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We often say that everyone should have equal opportunity. America has yet to achieve that goal. Education is vitally important, and the manner in which the curriculum is approached at Ypsilanti’s ACCE High School is aimed at preparing students for the societal inequities they’ll face and building a population of citizens that can move needed change forward. Find out more about the innovative approach to education in the conversation WEMU's David Fair had with ACCE High School Culture and Climate Coach, Lauren Fardig-Diop.

It is safe to say future successes require most, if not, all of us to have a competency in writing. Creative writing, self-expression and the ability to connect through the written word are life skills that make a difference. Fostering these skills in students in Ypsilanti, Ann Arbor and Detroit is the mission of 826michigan. Executive director Megan Shuchman joined WEMU's David Fair to share the process of "writing a better future, one story at a time."

Since 1972, the Willis Patterson Our Own Thing Chorale has performed throughout the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti area. But it is not just a singing group. It is an educational institution aimed at serving the youth in the region and their families, and at the fore is the commitment to ensuring the African American concert spiritual remains a viable part of the community's artistic landscape. Donna Smith and LaVonte’ Heard from the Chorale joined WEMU's David Fair for this week’s "Washtenaw United."

There are a number of firsts this year in the United Way of Washtenaw County's Justice Fund allocations. The aim is to put money in the hands of more nonprofits and organizations that are working most closely with those in need—particularly Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC). WEMU's David Fair is joined by Bridget Herrmann, UWWC's vice president for community impact and advocacy, to discuss the refocused lens being used to shape community investment moving forward.

Those reentering society after incarceration face numerous challenges, including addressing their own health. Yet, access to quality health care, housing, and other necessities can be exceedingly difficult. In response to this, Packard Health has partnered with the Washtenaw County Sheriff's Department to create the "Beyond Incarceration" program. Lee Van Roth talked all about this amazing initiative with Packard Health reentry coach Jessica Slone.

Further investing in environmental sustainability will be a part of Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s budget for the 2025 fiscal year. The governor is to formally introduce her budget proposal today at 11 AM. WEMU's David Fair invited State Senator Jeff Irwin (D-Ann Arbor) to discuss some of what lay ahead in 2024 when it comes to environmental legislation and policy.

The kids are back to school, and that means a lot of parents are driving more. Child safety is even more important, but all too many in our community lack the resources to have a new or approved child safety seat in the car. Jenna Dawson is committed to changing that. Jenna is the founder of the Washtenaw County-based Care Seats of Michigan, and she runs down all the ways that help is available in a conversation with WEMU's David Fair.

Helping build equity and opportunity through affordable housing: that is the mission of Habitat for Humanity of Huron Valley. There are a number of building and renovation projects the organization has underway right now, and, on an annual basis, the local chapter of Habitat leads the state and is among the best in the nation when it comes to number of people helped. The Huron Valley chapter CEO, Sarah Stanton, and senior director of home improvement, Martha Davis, joined WEMU's David Fair for a deeper look at its impact in Washtenaw County.

Eastern Michigan University, St. Joe’s Hospital, U of M, and the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Headquarters are but a few of the places where John Nick Pappas’s bronze sculptures greet visitors. He joins "creative:impact" host Deb Polich to talk about his career spanning 50 years.

The protagonist of Hilary Cohen’s first murder mystery, "A Turquoise Grave," is looking forward to a tropical getaway but instead finds herself trying to prove a man is innocent of murder. Hilary, widely known as the playwright for the famed Wild Swan Theater, has turned her talents to the written page. Hilary talks about how becoming a novelist seemed like the natural next step for her creative career on the next edition of "creative:impact" with Deb Polich.