African American History

Ann Arbor’s West Side held a celebration on Sunday for the grand opening of Porter’s Place and an open house at Dunbar Tower. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.

The words, "I want to be ready," spring from one of the 6,000 African American spirituals that speak not just about waiting for what's next but actively preparing the ground we stand on. Here in Washtenaw County and in most communities, keeping cultural legacies alive and present requires that same kind of preparation. That’s what the Willis C. Patterson Our Own Thing Chorale stands for. Decky Alexander talked about the chorale’s history and purpose with its musical director, Dr. Lavonte’ Heard.

Eastern Michigan University is hosting a two-day conference on the history of Black student activism on campus. The conference is also commemorating the 10th anniversary of 2016 student protests following the murder of George Floyd. WEMU’s Ana Longoria sits down with Dr. Peter Blackmer, associate professor with EMU’s Department of Africology and African-American Studies, to discuss the past, present, and future of Black organizations.

11 more voices are joining the Ypsilanti District Library’s collection featuring the stories of local BIPOC and working-class farmers. WEMU’s Ana Longoria reports.

Juneteenth National Independence Day is a federal holiday in the United States. It is celebrated annually on June 19 to commemorate the end of slavery in the United States. And as happens each year, several local events commemorate the day. WEMU's Caroline MacGregor was joined by the President of the NAACP Ann Arbor branch, Andre' Watson, to talk about what is going on locally, but more importantly, what this day means to residents in Washtenaw County.

Friday marks the start of celebrations and remembrances that will continue throughout the weekend as the community observes Juneteenth. WEMU’s Ana Longoria reports.

Washtenaw County officials are holding a flag-raising ceremony to usher in Juneteenth celebrations. WEMU’s Ana Longoria has the story.

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.

Scientists from Terracon are currently at a historic African American graveyard in Ypsilanti. They are conducting a non-invasive geophysical survey as part of a key step in restoring the site. WEMU’s Ana Longoria has the story.

More than half a century after his death, the teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. continue to shape movements around the world. At the center of his message was a radical idea — that real strength is found not in retaliation, but in restraint. That was a message given—and received—loud and clear when Dr. King made his visit to Ann Arbor and the University of Michigan campus. As we approach the end of Black History Month, WEMU’s John Stockwell takes a closer look at Dr. King’s message and the enduring power of nonviolence.