people of color

Washtenaw County is exploring ways to reduce or even eliminate justice system fines and fees. To do that, the county recently joined the national organization Cities and Counties for Fine and Fee Justice. WEMU's Josh Hakala explains.

A good number of systemic obstacles remain as work towards equity and opportunity in Washtenaw County continues. The Interfaith Council of Peace and Justice is making efforts to build community power and the practice of democracy by adding more diverse voices to leadership positions throughout the area. The organization's co-director, Eleanore Ablan-Owen, joined WEMU's David Fair to share the plan for progress.

The Michigan Democratic Party is continuing to push abortion rights to the forefront of its midterm election pitch. Colin Jackson has more.

There are a number of firsts this year in the United Way of Washtenaw County's Justice Fund allocations. The aim is to put money in the hands of more nonprofits and organizations that are working most closely with those in need—particularly Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC). WEMU's David Fair is joined by Bridget Herrmann, UWWC's vice president for community impact and advocacy, to discuss the refocused lens being used to shape community investment moving forward.

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. In 2021, hate crimes against members of the AAPI community in the U.S. increased 339%. WEMU's David Fair sat down with local artist, graphic recorder, and BIPOC advocate, Yen Azzaro, to discuss her personal journey and how it informs the work she does to build equity and understanding.

For those who need to take a payday loan to help meet financial obligations, it can be crippling. With interest rates averaging 370% in Michigan, just paying the loan back creates a cycle of debt that can be near impossible to escape. The "Stop the Debt Trap" petition drive is seeking to limit those interest loan rates to a maximum of 36%. WEMU's David Fair spoke with the group's Josh Hovey about the effort to get the initiative on the November ballot and why it's so important for all too many in Washtenaw County and around the state.

Since June 2021, two Black Lives Matter murals adorned downtown Ypsilanti and Riverside Park. The idea was to inspire community unity in the call for an…

For many in Washtenaw County, environmental justice is lacking. Low income residents and people of color often find themselves subjected to environmental…

Growing up in a household infused with art, creativity, and as the granddaughter of Motown Temptation Melvin Franklin, Morgan Foreman-McGovern gained…

We know, with certainty, the climate crisis is negatively impacting our environment. It is also having adverse affects on pubic health, particularly in…