Detroit educator’s afterschool initiatives help celebrate, inspire city’s youth

April 14, 2026

Quan Neloms, a Detroit educator and current counselor at Wayne Regional Educational Service Agency, has dedicated his career to mentoring Black youth and challenging negative stereotypes about Detroit students through various programs and initiatives. His work includes teaching community Black history classes at Rosedale Park Baptist Church, creating "I Am in Demand" to recruit more Black male educators and mentors, and developing hip-hop-based educational programs. Most recently, Neloms co-directed a documentary called "The ADAPT Narrative" that follows two Southeastern High School seniors through their final year, showcasing positive counter-narratives about Detroit Public Schools students.

Who is affected

Quan Neloms (former Detroit Public Schools teacher, current Wayne RESA counselor)
Members of Rosedale Park Baptist Church in Brightmoor who attend the Black history classes
Students at Southeastern High School, particularly Miles Hall (now at Wayne State University) and KrisTiana Dove (now at Johns Hopkins University)
Black male professionals and students participating in The Plug initiative at Wayne-Westland Innovative Academy
Students Neloms has mentored through various programs including Harambee, The Lyricist Society, and Super Kids
Detroit Public Schools Community District students and their families
Black male educators and professionals involved in I Am in Demand
The Detroit Education Narrative Collective participants

What action is being taken

Neloms is teaching community Black history classes twice monthly at Rosedale Park Baptist Church
Neloms is counseling high school students at Wayne RESA, helping them make post-graduation plans
The I Am in Demand program is ramping back up with new songs, a podcast, and participation in NPR's 2025 Tiny Desk Contest
Black male professionals are meeting monthly with Wayne-Westland Innovative Academy students through The Plug initiative (interactive Saturday sessions)
"The ADAPT Narrative" documentary is currently in film festival submission

Why it matters

This work matters because it directly challenges the negative stereotypes and deficit narratives that often define Detroit and its public school students. By creating spaces for authentic student voices and showcasing successful counter-narratives, Neloms helps combat internalized stereotypes that can limit young people's potential. The emphasis on recruiting and supporting Black male educators addresses a critical shortage in education while providing essential role models for students. These initiatives demonstrate how community-based, holistic approaches to education—combining mentorship, cultural education, and creative expression—can support student achievement and help young people see themselves as capable of success regardless of their circumstances or backgrounds.

What's next

A private screening of "The ADAPT Narrative" is scheduled for 5 p.m. on April 23 (limited attendance, RSVP required via email to qneloms@gmail.com)
Neloms plans to turn "The ADAPT Narrative" into a series showcasing stories of other young people throughout Detroit
The I Am in Demand program is continuing to create more songs and develop its podcast

Read full article from source: bridgedetroit.com