DETROIT – The Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan (BGCSM) has announced the upcoming launch of the Shaka Senghor Literary Lounge, a transformative space dedicated to storytelling, healing, and creativity. The lounge will be in its newest club that opens in February at Michigan Central Station.
Named in honor of Shaka Senghor, a nationally acclaimed author, speaker, and Detroit native, the Literary Lounge will serve as a hub for youth, creators, and community members to reflect, create, and connect through the power of words and storytelling.
The lounge will feature curated bookshelves, cozy reading areas, flexible workshop zones, and spaces for digital content creation, pop-up events, and youth-led programming. It aims to be a platform where young Detroiters can shape their own narratives—and gain access to real-world tools in journalism, digital media, and entrepreneurship.
“It’s a safe space for young people to see themselves in the stories they read and learn to tell their own,” said Senghor in a press release. “At a time when youth are navigating so much, we want to make sure they know their voices matter. I’m honored to be a part of this vision and proud to help build something lasting in a place that means so much to our city.”
The announcement comes as Senghor tours nationally in support of his latest New York Times bestselling book, How to Be Free, which provides practical tools for overcoming personal and emotional barriers.
From drone racing and autonomous vehicle design to podcast production and fashion startups, more than 1,000 youth annually will gain direct access to real-world tools, mentorship, and experiential learning. The Club at Michigan Central will also feature a youth-run Makers Market, where young entrepreneurs showcase and sell their own products—from fashion pieces to gaining firsthand experience in business, branding, and retail operations.