What Makes Ypsilanti Great? Share Your Story!

What makes your neighborhood shine? We want to hear from you! Writing for Community Change is a community project collecting stories, photos, and artwork from Ypsilanti residents to create a powerful narrative that showcases the vibrant heart of our city.

How It Works:

• Tell your story: Share memories, favorite places, or neighborhood highlights that show what makes the city of Ypsilanti special.
• Express yourself: Submit photos, drawings, or words – whatever captures your Ypsilanti pride.
• Join the movement: Contribute to a community-driven story that celebrates Ypsilanti’s unity and strength.

Your perspective will help shape Ypsilanti’s story for all to see! Ready to get started? Visit the link to share your voice and add your piece to the Ypsilanti story.

If you'd like to help shape a community-based project focused on gathering positive depictions of Ypsilanti and Ypsilanti Township, please email Brent Miller at bmille52@emich.edu. 

Participation includes sharing your perspective on how to engage community members and connecting with others in the group on a monthly basis via Zoom.

For more information on the project, visit tinyurl.com/YpsiStories

DDA Business Spotlight

Big cheers to Ted Badgerow of Ypsi Alehouse for receiving the Tom Burns Award at the Michigan Brewers Guild Annual Conference! 

A true pioneer in Michigan’s craft beer scene, Ted started brewing in 1979 and has been shaping the industry ever since. Co-founding Ypsi Alehouse in 2016, he’s crafted award-winning beers, including the Lollybroch Scottish Ale, which just brought home gold & bronze medals in 2024! 

With decades of experience (and plenty of medals to show for it), Ted continues to make Ypsi a must-visit for craft beer lovers. Stop by Ypsi Alehouse and raise a glass to this local brewing legend! 

Ypsilanti District Library

The Ypsilanti District Library has tons of events for all ages!

In February:

Participate in our Oscar & Razzie Awards contest! Through February 28, submit your predictions for this year's Oscar and Razzie awards online, or grab a paper entry at the library. Entry with the most correct answers wins a movie prize pack. Open to card holders and individuals within the YDL service area.

 Black History Month celebrations

Black History Month Trivia Contest - Feb. 1-28

One-on-One Genealogy Sessions with Jean Winborn - Tuesdays, Feb. 4-25

Read It and Eat It Cookbook Club discussing Everyday Grand by Jocelyn Delk Adams - Feb. 3 | 5 pm | YDL-Whittaker

African Americans and Labor - Explore the experiences African Americans had with working conditions - 6 pm | Feb. 5 | Location TBD

Black Fluid: Poetry for Social Justice - Feb. 8 | 11 am | Virtual

Author Visit with Dwight Wilson - Feb. 8 | 2 pm | YDL-Superior

Washtenaw African American Genealogical Society Meeting - Feb. 15 | 10:30 am | Virtual

Travel to Tumbuktu with Ausha Traore - Feb. 22 | 2pm | YDL-Whittaker

African American Authors Book Group (All the Sinners Bleed by S.A. Cosby) - Feb. 25 | 7 pm | Virtual

Pillars of Service discussing African American Greek community service missions with members of Delta Sigma Theta sorority and Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity - Feb. 27 | 6:30 pm | YDL-Superior

Preschool and Kindergarten Fair - Feb. 15 | 11:30 am-1:30 pm | YDL-Superior

 Medicare Assistance Program: Trinity  Trinity patients who have lost Aetna and Humana in-network coverage or anyone with Medicare questions can get individual help from MMAP. You MUST schedule a one-on-one appointment for this service - Mondays | Feb. 3-24 | Appointments available from 11 am-3 pm | YDL-Whittraker | Contact Susana at 734-482-4110 x1362 for appointment information. 

Attack from Within: How Disinformation is Sabotaging America - Discussion led by Washtenaw Faces Race - Feb. 19 | 6:30 pm | YDL-Whittaker 

For more events & updates on the YDL Michigan branch opening, visit their website at: https://www.ypsilibrary.org/

Growing Hope

Kick-Off Cottage Food Law
Date: February 19th | In-person at Ypsilanti Farmers MarketPlace (16 S. Washington, Ypsilanti, MI)
 Led by Growing Hope’s Program Director and Registered Dietitian Dayna Popkey, this workshop is your introduction to Michigan's Cottage Food Law. Discover how to turn your homemade creations into a successful business while staying compliant with state regulations. Perfect for bakers, canners, and culinary enthusiasts looking to sell their goods locally.

Film Screening: The Pollinators

Join us on Thursday, February 20, for the next installment of Growing Hope's Teen Leadership Program Food Sovereignty Film Series! We’ll be screening The Pollinators, an eye-opening documentary exploring the vital role of honeybees in our food system and the challenges they face due to modern agricultural practices. The event begins at 5:00 PM at the Ypsilanti Farmers MarketPlace (16 S. Washington) and is free and open to all. This is an opportunity to deepen our understanding of the connections between pollinators, food production, and sustainability. Come together to learn and discuss ways we can support a healthier, more resilient ecosystem.

Growing Hope is seeking Garden Buddies to mentor participants in the Home Vegetable Garden Program, supporting new gardeners in achieving their goals through one-on-one coaching and resource sharing. Garden Buddies will check in with their mentees twice a month during the growing season, either in person or virtually, and help them set and reach goals such as improving diets, spending time with family, or reconnecting with cultural traditions. Mentors do not need to be experts—just enthusiastic gardeners willing to share their knowledge and experience. Former program participants and BIPOC gardeners are strongly encouraged to apply. A $100 stipend is available for those who participate throughout the season. Apply here!

Become a Vendor or Community Partner at the Ypsilanti Farmers Market!

Applications are open February 15 – March 28! Are you a local farmer, food entrepreneur, artisan, or community organization? Join us at the Ypsilanti Farmers Market to connect with our vibrant community and share your goods or services. Apply today at linktr.ee/growing.hope and be part of building a thriving, local food system!

Rhizome Roots Studio

Located at 
108 Pearl Street, Ypsilanti 

Join us at the Ypsilanti Freighthouse on Friday, February 7th, from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM for a night of hot deals to warm your cold February hearts. Our talented artisans will be offering amazing bargains on unique creations they're ready to part with – think discontinued designs, seasonal items, and one-of-a-kind oddities.

Discover handcrafted jewelry, art, home goods, and more. You'll find the perfect gift for your Valentine (or yourself!) while supporting local artists.

Riverside Arts Center

“Nothing is Going to Turn Us Around”

Black Artist Exhibition

Celebrating MLK and Local Black Artists

January 24th - February 28th.

Open Hours: Fridays:  1 - 5pm.

Visit riversidearts.org/gallery/ for more information, and updated open hours when they become available.

Black Artist Exhibition Special Event:

Ypsilanti History Spotlight

February 15, 2025 

4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m

Experience a snapshot of the rich African American history in Ypsilanti. Narratives provided by the Palm Leaf Club, musical performances and histories of local residents who have significant lineage in the Ypsilanti Community will be shared. This is free and open to the public. Sponsored by Ronnie and Gloria Peterson.

The YPSI

EMU GeoClub Rock Identification Event "Rocks to RIches!" on Feb 1st from 12-2 pm. 
@ The YPSI 218 N. Adams St. Ypsilanti, MI 48197

Corner Health Center

Childbirth & Breastfeeding Classes will be here soon 

Learn about what to expect during childbirth and while breastfeeding and get help creating your birth plan. Classes taught by experienced community doulas from

Wrapped in Love Doula & Lactation Services . Snacks provided and attendees will receive a free childbirth and/or breastfeeding item. Open to all pregnant persons up to age 25.

To register, contact Kathleen at 734.714.2258 or emailkbabuska@cornerhealth.org

Infant Care & Safety Classes begin on February 20th at 1 PM at Corner Health Center (47 N. Huron, Ypsilanti).

To register, contact Kathleen at 734.714.2258 or emailkbabuska@cornerhealth.org