people of color

"Colorism" is a mixed-media installation that uses video, photography, tactile elements, and montage to explore how racial categorizations and colorism shape privileges and prejudices. WEMU’s Caroline MacGregor talks with U-M Professor Rogerio Pinto about an evening of storytelling at Detroit’s Charles H. Wright Museum this Friday evening, September 19th at 7:30 PM.

With attention to racial profiling in traffic stops by police in Ann Arbor, there’s a renewed call to action by those personally affected. WEMU’s Caroline MacGregor reports.

The Ann Arbor Police Department stopped zero motorists for vehicle equipment issues in August. This is part of an ongoing effort by the city to pull over fewer Black motorists. WEMU’s Ana Longoria has the details.

Michigan environmental activists say a Trump Administration plan to pull back from clean air regulations would hurt the state. Colin Jackson has more.

Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disorder that primarily affects Black and Hispanic people. There are significant gaps in access to high-quality health care for people who live with the disease. Dr. Sarah Reeves is an Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Epidemiology at the University of Michigan. She focuses her research on ways to improve access to quality health care for those living with sickle cell disease. Reeves discussed her work with WEMU's David Fair.

Housing and food insecurity continue to grow in Washtenaw County, and the organizations that assist people through the difficult times are facing some challenges of their own right now. Rhonda Weathers is the executive director of SOS Community Services. She joined WEMU's David Fair to discuss the role SOS Community Services has played in its 55 years in the area.

More Michigan students who start a post-secondary degree or certificate are finishing within eight years. Colin Jackson has more on state data released this week.

Ypsilanti is gathering to raise awareness for sickle cell disease and its impact on the BIPOC community during its Juneteenth celebration weekend. WEMU’s Ana Longoria reports.

The Washtenaw Bird and Nature Alliance is advocating for Black people to feel safe and included in birding communities as part of its Black Birders Week. WEMU’s Ana Longoria has the details.

The Trump administration is cancelling or defunding a number of initiatives that have been investing in environmental and energy justice. These are programs that, in some cases, have a direct impact on Washtenaw County. The Biden-era Justice40 program has been cancelled. WEMU's David Fair spoke with one of the architects of that program, Dr. Jalonne White-Newsome, who is the former White House Federal Chief Environmental Justice Officer and is founder and CEO of Empowering a Green Environment and Economy, LLC.