As WEMU continues to mark Women's History Month, we continue to talk with some of the women working today to building a new and better future. The Black Lives Matter movement was initiated by women. Community activist Trische' Duckworth has been a vocal leader of the movement in Washtenaw County. WEMU's David Fair discussed the journey to activism with Duckworth and the history she hopes to help write and the legacy she wishes to leave on this week's "Washtenaw United."

Numerous women in America often face two challenges in life: succeeding in business and maintaining a family. Finding balance can be daunting. In this Women's History Month edition of "Washtenaw United," WEMU's David Fair talks with Tiffany Ford, president and CEO of the University of Michigan Credit Union, about her experience and the work to create better futures and more balance for members of her team.

In the best of times, food insecurity is a significant community problem. In the pandemic economy, it has become a desperate situation for all too many. The Ypsilanti-based Joyful Treats Community Foundation is bringing its culinary and catering talents to the fore in helping address the issue. Founder and president Khadija Wallace joined WEMU's David Fair on "Washtenaw United" to discuss the inspiration and motivation behind the foundation's efforts.

Those who are released from jail or prison, especially people of color, face a great number of barriers to successfully reintegrating. The COVID-19 pandemic has only made things worse. Former inmate Cozine Welch started the organization "A Brighter Way" to help those, like him, who have faced these obstacles. Welch joined WEMU's David Fair to discuss the work of supporting those in need of a new path while recognizing, and fighting, the systemic racism that permeates our system of justice.

Soon after the pandemic hit, unemployment went up significantly on the east side of Washtenaw County. Student homelessness and food insecurity went up, while any sense of security and stability plummeted. The Ypsilanti Community Schools and its partners responded in short order by creating "The Resiliency Center." YCS superintendent Alena Zachery-Ross joined WEMU's David Fair to discuss the center's impact so far and why the center will likely be with us even after the pandemic is over.

For nearly a decade now, Eastern Michigan University's Family Empowerment Program has helped those living in Ypsilanti Housing Commission facilities in a variety of ways. The program's work has become even more important through the COVID-19 pandemic, especially for families of color. The program's executive director, Marquan Jackson, joined WEMU's David Fair on the first day of Black History Month to discuss services offered and why the pandemic has highlighted issues of systemic racism.

The past year has brought a global pandemic, political unrest, and a more concerted effort to combat systemic racism. Put together, it has created new challenges for leaders in the non-profit sector. Ann Arbor-based "Career Directions" is dedicated to coaching leaders and organization teams and, it too, has found new challenges to overcome. On "Washtenaw United," WEMU's David Fair explores challenges and solutions with Career Directions executive coach/principal, David Gruner.

2020 reinforced that there is still a lot of work to do to achieve racial equality and justice in America. Numerous acts of police brutality and a pandemic that disproportionate impacted people of color highlight the need for greater investment in equity. In a special Martin Luther King Jr. Day edition of "Washtenaw United," WEMU's David Fair discusses the state of "The Dream," locally and beyond, with Washtenaw County racial equity officer Alize Asberry Payne.

There has been some progress made in societal acceptance of the trans community, but there is a long way to go. Most communities still lack adequate support systems for trans people and their families to help navigate through. In this week's "Washtenaw United," Roz Gould Keith joined WEMU's David Fair to discuss her family's journey and the nonprofit organization it inspired, Stand with Trans.

The pandemic has created hardships across the board. For a good number of people, it has been devastating and sometimes tragic. Many have lost jobs and, coupled with being largely confined at home, are more stressed than ever. That can be a recipe for child abuse. WEMU's David Fair spoke about it with Michelle Walters, executive director of the Washtenaw Area Council for Children, whose mission is to prevent child abuse and ensure safe and healthy lives for all children.