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Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie, and Superior. These magnificent Great Lakes transcend borders connecting two countries, eight states, and two provinces. Long the fascination of writers, much has been written about these deep-water lakes. Join Deb Polich on this edition of "creative:impact" to meet Inger Schultz, co-founder of the Library of the Great Lakes.

As Pride Month continues, we remember a trailblazing, social justice force that forever changed Ann Arbor and Washtenaw County. Jim Toy passed away this year at the age of 91, but his work not only lives on, but it also continues to grow in his name. WEMU's David Fair is joined by Jim Toy Community Center board member, Leigh Greden. Together, they explore the community and attitudinal changes Mr. Toy brought forth on behalf of the LGBTQ community and the work his legacy requires to be carried forward.

The world of films is heating up even more for the summer. WEMU's David Fair and Michigan Theater executive director Russ Collins meet up, once again, to discuss the new films and special screenings headed your way.

We've just past the summer solstice, and as the weather continues to warm, so does the box office. WEMU's David Fair met up with Michigan Theater executive director Russ Collins to give you a full rundown of what's available to you on the silver screen in the days to come.

We are days away from the national and local celebration of Juneteenth. It commemorates June 19, 1865, when Union soldiers brought the news of freedom to enslaved Black people in Galveston, Texas. 157 years later, racial issues and matter of inequity and inequality remain at the fore of our social discourse. WEMU's David Fair is joined by the founder of Survivors Speak, Trische' Duckworth, to talk about Juneteenth as a platform to advance the dialogue and look at Ypsilanti's annual Juneteenth celebration while also marking the one-year anniversary of the painting of Ypsilanti's Black Lives Matter Boulevard.

Fifty years ago, in June 1972, the first LGBTQ+ pride celebration was held in Detroit. It was a seminal moment now captured in illustrations by Isabel Clare Paul in a comic book: "Come Out! In Detroit." Join Deb Polich on this edition of "creative:impact" to meet Isabel and also learn the important role played by Ann Arbor activists at the start of the movement.

While there has been progress in the effort to remove the historic Peninsular Paper Dam from the Huron River in Ypsilanti, there are a group of folks continuing to argue against such action. The Friends of Peninsular Park contend the cost of removal is exorbitant, and, for less money, the dam could be returned to function and produce hydroelectric power. They also argue sediment contamination could spread downriver into Ford Lake that would adversely impact wildlife habitat. Tricia Mora is a board member of the group, and she provides the group's perspective in a conversation with WEMU's David Fair.

Washtenaw County Clerk and Register of Deeds Larry Kestenbaum moonlights in the creative world as photographer, illustrator, and the master sleuth behind "The Political Graveyard," the most comprehensive single free source for American political biographies, including how politicians died and where they are buried. Join Deb Polich on this edition of "creative:impact" when Larry tells her about his obsession with political history.

A "Community Baby Shower" continues through the end of May in Washtenaw County. We know there is a local and national shortage of baby formula, but there are a number new moms in our community that need a more than that. That's the idea behind the month-long event: to raise needed supplies to be distributed to give mother and child a hand-up as they begin their journey together. WEMU's David Fair was joined by the Vice President of Development of the United Way of Washtenaw County, Susan Smith, to discuss how serious the needs are and what we can collectively do to help in our community.

Journalists quickly become subject experts on the stories they cover. Ann Arborite Michael Hodges spent 30 years at The Detroit News. No doubt his research and storytelling skills positioned him well to become an author. Join Deb Polich on this edition of "creative:impact" to meet journalist turned author, Michael Hodges. They talk about his career and his recent book about famed architect Albert Kahn.