The African American Cultural and Historical Museum of Washtenaw County (AACHM) has been making strides in its efforts to rehabilitate and transform Woodlawn Cemetery in Ypsilanti Township, the only known African American graveyard in Washtenaw County. AACHM Board Chair Dr. Debby Covington joined Lee Van Roth to talk about the progress already made on the project and what else is planned.

Ypsilanti's Family Empowerment Program (FEP), which is based out of Eastern Michigan University's Engage@EMU office, provides supportive housing services to residents of low-income public housing communities. Now in its 15th year, the program serves about 900 individuals across all Ypsilanti Housing Commission communities. Lee Van Roth discussed the program's accomplishments with FEP's resident service coordinator, Lamar Thomas.

Inside a shared commercial kitchen in Ypsilanti, Growing Hope is helping local food entrepreneurs turn ideas into sustainable livelihoods, offering not only space, but support, mentorship, and community. Among the graduates of Growing Hope's "Incubator Kitchen" program is Eric Kinsler-Holloway, owner/operator of EK's Cheesecakes. He shares his culinary success story with Lee Van Roth for this week's "On the Ground Ypsi."

The Ypsilanti District Library (YDL) has launched a new pilot repair clinic program. It allows residents to use YDL supplies and equipment to repair household items. And it's all for free! Lee Van Roth gets you fully informed through her conversation with librarian Aaron Smith on this week's On the Ground Ypsi!

Students will gather at Eastern Michigan University on March 16 for this year's Generative Artificial Intelligence Spring Summit. With the theme "Learning Together at the Forefront of Change," the summit will explore applications of generative AI, ethical considerations, environmental impacts, and strategies for responsible use across sectors. Lee Van Roth shared more about the summit and its overall goals with the director of EMU's Office of Campus and Community Writing, Dr. Ann Blakeslee.

At Ypsilanti Community Schools, the Resiliency Center has grown into one of these spaces that really is making a difference in our community. Since its start, the center has expanded from a single room into a multi-room resource hub, offering clothing, hygiene supplies, internet access, and connections to community services for hundreds of families each year. Lee Van Roth talked about the Resiliency Center's history and the work it does today with its director, Cherisa Allen.

The Ypsi Performance Space has hosted many community gatherings and musical performances over the years. Now, the venue is more eco-friendly, thanks to the recent installation of new electric vehicle chargers. Lee Van Roth talked all about the chargers and how they’ve created a better connection to the community with Ypsi Performance Space manager Steve Pierce.

Young Black men face many challenges in their lives, and that can take a toll on their mental health. Plus, there’s a high level of stigma concerning Black men and their mental health. So, Packard Health in Ypsilanti established the "Healing Brothers United" program, which brings these young men together and provide mental health resources. Lee Van Roth discussed the program and what it hopes to achieve with Packard Behavioral Health Program Manager Santinio Jones.

Ypsilanti has been selected as one of six communities participating in Recast City's Recast Leaders Program, a new Southeastern Michigan cohort focused on strengthening local economies through small-scale manufacturing and product-based businesses. Lee Van Roth was joined by Recast City founder/CEO Ilana Preuss to discuss why Ypsilanti was selected for the program and what this work could mean for local businesses and residents.

Students across Ypsilanti Community Schools are learning local history in a hands-on way by turning it into art. A new project called "Ypsilanti Future History" invites students to explore the people, places, and events that shape their city and to imagine what its future might look like. The program is led by Ypsilanti artist and educator Nick Azzaro. He spoke about what he hopes the project will achieve with Lee Van Roth.