people of color

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.

Safe and affordable housing for older residents in Washtenaw County is a growing problem. Additionally, there are clear inequities among race and gender when it comes to elder housing. By 2028, there will more people in Washtenaw County 55 and older than there are under the age of 18. We’ll explore where we are and what programs are being implemented in anticipation of further senior housing issues. Yvonne Cudney from the Housing Bureau for Seniors at the U of M joined WEMU's David Fair for an update on this week’s "Washtenaw United."

Evidence for AI models potentially having a medical bias based on race was discovered in a recent University of Michigan study. WEMU’s Ana Longoria has the details.

Eastern Michigan University hosted Reverend Jesse Jackson and his son, former Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr., Wednesday afternoon. Ana Longoria reports.

The University of Michigan has released census data for the fall 2024 semester, showing a 1.5% increase in total enrollment and a 12% rise in applications. That includes an increase among students of color. WEMU’s Ana Longoria reports.

In the year 2024, right here in Washtenaw County, there are still racially restrictive covenants written into thousands of property deeds. These property deeds are dedicated to preventing people of color for buying or renting homes. Exposing and combatting these provisions is the mission of the group Justice InDeed. WEMU's David Fair spoke with Justice InDeed co-leads Justin Schell and Jessica Letaw about the effort to eradicate these covenants and fight segregation and economic inequality.