Usher, Big Sean Donate $1M to ‘Entertainment Incubator’ for Boys & Girls Club

December 4, 2025

R&B artist Usher and Detroit rapper Big Sean are investing $1 million to establish an entertainment production studio and innovation incubator at the Boys & Girls Club of Southeastern Michigan's new Michigan Central location. The 13,000-square-foot facility, scheduled to open in February 2026, will provide young people aged 14-24 with access to advanced production equipment, business education, and mentorship opportunities in entertainment and emerging technology fields. Both musicians are Boys & Girls Club alumni who are contributing through their respective foundations, alongside partners including Ilitch Sports + Entertainment and Emory University's business school.

Who is affected

Young people ages 14-24 in Detroit and Southeastern Michigan
Boys & Girls Club of Southeastern Michigan members (more than 10,000 youth already served by previous Sean Anderson Foundation programs)
Detroit's next generation of creative professionals and entrepreneurs
Participants who will receive industry credentials, mentorship, and seed funding

What action is being taken

Usher and Big Sean are investing $1 million in the facility
The Boys & Girls Club of Southeastern Michigan is creating the new Michigan Central hub
Partners are collaborating to develop the Innovation Incubator space
The project is being led by Usher's New Look and Sean Anderson Foundation

Why it matters

This initiative addresses opportunity gaps for Detroit youth by providing local access to advanced technology, professional training, and business development resources that can launch careers in high-growth industries. By keeping talent in Detroit and providing pathways to ownership and equity, the program aims to transform creativity into generational wealth for the community. The investment demonstrates how successful alumni can reinvest in their hometowns to create sustainable economic opportunities.

What's next

The new Michigan Central BGCSM Club location is slated to open in February 2026
The Innovation Incubator will deliver programming equipping youth for careers in film, music production, AI, 3D, immersive technologies, and special effects
Participants will gain industry-recognized credentials through Emory's Goizueta Business School and Ilitch Sports + Entertainment
Youth will receive mentorship from leading executives and seed funding to launch content ventures and creative startups

Read full article from source: Michigan Chronicle