social justice

Washtenaw County officials and volunteers are preparing to accept funding requests from local organizations that are working to address social issues. WEMU’s Ana Longoria reports.

Grocery prices are higher, the cost of clothes and school supplies is higher, just about everything we buy for our households is more expensive than a year ago. Affordability is a political issue, but for all too many, it’s a personal crisis. The United Way for Southeastern Michigan is providing aid for these everyday items through its Community Fulfillment Center. WEMU's David Fair finds out more about the center’s growing role from UWSEM community engagement and outreach associate director Chris Taylor.

The University of Michigan is holding its 40th annual Martin Luther King Day Symposium today. This year’s theme is “Unbowed and Unbroken - The Enduring Struggle for Justice.” WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.

Eastern Michigan University’s Martin Luther King Jr. Plaza commemorates his story and the enduring legacy of his civil rights work. WEMU’s Ana Longoria reports.

Monday is Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The national holiday is an annual reflection on how far we've come, where we stand along with progress that still needs to be made since Dr King delivered his famous “I Have a Dream” speech at the National Mall in August of 1963. WEMU's Caroline MacGregor talked with Eastern Michigan University Chief Access and Opportunity Officer Dwight Hamilton, as we explore the meaning of this day and associated activities here at EMU.

The City of Ann Arbor has been working toward an equitable vision for the city’s future. This includes affordable housing, carbon neutrality and neighborhood resilience projects, in addition to embracing values that reflect the city’s commitment to human rights. WEMU’s Caroline MacGregor talked to Ann Arbor Mayor Christopher Taylor, who takes a look back at his time in office over the past year while offering a glimpse into the city’s future projects and aspirations as we enter 2026.

Some Washtenaw County community organizations may be getting some financial help in the new year. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.

A new judicial task force report calls for an overhaul in how Michigan’s local courts are funded. The report says the local jurisdictions rely too much on fines and fees to fund their operations. The report says that is not only unfair, it undermines faith that courts and judges are more interested in dispensing justice than collecting money. We have more from Rick Pluta.

Foundational support systems can go a long way in determining life outcomes. When there are systemic barriers, the task of growing a successful and happy life becomes more difficult. The Women’s Center of Southeast Michigan continues its work in offering systems to support the emotional and economic self-determination of women and their families. WEMU's David Fair spoke with executive director Hannah Reischl about challenges of achieving greater equity and equality.

Efforts to combat income inequity and social justice have to have a strong foundational place from which to work. Literacy is right at the top of the list. Washtenaw Literacy is under new leadership, and it comes at a time when non-profits are struggling to find the financial support to maximize community impact. WEMU's David Fair talked with the new executive director, David Martineau, about the impact of the organization and where it goes from here.