Washtenaw United
Mondays During Morning Edition
WEMU has partnered with the United Way for Southeastern Michigan to explore the people, organizations and institutions that are creating opportunity and equity in our area. And, as part of this ongoing series, you’ll also hear from the people benefiting and growing from the investments being made in the areas of our community where there are gaps in available services. It is a community voice. It is, Washtenaw United.
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There is an exhibit that will be available from March through the month of May called, “Family Foundations: Four Stories of Black Washtenaw County Community Building.” It is an interactive exhibit put forth by the African American Cultural and Historical Museum of Washtenaw County. There is a long, rich African American history in our community, and much of it is never taught or widely shared. Museum president and CEO Joyce Hunter joins WEMU's David Fair with some lessons and knowledge we can all benefit from in this final Black History Month 2024 installment of "Washtenaw United."
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The 2nd annual Black History Month art exhibition is on display at the Riverside Arts Center in Ypsilanti. This year’s theme is taken from the title of a book written by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: "Where Do We Go from Here: Chaos or community?" The exhibition is sponsored by former State Representative Ronnie Peterson and his wife, Ypsilanti Township trustee Gloria Peterson, and is put forth by the African American Cultural and Historical Museum of Washtenaw County. AACHM board chair, Dr. Debby Covington, and Mr. Peterson joined WEMU's David Fair to discuss the exhibit and its impacts.
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The theme of Black History Month this year is African Americans and the Arts. The Ann Arbor-based Willis C. Patterson Our Own Thing Chorale is celebrating 50 years of sharing the legacy of African American spirituals in 2024. It has spent five decades combatting the lack of inclusion for Black composers in chorale and classical music spaces. WEMU's David Fair talks all about it with the president of the chorale, Sharon Vaughters, in advance of some special performances in Ann Arbor on another Black History Month edition of "Washtenaw United."
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There is a long and storied history of African American farmers in Washtenaw County. Its impacts are often overlooked and underappreciated. Bringing the stories to light is the mission of the Ypsi Farmers and Gardeners Oral History Project. The project is headed by University of Michigan-Dearborn Assistant Professor of Human Services Dr. Finn Bell. He not only joined WEMU's David Fair to discuss the project but brought Patricia Wells with him. She is a master gardener with a rich history of her own. This is the first in a series of Black History Month editions of "Washtenaw United" for 2024.
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When a new academic year starts in the fall, the Lincoln Consolidated Schools will begin celebrating its 100-year anniversary, and the preparations are already underway. Such occasions are a good time to reflect and look ahead. WEMU's David Fair does exactly that with the district's superintendent, Robert Jansen.
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There are a number of health care issues we are dealing with: lack of affordable service for the uninsured, lack of affordable health insurance, inadequate adolescent health care and health education and a lack of people of color as health care providers. The Corner Health Center in Ypsilanti is specifically designed to address those issues. WEMU's David Fair spoke with the center’s executive director, Alex Plum, to find out what is working and what more needs to be done.
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MLK Day is a day of reflection and service. And it's an opportunity to set forth an agenda to continue building on Dr. King's "Dream." WEMU's David Fair engaged Washtenaw County's racial equity officer, Alize Asberry Payne, for a conversation on where the community is and where it's going.
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When we think of issues of equity, a number of things come to mind. One that might not come to mind is the matter of transportation. Feonix - Mobility Rising is a national organization with three offices in Michigan, including one in Ypsilanti. Its mission is to connect as many people as possible with transportation services and tailor it to individual needs. WEMU's David Fair talked with Feonix's Community Development Manager, Rebecca Yaciuk, about overcoming the challenges, particularly on the eastern side of Washtenaw County.
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2024 will be a special year in Ann Arbor, as the city celebrates its bicentennial. When it comes to diversity, equity and inclusion, how far has Ann Arbor come in 200 years? What is the work that needs to be done in the new year and for future generations? WEMU's David Fair went to Ann Arbor city administrator Milton Dohoney Jr. for answers.
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The cost of living continues to rise, and affordable, quality childcare is at a premium. Now, imagine trying to create a better life by going to college, working a job and having to find the kind of care your child deserves on a limited budget. Alleviating some of that stress is the mission behind The Collaborative: Ypsilanti YMCA Child Development Center. WEMU's David Fair talked with center liaison Kaitlyn Savage about the difference it’s making and what more needs to be done.