African American History

The weekend in Ypsilanti will be filled with a celebration of Juneteenth. It will also serve as an occasion to protest the federal administration's attacks on DEI programs. WEMU's David Fair spoke with event organizer and founder of the nonprofit "Survivors Speak," Trische' Duckworth, about what to expect and the efforts that will carry on beyond the weekend.

Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of the last slaves in the United States. It was June 19th of 1865 in Texas when the last last slaves were freed under the Emancipation Proclamation that was signed by President Abraham Lincoln in 1862. The holiday was first observed in Ann Arbor in 1994 and has been observed ever since. WEMU’s Caroline MacGregor discussed the local significance of the day with Ann Arbor NAACP president Andre' Watson.

The official holiday is June 19th, but on Saturday, the Ann Arbor NAACP kicks off their Juneteenth celebrations with the 31st Community Unity Walk to Wheeler Park. WEMU’s Caroline MacGregor reports.

The Ann Arbor African American Festival is bringing together members of the Black community this weekend in downtown Ann Arbor. WEMU’s Ana Longoria reports.

The Washtenaw County Historic Preservation Commission and the African American Cultural and Historical Museum of Washtenaw County are restoring Ypsilanti Township’s Woodlawn Cemetery. WEMU’s Ana Longoria has more.

A large crowd gathered behind Ann Arbor’s Community High School on Thursday to unveil an historical marker to remember Jones Elementary School. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.

This past weekend, YpsiWrites hosted "A Great Day in Ypsi." The event, which celebrates Ypsilanti writers and storytellers, was inspired by Art Kane's "A Great Day in Harlem" photograph and by the book "Sweet Music of Harlem" by local author Debbie Taylor. Taylor joined Rylee Barnsdale to discuss the event and how it can inspire more Ypsilanti stories and storytellers.

Ypsilanti is a city rich in Black history. Lesser-known parts of that history have shaped it today. As part of Black History Month, WEMU’s Ana Longoria examines this history more closely.

In its earlier days, the City of Dexter was a place of adamant anti-slavery and a possible part of the Underground Railroad. WEMU’s Ana Longoria takes a closer look as part of Black History Month.

Renowned author, activist and historian Dr. Mary Frances Berry will be the keynote speaker at Eastern Michigan University's 39th annual Martin Luther King Jr. President's Luncheon. WEMU's Caroline MacGregor reports.