washtenaw united

Black and Brown residents in Washtenaw County are disproportionately impacted by traffic violations. Associated costs help contribute to a cycle of poverty. The state is offering help through its "Clean Slate" program. The Deputy Legal Director of the Department of State, Khyla Craine, joined WEMU's David Fair to discuss the driver's license restoration program.

Nonprofits in Washtenaw County have been heavily reliant on volunteers as we manage our way through a global pandemic. The fact of the matter is, they've always been an important safety net and most are reliant on volunteers. Bridget Herrmann is Vice President for Impact and Advocacy at the United Way of Washtenaw County. She joined WEMU's David Fair to discuss the need for greater participation and the ongoing efforts to better diversify the volunteer force.

The tax deadline is rapidly approaching, and all too many in Washtenaw County can't afford to have someone prepare the forms for submission. Help is available. Patrick Cornelius oversees the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program in Washtenaw County and joined WEMU's David Fair to discuss tax code changes and finding those it helps with the biggest returns possible.

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.

Angela Williams became president and CEO of United Way Worldwide in October of 2021. She is the first African American woman to lead the organization in its 135-year history. She joined WEMU’s David Fair to talk about the numerous cracks she has put in the glass ceiling over the years and how her personal experiences in civil rights and equity advocacy will inform the direction of the United Way.

It's another Women’s History month edition of "Washtenaw United." David Fair talks with 99-year old Molly Dobson. She has spent much of her life here in Washtenaw County and has long been a philanthropic and community-driven leader, including efforts to better support and empower women.

The United Way of Washtenaw County has chosen the leader of the Washtenaw County Health Department as its 2022 Woman of the Year. Jimena Loveluck has spent over three decades working in the public health realm and continues the quest to create equity in care accessibility and health outcomes. She became chief health officer for Washtenaw County just months before the pandemic hit. The manner in which she has led the department and engaged the community has led to the award recognition. The legacy she continues to build made her the perfect choice as our first guest on WEMU's Washtenaw United Women’s History Month series.

We continue our final "Washtenaw United" Black History Month conversation. Today, we’ve been talking policing with Ann Arbor Police Chief Michael Cox and Washtenaw County Sheriff Jerry Clayton. In part one, they delved into the history of policing through a personal prism. In this second part, they discuss reform, challenges, progress and relationship building.

The final Black History Month edition of "Washtenaw United" for 2022 is a two-part conversation. In this first part, WEMU’s David Fair explores the genesis of law enforcement through the personal experiences of Ann Arbor Police Chief Michael Cox and Washtenaw County Sheriff Jerry Clayton.

February is Black History Month, and WEMU's "Washtenaw United" will take time each Monday throughout the month to explore issues of equity and opportunity in our community. This week, David Fair talks with Versell Smith, Jr., executive director of the Corner Health System in Ypsilanti. The theme of Black History Month this year is "Black Health and Wellness." They discuss why that theme is so important here in Washtenaw County and discuss the center’s project to highlight people of color that have historically made a difference.