racial equity

Juneteenth National Independence Day is a federal holiday in the United States. It is celebrated annually on June 19 to commemorate the end of slavery in the United States. And as happens each year, several local events commemorate the day. WEMU's Caroline MacGregor was joined by the President of the NAACP Ann Arbor branch, Andre' Watson, to talk about what is going on locally, but more importantly, what this day means to residents in Washtenaw County.

Juneteenth serves as both a celebration of freedom and a reflection on the ongoing pursuit of equality. And in Ypsilanti, that celebration has grown into a three-day community event featuring live entertainment, food, family activities, and cultural programming. The sixth annual Juneteenth celebration will take place June 19th through the 21st at the University Bank parking lot in downtown Ypsi. Lee Van Roth discussed the big event with its organizer and MC, Gordon "Big" Dooley.

Washtenaw County officials are holding a flag-raising ceremony to usher in Juneteenth celebrations. WEMU’s Ana Longoria has the story.

The City of Ann Arbor is changing the names of two of its parks with input from the local community. WEMU's Ana Longoria has the story.

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.

As we celebrate Black History Month, WEMU's Caroline MacGregor continues to talk to people whose stories have inspired us. Today, she celebrates the journey and achievements of Cynthia Harrison. As an Ann Arbor City Council member and Director of Innovative Re-entry at the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office, Harrison is known and respected for her collaborative leadership, passion for racial equality, and protecting the most vulnerable among us.

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.

The Ypsilanti District Library is working with medical advocates to encourage harm reduction within the community. WEMU's Ana Longoria has the story.

The Washtenaw County Health Department has released its Maternal and Infant Health Report. The data reveals various disparities in the community. WEMU’s Ana Longoria has the details.