people of color

Law and social justice advocates at Justice InDeed have been chipping away at racially discriminatory land covenants that are more than a half-century old that have shaped and still shape where people of color live in Washtenaw. WEMU’s Ana Longoria has this story for Black History Month.

Alpha House East is now open and providing shelter to the unhoused. The majority are Black women who are heads of households. WEMU's David Fair talked with Shonagh Taruza, the executive director of the Interfaith Hospitality Network at Alpha House, about housing insecurity, homelessness and the systems that make it difficult to improve the situation.

The political climate has brought back to the surface open prejudice, bias and discrimination. These are challenges that, in the best of times, have been a part of the lives of the LGBTQ+ members of our community. But all young people are experiencing greater anxiety about social barriers. That’s where the Ann Arbor-based Neutral Zone focuses its work. Executive director Lori Roddy joined WEMU's David Fair to talk about the work to get around, over and through those hurdles.

"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.