Cayden Brown is an American child rights attorney and awarded activist, acclaimed for his impact in juvenile justice at a notably young age. Formally regarded as “The Future of Social Change” by The Michigan Chronicle, Cayden is a global thought leader and legal liberationist, protecting millions of vulnerable youth around the world.
Cayden Brown Juvenile Justice
“Very rarely do you hear of people with as much drive and ambition as Cayden Brown.”
Cayden Brown Juvenile Justice
AS FEATURED IN:
This 17-year-old kid from Detroit has:
been asked by the President of the United States to introduce new policies for juvenile justice reform- the record as the youngest ‘Youth Justice Advocate Award’ winner—alongside four other honors
- already been named among the Top 100 National Black Lawyers
- represented several young people and has never lost a case
- made numerous media appearances and graced the cover of two magazines
- But what I’m most proud of is that despite all, I remain grounded in my faith and get to humbly witness the impact my work makes on the lives of people around the world.
At just 16, Cayden assumed the role of Juvenile Defense Attorney within the Oakland County Teen Court Program, gaining widespread recognition for his unbroken series of courtroom victories. His work not only diverts youth from the traditional justice system but also prevents recidivism. Brown’s unparalleled approach to law makes him more than just an impressive teenager, but a rectifier of outdated, oppressive legal frameworks.
By the age of 13, Cayden Brown had already amassed a total of four monumental awards, including the Presidential Academic Achievement Award in 2020, signed by former President Donald Trump. His artistic activism earned him three consecutive NPTA Reflections Awards at local, district, and state levels. On May 17, 2024, Cayden made history as the youngest recipient of the ‘Youth Justice Advocate Award’ from the Michigan Center for Youth Justice.
Alongside his legal accolades, he consistently makes historic contributions that are remarkable for someone of his age. He recently became the youngest speaker for Colin Kaepernick’s Know Your Rights Camp, leading the legal segment previously held by renowned civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump. This historic endeavor adds to his string of unforgettable appearances, including his 2020 keynote address at the Walled Lake Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day event, where he was the first Black student keynote speaker. His speech remains one of the most-viewed keynotes in the event’s history.
He’s the founder & CEO of The Trespass Project, a global nonprofit that leverages modern technology to help children around the world understand their nations’ legal systems, empowering them to boldly seize positions of power. He has held top roles, including Statewide Political Mobilization Leader at Dream for America and campaign intern for Varlo. A lifelong activist, he has been a member of over ten advisory committees, mastering the art of potent discourse in reform advocacy. Cayden has leveraged his leadership, communications, policy, and equity skills on broad justice issues from legal education to juvenile justice, bridging representational gaps across various sectors.
Venturing into the legislative arena at just 17 years old, Cayden joined America’s most prominent youth-led organizations, including GenZ for Change, March for Our Lives, and the Sunrise Movement, to unveil a bold agenda at a press conference in Washington, D.C., petitioning the Presidential office to “Finish the Job.” Brown’s nonprofit played a crucial role in championing criminal justice reform within this agenda.
Among the numerous unprecedented accolades he has received for his work, Cayden has made several media appearances, including a compelling interview on Detroit’s Channel 4 News, as well as a special feature on The Amanda Seales’ Show aired on Urban One and iHeart Radio. He graced the cover of The Michigan Chronicle‘s September 2023 issue, was featured in Black Enterprise Magazine, and highlighted in the December issue of The Official Black Magazine. At only sixteen, he was named among the Top 100 National Black Lawyers and made history as the first Detroit Changemakers Spotlight for Outlier Media.
Brown’s daring, youthful lens challenges the confines of traditional law, signaling a seismic shift in the landscape of justice. He’s not just participating early in the dialogue of justice; he is leading the conversation. With each case, project, and speech, Brown is writing a new chapter in history, where legal entry is democratized and justice is an actualized principle.
Ultimately, Cayden is a proud Black man of faith who believes that “legal literacy equals liberation”. You can follow him on social media @TheCaydenBrown on Instagram, Twitter, Linkedin & TikTok. He resides in the Detroit Metropolitan area with his family and fellow kin in movement.
Cayden epitomizes a revolutionary era in advocacy, where all become restorers of equity and stewards of change—regardless of age.
