YPSILANTI, MI - Jermaine Dickerson has always had a talent for graphic design, but his true passion after graduating from Eastern Michigan in 2014 became social justice.

Two years later, the Ypsilanti resident found the perfect way to combine them.

Dickerson, 26, is founder of Hero Nation, an organization that believes everyone has a hero inside of them deserving to be celebrated.

Through his work helping residents of different backgrounds find self-empowerment through his many workshops, conventions and other activities, Dickerson is being awarded The Tamara Real Emerging Leader Award from the The Arts Alliance in Washtenaw County.

Dickerson said he uses super heroes as a symbol for how ordinary people can do great things.

"I've worked with a variety of different organizations. Non-profits, business institutions, workshops that all focus on self-empowerment, art and creativity," he said. "I'm a huge super hero fan. I love super heroes and social justice."

Dickerson will receive his award at The Arts Alliance's signature benefit, "THE pARTy! 2018." The event is a celebration of excellence in arts, sciences, and humanities across the Ann Arbor area.

Dickerson said he felt like he didn't deserve the award, but was excited for the recognition it would bring to his program.

"I was very humbled and very happy, but I don't do these things for the recognition," he said. "I am honored to have an opportunity to receive the award."

Dickerson, who was born in Detroit, said he hopes to expand Hero Nation to the metro area in the future.

The Tamara Real Emerging Leader Award is named for the late Tamara Real who served as The Arts Alliance's first executive director from 2002 - 2011. Among her many initiatives, she championed young leadership development.

Real died on Nov. 17, 2017 of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. In her honor, the Emerging Leader Award is presented to an individual or team with the promising potential to advance the arts, sciences and humanities in Washtenaw County for many years to come.

"THE pARTy! 2018" takes place on Jan. 29 at Melange Bistro in Ann Arbor. Festivities begin at 5:15 p.m. with a private reception for honorees and sponsors followed by "THE pARTy! 2018" at 6:15 p.m.

In addition to Dickerson's Emerging Leader Award, The Arts Alliance's Medals for the Arts, Sciences and Humanities will be presented at "THE pARTy! 2018" to:

Outstanding Service Medal 2018

Philanthropic Excellence Medal 2018 -

Lifetime Achievement Medal 2018 -

For more information about "THE pARTY! 2018" and The Arts Alliance, call 734.213.2733 or email info@A3Arts.org.