A mural designed by Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti students in collaboration with a nationally-known muralist now graces a building next to the Ypsilanti Transit Center. The mural’s theme of diversity and inclusion includes imagery of a bus driver connecting the two communities of Ann Arbor and Ypsi.

Ann Arbor nonprofit Embracing Our Differences Michigan (EOD Michigan) recently hosted a joint workshop to share curricula on diversity and the arts with both Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti teachers. 

Creative industries in Washtenaw County add hundreds of millions of dollars to the local economy. Host Deb Polich, the President and CEO of Creative Washtenaw, explores the myriad of contributors that make up the creative sector in Washtenaw County. She talks with Chris Gant to learn more about Embracing Our Differences Michigan.

Nancy Margolis of Embracing our Differences Michigan shares how these works of art send messages of love, diversity, and equality, Humane Pet Acquisition Ordinance, and take a peek at Island Park.

Curiosity piqued and voice memo ready, I decided to document the experience, the intertwining of art, culture, and diversity. And you, my Dear Reader, are here with me, sharing this journey, your curiosity as evident as mine.

“A couple years ago I saw this exhibit in Sarasota in one of their parks, and it was so fabulous that I talked to their executive director about bringing it here to Washtenaw County,” Margolis says.

The public art exhibit featured enormous vinyl banners with images celebrating diversity and inclusion.

Ypsilanti Community Schools (YCS) will present its first K-12 Arts Extravaganza on May 16, in partnership with and sponsored by the arts nonprofit Embracing Our Differences Michigan. 

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Ypsilanti Community Schools’ young artists will show off their artistic ability at the first annual YCS Arts Extravaganza sponsored by Embracing Our Differences. The event will be held at Morris Lawrence Building on the campus of Washtenaw Community College on May 16, 2023, from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. The purpose of this event is to celebrate the diversity and inclusion of all students. The YCS Unified Arts teachers and students welcome families to view artwork displays and view student musical and dance performances. “Our YCS Unified Arts partnership with Embracing Our Differences is an opportunity for our students and teachers to exercise their voice, choice, and agency unapologetically to advocate and serve as co-conspirators for social justice and celebrate our great diversity together.” Dr. Carlos Lopez, Assistant Superintendent, Ypsilanti Community Schools. 

Ypsilanti Community Schools Visual Arts Coordinator Kathy Fisk, in collaboration with the YCS Unified Arts team, has taken the lead in coordinating this program which is a collaboration between Embracing Our Differences and Ypsilanti Community Schools. “We congratulate YCS for their exciting work in celebrating diversity. Embracing Our Differences Michigan is proud to partner with YCS and offer our support and encouragement. ” Nancy Margolis, Executive Director, Embracing Our Differences Michigan. 

All expenses for this project are being funded by Embracing Our Difference of Michigan. 

Ypsilanti Community Schools is a PreK-12 district that offers students and families access to a rigorous, culturally responsive curriculum through individualized support that helps students advance their learning. We offer project-based learning, Small Learning Communities (SLCs), small class sizes, high dosage tutoring, a K-5 and 6-12 International Baccalaureate curriculum, a STEMM Middle College, Dual Enrollment, a comprehensive Fine Arts program, and a highly qualified teaching staff that cares about the relationships we have with our students and families. 

We are committed to providing every student with an education that supports voice, choice, and student agency. We use restorative practices to create a culture of belonging where we do with and not to students, and we are intentional to ensure that every student is seen, heard, understood, valued, respected, and cared for. 

For more information, call (734) 221-1221.

Embracing Our Differences Michigan is accepting art and quotation submissions for its 2023 exhibit. The nonprofit organization is an art and educational program revolving around diversity, inclusion, and equity.