African American History

An Eastern Michigan University professor launched an oral history project focusing on grassroots movements in Detroit. WEMU’s Taylor Bowie has more details.

The Arbor Preparatory School in the Ypsilanti area is one of only 20 schools in Michigan that will be teaching the controversial AP African American History Course. The instructor of that course, Jessica Wood, is taking issue with those like Florida Governor Ron DeSantis who say the course could negatively impact the feelings of white students. Here is her complete conversation about the course with WEMU's Cathy Shafran.

Some Michigan lawmakers gathered in Ypsilanti Monday afternoon to unveil a monument to the state’s Black Civil War veterans. Colin Jackson has more from the ceremony.

Willis Patterson and his talent were gifted to Ann Arbor 90 years ago. It took a village to guide him through a twisting route before he found his voice,…

Geneology helps people learn more about their families and their heritage. Yet, it can be more complicated for African American families, especially when…

June 19th is a special day in American history known as ‘Juneteenth.’89.1 WEMU’s Lisa Barry reports on one local observation featuring a special…

This week, local and state arts leader Omari Rush and WEMU’s Lisa Barry talk with an Ann Arbor artist who uses a variety of mediums to create art of…

Booker T. Washington was an integral part of African-American history, especially in the realm of education. Washington's work inspired local photographer…

Did you know that Ypsilanti’s New Jerusalem Baptist Church was originally built as a school for African-American students? The First Ward School closed in…

This week, Art and Soul is about the vibrant visual arts scene in Washtenaw County.89.1 WEMU’s Lisa Barry and Omari Rush, the Executive Director of…