Sheffield partners with 'Teen Takeover' group to find spaces for youth

Detroit mayor creates youth cabinet to address recent downtown gatherings of teenagers

Apr. 11, 2026 at 12:07am

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An abstract, impressionistic scene of a group of teenagers conversing on a city street, with the details obscured in a hazy, dreamlike wash of warm colors and soft, diffused light.The mayor's new youth cabinet aims to give young Detroiters more opportunities to safely gather and socialize in their city.Today in Detroit

In response to a large gathering of teenagers downtown that startled some business owners and worried patrons, Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield is creating a youth cabinet to ensure young people can be heard and propose ideas for safe spaces for them in the city. The mayor's administration plans to offer more youth programs, including extended hours at recreation centers and free bus rides for students.

Why it matters

The recent 'Teen Takeover' incident in downtown Detroit highlighted the need for the city to better engage with and provide for its youth population. By partnering with young people directly, the mayor's office hopes to find constructive solutions that address the underlying issues and give young Detroiters more positive outlets and a sense of belonging in their community.

The details

A week after dozens of teenagers swarmed downtown Detroit, Mayor Mary Sheffield said she has devised a youth cabinet to ensure young people can be heard and to propose ideas for safe spaces for them in the city. The Youth Advisory Committee will include at least 50 youths between 16-26 years old who will meet monthly for 'honest and real' conversations about their needs. The mayor's office also plans to roll out an 'Occupy the Summer' website with a schedule of weekly youth programs, along with Midnight Basketball leagues at the city's recreational centers, which will have extended hours this summer. The Detroit Department of Transportation is also offering free bus rides for Detroit students.

  • On April 3, a large group of teenagers gathered downtown, startling some business owners and worrying patrons.
  • On April 8, Mayor Sheffield met with several youths, including Davion Page, who created a flyer for the downtown gathering.
  • In the next 30 days, the mayor's office expects to roll out the 'Occupy the Summer' website with youth programming.

The players

Mayor Mary Sheffield

The mayor of Detroit who is creating a youth cabinet and new youth programs in response to the recent 'Teen Takeover' incident downtown.

Davion Page

A 16-year-old who created a flyer for the April 3 downtown gathering of teenagers, which he did not expect to draw such a large crowd.

Danasha' Tidwell

A youth organizer who said any actions of vandalism and violence that occurred downtown were 'harmful and unacceptable.'

Chanel Hampton

The senior director of Youth and Education Liaison, who told the young Detroiters that it is her job to uplift and support them.

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What they’re saying

“What I heard directly from our young people is that enforcement alone is not the answer. Our young people want to be invested in. They want to be heard, and they want to be part of something and feel like they belong.”

— Mayor Mary Sheffield

“My intentions on the downtown takeover, it wasn't bad. I just wanted to get out the house, have fun, enjoy my time with my families and my homeboys; my home girls, too. I did not think that many people was going to come. I knew a couple would come, but that many people? That was a shock.”

— Davion Page, 16-year-old

“Having fun should neve come at the cost of someone's safety or well being. You must be mindful of the impact our actions have on others, including family, community members; and watching and learning from what they see. The way we act, it sets examples on young ones that are watching us.”

— Danasha' Tidwell, Youth organizer

“Look, I was 15 once, believe it or not. We had malls and movie theaters, and things to do. If kids want to be kids, it is our job and duty to create those spaces for you. I know y'all were nervous because when we were having conversations, I know y'all thought you were in trouble. You're not in trouble. We're empowering you.”

— Chanel Hampton, Senior director of Youth and Education Liaison

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for Detroit to better engage with and provide for its youth population, finding constructive solutions that address the underlying issues and give young Detroiters more positive outlets and a sense of belonging in their community.