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We continue to mark Black History Month with a look at overcoming inequities in education by exploring local efforts at improving literacy and accessibility to diverse literature in Washtenaw County. Margy Long is director of the Washtenaw Intermediate School District's Success by Six-Great Start Collaborative. She joined WEMU's David Fair for a conversation on progress made and progress yet needed.
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Despite the fact Democrats won control of the state Legislature for the first time in four decades in November, there are ongoing efforts at voter suppression. WEMU's David Fair is joined by first-term state representative Jason Morgan of Ann Arbor to discuss how best to legislatively combat those efforts in the new session.
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U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell was in Ypsilanti Tuesday, touring the city’s transit center. It's a place that will see significant improvement in coming years. WEMU’s Josh Hakala reports.
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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.
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Washtenaw County residents are getting a chance to learn more about the ways racism, equity, and bias continue to affect the community. WEMU's Taylor Pinson has more.
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The United Way of Washtenaw County's 21-day Equity Challenge begins today. It asks us to spend time each day exploring our personal bias and to educate ourselves on how to recognize them, deal with them and, ultimately, discard them. It also provides context for the society we live in today and our roles in it. La'Ron Williams is a noted storyteller and a founding member of "Washtenaw Faces Race." He joined WEMU's David Fair to discuss the ongoing local efforts to dismantle hierarchal and systemic racism.
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Did you know there are less than two dozen Black farmers in Washtenaw County? It is another example of inequity, often caused by lack of access. The Legacy Land Conservancy is working to increase access and address issues of agricultural equity, while continuing its work to increase land preservation throughout the region. Conservancy development associate, Krista Jacob, joined WEMU's David Fair to fill in the details.
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Raising children is difficult no matter what. Now, imagine trying to do it without secure housing, food or educational resources. Imagine further trying to find assistance in a system that has historically been culturally biased. WEMU's David Fair is joined by Icshia Leatherwood. She is a member of "Trusted Parent Advisors," who are working to empower people of color to access available resources and become greater advocates for themselves and their children.
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The pandemic continues to cause greater housing and food insecurity and the impact on area veterans is only growing. Derrick Miller is a former Marine and now heads the Ann Arbor-based Community Action Network. He says the nonprofit service organization is being put to the test by increased demand. Mr. Miller joined WEMU's David Fair to discuss the increasingly creative means necessary to provide basic needs and a foundation of support for greater quality of life.
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There is growing evidence art plays a role in how we express ourselves, and ultimately, treat one another. That's why, for the first time in 2023, art will be part of the 21-Day Equity Challenge in Washtenaw County. WEMU's David Fair talks with local artist and equity activist Yen Azzaro, about using art to better understand implicit bias and racism's adverse impacts on the community around us.