The Building Better Men Program honors the life of Mr. Luther Keith, a multifaceted force in Detroit who passed away in early March 2025. Adorning his list of accolades, he was an accomplished journalist, blues musician, and community leader who dedicated his later years to uplifting the city he loved. Among his many contributions, his work with the Building Better Men program stands as a powerful testament to his commitment to Detroit’s youth and future.
As the founder and executive director of ARISE Detroit!, a nonprofit coalition of over 400 organizations, Keith channeled his passion into community service after a distinguished 30-year career in journalism. The Building Better Men program was particularly close to his heart, reflecting his belief in mentorship and early intervention to guide young Black men toward positive futures.
Keith understood that investing in youth development was crucial to breaking cycles of violence and underachievement. Through Building Better Men, he helped create structures of support for boys who often lacked positive male role models. The program provided mentorship, educational guidance, and life skills training that emphasized personal responsibility, academic achievement, and community service.
His approach combined tough love with genuine care – the same qualities that made him a respected journalist and beloved community leader. Keith often shared wisdom from his own journey, having risen from humble beginnings to become the first Black assistant city editor at The Detroit News in 1982 and later advancing to senior positions including deputy managing editor.
Luther Keith’s impact on Building Better Men wasn’t just organizational – it was deeply personal. He regularly participated in mentorship sessions, using his life experience and storytelling gifts to connect with young participants. His background as both a journalist and blues musician (known by his stage name “Badman”) gave him a unique ability to relate to youth through different cultural touchpoints.
Through his leadership, Building Better Men secured vital funding, expanded its reach, and developed evidence-based approaches to youth development. The program became recognized as an effective intervention that demonstrably improved academic outcomes, reduced disciplinary issues, and increased college attendance rates among participants.
Perhaps most importantly, Keith ensured that Building Better Men embraced a holistic approach to manhood – one that celebrated strength alongside emotional intelligence, ambition alongside compassion. He rejected narrow definitions of masculinity in favor of developing young men who would be both successful individuals and community contributors.
As Detroit mourns the loss of this trailblazing journalist, musician, and community builder, the continued success of programs like Building Better Men represents his enduring legacy. The countless young men whose lives were transformed through his efforts stand as living memorials to Luther “Badman” Keith – a man who used every talent he possessed to build a better Detroit, one young man at a time.
