuan’s work includes revitalizing blighted areas, supporting small businesses, and advancing neighborhood-based development. His mission is to build strong communities by investing in youth, culture, and spaces that foster opportunity and self-determination.
About the Project
The Puritan Avenue Archive Project is a community-led effort to preserve, document, and celebrate the rich history, culture, and transformation of Detroit’s Puritan Avenue. Through oral histories, photographs, and storytelling, the project uplifts the voices of longtime residents, legacy businesses, and emerging leaders who have shaped the corridor. It aims to create a living record that honors the past while inspiring a collective vision for the future. By capturing the essence of Puritan Avenue, the project ensures that local stories are not erased but instead become a source of pride, learning, and community connection for generations to come.