Local teens collaborate with nationally-known artist to create new Ypsi mural

October 18, 2023

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.

creative:impact – Students complete Embracing Our Differences

August 18, 2023

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.

Embracing Our Differences Michigan installs 60 art banners in two Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti parks

May 24, 2023

“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 Celebrates Diversity 

March 10, 2023

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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 accepting new submissions for 2023 exhibit

September 6, 2022

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.