african americans

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.

The number of firearm deaths in Washtenaw County dropped in 2024. That’s according to figures released by the Health Department and Sheriff’s Office. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.

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.

Since 1972, the Willis Patterson Our Own Thing Chorale has performed throughout the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti area. But it is not just a singing group. It is an educational institution aimed at serving the youth in the region and their families, and at the fore is the commitment to ensuring the African American concert spiritual remains a viable part of the community's artistic landscape. Donna Smith and LaVonte’ Heard from the Chorale joined WEMU's David Fair for this week’s "Washtenaw United."

Starting your own business can be both an exciting and frightening experience. On Wednesday, as part of Black History Month, three area minority businesses owners spoke to the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Regional Chamber about their experiences. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.

As part of its Black History Month events, Ypsilanti Community High School Wednesday held an event to show students some of the many scholarship programs available for their higher education. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.

As part of WEMU’s recognition of Black History Month, we will be having conversations with distinguished members of our community. That includes community financial executive and Eastern Michigan University alumnus, Michael Pugh. He hails from a family of health care workers and grew up with a single mother. That experience led him to the personal realization that financial health is just as important as physical health. WEMU’s Caroline MacGregor discussed with Michael his passion to help underserved communities find opportunities to build generational wealth.

Saturday marks the first day of Black History Month, and there will be a great number of events throughout the month to mark the occasion. Eastern Michigan University is hosting a panel discussion about evolving Black politics going into Trump’s presidency. WEMU’s Ana Longoria has the details.

Dr. Mary Frances Berry says, regardless of who is President, the drive to protect and expand civil rights must always move forward. Dr. Berry was the featured speaker Monday at Eastern Michigan University’s annual Martin Luther King Day commemoration. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.