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Today is Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and there are a number of events taking place throughout the community. It is also a day that reminds us that the work for racial equity and social justice is a year-round task. On an MLK Day edition of "Washtenaw United," WEMU's David Fair is joined by Ypsilanti District Library community relations coordinator, Sami Killian for a look at what’s happening on the holiday, and throughout the year.
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There is growing evidence art plays a role in how we express ourselves, and ultimately, treat one another. That's why, for the first time in 2023, art will be part of the 21-Day Equity Challenge in Washtenaw County. WEMU's David Fair talks with local artist and equity activist Yen Azzaro, about using art to better understand implicit bias and racism's adverse impacts on the community around us.
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Ypsilanti Township residents are objecting to the proposed installation of license plate readers in the area. Members of a social justice group say it is a privacy issue and will be tough to regulate. WEMU's Josh Hakala reports.
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There's a new 47th State house seat in Lansing that is a mix of urban and rural areas that stretch from Ann Arbor to Jackson County. WEMU's Cathy Shafran looks at contested races on both sides of the political aisle.
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There are three candidates seeking to serve as the Mayor of Ypsilanti in a runoff to be decided in August. All three have experience as elected officials, and all agree they have a good working relationship and similar goals and aspirations for the city. That leads some to beg the question: Why run against one another? WEMU’s Josh Hakala went in search of the answer.
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A new Black Lives Matter mural was painted in Ann Arbor's Gallup Park on Saturday. WEMU’s Josh Hakala was there.
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Survivors Speak, a social justice organization will get some help from residents to paint a mural in Ann Arbor on Saturday. WEMU’s Josh Hakala has a preview.
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Laura Earle is a multimedia artist and uses her skill set to highlight social injustice in ways that create thoughtful paths to change. She is one of four artists featured in an exhibit at the 22 North Gallery in Ypsilanti through June 24th. It's called "Human/Nature." Laura joins WEMU's David Fair to discuss her artistic process in relation to her activism and what the exhibit aspirations are for inspiring individual and systemic changes within the sustainability movement.
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Embracing Our Differences plants the seeds of diversity, equity, and inclusion in billboard-sized art installations sprinkled throughout four parks in Washtenaw County. Join Deb Polich on this edition of "creative:impact," and meet organizers Nancy Margolis and Lynne Settles to hear more about this exciting project.
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Women in leadership positions in unions and the labor movement are still the exception rather than the rule. On WEMU's final Women's History Month edition of "Washtenaw United," David Fair will introduce you to a local woman who is among the exceptions. Gloria Llamas worked her way up to become President of the Communication Workers of America union before her retirement. Today, she remains active in egalitarian efforts to achieve equity among women and workers here in Washtenaw County.