Detroit, Michigan Feb 8, 2025 (Issuewire.com) - This piece was published in coordination with Medium

Cayden Brown didnt wait until adulthood to change the world. He spent his teenage years fighting for children around the globe. Now, as he turns 18, Brown is celebrating not only a personal milestone but also the work that has defined his life so far.

Born on February 7, 2007, in Detroit, Michigan, Cayden grew up acutely aware of the challenges young people face within broken systems. His journey as an advocate began at just 6 years old, during his parents divorce and custody battle. Witnessing the systems inability to prioritize the voices of children became the driving force behind his lifes work. By 16, he was already making waves as a leading advocate, winning every case he argued in Oakland County Teen Court a recognition that first placed him in the public eye.

It feels surreal, said Cayden Brown, Founder and CEO of The Trespass Project. Ive spent over half of my life now fighting for childrens voices to be heard all while being a child myself.

Over the past few years, Brown has taken his message from his hometown to the highest stages in the world. He has addressed global leaders at the United Nations as the youngest speaker on the dais, stood before policymakers at the Department of Justice, and collaborated with prominent activists, including Colin Kaepernicks Know Your Rights Camp, where he was the youngest speaker, and Bryan Stevenson. His work has been recognized by organizations like Forbes, TIME, and The Skillman Foundation, cementing his reputation as a changemaker on a global scale. Its incredible to see the seeds we planted a few years ago take root, he reflects.

For someone who has achieved so much before the age of 18, Brown remains focused on the work ahead. With a book in the works and a packed 2025 calendar, adulthood promises to be even more impactful than his teenage years. Becoming an adult doesnt mean Ill stop fighting for kids. It means Ill be the ally I never had, Brown shares.

As Cayden steps into adulthood, his work continues to inspire. Thank you, Cayden, for everything you did to protect kids while you were one.

Five Facts About Cayden Brown:

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• He started young: Caydens advocacy began at age six, during his parents divorce and custody battle, which showed him the need for people willing to listen to kids voices in the legal system.
• A perfect record in the courtroom: By 16, Cayden earned his place as a defender in the Oakland County Teen Court and won every case he argued.
• A global presence: At just 17 years old, Cayden was invited to speak on the dais of the United Nations Headquarters as the youngest of five youths chosen from around the world to address global peace.
• Collaborator with legends: Cayden has worked with several notable activists including Colin Kaepernick, working as his youngest speaker, Bryan Stevenson.
• An awarded leader and educator: Cayden has won several awards for his advocacy and leadership, including being the youngest Youth Justice Advocate Award winner and Educational Achievement Awardee signed by a former U.S. President.

A letter from The Trespass Project:

Dear Cayden,

On this special day, I would like to express how proud I am of the young man youre becoming. Your strategic efforts, not only in business but throughout your personal life have garnered so much change in a short amount of time. To possess such tenacity, drive, courage, conviction, and determination at the ripe age of 18 speaks to your character.

To witness how committed youve been to your goals has felt like watching a flower bloom.

Speaking about the unfortunate problems in the world is one thing but to put actions behind those words is what separates you from the rest. I have watched you lead, engage, listen, empathize, and learn all whilst keeping your people at the forefront. Your actions have impacted people in your school and across the globe. Your continuous efforts to change the landscape of the treatment of our youth and those around you are simply commendable. I mean come on, what kid decides to be a criminal defense attorney and manages to win every case??

*Ill wait*

Being a part of this journey with you has inspired me to take matters into my own hands, lace up my boots, and get to work. Be sure to take time for YOU. You deserve to relax and just be. Just know that when you clock back in, we will all be here to trespass with you. Happy Birthday, kid!!!

(Written by Lorielle Walker, Operations Director)