Diversity

Washtenaw County’s own Alize Asberry Payne has been recognized as a local leader in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. WEMU’s Taylor Bowie has more.

Earl Lewis is a problem solver. He is also a scholar, an historian, an administrator and a National Medal for the Humanities recipient. As the founder of the University of Michigan Center for Social Solutions, he wants to find answers to questions of diversity, equity, inclusion and justice. Dr. Lewis joins host Deb Polich on this edition of creative:impact. Tune in to be inspired!

We often say that everyone should have equal opportunity. America has yet to achieve that goal. Education is vitally important, and the manner in which the curriculum is approached at Ypsilanti’s ACCE High School is aimed at preparing students for the societal inequities they’ll face and building a population of citizens that can move needed change forward. Find out more about the innovative approach to education in the conversation WEMU's David Fair had with ACCE High School Culture and Climate Coach, Lauren Fardig-Diop.

There are ongoing efforts to increase workforce diversity. In order to be successful, there also has to be more diversity in corporate and business leadership. That’s one of the objectives of the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Regional Chamber’s A2Y Leadership Program. That program is now 41 years old. Is it making a difference? WEMU's David Fair answers that question with the chamber’s Vice President of Foundation and Leadership, Barbara Davenport, and Meg Scaling, a local business owner who recently graduated from the program.

For the second year in a row, giant billboard-sized artworks have sprouted in parks throughout Washtenaw County. "Embracing our Differences" is back in full bloom. Julie Brooks Malone and Chris Gant spend many days among the artwork greeting guests and telling them about the art on view. Students on tours, it seems, teach these docents as much in return. We find out what is shared when Julie and Chris join Deb Polich on this edition of "creative impact."

University of Michigan officials say the US Supreme Court decision to eliminate the use of affirmative action in college applications will likely result in less diverse college campuses across the country but won't have much of an impact in this state. We get the details from WEMU’s Taylor Pinson.

The University of Michigan will be spending nearly $80 million to expand the diversity of faculty members in the health science fields. WEMU’s Cathy Shafran has details.

There is increased focus on promoting and highlighting diversity, equity and inclusion efforts in Washtenaw County. In fact, Destination Ann Arbor has created a new series called, "Walking the Walk." It puts a spotlight on local businesses living the DEI promise , impacting the local quality of life and making the county a more attractive tourist destination. Destination Ann Arbor's Amy Karbo joined us with all the information on how "talking the talk" is evolving into "walking the walk."

The agricultural industry is a tough business under the best of circumstances. Add in systemic barriers to get underway, and it adds up to a lack of diversity in small, family farming. Kathy Sample is co-owner of Argus Farm Stop and is committed to increasing opportunity for minorities interested in agriculture. Because of her work in that realm, she has been named the United Way of Washtenaw County’s 2023 Power of the Purse Woman of the Year. Learn more in Sample's 'Washtenaw United' conversation with WEMU’s David Fair.

Today is Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and there are a number of events taking place throughout the community. It is also a day that reminds us that the work for racial equity and social justice is a year-round task. On an MLK Day edition of "Washtenaw United," WEMU's David Fair is joined by Ypsilanti District Library community relations coordinator, Sami Killian for a look at what’s happening on the holiday, and throughout the year.